O'LEARY, Mary J. (Cullinane, Kennedy), of Cambridge, formerly of West Yarmouth, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Galway, Ireland to the late Thomas Cullinane and Margaret (McDonough). Beloved wife of the late Paul J. Kennedy and late Kenneth O'Leary. Loving mother of the late Thomas Kennedy and wife Cynthia of Little Lake, Michigan, Paul Kennedy and his wife Shirley of Cape Neddick, ME, and Jacqueline Chioccariello and her husband John of Arlington, Mass. Proud Grandmother of Thomas Kennedy Jr of Arkansas, Shannon Kennedy of Maine, Kelley Sanville of Michigan, Courtney Kennedy, Haley Chioccariello, and Paul Chioccariello of Massachusetts, and Michael Kennedy of New Hampshire. Adored great grandmother of Colby and Maisie Kennedy, Oliver and Harlow Kennedy-Cleaver, Tyler, Lexi, and Madison Kennedy, Kennedy, Cooper, Connor and Kyle Sanville. Dear sister of the late Frances Gaffey, Anne Sheahan, Bridget Kissane, Nancy Cullinane, Margaret Houston, Kay Matthews, Josephine Heffernan, Willie Cullinane, Angela Taylor and Andrew Cullinane. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, godchildren, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 9:30am-11:00am in St. John the Evangelist Church, 2254 Mass Ave, NORTH CAMBRIDGE, MA. Her Funeral Service Mass will immediately follow in the church at 11:00am. Burial will conclude at North Cambridge Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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Mary, age 95, passed on Thursday, January 8th, 2026. She was born on March 19th, 1930, to the late Margaret & Thomas Cullinane.

Mary grew up in Galway, Ireland, where she enjoyed a happy childhood with her brothers and sisters, playing handball and riding horses. At just 17 years old, she bravely came to America on her own, settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at her aunt’s home. Though both were from Galway, it was in Cambridge that she met Paul Kennedy. They married in 1950 and built a loving life together rooted in shared traditions and simple joys. Mary and Paul cherished visits home to Ireland, took great pride in their yard work, and faithfully ended each day gathered with their children over a cup of tea and bread. Together, they welcomed their sons, Paul and Tommy—Irish twins—and, eleven years later, their daughter, Jacqui.

Mary built a long and fulfilling career at Cambridge City Hospital, where she worked as an Operating Room Technician for 40 years. She truly loved her job and the people she worked with. Mary and Paul shared 25 devoted years of marriage before his passing in 1976.

In the years that followed, Mary devoted herself to her children and later her grandchildren. She loved socializing; spending nights going to Irish dances with her sisters for many years, as well as joining a bowling league at Lanes & Games in Cambridge. In 1989, she married Ken O’Leary, who quickly became known to everyone as “Papa Ken.” They made their home in Arlington and on Cape Cod, where they formed many cherished friendships. Together they loved dancing at The Irish Village, taking their daily 4 p.m. walks at Seagull Beach, and traveling the world. After Ken’s passing, Mary returned to Cambridge, where she spent the rest of her life living in a two-family home below one of her granddaughters, surrounded by family.

Mary was a devoted Boston sports fan; Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics. She could name every player, never missing a game. On weekends, she enjoyed a small hot coffee with two creams and a glazed donut from Dunkin’, or a hot dog while watching sports. Family outings often meant trips to Frank’s Steak House for her favorite potato skins, or to Town Tavern—“T.T.,” as she liked to call it—for the best burger around.

She was especially proud to attend two Olympic Games with family to watch one of her granddaughters compete and cheer on team USA. When visiting Ireland with family, they always made time for the Galway Races and stopped for scones and a hot cup of tea near Buttermilk Lane. To this day, Mary loved celebrating her birthday at the casino and hosting the entire family for her traditional boiled Irish dinner.

Mary walked several miles daily up until her 90s—it was one of her greatest joys. A woman of deep faith, she never missed Sunday Mass, even if she had to watch it on television. She always loved to listen to her radio and found comfort in music in her last days.

Mary was the rock of her family—strong-willed, generous, and always willing to help anyone in need. She had a great sense of humor, loved a good saying, and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She was indeed our “Galway Girl”!