Ann Gargan King

August 08, 1934 - December 09, 2022

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Obituary for Ann Gargan King

Ann Gargan King passed away peacefully at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH, Friday December 9, 2022.

Ann was born in Boston, MA on August 8, 1934, to Joseph F. Gargan and Agnes Fitzgerald Gargan. She was welcomed to the family by her siblings Joey and Mary Jo. She was the granddaughter of Mayor John Fitzgerald “Honey Fitz” and cousin to President John F. Kennedy.

Ann and her siblings went into the care of her aunt and uncle, William and Ann Gargan, and their guardians, Daniel and Catherine O’Dea in Lowell, MA after the untimely deaths of their mother (1936) and father (1946).

After high school Ann entered the convent at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. Due to health issues she returned to her family in Lowell, MA in 1955.

Ann spent many years caring for her Aunt Ann and Uncle Bill Gargan and then for her Uncle Joseph P. Kennedy. She was a compassionate and attentive caregiver to the former ambassador and was by his side through triumph and tragedy.

After Ambassador Kennedy’s death, Ann moved to Norwell, MA, married Thomas King and had many happy years. In the years following Tom’s passing, Ann lived in Meredith, NH, Milton, MA and finally, Bradford, VT to be near her sister, Mary Jo Clasby.

Ann was a devout Catholic, attending daily Mass for many years. She loved animals and had many dogs, cats and horses throughout her life. She loved the countryside of Ireland, woods of New Hampshire and sands of the Cape. She had a quick wit and a great sense of humor.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Terri Gargan Wheeler, Joseph Gargan, Thomas Gargan, Michael Clasby, Richard Clasby, Gail Mustoe, Robert Clasby, Mary Jo O’Neill, John Clasby, her sister-in-law, Betty Gargan, her stepsons, Michael and Donald King and her many great nieces and great nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Agnes, her husband Thomas King, her brother Joe Gargan, her sister Mary Jo Clasby and her niece Susan Clasby.

Donations in Ann’s name can be made to Winsome Riding Academy, Inc. in Randolph, MA Therapeutic Equine Programs www.winsomeriding.org.

Services

7 Jan

Visting Hour

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
7 Jan

Mass of Christian Burial

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Our Lady of the Visitation Parish (Saint Elizabeth Church) 350 Reedsdale Road Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
7 Jan

Burial

01:30 PM

Church Hill Cemetery Common Avenue Norwell, MA 02061 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • June 25, 2023

    Ann and Tom King were my neighbors growing up in Norwell, MA. They were both loving and generous people. They opened their tennis court up to our family as our own tennis court. What great people to allow the nine kids next door to use their court and property as their own. One funny story to share. The Kings owned several acres that surrounded our own property. We used that land as our own. The giant side yard we mowed and played in was actually their land. Ann would walk her 7 dogs through their woods (which as kids we considered our personal grounds) from time to time. I still whistle in a form similar to her calling the dogs. One day I came home from school, probably a second or third grader to extreme disappointment from my stepmom. My brother Brian and I had dug several holes about three our four feet deep to catch a rabbit. In the bottom we had sticks pointing up to spear the rabbit (this was all mostly fantasy, we didn't want to hurt anything). We then covered the top of the hole (about 18" in diameter) with small sticks, pine needles and leaves. It was a set of perfectly camouflaged holes. Then we probably marched out of the woods to play football in the front yard, forgetting about our little project for several months until we were notified that we caught Ann King on her own property. I know my stepmom probably got an 'ear full' but I never heard any negativity from the Kings. We continued to use their tennis court and land like nothing had happened. She never once mentioned the situation to me. I tried to see Ann several years back in Milton. I happened to be working down the street from her home in Milton. I was super excited to say hello. I left her a note but did not hear back. Thank you Ann AND Tom for being such great people. You were already missed. 😘

  • June 24, 2023

    Ann was my next neighbor in Norwell with her husband Tom. We shared so many good memories.She was fond of her two stepsons they often visited. She loved all her dogs when her Irish wolfhound gave birth to 11 pups she called me to help it was overwhelming!

  • March 24, 2023

    I have just heard of Ann's passing from her stepson. Ann was married to my uncle Thomas (Robin) King. They brought me and other family to visit Boston for 3 wonderful summers in the 70's. I have nothing but very fond memories of my visits to stay with them and the 5 dogs and two CATS. Daytrips to Cape Cod, meeting a load of her family, who always made feel so special. RIP Ann, thank you so much for making large chunks of my childhood so happy during troubled times here in N. Ireland, thank you for your meet ups here in Ireland and London. I will be forever in your debt and will always cherish the memories of our time together.

  • January 06, 2023

    My Condolences go to all of her Family and Friends. My Mom informed me on Momday of her Passing. I have very fond memories with her, as I'd Call her Auntie Ann up in NH, she was one of my Grandmothers Good Friends. We'd attend Fairs in NH with her, go ATVing on the 4 Wheel, Play with her Dogs, Barkley was my Favorite, the 2 Irish Wolfhounds, Pumpkin who hid under a table, etc, and go out for Dinners at one of her Favorite Restaurants Rossi's Italian Restaurant in New Hampton, NH! She made an impact on many by just being her loving self, was very genuine and kind. The Memories I have with her 'll Cherish For a Lifetime with my Family! I'll always keep Auntie Ann and her Dogs in my Heart. I know shes definitely an Angel Up Above, and up there with my Grandmother, Dad, her Dogs she loved, along with her Family and Friends, I'll see them someday soon.

  • January 05, 2023

    I just learned today about Ann I'm so sorry I cannot be with you on Saturday in fortunately I'm already at a different memorial service on los angeles Ann was such a loving caregiver to grandpa when i close my eyes I always see her there by his side She was in the job around the clock always putting his needs or grandmas needs ahead of everything I dint know what they would have done with out her I don't know what anyone would have done I send all my love to her spirit love maria

  • January 03, 2023

    I think of Ann often, "aunty" as she was known to me throughout my childhood. I will be ever grateful for her trusting me with the care of Frisk and Bert. Please accept my condolences. Frisk and Bert lived long happy lives, their last ten, grazing on fresh green grass and enjoying retirement. I hope the three of them are together again, each enjoying a carrot that Aunty brought just for them.

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