Lillian Therese (Fahey) Haley

Lillian Therese (Fahey) Haley of Reading passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 99 and ½. Born September 30, 1926, in Somerville, Lillian was the loving daughter of the late Julius F. Fahey and Helen (Johnson) Fahey. She married the love of her life, Edward W. Haley, in 1948, and together they raised their four children in Reading.

Lillian found her greatest joy in being surrounded by family. She treasured reunions, holidays, and time spent with loved ones. She shared a particularly special bond with her sister, Alice, who lived with her for nearly 70 years. Lillian was always present for life’s special family moments, which meant more to her than anything else. Fiercely independent, she maintained her own home until recently, a testament to her strength and determination. She loved cooking and took great pride in preparing meals for those she loved, and her home was the heart of countless cherished holiday gatherings. She also had a deep love of gardening and found great happiness tending to her plants and flowers. In quieter moments, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and crafting, often creating beautiful handmade items for family and friends. Her loving and welcoming spirit made everyone feel at home; anyone who walked through her door was met with warmth, comfort, and care.

Lillian loved to travel, visiting numerous countries and exploring the United States, with a special fondness for cruises that took her around the world. She was a warm, kind, gentle, and loyal daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Lillian was the beloved wife of the late Edward Haley, who predeceased her in 1991. She was the devoted mother of Carol Doucette and her husband Ken, Nancy Hamann and her husband Maurice, Edward W. Haley Jr. and his wife Judy, and Robert Haley and his wife Leslie.

The cherished grandmother—lovingly known as “Nana Haley”—she is survived by her grandchildren: Kenny A. Doucette Jr. and his wife Lisa; Suzanne M. Venn and her husband Christopher; Brian R. Hamann and his wife Sharon; David D. Hamann and his wife Desiree; Scott M. Hamann; Patrick E. Haley and his wife Kim Jordan; Katherine E. Haley; Elizabeth F. Covitz and her husband Jeffrey; and Sarah L. Haley. She was the doting great‑grandmother of Chase and Kinsley Doucette, Skylar and Kainoah Venn, Haley and Isabel Hamann, Forrest and Harland Haley, and Benjamin Covitz.

She was the dear sister of the late Leo F. Fahey and the late Alice M. Fahey.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Lillian’s family on Sunday, March 29, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden Street, Reading. Parking attendants and elevator are available.

Funeral from the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home on Monday, March 30 at 11:30am

followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Lillian’s Eternal Life in Saint Agnes Church, 186 Woburn Street Reading at 12:30 p.m. Interment on Tuesday, March 31 at Forest Glen Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

Donations in Lillian’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome.