Nancy Flaherty

Nancy Flaherty, 84, of Hopkinton was embraced by eternal peace on May 28, 2026. She was surrounded in death, as she preferred to be in life, by love and music. Known for her unique mix of elegance and earthiness, she was a free spirit who remained grounded by her strong faith and respect for tradition. She had a penchant for quirky and unconventional folks, legs that just wouldn’t quit, and a dark Irish wit in good times that was especially keen in bad ones. She was all of these things, but above all else, she was deeply and profoundly human.

Born in Boston, Nancy was the daughter of the late Eustace and Ann (Crowley) Scannell. She was the cherished wife of Mark J. Flaherty Jr., who passed into peace on June 11, 2007. She is survived by her three devoted daughters, Deirdre Flaherty, Susan DiPalma and husband David, and Anne Mermelstein and husband Josh, and her beloved grandchildren, Katie, Becca, Vince, Celia and Mark, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She also leaves behind her brothers, Paul Scannell and wife Gail, and Charlie Scannell, as well as a sister-in-law, Marlin. She is predeceased by Mary and Joe Pomarole and by brothers Michael Scannell and wife Yvette, Frank Scannell and Marty Scannell. She also is survived by stepsisters Maria Scannell, Natalie Scannell and Stacey Roh, as well as stepbrothers Dan Scannell and wife Joeng, Edwin Scannell and David Scannell.

Visitation will take place Monday, June 8, from 3-6 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home in Hopkinton. A memorial funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 9, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Burial will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton. A reception will follow from 1-3 p.m. at Cornell’s Irish Pub in Hopkinton.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Nancy’s favorite charities: Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, Catholic Relief Services, Archdiocese for the Military Services, St. Vincent de Paul in care of St. John the Evangelist, Doctors Without Borders, Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Project Just Because, Rosie’s Place or the Arthritis Foundation, Massachusetts Chapter. Peace and love.

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