Folsom Funeral Service

Arlene B (Dunn) Reed died on September 16, 2024, at age 89. The cause of death is acute respiratory distress with underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She lived much of her life in Norwood, MA but has spent the past six years in Provincetown.

She is survived by her three sons: Robert S. Reed and his wife, Julie, of Cumberland, RI; Rickey B Reed and his wife, Diane, of San Diego, CA; and Barry S Reed of Los Angeles, CA. She is also survived by her siblings: John S Dunn of Bradenton, Fl; Donna R Cooper of Provincetown, MA; and Beverly Kuhn of Bellingham, MA. She also has 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by her father, George S Dunn; her mother, Ruth A Cooper and her stepfather, John Cooper; and one brother, William G Dunn.

She was born in Boston MA on December 20, 1934, and lived in the South End, Roxbury and Dorchester. She moved to Dedham when her mother married John Cooper and graduated from Dedham High School in 1952. After she married, she spent most of her life in Norwood. She worked as a telephone operator, a server, and as a certified nursing assistant at several nursing homes. She enjoyed her cats (too numerous to name), her birds (Mr. Darby and Jewel), her daily Herald, her Salem Slim Light 100s, and a good meal.

To honor Arlene’s lifelong love of cats, and in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Carrie A Seaman Animal Shelter in Provincetown, MA. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the Seashore Point Wellness Center for the kind and attentive care she received over the past six years. A private service and interment was held at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton.

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Richard Tucker Gates, Born April 14, 1946, passed away on July 21st, 2024 at the Fitchburg Wellness Center in Fitchburg MA of complications due to diabetes and dementia. He was known to friends & family as Ricky. Son of William Gates and Sylvia Gillespie Gates, he grew up in Dedham with his father Bill, his sister Elizabeth Gates and his brother Billy. He attended Huntington Prep, Augustana College, and Lesley University for his M.Ed. He also attended Camp Tohkomeupog as a camper and counselor loving to shoot the rapids of the Allagash River in northern Maine. Ricky was a kind and devoted teacher in the Stoughton Schools, as well as an amazing professional musician / drummer throughout his career. He was an avid nature photographer with an artist’s eye. Ricky is survived by his sister Liz Wilson, his brother William J. Gates, his nephew Brett Wilson, and his grand nieces Suria & Iris Wilson. Ricky’s Memorial Service will be published here when a time and place have been decided.

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John “Jack” Francis Hayes a resident of Hyde Park, Mass, and formerly from Norwood, Mass, died of a long illness on August 25, 2024. Jack was born in Norwood to the late John P. and Marjorie A. (Dooley) Hayes. He is survived by his sister, Anne L. Firth and her husband, Clifford C Firth of Hyde Park, his sister,  Marjorie M. Hayes of Hyde Park; his nephew, Clifford C JR and his wife, Samantha Firth of Norwood, and his niece, Marguerite A Firth of Salem, along with many cousins.  Jack was 66 years old.

Growing up, Jack could often be found playing Little League Baseball or Ice Hockey at Norwood baseball fields and ice rinks. He attended Xaverian Bros. High School in Westwood and was on the Xaverian Hawks Varsity Hockey Team. He later went on to study drafting and construction.
Throughout his life, he worked with many residential construction companies and building contractors. Jack also enjoyed watching sports, going to Mass beaches and traveling with his friends and family, and especially spending time with his father.
  A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St, Suite 205, Framingham, MA 01701 or please plant a tree in his name at alivingtribute.org

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Dorothea Frances Atallah, of Crystal River, Florida, formerly of Westwood and Walpole, Massachusetts, finally rested on September 3, 2024 after 94 energetic years of tending children, orchids, and traveling the world.

Dorothea was born on February 19, 1930 in Easton, Pennsylvania, to John and Helen Shoffner. She was pre-deceased by her older brother, John Shoffner; first husband, Sami Atallah; beloved son, Ameer; “the love of her life” N. Bruce Hanes (whom she married at the young age of 75); and step-son, N. Bruce “Butch” Hanes Jr.

                After graduating from Moravian College for Women in Bethlehem, PA, with a Bachelor of Science, Dorothea worked as a Medical Technologist in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. In retirement, she was active with the senior centers of Walpole and Norwood, MA, as well as Citrus County, FL, where she formed many deep and supportive friendships.  Dorothea played the piano into her 90’s and took great care with the composition of her annual Christmas newsletter, which always included photos. She especially enjoyed nurturing her beautiful orchids while watching manatees and sunsets from her porch overlooking the Crystal River.

She is mourned by her daughters: Lameece (Patrick) Gregorchik, Nadia (Kevin) Innes, and Mona (John) Johnson; also by her step-family: Cherie Baughman, Vicki Siarnacki, Thomas Hanes, and Gregory Hanes. Dorothea’s close relationship with her brother’s children, Chris and John Shoffner, brought her much joy, as did the accomplishments of numerous other nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and grand-dogs.

                Burial will be in the New Westwood Cemetery, Westwood, MA next to her son, Ameer. She requested there be no service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your charity of choice.

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Theresa M. Harris (Gaughan), age 70, of Westwood, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2024. Theresa was the beloved wife of James (“Jim”) Harris Sr. with whom she shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. She was the heart of our home and family.

Theresa was born and raised in Dorchester before moving to Westwood in 1970, where she met her husband. She started her career at Faxon in the Publisher Services Department, working there for over 18 years. Jim and Theresa settled in Stoughton, where she opened an at home daycare, allowing her to be home with her children. They moved their family to Westwood in 1995, where she worked in the medical field until her retirement. Besides being a mother and a wife, Theresa’s next favorite role was being Auntie T, never missing a school function, birthday party, or baseball game. She had a way of making everyone feel as though they were the most important, loved person in her life. Theresa was the most devoted supporter of the Red Sox (especially David Ortiz) and all Boston sports teams, embodying the spirit of her cherished city. Her kindness, warmth, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Theresa will always be remembered as a selfless person who prioritized her love and care for her family above all else.

Theresa is survived by her loving husband, Jim, and her children James Jr. and his wife Samantha of Blackstone, Amanda Harris of Westwood, and Danielle Harris and her boyfriend, Jimmy Celaya, of Sacramento, CA. She was the loving Nani to her grandson, James III, and “Nani T” to many honorary grandchildren. Theresa was the proud dog mom to her fur babies, Lola and Presley.

Theresa was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Helen (White) Gaughan, her sister Elizabeth Gaughan, and her brothers Michael and Peter Gaughan. She is survived by her siblings Marie Rouissi and her husband Assad of Stoughton, Paul Gaughan and his wife Kathleen of North Attleboro, and Julie Magyar and her husband Patrick of Mansfield. Theresa is survived by her brothers-in-law Roy Harris and his wife Nancy of Brockton and Steve Harris and his partner Rita of Grafton. She is a beloved cousin to many. She loved all of her nieces and nephews, with a special place in her heart for her “boys” Evan and Jake Magyar.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Calling Hours at Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St, Westwood on Saturday September 7th from 2:00PM to 5:00PM. A prayer service will begin at 4:30 PM.

Donations may be made in Theresa’s name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or online at danafarber.jimmyfund.org

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Heather (Anderson) Crisafulli, of Bridgewater, and formerly of Medway, passed away in Dedham with family by her side. She was 80. She was the loving wife to the late Paul Crisafulli for over 59 Years. Heather is survived by her two children, Paul Crisafulli and his wife Karen, and Kenneth Crisafulli, and his wife Cara. Beloved Gammie to Gabrielle Doughty and husband Christopher, Alex, Jacob, and Nicole Crisafulli. Great grandmother to Ryder Doughty. A service will be held at Heather’s beloved Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 24 Berwick St., Norwood, MA 02062 on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to her church at the address above, would be appreciated.

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Joyce Oberlander, a lifelong resident of Dedham, died Tuesday, August 20th at the Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton surrounded by her family. She was 87. Joyce was born April 3, 1937 in Norwood, Massachusetts, a daughter of Louis Emil and Ellen Veronica (Connolly) Oberlander. She attended Boston State Teachers College in Framingham and Boston University. Joyce worked as an executive secretary for New York Life Insurance Company in Boston and later as a Clerk in the Dedham Court until her retirement in 2003. She was a member of the Dedham Auxiliary of the American Legion and of the Women’s Senior Social Club of Dedham. She enjoyed embroidery and crocheting. Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Marisa Campanella, and her husband Robert A. Jr., of Dedham, and Susan Stubbert, and her husband Paul, of Holden; her six grandchildren, Sydnye, Samantha, Dante, Harry, and twins Jackson and Lincoln; and her great granddaughter Ella. She was the sister of the late Helen Skarinka, Jean Kent, and Barbara Winbourne. A Memorial Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Dedham will be held Saturday, September 28th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers donations to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 55 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated.

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Melvyn Allan Joseph Menezes, husband of the late Maria Menezes, died Tuesday, August 6, 2024 while on holiday in Bangalore, India. Melvyn was a resident of Chestnut Hill since 2019 (formerly of Westwood). He was 73. Melvyn was born on February 8, 1951 in Karachi, Pakistan, the middle of Archibald and Veronica (Mathias) Menezes’ five children. He obtained a degree in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay, India; an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management in Calcutta, India; and a PhD in marketing from the University of California Los Angeles. He worked at Gabriel Shock Absorbers before moving to the United States and starting his professorial career at Harvard Business School. Later, he worked at Gemini Consulting in Boston before launching his own consulting practice while at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. He was the president of the Indian American Forum for Political Education; a member of the Oakley Country Club in Watertown; and a parishioner of St. Denis Church in Westwood.

Melvyn is survived by his daughter Andrea Menezes, brother Kevin Menezes and his wife Maryann, sister Rosita Aranha and her husband Jude, and sister-in-law Leila Menezes. He was the brother of the late Lolita Saldanha and her late husband Sylvy,  and the late Peter (Bobby) Menezes. He was the brother-in-law of Priya Mascarenhas and her late husband Mohan, Primus Rasquinha and his wife Therese, Titus Rasquinha and his wife Marina, Linus Rasquinha, Vitus Rasquinha and his wife Corrine, and Cletus Rasquinha.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 16 from 4 to 8 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Denis Church, 157 Washington Street (Route 1A), Westwood for his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at New Westwood Cemetery, Westwood. Melvyn’s funeral mass may be watched on livestreaming at www.harborview.live

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Joan (Gordon) Wislocki, a longtime resident of Dedham, died Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Rogerson House in Jamaica Plain. She was 91.  Joan was born September 17, 1932 in Hagerstown, Maryland the daughter of Eugene and Anna Madeline (Darner) Gordon.  She earned her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College where she graduated with the Class of 1954, and earned her Master’s Degree from Boston University.  She was an elementary teacher for the Newton Public School system, and Strategic Air Command (SAC) in England.  Later she worked as an assistant librarian for the Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, and volunteered her time setting up libraries in the Dedham Riverside, and Ames Schools; and establishing the archives of the All Newton Music School. She also volunteered for the Charles River Watershed Association.  Joan was a Tai-Chi practitioner and enjoyed genealogy, gardening, and basketry.  A lover of classical music, Joan frequently attended performances in and around Boston.   She delivered Meals on Wheels in Dedham and was a member of the First Church and Parish in Dedham.  Joan was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Louis Clothier Wislocki and her sister, Nancy Gordon Mahl.  She is survived by her daughter, Anna Wislocki and son, Gregory Wislocki.   Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Planned Parenthood League of MA, Inc., 1055 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 (plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-Massachusetts), or the Charles River Watershed Association, 41 West Street, Floor 8, Boston, MA 02111 (crwa.org) would be appreciated.

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Elaine Marie Mellett, a beacon of light and resilience, passed away on August 1, 2024 surrounded by family. 

Born on May 8, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts, Elaine’s spirit and strength were evident from an early age. A proud graduate of the culinary arts program at Blue Hills Regional Technical Vocational High School, she had a varied career that included roles as a lunch lady at Dedham High School and a pastry decorator. Her culinary skills were most cherished in her famous chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies.

Elaine’s vibrant personality shone through her love of music and dance, particularly to the tunes of Rod Stewart, Donna Summer, and Stevie Nicks. Her joyful renditions of her favorite songs brought a smile to everyone around her. 

Elaine also had a passion for sunbathing and would do anything to spend a few minutes in the sun, embracing its warmth on her skin. Just by looking at her you would assume she came from a sunny beach in Florida, but she was able to achieve her glow all year round in New England which is an impressive feat within itself.

Later in life, Elaine found joy in gardening. Being able to bring colorful new life into her community gave her peace and allowed her to express her artistic side. 

Her nurturing nature extended past tending to her garden and expanded into her roles as a devoted mother and grandmother. Being the mother to Vanessa, Matt, and Amanda and grandmother to James and Georgia was the greatest source of pride in her life. 

Elaine’s remarkable strength and positive outlook allowed her to overcome numerous adversities with grace. She faced life’s challenges with a light heart and an unyielding resilience, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her.

She is survived by her children Vanessa, Matt, and Amanda; her son-in-law Parker Nelson; her grandchildren James and Georgia; her siblings Michael and James Mellett, Kelly Curtin, and Deborah Harrison; her half-sisters Katie and Nora Mellett; and her father and stepmother Michael and Karen Mellett. Elaine is reunited in heaven with her beloved mother Sandra Mellett, Helen Suddard, and her sister who was also gone too soon Lori Mellett. 

Elaine’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her laughter, love, and unbreakable spirit will be dearly missed.

Visiting hours for Elaine will be held Friday, August 9th from 4 to 7 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Elaine’s family would appreciate donations to the Mass General Brigham Spaulding Rehabilitation Center.

Donations by mail can be sent to:
Spaulding Rehabilitation, Development Office
300 First Avenue, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02129

or donations online can be made at:

https://support.spauldingrehab.org/give/510836/#!/donation/checkout

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