Obituary of Mary E. (Boyle) McTernan

Mary E. (Boyle) McTernan PEABODY – Mary E. (Boyle) McTernan, 79, beloved wife of the late Bernard McTernan, died peacefully on Saturday January 26, 2019 at her home at Brooksby Village, following an extended illness, while in the comforting presence of those close to her. Born in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late William F. and Helen R. (Morris) Boyle. She grew up in Cambridge and graduated high school there. She later attended undergraduate studies at Boston State College in Education, and later earned a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from Boston College. Mrs. McTernan was a teacher in elementary school and Special Education in Chelsea for many years. While living in Germany with her husband stationed there in the United States Army, she was a teacher in the American schools. Mary worked steadfastly as an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She was an officer with the COFAR Organization, and mostly worked with the VOR serving as President from 2005 to about 2010. One highlight of that work was being the ghost writer for Congressman Barney Frank proposing the Bill in Congress giving rights to individuals or their court-appointed guardians should the federal government close a care facility. She also served on the Massachusetts Governor’s Commission for Mental Retardation, served on the League of Women Voters, and was awarded the Boston College Alumni Award in 1987 for outstanding service in education. She is survived by a daughter Mary E. McTernan of Lynnfield; a brother and sister, Irene Welsh of Hobe Sound, FL, William Boyle of Mountain View, CA, several nieces, nephews, and close friends Carol Markland, Amy Delaney, and George Mavridis. She was sister of the late Peter Boyle and Loretta Boyle. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a visitation on Thursday afternoon from 2 – 4 PM in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday February 1, 2019 at 10:30 AM in the Brooksby Village Chapel, 300 Brooksby Village Dr., Peabody. Burial will be in Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne with a 2 PM Committal. Memorial donations may be made to VOR, 836 South Arlington Heights Rd. # 351, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.