Kerry E. (Collins) Haughney
Family & friends are respectfully invited to attend Visiting Hours on Thursday, March 10th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rte. 107) REVERE for Kerry E. (Collins) Haughney, who died on Monday, March 7th at the Glen Ridge Nursing Care Center in Medford, following a long illness. She was 79 years old. A funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Friday, March 11th at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at Ave Maria Parish / Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 758 Salem St., LYNNFIELD at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
Kerry was born at home in Revere to her late parents, George T. Collins, Sr. & The Honorable Katherine E. (Kerrins) Collins. She was one of four children, she had three brothers. She was educated in Revere and was an alumna of Revere High School, Class of 1961. Kerry had a deep passion for teaching and pursued a career in education. She graduated from Fitchburg State University, Class of 1967. She went on to receive two MBAs in education from Boston State College & Salem State College, now called Salem State University. Kerry married her husband Joseph F. Haughney on December 29th, 1971. Early on in Kerry’s career, she began as a teacher in Revere Public Schools. Due to her husband’s active-duty military status, she and her family later moved to Oklahoma for several years and she taught there. In 1974, Kerry & her family returned home to Revere and Kerry began her 25-year teaching career with the City of Revere. Kerry loved teaching and molding young minds. Kerry & her family enjoyed many summers down at their Cape Cod home in East Sandwich. Kerry was very proud of her longtime role as Trustee of the Lynnfield Public Library. She was also a member of the Retired Revere Teachers Association. Kerry took a great deal of pride in her family & her home which she filled home with love and happiness. She was most proud of her children and their accomplishments. Kerry also enjoyed hosting her annual “Tea Parties” with over 40 ladies at her home. She was a great collector of fine China & crystal. Her legacy is her children & grandchildren and her role as “educator” went far beyond the classroom.
She is the beloved wife of 50 years to Retired USAF Lt. Colonel Joseph F. Haughney of Lynnfield. Loving & proud mother of Christine E. Dare–Bryan & husband Thomas H. of Larchmont, NY, Jonathan J. Haughney of Seabrook, NH & Gretchen B. Haughney of Arlington. Cherished grandmother of Henry J., Elisabeth A. & one more grandson on the way. Devoted daughter of the late George T. Collins, Sr. & The Honorable Katherine E. “Kitty” (Kerrins) Collins. Dear Sister of the Late Attorney Robert F. Collins, Stephen F. Collins & George T. Collins. She is also lovingly survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews.
It was our pleasure to know Mrs. Haughney years ago as the mom of her Christine, Jon, and Gretchen when we taught at Lynnfield Middle School. It was clear that she was very proud of her children and recognized and nurtured each of their interests, qualities and personal goals. Always the mom; always the teacher.
It’s been said: “A mother holds her children’s hands for a little while and their hearts forever.” Hold tightly, dear ones, and know we are thinking of you.
Most sincerely,
MaryBeth and Stephen Wing
Our hearts go out to Joe, Christine, Gretchen, John and all the family. Kerry was one of the most generous and loving people I have ever known. I’ll never forget the beautiful Tea Parties she hosted and especially the one when my mother was able to attend and spoke about for years to come. They’re both in heaven now watching over all of us. I’ll miss our conversations and may she rest in peace.