1948 - 2016
Visitation
November 13, 20161-4P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
November 14, 20168A.M. DFH 9A.M. Church
DFH St. John the Evangelist Church
Michlyn (Scarpitto) Queenan, 68, of Chelmsford died as the result of an accident on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston.
She was married to Bernard “Bernie” Queenan with whom she celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on August 3, 2016.
Born in North Adams, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Michael and Jacqueline Scarpitto. She graduated from Stoneham High School with the class of 1966. Michlyn earned a BA in Latin and Spanish from UMass Amherst, a Masters in Counseling from Boston State, a BA in Italian from Harvard, and a BA in French from Paris, France.
Michlyn was a dedicated and beloved foreign language teacher at Chelmsford High School for forty-seven years. She truly loved teaching. She also loved to travel and “putting on her fineries”.
She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church.
Michlyn was devoted to her family. She loved being a wife and above all loved being a mother and grandmother.
She always comported herself in a classy, collegial, professional manner.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her son, Sean M. Queenan of Chelmsford; daughter, Alexa E. Queenan of Dracut; brother, Michael and his wife, Noreen Scarpitto of Reading; sisters, Carolyn and her husband, Richard Warmington of Saratoga, CA, and Renee Henning of Arlington, VA; brother-in-law, James and his wife, Shelia Queenan of Hudson, NH; sister-in-law, Mary and her husband, John Sproul of Leominster; grandchildren, Mia Queenan, and Jayleigh Queenan; two nieces and four nephews.
She was a kind, gracious, outgoing person who brought happiness and compliments galore into the lives of everyone she knew. Michlyn will forever be missed by her family and friends, but her uplifting spirit and infectious smile will burn bright of those she left behind.
Visiting hours Sun. 1 to 4 P.M. Funeral Mon. at 8A.M. from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a Funeral Mass at 9A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Private burial in the Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Memorials may be made in her name to the Chelmsford High School Alumni Association, 200 Richardson Road, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863.
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BONNIE STEADMAN
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Bernie, Sean & Alexa,
My love and prayers go out to each of you.
All I can say is “One life lived and many lives touched” Michlyn was an exceptional person!
Your neighbor & friend Bonnie Steadman
David Hedison
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My heart goes out to her family. Unique, colorful, caring, intelligent, kind, dedicated are only a few of the adjectives that describe you my dear teacher. My brother, my sister as well as my mother just thought the world of you. You made this world a better place and touched so many people. Rest in peace e spero di incontrarti di nuovo. Sei una stella…… David
Jordi de Villasante
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My heartfelt sympathy, love and prayers to all who loved Mrs. Queenan. I saw Mrs. Queenan on Tuesday at a world language workshop, and I told her she had been my Italian teacher over 20 years ago. She asked me if she did a good job. I replied that she did a great job. Mi ricordo molto bene l’italiano che ho imparato con la signora Queenan. (I still remember the Italian I learned in Mrs. Queenan’s class.)
Grazie e Ciao Professoressa
Sylvia Watnick Zima
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I am so saddened to hear about Michlyn. My deepest sympathy to you Bernie and your family. One of my very fond memories was when Michlyn was in college and she would never miss church on Sunday. She would wear her hat and coat but underneath was her nightgown. I said to her what if you get hot and she said she never does. She was a colorful person and always put a smile on my face. Everyone loved Michlyn.
Stacey Gerossie
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I would like to thank you for sharing this loving woman with all of us my children Nicole,Michael and Cameron one of here current students have all been blessed to have such a wonderful and caring teacher. I will miss my daily stories on the ride home from school which always included French class. She touched many lives and I am forever grateful she had a part in my children’s.
Carol Craig
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Throughout your life there are people that positively impact you, and Ms. Scarpitto was one of those people for me! She was such a great teacher. I had her for French and 2 years of Latin. I loved her, and I am truly sad. My sincere condolences to her family, Carol (Brownell) Craig, CHS class of 1977.
Samantha Hanlon
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Classy, professional, genuinely beautiful, -and a lover of all man kind. Never a bad word about anyone, or you had to write a love letter and read it out loud to the whole class. In fact, no bad words at all or she’d call you “toilet tongue latrine lips!” She was without judgement, always kind, and an amazing role model who always served others and God before herself. If I live half the life she did with the guts and accomplishments and I touch 1/4 as many people, I’d consider that a life very well lived. To Mr. Queenan, another fine educator, and her beautiful kids, I am so sorry for your loss. Her smile will always warm your heart, and being part of her life and her being such a big part in the lives of others is her legacy and I hope you’re proud of that and hold onto it in the days ahead. Your students and community love you all! Xoxo
Michelle Scally
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Mrs. Queenan was truly the best this world had to offer. She was intelligent, sweet, funny, beautiful, and above all kind. I have no words to express what she meant to me and what studying Latin has meant to me. My love and prayers go out to her family and loved ones. She was a blessing and a gift and we are all better because we knew her.
Rob Dorris
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My thoughts are with Sean and his family, I never had her for a teacher but from the things I heard and have seen about her she was a teacher that everyone loved. She always took the time to say hi to anyone within ear shot. CHS will be having a void for sure but she will be looking down and keeping an eye on everyone in and out of CHS.
Nancy Carroll
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Renee and Carolyn: I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Olivia smith
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You were the light of a lot of people’s lives including mine. You were not only the greatest teacher I ever had but you were the kindest person I have ever met. I wish I visited you more than I did once I left CHS. You will never be forgotten. The way you could light up a room on even the darkest of days will never be forgotten. You taught me lessons that I will always remember for the rest of my life.
Sharon Charbonnier
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Pour mon amie et ma collègue…tu étais un modèle pour nous tous. Ton sens d’humour et ta passion pour la vie et pour tes élèves m’ont beaucoup touché. Tu vas me manquer.
Avec amour,
“Madame”
To Bernie, Sean, and Alexa
Michlyn was a treasure who profoundly touched the lives of those around here. She had such a big heart. We are so so so sorry for your loss,
Sharon and Nicolas Charbonnier
Lynne Bennett- Class of 81'
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Thank you, for being my teacher. I know that is short and sweet, but if you ever had Michlyn as your teacher, it is as clear as day. A true teacher…and now an angel. RIP ~ “Miss Scarpitto”
wendy Parker
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To Michlyn’s family,
I am one of Sheila’s friends and met Michlyn several times over the years at different celebrations…..always impressed by Michlyn’s warmth and friendliness and enthusiasm.
I know she will be so very much missed by so many.
Wendy Parker
Paula Lundgren
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There are so many memories of my beloved Latin teacher, Mrs. Queenan. I fondly remember her giving me a St. medallion to keep me safe and blessing me with the Holy Water. She told me I was lucky as her mother, I believe, made one of her realitives drink it.
She would play Venus in Blue Jeans every Friday and loved her “wall children” and how she couldn’t teach with out her lipstick.
She was one of the strongest and committed women I had ever met. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to share in her life as a studnet.
Much love to her family and many thanks for sharing such a wonderful woman with so many hearts.
Debra Mercure
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Mme Scarpito is how I will always remember her. She was my Latin teacher from 1982-1986. I remember her with fondness and love. She gave me encouragement, support and love all through my high school years. Whenever I needed her, she was always there. I am now a teacher and I try to emulate her joy in teaching and her love for her students. She was a truly gifted teacher and will be greatly missed by those of us privileged to have been her students. Rest in peace, Mme. Your great work is done.
Sincerely,
Debra (Wetmore) Mercure
CHS Class of 1986
Marie Bolton
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She touched so many lives. Both my sons had her in high school and adored her. She was an inspiration and kind women as well as a dedicated educator. I am sure she is charming all of the angels in heaven.
With sympathy to the entire family.
Marie Bolton
Carolyn Wiljanen
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I was deeply saddened to learn from my daughter Heidi of the untimely passing of Michlyn. I moved to Belfast, ME, last month and so will not be able to share my condolences in person, Bernie, but there are so many memories to treasure. Michlyn was truly a sparkling gem, a dedicated teacher with multiple skills to reach each student. Her vivacity,charm and colorfully attractive dress held the attention of even the sleepiest. I also appreciated her offer to share materials when I tutored her Latin students. We, they and your children were fortunate to have had such a role model in a world of creeping incivility.
May the love and admiration of so many be a comfort. Carolyn Wiljanen
Anne O'Bryant
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To Bernie ,Sean, and Alexa,
So sorry for your loss. I loved her as one of my dearest teachers and colleagues. I set her up on two blind dates when she was my teacher (she was 22) and she continued to be a genuine and loving colleague. She loved her family so much and we talked often about Sean and Alexa. We always compared notes about being a parent. So Sorry. She was an Angel on earth Truly.
Anne
JanevMorrissey
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Dear Bernie, Sean, Alexa,
What a beautiful difference one life made! Michlyn was a breath of fresh air in everyone’s rooms. My thoughts, love, and prayers are with you.
Jane (Weintraub) Morrisseyj
Mary M. Hanna
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Bernie, Sean & Alexa,
It has been an honor and a privilege to
know Michlyn for so many years. Not only
was I her weight Watcher’s leader but we
were friends and she was part of our WW
family every Saturday morning. We so loved
her smile, laugh, words of wisdom, creativity
and unique wardrobe. So great a person
she was and we miss miss her terribly.
My staff, my members and I want to express
our deepest sympathy to all of you & family.
Michlyn will always be in our hearts and shall
never be forgotten by her WW family.
Mary Hanna
Group Leader
Weight Watchers
Dr Thomas L Wilton
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Please accept my sincere condolences. I remember Michlyn as a student in Stoneham more than 50 years ago, and, given the example of her wonderful parents, it is hardly surprising that she was a dedicated teacher of foreign languages for so many years.
Brian Doremus
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Best.teacher.ever.
You taught me to love languages and cultures other than my own. You taught me to reach for the stars. You taught me to “seize the day”. You were a great friend and advisor to many, particularly the class of 1992.
You will be deeply missed.
Shelley Lynch
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Very sorry for your loss. I worked with Michlyn at Chelmsford High (Hawthorne House) in the early 1980s. Such a warm, friendly, and upbeat person who I remember loved the color purple. She will be greatly missed.
Shelley Lynch
Stephanie (Moran) Ludwig
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Miss Scarpitto was the greatest teacher ever!
She was smart, funny, vibrant, enthusiastic, challenging, dedicated, all of the characteristics you want in a teacher! I learned so many life lessons from her that went beyond the classroom. She sent me such nice cards and notes when I left for college encouraging me to always challenge myself and to reach for the stars. She was just the best! Chelmsford High School will never be the same without her! Rest In Peace. You’ll be missed, Miss Scarpitto!
Stephanie (Moran) Ludwig
Class of 83
Suzanne Melanson
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Devestating loss! I was so sad when I heard of her passing. She lives on through all of us who were lucky enough to have been in her classroom! So many greats from CHS have left this earth way too soon. She taught me about happiness and grace and she had such elegance and pizzazz and style. CHS was a better place because of Ms. Scarpitto! I remember when she was dating Mr Queenan — married 31 years – how lovely is that.
Gail Smaldone
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Bernie and family,
In deepest thoughts and sympathies. She lives on in the thousands of hearts she has touched, both for students and staff. May your many, wonderful, memories, bring comfort to all of you, and may you know the love and support, reaching out to all of you. I helped Alexa in 3rd grade studies.. my thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Gail Smaldone (Worked in room 130 old HS with Caroline and Bio. crew)
Class of CHS 73
Carolyn Lindstrom
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Such a tragic loss. She touched so many lives. Just an incredible person. May she Rest In Peace. Prayers to her family who must be devastated by this incredible loss ❤️❤️❤️
Anne, Dana, Amanda and Chris Burns
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Mrs. Queenan touched my children’s lives so much! They both were lucky enough to have her as a teacher. She had a gift and helped every student to be successful in her class.
My husband and I were moved when Michlyn and Bernie came to their graduation parties, and other family members were impressed by her enthusiasm for teaching. Our prayers and thoughts are with Bernie, Alexa and Sean.
Maria (Alexion) Economou
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Dear Queenan Family,
My sincere sympathy on the passing away of your beloved Michlyn.
I was a 1970 graduate of CHS and fondly remember Mr. Queenan as my science teacher.
Sending thoughts, prayers and may our Lord grant you peace, consolation
and love. Rest in peace angel Michlyn in our Lord’s heavenly kingdom.
With heartfelt and deepest sympathy and may her memory be eternal.
Beverly Hedison
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My dear beautiful friend, I will miss you so very much. I will miss our talks about life,our children,and so much more. I remember when my boys David, Bruce and Mama (me) were going on a cruise and who did we see you, your hubby and your young son Sean. We have been friends since before your marriage to Bernie. I taught at McCarthy 8th grade and the students had to pick a language. I told them the best one to take would be Latin. Poor Michlyn had huge classes. I felt so guilty . She then decided to teach French. That was a real smart move. Please forgive me. I love you, I honor you and will truly miss you my dear friend. You will never be forgotten by The Hedisons
Gloria Goodnow
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Dear Bernie, Sean and Alexa, I knew my dear friend Michlyn from our UMass days. One of the first expressions I ever learned in French from her was “joie de vivre” which Michlyn believed was most necessary as the way one was to live his/her life. Her Faith and love of God gave her that spiritual beauty that emanated and was woven into the “joie de vivre” and how she lived her life. When I met Michlyn in the 70’s, I remember her stressing how important it was to always be dressed with a flair and fashion. It was her Mother’s influence here and her love of Paris and European fashion. She would search out flea markets for discarded treasures and would be proud that her entire outfit, jewelry, hat and accessories cost not much more than a dollar. I learned much from her. It was Michlyn who instructed me that it was important to leave the house with two necessities: lipstick and noticeable earrings. She likened these to “shutters” on the windows of a home to give a finished look. To this day, nearly 40 years later, I never leave without lipstick and earrings, even if I am throwing out the garbage.
I remember her enthusiasm when Sean and Alexa were growing up and Bernie’s sharing her love of travel to Italy and more. She spoke of him unceasingly way back in the 70’s when they were dating, referencing him as her best friend.
I pray for Michlyn’s soul and I trust that our Gracious God will keep her in His Loving care. May God Bless you, Mon Ami. Gloria Goodnow
carolyn LaBossiere
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So sorry hear of her passing. She was one of my favorite teachers.
Carolyn ( Weintraub) LaBossiere
peter logan
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Bernie and family……I was deeply saddened to hear of Michlyn’s sudden death. I have so many happy memories of our first meeting in June 66 and throughout the time of the nest four years at U Mass. She always made everyone feel good about themselves and bring warmth and laughter to any room. Every Christmas I enjoyed her Christmas card as I watched her family grow. I could feel the wonderful pride they all shared with each other.My thoughts and prayers are with you all .Only time and and you many happy memories will help fill the void caused by loss.Take strength in knowing how proud was of you and her unconditional love for so many.A great lady has left us all .peter
Sheila Watnick
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Dear Michlyn – I will NEVER forget you! After 48 years of friendship beginning in our junior year at UMass, there was never any judging, and we were always there for each other. I cherish our annual “junk food & smut” overnights in Ogunquit, when you would bring five “fineries” outfits to my one pair of jeans (and maybe two tops and some sneakers). If you needed to go into something “flashier” or “trashier” along the way, the car was the perfect changing room. Our first stop was always the thrift shop on Route 1 where you found so many things for a $1, and I did not have the patience to look beyond the first rack. You did try to find things for me, and once in a while you succeeded. Of course, you were ALWAYS the best dressed person in the shop. The first several years of these infamous overnights began at your house devouring second-hand chocolates given to you by your mother. Why should candy be any different from clothes? Stories of you are ingrained for the rest of my life.
Bernie, Alexa and Sean – I am here for you. We have all lost a piece of ourselves.
Love,
Sheila
Suzanne Melanson
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I was devastated to hear of Ms. Scarpitto’s passing – I graduated CHS ’85 and she was such a light. I loved her class! Her energy and smile were infectious. Mrs. Queenan was always happy and positive and full of life. It is surreal to learn of her accident and passing way too young. My heart is sad for those left behind. I loved her Latin class at CHS. And it has proven to come in handy in so many ways in my life — her spirit lives on in so many countless lives which she touched through education. Sooooo sooooo sad.
Suzanne Haggerty
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Queenan Family,
Mrs. Queenan was my favorite teacher during my time at Chelmsford High School. She had style, grace and an amazing vibrant spirit. I am so very sorry for your loss and I was very sad to hear of her passing.
Suzanne Haggerty Dormady (1986)
Michael O'Malley
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Bernie and family
I read about Michlyn’s passing in the Lowell Sun. I’m so sorry
for your loss. May the angels lead her to Paradise.
Karen Nevius Lassell
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Miss Scarpitto was one of my favorites at CHS. I have thought of her often and always been grateful for the Latin classes she taught. Her spark remains earthbound and I hope for peace and comfort to her loved ones.
Karen Nevius ’86
Colleen Gianatiempo (McDonald)
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What an individual spirit she had! My last conversation with her was so inspiring at my 30th class reunion. I will miss her!