Elsa Edith Stowell

curious, dutiful, exacting, kind-hearted, tough, hopeful

Elsa Edith (Nilsson) Stowell died on December 15, 2022, after a very long life and a very short illness. She was the daughter of Emil Alfred Nilsson and Johanna Ida (Guenther) Nilsson, the half-sister of Walter Gottlieb Wiede, the sister of Emil Oscar Nilsson, and for almost 60 years the wife of Robert “Bob” Stowell, who died on January 22, 2020.

Elsa was born on January 22, 1932, in the house her father built at 5 Yale Street in North Chelmsford--the only house she ever lived in. She grew up as an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, which was then the center of the Swedish immigrant community in South Lowell. Elsa sang in the choir and played center forward on the girls’ basketball team.

When her mother died in 1942, young Elsa became the woman of the house, taking care of her father as much as he took care of her. When her half-brother was killed in action in 1945, Elsa fought to have Yale Street renamed in his memory as Walter G. Wiede Street. (Years later, Elsa often had to fight to get the street signs spelled correctly.)

Elsa graduated from Chelmsford High School in 1949. Her yearbook listed her interests as corny jokes, skating, and cooking, and described her as a “sweet and sincere friend.” Elsa then worked for 11 years as a clerk, stenographer, and bookkeeper at Pratt & Forrest lumber yard in Lowell, where her “duties were carried out efficiently, accurately, and neatly.”

When a Catholic guy from Lowell named Bob asked her out, Elsa said yes. When they wanted to get married and some disapproved, Elsa eloped with him. And after they were married, Elsa left her job to start a family. Elsa’s interest in history helped their son Stephen find a career in historic preservation; her interest in art led to their son Scott’s career in design. Elsa always made the best of things.

After Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2013, Elsa dealt with everything Bob had always taken care of. Months later, she had a massive cerebral hemorrhage. Elsa not only survived but thrived, regaining all of her cognitive function and most of her mobility. Using a wheelchair, Elsa maintained a regular exercise regimen for the rest of her life.

Elsa repeatedly outlived everything from a broken neck to a COVID-19 infection. When Bob’s dementia progressed, Elsa decided to move into memory care together so she could keep an eye on him. Wherever they were, Bob and Elsa kept making friends. And whenever Elsa met somebody in need, she wanted to help them. Elsa tried to do her best.

Elsa leaves her son Stephen Stowell, his wife Alyson (Garland) Stowell, and their daughter Kathryne Stowell, all in Chelmsford; her son Scott Stowell and his wife Carmen Morais in New York City; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and all the family, friends, doctors, nurses, therapists, aides, and more who helped her “keep going,” as she would say.

She loved animals (especially cats), anything lemon, ballroom dancing, breakfast, flowers, free brochures, maple walnut ice cream, meeting new people, mornings, photography, pickled herring, salmon, sharing an English muffin with Bob, shopping, trying new things, Turner Classic Movies, and the word “wonderful.” She would also love it if you made a donation to help animals at aspca.org.

STOWELL--Everybody is invited to O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME at 276 Pawtucket Street in Lowell from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday to celebrate Elsa’s life. Elsa’s funeral service will be at 10 am on Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Chelmsford, with her burial afterwards at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

Marie C. (O’Hare) Sherman

Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and godmother;

Marie C. (O’Hare) Sherman, 90, of Lowell, Massachusetts, passed away on Saturday December 10, 2022, at D’Youville Senior Care in Lowell, MA with her loving family by her side.

Born in Lowell, MA, December 19, 1931, the daughter of the late John J. and the late M. Agnes (Coakley) O’Hare, she attended St. Patrick Grammar school and graduated from St. Patrick’s Girl’s High school.

Prior to her retirement, she worked as an Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Treasurer at U/Mass Lowell, (formerly known as Lowell State College and U/Lowell).

Marie was a member of the Poor Clare’s Guild, St. Patrick’s Parish Sodality, and the Lowell Senior Citizens.

She is survived by a daughter Mary Jo Giroux of Lowell, MA; five grandchildren Christina Welch and her husband Matt of Hudson, New Hampshire, Patrick Greenwood of Lowell, MA, Donald Greenwood of the United States Air Force and his wife Heather of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Timothy Giroux of Lowell, MA, and Melissa Giroux of Lowell, MA; nine great grandchildren Bryanna, Connor, Sean, Dillon, Cadence, Avery, Addison, Trey, and Aisling; and several nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Marie was predeceased by her lifelong companion Bill Pappas. She was also predeceased by her two dear sisters Anne Stewart and Patricia Caron.

Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL on Thursday December 15, 2022, from 4 to 7 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass at ST PATRICK CHURCH on Friday December 16 at 10:00 A.M. Burial to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing, may make contributions in her memory to the Monastery of St. Clare 445 River Road, Andover, MA, 01810. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

Leonard D. “Lenny” FitzGerald

Beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather;

Leonard D. “Lenny” FitzGerald, 90, of Lowell, Massachusetts, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022, at D’Youville Center for Advanced Therapy in Lowell, MA surrounded by his loving family.

He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley M. “Chickie” (Vachon) FitzGerald who passed away on June 30, 2019, after 65 years of marriage.

Born in Lowell, MA, September 20, 1932, the son of the late James P. and the late Josephine M. (O’Donnell) FitzGerald, he attended St. Patrick Grammar School and graduated from Keith Academy, in the Class of 1950.

A veteran of the Korean War, he proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army.

Prior to his retirement, Lenny worked as a Manager for Verizon in Lowell for over 35 years.

He was a lifelong communicant of Saint Margaret of Scotland Church, a member of the Tyngsboro Senior Golf League, St. Margaret’s Bowling League, and the Telephone Pioneers of America.

An avid Hampton Beach bodysurfer and sandball player into his late 80s and always ready for a cribbage game, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a wonderful Gramps.

Lenny is survived by five children: James P. FitzGerald of Lowell, Kathleen M. FitzGerald and her partner Michael Gauthier of Lowell, Lynne M. FitzGerald of Lowell, Gail FitzGerald-Ostendarp and her husband Carl of Ithaca, New York, and Lisa F. Wagner and her husband Joe of North Chelmsford; 16 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.

He was the father of the late Mary C. FitzGerald and the brother of the late Virginia FitzGerald, Donald FitzGerald, Raymond FitzGerald, Paul FitzGerald, and Dorothy Hudzik.

Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in Lowell on Friday December 16, 2022, from 4 to 7 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be at ST. MARGARET OF SCOTLAND CHURCH, 374 Stevens St., Lowell, on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. Burial to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those who wish to make contributions in his memory may donate to Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities, 70 Lawrence St. Lowell, MA 01852, www.ccab.org Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

Thomas M. Weza, Sr.

Beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend;

Thomas M. Weza, Sr., 64, known to his friends as "Weez" and a life-long resident of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Sunday December 4, 2022, at Lowell General Hospital after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on July 1, 1958, the son of the late Edward T. Weza, Jr. and the late Florence (Sheehan) Weza, he attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Greater Lowell Technical High School.

A carpenter and renovation specialist for most of his life, Tom was first a union carpenter in Boston and later ran his own business throughout Greater Lowell.

While in Boston, Tom specialized in historical restoration projects, both as a general foreman and carpenter. He was very proud of his role in the restoration of the Massachusetts State House, Faneuil Hall Market Place and the Nathan Merriam House.

Tom had a long list of loyal customers and friends over his 40 plus years in business.  Plain-spoken and always genuine, he filled any room with laughter and good conversation, no matter the company.  To say he will be deeply missed is an understatement.

Among his interests, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, traveling, and hanging out with his friends (particularly breakfast on Sundays with his fellow church-goers, and Friday nights with the boys at "The Fours").  However, his greatest joy was when he was with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his four children Kristyn C. Chartier-Elias and her husband Dan of North Andover, Thomas M. Weza, Jr. and his wife Victoria of Kittery, ME, Jacqueline T. Weza and her fiancé Andrew MacRobert of Somerville and Michael A. Weza of Lowell; five grandchildren Brandon Chartier, Andrew Chartier, Cameron Chartier, Elizabeth Weza and Madeline Weza; a brother Edward T. Weza, III and his wife Eileen of Lowell; a special nephew Edward T. Weza, IV and his wife Brooke of Tyngsboro; and many extended family.

He was also the brother of the late Martin E. Weza.

Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL on Friday December 9, 2022, from 3 to 7 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Saturday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH in Lowell at 10 o’clock. His Committal Services will be held at a later date for the family. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Immaculate Conception Church Restoration Fund, 3 Fayette St., Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.