Obituaries Notices O'Donnell Funeral Home, Lowell Massachusetts, MA, Professional Funeral Home, Award-Winning Funeral Director http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:38:35 +0000 Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Management en-gb Eileen Marie Judith Casey http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1605-eileen-marie-judith-casey http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1605-eileen-marie-judith-casey

Eileen Marie Judith Casey
Beloved sister, aunt, and friend.

 

Mt Pleasant, SC

Eileen Marie Judith “Spook” Casey of Mt. Pleasant, SC, formerly of Lowell, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 25, 2024 at the age of 67. Born to the late Attorney Thomas F. Casey and Eileen M. (DeVanny) Casey on December 6, 1956.

Eileen, an accomplished Irish Catholic woman who loved to laugh. She appreciated history and all facets of life. She succeeded in athletics, business, law, music, and journalism. Visual and derived art forms in her extensive worldwide travels.

Eileen graduated from the Immaculate Conception School and Lowell High School class of 1974. She earned a BS degree in Business Education at Salem State College, Salem, MA, in 1978, and earned a MS in Education from Southampton College, Long Island, NY in 2002 where her thesis celebrating the history of the “American Flag” was incorporated in Long Island University’s curriculum.
In 1979, Eileen crossed the East River to Manhattan where she worked for elites as an Executive Assistant for Lawrence Rockefeller, and then Arthur Christie, at Christie and Viner, Arthur was a former US District Attorney who once had prosecuted mobster, John Gotti.

In 1996 Eileen successfully entered the music world working for David Saltz for ten years as a Director on “ABC In Concert”, which produced a television program and promoted live concerts all over the world. Eileen also a part of the first produced Beatles Anthology.

In 2006 Eileen moved to Sag Harbor, LI taking a position to be the Lead Writer and then Executive Editor of Hamptons.com, winning multiple awards for journalism and at this time she became a member of the Society of Professional Journalist. She soon met accomplished artist, Joe Stranad, from New York City, who would become her partner of 30 years. During this time Eileen became a successful and admired artist and had many art openings for her “Cigar Box” art which was the inspiration from the artist Joseph Cornell’s “Shadow Box” motif. Eileen’s artwork was displayed in various shows and in the same East Hampton Gallery as Jackson Pollock.

Eileen semi-retired to Mt. Pleasant, SC in 2013 where she was a contributing writer for “Mt. Pleasant Magazine” and used her teaching degree as a substitute teacher and tutor in the Mt. Pleasant school system.

Eileen is survived by her siblings, Thomas F. Casey and his wife Carolina of Lincoln, David M Casey and his wife Billie Anne of Lowell, Rosemary L. Simon of New York City, James B. Casey and his wife Maura of Jacksonville FL, Michael J. Casey of Lowell, Catherine M. Casey of Lowell and her third sister Meg “Gladys” Gaffney, Along with many nieces and nephews, Gordon Casey, Amy Renner, David Casey, Michael Casey, Jay Casey, Sean Casey, Ryan Casey (Godchild), Tommy Casey, and Kate Casey.

“Judge Not, lest ye be judged”
Matthew 7:1-5

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Visitation on Saturday morning December 7, 2024, at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH in LOWELL from 9:30 to 10:45 A.M. Her Funeral Mass will follow in the Church at 11:00 A.M. Committal Services will then be held at St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make contributions in Eileens memory to St. Jude’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38101 or www.stjude.org. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F, O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

 

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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:36:37 +0000
Borynette Johnson http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1604-borynette-johnson http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1604-borynette-johnson

Borynette Johnson

1972 - 2024

Borynette "Bory" Johnson, a loving mother, daughter, wife, and friend, passed away unexpectedly in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 13, 2024, due to a brain aneurysm. She was 52 years old.

Born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Makara (Tim) Lek and Ny Chham, Borynette—affectionately known as "Srey Leak" to her close family—spent her early years in Phnom Penh and Battambang before emigrating as a refugee to the United States in 1982.

She settled in Salinas, California, with her mother and stepfather, Lek Sam Oeun, and her brother Khamara, before the family made their way to Lowell, Massachusetts. Borynette graduated from Regis College in 1995 with a B.A. in Economics and Business Management, and had a long career at Helmsman Management Services and Liberty Mutual.

In 2008, Borynette married Ron Johnson, beginning nearly twenty beautiful years together. They created a warm home with their children, Emma and Ethan, who were the center of her world, along with her beloved cats—Miso, Buffy, and Pepper. Known for her love for iced coffee, appreciation for a nice glass of wine, and a gift for hosting family gatherings, Borynette's nurturing spirit touched everyone around her. She was always the first to feed others – dropping off groceries for the week, packing some barbecued wings for the road, and sharing fresh mangos with family and friends.

Her spunk, humor, beauty, and strength left a mark on all who knew her. She faced life's challenges with determination and met each day with a smile that could light up any room.

Borynette is survived by her husband Ron; children Emma and Ethan; mother Makara Lek; brother Khamara Lek; and a close circle of friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her father Ny Chham, her sister Boradeth, and stepfather Lek Sam Oeun.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the medical teams at Lowell General Hospital and Boston Medical for their compassionate care.

A celebration of Borynette's life will be held with two services: 1st on Tuesday, November 19th at Temple – Wat Khmer Samaki Santikaram 85 Tyngsboro Rd, North Chelmsford Ma 01863 from 10 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and then her Visitation on Wednesday, November 20th at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST., in Lowell, MA from 4 to 7 P.M. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Fri, 15 Nov 2024 23:08:15 +0000
Deborah L. (Ruggles) Talty http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1603-deborah-l-ruggles-talty http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1603-deborah-l-ruggles-talty

Deborah L. Talty
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend;

 

Deborah L. “Debbie” (Ruggles) Talty, 76, of Jay, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Bedford, NH.

She was the loving wife for over 58 years of Gerald F. Talty, who survives her.

Born in Danbury, CT, the daughter of the late Elizabeth (Ballard) Ash and the late Clifford Ash, Deb attended Concord schools and was a graduate of Concord High School in the class of 1966.

For several years, Debbie worked as the Vice President of Customer Service for New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation, now known as Granite Edvance, a nonprofit educational consulting service helping families navigate their education and career pathways.

Active in her community, she was a member of the Jay Community Recreational Center as well as the Jay Focus Group, a nonprofit charitable organization serving the needs of Orleans County, VT.

In addition, Debbie enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, playing golf, gardening, playing the piano, and sewing.

Besides her husband Gerald, Debbie is survived by a daughter, Kathleen M. Martino and her husband Rohn of Bedford, NH; a son, Gerald B. Talty, II and his wife Melissa of Hudson, NH; six grandchildren, Kaylee Caruso, Michael Miller, Ian Talty, Aaron Talty, Julianna Martino, and Brady Martino; a sister, Cheryl Corson of Bow, NH; a brother, Scot Ash of Denver, PA; and many nieces and nephews.

Debbie was the mother of the late Kristine E. Miller, who passed away in December of 2015, and the sister of the late Clifford Ash, Terry Ash, Roy Ruggles, and Kenneth Ruggles.

Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST in Lowell on Monday, November 18th for a Memorial Visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hudson, NH, at 11:00 A.M. (Please Meet at Church) E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory Jay Community Recreational Centre, 1036 VT Route 242, Jay, VT 05859 or www.jaycommunityrecreationalcentre.org. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell Jr. (978)458-8768.




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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Thu, 14 Nov 2024 20:51:49 +0000
James L. Hannigan http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1602-james-l-hannigan http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1602-james-l-hannigan

James L. Hannigan
Beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and companion.


James L. Hannigan, of Dracut, Massachusetts, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at Lowell General Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Leominster, MA, the son of the late Carl A. Hannigan and the late Ruth G. (MacMillan) Hannigan, he attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the class of 1955.

Prior to his retirement, James worked as the Head of Maintenance for A.H. Notini and Sons Tobacco of Lowell. In addition, he worked for C.A. Hannigan and Sons Heating, a family company, also in Lowell. James was also self-employed for his own heating company for many years.

A master craftsman, James built 2 of the homes he lived in. James enjoyed nearly a lifetime on Long Pond in Dracut, swimming, boating, and snowmobiling. He also spent many years traveling in an RV and attending NASCAR events.

James is survived by a son, Brian J. Hannigan and his wife Allison of Dracut, MA; a daughter, Karen R. Hannigan Machado and her husband George of Dracut, MA; six grandchildren, Matthew B. Hannigan and his wife Julie, Jeffrey F. Hannigan and his wife Amanda, Kaleigh J. Hannigan, Timothy M. Torigian, Jillian M. Torigian, and Brighid M. White; 3 great grandchildren, Lily, Ava, and Caleb Hannigan; his partner for many years, Robyn Gagnon of Lowell; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, and his former wife, Therese A. “Terry” (Grady) Hannigan.

He was the father of the late Karlene P. Hannigan and the brother of the late Evelyn Kane, Catherine “Kay” Bergeron, Carl “Bubby” Hannigan, Jr., Richard Hannigan, Robert Hannigan, and Roger Hannigan.

Friends may call for his memorial visitation on Thursday November 7, 2024, at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL from 4 to 7 P.M. His Memorial Graveside service will be held on Friday morning November 8, 2024, at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury, MA at 11:30 A.M. (Please Meet at Cemetery). Contributions in his memory may be made to the MSPCA, Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.



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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:44:44 +0000
Janice A. (Lefebvre) Kouloheras http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1601-janice-a-lefebvre-kouloheras http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1601-janice-a-lefebvre-kouloheras

Janice A. Kouloheras

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, and aunt

 

Janice A (Lefebvre) Kouloheras, 87, widow of the late James G. Kouloheras, died Friday afternoon at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Born in Lowell, she was a daughter of the late Maurice and Blanche (Cantin) Lefebvre. Janice received her elementary education at Saint Peter’s School and was a graduate of Keith Hall in the class of 1955.

For over forty years, Janice was the Office Manager at Beauty Box International in Dracut, formerly in Lowell, from where she retired.

Janice spent her summers at Camp Ellis Beach in Saco, Maine, where she loved spending time with many close friends and family. She was the rock the family relied on.

She is survived by a son, Michael J. Kouloheras and his wife Melinda of Amesbury, MA; a grandson, Jonah Santiago of Amesbury, MA; her siblings-in-law, William G. Kouloheras and his wife Dianna of Hampton Falls, NH, Harry D. Kouloheras and his wife Joy of Tyngsboro, MA,  Daphne T. Zaralides of Lowell, MA, and Elizabeth A. Kouloheras and her partner Arlene Hinckley of Centerville, MA; and many nieces and nephews.

Janice was also the mother of the late George D. Kouloheras, the sister of the late Roger Lefebvre, and the sister-in-law of the late John Zaralides.

Relative and friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST in Lowell on Thursday, October 24th from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Funeral Mass on Friday, October 25th, 2024 at Ste. Marguerite D'Youville Parish, Dracut, MA, at 10:00 A.M. Burial to follow in St. Mary Cemetery, No. Tewksbury. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to Mind What Matters at www.wearemindwhatmatters.org. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell Jr. (978)458-8768.

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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:07:43 +0000
Patricia A. Holroyd http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1600-patricia-a-holroyd http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1600-patricia-a-holroyd

Patricia A Holroyd
Beloved daughter, mother, girlfriend, aunt and loyal friend to many


Tewksbury - Patricia A. Holroyd, 64, a resident of Tewksbury, died October 11th after losing her fierce and extended battle with cancer.

Born in Syracuse, New York on April 20, 1960, she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. Holroyd and Annette J. (Sykes)  Holroyd of Tewksbury who survives her.

Educated in Westford, MA schools she also received her Associates Degree in Fashion Merchandising from Middlesex Community College.

Patricia loved scrapbooking family memories, travel adventures, work events and holiday celebrations, pouring loving details into the many scrapbook projects created through the years
Her fondness for children is legendary, whether the children she taught during her years at the Head Start program in Lowell, the Vacation Bible Studies at Lawrence Street Methodist Church, or doing crafts and games with the children of her large extended family, she entertained all.

In addition to her Mother, she is survived by her son, Scott Holroyd of Tewksbury, MA, two nephews, Joseph  A Holroyd and his wife Korey of Wakefield, MA and Brandon J. Holroyd of Maine, an uncle, Robert Sykes of New York and her life partner and best friend, Brian Shields of Norwood, MA, his extensive family as well as the many dear friends she held close.

Relative and friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST in Lowell on Thursday, October 17th from 11:00am until 12:45pm followed by her Funeral Service at 1:00pm. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, No. Tewksbury. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund, 450 Brookline Avenue West, Boston, MA. 02215.E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell Jr. (978)458-8768.

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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Tue, 15 Oct 2024 15:10:44 +0000
Beatrice Rose (Arakelian) Sarkisian http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1599-beatrice-rose-arakelian-sarkisian http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1599-beatrice-rose-arakelian-sarkisian

Beatrice Rose (Arakelian) Sarkisian

Beatrice Rose (Arakelian) Sarkisian, 96, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2024, at The Atrium at Drum Hill.

She was the beloved wife for 67 ½ years of George Sarkisian, who predeceased her in 2018.

Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, November 29, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Fred and the late Vartanoush (Zardourian) Arakelian. Beatrice attended schools in Groveland, MA, and graduated from Groveland High School in 1945. She was also the sister of the late Marion D. G. Learnard, Frederick Arakelian, Sr., Richard Arakelian, Sr. and the aunt of the late Karlene Lefebvre.

Beatrice worked at Market Basket for over 25 years as an accounts receivable manager, retiring in 1989.

She was a Worthy Matron, or presiding officer, of the Puritan Chapter #54 Order of the Eastern Star in Lowell, MA. In her spare time, she was an avid golfer and a member of the Vesper Country Club in Tyngsborough, MA.

Beatrice is survived by her cherished nieces and nephews, Katherine Coughlin and her husband Steven of Tyngsborough, MA, Leanne Murray and her husband John of Tampa, FL, Carole Hildebrand and her husband David of Dracut, MA,  Anthony Der Garabedian and his wife Susan of Fredericksburg VA, Frederick Arakelian, Jr. of Chelmsford, MA, Richard Arakelian, Jr. of Methuen, MA and a cousin, Robert Arakelian and his wife Nancy of Haverhill, MA.

She leaves behind many loving great and great-great grandnieces and grandnephews as well as her dear friends Diane Baker and Rose Kirkorian.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the compassionate nursing staff at the The Atrium for their support and exceptional care of Beatrice.

At the family’s request, there were no calling hours. Funeral Services were held privately. Those wishing, may make contributions in her memory to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, MA.

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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:09:54 +0000
Kathleen M. (Elliott) Havey http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1598-kathleen-m-elliott-havey http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1598-kathleen-m-elliott-havey

Kathleen M. (Elliott) Havey

Kathleen M. “Kathy” (Elliott) Havey, 61 of Hudson, New Hampshire, passed away unexpectedly at Boston Medical Center after a brief illness on Saturday, October 5th, 2024.

Born October  21, 1962,  in Lowell, Massachusetts, she is the daughter Theresa (Gaudette) Elliott and the late Francis J. Elliott Jr.  She attended Ste. Jeanne d’Arc School in Lowell and was a graduate of Presentation of Mary Academy in Hudson NH, Class of 1980.

Kathy was a kind and generous soul who had a special gift for making people smile. Always helping anyone in need and she especially loved animals.  She was a wonderful mother to her two children David and Jessica who were the focus of her life until the end.

For many years, Kathy operated a home day care center and later in life worked in various retail positions before retiring. She was a CCD teacher at volunteered at many school events. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

Kathy is survived by her son David Chadwick and his wife Tina Marks Chadwick of Franklin, MA and her daughter Jessica Chadwick and her partner Leandry Colon of Hudson NH. Her grandchildren, Olivia Chadwick, Trevor Chadwick and Hannah Chadwick, Kristal Colon and Leandry Colon Jr.   Her siblings, Lisa Brown and her husband Richard of Merrimack NH, Rodney Elliott and his wife Laurie of Lowell, MA, Sharon Frederick and her husband Glenn of Sanbornton, NH, and Patti-Ann Dwyer her husband Walter of Pepperell.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Boston Medical Center for their care and compassion.

Relatives and friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in Lowell Tuesday, October 15th from 5-7 pm. Her Committal Services will be held privately for the family at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the MSPCA Nevins Farm 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:07:04 +0000
Amalia (Lelos) Stys http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1597-amalia-lelos-stys http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1597-amalia-lelos-stys

Amalia (Lelos) Stys

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt.

Amalia (Lelos) Stys passed away peacefully September 19, 2024, in the loving care of the ladies at Adorable Senior Living in Hillsborough, North Carolina. She was the beloved wife of Philip J. Stys who predeceased her September 18, 1977. She was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on December 16, 1932, to the late Demetrios Lelos and the late Malamati (Dinas) Lelos.

She attended Lowell schools and graduated high school in 1950. She worked as a secretary for many years and retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in Burlington, MA. Emily, as we all know her, loved Cape Cod and made that her home where she enjoyed painting, bowling, baking, and volunteering in her community with the church and hospice.

For most of her life, Emily was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell, MA until she moved to Falmouth and joined St. Michael’s Orthodox Church. She moved to NC in October 2019 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Emily was indeed a kind-hearted woman who will be missed immensely by all who knew her.

Emily is survived by two sons, Mark Stys and his wife Susan of Stuart, FL, and Paul Stys and his wife Denise of Dracut, MA; a daughter, Phyllis Russ and her husband David of Hillsborough, NC; three grandchildren, Amanda Stys and Kory Stys, both of Dracut, MA, and Philip Stys and his wife Tracy of Sutton, NH; a great-grandchild, Joey Stys, who she loved to watch daily on many videos which brought smiles to her face; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Emily was the sister of the late Patti Nikolis, Athena Mileon, Rita Villaras, and John Lelos.

Friends and family are invited to attend her Committal Services on Friday, October 18, 2024, 12:00 NOON at WESTLAWN CEMETERY in LOWELL, MA. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make donations in her memory to the Alzheimers Association at www.alz.org or 320 Nevada St., Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA – (978) 458-8768.

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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:10:17 +0000
Philip A. J. Donahue http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1596-philip-a-j-donahue http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com/obituariesnotices/1596-philip-a-j-donahue

Philip A. Donahue
Beloved son, brother, uncle and friend;


Philip A. Donahue passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was the tenth of eleven children of Richard K. Donahue, who predeceased him, and Nancy L. Donahue.

Philip was born on December 25, 1968, at 10:10 pm, a date and time that he always referred to as his birthday first and foremost and then Christmas. To his family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers he was a very special Christmas gift. Although he was born with Down syndrome, what he lacked in intellectual abilities he more than made up for with his social skills and keen insight of human nature.

A room full of strangers was never an issue for Philip. He could work a room like an old politician. He greeted the women with warm smile and a compliment and the men with a firm handshake and a quip. To Philip, everyone was an equal and everyone deserved equal treatment. He was fortunate enough to have met four presidents but whether he was meeting the President of the United States or a homeless person they were equal in Philip’s world and treated in the same manner.

Philip was a fearless public speaker and could be easily goaded into saying a few words with a chant of “speech, speech, speech”. Once he began to speak, however, it was anybody’s guess as to where the talk would go and when it would end. Whoever happened to be in his immediate view, or commented from a distance, would find themselves inserted into his remarks. His go to stump speech was always the importance of loving one another and the importance of family.  
He loved his family’s home in Vermont. There, without television or internet, he would help trim, or lop, saplings. He was a tenacious and indiscriminate lopper! After chores he loved to play cards or checkers with his brothers and sisters and read “Harry Potter”.

He practiced karate for many years and with hard work and persistence he achieved his black belt.

A favorite pastime was going out to breakfast on Saturday mornings with his brother Daniel where enjoyed his favorite French toast or pancakes.

Philip was educated in the Lowell Public School’s special education programs. There he met and made many lifelong friends. He went on to Greater Lowell Vocational High School where he graduated in 1991. Following graduation, he held several jobs including his very first job as a mail clerk at the James L. Cooney Insurance Agency, light maintenance at the Chelmsford Racquetball Club and as a dishwasher at his brother’s restaurant Hugh’s. It was when he started at Market Basket in the Tewksbury location (store 8) that he found his true career as a Customer Service Representative, or bagger.

At Market Basket, Philip found a welcoming workplace and a supportive employer.  He was a proud Market Basket employee for 27 years.  In fact, the second most important date on his calendar was June 19th which was his work anniversary date. On that date he would get his new name tag indicating another year of service at the store.  Whether he was on the schedule or not, on June 19th, he would make his way to the store for his new badge.  He loved his bosses, his co-workers and his customers. Often when he was out and about, he would wave to someone or say hello and when asked who he was greeting, he would reply “a good customer”. Market Basket was his second home. He couldn’t have asked for a better work family.

After work he enjoyed watching television especially the classic syndicated series like “Gilligan’s Island”, “Brady Bunch”, “M*A*S*H” and, more recently, “Law and Order”. He was also a big fan of professional wrestling, and he attended many matches both in Lowell and Boston.

In addition to his job, Philip was an active volunteer and client board representative at the Recreational Adult Resource Association (RARA) organization where he spent many happy hours dancing and laughing with his friends. He was also on the board of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) where he served as a member representative to the board. He would attend the meetings dressed in a suit coat and tie and carry a briefcase emulating his father. He was a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and he used his sincerity and winning personality to that end. He was a regular participant in the MDSC “Buddy Walk” fundraiser.

Philip was also a long-time participant in the Special Olympics where he competed in many events including the 100-yard dash, the softball throw and basketball.

Philip is survived by his sister Abigail and her husband Scott Morris of Kirkland, WA, his brother Timothy and his wife Jenni Donahue of Parkdale, OR, his brother Michael and his wife Beth Donahue of Lowell, his sister Nancy Donahue of New York, NY, his brother Richard and his wife Rosita Acosta of Portsmouth, NH, his brother Daniel Donahue of Lowell, his brother Stephen Donahue and his  life partner Meg McGovern of Burlington, VT, his brother Christopher Donahue of Vero Beach, FL , his sister Tara and husband Jorge Gabriel of Tyngsboro, MA and his sister Alicia Donahue of Dunstable, MA.

He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews – Devon and his wife Brie Morris, Lily Morris, Kyle Donahue, Sara Donahue, Errin Donahue and her husband Brendan Rainer, George and his wife Kathryn Eng, Dylan and his wife Nikole Donahue, Allison Donahue, Kaitlin Donahue, Amy Donahue, Ian Donahue, Mia Donahue, Haleigh Donahue, Liam Donahue, Augusto Gabriel, and Isabel Gabriel as well as his grandnephews Quentin and Charles Donahue.

He is also survived by a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by Otilia Castro who lived with the family for many years and who was completely devoted to Philip.

His family would like to acknowledge and thank Lisa Kraus, Abena Fowaa and Magda Siotas for their very loving care of Philip as well as Arlene Mullin his hospice nurse.

Philip’s Visitation will be held on Friday September 27, 2024 at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 144 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA from 4 to 7 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass which will be celebrated Saturday morning September 28, 2024 at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH at 11 o’clock. Private committal services will be held for the family at a later date. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. For those so willing, donations can be made in his memory to the Recreational Adult Resource Association (RARA), 295 High Street, Lowell, MA 01852 or the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC), 20 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01803. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA – (978) 458-8768.

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odonnellfh@aol.com (Odonnell) Obituaries Notices Fri, 20 Sep 2024 19:53:34 +0000