Obituary of Lynne A. Whiteley

Lynne A Whiteley of Plymouth MA passed away on Saturday, April 8, at the age of 75. Lynne was born March 17, 1948, to Edward and Mary Whiteley. Lynne grew up in Kingston MA and graduated from Silver Lake Regional High School in 1966. She was the first in her family to attend college, earning her degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State College in 1971. From there she went on to finish her Master’s Degree. Lynne began her teaching career at the Center School in Pembroke before moving to the newly constructed Hobomock Elementary School, also in Pembroke, where she worked until she retired in 2006. Lynne spent her summers waitressing at McGrath’s Restaurant and later Sandy’s on the beach in Plymouth. After retirement, Lynne spent her time volunteering at establishments including Jordan Hospital, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha thrift shop and food pantry, Bingo on Friday nights at Sacred Heart School, and Fairy Dog Parents. Lynne loved being around others and was the type of person who made an impact on so many. Her students would talk of her influence years after graduating. Her teacher friends would gather in her classroom for coffee every morning and continued to remain close long after retirement. She was quick with a loud laugh and was extremely generous to all those who met her. She was especially devoted to her close-knit family.

Lynne was the beloved sister of Elizabeth Vacchino and her partner Bob Freda of Plympton; Devoted Auntie to Kara Swisher and husband Chris of Maplewood NJ, Lynsey Canney-Vacchino and wife Danielle of Kingston, and Mark Vacchino of Abington; Great-Auntie to Cecelia and Oliver Swisher, whom she doted on at every opportunity.

Services will be held at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main Street, Kingston, on Thursday, April 13th from 4-8pm.

Her funeral mass will be held at Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 126 South Meadow Road, Plymouth on Friday, April 14th at 10:30am. A graveside burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 130 Elm Street, Kingston. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Plymouth Pound.