Molly (Mary Elizabeth) Whitney (née Johnson), 87, of North Reading, passed away peacefully August 26, 2025, surrounded by her children.
She was Born in New York City, on May 1, 1938, to the late Elizabeth C. Johnson (née Goodwin) and Ralph F. Johnson. She lived in North Reading most of her life and brought up her four children there.
Molly was an insurance agent for many years at Davis Clark & Latham in Reading, and then later worked with her friend Judith Pinney. She was also a dedicated poll worker for many years.
She loved to play tennis, and played competitively until she was 80. She was the boy’s tennis coach at North Reading High School for many years.
She loved to garden and did various crafts throughout her life, such as ceramics, ornaments, homemade candles and more. She loved animals, especially her many Newfoundlands. She had many other animals over the years including goats, chickens, geese, turkeys, ferrets, bunnies, and a peacock, along with numerous cats and other breeds of dog.
Her other hobbies were going to the beach, boating, playing the piano, trips to the casino, travelling, making Chex Mix at Christmas time, and collecting frogs. In her later years she enjoyed visits from her children and four grandchildren and chatting with her friends. Her police scanner was always on as was her television with old familiar shows playing. On Sunday mornings she loved to listen to the Congregational Church sermon on Zoom.
She is predeceased by her husband of almost 51 years, Tony (Frederic A.) Whitney. She is survived by her daughter Jane Whitney, her son Robert Whitney and his husband Clark Sorensen, her daughter Julia, and husband Mark Robarts, her daughter Jennifer Mahoney, her beloved grandchildren, (Zachary, Benjamin, Casey and Georgia), her sister Jackie Malonson, her brother Richard Johnson and wife Elvira, and many other family and friends.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 3 at 11:15 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. A collation will follow at Kitty’s Restaurant in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice.
Dear Whitney family, My deepest condolences on your loss. Praying for you all and hoping memories of your dear mom will console you. Molly was a very special woman.
Thank you so much, Mrs. Silvia – so many great memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. I was so surprised to hear of Molly’s passing. I have such great memories growing up with you all and spending time picking blackberries, playing with the goat and seeing the Peacock. It was so fun. I’m so glad I was able to spend some time with her a couple of years ago and that my mom was able to reconnect with Molly. They had a great time together. She will be greatly missed and forever in my heart.
Oh so sorry to hear of Molly’s passing…we had great high-school adventures..Over the past years I would catch her by phone…greetings to all her children and grandchildren
Bob and Whitney family,
I was sad to hear of your mom’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting her at Bob and Clark’s home in San Francisco which I thoroughly enjoyed – the mother of an awesome and one of my favourite people, Bob. Rest in peace Mary Elizabeth (Molly)
Jane and Whitney Family
I am so sorry about the loss of your Mom. There are no words at this time that will make you feel better. Please know that I am thinking about all of you and hoping that time will heal some of your pain.❤️
My condolences to Molly’s family. I was fortunate to play tennis with Molly on occasion. She always made it fun, especially when our opponents had to return her tricky serve. Molly was a lovely lady with a great sense of humor.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of “Mrs. Whitney”. Leading my brownie troop and giving me my first kitten are but a few. Rest in peace wonderful lady.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of “Mrs. Whitney”; leading our brownie troop and giving me my first kitten are but a few. Rest in peace wonderful lady.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mollys passing. My Mom, Joan Panzer and she were the bestest of friends. They sure did have a lot of fun and many Casino stories. Thought and prayers for your family.
Love, Jean Surette ❤️
To the Whitney Family I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to enjoy some tennis times with your Mom. She was a fun partner and opponent to play with. My thoughts are with you at this time. Sincerely Denise McAuliffe
My condolences to Molly’s family. I played doubles with her in a regular group at Woburn Racquet Club. We always had fun and a lot of laughs. I was very fond of her.
Dear Jane. I am so sorry to learn that your mother has passed away. It is my hope that many good memories of time spent with your mother will provide you with some comfort. Please know that I am thinking of you and that you and all of your family are in prayers.