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Martha Philamena (Cosgrave) O’Leary, 89, of Franklin, Massachusetts, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Enclave in Franklin surrounded by her family.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Martha was the youngest of six children of James Thomas and Ellen “Nellie” (McGladrigan) Cosgrave. At age 12, she immigrated to the United States with her parents, traveling by ship to join her older siblings in New Jersey. The family eventually settled in Belleville, New Jersey, where Martha graduated from high school before attending nursing school and becoming a registered nurse.
Martha worked as a registered nurse in New Jersey and New York, eventually serving as a head nurse. Along the way, she formed friendships that would last a lifetime, including those with Joan McNamara and Alice Gallagher. Through Joan and her husband, Henry, Martha met James D. O’Leary, whom she married on October 15, 1966, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Belleville, New Jersey. They shared nearly 58 years of marriage before Jim’s passing in 2024.
Martha and Jim settled in Medway, Massachusetts, where they raised their family and made their home for nearly 40 years. Martha dedicated 35 years to nursing at Milford Regional Hospital, caring for countless patients and developing many cherished friendships with her colleagues.
Martha took up running in the 1970s and soon became a familiar figure on the roads of Medway. She enjoyed competing in local road races, often earning medals in her age division. She also enjoyed tennis and bridge during her earlier married years and became an enthusiastic mahjong and poker player later in life. Throughout her life, she remained an avid reader.
Above all, Martha treasured her family, especially her five grandchildren. She often adjusted her nursing schedule to help care for them when they were young, making “days at Grammy’s” a cherished part of their childhood.
After nearly four decades in Medway, Martha and Jim moved to Lake Hiawatha in Bellingham, Massachusetts, before eventually settling in Franklin. They lived together at Magnolia Heights and later at Enclave Assisted Living, where Martha remained following Jim’s passing in 2024.
Martha was deeply caring and devoted to those she loved, yet never shy about sharing her opinion. Her spunk, quick wit, and dry sense of humor were as much a part of her personality as her generous heart. She will be remembered for her independence, her compassion, and the love she had for her family and friends.
Martha was predeceased by her beloved husband, James D. O’Leary, and her five siblings: Maureen Mooney, Joseph “Joe” Cosgrave, James “Jimmy” Cosgrave, Sarah “Sally” Eaton, and Anne Fennessy.
She is survived by her daughters, Tara Cederholm and her husband, Matt, and Moira Duncan and her husband, Steven; her five grandchildren, Noah Cederholm, Molly Duncan, Lauren Cederholm, Shane Cederholm, and Liam Duncan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her family will carry her memory with them, grateful for the many ways she enriched their lives.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church Franklin, Massachusetts on Tuesday, November 3 at 10:00 am.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Martha’s memory to the Heart Failure Research Foundation, an initiative of the Heart Failure Society of America, supporting research to improve the treatment and care of people living with heart failure.
Donations may be made at https://www.hfsa.org/research/heart-failure-research-foundation
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin. (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).
