Mary M. Crehan

Mary M. (Sheehan) Crehan, age 83, passed away peacefully in her Norfolk, Massachusetts home on Saturday, February 17, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 26, 1934, she was the daughter of the late John and Margaret (O'Sullivan) Sheehan. She was raised in the Mission Hill area of Boston and graduated from Mission High School with the Class of 1952. After graduation, Mary took a secretarial position with the Donnelly Advertising Company in Boston.

Mary married her husband, Thomas P. Crehan, on June 1, 1957. They initially made their home in Roslindale before settling in Dedham, where Mary took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family. Once her children were all enrolled in school, Mary took a job with the Boston Public School System working as an aid. In the late 1980s, Mary enrolled in Lesley College, taking classes to earn her bachelor's degree. Sadly in 1989, Tom passed away, however Mary persevered and completed her studies in 1991, earning her degree in early childhood education. Mary retired a few years later in 1996 as a Chapter 636 Coordinator, after many years of dedicated service to the students of Boston.

After retirement, Mary enjoyed living year-round in the home that she and Tom had built in Marstons Mills on Cape Cod. She loved working in her yard and tending to her flower garden. Mary also enjoyed sewing, creating beautiful quilts for her family and curtains for her own home, in addition to gathering with friends to play Scrabble. As a child of Irish immigrants, Mary made two trips to her parent's home country, where she loved discovering information about her own heritage.

Mary eventually sold her home in Marstons Mills and settled into the community at Southport in Mashpee, where she met Algimantas "Al" Svilas by chance while they were both walking their dogs. They shared a caring nature and concern for others and regularly volunteered, Mary at the Saint Vincent de Paul thrift shop, and Al at a nursing home. Mary and Al moved to Norfolk in 2003, marrying and making a home together in the Village at River's Edge community. While at River's Edge, they became the unofficial welcoming committee for new members of the community, and echoing their work on the Cape, they were always available to help their neighbors with care and support.

Mary enjoyed a life with many blessings; however, it was not without difficulties. She lost her husband, Tom at an early age and survived a challenging battle with esophageal cancer. Through her strong will, faith, an unfailing sense of humor, and the support of her loving family, she always maintained a positive outlook regardless of the situation.

Beloved wife of the late Thomas P. Crehan and Algimantas "Al" Svilas.
Loving mother of John Crehan and his wife Melissa of Westwood, Michael Crehan and his wife Suzanne of Vienna, Virginia, Kevin Crehan and his partner, Cindy Beaty, of Cape Cod, Maureen Whelan and her husband Paul of Medfield, Eileen Norton and her husband Brian of Bellingham, and Tom Crehan and his wife Robyn of Medfield.
Cherished grandmother of Hannah, John, Emily, Peter, Danny, and Nora.
Sister of James Sheehan of New Hampshire and the late John Sheehan.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Mary's Life Celebration on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Jude Church, 86 Main Street, Norfolk on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in the Mosswood Cemetery in Barnstable. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.