Lydia Queally

Lydia Cecilia Queally

1936 - 2017

Ipswich, MA

Lydia C. Queally (Loftus) of Ipswich. MA (formerly of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina and Oceanside, New York) passed away on January 5 following a brave struggle with breast cancer. Lydia was born in New York City February 19, 1935, to Catherine and Martin Loftus. Lydia was the devoted wife to her late husband, Colonel Justin, M. Queally, USA, and was predeceased by her loving sister Mary Zitis and her daughter Kathleen Anne (husband, Frank) Toher. She was the loving mother of Mary Elizabeth (and husband, William) Hopkins of Bayside, NY, Jean Louise (and husband Kenneth) Swenson of Ipswich, MA, Gerard (and wife, Caroline) Queally of Brunswick, ME and Noreen Meagan (and husband, James) McCabe of Oceanside, NY and loving grandmother of Kathleen Toher (husband Brendan) Fitzpatrick and Patrick Toher, Emily, Margaret, Victoria and Anne Queally, Meagan Hopkins, Nils, Eleanor and Kevin Swenson and Faith McCabe. She will truly be missed by all.

Lydia graduated from St. Agnes High School in 1954 and attended St. John's University. She was married to Justin Queally on June 09, 1956 and they spent almost 44 years together. Lydia and Justin raised five children in the community of Oceanside, New York where family life became her priority. Lydia's friendly and cheerful personality and desire to serve others through her Catholic faith led Lydia to become a passionate volunteer in local Catholic schools no matter where she was living and to serve as a Regent for the Catholic Daughters of America in both New York and South Carolina and President of the Rosary Society at St. Anthony's in Oceanside. She also served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister and Loss and Grief Counselor at St. Michaels in Garden City, SC. She was also devoted to her community and served as a Brownie/Girl Scout Leader and Boy Scout Den Mother when her children were young. Lydia and Justin were involved in many charitable activities in South Carolina.

In 1988 Lydia and Justin retired to Myrtle Beach, SC, where they enjoyed golf and travel until Justin's death in May 2000. Lydia continued to live in SC but eventually she returned north to live with her daughter Jean and her family in Ipswich, MA. In her leisure, Lydia was a daily communicant for many years at St. Rose of Lima in Topsfield and enjoyed spending afternoons watching her grandchildren at local high school athletic events. She especially loved running into old friends when she visited New York City and getting updates on their lives. She was always proud to share the accomplishments of her own children and beloved grandchildren. Above all, Lydia always saw the good in people and in life, meeting each day with joy.

The family will receive friends at Tower Funeral Home, 2681 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, NY on Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A funeral Mass to which all are invited will be conducted at St. Anthony's Catholic Church 110 Anchor Avenue., Oceanside, NY on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 9:45 am. After the funeral mass, she will be buried at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd. Calverton, New York. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at http://towersfuneralhomeny.com/

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lydia's name to: The Pine Tree Society, 149 Front Street, Bath, Maine, 04530.