Mary Lee (Harrison) O'Leary

Mary “Lee” (Harrison) O’Leary, 81, passed away peacefully on May 2nd, with her family by her side, after a long illness.

She was born in Worcester, to Elmer J. and Mary Harrison.

Lee will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Susan O’Leary and her partner Kevin Holian, and Sarah Drepanos and her husband Paul; her grandchildren, Griffin and Aidan Hill, and Nicholas and Laura Drepanos; brother, Joe Harrison; sister-in-law, Molly Chase; nieces, Nancy Forristall and Sara Harrison; nephews, Brendan, Andrew and Kevin Chase; great nieces and nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.

She also leaves her longtime loving companion Francis Trainor, and the Trainor Family, whom she considered an extension of her own family.

She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, James and George Harrison, and her former husband, James A. O’Leary.

Lee was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy, Framingham State University, and Worcester State University. Lee taught at North High School for 30 years, as a home economics and Early Childhood Education teacher. During a short break in her teaching career, Lee was a realtor for Kelleher and Sadowsky. In her later years, Lee spent time traveling with Fran, caring for her grandchildren, and helping others, which she considered her calling in life. Lee enjoyed an active lifestyle, practicing yoga, walking, and gardening. Lee especially enjoyed spending time on the beaches of Cape Cod. She was a parishioner of St. Bernard parish and later Our Lady of Providence parish, where she sang in the choir, and volunteered. In addition to singing, Lee enjoyed attending concerts, and was known to be first on the dance floor at events. Most of all, Lee enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends.

Lee’s family would like to thank the staff at Oasis at Dodge Park, St. Patrick’s Manor and Good Shepherd Community Care Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held Monday May 8th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester (www.athymemorial.com). A funeral will be held Tuesday, May 9th at 11 a.m. in St. Bernard Church, Our Lady of Providence Parish, 228 Lincoln St. Worcester. Burial will follow in Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marie Anne Center, 236 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605, Bucky’s Food Pantry at St. Bernard’s Church, Our Lady of Providence Parish (www.olpworcester.org), or The Alzheimer’s Association, (www.alz.org).

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