Madeline "Kelly" O'Leary

Madeline “Kelly” O'Leary passed away on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, in Falmouth, Massachusetts after a brief illness. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1941, Madeline attended St. Ann’s Elementary and Dominican Academy and enjoyed all the complexities of Fall River life. After high school, she met her husband, Paul (PK) O'Leary at a dance at the Hunt Club, a night where it is certain that hers was the brightest smile and happiest laugh in the room. They married on November 8th, 1968, and settled in Bourne soon after. Known primarily as Kelly to her friends, she worked as a bookkeeper and secretary at the Mass Maritime Academy, Upper Cape Regional, the Buzzards Bay Town Hall and police station, and Pixley Richards. Madeline spent her time finding joy in the everyday and in those around her – her many friends, including those with the "Cottage Society", her pets, her garden, the squirrels, and the birds, and a good margarita at a Cape Cod restaurant. Her home and garden were her masterpiece, with attention to every detail making a beautiful and inviting space for friends and family. A woman of faith, she was a member of the congregation at St. Margaret's in Bourne.

As a daughter, sister, wife, aunt, and friend, Madeline was always a bright spot in the lives of those lucky enough to know her. Her humor, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of many. Madeline is survived by her sister, Grace K. Lowney, her many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She is pre-deceased by her parents Daniel Vincent and Marie (L'Italien) Kelley, her siblings Vincent Kelley and Anne Marie Sherman, her nephew Robert Sherman, and her loving husband Paul.

There will be a memorial mass held at St. Margaret’s Church in Buzzard’s Bay at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16th, 2026. Internment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery near her dear husband Major Paul K. O’Leary will take place following the mass and a repast will follow. Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Paul K. O’Leary Memorial Scholarship fund at Stonehill College. www.stonehillalumni.org/pkoleary