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Ann Ita Golemme

06/09/1925 - 08/04/2009

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Obituary For Ann Ita Golemme

Mrs. Ann Ita (Walsh) Golemme, 84, of Norwell, MA and Ft Lauderdale, FL, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 4th at her son Richard’s home in Foxborough, MA. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph M. Golemme of Norwell, who died in 1993.

The daughter of the late Martin J and Delia A.I. (Deviney) Walsh, who both emigrated from Ireland to West Roxbury, she was born in Boston on June 9th, 1925. She is survived by her seven children and their spouses, James and his wife Lyn of Westborough, MA, Joseph and his wife Carol of Norwell, MA, Peter and his wife Mary of South Boston, Joanne McDonough and her husband Charles of Hanover, MA, Richard and his wife Donna of Foxborough, MA Stephen and his wife Amy of Lawrenceville, GA and Brian and his wife Leslie of Norwell, MA. She also is survived by her identical twin sister, Mary E. (Walsh) Jasper and her husband Richard Jasper of Rockland, MA; by 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and by nieces and nephews, and extended family too numerous to mention.

She had a very happy childhood growing up in the close-knit Irish community of West Roxbury, where her father and mother ran a Coal and Ice delivery business. Their home was the site of many gatherings of young people, who entertained themselves by rolling up the rug and dancing to music they played on the piano, harmonica, accordion, banjo and other instruments, while their mothers sipped tea in the next room. She attended the Robert Gould Shaw Junior High in West Roxbury, where James Michael Curley addressed her class and left a lasting impression on her. Later she and her sister would ride the streetcar down the middle of Spring Street to St Thomas Aquinas High School in Jamaica Plain, where she and her sister graduated as Valedictorian and Salutorian, respectively, in 1942.

After high school she attended Bentley College at night, while working days as an auditor of farmers' payrolls for the Federal Milk Market Administration, helping to set the price of milk. Later she worked at Johns Mansville in the United Shoe Machinery Co Building in Boston (160 Federal St) – an office building where three of her sons would also work, decades later. She also took flying lessons in a twin-seater Piper Cub airplane during this time. At age 20, she and her sister won the “Two Sisters From Boston� contest sponsored by MGM to promote a movie of the same name, released in April of 1946. It was held at the USO Buddies Club on Boylston St where servicemen could go free of charge, attracting many stars as well. The prize for winning was a trip to New York City – closely supervised by their mother – where they stayed at the Astor Hotel and met Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra and other stars of the day. Especially memorable was a night at the Copacabana Club where Desi Arnaz and his Orchestra played. This trip made a big impression on two girls whose father had barely been out of his village in Ireland as a boy.

Throughout the war years, she and her sister would entertain the troops at USO clubs on Cape Cod by dancing and playing the banjo and harmonica (as alternatives to the frequently out-of –tune pianos) in special outfits made by their mother.

After the war, she took accounting courses at Northeastern University. Her instructor was a handsome returning veteran who was just embarking on what would become a 46-year career as a Professor at Northeastern. She quickly became the teacher's pet; Joe proposed at the Café Almalfi on Westland Avenue and they were married in July, 1947. Thus commenced a true lifelong partnership, as Ann helped him correct student papers and prepare tax returns, while running the household and raising the children. They had seven children in their first 14 years of marriage, moving from a small apartment in the Fenway to Hanover, and from there to Rockland, before finally settling in Norwell in 1963. Ann liked to say that her husband’s career prospered as their family grew; he became a full professor, Chairman of the Accounting Department and later founded and led the innovative Graduate School of Professional Accounting at Northeastern. Joe also took on extra work as a financial officer for Tedeschi Supermarkets to support their growing family. Their home in Norwell became a happy and active gathering place for family and friends, the site of many informal sporting events, parties and musical gatherings.

She was an intelligent, caring and strong woman who could have applied her skills in any traditional profession but chose instead to be a full-time mother and homemaker. All seven of her children graduated from Norwell High School and Northeastern University. Most went on to obtain graduate degrees as well, three of them from the program founded by her husband, the Graduate School of Professional Accounting at Northeastern. Ann was very devoted and loyal to the Town of Norwell, where she worked Town Elections and Census and later as a secretary for the Town Clerk and Highway Department. She was a Member of the Democratic Town Committee, the Sodality at St. Helen’s Church and a lifetime member of Norwell Historical Society. She was also a long time member of Marshfield Country Club. She was also a strong advocate of learning and a faithful participant in the “Book and Author� luncheon series in Boston. She spent 20 winters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where she was a Member of Ft Lauderdale CC, Lago Mar Beach Club, the Prologue Society (Literature) and a member of Ft Lauderdale Historical Society.

She loved to travel, visiting fifteen countries on four continents in her later years. Often the instigator or organizer of a group trip, she had a true sense of adventure. Her friends never knew what to expect but always knew they would have a wonderful time if they followed her lead.

She loved to meet the local people of the varied countries she visited, and made a point of learning at least a few words of the indigenous language wherever she went. Her fellow travelers were often amazed to find her exchanging words with the locals in their native language, and wanted to know her secret. She enjoyed recounting an incident in Egypt, where she had learned one word too few, as she found herself precariously perched aboard a fast-moving camel on a precipitous mountain trail. The driver and camel had obligingly responded to her Egyptian word for "GO", but she had neglected to learn "STOP" or "SLOW DOWN". More than any number of words learned, it was her deep respect, genuine interest, and love of people that made her so appealing to locals and tourists alike. Although she visited many exotic locales, some of her most moving and memorable trips were her several visits to Ireland, the land of her parents' birth, where she and her father, children and grandchildren reconnected with their Irish relatives.

For all her adventures, Ann often said there was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with her children and family, and collectively they have accumulated uncountable precious memories of times together – dining out, attending shows, festivals, fairs, and concerts, visiting new cities, and sharing both the momentous and the (otherwise) insignificant events and experiences of their lives.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her so much. Her warmth, strength, intellect, determination and sense of adventure will be cherished forever by those whose lives she touched.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union St. ROCKLAND on Sunday, August 9, 2009 from 7-9 and Monday, August 10, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Hanover on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Hanover Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in loving remembrance of Ann and her many adventures and accomplishments are encouraged to be made to: Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574, [email protected].

Services

9 Aug

Visitation

19:00 PM - 21:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »
10 Aug

Visitation

14:00 PM - 16:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »
11 Aug

Funeral Service

10:00 AM

St. Mary of the Sacred Heart Church 392 Hanover St. Hanover, MA 02339 Get Directions »
11 Aug

Interment

11:15 AM

Hanover Center Cemetery Hanover, MA Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 05/25/2021

    Ruth Kilduff

    "Annie" and I shared many fun adventures and trips. She was a joy! I will miss my friend! Ruthie

  • 05/25/2021

    The Leitao Family

    Brian and Family - We were so sad to hear of your mother's passing. Ainslie said, "she looks so nice!" I remember her coming to St. Mary's 9:30AM mass and looking so happy to be with her loving family. I have spoken to my mom and she promised to introduce her to everyone in heaven. They are new friends, sharing wonderful memories of being with their grandchildren. Our thoughts are w/ you. Hank, Sandi, Ali, Abi and Ainslie Leitao

  • 05/25/2021

    Debbie Coggeshall

    Brian, Leslie, Ryan, Bella and Cooper, I am so sorry to learn of your mother/grandmother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm sending lots of hugs. xo Debbie

  • 05/25/2021

    Paul Maxwell

    In 1970 we joined the "family" of Northeastern University. Little did we forsee what life-long treasured memories would be created. Interacting with many other Northestern faculty and staff members resulted in an unbelievable cadre of friendships. Each of those relationships have lasted over the years, diminished only by the passing of a group member. Each loss has only emphasized how treasured we have been to each other, none more than our dear friend, Ann. We were so fortunate to have enjoyed the friendship and activites of the Golemme family; spendng many happy hours at the family home in Norwell or the golf clubs in Marshfield and Ft. Lauderdale. Ann always functioned as the "hostess with the mostest." She manifested a fantastic abiity to surround herself with friends; how lucky we were to have been counted in that group. Our thoughts, prayers and wishes are with each of you; "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." We are broken-hearted. Mary and Paul Maxwell

  • 05/25/2021

    Sheila Horstman

    Memories are the lives we've touched by living. Best memories of all are the "beach days"- Summers at the cottage, cook outs in the yard, and playing in the ocean til the sun went down. Christmas, Thanksgivings, Easter, First Communions,-a life time of family gatherings with laughter, food and music that live within all of us. Eta was my idol. I always admired Auntie Ann for her style, her smile, and her get up and go spirit. I always knew she had an inner strength only someone raising 6 sons could understand. I found myself turning to her when I had 3 sons and needed some guidance and strength. She shared personal stories with me of some of her own struggles raising 6 sons and encouraged me. I was thankful that I could turn to her during that time. Thank you Eta for your kindness when I called upon you. Auntie Ann, we will always love you, miss you and think of you. Sheila

  • 05/25/2021

    Kathy Merritt May

    Brian - It is just a short time ago that I saw you at the reunion and we shared memories of your family and mine. I was so sad to hear of your loss. I hold in my heart many happy memories of your mom. I will always remember her big smile, her love of her family and her enviable ability to keep us all in line. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

  • 05/25/2021

    Julie Sullivan

    In memory of a brilliant, wonderful, funny, mischevious, warm, kind, young-at-heart, and loving cousin. I will always remember our weekend in a hotel in London, we shared some fantastic tales and had great laughs about our childhood. Your father and my mother were brother and sister, so we had lots of "stories" to relate. You also managed to get me into Buckingham Palace at a reduced rate - said I was a Senior Citizen, not sure that I was pleased or sad at the time I was only 40 years old!! Ah happy memories, you were one of life's greatest and I am sure you will be sadly missed by all who knew you, especially your loving family. Ann until we meet again, rest well. Love and always Julie and family

  • 05/25/2021

    Vincent Golemme

    Nana, I will forever remember the stories of your youth, the tales of my father and my uncles and aunt around the Norwell house, and the always present lectures that you never seemed to run out of and that I loved all the same. You always had a story and a way to cheer me up and a way to give me a lesson, which no one else can replace and I will sorely miss. Nothing could ever stop you from doing anything, from traveling the world to catching the latest episode of Judge Judy in the living room. I will miss visiting you in the Norwell house and visiting you in the room down the hall especially. You were someone that was always there for me and you will always be my idol. You taught me many things and I hope one day that I may be even close to the person that you were. Nana I love you and miss you very much. God Bless. Vincent

  • 05/25/2021

    Roseann

    Dear Golemme Family, Auntie Ita was a strong generous woman, whom I will never forget. I have so many happy memories of Green Harbor with all my cousins and she was always willing to have us there every summer. Our lives were enriched because of her, and because of her and your dad we the Jaspers had six other brothers and one other dear sister! Thinking of you all. You were great children to your mum! Love Rosie

  • 05/25/2021

    Bob Kates

    and they both served as advisors to the Class of 1957 at Northeastern, Ann in an unofficial capacity. They were tremendous sources of support and encouragement to the class officers as well as to individual students. What a marvelous couple. We will always remember them. Bob Kates, '57 Engineering Jack Carp (dec.) '57 Business Adminstration

  • 05/25/2021

    bob and carolyn frattalone

    Sorry to hear about your wonderful mom. We wrere formally from Hanover. Bob was the appliance man who kept your clothes clean and your dishwasher running. Love to you all.Bob and Carolyn Frattalone.

  • 05/25/2021

    philomena @richard wetzler

    We were so sorry to hear about the death of Ita. We have fond memories of holiday and other dinners at Aunt Delia's house in West Roxbury with Ita, her sister Mary and husbands Joe and Richard. They were always joyous occasions. Regretfully we will not be able to attend the wake or funeral but wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Golemme and Jasper families on their loss. With sympathy, Cousin Philomena [Burke] Wetzler and husband Richard   Wilmington, Mass.

  • 05/25/2021

    Ruth Kilduff

    "Annie" and I shared many fun adventures and trips. She was a joy! I will miss my friend! Ruthie

  • 05/25/2021

    Jolena Driscoll

    We miss you Nana and we love you. Love the Driscolls

  • 05/25/2021

    Peggy Ginley

    Ann was a very good friend of mine. I will always remember the loving memories we shared. With love and prayers.

  • 05/25/2021

    mary maxwell

    Where does the time go - Must we let it end? Where does the time go - Gone too soon my friend. And where go the echoes of our laughter ringing the air? Wherever the time goes - I will see you there. Mary and Paul

  • 05/25/2021

    Arnie Joseph (and Nancy)

    Anne was a delightful lady and brightened my days at the Highway garage.. She was full of energy and very efficient and a pleasure to be around. She was so good when I had my back problems, coming to the house and doing all the necessary things while I was out of commission. She was always courteous .. even when people called yelling and complaining..even when she was having her own problems. I was lucky to have her for the two or more years she worked with me..God bless you with comfort, peace and lots of good memories in this sad time. Sincerely Arnie Joseph(and Nancy)

  • 05/25/2021

    Julie Mariani Lombardi

    I am Ann's great niece. The only thing she ever asked of me was to work hard at being a good mother. She inspired me to do that very thing and I hope I have lived up to her expectations. She was an exceptional human being and she will be missed. Love to all her children and grandchildren. You are her legacy! Love with all my heart, Julie

  • 05/25/2021

    Frank Storer

    Dear Cousin Mary, We were truly sorry to hear that your sister "Ita"(as we called her) had passed away last week. Over the years our paths did not cross too often but I do remember various times at West Roxbury where you and your sister entertained with music and dance. I was a small boy at the time but I remember a tune you guys played called "Pretty Red Wing"(I think thats what it was called). Well anyway, Finbar and I hummed it for days after going home. It was a catchy tune. I sometimes go by your old homestead on my way to visit my friends at St. Tresea's Church, Father William Helmick, the pastor and his brother,Father Raymond Helmick, a Jesuit. One can still see the remains of the old railroad bridge on Center St. but the shopping center hardly resembles old "97 Spring St". Mary,we realize how deeply losing Ita has touched you and all of the families but our faith teaches us to adjust and we know you will. Please accept our sincere sympathy. Most Sincerely, Frank and Evelyn Storer .

  • 05/25/2021

    Steven Mariani

    Well, there is just something heavenly about Aunt Ann. What a bright, beautiful spirit who always made me feel loved and secure. I will miss seeing her radiant smile and the sound of her sweet voice. May God's richest blessings continue to be granted to Aunt Ann in paradise.

  • 05/25/2021

    Robyn Geogan Noble

    I have so many fond memories of "Mrs. Golemme" and her happy house. I always felt like the eighth child. I once stayed for an entire week. Ann made a little photo book for me to keep called "When Robyn was a Golemme." I still have that book and I look at it often. I was five years old, and I don't think I ever cried during that week because Ann made me feel so welcome. Ann and Mary were also incredibly kind to my mother after my father died. They took her on outings and trips and brought a lot of cheer into her life. For that, my siblings and I will be forever grateful. I hope all the Golemmes can be in the place where you know your parents are with you always. You are a wonderful family and I was privileged that you were willing to share yourselves with me. Your mother was a beautiful person. I have no doubt that she's on her best adventure ever.

  • 05/25/2021

    Deborah Geogan Hardy

    Your Mom was the first person I saw when I came through the door after our Dad died in'78. She was doing laundry! I also have many happy memories of times at your house in Rockland and at the beach. May you all be comforted in knowing how many lives she touched. I am truly sorry for your loss. Debbie Hardy

  • 05/25/2021

    Annette & Don Green

    We are good freinds of Peter and he invited us to golf his family golf outing about 10 years ago. We were paired up with his mother. It's one thing to be out driven by a wife 27 years younger and another thing to be outdriven by a woman more than 15 years my senior. A great memory and Annette and I express our profound sympathy for your loss. Don and Annette Green

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