Elizabeth C. Whalen

Elizabeth C. Whalen, 98, of 28 Laurel Avenue, Massena passed away on Monday, August 11,

2025.

Elizabeth was born January 16, 1927 in Canton, a daughter of the late Michael J. and Mary

Loretta (Gaffney) Carraher. She graduated from Canton High School in 1944 and cum laude

from D'Youville College in Buffalo in 1948. Elizabeth then earned a nursing degree from Mt. St.

Mary's Nursing School in 1949.

Elizabeth began her career at Massena Central School as a school nurse and teacher. On

August 8, 1953, Elizabeth married Lawrence A. Whalen at St. Mary's Church in Canton with

Rev. Edward Burns, celebrating. Mr. Whalen predeceased her on January 16, 1997.

In 1968, Elizabeth began working for the St. Lawrence County Children's Services department

as a case worker in adoptive services, retiring in 1982. She was a charter member and past

President and Secretary of the NNY Chapter of D'Youville College Alumni and was a

communicant of Sacred Heart Church of Massena.

Elizabeth is survived by a daughter, Mary Louise (Ted) Williams of Pulaski and a son, John M.

Whalen of Massena, as well as by four grandchildren: Ian Whalen of Florida, Michael Whalen of

Colorado, Maureen Williams (Dr. Thomas Kania) of New Jersey, and Margaret Williams of

Syracuse.

In addition to her beloved Lawrence and parents Michael and Mary Loretta, she was

predeceased by a son, William Whalen and by sisters Anne Nolen and Helen Mullen.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Church,

Canton followed by burial in the Parish Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralsevice.com.

Arrangements for Elizabeth C. Whalen are under the care of the O'Leary Funeral Service of Canton.