Larkin, Ann Marie, 75, of Reading, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2016. She leaves behind a loving husband and daughter, a large and cherished extended family, and a wide group of dear, lifelong friends. Ann was the beloved wife of Michael Larkin for nearly 46 years, and proud, devoted mother of daughters Susan M. Howard of North Andover, and Michelle M. Larkin, who passed away in 2013, with whom Ann is now reunited in heaven.

Daughter of the late William and Anne Martin, Ann was born and raised in Cambridge, Mass. She earned her nursing degree from the Cambridge Hospital School of Nursing in 1961. Ann worked as a registered nurse for more than 40 years.  Most of her career was spent at Cambridge Hospital and she retired after working for Wingate at Reading.

For those who knew Ann, that she would dedicate her career to helping others would be no surprise. For someone with so many people in her life, she made you feel unique and special and important. She remembered the names and ages of friends’ of friends’ children, and could recall easily the birthdays and anniversaries of dozens of nieces, nephews and godchildren. Her support, advice, empathy and encouragement were always just a phone call away.

Loyalty and devotion were ingrained in Ann. From her close-knit Irish Catholic family; to the close-knit neighborhood of parents and friends who watched their children grow up together; to the friends from childhood, school, work and life who became true family over time, Ann embraced and valued everyone who entered her circle. She was loved, respected and valued greatly in return.

Ann was self-deprecating, clever and funny. A die-hard Boston sports fan with a special weakness for her Bruins, Ann could tell you how many games out of first the Sox were, along with the top news stories of the day. She had impeccable taste and knew just which colors would bring out the green in her eyes and complement her Irish-red hair.

In May of this year Ann was thrilled to welcome son-in-law Robert Howard and his sons, Andrew, 14, and Colin, 11, of North Andover into her family.   Ann will be missed and remembered dearly by brother Tom and wife June Martin of Canton, nieces and nephews Tom, Tim, Chris, Shawn, Greg, Julie and Patrick and their spouses; David Larkin; as well as 22 great-nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may visit at the Funeral Home on Wednesday Sept. 14th from 9:30 am- 10:30 am with the family. Ann’s funeral will begin from the Funeral Home at 10:30 am with a procession to St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rte. 62), North Reading for an 11 am funeral mass. Interment will be private. Please omit flowers and make donations in Ann’s memory to the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers, Young Women with Breast Cancer Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. 

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