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.

Nanette M. (Thomas) Goodwin
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt;

Nanette M. (Thomas) Goodwin, 66, of Dracut, Massachusetts and a member of a well-known Greater Lowell family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Lowell General Hospital.

She was the beloved wife for over 43 years to Brian E. Goodwin, who survives her.

Born in South Bend Indiana, September 21, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Richard E. and the late Isabelle R. (Magaldi) Thomas. Nanette attended St. Michael’s Grammar School in Lowell, MA, and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the class of 1975. After high school, Nanette graduated from Lowell Technological Institute (now known as UMass Lowell) and later, Northern Essex Community College.

Nanette’s passion in life was helping other people, and she found her calling at Northeast Independent Living Program in Lawrence, MA. She worked as an office manager there for over 38 years, advocating and assisting countless people with disabilities in their goals to live independently.

Besides her husband Brian, Nanette is survived by a son, Brandon T. Goodwin of Dracut, MA; her granddaughter, Ava R. Goodwin of Dracut, MA, (to whom she was a dedicated “Nana”); a sister, Kathryn Lightbody and her husband Howard of Gaithersburg, MD; two brothers, David R. Thomas of Lowell, MA, and Richard E. Thomas and his wife Beverlyann of Dracut, MA; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of Joseph Thomas, who predeceased her.

Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. on Thursday, September 19, 2024 in Lowell from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Her Funeral Mass will be held at ST. FRANCIS CHURCH in Dracut, MA, on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. (Please meet at church). Burial to follow at ST. MARY CEMETERY in Tewksbury, MA. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to Northeast Independent Living Program at https://www.nilp.org/make-a-donation/. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.

Mary E. (Broderick) Lewis

With heavy hearts, Mary E. (Broderick) Lewis, 96, of Lowell, died September 4, 2024, surrounded by her devoted children.  

Known for her warm heart, gentle spirit and unwavering love for her family, she touched the lives of all who knew her.

Mary, born in Lowell, Massachusetts was the widow of William D. Lewis who sadly passed in 2010 after 58 years of marriage. She was the daughter of Irish immigrants, John and Winifred (Armstrong) Broderick who hailed from County Sligo, Ireland and was the last of her cherished siblings.

After graduating from Lowell High School, she eventually met Bill at the Commodore Ballroom and their love of dancing extended into a love of the Lawrence Welk show on Saturday nights.

After marrying Bill, Mary became the mother and beloved matriarch of a full house with eight children. She devoted her life to her husband and the well-being of her family. She was a hands-on parent, but an understanding disciplinarian who was a role model for a happy marriage. She reveled in yearly trips with Bill and her youngsters to many locations in both Maine and New Hampshire.

She never forgot her roots and regaled her children with vivid memories of her parents, siblings and happy childhood.  As an ode to her Irish heritage, Mary would say she liked nothing more than a plate of potatoes, a hot cup of tea and a good British detective series (“Father Brown” was her favorite).

A woman of immense faith and quiet dignity, God was always at the forefront of Mary’s life.  After Bill’s passing and as she aged, going to daily mass was replaced with a Catholic service on television.

We are grateful to Father Nicholas Sannella of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Lowell who was an instrumental part of her spiritual life with weekly communion.  Prayer played an immense role in every decision she made.

Although her family was blessed to have their mother in their lives for so long, they will always miss her daily love and support. Her legacy of kindness, strength and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of those she admired most. Our collective commitment to faithfulness with everlasting peace guarantees that her eternal life with Bill in God’s care will continue.

Mrs. Lewis is survived by five daughters Mary E. and William Randolph Posey of Lowell, Kathleen A. and John R. Caisse of Griswold, CT, Maureen and Arthur T. Demoulas of Lowell, Ann M. Clegg and her late husband Scott W. of Lawrence and Patricia A. and Stephen J. Winalski of Lowell; two sons Gerard W. and his wife Caren of Rindge, NH and William A. of Lowell, MA. Twelve grandchildren: Shawn and Patrick Gilbride, Matthew and Benjamin Caisse, Madeline, Telemachus, Irene and Mary Demoulas, Logen and Autumn Lewis, Sidney and Nolan Lewis and five great-grandchildren: Jacob Ryan Gilbride, Maison Alexander Caisse, Owen Lucas Caisse, Riley Dawn Lewis, and Eleanor Irene Kelley; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.  

She was also the mother of the late Madeline Lewis and mother-in-law of the late Stephen J. Gilbride. She was the sister of Madeline Murray, Margaret Cole, Bernard, James, John, Martin and Joseph Broderick.

The family would like to thank Mary’s in-home care team who had provided Mary with exceptional service for several years along with Lowell General Hospital and D’Youville Center for Advanced Therapy.

LEWIS – At the family’s request, there were no calling hours. Funeral Services were held privately. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 3 Fayette St., Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA - (978) 458-8768.

Thomas J. Quinn

Beloved father, grandfather, brother, in-law, uncle and cousin

PEPPERELL- Thomas J. Quinn (Tom), age 78, of Pepperell, formerly of Lowell and Dracut, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at his home in Pepperell. He was the devoted husband of his beloved Denise M. (Matte) Quinn, the love of his life, who died on March 26, 2018.

Born in Lowell on November 5, 1945, he was the son of the late John F. and Helen (Horman) Quinn. Tom was a graduate of St. Michael's School in Lowell, and Dracut High School in Dracut. Quiet and clever, young Tom loved learning and was often found reading and experimenting with his favorite subject, science. Tom went on to receive his B.S. degree from the former Lowell State Teachers College. It was during this time he met his future wife Denise, and they began their adventure together.

They lived an exciting and active life, making lasting friendships along the way. They spent a summer sailing the Caribbean and a winter skiing the slopes of Switzerland. They even rented an R/V and spent a summer traveling the Australian coast. Despite their love of adventure, Tom’s favorite times were spent with Denise in silence. Walking on a quiet winter beach together on the Cape or drinking coffee and reading the newspaper on the deck in the morning sun.

Tom worked in sales for many years.  His charming nature and love of people made him perfect for his role. Most recently he was the Sales Director for E.S. Components in Sterling, MA, from where he retired. During his retirement, Tom loved playing cribbage and enjoyed competing in multiple leagues, meeting new friends along the way.  His role as “Grampy” was taken very seriously. He loved taking the kids to the beach, the movies, and out for ice cream. He sat on the sidelines for every sports event and encouraged their curiosity for life and how things work.

A devoted family man, Tom loved spending time with his extended family. He always arrived at a party right on time with arms full of food to share or gifts to distribute. His favorite holiday was Christmas, where he and Denise would host a day full of food, love and laughter. He was an avid reader his whole life, and was a staunch New England Patriots fan, even (in his words) “before it was cool…or easy”. Tom was at his core a kind and caring man, whose thoughtfulness knew no bounds. He was equally funny, with a quick wit and sharp tongue that kept everyone laughing and on their toes. His warmth and love will be missed by so many.

He is survived by two daughters, Courtney Ahearn and Catherine "Kate" Quinn, both of Lowell; two granddaughters, Ellodie "Ellie" Ahearn and Avery Ahearn, both of Lowell; a sister, Judy Donohoe of Westford; two sisters-in-law, Carol Fennell and her husband Bill of Pepperell and Lisa Matte and cousin, Sharon Brox of Tewksbury and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Relatives and friends may attend his Memorial Visitation on Wednesday September 4, 2024, at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL from 3 until 5 P.M.  E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (978)458-8768.