Folsom Funeral Service

Whalen, Elsie

Elsie Theresa Whalen, a resident of Highland Glen in Westwood, died Tuesday July 23, 2019 at age 96, surrounded by her devoted family. She was the beloved wife of Jarlath Joseph Whalen, who passed to the Lord just 351 days before her. Elsie was a great example of deep faith and trust in the Lord and made sure to pass that faith on to her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She was the mother of Barbaramary Horgan, and her husband Fred of Walpole, and Anthony, and his wife Najat Hasrouni of Holliston; and Nonna to Elizabeth Horgan Pruitt, and her husband Richard of Norwood, Margaret Mary “Meg” Horgan of Chicago, the late Catherine Martha Whalen, Mary Theresa Whalen of Holliston; and her special loves, grandson Joseph Whalen of Holliston and great-granddaughter Penelope Pruitt of Norwood. The fourth child of ten, after her own mother passed when she was a young teenager, she became like a mom to her many brothers: Rev Father Anthony, Guido, Enrico, Lawrence, Louis and Matthew, all having gone to the Lord. She is survived by her youngest brother, Attilio, and his wife Judy, whom she loved as a son. Her two sisters have also gone before her: Gina, as an infant, and Rose Tornello, and her late husband Sal. Elsie is also survived by her sisters-in-law Pat, and Terry.  For much of her adult life Elsie was a daily communicant. She worked constantly at being an exemplary Carmelite (Third Order). She labored with her husband at their many endeavors and devotions including the sale of St Anthony’s Messenger and Liguorian Magazines, the Legion of Mary and as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and leading the recitation of the Holy Rosary at many area nursing homes. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 4-7 PM, at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St, Westwood. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home Monday starting at 10 am and proceed with us to St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St, Westwood for her Funeral Mass at 11 o clock. Interment will follow in New Calvary Cemetery in Boston. Donations in her memory to Catholic Charities, 275 West Broadway, Boston, MA, 02127 would be appreciated.

Guestbook Entries

  1. Lorraine Butler
    July 26th, 2019 | 12:03 am

    She is now resting in peace may god be with you

  2. Noreen O'Brien
    July 28th, 2019 | 1:50 pm

    I always enjoyed talking to Elsie and Jarlath here at Highland Glen. They were both wonderful people and neighbors as well as church friends at St Margaret Mary church. They will be missed by many.

  3. Lynn Kenn
    August 16th, 2019 | 10:29 am

    May you rest in peace dear Elsie. I just heard today of your passing. You and Jarlarth were wonderful members of the World Apostolate of Fatima, Boston. The very first members in 1988.
    Your scapular making and Jarlath gathering subscriptions for Soul Magazine were so important to us. Elsie, I enjoyed celebrating our birthdays together just one day apart. I am sure your Jarlath welcomed you into heaven, waiting for you at the gate. Thank you Elsie for your love and thank Jarlath for me.
    Lynn Kenn

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Folsom Funeral Service

Folsom Funeral Service