M. Roberta Galvin “Bobbie”

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother

LOWELL - M. Roberta (Mulvey) (Mcdermott) Galvin, age 94, died surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late James A. Mcdermott, who died in 1954, and the late John Blake “Jack” Galvin Sr., who died in 1980. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend. Cherished by many, she will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Born in Lowell on December 18, 1928, she was the youngest daughter of the late Lowell Police Sgt. Robert T. Mulvey and Margaret (Vallely) Mulvey. For most of her life, “Bobbie” was a resident of the Highlands section of Lowell, where she raised her family of three children and was a communicant of St. Margaret Church.

Bobbie received her education in the Lowell Public Schools, graduating from Lowell High School in 1945, where she attained the position of Captain in the Girl Officers Regiment. She went on to receive her associate degree as an Executive Secretary from the Kathleen Dell Business School, in Brookline, MA in 1947. She also attended Lowell State College, where she met Jack Galvin.

Over the years, Bobbie was involved in supporting her children’s schools and in many civic organizations, including the Ladies of Charity of Saint John’s Hospital, St. Margaret Blessed Virgin Society, as well as The Seton Guild, serving in the role of vice-president for several years.

During her career, Bobbie was employed by the Lowell Public Schools in a variety of capacities. Bobbie worked at the Shaughnessy School, Even Start Program, and the Title I Program. She also worked as a secretary for Attorney John J. Hurley and at the Lowell Chamber of Commerce, where she helped to organize the city’s first Folk Festival. It was during these times that Bobbie developed and maintained many close relationships with colleagues who became true friends. Mrs. Galvin retired from the Lowell School Department in 2006 at the age of 77.

She spent her life deeply involved in the activities of her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. She reveled in hosting parties to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and important milestones. She also enjoyed entertaining friends, traveling to the beach, relaxing in the sun, watching sporting events, reading, and playing Scrabble. In recent years she moved to Belvidere to be closer to her family, and while it was hard for her to leave her beloved neighbors, she delighted in being able to spend time at the pool or out on the porch soaking up the sun. In her new home, she would often be found in her favorite chair, either on the phone, using her ipad, or writing cards. She was a master at keeping in touch with friends and family, near and far. While she will be remembered for her sharp wit and candid nature, she will ultimately remain forever in our hearts as our most unwavering supporter and proudest cheerleader.

Mrs. Galvin is survived by her daughters Roberta Keefe of Lowell, Suzanne Courtney and her husband Jay of Hamilton, MA, her son John Blake Galvin Jr. and his wife Kerri of Lowell, her ten grandchildren: Kathleen Keefe and her partner John Sexton, Kara Keefe Mullin and her husband, Christopher Mullin, Meaghan Keefe, Courtney Keefe Romanowsky and her husband Nicholas Romanowsky, John Blake “Jack” Galvin III, Kate Galvin, Carly Galvin, Ryan Galvin, all of whom are from Lowell, and Jameson and Jackson Courtney of Hamilton, MA. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Aidan and William Mullin, as well as Ruby Romanowsky. She was predeceased by her two sisters Lorraine & Bert Mulvey.

The family would also like to extend their deep gratitude to her caregivers who made it possible for her to remain in her home, Patti Stickney, Donna Stickney, and Dany Soeurn and to her loyal friends and regular visitors Bunnie and Kevin Kirane, Mary Ann and Jim Mcmahon, Jean Franco, Claire Abrams, and Elise and Brian Martin.

Family and Friends may call at THE FAY MCCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, on WEDNESDAY, March 22, 2023, from 3 until 7 PM. Mrs. Galvin’s FUNERAL will begin on THURSDAY MORNING at 10 o’clock from the Funeral Home, followed by her FUNERAL MASS at 11 o’clock at THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 144 E. MERRIMACK ST. LOWELL. Burial will follow in ST. MARY CEMETERY, TEWKSBURY.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in Mrs. Galvin’s memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute PO Box 849168, Boston MA 02284-9168 or www.danafarber.jimmyfund. org