Alicia M. Olney

Alicia M. Olney, 87, of North Chatham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024. Born on July 8, 1937, to Margaret and Waldron Mahoney of Hollis, New York, Alicia was the youngest of two sisters. A proud graduate of Manhasset High School (Class of 1954) and St. Lawrence University (Class of 1958), she was a dedicated member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. It was during her time at St. Lawrence that Alicia met her future husband, Ward Wright Olney, and they were married in September 1958.

Alicia and Wright made their home on Long Island, where Alicia raised their three sons. She was an insurance broker and co-owner of Waldron Mahoney Inc. in New York City and was an active member of the Junior League of Long Island. The family spent many summers and holidays in Chatham, MA, where they enjoyed the beauty of Cape Cod. In 2003, Alicia and Wright retired fulltime to Chatham, a place they loved and cherished. There, Alicia became deeply involved in the community, joining organizations such as the Stage Harbor Yacht Club, the Chatham Beach and Tennis Club, and the Eastward Ho! Country Club.

Throughout her life, Alicia was passionate about the decorative arts. She spent countless hours perfecting crewel embroidery, needlepoint, and creating Nantucket baskets, often in the company of close friends. Her love of travel took her across Europe, where she explored the cities and countryside of England, France, and Italy. Bermuda, a favorite destination, was another place Alicia visited regularly, regardless of the season.

Alicia’s warmth, kindness, and generous spirit touched all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she enriched with her love and laughter.

Alicia is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Ward Wright Olney, and their three sons: Ward W. Olney Jr. and his wife Pam, and their daughters Emma and Alexis; Thomas W. Olney and his wife Elizabeth, and their sons Thomas and Matthew; Peter E. Olney and his wife Kristin, and their daughters Olivia and Beatrice.

A memorial service in celebration of Alicia’s life will be held in July 2025.