Age 30. 145 Englewood Avenue, Brighton (Boston), MA. Born 11/06/1912, in Boston. Died of burns (death certificate). Civilian clerk, U.S. Naval Training Station, Newport, RI. Husband William J. McDonough, U.S. Navy, age 32 (Born 10/03/1910. Died 11/22/1986, age 76), was not present. Couple drove earlier on Saturday from Rhode Island, where both resided at the naval training station, to the Arlington, MA, home of her friend Miss Laura Ryan, age 42, dead. Her husband, "...was visiting with friends and elsewhere while she and Miss Ryan went to Boston for an evening's entertainment" (The Boston Post, 12/01/1942). "Mrs. McDonough had just arrived at the Cocoanut Grove when the fire broke out and her fur coat was still on her when her body was recovered" (Belmont Citizen, Belmont, MA, 12/11/1942). Her remains were taken to Mass General Hospital, then removed to Northern Mortuary, Boston. Husband on Sunday morning had to report for duty in two hours, was allowed to bypass the wait line to seek her body at the morgue. "He returned a few minutes later, walking shakily to declare that his wife had been in there" (The Boston Post, 11/30/1942). Also: "He said his wife's automobile had been found parked outside the night club, that she had gone there Saturday night and that he hadn't heard from her since." Husband reported as missing: "...a diamond-set wrist watch valued at $200, a diamond ring worth $1,200 and her wedding ring set with diamonds valued at $250" (Belmont Citizen, 12/11/1942). The only personal possession recovered was a purse containing 92 cents. Was raised in Boston. Married in 1932, in Boston. Couple had no children. Parents Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. and Catherine A. (Morgan) Cunniff. Burial at New Calvary Cemetery, Mattapan (Boston), MA.

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