Lyn O. Clancey

Lyn Ora Clancey, 72, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2025 in Worcester with her family by her side after a nearly five year battle with cancer.

Born on February 14th, 1953 in Worcester, Lyn was the cherished daughter of the late Arthur J. McDonnell and the late Julia E. (Poulson) McDonnell. She was raised in the Burncoat neighborhood of Worcester with her siblings Wayne McDonnell, Gayle (McDonnell) Brett, and the late Jeffrey McDonnell. Lyn attended Burncoat High School.

Lyn is survived by her husband, Joseph P. Clancey, her children, Christina (Clancey) Keenan and her husband, Brendan Keenan of Worcester, Julie Clancey of Worcester, Tara Clancey of Worcester, Laurie Clancey of Braintree, and Timothy Clancey of Foxborough. She loved and cared for her grandchildren Ava, Kellan, Chase, and Reina.

Lyn lived her life in the service of others, both in her personal and professional life, and she always put the needs of others before her own. As a paraprofessional for the Worcester Public Schools, she helped students with special needs with their daily activities, and was always patient and kind in this role. She also worked for the Guild of St. Agnes in the after school program to provide love and enrichment for even more children from Worcester.

Lyn will be remembered not only for her unwavering love for her family, but the joy she brought to everyday life. Her wisdom, laughter, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her.

Lyn enjoyed reading books, watching classic television shows, listening to a wide range of music, and traveling with her family and friends to her favorite vacation sites. Lyn enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and celebrating the accomplishments of the people she loves. Lyn was an animal lover and especially enjoyed the company of her beloved cats, Louie and Ivy, as well as her “grand-dogs.”

Lyn and her family are deeply appreciative of her care team at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, who walked Lyn through every step of her extensive and arduous treatment that helped her to enjoy more years with her friends and family. Lyn’s family also wants to recognize the compassionate hospice team at VNA Care in Worcester, who ensured that Lyn found comfort and peace at the end of her life, and assisted her family members to provide home hospice care for her.

A private memorial service has been held, and a private burial will be held in the Spring.

To honor Lyn’s love of pets and animals, donations can be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League. https://worcesterarl.org/donate/