ANDOVER | Stephen Albert Baxter, 26, a lifelong resident of Andover, and beloved son of Wilfred J. Baxter and Dr. Malvena (Cangiano) Baxter, both of Andover, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007.
Mr. Baxter was born in Stoneham, on July 14, 1981. He was a graduate of Andover High School, Class of 2000, and was attending the University of Massachusetts Lowell for computer engineering.
Mr. Baxter was employed as a martial arts instructor at Yang's Martial Arts in Andover for the past six years and loved his craft as well as teaching his young students.
In his spare time, Steve enjoyed training dogs, beer brewing, cooking, and spending time at home with his family.
He was a gentle, loving, sensitive human being and a gifted writer. Besides his loving parents, Wilfred and Malvena, Steve will be sorely missed by his devoted sister, Joanna Baxter of Andover and her close friend Jeremy Lerner; maternal grandparents, Dr. Albert E. and Malvena E. (MacDonnell) Cangiano of Medford; aunts, Pamela A. and her husband Thomas Johnson of Hanover, Linda M. and Timothy Garvey of Medford, and Barbara S. and her husband Francis Voss Jr. of Andover; uncle, Dr. Albert E. and his wife MaryJane Cangiano of Medford; and many cousins. He was also the cherished grandson of the late Wilfred J. and Erlian G. Baxter and nephew of the late Maryjane Cangiano.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St., Andover, Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Calling hours were held on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main St., Andover. Burial was in West Parish Garden Cemetery, Andover. Donations in Steve's memory may be made to the Boston Children's Hospital Oncology Department Trust, 1 Autumn St., Boston, MA 02215. For additional information, please visit www.burkemagliozzi.com.
Rev. Maryan T. Gorzela, 80
ANDOVER | The Reverend Father Maryan T. Gorzela, 80, of Andover, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007 at the Wingate of Andover.
Father Gorzela was the Pastor at the Immaculate Conception Polish National Catholic Church in Lawrence for 40 years, retiring just this year after 57 years of service as a priest.
Prior to Lawrence, he served in parishes in Utica, N.Y., St. Louis, Youngstown, Ohio, Johnstown, Pa. and Naugatuck, Conn. He was also Priest-in-charge for several years in Lynn and Cambridge, and for 25 years at the Lithuanian Sacred Heart of Jesus National Catholic Church on Garden Street in Lawrence.
He was a graduate of Savonarola Theological Seminary in Scranton, Pa. and Merrimack College in North Andover.
The son of the late Walter and Mary (Giemza) Gorzela, Fr. Maryan was born in Chicago on May 27, 1927. He received his primary education in Chicago school and resided there until he entered the United States Marine Corps upon graduating from high school at the end of World War II. During his service, he was stationed in Beijing and Tintsein, China for six months. He was fortunate to travel to China in 2001 and revisit some of the areas he held close in memory. One of these landmarks was the old Belgian church which he attended whenever possible.
Father Maryan loved to play the violin. He favored classical music and Polish folk music equally well. There were two other brothers in the family who were schooled in the violin called "the Gorzela Trio," who played for Polish events. They were popular at weddings and family affairs and proved extra entertainment with their spontaneous sibling spats, waving their bows for emphasis. In later years, Father Maryan played with the Naugatuck Symphony Orchestra for several years.
Father Maryan traveled overseas with great pleasure with his wife, Severina, especially countries in Asia, northern Europe and the Middle East. Several journeys to Poland were spent in touring and discovering many relatives on all sides of the family.
He was active for several years with the Boy Scouts of America, as a consultant to Troop 12.
Father Maryan is survived by his wife, Severina (Zawistowski) Gorzela of Andover; his children, Richard and his wife Donna of Andover, Andrew (CDR, USN) and his wife Maura of Rockville, Md. and Michelle and her husband Paul of New York; his grandchildren, Elise and Raymond of Andover; two sisters, Lorraine Twarog of Cerritos, Calif. and Evelyn Bialek of Darien, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: A funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Casimir Polish National Catholic Church, Lakeview Avenue, Lowell, by the Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Gnat, Bishop of the Eastern Diocese of the Polish National Catholic Church. Burial followed in the Polish National Catholic Cemetery, North Lowell Street, Methuen. Arrangements are under the direction of the Boles Memorial-Baron-McAuliffe-Yameen Funeral Home, 184 Jackson St., Lawrence. (978-686-0386).
Beverly F. Gower, 82
ANDOVER | Beverly Gower, a longtime resident of Andover, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007.
She was the wife of Bruce Gower; and the mother of William B. Gower of Winterport, Maine, Beth G. Owens of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Cynthia L. Davie of Odessa, Fla., and Kimberly G. Cameron of West Brookfield, Mass.
She will be missed by her 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services will be private.
Robert S. Hall, 77
METHUEN | Robert "Bob" S. Hall, 77, of Methuen and Deerfield Beach, Fla. died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007.
Born in Portsmouth, N.H., he was the son of the late Robert S. and Dorothy (Hill) Hall.
Bob was raised in Andover and graduated from Punchard High School in 1949 and later from Wentworth College and Northeastern University.
He was a Navy veteran who honorably served during the Korean War.
He was a member of the Masons and worked for Mutual Fire Insurance Association of New England for 38 years.
Bob loved to be with people and had an infectious sense of humor which made everyone he met a friend. He loved being out doors especially playing tennis and going for long walks.
Husband of the late Barbara (Breton) Hall, he is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Michael A. and Jennifer Hall of Derry, N.H. and Brian R. and Bonnie Hall of Novi, Mich.; grandchildren, Jessika Hebert of Huntsville, Ala., SSgt Glenn M. Hall of Alaska, Erica L. Hall of Derry, N.H., Emily, Abby, Mitchell and Nathan Hall of Novi, Mich. He was also survived by great-grandchildren, Sydney Hall and Allison Hebert and was greatly anticipating the birth of twin great-granddaughters, Lexus and Lacy, in the near future. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Botsch of Andover and Janet and her husband Lou Fiedler of Florida. Bob deeply cherished all his extended family and dear friend Denyse Charette of Mont-Tremblant Quebec Canada.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service was on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Main Street in North Andover. Family and friends called today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dewhirst and Conte Family Funeral Home, 17 Third St., North Andover, MA 01845. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. To leave online condolences or for directions please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com.
Virginia Hassinger Holm, 85
ANDOVER | Virginia (Ginny) Hassinger Holm, 85, of 15 Stevens St., Andover, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 at Wingate in Andover after a brief illness.
Born in Raleigh, N.C., to Virginia Smith and Stanley Hess Hassinger, she was a bright, high-spirited adventurer who left the South on the arm of Col. William N. Holm, the gentle paratrooper from Minnesota whom she married in Raleigh in 1946.
Ginny was an enthusiastic and quintessential Army wife | outgoing, adaptable, unflappable, conscientious, and unpretentious. She was unfazed by frequent moves halfway across the world and back, which included stints in postwar Germany and pre-statehood Hawaii with her growing family. Eventually Ginny and Bill had four rambunctious children, all born in different states.
Throughout Ginny's many moves, her greatest gifts | a lively sense of humor and a fierce love of family | sustained her and those around her. Ginny loved a good time. From the excitement of the seasons' first snowfall to mountains of Christmas cookies to lively Easter egg hunts to summer family reunions on North Carolina's beaches, Ginny was in her element with children, and later her grandchildren, surrounding her.
In early 1961, the family moved to Iowa City, Iowa, to live close to her husband's aging mother. There, she was able to indulge in her other great love | sports | and she quickly became an avid University of Iowa Hawkeye fan. Throughout her life she embraced most sports, especially when her sons and grandchildren became athletes in high school and college.
Several years after her husband's death in 1996, Ginny moved to Cazenovia, N.Y., where her daughter, Janet, and her family live. In 2004, she moved to Andover to live close to her daughter, Sally, and her family. Ginny quickly caught serious cases of Red Sox and Patriots fever. Her favorite spectator sport, however, was the center bleacher at her grandsons' football and lacrosse games.
Ginny is survived by her four children and their spouses, Sally V. Holm and her husband Kerry Johnson of Andover, William N. Holm Jr. and his wife Elizabeth of Longmeadow, Mass., Michael D. Holm and his wife Martha of Indialantic, Fla., and Janet H. Dorsey and her husband Col. Charles Dorsey of Cazenovia, N.Y. Survivors also include 10 grandchildren; seven nephews and a niece. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, as well as her two brothers.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held at the Chapel at West Point Cemetery at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. Internment will follow immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ginny Holm Fund, The Lawrence Boys and Girls Club, 136 Water St., Lawrence, MA 01840, in honor of the wonderful staff who lovingly cared for her during her years at Atria Marland Place in Andover.
Helen R. Landers, 97
ANDOVER | Helen Renee (Gagnon) Landers, 97, died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 at the Wingate at Andover.
Born Helen R. Gagnon, the daughter of Thomas and Marie, she had resided in North Andover for many years. Helen attended St. Michael's Grammar School and was a graduate of Johnson High School, both in North Andover.
For many years she was employed by the Arlington Trust Company in the special checking department before her retirement in 1974.
Mrs. Landers was the widow of William J. Landers Sr., a 43 year firefighter for the city of Lawrence.
Survivors include many friends in North Andover and Andover.
Helen was predeceased by sisters, Yvonne B. Enaire and Edna I. Heafey; and her brother, Alfred Gagnon.
ARRANGEMENTS: A funeral Mass took place Tuesday morning in Saint Michael's Church of North Andover with entombment to follow in St. Mary-Immaculate Conception Mausoleum in Lawrence. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Church, 196 Main St., North Andover, MA 01845. Arrangements under the direction of the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc., 233 Lawrence St., Methuen. Please send condolences to pollardfuneralhome.com.
James McDuff Murphy, 83
NORTH ANDOVER | James McDuff Murphy, 83, of North Andover and formerly of Hingham died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 at the Meadows in North Andover.
Born in Dorchester, he was the son of the late James F. and Blanche (McDuff) Murphy.
He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, Tuck Business School and of Boston College Law School.
He was a member of St. Michael's Church, a former member of the Quincy Neighborhood Club, a former partner with Cullen, Murphy & Co. and served in the United States Marine Corps.
He was the husband of the late Rosemary (Sullivan) Murphy and is survived by his daughters Sheila Murphy of Alexandria, Va., Joan McCarthy and her husband Frank of Andover; brothers, David Murphy of Falmouth and Joseph Murphy of North Carolina; and grandchildren, James McDuff McCarthy, John F. McCarthy, Kerry McCarthy and Katherine S.X. Murphy.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral Mass were on Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Church in North Andover. A burial was Tuesday at St. Paul's Cemetery in Hingham. Family and friends called on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Dewhirst and Conte Family Funeral Home, 17 Third St., North Andover. Memorial contributions may be made to the Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843; or to the Edgewood Appreciation Fund, 575 Osgood St., North Andover, MA 01845. For directions or to leave on-line condolences, please visit www.contefuneralhomes.com.
Natalie C. Palombo, 61
SALEM, N.H. | Natalie C. (Ferrante) Palombo, 61, of Salem, N.H. died suddenly at her home on Monday, Dec. 3, 2007.
She was born in Haverhill on Dec. 6, 1945, the daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Tumminelli) Ferrante. She was raised and educated in Lawrence and had graduated from Lawrence High School.
Natalie enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She liked to knit and crochet. Natalie had a close group of friends that meant a lot to her.
She had worked for the Gillette Company in Andover and had retired after 25 years of service.
Natalie is survived by her two sons, Mark Palombo and his companion Christine Sontag of Leominster, and Gary Palombo and his wife Bonnie of Raymond, N.H. Three grandchildren, David Palombo of Raymond, N.H. and Keith and Kaylee of Leominster, also survive her.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends may call on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. Funeral services will begin on Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery on North Lowell Street in Methuen. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 2 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
Robert Wood Spiegel, 58
ANDOVER | Robert Wood "Bob" Spiegel, 58, of Andover and Ogunquit, Maine, died on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007.
Born in Worcester, he was raised in Newton. He was educated at Boston University, and recived his master's of healthcare from George Washington University.
He worked in healthcare for 35 years, most recently as CEO for the Universal Health Services System
He was awarded the "Eagle Award" in 2007 for outstanding service.
He was a lover of music, the New England Patriots and enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Ogunquit.
Beloved husband of Betsy R. (Hamburg). Loving father of Randi J. Ungar and her husband Jason of Manhattan and Jeremy W. Spiegel of Andover. Cherished son of Lillian (Wood) Smith and her husband Marvin of Scottsdale, Ariz. and the late William J. Spiegel and his surviving wife Elayne Spiegel of Newton. Dear brother of Frani Wolfe and her husband Norman of Scottsdale.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services at the Levine Chapels, 470 Harvard St., Brookline on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. Burial in Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon. Memorial observance through Sunday evening and continuing Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at his late Andover residence. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, in memory of Robert W. Spiegel, Development Office, 165 Cambridge St., Suite 600, Boston, 02114.
Edward T. Ward, 64
LAWRENCE | Edward T. Ward, 64, of Lawrence died on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 at Lawrence General Hospital.
Mr. Ward was born in Lawrence and was raised in Andover. He lived in Lawrence for many years.
Before retirement, he worked as a self-employed contractor in the Greater Lawrence area.
His family members include five sons, John R. and his wife Kathleen Ward of North Andover, Edward Ward Jr. of Haverhill, William Ward of Georgia, David and his wife, Meredith Ward of Lynn, and Anthony Ward of Fall River. He has three daughters, Christine M. Ward of Lynn, Lynda and her husband Eslam Omar of Alexandria, Egypt, and Crystal Ward of Lawrence. He also leaves his former wife, Kathleen Ward of Lynn. He has four brothers, George and his wife, Lee Brouillard of Stratford, N.H., Richard and his wife, Paula Brouillard of Clinton, Mass., Roland and his wife, Pamela Brouillard of Salem, N.H. and Joseph and his wife, Maryland Brouillard of Palmer, Mass.; and two sisters, Margaret Guertin of Concord, N.H., and Katherine and her husband Edward Bell of Epson, N.H. He leaves grandchildren, Kaleigh, Jessie, Joshua, Jasmine, Samantha, Maegan, Kaitlyn and Sean; and many nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Cremation will take place. Calling hours will be on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. To send an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com.
