Alicia Harkins Canniffe

Alicia Ellen (Harkins) Canniffe passed away on July 9th after a brief illness. She leaves her husband and best friend of 61 years, John Michael “Mike” Canniffe. They lived in Marblehead and were parishioners at Star of the Sea in Marblehead for the last 60 years. She leaves a brother, Thomas Harkins (Barbara) from Needham.

She prioritized her children, raising them to be independent, trustworthy and productive.

She ran and owned Stowaway Sweets, a candy business in Marblehead, for over 30 years, raised 4 daughters, Ann Stewart (James) Wiscasset, ME, Elizabeth Aurensan (Bernard) Fort Myers, FL, Julie Davis (Kevin) Chantilly, VA, Catherine Mann (William) Marblehead, MA and a son, John Canniffe (Karen) New Providence, NJ.

She enjoyed 10 grandchildren (Gabrielle, Maeve, Alexander, Grace, Frederick, Julia, Rosalie, Neeve, Lucy and Marielle) and was blessed with two amazing and energetic great grandchildren (Charlotte and Colton). She leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families across the country.

She knew everyone’s candy order and where most of her customer’s children went to college. In her spare time, she volunteered for Catholic Charities and helped single mothers navigate life. Yes, she was incredible.

Born in Boston on February 25th 1939 to John Frederick and Alice (McCormack) Harkins, she met her husband at 14 while in Marblehead for the summer. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury and Emmanuel College in Boston before becoming an elementary school teacher.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, especially to the warmth of Florida, connecting people and family game night. She actually hated games but would play with her children occasionally because she loved them.

She enjoyed walking, especially the causeway to Marblehead Neck. She loved her husband, cared for her family and helped her community be a better place.

Visiting hours for Alicia will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street. Her funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Alicia's family.