Margaret Ann Heelan

Margaret Ann (Kennedy) Heelan, formerly of 112 High Street, North Attleboro, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in Dedham at the age of 83. She was the wife of the late Francis Heelan, owner and operator of Heelco Corporation in North Attleboro, who died in March 2000. Born in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston, Massachusetts on September 20, 1928, she was a daughter of the late William and Mary Katherine (Day) Kennedy. Margaret was a loving, caring teacher for more than thirty-five years achieving her Bachelor of Science degree from the former Framingham Teachers College and received her Masters degree from the University of New Hampshire where she was a member of the Phi Mu Soriety. She continued to further her education towards the goal of achieving her Doctorate degree at Boston and Harvard Universities. For the majority of her life she was a pioneer in helping those with learning disabilities concentrating on children struggling with dyslexia. A reading specialist for the Walpole School System in the 1960's, she was later the owner and operator of the former Heelan's Child Development Center in Attleboro Falls during the 1970s. These were among a few of her accomplishments in a lifetime of teaching. Margaret's life dream was to touch the hearts of children, which she did relentlessly with a patient and devoted approach. A true angel, her spirit has left this earthly life and until which time family and friends meet her again to honor her for her kind and understanding ways toward all the children she truly assisted. She leaves a daughter: Lisa Morrison of Attleboro; a son: Craig Heelan, Sr. of Attleboro and three grandchildren: Kayla, Sean and Craig Heelan, Jr. all of Plainville. Visitation has been respectfully omitted. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 208 South Main Street - Route 152, Attleboro with Rev. John M. Murray, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mrs. Heelan's name may be made to the Dyer-Lake Charitable Foundation, Inc., a registered 501 (c) (3) organization, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA 02760 to benefit the Meeting Street School in Providence, Rhode Island so that even in her death, her dream will continue that every child with a disability be given the best possible education with patience, devotion and love. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.