Jacqueline A. Hope O'Leary

Jacqueline A. (Hope) O’Leary, of Westwood Mass., formerly of Framingham, Mass., Osterville, Mass and Vero Beach Florida died peacefully at home at age 98 on November 3rd.

Born July 21, 1926 in West Newton, Mass to John Alfred Hope and Kathryn Hart Hope, Jackie was a proud graduate of Dana Hall School class of ‘43 and Smith College ‘47, both at which she was actively involved in alumni relations and development for her whole life after graduating. Jackie was married to Dr. James J. O’Leary Jr. (who predeceased her in 1993), and had 6 children, James III (who predeceased her in 1994), John A., of Westwood Mass., Dr Michael P., of Marion Mass., William F. of Hillsboro, CA., Richard H. of Greenwich CT. and Kathryn A. Shilale, of Medfield, Mass. She also leaves behind her 5 beloved daughters-in-law, her son-in-law, 10 grandchildren and 3 great granddaughters. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Mary Hope Shields and her brother James A. Hope.

Jackie led a life of accomplishment in many areas: in athletics, she was a low handicap golfer with 4 holes-in-one, a concert pianist who taught piano to students in her home for 12 years, a singer performing in shows and choral groups at clubs she belonged to as well as at her beloved Fox Hill Village, her home for the last 16 years. She was a volunteer leader, Chair of the Framingham Union Hospital Aid Association Board, member of the Oyster Harbors Club and John’s Island Club Boards, elected as the 1st woman to both. She was also a lifelong devoted Catholic; for a long time, a daily communicant and she counted her faith as one of her greatest gifts- that and many friendships, too numerous to count. At every stage of her life, she made, nurtured & sustained friendships with individual and groups of friends, most recently her treasured friends at Fox Hill Village. She often attributed her long healthy life to her faith, her love of family and her devotion to friendship.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Timothy’s’ Church, 650 Nichols St., Norwood, Mass., on Friday November 15th at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Smith College Annual Fund, Alumnae House, 33 Elm Street, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063. or to the American Cancer Society.