Josephine Kirk Cleary

Josephine Kirk Cleary of Auburndale and West Hyannisport, MA died on August 27 at Cape Cod Hospital, weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage while having dinner on Craigville Beach. She departed with her palate, personality, and politics fully intact.

Jo was born in Newton, MA on November 12, 1936, the second of five children of the late Judge Paul G. and Josephine O’Connell Kirk. She graduated from Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in 1954, and Newton College, Class of 1958.

During college, Jo was introduced to William J. (Bill) Cleary Jr, whom she married on May 7, 1960. Bill survives Jo, as do their three children Paula K. Cleary (Paul D. Farrell), William J. Cleary III (Roberta O. Hing), and Kathleen O. Cleary, and grandsons Aidan (Jennifer Walker), Liam, Quinn, and Cole Cleary.

She is also survived by her brothers Paul G. (Gail) and Edward W. Kirk (Sally) and nieces/nephews Mikaela McDermott (Norm Meltzer), Beth McDermott, Andrew McDermott, Katharine Kirk, and Molly Kirk. Jo was predeceased by her parents and sisters, Kathleen M. Kirk and Maud Ann Kirk.

Art, flowers, and books brought Jo great pleasure throughout her life. An Art major in college, Jo later took art classes at Belmont Hill School, mastering her silk-screening skills. She was a member of the Ladies Committee at the Museum of Fine Arts, working on Art in Bloom, which required her to go to the Boston flower market in the wee hours and create arrangements to accompany the Museum’s artwork.

Her fellow MFA class of 1994 members remained close to this day, still meeting regularly for their book club. Jo’s Cape backyard, affectionately named “Kath’s Garden” in honor of her older sister, was her prized sanctuary.

Jo also served as a trustee of the Belmont Hill School and Newton Country Day School.

Calling hours will be Monday August 31 at Burke Funeral Home 56 Washington Street, Wellesley MA, from 4-7 PM. A funeral Mass in celebration of Jo’s life will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Wellesley on Tuesday September 1, at 11:30 am. Mass will be livestreamed at St. John's Livestream .

Burial immediately following at Newton Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will follow at Brae Burn Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo’s memory to Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation

Her family will be forever grateful for the care and kindness that Jo received from entire hospital staff in her final days.