Charlene (Elgin) White

Beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother

Charlene (Elgin) White left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father Saturday November 11, 2023, at The High Pointe House in Haverhill MA.

Charlene was born December 31, 1926, in Xenia, Ohio.  She was the third daughter of the late Charles Porter Elgin and Mary (Poore) Elgin of Ohio.  Charlene enjoyed a wonderful childhood with her two sisters, the late Kathleen Elgin, and the late Susie (Elgin) Cosman.

She attended The Ohio State University and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority graduating in 1949 with a degree as a Dental Hygienist.  Charlene was loved by her many patients, and she worked with great pride and skill until her retirement at the age of 80 years.

She was the loving wife of the late Joseph A. White Jr, and they lived a full and happy life in Stamford, Connecticut.  She and Joe enjoyed many evenings entertaining friends, dinners and socializing at Woodway Country Club and serving their local Episcopal Church for many happy years.

Later in life, Charlene became a member of the St. John’s Episcopal Parish in South Salem, NY, where she lived out her strong faith serving the Parish and its wonderful congregation.  She was happiest working in the hospitality ministry and the Church Kitchen addition was named after Charlene for her tireless work and dedication to the congregation.

Charlene had three wonderful sons who were the joy of her life.  All are married and provided Charlene with seven grandchildren and, at last count, seven great grandchildren!

Joseph “Jody” and Pamela White of West Palm Beach, Florida, Andrew “Andy” and Zoe White of Baltimore Maryland, and Charles “Chip” and Paulette White of Sandy, Utah

Charlene was affectionally called “Geems” by her adoring family and spent many hours enjoying their company at Holiday gatherings, Beach parties at Cedar Lane, dinners at Vesper Country Club, and numerous other family gatherings.  Always quick to make the children smile with funny faces and tickling fingers.

Charlene’s last years were spent living at The Saab Residence on the D’Youville Heath Campus in Lowell.  She was supported and cared for by an amazing team of loving individuals who made her last few years so very enjoyable.  She loved them all.

She always had a special gift for visiting great grandchildren, a fun word of encouragement and love, and, always, a dog treat for the visits she received from many four-legged friends.

A private Memorial Service was held for the family. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome and appreciated to support the ongoing ministry at St John’s Episcopal Parish, 82 Spring Street, South Salem, NY, 10590. Arrangements by O’Donnell Funeral Home 978-458-8768.

Ramona L. (Perez) Collinge

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, step-grandmother, in-law, and aunt;

Ramona L. (Perez) Collinge, 69, of Carthage, Tennessee, formerly of Lowell, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Monday November 6, 2023, at her son Joshua's home.

She was the loving wife for 25 years of the late Steven L. Collinge who predeceased her on October 20, 2001.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, October 27, 1954, the daughter of the late Ramon and the late Virginia (McCall) Perez, she was a graduate of Dixie Hollins High school in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the class of 1972.

Prior to her retirement in 2016, Ramona worked at Market Basket in Hudson, New Hampshire, for over 13 years.

Among her many interests, she enjoyed horror films, sitcoms, and police dramas, dining out, especially for good Mexican food and a stiff drink. Ramona had quite the sweet tooth, her favorite indulging was reese’s peanut butter cups. Ramona was the queen of one liner jokes, she would shatter the whole room in laughter. Music was a huge life balance whether it was on the radio, from her record collection, hearing a local band and seeing some legends including ZZ Top, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Stevie Nicks. Lastly, she took the trip of her lifetime on a cruise to the Caribbean islands, which she never forgot with her son Josh and daughter-in-law Alanna.

She is survived by three sons: Barry T. Collinge of Methuen, MA, Nathaniel “Nate” Collinge and his wife Erin of Danville, NH, Joshua S. Collinge and his wife Alanna of Carthage, TN, with whom Ramona resided with; two granddaughters Kalli and Kaelyn Collinge both of Danville, NH; two sisters Linda Gay of Tewksbury, MA, and Darlene Gorman of Nashua, NH; a step-grandson Dashaun Hancock of Carthage, TN; sister-in-law Joyce Aldrich and her husband Daniel of Randolph, NH; brother-in-law Kenny Tompson of California; she is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Ramon Perez.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL, MA, on Saturday November 18, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. followed immediately by her funeral service and burial at the St. Joseph Cemetery Chapel at 11:30 A.M. E-condolences/directions are available at http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA, 02452. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

David C. Laferriere

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother;

David C. Laferriere, 86 of Lowell, Massachusetts, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Lowell General Hospital in Lowell, surrounded by his family after a brief illness.

He was the loving husband of the late Claire R. (Blanchette) Laferriere who died in 2001.

Born in Lowell, MA, July 31, 1937, the son of the late Henry and the late Jeanette (Aselin) Laferriere, he attended the Immaculate Conception Grammer School and was a graduate of Lowell High School.

A veteran of the Korean Conflict, David proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 until 1958 aboard the USS Coral Sea as a Boilerman 1st Class Petty Officer. He received the Navy Occupation Service Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal.

Prior to his retirement, David was the owner and operator of David C. Laferriere Plumbing and Heating for over 30 years. He previously co-owned and operated Laferriere & Sons Plumbing and Heating Company with his father and brothers. He also had his Master Plumbers License in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, as well as Massachusetts Gas Fitter, Pipefitter, and Contractor’s license.

Amongst his various interests, David enjoyed dancing, antiquing, and going to flea markets. An avid golfer and member of Long Meadow Golf Club for many years, he also took great pride in taking care of his lawn and flower gardens. David also cherished spending time reminiscing about his yesteryears with his longtime friends, family, and anyone who wanted to sit and listen. He most especially loved the special bond he had with his youngest great-grandchildren: Claire and William.

David was also an active member to many organizations: The USS Coral Sea Association, Disabled American Veterans Association, Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion, and the National MA and Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors where he held many titles.

He was also a former member of the Greater Lowell Vocational High School Committee for three terms and was very passionate about vocational schools. He was a proponent for education and would always say, “a vocational school to a tradesman is like going to heaven.” He was also a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Church where he would attend daily and weekly masses.

David is survived by two daughters: Maureen Soucy and her husband Joseph of Lowell, MA, and Michele Martineau of Tyngsboro, MA; a son David C. Laferriere Jr. and his significant other Theresa L. Corriveau of Nashua, NH; six grandchildren Melissa Taborda and her husband Eric, Amanda Laferriere and her fiancé Michael King, Ashely St. Croix and her husband Christopher, Jonathan Soucy and his significant other Samantha Laferriere, Ryan Martineau and his fiancé Jacqueline Talbot and Blake Martineau and his wife Erin; five great-grandchildren Hollie Boisvert, Nicholas and Dylan Taborda, Claire and William St. Croix; a brother Gilbert Laferriere of NH; a sister-in-law Virginia Laferriere of Lowell, MA; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.He was the brother of the late Gloria Laflamme, Beatrice “Sookie” Reiderer, Arlene Normandin, Delores Soucier, Jannette Hargreaves, Jeannie Campagnon, Henry and Michael Laferriere.
Friends may call on Thursday morning November 16, 2023, at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. followed by his Funeral Mass to be celebrated at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH in LOWELL, MA, at 11:30 A.M. Burial to follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery. E-condolences/directions are available at http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Immaculate Conception Church, 3 Fayette St. Lowell, MA, 01852. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA (978) 458-8768.

James J. McPhillips

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather

James J. McPhillips, 80, of Lowell, Massachusetts, passed away on Thursday September 28, 2023, at Lowell General Hospital in Lowell, surrounded by his loving family.

James was the loving husband for over 57 years of Dorothy F. (Tully) McPhillips of Lowell, MA, who survives him.

Born in Lowell, MA, December 31, 1942, the son of the late James and the late Agnes L. (Beauregard) McPhillips, he attended St. Patrick’s Grammar School and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1961.

Prior to his retirement, James worked as a transportation courier for Saints Memorial Medical Center (nka Lowell General Hospital – Saints Campus) until 2008. Previously, he worked for the MBTA in Boston for over 26 years driving for the Green Line, before retiring in 1991.

Among his many interests, James enjoyed being a member of the Lowell Lodge of Elks, playing bingo, going to the casinos, and playing in several cribbage leagues.

Besides his wife, James is survived by a daughter: Karen E. McPhillips of Lowell, MA; two sons James J. McPhillips and his partner Gary W. McCarthy of Dracut, MA, John T. McPhillips and his wife Kellie of Fitchburg, MA; three grandchildren Michael Haakenstad and his significant other Tatiana Groves, Kayla Bartlett and her wife Chelsea, and Taber McPhillips; four great-grandchildren Lilyana, Makhai, Cameron, and Calvin; his aunt Sister Catherine Louise SND of Ipswich, MA; his in-laws Beverly P. McPhillips and her husband Dennis Pare of Lowell, MA, and  Jay Tully and his wife Elaine of Florida; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may call on Friday morning November 17, 2023, at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL from 9:00 to 11:45 A.M. followed by his Memorial Service in the Funeral Home at 12 o’clock Noon. Private Committal Services will be held for the family at a later date. E-condolences/directions are available at http://www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Holy Family Parish, 30 Grafton St., Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA (978) 458-8768.