Book of Memories for Marilyn E. Flaherty

Condolence From Deirdre Sartorelli

Sun, 26 Feb 2017 08:12:46 EST

I think of Marilyn often and she is deeply missed as we come to her 1-year anniversary. She was a great friend.

Condolence From Thomas M. Trevisani, Jr.

Sun, 06 Mar 2016 15:30:40 EST

It was with great sadness that I learned of Marilyn's passing. As I said at her retirement party from the Arlington Public Schools, she was a consummate professional in all she did in her various roles. To me, she was an inspiring mentor, confidante and friend. Always a delight to work with and an intuitive presence in all matters. She will be sorely missed. May she rest in peace. With sincere condolences and love. Tom Trevisani, Jr.

Condolence From Sandy Buck

Sat, 05 Mar 2016 20:27:30 EST

I was able to make the wake last night. We will all miss Dr. Flaherty as he was a wonderful principal at Piece School. She was tough and loveable. Great job. Saw her many times on Massachusetts Avenue. Gave her many rides. Her family was very kind.

Condolence From Sandy Buck

Sat, 05 Mar 2016 20:26:41 EST

Condolence From Jennifer Surprenant

Fri, 04 Mar 2016 18:56:16 EST

I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. Both my brother and I had "Dr. Flaherty" as our principal during our years at Pierce school. She was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many. She will be missed.

Condolence From Muriel Dacey

Fri, 04 Mar 2016 17:50:00 EST

Dear Jim, Pat and your families, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure Marilyn will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Gene (my husband) always thought his cousin was a classy lady. I like to think Gene, Bernadette and Marilyn are having a delightful reunion! Do hope and pray that today's painful thoughts will some day morph into peaceful and happy memories. Sincerely, Muriel Dacey

Condolence From Colleen (Donahue) McCretton

Fri, 04 Mar 2016 06:39:37 EST

I was in 4th grade when Dr Flaherty became our principal at Peirce School. Early in the year I had an accident and sprained my ankle and she sat with me in the on the floor hallway until my mom arrived to take me to the ER to have it checked out. 30+ years later i remember that act of kindness and hold it up as an example for the educators working with my own kids. And after all these years when my mom saw her occasionally she still remembered too. Amazing lady and sorry for your loss.

Condolence From Deirdre Sartorelli

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 20:16:42 EST

Ever the consummate professional, a dear friend and an inspiring icon to those of us from Salem State University...where does one begin about Marilyn Flaherty? Full of wit, wisdom, class and a kind heart, Marilyn and her passion for life will always be remembered but never duplicated. Like so many of her generation, she worked, she achieved and she stayed humble. I will miss her dearly.

Story shared: "Just let me know what you need."

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 19:22:56 EST

"Just let me know what you need." Those were Marilyn's last words to me at Salem State University's Holiday Party just a few short months ago now. We chatted briefly about what projects I had in the works for the Alumni Association's Civic Engagement Commitee. "Just let me know what you need...I can't be there to help you, but just let me know what you need." I promised her that I would and thanked her profusely for her constant support.

I can't even say that I "met" Marilyn officially by way of an introduction. Our introduction was pretty much her shoving a $100 check into my hand and telling me to put it to good use for our alumni civic engagement projects.

And that I did. That summer (2014) I led a landscaping project at our adopted Northeast Arc home on Linden Street. Half of Marilyn's donation allowed us to purchase bricks and materials to create some landscape edging alongside the house. It was a project that I took personal responsibility for that day, really as a tribute to Marilyn's belief in me and something that I could show for her donation.

"Just let me know what you need." Funny how life works. Since that time, we've lost one of the guys in that house; and, the remaining men have since moved to a new location to better accomodate their needs. Looking back, those bricks helped lay a solid foundation upon which the alumni civic engagement committee was built. Those bricks symbolize trust, integrity, community...just a few of the many traits that I know Marilyn embodied.

I will think about her as we continue our service projects at Linden Street, which only make those bricks all the more special to me. "Just let me know what you need." Selfishly, I need those bricks to remain for many, many years to come. I hope to carry her torch in the love for her alma mater and commitment to helping others.

God bless.

Condolence From M Jones

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 12:25:43 EST

I am sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the family will find some comfort and strength in Jesus promise of the earthly resurrection(Acts 24:15)and the renewed Paradise earth, where death will be no more and no family will mourn the death of a loved one.-Revelation 21:3,4;John 5:28,29;Luke 23:43. May GOD(Psalms 83:18)grant you peace and comfort now, during this grievous time.-Matthew 5:4.

Condolence From Erik Champy

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:20:57 EST

I am deeply saddened by the death of my dear friend. Dr. Marilyn E. Flaherty was an extraordinary educator, leader, Christian, and friend to many. Throughout our decades of volunteerism at Salem State University, I had the great opportunity to become friendly with Marilyn. Our friendship was bound by her words of wisdom coupled with the caring counsel that she offered generously. Often, she would share wise professional advice and listen to any of my personal concerns with patience and understanding. I have enormous admiration for her tremendous character and lifetime commitment to serving others. Marilyn's service made a big difference in the lives of many. Marilyn Flaherty is not only iconic in the communities of Arlington and Salem, but by the many privileged people who were touched by her presence. I am very thankful for my time with Marilyn Flaherty.

Condolence From Carol Greeley

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 22:28:05 EST

Marilyn was a special lady. "Dr. Flaherty" will be missed by many and left her imprint on the lives of so many families in Arlington. Rest easy now my friend - you've earned it!

Condolence From Book Rack Staff

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 19:34:42 EST

Marilyn was a loyal and cherished customer and friend of The Book Rack. She will be sorely missed by the entire staff.

Condolence From Lauren R. Jastremski

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 17:33:10 EST

It was with great sadness that I learned of Marilyn's passing. She was not only a consummate professional. She was my friend. Her dedication to her family, her faith, the children of Arlington, education, Salem State as well as her friends is legendary. I am honored to have known her and to have had her as part of my life. I send my heartfelt condolences and gentle hugs to all. May she rest in peace. Lauren

Photo shared: Flaherty, Marilyn.jpg

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 04:53:57 EST

Condolence From Anna Colozzo

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 21:49:56 EST

I am deeply saddened I find myself in Florida and unable to attend services for Marilyn. Throughout my seven wonderful years at Peirce, Marilyn was always encouraging and supportive. I have fond memories of her accompaniying our sixth graders on our grueling New York-in-a-day trip, never missing a step, lovingly supervising her students and shining at sixth grade graduation, so proud of their accomplishments! Arlington has lost a treasure. You will be greatly missed, Dr.Flahety!

Condolence From Laura Robert

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 20:02:05 EST

It is with a heavy heart that I hear of the passing of Dr.Flaherty tonight. She truly was such an important part of my life. She gave me my first job and from then on my life was transformed. I entered the Peirce family and met and made some of the greatest friends, teachers, parents and students a girl far from home could ask for. It truly was my home. They were some of the richest years and memories of my life and for that I am forever grateful. She was one of the most dedicated people I knew and would do anything for her profession. She will be missed but her legacy will remain in our hearts. Rest in Peace Dr. Flaherty and give my Dad a hug- Heaven just got a bit sweeter. I send my deepest condolences to her family and many prayers.

Story shared: Holiday Memories

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 18:46:46 EST

It was my pleasure being neighbors with Marilyn. She was a true Christian...going to church every morning....sunshine, rain, or snow.

Every Christmas holiday she would be getting ready to be picked up by a relative....placing all the gift wrapped packages down the hallway. I would guess, perhaps, twenty=five gifts. Years of seeing her do this traditional hallway of gifts. Happy and excited to be with family. I shall miss this wonderful, wonderful LADY. Now she is their Guardian Angel.

Condolence From Stephen Pereira

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 15:36:14 EST

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart to say farewell to my friend, mentor and colleague. Marilyn was a role model to so many and touched the lives of countless fortunate to have known her. My deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Flaherty family.

Photo shared: Hydrangea.jpg

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 11:25:31 EST