Ardelle “Ducky” O’Malley of Chelmsford, MA died peacefully at home on January 5, 2014 in Windham, NH in the presence of her loving family. Born in Lowell on January 26, 1927, she was the daughter of the late George and Dorothy Murray of Lowell.


She was the widow of the late Edward P. (Ted) O’Malley, with whom she celebrated 59 years of marriage. Ducky is survived by her beloved and devoted daughter Loyce A. Lawlor, her son-in-law, Atty. Peter Lawlor and their three children, Barrett O’Malley Lawlor, Pete Lawlor, Jr. and Teddy Lawlor, all of Chelmsford.

Ducky also leaves behind her four wonderful sisters, Dorothy LeLacheur of Chelmsford, Donna Donahue of Middlebury, VT, Gail Murray of W. Yarmouth and her dear sister, Debbie St. Jean of Windham, NH and many nieces and nephews.


Ducky was a graduate of the Lowell Technological Institute (now UMass Lowell) with a degree in textile engineering. While a student at Lowell High School she was a member of the National Honor Society and was a proud member of the Girl Officers.

With her husband, Ted and her daughter, Loyce, Ducky enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Europe. Later in life, Ducky loved her time with family at their summer cottage in Hampton, NH. She also enjoyed skiing with family and playing tennis and bridge with friends. Ducky was a member of the Chelmsford Garden Club and longtime member of Vesper Country Club where she had many happy times. But, most of all, Ducky treasured the company of her three grandchildren and delighted in watching them grow into wonderful young people.

Her family is eternally grateful for the extraordinarily generous and loving care provided to her during her later years by Deb & Ron St. Jean of Windham, NH and for the very special and caring companionship of Anna Engdahl with whom she also resided and shared many loving times.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation and private funeral services will be held at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St. CHELMSFORD. Private interment will take place in Heart Pond Cemetery, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Academy of Notre Dame, Office of Institutional Advancement, 180 Middlesex Rd. Tyngsboro, MA 01879.