The Honorable Kathleen Ryan Dacey
a retired federal judge, died at Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Monday April 5, 2010. She was 89 years old. Born in Boston, she was a graduate of Mission High School (1937), Emmanuel College (1941), Simmons School of Library Science (1942), Northeastern University Law School (1935) and Boston University Masters in Law (1947). She was the first woman law clerk for the Justices of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Elected in 1949 to the Boston School Committee, she became the first woman chairman in 1950. Mrs. Ryan Dacey was an Assistant District Attorney for Suffolk County before entering private practice for 25 years. In 1975 she was appointed Chief of the Civil Bureau for the Office of the Attorney General. United States President James Carter appointed her as an Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration in 1977. Judge Ryan Dacey sat in both Michigan and Massachusetts until her retirement in 1998. She was member of the Mass. Bar Assn., Boston Bar Assn., American Trial Lawyers Assn., National Assn. of Women Judges, National Assn. of Women Lawyers, Mass. Assn. of Women Lawyers and Mass. Academy of Trial Attorneys. Judge Ryan Dacey had honorary degrees from Suffolk University and Emmanuel College. She was a resident of Milton for 46 years, summered in Harwich and wintered in Pompano Beach, FL. Beloved wife of the late William A. Dacey. Loving mother of Hon. Mary Dacey White and her husband John C. of Milton. Grandmother of Meaghan D. White, Kathryn C. White and Patrick W. C. White, all of Milton. Sister of the late John F. Ryan, Rita M. Cushing and Paul J. Ryan. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Elizabeth Church, Reedsdale Road at Randolph Avenue, Milton, Monday April 12 at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, MILTON, Sunday 2-8 PM. Interment Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathleen’s memory may be made to Mission Church, 1545 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120 or University of Notre Dame, Kathleen Ryan Dacey Law Fellowship, c/o George Duke, 92 Portsmouth Avenue, Suite 13, Exeter, NH 03833, made payable to University of Notre Dame.
Guestbook Entries
Dear Mary,
My condolances to you and your family on the passing of your mother ”Aunt Kathleen”.Your mother had many important accomplishments in her life,but I will always remember her sitting in a chair with us in your back yard in Mattapoisett with her long black hair blowing in the wind.I thought she looked so beautiful,like a princess,and this image has always stuck with me.
I am so sorry,
love,
Debbie
Please accept my deepest condolences upon the passing of Judge Dacey. I worked with her since 1991, and it was a pleasure to have known her. She was always a ray of sunshine in the Hearing Office, and was always kind and considerate of her co-workers. She was sorely missed uppon her retirement, and I am happy that she enjoyed life so much after she left SSA. My sympathies to her family–I know that they will miss her.
Carol Sax
Deepest sympathy to Mary and the family. I knew Kay as a beloved member of the Boston legal community and particularly MAWL. Kay was ever-gracious, perspicacious and cheerful. She was one of the first female members of the federal administrative law judiciary, and mentored many colleagues. I still recall her dancing with her talented husband Bill at ABA and MAWL events, and she made it possible for me to become an ALJ for which I am most grateful. I was glad to hear she was playing golf last week, her productive life has been an inspiration, and she lived t well. Ave atque vale. Ruth
God Bless and Farewell to a special lady. Those of us who worked with Judge Dacey here at the Office of Hearings and Appeals are raising a glass in her honor today. We have so many fond memories of her kindness and good humor in the workplace. She was so nice to the claimants who came before her, and she was a hot ticket to work for ! She will be missed, but never forgotten.
Mary,
Your mother will surely be missed by friends, family and memebers of the bar. When I first started my practice she was one of the most helpful and respectful judges whom I appeared before. She was always empathetic to the needs of the disabled. She was an excellent judge, but more importantly a wonderful Person.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary , Jack, Meaghan, Kathryn and Patrick
I was so sorry to hear of your moms/grandmothers passing. She was a vivacious fun & very caring person. We always enjoyed her visits @ the cape. My kids were stunned by the news as they always commented on how lively she was for her age. I hope you are all doing well. Hopefully the good memories & the support of God & your family will help to ease the pain.Our thoughts & prayers are with you @ this most difficult time.
Fondly,
Carolyn
I so enjoyed working with Kay in the Office of Hearings and Appeals (“OHA” now known as “ODAR”). She actually interviewed me for my position, and was the first judge to whom I was introduced here. She was a lovely, intelligent and very accomplished woman and I am sure she will be sorely missed by many. My sincerest condolences to the entire family. I am truly very sorry.
Dear Mary and family: When I heard about Kathleen’s passing during Easter Monday with her family at her side, I felt that God called her and she has had a happy entrance into Heaven. May her soul rest in peace. I will miss her friendship.
Gertrude Matthews
Dear Mary, Jack and kids,
We are so sorry for your loss. Aunt Kathleen will be missed very much. She was always smiling and laughing everytime we were together. Educated, well spoken, dressed impeccable, personable and kind. An amazing role model for us all !
Love and hugs,
Marc, Paula and Annabelle
Dear JUDGE MARY
I just learned of your mothers’ death.
I am absolutlly positive she went straight up to be with your dad !
I will never forget either of them as good friends and true professionals !
My thoughts and prayers are with them and all of you
ATTORNEY AL JOHNSON