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 her husband David, Anne Mermelstein and her 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 his wife Gail, and Charlie Scannell, as well as a sister in law Marlin. She is predeceased by Mary and Joe Pomarole and by her brothers, Michael Scannell and his wife Yvette, Frank Scannell, and Marty Scannell. She is also survived by her step sisters Maria Scannell, Natalie Scannell and Stacey Roh, as well as her step brothers Dan Scannell and his wife Joeng, Edwin Scannell and David Scannell.
Visitation will take place on Monday, June 8th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home in Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A memorial funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 9th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Burial will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton, reception to follow.1:00-3:00 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
