Anne Horkan

Mrs. Anne Horkan, a longtime resident of Malden, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Forestdale Park Assisted Living in Malden on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at age 84.

Anne was born on February 24, 1940, in Lisheen, Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland to the late Anne and Patrick Whooley, the second oldest of 5 children. Raised along the Irish coast on a dairy farm in the South of Ireland, Anne enjoyed her childhood and schooling but had little interest in farming. Anne immigrated to the United States in 1958, living with her aunt in Everett, seeking opportunity and a life outside of the family farm, but always held dear her Irish roots, family and ancestry. On a chance double date with a friend, she was introduced to a handsome, hardworking, Mayo man named Martin Horkan and it was love at first sight. They were married on October 1, 1960 and settled in Malden to raise a family.

Martin and Anne established new roots in Malden, mixed with old traditions and leaned on their foundation of a strong Catholic faith and a large extended family. The couple had 5 children, four girls: Marie, Joanne, Theresa, Michelle and the youngest, a boy, Martin, lovingly known as Marty. They raised their family on Lanark Road for over 50 years.

The Horkan family home was always welcoming to friends and family, which sometimes included both. Over the years the Horkan house hosted many fun, large parties and an unconditional welcome was afforded to all for a meal, a drink or a few days stay. Through their kindness and hospitality, Anne and Martin served as role models for generations of family, friends and neighbors.

Martin and Anne were fortunate enough to have a beach home in Wells Beach, Maine for 35 years. A little slice of paradise by the ocean, serving as a get-away from Malden and a constant reminder to Anne of her home near the sea in Skibbereen, Ireland. A place to gather with friends and family, everyone was welcome at the Horkans’ beach house where the front room was filled with music and laughter, and where memories were cherished and created.

Anne was a true Irish matriarch with a love for family, a good joke, and a warm smile. In later years, Martin and Anne sought assisted living in their old Forestdale neighborhood. In recent weeks Anne enjoyed reminiscing about good times and the wonderful life that she and Martin created for their family for over 64 years. May she rest in well earned grace and everlasting peace.

Anne was the beloved wife of Martin Horkan with whom she shared 64 years of love, marriage, and friendship. Devoted mother of Marie DiMeglio and her husband John of Wakefield, Joanne Pelletier and her husband Michael of Bedford, NH, Theresa Ventura and her husband Paul of Melrose, Michelle Colburn and her husband Kevin of Eliot, ME, and Martin “Marty” Horkan and his wife Cathy of Malden. Dear sister of Emmet Whooley of Skibbereen, Ireland, and the late Mary Darling, Kevin Whooley, and Patrick Whooley. Cherished grandmother of Martin Pelletier and his wife Jessica, Siobhan Pelletier, PJ Ventura, Julia Ventura, Liam Horkan, and Sean Horkan. Proud great-grandmother of Eva Joanne Pelletier. Also survived by many nieces and nephews, and extended family in Ireland.

Relatives & friends are invited to gather in honor of Anne during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Wednesday, November 13 from 3-7pm, and again on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 8:45am before leaving in procession to St. Joseph's Church, 770 Salem St., Malden for her Funeral Mass celebrated at 10am. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

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If you wish, donations in memory of Anne may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or online at www.caredimensions.org/donate