Ida Mary McElroy

     Ida Mary McElroy “Mammy” passed away peacefully on August 23, 2020 at Anna Jaques hospital with her family by her side.

     Ida was born in Baltimore, MD to the late Pat and Sarah Mazzaglia on September 30, 1931. She grew up in Beverly, Massachusetts and graduated from Beverly High School, where she met her future husband, Stephen Clark McElroy.  Ida and Clark lived in their home on Central Street, Rowley, MA for over 60 years, raising their 5 children and welcoming their many friends.  They enjoyed their gardens, time on the ocean and the wildlife around Rowley.

      Ida donated significant time, energy and love as a volunteer with the Rowley food pantry.  She spent many years of her life in the food service industry working at Lonell’s, the Chanticleer and the Pancake House in Rowley and she talked with pride about working at the historic Jewel Mill near her home.

     Ida, a woman of deep faith and love was a member of St. Mary’s church in Rowley for over 60 years.  She was an angel in our eyes.  She was and will remain the glue of our family.  Ida made friends everywhere she went and simply touched many lives in the sweetest, purely honest, and most loving ways.  Always putting others first, she was constantly inquiring how everyone was doing.  Even in her worst physical condition, it was always about everyone else.  Seeing her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren always brought her the most joy and comfort.

      Ida was predeceased by her husband Stephen Clark McElroy.  She is survived by her brother Tom Mazzaglia (Ellen), sister Patricia Abate (Charlie), and children Kevin McElroy (Kate), daughters Bridget (Garrett), Nora (Eben), and Gemma; Karen Groleau (Jim), daughter Nicole Groleau; Nancy Gormley (Calvin), son Matthew Twomey; Jane McElroy, daughter Carly and son Shea Capolupo; James McElroy (Rochelle) sons Sean (Kristie), Kyle (Katie) and Adam.  Great grandchildren Alexia, Bella, Colin, Owen, Lyla, Levi, Parker, Ford, and those on the way.  Ida is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

       The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to the staff at Haverhill Crossings, Wingate, Visiting Angels, and Anna Jaques Hospital for their tremendous compassionate care for our mother.

     A special loving thank you to our cousin Ned and his wife Becky McElroy who regularly went out of their way to stay connected and spend time and take care of our Mother.  Also, to our cousin Tina, Ida’s godchild, for helping maintain the Beverly family connection.

     Fittingly, Mammy’s final words: “I love you more than life”.

     Ida Mary McElroy’s family invites you to calling hours on Sunday, October 24, 2021, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent St., Rowley, to celebrate our wonderful mother who passed last year. Blessings will be given, and family members will be glad to see all who attend.

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital, Rowley Food Pantry, or Merrimack Valley Hospice of Haverhill.

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