Mary Frances (Callery) Hennessy

Mary Frances Hennessy (nee Callery), long time resident of West Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, 29 May, 2021 after a particularly rich life. She will be remembered fondly by the many folks whose lives she touched through her teaching, her volunteering, her mothering, and grandmothering. Born to Francis and Mary Callery, (nee Rourke) on 22 August 1934, she was raised in West Hartford. She graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy, and went on to earn her undergraduate degree in History from the Georgian Court College. While there, she met the love of her life, Francis X. Hennessy, who was a dashing Korean Conflict veteran attending Fordham University. Family lore says that the French clubs of the Georgian Court and Fordham did joint outings in New York City and sparks flew. Upon their respective graduations, they were married and began their life together in a small rented apartment in Hartford. In their long life together they lived in Hartford, Windsor, West Hartford and Westerly, RI. They loved travelling to visit their kids wherever they were around the globe. Mary Fran developed a life-long career and passion for teaching English, early on at Weaver High School (where she proudly supported her students through the 1968 riots and that era of social upheaval), eventually joining the faculty at Northwest Catholic High School, serving as Chair of the English Department, and from which she retired. But she wasn’t done sharing and caring, and became an adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s College, and a volunteer English as a Second Language teacher at Jubilee House. She was a communicant of St. Joseph’s in Poquonock, and St. Timothy’s in West Hartford. During this period, she earned a Master’s degree from Trinity College in Hartford. Her thesis explored the similar struggles faced by several prominent Black and Irish writers. She marched to free the Berrigan Brothers. She protested the Vietnam War. She went to the streets for Cesar Chavez and the farm workers. She was one of the first members appointed to the Town of Windsor’s Human Relations Commission, where she was a leader of conscience. Those of us who knew her were not surprised by her ardent support for the oppressed. All of it was an outward living of her inner Catholic faith. Her accomplishments are many, but she was most proud of achieving grandmotherhood. First, she brought four children into the world. Maura Hennessy Shaw (married to Stephen Shaw) was first, followed in short order by Mark Hennessy. She took a break for 11 years and then brought forth Matthew Hennessy (married to Barbara Weady Hennessy) and Margaret Mary Hennessy Knight (married to Thomas Knight) in quick succession. The family was then complete and on its way to bringing about her grandchildren. Meg and Tom gave us John, Edward (Teddy), Finian, and Cormac (Mac). Yes, four boys, all close in age. Mom was thrilled with the chaos and love. Happily, Matt and Barbara gave us Grace and Patrick, adding to the clan. Mom’s world was full and she loved doting on, playing with, reading to, snuggling with and spending time with the grandkids--the lights of her life. She was also a great hostess. Whether organizing a New Year’s Eve party in their unfinished basement in Windsor, covering the walls in butcher paper and giving everyone markers (and drinks), or hosting the usual gaggle of her children’s friends at her beach house in Westerly, Rhode Island, she sparkled and welcomed one and all. Just as long as everyone got up and went to Church on Sunday, the day would be sunny and warm and everything would be right with the world. Calling hours will be Monday (June 7th) from 6-8 pm at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday (June 8th) at 10 am. In the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main St., West Hartford. Entombment will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Mom’s name to the Northwest Catholic Fund, at Northwest Catholic High School, Attn: Advancement Office, 29 Wampanoag Dr., West Hartford, CT 06117 Please visit https://youtu.be/VKKZvVTHpB4 for live streaming

Mary Frances (Callery) Hennessy

May 29, 2021