Obituary of Adeline Marie Herlihy
Pelham-Adeline M. Herlihy, 93, passed away September 24, 2023 in the arms of her loving daughters. Born in Holyoke on February 14, 1930, she was the daughter of Andrew G. and Adeline (Prophit) Arnold. Adeline grew up in Feeding Hills until the family moved to a farm on Dunhamtown Road in Brimfield. She married Herbert (Billy) Herlihy, and they raised 6 children.
A loving and amazing son, and five wonderful daughters. They also took care of a friend's daughter from the time she was a baby until her teen years, and she is considered family as well. They lived first in Wales, then moved to Palmer, and finally settled in Monson. Adeline was the youngest child of 14 children. She was influenced by her family to be a loving and caring woman, always giving her time to others, and she incorporated that into her motherhood. She never graduated from high school, but her inborn talents were endless. She was a self-taught cake decorator, and passed that talent on by teaching cake decorating at
Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield, as well as other locations. She also loved to knit, especially newborn outfits, and hoodies. She loved crocheting, and crafting, making ornaments, and scrubbies. She was a fastidious seamstress, dressmaker, and tailor. She loved to sew and loved her serger. Her talents as stated were endless until her dying day. Later in her life she was assisted by in-home caregivers, who became close friends, and companions. She worked as an aide at Monson State Hospital, until starting her family. She held a few odd jobs, and when her last daughter started school, she went to work in the kitchen at the Home for the Aged in Monson, until she was coaxed to drive a school bus by her daughter in law. She was a driver for Palmer Motor Coach for many years and loved all of her students that she drove.
She was a member of the Monson United Methodist Church, until moving to Pelham, and then joined Hope United Methodist Church in Belchertown. She sang in the church choir and the Community Choir. She was very strong willed and determined. Her resilience was remarkable. Her smile would light up her face. She made friends everywhere she went, and her door was always open.
In 1989, Adeline was predeceased by her husband Herbert (Billy). Her love will forever remain with her five daughters, Kathleen Martell of Pelham, Maureen Genholt of Palmer, Doreen Hennihan of Monson, Colleen Berry of Monson, and Arleen Herlihy with whom she lived. Also Beth Sweryda and her family who she considered her to be a daughter as well. She will be greatly missed by her son in laws, Dennis Hennihan of Monson, and Jack Berry of Monson. Adeline's memory will forever be held with her many nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, and her 24 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by son, Richard Wahlers, her daughter in law Toni Wahlers, her granddaughter Pam Keith, her son in law William Martell, and her grandson John Martell, as well as all of her siblings.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 2 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home with a funeral service to be held Tuesday, October 3 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery in Monson.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Hope United Methodist Church.
