1937 - 2026
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, eventually settling in Belleville, New Jersey. She graduated from high school and went on to nursing school, becoming a registered nurse.
Martha worked as a nurse in New Jersey and New York, eventually becoming a head nurse. She later married James D. O’Leary on October 15th, 1966, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Belleville, New Jersey. They shared nearly 58 years of marriage before his death in 2024.
Martha and Jim settled in Medway, where they raised their family and lived for nearly 40 years. Martha spent 35 years working as a registered nurse at Milford Regional Hospital, where she cared for patients and formed lasting friendships with colleagues.
She enjoyed running, participating in local road races and often earning medals in her age division. She also enjoyed tennis and bridge, and later in life became an enthusiastic mahjong and poker player. She remained an avid reader throughout her life.
Family was especially important to Martha, particularly her five grandchildren. She often adjusted her nursing schedule to help care for them when they were young, creating memories that became known as “days at Grammy’s.”
After nearly four decades in Medway, Martha and Jim moved to Lake Hiawatha in Bellingham before eventually settling in Franklin. Martha lived at Magnolia Heights and later at Enclave Assisted Living, where she remained after Jim's death.
Martha was predeceased by her 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; five grandchildren, Noah Cederholm, Molly Duncan, Lauren Cederholm, Shane Cederholm, and Liam Duncan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, November 3rd, at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Heart Failure Research Foundation, an initiative of the Heart Failure Society of America.
