Frances Carey

Frances Carey (Donovan) of Weymouth, passed away on September 20, 2024.

Born in Boston in 1929, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Margaret (Purinton) Donovan and the loving sister of Alice Spears of Weymouth and the late Leo Donovan. Frances spent her early years in Dorchester where she met the love of her life, James M. Carey. They married in 1949, started their family in Dorchester, and then bought their first home in Weymouth, where they raised their five children. Their 51 year marriage is a testament to their commitment and love. When the children were grown, they traveled and enjoyed a rich social life with the Talbot Club and, most importantly, Alice and Cornelius Spears, her sister and brother-in-law.

A skilled seamstress and designer, Frances worked at Priscilla of Boston for many years where she made good friends and brought joy to countless brides with her beautiful dresses and bridal veils.

She also created wedding dresses for her daughters, daughters-in-law, nieces, granddaughters, and friends. She started with her sister Alice’s gown in 1955.

In retirement Frances became an avid quilter, making treasured heirlooms for many family members, including all 11 grandchildren and all 12 great grandchildren, including the youngest, Callum, when she was 93.

Frances lived a busy and independent life after the death of her beloved husband in 2000. She had a treasured group of cousins and friends from Dorchester, Weymouth, and Priscilla’s and was busy with lunches and frequent phone calls.

Her home was a revolving door of visits from family members including lots of babies, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, friends and even a few family dogs! Her home was never without a loyal cat that she would pamper and enjoy in the rare moments no one else was there. She hosted her huge Christmas Eve dinner right up until last year and would always sit in the middle of the crowd enjoying every minute.

Frances was lovingly cared for by the staff at the Pat Roche Hospice Home in Hingham in her last days. Her family is profoundly grateful for their help as well as the staff of the Norwell VNA.

Described as kind, beautiful, smart and independent, she touched the lives of everyone she met. As we say goodbye, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, passion and a profound capacity for love.

Predeceased by her husband James Carey and her brother Leo Donovan. Loving mother to Margaret O’Neill and her husband Joseph of Milton, James M. Carey, Jr. and his wife Mary Ellen of Scituate, Alice M. Carey of Concord, New Hampshire, John Carey and his wife Susan of Weymouth, and David L. Carey and his husband Kevin Hannon of Weymouth. She also opened her home to her niece Jean Donovan Larkin as a young child. 

Also survived by her 11 grandchildren: Laura, Kate, Amy, Molly, Gretchen, Matt, Emily, Jimmy, Sean, Brendan, and Thomas. She was great-grandmother to Maisie, Joseph, Caroline, Charlie, Neva, Eddie, Matt, Teddy, Max, Cecilia, Chloe, and Callum.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 2-6PM at the McDonald Keohane Funeral home in SOUTH WEYMOUTH, 809 Main St. (Route 18 opposite South Shore Hospital). A celebration of life service will be held in the funeral home at 9:45AM on Monday, Sept. 30 prior to the funeral. A funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in East Weymouth at 10:30AM followed by the burial at Fairmount Cemetery in East Weymouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greg Shinney Memorial Fund which supports charitable organizations for children who have lost a parent. Please visit http://birdease.com/gregshinneygolf or send checks to the Greg Shinney Memorial Fund, c/o Gretchen Carey, 24 Gordon Rd., Milton, MA 02186.