Mary Ellen Feeney, a fourth generation Alexandrian, passed away peacefully March 9, 2015, in her home of 64 years on Richmond Lane. She was 89.
Born Nov. 26, 1925 to Francis H. Fannon and Dorothy Knight Fannon, Feeney was the granddaughter of Thomas J. Fannon, a former vice mayor of Alexandria and founder in 1885 of T.J. Fannon & Sons at the corner of Duke and Henry streets in Old Town.
Feeney graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1942 and attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Old Town. A member of Belle Haven Country Club, she was an avid golf and tennis enthusiast.
Feeney was preceded in death by her beloved husband William R. (Bill) Feeney. She is survived by and was a loving mother to their five children: Dorothy Ellen Arehart, William R. Feeney, Jr., Barbara Lynn Sprott, James Francis Feeney and Gail Feeney-Coyle. She also leaves behind five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Feeney is the sister of Francis H. Fannon III, Dorothy Markham and the late T.J. Fannon.
Visitation will be held Monday, March 16, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with 7 p.m. prayers at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Road. A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 309 S. Royal St. A reception celebrating Feeney’s life will be held immediately following at St. Mary’s Lyceum, 313 Duke St.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Christ House Emergency Shelter, 131 S. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or Capital Caring, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042.