Sally A. Cuffe

Mrs. Sally A. (Chase) Cuffe, a longtime resident of Lynn, and a dual citizen of both the United States and Ireland, died on Monday, December 16, 2024. She was the cherished wife of the late Walter A. Cuffe, Jr., for 46 years, who preceded her in death in 2012.

Sally was born in Lynn and was the daughter of the late Arthur C. and Abina L. (Callahan) Chase.

Sally treasured every milestone in her educational journey, taking great pride in each school she attended, and maintaining a close relationship with each over her lifetime. Sally graduated from Lynn English High School, Class of 1958, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Salem State College, Class of 1962, and furthered her studies with a Master’s Degree in Education from Salem State College, Class of 1965. She continued her connections with many Salem State classmates continuously over the decades in a group they called “Club”.

Sally proudly taught first and second grade at her own alma mater, Lynn Woods Elementary School, alongside her first grade teacher, mentor and lifelong friend, Concetta J. Rando.

Sally met Walter while both were students at Salem State and began their life together on July 16, 1966. Beginning with her early introductions to the Walter A. Cuffe and Son Funeral Home on Johnson Street, to the funeral home’s move to form Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home on Maple Street in 1976, Sally’s influence and contributions were multifaceted and deeply impactful. Sally was a source of support and knowledge to the funeral home. Her biggest fan was always Walter. Walter relied on Sally’s patience, calm demeanor, good sense, strong work ethic and problem solving skills for collaboration in daily decision making and future planning. In all matters family and business, Sally and Walter were truly a team. Sally’s active involvement with the funeral home providing outreach to families and guidance to funeral home staff, has continued through Walter’s sudden passing, to her present role as a consultant. Her relationships with families served and funeral home staff meant the world to her. Sally was a caring listener to her family, students and many friends, always ready to lend an ear and offer thoughtful advice when needed. Many have shared that regardless of the circumstances at hand, Sally’s presence has always given reassurance that everything was going to be alright. Sally was always someone friends and family could depend on. Sally gracefully assumed the role of caregiver for many of her and Walter’s relatives, displaying loving care and support throughout their lives and final journey.

Several years ago the former Lynn Sunday Post featured Sally in a Sunday Post Salute. “Sally Cuffe contributes her time and energy to organizations throughout the city”. She is quoted as saying, “I like to do things quietly without anyone knowing it. I got that desire to help from my grandmother, whom I am named for”. Sally was deemed a “Laudable Lynner,” by Mayor Albert V. DiVirgilio and was involved with the City of Lynn Business Partnership Program for the Lynn Woods School.

Sally, and Walter posthumously, received the Elizabeth Williams Wade Award from Salem State University “In recognition of outstanding contributions to the University by your activities with the Alumni Association.”

Active in various organizations, Sally was past-president and charter member of the Shoe City Lions Club, was a Melvin Jones Fellow and served as Chairperson of the Lynn Youth Speech Contest. She was a charter member of the former Wyoma Lioness Club, where she also served as chairperson of the Youth Speech Contest and was a member of the Board of Directors. She also served as a judge for Girls, Inc.’s “She Knows Where She’s Going” award. She was a lifetime member of the Lynn Museum and Historical Society/Lynn Arts and was a proud supporter and contributor to Santa’s Helping Hands of Lynn.

Sally’s dedication extended to her faith community, as she was a member of the Infant of Prague Guild of Greater Lynn serving as St. Pius V parish representative, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Pius V Parish, and Church Women United of Greater Lynn, where she served as mini-sale chairperson.

In later years, Sally became a life member of the Massachusetts Life-Care Residents Association, was a member of the Egret Society and the Diversity Committee. She also served as a Resident Ambassador.

Above all, Sally was the loving mother of three daughters, Kelley M. (Cuffe) Howells and her husband David of Marblehead, Katy A. Cuffe of Danvers and William Sewall, and Kerrin F. (Cuffe) Morley and her husband Tommy of Tiverton, RI. She was the loving and caring Nana/Nina/Nan of seven grandchildren, Erin K. Balestrieri and her husband Cody, Mary E. Vermilyea and her husband Timothy, Eliza G., Daniel Walter, and Charlotte MaryAnn Howells, Robert Cuffe and Brendan Chase Morley, and adored “Big Nana” of one great-granddaughter Ciara K. Balestrieri. She also leaves her sister-in-law and nephew, Loretta Cuffe O’Donnell and Anthony Cuffe O’Donnell, and nieces and nephews Frank, Michael and Tammy Harrington, Dolores Gardner, and their families. Sally was the sister and best friend of the late Kathleen “Kathy” Harrington and sister-in-law of the late Paul Harrington. She also leaves her much loved Chase, Sheeler, Munroe, Callahan, Kelley, McCarthy, and Cuffe cousins and their families. Sally was especially proud of and thought the world of her own and Walter’s godchildren, as well, Kathleen Campbell, Jonathan Merrill, Lauren (Darcy) and Leo Neves, Anthony Cuffe O’Donnell, Teagan (Newhall) Audette and the late Michael J. Conlon.

Sally and her family deeply appreciated her caregivers over the years, many of whom she regarded as friends. Our deepest thanks to all of them.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 2 PM to 5 PM in the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 10 AM in St. Pius V Church, Lynn. (Meet directly at the church). Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Lynn.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in Sally’s memory to the Conlon Memorial Scholarship Fund, 133 Commonwealth Road, Lynn, MA 01904.