Donna M. Leahey
83, Angel called home;

Donna M. (Gilooly) Leahey, a resplendent lady and beloved woman died peacefully at D’Youville Senior Care in Lowell on Tuesday, August 27th after a brief unexpected illness.

Donna was the wife of the late George B. Leahey. Their first ‘date’ was in May 1942 while their dads played golf; their last was on August 15, 2018. Donna Marie and Georgie B. were destined to be together; they even grew up on the same street. They married on August 29, 1964. He was the love of her life; and they were a wonderful couple. They reunited in time for their 60th anniversary.

Donna was born in Lowell on May 22, 1941, to the late Dr. William J. & Alice M.  (Mulcahy) Gilooly and was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church.

A proud graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1958, where Donna was Colonel of the Girl Officers. She graduated from Regis College in 1962 with a major in mathematics. Following her mother and aunts, she became a teacher. She taught math at Stoneham Junior High and later at Stoneham High School. Her teaching career ended in 1965 after she became pregnant with her first child.

Thereafter and until the day she returned to Heaven, Donna was the greatest mom (pronounced mum) who never failed to utilize her Colonel skills when the need arose. She was vibrant. Donna was a strong leader, advocate, and organizer. She’d gather facts, mobilize support, and win over the opposition. Donna exuded resolve. A remarkable and resilient person who spent decades volunteering her time as an advocate for parents and children. The PTA, the Friends of Lowell High, Hands Across the City (a celebration of students and their cultures), and the Merrimack Valley College Fair, all benefited from her involvement. In 1979, Donna also helped start the junior golf program at Vesper Country Club, which continues to this day. Some of her other volunteer activities included the Catholic College Club, Lowell Garden Club, Regis College Club, committees at Vesper, hospital guilds, and various other charitable causes.

Donna didn’t limit being a “mom” or “grammy” to her family. She’d offer treats to whomever used the basketball "court" even when her boys weren’t around or drop off baked good to scores of families during the Christmas season (pages of handwritten notes explaining how the delivery battle was won). Her chocolate, M&M, and Irish lace cookies were legendary as was her pumpkin chiffon pie. Even after dementia took away her short-term memory, she was a magnet for young families who gravitated to her. Donna never lost her ‘in the moment’ cognitive skills or forgot she was Mom and Grammy. Some of her last words were to “be careful tonight”, apologizing for not making breakfast because she just needed to rest a bit, and to make sure her granddaughters “know Grammy loves them very much”. It was an honor to care for her when she needed help.

The essence of Donna is how she dealt with everything that happened to Brent. Donna did whatever was needed to care for him. She put aside her fear of needles and learned to administer shots, so he didn’t have make extra trips to the doctor. After he passed, Donna turned that pain into the Leahey family’s Brent’s Team, which for 20 or so years, raised money through the Jimmy Fund Walk for Dr. David A. Frank’s research. Today, the Cannamela family carries on her work through the Friends of Brent team.

Her devotion to her family meant she endured a husband who was most set in his ways and kids who watched Hogan’s Heroes and worse professional wrestling. In 1994, she finally got her open kitchen/TV room so everyone could be together. Donna was The Giving Tree. Nevertheless, there was a line one did not cross with the Colonel. Donna instilled actions have consequences; errors had to be corrected. Love could be tough and tender at the same time. She gave the best hugs and words of encouragement even when one chose not to do the right thing.

Her other loves included being Grammy and Aunt Donna, golf, tennis, Rye Beach, dancing, traveling, entertaining (D&G loved hosting parties), gardening, dark chocolate turtles, NCAA basketball especially the Madness, her ‘daughters’ and ‘her’ puppy, Max. Her treasured pastime was being with family and friends. Like George, Donna loved a Billy’s rum punch.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Attorney Brian W. and Sophia C. Leahey, of Lowell, and Attorney Mark B. and Stephanie M. Leahey, of Washington, D.C.; two grandchildren Parker M. Leahey and Meritt C. Leahey, of Washington, D.C.; a sister, Jill R. Glaser, PhD and her husband Richard A., Esq., of Charlestown, MA; her ‘sister’ cousin, Naomi E. Sullivan, of Lowell, MA; three goddaughters: Naomi Sullivan Callender; Nancy Chapman, and Colleen McKeegan, several nieces, the Sullivans, and the greater Leahey family.

Donna was also the mother of the late G. Brent Leahey, Jr., Esq. and sister of the late Elizabeth “Libby” A. Gilooly. She has returned home to be with all of her family and friends who are no longer physically with us.

Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday morning September 4, 2024, at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 144 East Merrimack St. in LOWELL from 9:00 to 10:45 A.M. followed by her Funeral Mass to be celebrated in the Church at 11:00 o’clock. Donna’s burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make donations in her memory to the Jimmy Fund Walk ‘Friends of Brent’ team at https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?fr_id=2150&pg=entry. or by a check made out to “BMJFW – Friends of Brent” at Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, PO Box 3595, Boston, MA 02241-3595. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME - LOWELL – MA – (978) 458-8768.

Eugene R. “Gene” Mynahan
Beloved brother, cousin, and uncle;

Eugene R. “Gene” Mynahan, 77, of Lowell, Massachusetts but formerly of Wayland, Massachusetts, passed away on July 8, 2024, at Lowell General Hospital in Lowell, MA.

He was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn L. Millett.

Born in Waltham, MA, December 14, 1946, the son of the late Eugene Mynahan and the late Arlene Bradley.

Gene proudly served his country with the United States Air Force as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War.

Prior to his retirement, Gene was a salesman for Belle Steel in East Boston and Crystal Steel in Middleton, MA.

Amongst his many interests, Gene enjoyed fishing, canoeing, boating, online shopping, music, politics, and cars. He also loved to travel and go camping in Vermont. He spent his time in Stover’s Cove in Harpswell, Maine and Nova Scotia.

He loved to spend time with his family and friends. Gene had an immense love for animals, he was always known to own dogs or cats.

Gene is survived by a brother: Matthew Mynahan and his wife Lorraine of West Palm Beach, FL; three sisters Colleen Benson of Saint Cloud, FL, Theresa J. Golubiak and her husband Frank of Lake Worth, FL, Joanne Woodbury and her husband Donald of Lynn, MA; cousin Kathy Davies of Honolulu HI; dear friends Bob and Kay Whitmarsh of West Newbury, MA, and Atty. Paul Rupp of Revere, MA; he is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

All Services will be held privately for the family. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Contributions in his memory can be made to VA Bedford HCS. To do so please send a check payable to "Bedford VA" to the following address:

VA Bedford Healthcare System
CDCE (135)
200 Springs Road
Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

Please specify on behalf of whom in the memo block of your check.

Arrangements by the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, LOWELL, MA. (978)-458-8768.

Andrea Natsios

Formerly of Lowell;

Andrea Natsios, 74, of Waltham passed away unexpectedly on July 21st, 2024 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital with her sister by her side.

Born to the late George and Bessie (Eliopoulos) Natsios on February 13, 1950, she grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts.  Throughout her youth, Andrea’s family instilled in her a strong work ethic, love for her Greek heritage, and the value of family.

Andrea excelled academically and was the top ranking student at the Hellenic American School, Moody Junior High School, and Lowell High School.  Following her graduation from Lowell High School, Andrea graduated from Brandeis University and received her Masters Degree at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work.  After working as a social worker for four years, she decided to pursue a law degree at Suffolk University.  Andrea had a successful law practice and practiced law for thirty seven years.

Outside of her career, Andrea engaged in an eclectic range of hobbies and interests.  She was an avid traveler and loved experiencing Europe and the United States.  Andrea also enjoyed antiquing and bicycling.  At the age of ten, she attended a field trip at the Harvard Museum of Natural History and saw glass flowers.  Thereafter, she developed a lifelong penchant for glass.  Andrea had an impressive  paperweight collection.  Prior to her passing, she was serving as the president of the New England Paperweight Collectors Association.

She was a devoted and loving partner to William Chalifoux of Boston.  In addition to Will, she is survived by her dear sister and brother-in-law Elaine and George Patsourakos of Billerica, MA.  She was also the loyal aunt to Catherine and her husband, Salvatore LaRosa of Hudson, MA, and Juliana and her husband, Matthew Jarvis of Burlington, MA.  Andrea was a doting great aunt to Joseph and Ava LaRosa and Nicholas, Christopher, and Eliana Jarvis and adored watching them grow up.  She delighted in hearing about their everyday antics and was incredibly proud of each of them.  Andrea is also survived by many cousins, extended family members and friends.

Andrea had a sharp eye for detail, knack for organization, and vibrant personality.  She was encouraging to her loved ones and was also adept at doling out advice to those around her.  Andrea could be spirited in conversation, especially when it pertained to current events or a great antique find on one of her visits to Brimfield.  Above all else, Andrea cherished her family and loved ones.   We will all miss her exuberant presence in our lives!

Andrea's family would like to thank the phenomenal staff of Brigham and Women's Hospital Neuroscience ICU for their expertise and compassionate care for Andrea.

Relatives and friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL on Wednesday July 31, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Her Funeral Service will be held at the HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HOLY TRINITY in Lowell, MA, on Thursday August 1, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at Westlawn Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Donations in Andrea’s memory may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 62 Lewis Street, Lowell, MA  01854, or the Wounded Warriors Project, PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

Affifi S. (Syrio) Mulkigian
Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt;

Affifi S. (Syrio) Mulkigian, 83, of Dracut, Massachusetts, passed away on Friday July 19, 2024, while in the loving care of her family.

She was the beloved wife of the late Garabed Mulkigian.

Born in Caete, Brazil, May 10, 1941, the daughter of the late Elias M. and the late Cacilda (Lima) Syrio, she was one of eleven children.

While in Brazil, she received her degree in Physical Education.  Prior to her retirement, Affifi worked as a teacher in Brazil and in Lowell, and was a social worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Department of Children and Families for over 25 years. Affifi’s passion helped hundreds of children over the years, and many kept in touch with her well into adulthood.

Active in the City, she helped start the Brazilian Catholic Community in Lowell, and was an avid cook, blending food from Brazil, Lebanon, Italy, and Armenia.

While Affifi was passionate about all sports, she especially loved supporting both the US and Brazilian national soccer teams, and always brought up the life story of her favorite player, Pele. 

Affifi’s spirit and zest for life were apparent in everything that she did. She was a fashion consultant, home decorator, nurse, chef and therapist for everyone who knew her, and there was always room for more love in her heart.

Affifi is survived by a son: Gary Mulkigian and his wife Brittanie of Exeter, New Hampshire; a daughter Linda S. Kelly of Leominster, MA; six grandchildren that she loved and adored; Madison, Alexander, and Mikayla Mulkigian, Nicole, Caroline, and Stephanie Kelly; four sisters Carmina L. Syrio, Mary S. Spies, Labib L. Syrio and Narriman S. Melo all of Brazil; a brother Roberto L. Syrio of Brazil; She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by Elias, Ruy L., Tanios L., William V., and Carlos A. Syrio.

Friends may call for her Memorial Visitation on Monday July 29, 2024, at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in Lowell from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Her Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at the HOLY FAMILY PARISH in Lowell, MA, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. (Please Meet at Church). Burial will be held privately for the family at a later date. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harborside Hospice, LLC.  https://www.harborsidehospicellc.com. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.