Folsom Funeral Service

Lester Holmes, age 90, of Dedham, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband of Barbara, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Lester leaves behind a rich legacy of love, dedication, and service to his family, community, and the causes closest to his heart.

Born and raised in Bridgewater and North Easton, Lester grew up with his siblings, Harry and Maxine. He spent his career as a buyer in the supermarket industry, respected for his integrity and work ethic. After moving to Dedham in 1998, he became a familiar face in the community as a crossing guard for Dedham Public Schools, a role he held proudly for many years.

Lester’s life was defined by service. He was an Army veteran who served in Paris after the Korean War, an active member of the Free Masons, and held various community roles as a scout leader, baseball coach, and a member of the Easton Recreation and Conservation Commissions. He was also an Elder at Covenant Congregational Church in Easton, where he faithfully served for many years.

Beyond his roles in the community, Lester found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was passionate about gardening, took delight in bird watching, and was beloved by all dogs in and around his family. His gentle nature made him a favorite among both people and pets.

Lester is survived by his sister Maxine, five children: John and Kim Keith of Mashpee, Leslie and Joe Colligan of Dedham, Beth and Chris Snyder of Bristol, RI, Nelson and Ruth Holmes of Mansfield, and Edward and Bonnie Holmes of Plymouth. He was a proud grandfather to Nicole, Erin, Michael, Nicholas, Jacob, Lindsey, Evan, Forrest, Veronica, Kerran, Lily, and Caroline. He also leaves behind ten great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

A wake will be held at Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham on Wednesday, October 16^th from 4pm-8pm followed by funeral services at St Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 950 East Street, Dedham on Thursday, October 17^th at 10am. Interment will be on Friday, October 18th at 10:30 am at Evergreen Cemetery in Stoughton. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lester’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Association, BrightFocus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871, a cause close to the family’s heart.

Lester Holmes will forever be remembered for his faith, unwavering love for his family, his dedication to his community, and his appreciation for the simple joys in life. May he rest in peace, forever in our hearts.

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Thomas E. Spellman, a resident of Hyde Park, died Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton after a brief illness. He was 79. Thomas was born March 12, 1945 in Somerville, Massachusetts, one of the seven children of Edward and Barbara (Gove) Spellman. He grew up in Concord and Bedford and was a graduate of Bedford High School. Thomas worked as a senior building custodian for the City of Newton. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and enjoyed history and politics, and was the family historian and genealogist. Thomas was an avid cribbage player who ran the cribbage nights at the Norwood and Dedham Senior Centers for many years. He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie (Callahan) Spellman; his two daughters, Ann-Mary Spellman of Holdrook, and Maureen Helena Renehan, and her husband Richard, of Dedham; his four grandchildren, Kathleen Spellman, and Owen, Anna, and Sean Renehan; his brother, Edward Spellman of Florida; and his three sisters, Barbara Dunn of Hingham, Alice Siekman of Woburn, and Patricia Boeing of Concord. he was the brother of the late John Spellman, and the late Sandra Miller. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Mass Tuesday, October 15th at 10:30 am at St. Anne’s Church, 82 West Milton Street, Readville. Private interment will be at Mount Benedict Cemetery in West Roxbury. in lieu of flowers donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 18 Canton Street, Stoughton, MA 02072 would be appreciated.

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David Lowell Seaquist, a Westwood resident, died Friday, August 16, 2024 at the Victoria Haven Nursing Home in Norwood. He was 89. David was born March 6, 1935 in Nye, Wisconsin, the son of Carl Johannes Sjokvist and Mabel (Anderson) Seaquist. David was a US Army veteran and worked as a Psychologist. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne M. (Vinciullo) Seaquist; his two daughters, Kirsten Pangelinan of Seattle, and Erica Seaquist of Seattle; and his three step-children, Jaye Foucher, Daniel Foucher, and David Foucher; as well as his four grandchildren, Luka, Marielle, Dominic, and Kenley. Services and interment were private.

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Marie Louise (Segura) Carro, a longtime resident of Westwood, died Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham. She was 93. Maria, as she was known to many, was born July 10, 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts, the only child of Jose and Rose (Arrichiello) Segura. She graduated from Boston Latin High School and worked as an advertising producer for Bradlee’s Stores. Maria enjoyed travel when she was younger, visiting many countries in Europe and traversing the United States. She was blessed to spend her Summers in Rockport. Maria worked in jewelry sales until six months ago. She was the wife of the late Edward Carro who predeceased her in 2011, and is survived by her son Steven A. Carro, and her daughter Amy E. Crowley. Services and interment were private.

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Joseph Leonard, a resident of Dedham for 58 years, died Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at the Neville Center in Cambridge after a long illness. he was 89. Joseph was born June 20, 1935 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Joseph and Anna Frances (Donohue) Leonard. He served with the Army National Guard and worked as a financial advisor in the Investments and Real Estate industries. Joseph is survived by his wife Sheila (Grady) Leonard and his daughter Sheila-Kathryn Leonard-Peck of West Tisbury and Aspen, Colorado, as well as his grandson Tain Joseph Leonard-Peck. Joseph was the brother of the late Francis Xavier Leonard. A Memorial Mass may be held at a later date.

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Lloyd Emerson Marsters III, a longtime resident of Norwood, died Sunday, September 29, 2024 at his home in Norwood. He was 83. Lloyd was born May 22, 1941 in Everett, Massachusetts the son of Lloyd Emerson Marsters Jr. and Ethel F. (Bayer) Marsters. He grew up in Malden and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Salem State College. He spent two years working in Ecuador for the Peace Corps before enlisting in the US Army. He was honorably discharged in 1968 as a cryptographer, Specialist Four. Lloyd returned to civilian life and was employed by the Masoneilon Corporation, a manufacturer of precision control valves, as a Manufacturing Engineer. He is survived by his wife, Maureen Theresa (Folan) Marsters; his daughter, Erin Dawn Marsters of Norwood; his two sons, Luke Emerson Marsters, and his wife Ashley, of Attleboro, and Seth Adam Marsters, and his wife Michaela, of Jamaica Plain; his brother, David Marsters, and his wife Barbara, of Florida; and his two grandchildren, Dean Emerson Marsters, and Vivian Rose Marsters. Lloyd was the father of the late Sean Masters, and is the uncle of David Marsters Jr., and his wife Nancy, Kimberly Shea, and her husband Mark, Sarah Pratt, and her husband Leo, and Noreen Galvin and her wife Amy Gandin. He will also be missed by his dogs, Loki and Tayto. Visiting hours Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 85 Nichols St, Norwood followed by a funeral service at the funeral home at 2:30 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations to the Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379 would be appreciated.

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With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father “Coach” Russell Earle Downes on Sunday, September 22, 2024, following years of Alzheimer’s disease.   
Russ leaves behind his sister, Charlotte Luscombe, his 3 children, Kenneth Downes, Sue Downes-Borko, Nancy Estabrook Downes and his 3 grandchildren, Sam, Lauren, and Lucian. His wife Marilyn passed away in 2015. The Downes family hosted many foreign exchange students who became extended and loved family members, most notably Paulo Matos and Ayça Çelebi.
Born April 11, 1930, Russ was raised in Medford, MA by Earle and Marion (Guthrie) Downes. He received a B.Ed from Boston University and his M.Ed from Michigan University.
Russ served in the Military as a US NAVY / USMC Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War, which unquestionably shaped who he was as a man the rest of his life, living one day at a time filled with gratitude and extending kindness towards all. In 2013 Russell was honored for his military service as Grand Marshall of the Westwood Memorial Day Parade. 
Russ worked across the Westwood High School system as a Physical Education teacher and Coach (1958-1994), coaching baseball and basketball. He was inducted into the MA Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2006), and the Westwood High School baseball field was named in his honor (2019). 
Russell and Marilyn were awarded the Quarter Century Award by the Westwood Historical Society (2010) for their outstanding contributions to the community for more than 25 years, making Westwood a better place to live.  
Please join us in celebrating Coach’s life on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 10AM – Noon in the Fellowship Hall located at First Baptist Church, 808 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090. This event is an informal reception (not a church service), casual clothing including baseball hats welcomed and encouraged. Guests will have the opportunity to share brief stories/memories of Coach Downes. Coffee and pastries will be served.
Please no cards or flowers. Memorial Gifts can be made to: “WHS Athletic Alumni”, and mailed to 736 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090 (Memo – Coach Downes) or the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).  
An Alumni baseball game will be held on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 (time to be announced) at Westwood High School to honor Russ.
Kenneth, Susan, and Nancy 

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Paul Scott Motyka (66), a longtime resident of Walpole and Dedham, died on Thursday September 19, 2024 after a long period of declining health. Paul was born in Waltham, MA on January 23, 1958 and was the son of the late Louis Zigmund Motyka and Barbara Myshrall Motyka.

Paul graduated from Newton North High School in 1976. He enjoyed small engine and automotive repair, fishing, and in his early years, playing the drums. After high school Paul worked at CN Wood, Barber Green, Modern Continental, Cardi Corp and Pro Equipment where he served as a Purchasing and Heavy Equipment Manager.

Paul met his former wife Robin (Michel) Motyka and they settled in Dedham and later in Walpole where they raised three children. Affectionately known as “Dad” to Scott Louis Motyka and his wife Laura of Plymouth, MA, Mikaela Lee Powell and her husband Matthew of Auburn, MA and Brandon William Motyka of Walpole, MA. Proud “Papa” of Lyla Grace Powell (6), Landon William Powell (3), Colton Conrad Motyka (2), and baby boy Motyka arriving in early 2025.

Paul was a very proud dad and enjoyed supporting his kids in sports, dance, and gymnastic activities. Most recently, he loved being called “Papa” to his grandchildren. He took great pride in caring for his home, pool, yard, and lawn. Paul was a lover of animals, but especially the family’s golden retrievers. “Mr Fix It” was a name frequently used to describe him. Paul also enjoyed woodworking, especially during the holidays when he designed ornaments for friends, neighbors and family. A lover of music, Paul enjoyed listening to Motown Classics, Johnny Mathis, and Earth, Wind and Fire. He was also a passionate fan of the Boston Bruins!

Paul had many fond memories of family trips to Disney, Falmouth, hockey tournaments, dance shows and competitions. He also loved the family “A” Frame in New Hampshire and cherished the time he spent on the family snowmobiles. Most of all, Paul enjoyed being home and spending time with his family.

Paul was the brother of Kenneth Motyka of Florida and the late Stephen Motyka and his sister Katherine (Delaney). In addition to his immediate family, he is also survived by his brother and sister in laws, his nieces and nephews, and other members of the extended family.

A special thanks to the amazing clinical team at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, VNA Nurses and Therapists who cared for Paul with compassion and professionalism thru all of his health challenges.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at Folsom Funeral Home on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 4-7pm 649 High Street Westwood, MA. Gifts in memory of Paul may be made to the American Diabetes Association PO Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or Diabetes.org

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Scott Alan Morris, long time resident of Attleboro, MA, passed away suddenly but peacefully holding the hand of his wife Darlene Morris (Hassey) on September 18^th following injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. Scott was 66 years old and was born on November 6, 1957 in Natick, MA. He was the son of the late Harold Morris and Shirley Stone. Scott graduated from Sandwich High School in Sandwich, MA, in 1976 and proudly served in the 82^nd Airborne Division of the U.S Army from 1976-1980. He retired as a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator in 1982 having achieved the rank of Sergeant. Scott co-owned Eastern Arc and Machine with his longtime partner Scott MacLeod from 1993-2003. In 2003, Scott and Scott purchased Dimark, Inc. in Whitman, MA.

Scott is one of five children and was especially close to his sister Dale Hodkins of Summerfield, Florida, whom he adored. He is predeceased by his stepson, Jason Coolen, and mother-in-law, Gloria Hassey. He was best friends with Dennis and Kathy Hassey of Attleboro, MA, Billy and Rebecca Hassey of Brockton, MA, and was loved by Bobby Hassey of Attleboro, MA, and Laurie Albrecht (Hassey) of Norwood, MA. He is survived by numerous, loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great, great nieces.

Scott loved the outdoors and always looked forward to many different family adventures. He enjoyed walks with his wife and bicycle riding. He will be remembered for his strong opinions, great sense of humor, and an endless amount of useless information. He looked forward to his forthcoming retirement. Scott planned to enjoy a well-earned retirement with his beloved wife following decades of hard work. He will be so very missed by many family and friends. Visitation will be held on October 5^th from 5-8 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elaine Florence (Webb) Bitar on Sept. 18, 2024.

Elaine’s singular joy and source of pride was for her three children, whom she raised to relentlessly pursue their education and dreams. In her later life, her four grandsons only deepened her profound love and dedication to her family.

Elaine graduated from Northeastern University School of Nursing in 1974 obtaining the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She began her nursing career at Carney Hospital before moving to Houston, Texas to work as a cardiac surgical intensive care unit nurse at Saint Luke’s Hospital. Later, she moved back to Massachusetts with her family and began working at Massachusetts General Hospital where she continued her nursing career until retiring in 2013.

Her unassuming brilliance allowed her to provide the best care for her patients and invaluable mentorship to nursing students and colleagues, helping to better the nursing profession. Elaine cherished her years on Ellison 8 and Warren Baker 12, and she reflected on them often. Throughout her career, she worked alongside world-renowned cardiac surgeons and helped countless patients in need. She was the quintessential nurse, and her passion for the care of others extended far beyond her career as a bedside nurse.

She had an immense talent for embroidery, knitting, and sewing. She applied these talents to sewing Halloween costumes, clothing, and blankets for her friends, children, and grandsons.

Throughout her life she adopted many animals. She gave them a home filled with love, safety, and affection. There was not an animal that Elaine could not nurse back to health, tame, or love.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Issam Chafik Bitar. She is survived by her children Rebekah Bitar and her partner Jonathan, Andrew Bitar and his wife Marjorie, and Rachel Bitar, as well as her four grandsons Sebastian, Owen, Samir, and Andrew Jr. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews and her sister Dale Webb.

Visitation for Elaine will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, from 1-2PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham. Her memorial service will begin at 2pm at the funeral home, and interment will follow at Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.

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