Hennessey lived in West Roxbury for lover 45 years. She was Director of the Menino Project, which re-developed the Gardner Street Landfill into Millennium Park. Beyond the park, Hennessey was involved with the schools, the Friends of the West Roxbury Library, the playgrounds, the Girl Scouts, her church, the West Roxbury Historical Society, the Democratic Ward Committee and many other ventures. She also founded the West Roxbury Friends of Rosie’s Place. In Hennessey’s own words, “Women initiate ideas and carry out projects that involve the entire community and give them a pride of ownership.”