Close, Rosaleen

By Canton Citizen

Rosaleen Close, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026, in Canton. She died at the incredible age of 104.

Born on September 26, 1922, in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland, she was the daughter of Patrick and Catherine Maguire. At 6 years old, she immigrated to Brooklyn, New York. That move was the start of a long, full life shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep devotion to family. She later made her home in Jamaica Plain and Dedham before settling in Canton in 1987, where she remained surrounded by the people and traditions she loved.

Beloved wife of the late George F. Close Sr., she was the proud mother of George F. Close Jr. and his wife, Marcia, of North Carolina, Maureen L. Dickie and her late husband, Bill, of Canton, Paul M. Close and his wife, Andrea, of Canton, Dennis J. Close and his wife, Nancy, of Westford, and the late Kevin A. Close. She was also the sister of Eileen Verderico of Roslindale and the late Patrick Maguire, Mary (May) O’Brien, Emmett Maguire, and Kathleen McCann. Her legacy lives on through 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Hardworking and dependable, Rosaleen met the loss of her husband with remarkable strength. She went on to work as a waitress until the age of 75, and she was always delighted when family stopped in, especially her grandchildren. She told it like it was, and everyone who knew her respected her for it. And God help anyone who walked into her house, her restaurant, or really any establishment with a hat on, because she made sure it was removed promptly.

Rosaleen found joy in simple pleasures and cherished routines. An avid reader, she was rarely without a good book. She loved trips to Cape Cod and treasured the memories made there with family and friends. To many she was “Nana Cupcake,” never arriving without cupcakes from the local bakery, although there is some speculation about this from the younger grandchildren. Fall apple picking was a favorite, a chance to sit back and watch everyone together, laughing and telling stories.

Family traditions mattered deeply to her, and she kept them alive with love and consistency. She made sure Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s Day dinner were celebrated with care and togetherness — as long as you arrived at 2 p.m. sharp. Her home and her heart were always open to family. She understood the value of gathering around a table, sharing stories, and passing traditions from one generation to the next.

Rosaleen Close will be remembered for her strength, her honesty, and her unwavering devotion to her family. She lived a long and meaningful life, guided by hard work, love, and a deep appreciation for the people around her. Her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass on Thursday, October 15 (today) at 11 a.m. in St. Oscar Romero Parish in Canton. Visiting hours will be held Thursday prior to the funeral Mass from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street. Burial at Brookedale Cemetery in Dedham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Perkins School for the Blind, 175 N. Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472, where she received audio books for many years.

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