Ellen E. “Liz” (Pickett) Leary

Ellen E. “Liz” (Pickett) Leary, of Hingham, died peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2022, at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth with loving family by her side.  She was 96.

Born in Weymouth on January 11, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Bertha (Healey) Pickett. Liz was raised in Weymouth, attended local schools and graduated from Weymouth High School. She continued her education at Simmons College, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Nursing allowing her to pursue a career at Children’s Hospital Boston. 

Liz was inquisitive and loved to learn. She enjoyed both the arts and sciences, and truly valued education. Liz read multiple books each week, everything from medical research to poetry. She was frequently found working on puzzles, was a master of black belt Sudoku, and enjoyed any activity that challenged her mind. Liz engaged in birdwatching and was committed to remaining physically active, walking several miles everyday. Liz was well traveled and enjoyed being able to share her experiences with others especially her grandchildren. She appreciated opportunities to visit locations near and far, from Old Sturbridge Village to climbing the pyramids of Egypt, she had innumerable stories to tell.  

Liz was the beloved wife of the late William E. Leary Jr., who died in 2012. Together they shared 61 years of loving marriage. She was the devoted mother of William E. Leary III and his wife Deborah of Cohasset, the late Ellen M. Leary (Edelman) and her late husband Bernard Edelman of Glen Echo, MD, and the late James T. Leary and his surviving wife Kristine of Hingham. Liz was the grandmother of twelve and great grandmother of six. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Friday, December 9, 2022, 9-9:30 AM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:30 AM on Friday, December 9, 2022, prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham at 10 AM. Cremation will follow. Interment will be held privately in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Weymouth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Liz’s name to Alzheimer’s Association, MA Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or the charitable organization of one’s choice.