Margaret M. (Kennedy) WhelanBeloved mother, grandmother and sister NO. CHELMSFORD, MA -- Margaret M. (Kennedy) Whelan, 86, formerly of Windham, NH, Billerica and Harwich, MA, died Sunday, September 28th at Emeritus Meadow Lodge after a period of declining health.She was the beloved wife for 45 years of the late Kenneth R. Whelan who died May 9, 2002.Born in County Sligo, Ireland on February 29, 1928, she was the daughter of the late James and Ellen (Dunne) Kennedy.Margaret worked for many years in the cafeteria in the Billerica school system before retiring to the Cape.Margaret was a devoted Catholic who enjoyed attending daily mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and saying the rosary. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, knitting, walking, and spending time with family.She was a former member of the Billerica Irish American Club and volunteered at the Family Pantry in Harwich.Margaret is survived by three sons, James J. Whelan and his wife Greta of Northboro, MA, William A. Whelan and his wife Deborah of Pelham, NH, and Kenneth V. Whelan and his wife Celeste of Dracut, MA; six grandchildren Kayla, Kevin, Justin, Amelia, Kaitlyn and Vincent Whelan; a sister, Evelyn Gill of West Roxbury, MA; and many nieces, nephews and friends.She was predeceased by her three brothers, Michael, John and James Kennedy.The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Meadow Lodge, Excella Homecare, Beacon Hospice, and Senior Helpers for the exceptional care they provided to Margaret.WHELAN -- In No. Chelmsford, MA, Sept. 28, 2014, at Emeritus Meadow Lodge, Margaret M. (Kennedy) Whelan, formerly of Windham, NH, Billerica, MA and Cape Cod, wife of the late Kenneth R. Whelan. Friends may call at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, 11 NASHUA RD. in PELHAM from 4 to 7 P.M. Thursday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass to be celebrated Friday morning at ST. PATRICK CHURCH in PELHAM at 10 o'clock. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA. E-condolences/directions at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Margaret's memory may be made to NH Catholic Charities, PO Box 686, Manchester, NH 03105 or Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333.