Martha Jean (Cooney) Torrey, 84, died Monday morning peacefully at The Lafayette in Marblehead. Jean was born June 20, 1931, in Jamaica Plain, and was the daughter of the late Frederick and Dorothy (Harrington) Cooney. She was the devoted wife of the late Charles Torrey. Educated in Swampscott, she was a graduate of Swampscott High School, Class of 1949.
Jean worked many years as a dedicated volunteer for organizations, including the Home for Little Wanderers, Marblehead Historical Society and Salem Hospital. At Salem Hospital she received their staff award and earned the 4,000 hour volunteer pin.
She was an integral part of Swampscott PTA, at one point holding the office of president, raising thousands of dollars for college scholarships. Jean enjoyed painting, cooking and travel.
She is survived by her children, Nancy Hayes, John Torrey, Susanne Lannon and Allyson Nevil, son-in-laws, Peter Hayes, Steven Lannon and Alex Nevil, grandchildren, Matt Hayes, Sarah Hayes, Chris Doughty, James Torrey, Catie Torrey, Danielle (husband Kyle) Beatrice, Stephanie Lannon, Sean Lannon and Jake Nevil, and great-granddaughter, Adelaide Beatrice. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Palmeri (husband John). Predeceased by her brothers, Fred and Robert Cooney.
Service information: A funeral service will be held in the Eustis and Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm St., Marblehead, on Friday, March 11, at 11 a.m. Burial to follow in Swampscott Cemetery. All are welcome. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, March 10, from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in her memory to the North Shore Medical Center Development Office, 81 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970 or at NSMC.partners.org/giving or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Please visit the online guest book for Jean at Eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.