Folsom Funeral Service

Marlea Smith, nee Fox, completed her circle of life on March 22, 2023.  She was born in May of 1927, to Fred and Ethel Fox of Walden, NY.  She had two older siblings Chester and Lyla (Mentz). Marlea attended SUNY at Plattsburg and University of Cincinnati for her Bachelor of Arts, and SUNY New Paltz for her Masters of Education and went on to teach in the local school district until retirement.

Married in June in 1948, to Kenneth Smith, Sr her hometown sweetheart, they spent 70 years together until his death in 2018. 

After Ken returned from serving as a submariner in the US Navy during WWII, Marlea and Ken moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Ken studied architecture and she finished her Bachelors. After they both graduated, they returned to Walden, she became a teacher of kindergarten and first grade and he an architect.  They raised three sons, Ken, Jr, Kevin, and Jeffrey in the home that Ken, Sr designed.  In 1996, they moved to Ashland, MA to be closer to their sons, and to dote on their two grandchildren Emily and Tommy.  They eventually moved to Fox Hill Village in Westwood where they enjoyed many years of gracious living on, as the family fondly referred to, “The Good Ship Lollipop”.

Marlea and Ken had a great love of the ocean and over the years enjoyed many good times in Ocean City Maryland with their family.  After retirement, they donned their wings as snowbirds and migrated every winter to Treasure Island in Florida.  When not at the beach, they found themselves drawn back to the sea aboard various cruises touring destinations from Alaska to Europe to the Caribbean.

One of Marlea’s greatest joys was working as a teacher as evidenced by a story she often told and repeated even after her memory was impaired by dementia.  She said that one of the moments that validated her years in education was when a student ran up to her and proudly announced, “Mrs. Smith, I can read!”.   It was clearly a moment she cherished.

After Ken, Senior’s death, Marlea remained at Fox Hill Village though active, her memory continued to diminish.  Despite her dementia, she remained a happy and gentle person who was a favorite of the all the healthcare personnel and aides who supported her.  She spent her final year in nursing care until her body caught up with her mind and she was able to pass on.

She was predeceased by her son Jeffery and husband Ken Sr, and is survived by her sons Ken, Jr and Kevin both of Natick, MA, her daughter-in-law’s Stephanie and Patty, and grandchildren Emily and Tommy.

In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of her love of teaching and reading, donations can be made to the Josephine-Louise Public Library, 5 Scofield Street, Walden, NY 12586.  The library will honor her memory by purchasing books that will be dedicated in her name.

A private memorial service will be held this summer.

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Emma Lucille (Fazenbaker) Alexander, a resident of Sun City Center, Florida for 35 years, and formerly of Norwood for over 40 years, died Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Braden River Nursing Home in Bradenton, Florida. She was 96. Emma was born in Dover, Ohio on October 15, 1926, one of the six children of Edgar and Emma (Stakem) Fazenbaker. She was a longtime clerk at Norfolk County Trust Company in Dedham and its successor, Baybank. She later worked as a receptionist for the Telco Company in Norwood. Emma was a member and Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 70 in Norwood and a past president of the Humming Kazoo Band in Florida. She was the former wife of the late Ronald Alexander, and a sister of the late Edgar and Elvan Fazenbaker, he late Elvira Fritz, and the late Esther Hanks. Emma is survived by her son, Ronald “Brad” Alexander, and his wife Mary, of Venice, Florida; her two daughters, Diane L. Alexander of North Attleboro, and her late companion Mickey Rupert, and Nancy R. Spaulding, and her husband Mark, of Norwood; her sister Ella Hager of Florida; four grandchildren, Robert and Corey Alexander, and Kaileen and Erin Spaulding; and three great grandchildren, Matthew, Aiden and Quinn Alexander. Services and interment were private

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Kevin McAnneny, age 68, of Stoughton, passed away on March 26, 2023 after a brief illness. Kevin was the loving husband of Luanne Lazzaro and cherished father to her sons Gregory and Dan Palladino. He was the beloved brother of Helen (McAnneny) O’Brien and her late husband Thomas O’Brien Jr., and Joan (McAnneny) Clark. Kevin was also a very special uncle to Meghan (O’Brien) Scafati, her husband Dave, and their children Stella and Rocco. He leaves behind six nephews who meant a great deal to him, as well as an endless amount of extended family members and friends who loved him dearly. Kevin was predeceased by his parents John and Evelyn (Crowe) McAnneny and his brother William McAnneny. 

Kevin was a 1973 graduate of Medford High School and attended Boston State College. He was a dedicated member of the Local 369 UWUA AFL/CIO for 34 years. He served for several years on the Eversource Safety Committee, where he was an avid champion for on-the-job safety. Kevin was an enthusiastic golfer, enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod, and loved spending time with his two favorite kids, STELLA and ROCCO!

Visitation will be held on Sat. from 9:30-11:30AM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St, WESTWOOD followed by his funeral Mass at St. Denis Church, 157 Washington St, Westwood at noon. Interment at New Westwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Kevin McAnneny to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or online at dana-farber.org/gift.

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Richard Owen Froempter, a resident of Roslindale, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at the West Newton Healthcare Nursing Home in Newton. He was 73. Richard was born May 7, 1949 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Arthur Oscar and Margaret Jean (Gurney) Froempter. After his graduation from High School in 1968, Richard enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he served for two years until his honorable discharge as a corporal in 1970. He worked in the printing field as a lithographer. Richard was the husband of the late Nancy Marie (Castor) Froempter whom he married in 1983 and who predeceased him in 1993. He is survived by his sister, Denise Perkins, and her husband Michael, of Roslindale; his niece, Jenna; his two nephews, Jared and Michael; his grandniece, Delaila; and his grandnephew, Jared. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, March 19th from 2 to 6 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Monday, March 20th at 10 am at the funeral home followed by interment with military honors in the Garden at Gethsemane Cemetery, 670 Baker Street, West Roxbury.

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Barbara M. Wojciechowicz, of Middleboro, and formerly of Taunton and Hyde Park, passed away on March 7, 2023. She was 70 years old. Barbara was the second child of the late Charles and Kathleen Wojciechowicz, and she was the loving sister of Kathleen Botelho of Taunton, Joanne Maranian and her husband Michael of Hyde Park, John Wojciechowicz and his wife Joann of Mashpee, and Mary Cremins and her husband Michael of Taunton. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Stacie Morgado, Erin Kline, Laurie and Charles “Chuck” Maranian, Caroline “Charlie” Wojciechowicz and Morgan and Matthew Cremins. Visitation for Barbara will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 10:30-12pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St, DEDHAM, followed by a service at the funeral home at noon. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to a charity of your choice. 

People connect with other people in many different ways.  Barbara connected with others through her talents and her generosity.  She showed you she cared about you by baking you the most amazing butter cookies, or cooking a delicious meal from scratch.  Or she went shopping and selected the perfect gift, one that you would never purchase for yourself.  A creative artistic soul who loved to cook, craft and travel, Barbara was always looking for ways to give to her family and friends

Barbara grew up in Hyde Park. She was one of 5 children and second in birth order.  She was a graduate of Hyde Park High School and attended Boston Business School.   She worked as a cook at the NEBH Hospital in Boston and local nursing homes. She enjoyed cooking and embraced her Polish and Irish roots in the kitchen.  Later she made a career switch and was a bookkeeper in insurance for Boston Mutual.   Barbara had a knack for numbers. 

Barbara fell ill in 2001 with transverse myelitis a spinal cord inflammation resulting in her being confined to a wheelchair.  She moved to Taunton with her mother to a ranch home.  Barbara adjusted and immersed herself in her passions and interests of cooking, shopping and crafting.  Barbara often spoiled her nieces and nephews through the years.

Unfortunately, after an illness in October 2008 Barbara woke blind and brain injured.  It had a profound impact.  Barbara was strong and she dug deep to make the best of her situation.  She spent six years in a nursing home in Newton.  In 2015 Barbara had the opportunity to move back into the community.  The last seven years she lived in a group home in Middleboro.  

Barbara enjoyed a few weekend getaways to Truro in the Fall to listen to the ocean, feel the wind and warmth of the sun and experience the shopping and the restaurants.   This was possible due to the compassion and efforts of Marion Desmond, her friend, nurse and caretaker at her home who travelled with her.  

In December 2021 Barbara experienced a memorable and enjoyable trip to the Andrea Bocelli concert at the TD Garden in Boston with Marion.  It even included a midnight snack of roast beef before the ride home!  We are so grateful that Barbara had one last great adventure.

2022 brought declining health.

The family is grateful and acknowledges Barbara’s longtime good friend Judy Bourque, the friendship and care of Marion Desmond and BAMSI house staff.

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November 2, 1937 – March 2, 2023

Rita Ann (Nuss) Leyden, age 85, of Westport, CT and Westwood, MA, died peacefully from natural causes on March 2, 2023. Her warmth, generosity, ready laugh, quick wit, listening ear, impeccable style, and deep faith will be sorely missed.

Affectionately known as “Grey Momma” for her stunning silver hair and nurturing spirit, Rita was a voracious reader and lifelong learner. Her enthusiasm for sports was genuine; she knew the players, the stats, and the strategy. Rita enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, and riding waves in Quogue and Maui. Her knitted infant blankets and prayer shawls brought comfort to hundreds. Her homemade chocolate chip bars were devoured by those who visited the family home one block from Compo Beach. 

Rita was the cherished wife of Thomas Patrick Leyden, her husband of 59 years who predeceased her in July 2020. She raised three devoted children: Margaret Mary (Peggy) Leyden Holda, of South Easton, MA; Patricia Marie Leyden Paul of South Grafton, MA; and Thomas Patrick Leyden, Jr. of Westwood, MA. She was beloved by her granddaughters Megan Elizabeth Paul, Abigail Marie Paul, Dahlia Anna Leyden, and Olivia Rita Leyden. She also was blessed to have numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Rita is survived by her sisters Dorothy (Nuss) Finnegan and Edna (Nuss) Leyden and her brother Hon. Thomas Nuss and his wife, Susan Case Nuss. She is predeceased by her parents Francis Bernard and Edna Ellen (O’Gara) Nuss, her brother Rev. Francis Bernard Nuss, her sister Ellen (Nuss) Illuzzi and brothers-in-law Francis Finnegan, Francis Illuzzi, and Lawrence Leyden. She also is predeceased by her parental in-laws Arthur Francis and Margaret Mary (Long) Leyden and siblings-in-law Arthur Francis, Jr. and Regina Leyden.

Born in Flushing, NY on November 2, 1937, Rita grew up in Great Neck, NY. She graduated from St. Aloysius School in Great Neck in 1951 and Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset, NY in 1955. Rita earned a BA in History from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ in 1959. 

Rita dedicated most of her adult life helping her children realize their potential. She also put her talents to work as a volunteer, forming the Assumption School library and fundraising for Fairfield College Preparatory School. A longtime member of the Westport Young Women’s League, Rita served as its President from 1976-77, overseeing numerous social and charitable initiatives and forming friendships that would last decades. When her nest emptied, Rita re-entered the workforce, becoming a top salesperson at Talbot’s and a knowledgeable circulation desk assistant at the Westport Public Library.

Rita was an active parishioner at the Church of the Assumption in Westport, CT, serving as both a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. In 2013, Rita received the St. Augustine Medal of Service from the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT, which recognizes  “unsung heroes” who unselfishly dedicate their time and talents to develop parish communities.

Visiting Hours will be on Wednesday, March 22 from 4-8 p.m. at Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Road East, Westport, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, March 23 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT. The Funeral Mass will also be available for viewing via live-stream online. Further details will be available through the Assumption parish website www.assumptionwestport.org

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Rita’s honor to a cause that was very dear to her – The Women’s Empowerment Scholarship, PO Box 380, Monson, MA 01057, www.womensempowermentscholarship.org

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Thomas (Tim) M. Jarvis, 54, formerly of Dedham, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 2^nd following injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts on December 1^st 1968, the son of late Sheila Ann Jarvis of Dedham. Timmy attended Dedham schools and was a graduate of Dedham high school, class of 1987. He was an avid athlete playing football from Pop Warner through high school and excelled in wrestling. Among his many activities, Tim enjoyed funny movies, art, and being with family above all.

Tim is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving partner Raquel Leone of Shrewsbury, MA, his former wife Aileen Krom of Holbrook, MA, his three daughters Katelynne DiTomaso and her husband Nicholas DiTomaso of Kingston, NH, Kristina Jarvis and her husband Michael Malone of Carver, MA, and Meaghan Jarvis of Salem, NH. He is also survived by his grandchildren Natalia, Delia, Matthew, and William along with his sister Donna Remedis and her husband Matthew Remedis of Holderness NH, his nephews Patrick Remedis and Tommy Remedis, and his niece Kelly Remedis.

Tim was predeceased by his late daughter Maureen Jarvis and mother Sheila Jarvis. Relatives and friends may call at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St, Dedham, MA 02026 from 3pm to 7pm on Friday March 10^th. Immediately following will be a brief service. Burial will be private.

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John Joseph Hayes, AKA Welfed, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2023 at the age of 63 with his children by his side. John was a long time resident of Bellingham, Massachusetts. John was born November 18, 1959 in Boston Massachusetts, the son of John Christopher and Mary Theresa (O’Malley) Hayes, immigrants from Ireland. John is survived by his three children and their spouses, Priscilla and Graham Barkson, Nicole and Kristopher Cook, his favorite son, John Hayes; and his beloved ex wife Sandra (Aguirre) Hayes.  He is also survived by his loving and caring mom, Mary Teresa (O’Malley) Hayes. He was the son of the late John Christopher Hayes. John was cherished by his amazing sisters, Marie O’Sullivan, Eileen Michaud, Ann Cronin, Margaret Feyler, and favorite brother Patrick Hayes. He was a loving Grandfather to John Hayes, Amelia & Abigail Barkson, James and Sloane Cook, and Adalyn Hayes. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and was the uncle of the late, Thomas Christopher Michaud. Along with his immediate family, John leaves behind an incredible extended family and many many friends.

During his time here, he found a way into everyone’s heart. John always had a smile on his face, was always cracking jokes even after losing his voice, and wherever music was playing you’d see him dancing. He loved his sports especially Sunday football during which he did not want to be disturbed! He was also known for random deliveries of his famous homemade lasagna. John was well-known throughout the local 223 laborers community after dedicating over 27 years of hard work.

The Hayes family would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to long-time family friends Linda and George O’Grady and all the health care workers.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, March 5th 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St, Westwood, Ma. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home Monday at 10 am and proceed with us to St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St., Westwood for his funeral mass at 11 o clock. Interment in New Westwood Cemetery. A Celebration of John’s life will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 572 Nichols St, Norwood Ma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to Lary Speakeasy foundation. Lary Speakeasy Inc. c/o Steven Cooper 9401 Woodington Dr, Potomac, Md 20854

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July 8, 1981 – February 24, 2023

Robert “Bob” Paul Cummins, 41, passed away Friday, February 24, 2023, at Boston Medical Center surrounded by family and friends.  He is survived by his former partner Alicia McDonough and stepson Connor Daly of Foxboro, MA and his mother, Linda Cummins of Boston, MA. Other survivors include many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and former in-laws.

Bob was the consummate salesman having worked for Granite Telecommunications for nearly 10 years and previously at T-Mobile.  Bob was a two-time cancer survivor and participated annually in Granite Telecommunication’s “Shaving by Saving” fundraiser benefitting cancer research.  He was also a member of the Plymouth Lion’s Club.  Bobby was a happy, outgoing person who loved meeting new people and spending time with the McDonough/Salisbury clan, family, and friends.

Visitation for Bob will be held from 10-11AM on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the Folsom Funeral Home 87 Milton Street, Dedham, followed by a memorial service at the funeral home at 11AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Shatterproof in honor of the deceased.

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Frances Louise (Savino) Masters, a longtime resident of Dedham, died Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at her home in Dedham. She was 87. Frances was born June 6, 1935 in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Antoinette (Savino) Imbaro. She was a graduate of Dedham High School with the Class of 1953 and worked in sales for Sears in Dedham, and later as a bookkeeper for John Hancock Insurance Company. Frances was a former member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Dedham. Her hobbies included gardening, knitting and crocheting. She was also an avid cat fancier and loved her numerous feline companions. Frances is the beloved wife of Richard Steven Masters and is survived by her four children, Richard S. Masters Jr, of Halifax, Tami L. Masters of Monument Beach, John S. Masters of Dedham, and Carrie A. Diauto of Mashpee. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Richard M. Ruo, Lisa K. Perry, Shelly M. Pitts, Kathleen E. Masters, Kristina F. Masters, Karilyn L. Masters, Kimberley B. Masters, Sarah K. Masters, Maxwell S. Masters, Ashlynn R. Diauto and Gianna S. Diauto; and 8 great grandchildren, Michael J. Ruo, Victoria L. Ruo, Emily S.E. Ruo, Julia M. Ruo, Marlee A. Pitts, Winter M. Pitts, Savanna A. Pitts, and Juliana F. Perry. Frances was the mother of the late Paul D. Masters and the late Lisa K. Masters, and the grandmother of the late David Masters. Services and interment in Brookdale Cemetery were private

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