Folsom Funeral Service

Melinda Lamb Theodore, of Westwood, Dec. 6. Beloved wife of the late James P. and dear mother of Kimberly Theodore Kennedy, and her husband Sean Kennedy, of Westwood, and Christopher Theodore of Westwood. Proud grandmother and beloved “Oma” of grandsons Nicholas Brian, Theodore Andrew, and William James Kennedy; dear sister of John Nicholas Lamb of Amherst (Valerie), NH and J. Dayne Lamb of Boston (Gardner), MA. 

Melinda was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother whose favorite thing in life was spending time with her family, especially anywhere her three treasured grandsons were, and who were the apple of her eye. Melinda could most often be found on a ballfield or hockey rink where she passionately and tirelessly cheered all 3 of her grandsons on.

Melinda enjoyed a 40-year storied career as a reporter and editor for nationally recognized newspapers and magazines throughout the country and completed her career tenure at Babson College in Wellesley, MA as the longtime editor of their college magazine for 25 years.

Melinda formed many friendships throughout her life, including members of her beloved Westwood community, at Babson, and upon retirement. She never put her reporter’s mind with pen or notebook down and enjoyed honing her writing skills by attending a local writer’s group, and continued to work on her memoirs while reading voraciously throughout. She loved to cook, bake, sew and knit and was the true renaissance woman, having gone back later in life to obtain her Master’s Degree in Management from Lesley University.

Melinda was a longtime patron of the arts and never missed a concert or art opening, and her stack of books and magazines on her night table never dwindled. Melinda loved to go to dinner with her family, attend the latest Boston Symphony Orchestra, MFA and Athenaeum exhibits as a longtime patron, and screen the latest movies while fitting in traveling near and far with her husband. As a Northern California native, she especially loved being at the beach and enjoying the ocean air while feeling the sun on her face. The storied Muir Woods and her local town’s ocean in Pacifica, CA, was one of her favorite and most beloved locations. 

Besides providing her grandchildren with tremendous never-ending love and copious life advice you could always find her hosting them for sleepovers,  lumberjack breakfasts and cookouts at her summer house on Cape Cod with her beloved Jim. 

Melinda was a staunch advocate of women’s rights and a longtime LWV member throughout her tenure in Westwood and enjoyed volunteering her time at the local polls.

In her retirement, along with her late husband Jim, she spent countless hours at her grandsons’ school and sporting events and was their biggest fan, often celebrating with ice cream as the grand finale. 

Melinda was a voracious reader who loved to visit the local library several times a week with her husband, and was always busy planting flowers or going for leisurely rides for ice cream with her beloved husband. Melinda loved cooking for her family and her avgolemono chicken soup, Swedish meatballs, spinach pie and buttercream frosting were legendary. She loved getting woken up by her husband every morning with a delicious cup of hot coffee. 

Her smile, deep blue eyes and hearty laugh were infectious, and many of her humorous phrases and aphorisms always elicited smiles from her friends and neighbors. The Theodore-Kennedy family would like to thank Sunrise Assisted Living of Norwood’s entire staff for the profoundly dedicated and loving care they provided Melinda. Visiting Hours Monday, December 19 from 4-7 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St., WESTWOOD. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Tuesday, December 20 at 10 am at the Folsom Funeral Home followed by interment in New Westwood Cemetery, Westwood. Donations to Sunrise Assisted Living at 86 Saunders Road,  Norwood, MA 02062 would be appreciated. 

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Muriel Elaine (Brown) Porter, a longtime resident of New Pond Village in Walpole, but formerly of Dedham, died Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the Ellis Nursing Home, in Norwood. She was 89. Muriel was born May 22, 1933 in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Francis Herman and Grace F. (Johnson) Brown. She graduated from Roslindale High School with the Class of 1950 and from Boston State Teacher’s College. Muriel taught second grade at the Riverdale School in Dedham for several years and also taught flute lessons to private students. In 1950, she joined the Parkway Concert Orchestra, where she met her future husband, and for many years sat first chair in the flute section. She also served the orchestra as their Secretary and Public Relations Coordinator. On June 25, 1955 Muriel married William Wendell Porter Jr. with whom she spent 54 years as husband and wife. Together they encouraged many young musicians and soloists to pursue careers and avocations, especially in community orchestras, in the musical field. Muriel was a longtime member of the Allin Congregational Church in Dedham where she served as the representative to Church Women United, as the Benevolence Committee Chairman, a Deaconess, and a member of the R.E. Committee. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her many friends at New Pond Village. Muriel was the beloved wife of William “Bill” Porter who predeceased her in 2009, and the sister of the late Wayne F. Brown. She is survived by her two cherished daughters and their adored husbands; Joyce E. McFarland, and her husband Gary, of South Yarmouth, and Virginia Barry, and her husband Jim, of Walpole; her four wonderful grandchildren, Andrew William McFarland, and his wife Leah, Matthew Robert McFarland, Sean James Barry, and his wife Taylor, and Meredith Lee Barry; her two adored great grandchildren, Graham and Albie Barry; as well as her beloved brother-in-law, Laurence Porter. Services and interment in the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers donations to the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 or to the Parkway Concert Orchestra, PO Box 1025, Dedham, MA 02027 would be appreciated

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Edward Gordon MacKillop Sr., a longtime resident of Westwood, and formerly of Walpole, died Friday, November 18, 2022 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was 92. Ed was born July 23, 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts, the only son of Duncan and Sarah (MacDonald) MacKillop. He graduated from Boston Latin High School and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern University in Boston. Ed served in the US Marine Corps from 1952 until his Honorable Discharge as a Corporal in 1954. He worked as an accountant at Waters Associates in Milford. He was a member of the First Parish Church in Westwood and enjoyed a passion for travelling. Ed was the husband of the late Helene Marion (Nay) for 62 years until she predeceased him in 2011, and the brother of the late Ruth E. Lund and the late Dorothy MacKillop. He is survived by his son, Edward G. MacKillop Jr, and his wife Denise, of Mansfield, and his two granddaughters, Rachel and Hannah MacKillop. Visiting hours will be held Friday, November 25th from 9 to 10 am at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood followed by funeral service at 10 o clock. Interment with military honors will follow at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society, 13 Speen Street, Suite 205, Framingham, MA 01701 would be appreciated.

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Eftychia Kourtelidis of Roslindale passed away on Wednesday November 9th, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Michael Kourtelidis. Loving mother of Semeon Kourtelidis & his wife Marie, Nick Kourtelidis, and John Kourtelidis & his wife Athina.  She was predeceased by her siblings Michael, Eleftheria & Agape.  Loving grandmother (yiayia) of Michael, Steven, Christopher, Eftyghia, Theodosia, Adrianna & Alexandra.  Also survived by her sisters Sophia & Eleni, by her great Grandchildren, relatives, and friends. Funeral services will be on Monday, November 14th, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, 39 Belgrade Avenue, Roslindale, MA. Visiting hours will be held at the church prior to the service from 9:30-11:00 AM. Burial in the Gardens in Gethsemane Cemetery, West Roxbury.  In lieu of flowers donations in Eftychia’s memory may be made to St. Nectarios church or at St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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Jane Elizabeth (Oliveria) Costello, a resident of Norwood, died Monday, November 7, 2022 at Accent Hospice Home in Milton. She was 85. Jane was born February 12, 1937 in Alford, Massachusetts, a daughter of John C. and Josephine M. (Dellea) Oliveria. She was a graduate of Norwood High School and worked as an assembler for Rustcraft Greeting Cards, and later worked for Praxir Corp. She was a devoted follower and poster to Facebook.

Jane was the beloved wife of Leif H. Moberg for the past 33 years.  Jane was the dear sister of John Oliveira of Utah, Donald Oliveira (Patricia) of Carver, Massachusetts, Linda Lawes (Douglas) of Utah, and the late James Oliveira.  Jane was a loving stepmother to Eric Moberg (Karen), Chris Moberg (Kathy), and Bruce Moberg (Laurel).  Jane is survived by 3 nieces, 3 nephews, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.    Visiting hours are Friday, the 11^th, from 1 – 3 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home located at 649 High Street in Westwood.  There will be a Celebration of Life Service immediately following. Interment will be private. For the Boston Herald obituary, please visit https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonherald/name/jane-costello-obituary?id=37025687. 

To view the Celebration of Life Service please go to https://www.harborview.live/

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Mary Josephine (Cullen) Elliott, a longtime resident of Norwood, died Thursday, November 3, 2022 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Needham. She was 93. Mary was born May 25, 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of Bernard Vincent and Katherine (Cullen) Elliott. She was the wife of the late James Joseph Elliot who predeceased her in 2010, and the sister of the late Bernie Cullen and the late Kathy Dwyer. Mary is survived by her seven children; Ginger Elliott of Springfield, Susan Elliott of Essex, Donna Croak, and her husband Jim, of Walpole, Maureen McNamara, and her husband Mike, of Sebastian, Florida, Sharon Bellao, and her spouse Mark Bridges, of Bourne, James J. Elliott Jr, and his wife Danielle, of Norton, and Bernard Elliott, and his wife Barbara, of Mashpee; her sister Ginny Streeter, and her husband Dick, of Florida; as well as 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Along with doting over her beloved family, Mary enjoyed gardening and decorating her house for the seasons. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, November 10th from 9 am to 11 am at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street (Route 109), Westwood followed by her Funeral Mass in St. Catherine of Sienna Church, 547 Washington Street, Norwood at 11 o clock. Interment will be with her husband at the National Cemetery at Bourne on Friday, November 11th at 10:30 am.

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Antonios Sakalis, a resident of Norwood, died Monday, October 31, 2022 at the Ellis Nursing Home in Norwood. He was 81. Antonios was born March 11, 1941 in Alexandria, Egypt, the son of Panayotis and Maria (Nakarounas) Sakalis. He served his mandatory enlistment in the Greek army and then attended trade school. Antonios was a travel agent, owning his own agency, Anthony’s Tours and then Anthony’s Travel. He is survived by his wife, Eleni (Prokos) Sakalis; his son, Peter Sakalis, and his wife Cynthia, of Norwood; his two brothers, George Sakalis of Greece, and Efstathios Sakalis of Norwood; and his two grandchildren, Maria and Anthony. He was the father of the late Maria Sakalis. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation with the family Monday, November 7th from 10 to 11 am at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, 39 Belgrade Avenue, Roslindale, followed by his funeral service in the church at 11 o clock. Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery, Winter Street in Norwood.

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Stanley Everett Siegel, a resident of Dedham, died Friday, October 21, 2022at the Pine Knoll Nursing Home in Lexington. He was 74. Stanley was born May 20, 1948 in Boston, Massachusetts the only child of Ruth Rose (Nathanson) and Milton Siegel. He was the beloved father of Leah and Eric Siegel. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 2 to 3 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham, followed by a Celebration of his Life Service at 3 pm. Interment will be private. Donations to the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, 1466 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451 would be appreciated.

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Marja L. (Eskola) Warakois, a long time resident of West Roxbury, passed away on October 24, 2022 in Norwood. She was 81 years old. She was the daughter of the late Joonas S. and Lempi J. Eskola, and was the beloved wife of James A. Warakois. Marja was the loving mother of Eric J. Warakois of West Roxbury, and Christopher N. Warakois and his wife Gina, and her two grandchildren of NC. She was the dear sister of Karen Theisen and her husband Frank of VA, Maiju Balas and her husband Ronald of Plymouth, MS Linda Forte of Worcester, Ellen Eskola of Fitchburg, and the late Jorma Eskola and his wife Lynda Humphrey. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3-8 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St. in Dedham. A funeral for Marja will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 10AM, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 950 East St, Dedham, MA 02026. Relatives and friends are invited to meet at Green Bower Cemetery in Gardner on Saturday November 5, 2022, at 2PM for her interment. Donations to St. Luke’s Church (address above) or to the Lutheran World Relief PO Box 17061 Baltimore, MD 21297 would be appreciated.

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Marion Ruth (Scharegge) Pedersen, a lifelong resident of Dedham, died Monday, October 17, 2022 at her home in Dedham surrounded by her loving family. She was 89. Marion was born May 18, 1933 in Dedham, Massachusetts, one of the four daughters of Irving E. and Dorothy (Kirchdorfer) Scharegge. She was a “river rat” growing up in the Riverdale section of Dedham and graduated from Dedham High School with the Class of 1951. She worked as a secretary/bookkeeper for Goodale Insurance Company. Marion loved to cook and was renowned for making the best pastry crust ever.

Marion is survived by her devoted husband, Peter A. Pedersen; her loving children, Pamela Pitaro, and her husband Mario, of Norwood, and Steve Zarba of Norwood; and her adored grandchildren, Anthony Pitaro of Norton, and Christopher Pitaro of Watertown. She was the sister of Beverly Johnson of Plainville, the late Phyllis Dillon and the late Thelma Wright. Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 7:30 in the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations to the Animal Rescue League, 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated.

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