FLAHERTY, Marilyn E. of Arlington, formerly of Somerville. Born August 24, 1932, passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016. Beloved daughter of the late James and Mary (Dacey) Flaherty. Devoted sister of Patricia Moore and husband Thomas and James Flaherty and wife Gracemarie. Loving aunt to 6 nephews, 2 nieces and grand aunt of 22 nieces and nephews. Marilyn graduated from Salem State University with a Bachelors Degree in Education. She received a Reading Specialist Certificate and an MS in Education at Boston College, and Doctorate in Education from Boston University.

Marilyn was Past President and member of Board of of Directors of the Salem State University Alumni Association. She was Past president of the Boston University School of Education Alumni Association. She was also on the Board of Directors of the Salem State University Friends of the School of Education. She was also a founder and past president of the Directors of Reading Association.

Marilyn’s career was concentrated in the Arlington Public Schools. Marilyn taught third grade for ten years, served as a reading consultant to a dozen schools for another decade, spent 3 years as director of reading, another 3 years as the principal of the Locke School, and finished her career as the Principal of the Pierce School for another 24 years. She was an educator in the Arlington Public Schools for over 50 years. She held many positions and leadership roles.

Marilyn was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Zonta International, Phi Delta Kappa, Pi Lambda Theta, Phi Kappa Phi, American Association of University Women and Catholic Women’s Club. She held many leadership roles and was the recipient of numerous awards. She was an avid volunteer for many organizations and non profit organizations.

Funeral from the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St. (Rt. 60, Adjacent to St. Agnes Church) Arlington, Saturday at 9 am. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Agnes Church, 30 Medford St., Arlington at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 pm. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.. In Lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s name may be made to the Mary, Marilyn, James Flaherty Scholarship Fund Salem State University c/o Foundation Board or the Marilyn Flaherty Scholarship Fund c/o Arlington High School. For directions or to send a message of condolence please visit www.keefefuneralhome.com.