Obituary of Anna Wilkins

Anna Lillian Wilkins, a woman who loved and cared for her family all throughout her life, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, March 20, 2016. She was 94 years old. Anna was born in Charlestown, the daughter of the late James Joseph Galvin and Anne Elizabeth (Harrigan) Galvin. Her family had lived in Charlestown for several generations after emigrating from Ireland. Anna attended St. Francis de Sales Parochial School and was a graduate of Charlestown High School, Class of 1939. She married Ernest F. Wilkins in 1945 and moved to their home in Somerville. When she was only 43 years old, her husband passed away leaving her with their 2 year old daughter Marcia. With lots of family support, she managed to get by on her own and eventually returned to the work force. She worked for over 20 years at the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company in Boston as a record clerk. After retiring, she cared for her great niece and great nephews while their parents worked. In 1999, she sold her home in Somerville and came to live next door to her daughter and her family in Burlington. Once again she took on the role of care giver, this time taking care of her grandson, Ben. Anna was a special woman. She was the ‘princess’ from the tale of the ‘Princess and the Pea’ balanced with the Irish stout hardiness of a Charlestown ‘Townie’. She was a loyal Red Sox fan, who would watch or listen to the games no matter when or where they were playing. She learned to love the Sox with her Dad and it gave her so much joy to see her ‘boys’ finally win the World Series! She delighted in dining out, visits to Rockport, and time spent with her family. She was blessed to have a sharp mind throughout her life and always had plenty to say about the state of current politics and world affairs. There is an old saying that ‘A mother’s heart grows by giving’ which would mean that Anna’s heart was so large it was ready to burst. She will always be with her family, in their hearts, in their memories, and in their daily lives. Anna was the beloved wife of the late Ernest F. Wilkins. Loving mother of Marcia J. Aulenback & her husband Warren S. of Burlington. Proud grandmother of Benjamin F. Aulenback of Burlington. Devoted sister of Dorothy M. Torpey of Burlington, formerly of Charlestown, the late Mary T. MacDonald of Alton NH, James J. Galvin of Portland ME and Robert W. Galvin of Charlestown. Favored aunt and Godmother of Anne Marie Brazil of Burlington and her husband Robert. Great aunt of Richard A. Gentile of Danvers, Kathleen A. and William B. Brazil both of Burlington. Great-great aunt of Alyssa A. Gentile. Also survived by many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Wednesday, March 23 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.Saint-Malachy.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net