Obituary: M. Joyce (Nolan) Crowley, Member of the Singing Nolan Sisters

Obituary from Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home.

M. Joyce (Nolan) Crowley, 86, beloved wife of the late Acting Fire Chief of Salem Robert Crowley, died unexpectedly on Friday January 30, 2015 at the North Shore Medical Center—Salem Hospital.

Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Marguerite “Birdie” (Gallagher) Nolan. She grew up in Peabody and graduated from St. John’s High School. She later studied at Fisher College and worked for a short time as a secretary at A.C. Lawrence Leather Company in Peabody. Her main passion was her dedication and devotion to her family, often referring to her grandchildren as the jewels in her crown.

Joyce and her sisters performed on the radio and around the North Shore during the 1940’s as the singing Nolan Sisters, fueling a lifelong love of music. She also enjoyed travel with her husband, and lived at Brooksby Village in Peabody for many years.

She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Neil Crowley & Marilyn Haugen of Arlington, VA, Paul & Julie E. Crowley of Beverly, and Robert Crowley & Sandra Bayley of Plainville; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary & Jerry Feltault of Topsfield; 10 grandchildren, Patrick Crowley, Kaitlin Crowley, Julie K Crowley, Timothy Crowley, Daniel Crowley, Leah Crowley and Noah Crowley, Robert Feltault, Maura Feltault, and Emily Feltault; a sister and brother-in-law, Katharine & Leslie Ray of Peabody, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death, besides her husband and parents, by siblings Marygrace Tracchia and Richard Nolan.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for her Funeral Service on Saturday February 7, 2015 at 10 AM at Brooksby Village Chapel in Peabody. A visitation will be held on Friday from 5 – 8 P.M. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Cremation will follow the ceremony. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.