Brenda (Vuolo) Hallissy
June 23, 1940 — March 15, 2020
Brenda (Vuolo) Hallissy
Born in Stoneham on June 23, 1940, Brenda is one of three children of the late Anthony J. and Grace (nee DiFazio) Vuolo.Brenda grew up in Malden and graduated from Malden High School in 1958.While in school she met her high school sweetheart, Michael Hallissy, Jr, who she later married after they both graduated.In her youth, Brenda was a member of the Rifle Club.
After graduating from secretarial school, Brenda and her family settled in Melrose to raise their family.She first went to work for H.P. Hood, and then stayed home to raise the children.After they were grown, she worked at Melrose High School in the cafeteria, and then at Johnnie's Food Master where she worked as a baker.
Speaking of baking, Brenda loved to bake and cook.Making food for others was one of the many ways she showed her love to family and friends.She was especially known for her meatballs and gravy, and muffins.
Her family was her life.A homebody, she was happiest while spending time with her beloved Michael, children, and grandchildren.She was exceptionally active in their lives, and her grandchildren were her world.She and Michael belonged to a bowling league, enjoyed going dancing, and playing cards.She also had her weekly bridge night with her girlfriends.
The family enjoyed time spent at their cottage in Milton New Hampshire.She and Michael went on a special cruise to the Caribbean, and she bravely boarded an aircraft herself, having not flown in many years, to go see her daughter and grandson in Tennessee.
Besides cooking, Brenda taught herself how to upholster furniture, and was a talented seamstress working alongside her sister Dianne at Anthony's Tailor Shop. She always made the kids costumes for Halloween.
A kind woman, Brenda always had a positive word to say about everyone, and everyone always had a positive word to say about Brenda.She loved her family, she loved her friends, and they dearly loved her.She will be deeply missed.
Brenda was the beloved wife of the late Michael J. Hallissy, Jr. with whom she shared 39 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Claire M. Hallissy of Finger, TN, Doreen A. McKean of Wakefield, and Jeanne M. Hallissy of Melrose. Loving sister of Thelma Augello and her late husband Matthew and Dianne Vuolo both of Malden.Cherished grandmother of Steven and Justin Auger, Dylan Robertson, Michael, Matthew, and Amanda McKean, and Thomas Michael Wilder. Also survived by several nieces & nephews.
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, Brenda's family will gather privately in Most Blessed Sacrament Church for her Funeral Mass and burial in Wyoming Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be announced when conditions improve and we will be able to gather to honor, remember, and celebrate Brenda.
Gifts in Brenda's memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brenda (Vuolo) Hallissy, please visit our flower store.
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