Shrewsbury – June Maloney always knew that while other things in life may change…it always starts and ends with family. She found the greatest joy in the closeness of her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She leaves a legacy of love and devotion. June’s five-year struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy came to an end peacefully Tuesday, April 5, 2016 in the presence and love of her family. She was 85.
On Feb. 24, 1931, June Rose Johnson was born in Worcester, a daughter of the late Vernon C. and Rose M. (Prunier) Johnson. Raised and educated in Shrewsbury, she was a graduate of the former Maj. Howard W. Beal High School in 1948.
June worked as a bookkeeper in her family’s business, Johnson Bros. Glass Company in Worcester. She met a young man, Donald Maloney, at a drum corps dance in Shrewsbury when she was 14 years old, and they married years later July 1, 1950 in Saint Anne’s Church. Don’s devotion and love to June in her sick years remained testimony to their wedding vows.
Together, June and Don raised and educated 10 children. Raising such a large family meant getting creative with time management. She was active in their lives from day-to-day activities, school projects, dance lessons and recitals, sports events, and as a leader for cub scouts and girl scouts. While it’s said to take a village to raise a family, June and Don did it on their own. She remained her children’s biggest cheerleader and ardent defender.
June was notoriously apologizing and saying “I’m sorry” when it wasn’t even necessary. ’Tis irony that June’s death falls at this time of year, for many of her family members are at the height of tax season. Don dotingly senses a quiet ode of revenge during his 64th season at O’Connor, Maloney and Company, P.C.
Together, they knew about sacrifices so that each child could be educated. They believed in a parochial education, and her Catholic faith was a constant source of nourishment all her life. She was active in Saint Mary’s Church, its Rosary group, and was a founding member of the Daughters of Isabella, where she served as a former President. She was active at Saint Mary’s School, where she volunteered many hours in the library and the lunch room. She was also a member of the Parent’s Councils of St. John’s and St. Peter-Marian.
Regardless of what June was involved with, she did it tirelessly and out of love. As president of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence, she was a member of the governing board of the former St. Vincent Hospital and volunteered over 10,000 hours, for which she was recognized. Outside of volunteering and family life she loved to bowl, play golf in her women’s league at Worcester Country Club, and was an active member in both the SHS Alumni Association and Shrewsbury Woman’s Club. She was also a longtime season ticket-holder for Holy Cross Athletic events.
Her family extends their gratitude to the staffs at Shrewsbury Nursing Home, Southgate and JHC Hospice for the wonderful care provided to June.
In heaven, June joins her parents; her daughter, Nancy A. Maloney-Thomas, who died Sept. 16, 2015; and her granddaughter, Sarah E. Maloney.
Celebrating her life and legacy of love is her husband of 65 years, Don Maloney Sr.; their children, Donald O. Maloney Jr. and his wife Mary of Holden, Marie R. Johnson and her husband Peter of Harvard, Robert V. Maloney and his wife Joyce of Sterling, Michael J. Maloney and his wife Judith of Hillsborough, N.C., Susan D. Maloney of Shrewsbury, Joan E. Maloney-Kelleher and her husband Daniel of Jefferson, Carol J. Maloney Nelson and her husband David of Ashfield, Patricia E. Maloney Nelson and her husband William of Paxton, and John P. Maloney of Acton; 21 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Vernon C. Johnson and Carol R. Bryant and her husband George, all of Shrewsbury; and many nieces & nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember June’s life by gathering for calling hours Friday, April 8, from 4-8 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again on Saturday morning, April 9 before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury.
Memorials in her name may be made to Saint Mary’s Church, Organ Restoration Fund, 18 Summer St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or to your own church, temple, or charity of your choice.
