Marianna (Doyle) Hannigan
Marianna Hannigan, formerly Mary Ann Doyle of Malden, died on Saturday, July 13, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, of colon cancer. She was 75.
Marianna was the daughter of the late John J. Doyle and Alice (Smith) of Malden and wife of the late Frank E. Hannigan, Jr. She is survived by her five children: Theresa M. Hannigan (and husband Keith Dyer) of Manchester, NH, Francis E. Hannigan, III (and wife Jame Richards) of Monroe, CT, Joseph M. of Randolph, Julie A. of South Burlington, VT, and John P. of Quincy, MA. She is also survived by four grandchildren Joceyln Girton, Nicholas Dyer, Grace and Frances Mae Richards-Hannigan. She is also survived by her beloved brother John J. Doyle, Jr. and his wife Patricia Cuqua Doyle of Waltham and many nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Brighton and graduated from Regis College in 1959 with a degree in sociology. Fresh out of college she volunteered for a year as a third-grade teacher in Corozal, Puerto Rico, under the auspices of the Regis College Lay Apostolate. Her community in Puerto Rico called her by the Spanish translation of her name and thus she became “Marianna” for the rest of her life. In 1960 she began working as a social worker for the state’s Division of Child Guardianship in the Lawrence office. After receiving her master’s degree in social work from Boston College in 1964, she continued working as a social worker for the state of Massachusetts in the Adoption Placement Unit until 1970.
During the 1970s she deepened her involvement in the community. She was a founding board member of the Neponset Health Center in 1971, helping to bring much-needed healthcare to the citizens of Dorchester. She also became active in local politics, working to elect Kathleen Sullivan to the Boston School Committee and serving as a local coordinator for Michael Dukakis’ campaign for governor. She was named an Associate Commissioner of the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) for four years. She was also a member of the Ashmont-Adams Neighborhood Association.
A daily communicant and very active parishioner in St. Mark’s Church in Dorchester, she served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, Pre-Cana instructor, wedding coordinator and member of the Saint Mark’s Area Civic Association. She was also president of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and member of the board and treasurer of Friends of the Sick and Poor.
Known for her benevolence, she helped many people find jobs, apartments, clothes, furniture, and she helped many understand and overcome bureaucratic red tape to take advantage of life-changing opportunities, many of which she had brought to their attention. Many people found meals, advice, warmth and comfort in the home she established in Dorchester 43 years ago with her husband, Frank. She will be tremendously missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.
Visiting hours will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, Dorchester Lower Mills, on Wednesday from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Mark’s Church, 1725 Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester on Thursday, July 18th at 10 AM. Interment at Milton Cemetery. Relatives and friends invited.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Marianna’s name may be made to St. Mark’s Church, 1725 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02124 or The Boston Latin School Association, 101 Huntington Avenue, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02199 or www.blsa.org.
Guestbook Entries
We are sorry for the loss of your mother she frequently came by Pinecrest Press We will miss her Christina an Gordon
Dear John, Theresa, Julie, Joey and Franny,
Your Mom made a big difference in countless people’s lives and set a wonderful example for all of us in how to be a loving family member, good neighbor, supportive mentor and active citizen. I still have the 1st edition hard copy autographed book by J. Anthony Lukas (COMMON GROUND) that she gave me in 1986, along with many wonderful memories of delicious home cooked dinners and tea parties she hosted over the years for John and friends. My family and I offer you our sincerest condolences at this time.
Regina Marchi
Dear Family,
Your loss is our loss. We will always miss your parents/grandparents. They will forever be in our prayers. They leave big footsteps to follow and not many of us will be able to fill a corner of the footprint they left. They were examples of Christian living, giving, and loving your neighbor. They went beyond the norm to care and assist. Frank’s hearty voice will be missed forever at the masses and Marianna’s smile and articulation, her passion in her compassion for others will always be an example to us on how to love your neighbor. She was diligent and persistent and always reached her goals for those she helped. It will be hard not looking for your parents at St. Mark’s affairs. Your Dad enjoyed the food and we enjoyed Marianna’s famous fruit salad. May God bless all of you.
I was so sorry to learn of Marianna’s passing.We worked together at the APU and she was always thoughtful and caring.I last saw her at a MARE function a few years ago and she was so proud of her children.
Deep hearted and generous, a most impressive woman!
Dear Theresa, Franny, Joey, Julie and John,
I can’t imagine what these last couple of weeks have been for all of you, but please know that there are lots of us keeping you in our prayers. I last saw your mother at my mother’s funeral in November and she looked great. I was glad to have a few moments with her to catch up. Although we haven’t lived on Bruce St. for a while, it was quite the neighborhood for growing up, wasn’t it? I have many fond memories of the fun we had in the middle of the street, on the corner or around the block. We are so blessed that our parents made their homes there. Lean on each other now, cherish the good times and know that we all have a few more angels looking out for us from above. Take care.
Lisa Myers
Dear Hannigan family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your parents, they were great people. Marianna was always so welcoming and helpful to everyone and will be missed greatly. I remember Frank’s booming voice and Marianna always creating some masterpiece in the kitchen for him. They really were amazing people and I’m sure – terrific parents. You are all in our thoughts over these difficult times, our sincerest condolences. The Hughes’ (MacNeil’s) – former St. Mark’s parish residence.
Your mom was an amazing person she was a great friend to my mom. She always seemed to be helping someone.She and your dad were a true inspiration, I was so sorry to hear of his passing also. I was truly blessed to have known them. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May He hold you in the palm of His hand.
Dear Hannigan Family,
Marianna had the biggest heart ! She cared for all people and worked so hard to make everyone’s life better that she came in contact with. She was involved in so many projects, and every one of them was about giving to other people ! I have never known a more generous person ! She and I met in 1964 at B.C. School of Social Work. We travelled to Europe together and she was the very best travelling companion. She was so special in every way, and I only wish that I had not had to move to Houston 44 years ago so that I could see her only when I came back to Boston, which was almost every year. May she rest in peace ! No one deserves eternal rest more than Marianna.
You were all so fortunate to have her for your mother, but you know that ! Her children meant the world to her as did your father as well. Please remember only the happy times you all spent together. She is now at peace with your father beside her.
Sincerely, Annette Cohen Hrkel
Sending my deepest blessings of peace to you all. Not knowing her, I assumed she was special knowing how special Franny is. Having read about Marianna and her contributions to our world… What an example of love. I celebrate her spirit of giving and all the loves she has touched.
Peace.
Dear Franny, Joey, John, Theresa, and Julie, and Family:
My sincere condolences to you for the loss of Marianna and your Dad. Wishing you well and you’re all in my thoughts.
Marjie
So sorry to hear of my next door neighbor in our growing up years.I was 10 years older but have never forgotten the “Doyles” Her mom and dad were real role models for my sister and I. I remember her “Regis” days and how proud dear old Alice was of her. I can also remember her pushing Jackie around the neighborhood in his baby carriage. She was from childhood to the end a wonderful person.