James L. Cooney, Jr.

James L. Cooney Junior passed away on February 20, 2022.  Until Alzheimer’s Disease took him, he led a life full of family, friendships, and fun.  Last week, Jim and his wife Susan (Marion) celebrated 53 years of marriage during which they raised four daughters, Carolyn Bartholdson, Beth Lasher, Megan Worley and Maura Graham.  Jim hit the jackpot when he met Susan and his longevity after his diagnosis was thanks to her care and devotion.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on April 7, 1945, Jim was a proud – and distinguished alumnus – of the Immaculate Conception School and Keith Academy.  He remained in Lowell for the majority of his life and Lowell is where he grew the business his father began there in 1946.  Jim led the James L. Cooney Insurance and Real Estate Agency as President until 2015.

Jim was the oldest child and only son of James L. Cooney Senior and Bernice (Devine) Cooney.  He was known for keeping them on their toes.  While his mischievousness defined his youth, his loyalty and commitment were hallmarks of his adulthood.  He would have done anything for his three sisters and their families, the late Mary Pietryka and her husband John, Anne O’Brien and her late husband Pat and Katie Barry and her husband Brian.  Once he married Susan, he felt the same for his sister-in-law Judi Harness and her late husband Bill and their family.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Jim leaves behind seven grandchildren whom he adored: Anders Bartholdson, Michael Bartholdson, Luke Worley, Gemma Worley, James Graham, Evie Bartholdson and Georgia Graham.   They all inherited Jim’s character, sense of humor and love of ice cream.   Jim warmly embraced his sons-in-law, welcome additions to his female-centered world and he loved his nieces and nephews like they were his own children.

Jim was known for rallying.  He would always be up for a good time and was always game to try anything once.  His family and friends have lists of vacations and experiences they would never have had if Jim hadn’t made them happen.  His home had an open door and he never shied away from a houseguest.

Jim learned to ski from his wife and became a lifelong fan of the sport.  He passed on his love for the slopes to all of his children and grandchildren.  They all have many happy memories skiing together in Quechee, Vermont.  In addition, he looked forward to an annual Colorado ski trip with his friends which doubled as a great excuse to visit his daughter, Beth.

Jim had a generous spirit and was wired to help folks who needed a lift.  He was the person to call if you need a few bucks, a place to stay, or a job.  The Cooney Agencies launched many careers.

There was no one prouder of being from Lowell than Jim.  He was an active member of his community and held many leadership positions in civic organizations, clubs, and schools.  

Jim’s family wants to thank the staff at the Arbors in Dracut and Sunny Acres in Chelmsford who provided Jim with love, support, and care during the last years of his life.  

A lifelong parishioner and supporter of the Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell, Jim forged many friendships with the pastors through the years.  Beginning with his days as an altar boy, Jim loved the Immaculate and it is fitting that his wake and funeral will be held there on Saturday, February 26.  

Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Visitation to be held Saturday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 144 EAST MERRIMACK ST. in LOWELL from 9 to 10:45 A.M. followed by his Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 o’clock. The family has requested that all attendees please bring and wear a mask upon entrance into the church for the calling hours and Mass. His burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in No. Tewksbury. Arrangements by O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME-LOWELL (978) 458-8768.

E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Immaculate Conception Church Restoration Fund, 3 Fayette Street, Lowell, MA 01852 or the family’s team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Northeastern Massachusetts through the following link: http://act.alz.org/goto/jimcooney.

Thomas W. Stirling

Beloved stepfather, brother uncle and friend;

Thomas W. "Tommy" Stirling, 58, of Laconia, New Hampshire but formerly of Lowell, MA died peacefully at Concord Hospital in Concord, NH after a brief illness.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, December 26, 1963, the son of the late James D. and the late Mary Alice (O'Connell) Stirling, Tommy received his education in the Lowell school system.

Previously, he was a assembler for Colonial Wire and Cable for many years and was the bassist player in his former Band: Fast Forward.

A good-hearted man, Tommy had a passion for music and was an accomplished bassist guitar player and an avid collector of all music. He also enjoyed play cards with his family and friends, especially the digital card game "Magic: The Gathering". However, his greatest joy was when he was with family and friends.

Tommy is survived three stepsons Jimmy Taylor, Jake Taylor and Josh Taylor all of Laconia, NH; several step-grandchildren; his brother Jim Stirling and his partner David of Methuen; two sisters Debra A. Ward of Jacksonville, FL and Theresa M. Marquis and her husband Norm of Tyngsboro, MA; many aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews: two dear friends Rick Kenefic and Averil Taylor

He was also the brother of the late George O. Stirling and Alice J. DiBerto.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL, MA, on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 9:30 to 11:15 A.M. followed by his Funeral Service in the Funeral Home at 11:30 A.M. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to American Cancer Society, 2 Commerce Drive, Suite 110, Bedford, NH 03110. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

Richard L. Boulanger

Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather

Richard L. Boulanger, age 93 and longtime resident of Lowell, passed away peacefully under the compassionate care provided by the staff at High Pointe House in Haverhill, on Friday, February 4th, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was the loving husband of Mary, with whom he shared 73 years of marriage.

Born on April 28, 1928, in Nashua, N.H., he was the son of the late Yvonne (Latendresse) and the late Louis J. Boulanger.  Richard attended the Lowell schools and graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1946.   He attended the evening division of Lowell Technological Institute where he studied engineering.    Richard worked for several years at Raytheon until he joined his brother Robert at Forrest Marine and Trailer Company of Tyngsboro, Ma., where they operated the business together for 35 years.    He was a devoted communicant of St. Rita's Parish for over 50 years.

Richard loved spending time with family and friends on the Cape and spent many happy years tending his hydrangeas and roses with his wife Mary near Pleasant Road Beach in Harwich.

Along with his wife Mary, Richard is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughter Brenda M. Gannon and her husband Hugh of Lowell; known as “Papa” to his three grandchildren, Hugh S.  Gannon, Jr., and his wife Kristina of Dunstable; Jennifer M.  Wade and her husband Jeremy of Washington, D.C.; Mary T.  McGloine and her husband Andrew of Boston; and his three great grandchildren, Madelyn A. Gannon and Lincoln J. Gannon of Dunstable and Agnes K. McGloine of Boston. He loved them all dearly and with all his heart.

Richard is also survived by his brother Robert and his wife Dolores of Laconia, N.H.; two nieces, Deborah A. Boulanger and Robin L. Lowrey as well as many cousins, grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother Laurier Boulanger.

Funeral services were private. Richard loved children. In lieu of flowers and in Richard's memory, please consider giving to Boston Children's Hospital. Contributions can be made at bostonchildrens.org/giveinmemory; or mail checks payable to Boston Children's Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, Ma.01125-5301. Please include the honoree's name in the memo line. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA - (978) 458-8768.