1927
Eva
2020
Eva M. Cleary
May 19, 1927 — March 19, 2020
Eva M. (Chambers) Cleary, age 92, passed away peacefully in the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham, Massachusetts on Thursday, March 19, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on May 19, 1927, she was the daughter of the late William R. and Iva M. (Bain) Chambers. She spent her early years in Dorchester. However, after her mother passed away, Eva and her family settled in the small town of Walpole, Massachusetts, where she was raised by her father and stepmother, Lottie. Following her high school graduation in 1944, Eva began working as a dental assistant in both Norwood and Dedham.
Eva married Paul E. Cleary, on September 11, 1954 in Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole. The young couple made their home together in Norwood, Massachusetts and Eva took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for their six children. While she loved Norwood and made many friends there, Eva had a special place in her heart for her summer home in Wareham on Pinehurst Beach, which the family purchased in 1967.
After her youngest child was enrolled in school, Eva began volunteering her time with Saint Catherine’s Church in Norwood, serving as the CCD Coordinator. This position eventually matured into a full-time position, which Eva held for fifteen years. She retired in 1982, and after living in Norwood for a bit longer, she settled into her home in Wareham to enjoy her retirement years.
For much of Eva’s adult life she was a talented and passionate gardener and crafter. Her beautiful garden in Wareham was a source of pleasure to many. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge of plants and her handicrafts with the people she loved. She also appreciated books and music, especially the songs of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole. Her children grew up singing along with those recordings. In Eva’s later years she was delighted to become something of a world traveler, enjoying many trips to locations in the United States, Canada, England, France and Italy.
The most important thing in Eva’s life, however, was always the people she loved. Until the very end, she devoted herself tirelessly to family and friends. She will always be remembered for her “Eva hugs,” for her spunk and sense of fun, and for her loyalty and generosity. She made an impression on all whose lives she touched. Her fourteen grandchildren were a special source of pride and joy.
Eva’s former husband, Paul E. Cleary, predeceased her. She leaves behind Kathleen T. Barrett-Cleary of Attleboro, Mary Cleary Kiely and Christopher Kiely of Amherst, John S. Cleary and Maura Cleary of Winchester, Ellen T. Cleary and Geno Romanelli, Bill J. Cleary and Lisa Cleary of Mansfield, and Timothy P. Cleary of Foxborough.
Eva was the cherished grandmother of Nicholas, Krista, Gavin, Bridget, Christina, Michael, Meghan, Christopher, Joe, Matthew, Maeve, Alexa, Micheala, and Sean; and the great grandmother of Aubrey, Christopher, and Isaac.
She was also sister of the late William Chambers, Christina Seskevich, Jean Base, Trudy Leonard, David Chambers, Leo Chambers, Dickie Chambers, and Jimmy Chambers.
In addition, Eva is survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she doted on and thoroughly enjoyed.
As a result of the ongoing health crisis in the world and our community and with genuine concern for the well-being of all involved, Eva’s family has decided that her burial services will be private. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held when we return to calmer and healthier times. Updates on the time and place of those services will be posted on this website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Whole Children, an organization that provides recreational, social and enrichment programs for children, teens and adults of all abilities. Donations may be mailed to Whole Children, 41 Russell St., Hadley MA 01035 or sent online to https://www.wholechildren.org/ways-to-give/donations/. Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eva M. Cleary, please visit our flower store.
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