Donna Jean (Hery) Herlihy, a long-time resident of Weymouth, died peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. She was 81.

Donna was born in New York City on April 10, 1945, and was the daughter of the late Ernie and Helen (Ford) Hery. She was raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, and attended William L. Dickinson High School. Donna made her home in Weymouth for more than 50 years, where she built a life surrounded by the people and places she loved most.

For many years, Donna worked as an administrative assistant at several companies including Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and United Airlines. By far her most cherished and rewarding position was caring for her grandchildren. For many years after she retired, several days a week she would drive from her home to the North Shore to watch her grandchildren. These were sometimes long days arriving in the morning and leaving after taking them to afternoon activities always looking forward to each day.

Above all else, family was the center of Donna's world. There was nothing she wouldn't do for the people she loved, and she poured her heart into being there for her children and grandchildren. She especially loved the holidays and family gatherings; Donna was happiest when the people she loved were close by.

Donna also had a spirit for adventure and loved to travel. Her and her husband once spent over 6 months traveling with a travel trailer across the US to Florida, California and many areas in between. Over the years she took memorable trips to Alaska, Nova Scotia, Ireland, Italy and Hawaii, and had a particular fondness for cruises, bus trips, and sailing, always eager and planning her next journey.

One of her favorite places in the world was across the street from her house on Wessagusset Beach, with her “beach girls”. It was a group of friends from different generations who enjoyed each others company and cherished the quiet relaxing moments.

Donna's life lessons and example continue through her family. She will be missed by all the lives she touched.

Donna was the beloved wife of Richard P. Herlihy Sr., with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Brian Herlihy and his wife Lisa of Swampscott, and Richard Herlihy Jr. and his wife Donna of Wentworth, New Hampshire. Donna was the loving grandmother of Robin Rogers and her husband Emerson of Marblehead, Jack Herlihy of Swampscott, Liam Herlihy of Swampscott, and Eric Herlihy and his partner Ginevra Bucklin-Lane of Wilton, New Hampshire, She was the loving great - grandmother of Tripp Rogers of Marblehead, and Corbin and Emiline Herlihy of Wilton, New Hampshire. Donna was the dear sister of Debra Tucker and her husband Tom of Arizona, and the late Lorraine Murray. She is also survived by her dear

sisters-in-law along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home NORTH WEYMOUTH at 40 Sea Street (off Route 3A - Bicknell Square).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:30 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Jerome Church, Weymouth at 10:30 AM.

Services will conclude with interment in Fairmount Cemetery, Weymouth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Donna's name to the charitable organization of one's choice.