The Anne Kenneally Hynes Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a member of East Bridgewater High School’s Class of 1950 and Bridgewater State College’s Class of 1954. Mrs. Hynes represented her town and schools proudly, leaving a legacy of kindness and good works.
The Early Years
Anne Kenneally was born on June 15, 1932. From her earliest years, she stood out for her intellect, her work ethic, her patience and her humility. One of four Kenneally siblings, she took great pride in her family’s Irish heritage. She also demonstrated a love of learning, on almost any topic, throughout her life. Her deep faith always sustained her, particularly after her father passed away when she and her siblings were still young.
Many long-time East Bridgewater residents will remember Ed Kenneally, Anne’s uncle, who lived in the house next door to hers on North Central Street. Ed raised draft horses; he and his horse-drawn plowing sled could be seen on the sidewalks surrounding the town’s center and the routes to schools, immediately after every snowstorm. Anne’s brother Edmond, whom she always called simply, “Brother,” continued the family’s love of horses, and drove hay rides through the town, to the great delight of adults and children alike, for many years. Anne met her future husband, Jimmy, through his friendship with “Brother.” Anne’s mother was a teacher at the Central School for many years; Anne chose to follow that career path herself, as did her brother John. All of her siblings, “Brother,” John, and Mary Lou, chose to raise their families in East Bridgewater and continue to enjoy the unique charm and heritage of this community.
The Later Years
After graduating from East Bridgewater High School in 1950, Anne attended Bridgewater State College, graduating in 1954; her advanced studies were completed at Simmons College. She taught English in the Brockton Public Schools, but soon returned to her roots at East Bridgewater High School, first teaching English, and then becoming the high school librarian, a position she retained for more than four decades. In the role of librarian, Anne was far from a person who mechanically checked books out and in. She made personal connections with all those she assisted. Always at her desk before students arrived at school, Anne cheerfully greeted and genuinely cared about her colleagues and students. She listened to their concerns, shared their joy in accomplishments, and often helped them to deal with difficult personal issues. When staff members moved on, or students graduated, the connections continued, and expanded into the next generations of those families. Anne retired from her position in 1995. Despite medical issues, she maintained her lunch visits and correspondence with countless friends until she was physically unable to do so. Although she passed away on February 11, 2011, her memory will endure through the many kind and generous gestures remembered by all who knew her.
Many who are reading this page received birthday cards and messages from Mrs. Hynes over several decades. One of the most difficult aspects of her declining health was her recognition that she could no longer continue this practice. Committee members and friends of AKHMS will continue her support of East Bridgewater students through the fund created in her name.
Below are photos of Anne and friends (and birthdays!)
