Folsom Funeral Service

Melina Helen (Landon) Francisco, a longtime resident of the Charlwell Nursing Home in Norwood, and formerly of Framingham and Westwood, died Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She was 79. Melina was born September 15, 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts, the only daughter of Army Colonel Horace Z. Landon and his wife Leona (St. Germain). She grew up in Westwood and graduated from Westwood High School with the Class of 1959. She attended Emmanuel College in Boston and worked as a proofreader/editor in the publishing industry. Melina was an avid bird watcher and member of the Mass Audubon Society, an animal lover, and a lifelong Red Sox fan. She was the former wife of the late Ronald Francisco and is survived by her two sons, Jonathan Landon of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Peter Francisco of Fairfax, Virginia; her daughter, Elizabeth Landon of Sanbornton, New Hampshire; her two brothers, Horace Landon of Westborough, and James Landon of Burlington, Vermont; her grandchildren, Christophe Rustici, USMC,  Marissa Rustici, and Lucan Francisco; her great grandchildren, Cody, Elise, and Zoey Rustici, and Charlotte Day; as well as a nephew and many nieces. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood followed by interment in Old Westwood Cemetery at 1:30 pm. Donations to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445 would be appreciated.

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Bernice “Bea” Coutts, 88, beloved wife of the late Robert Coutts, devoted mother of Scott (wife Lynn Eriksen), Robert (wife Gita), and Richard (wife Melanie) Coutts and Ellen Coutts Curran, loving grandmother of Leah, Nicole, Taylor, Jonathan, Alex, Hannah, Jack, Will, and Emma, devoted sister to late Brig. Gen. John Tuck and his wife Ellie, Lawrence Tuck and his wife Janice, Roberta Greene and her late husband Bob, Paul Tuck and his wife Colleen and many treasured nieces and nephews passed on March 19, 2021, after a brief struggle with cancer. Bernice spent most of her life in Dedham. As a child she was an avid reader and acclaimed by local librarians for having read every book in the children’s library of the Oakdale Branch (which closed in 1946). She loved visiting her uncle Henry Lorio’s grocery in Germantown, Dedham and was Mrs. Endicott’s papergirl. Bernice was a spelling bee champion and proud graduate of Dedham High School and remained on the Alumni Board for much of her life. She was an active voice for keeping green space an integral part of Dedham, especially the Wilson’s Mountain preserve. After many years as a bookkeeper for Norfolk County Federal Credit Union, she enjoyed her retirement travelling, mastering Rummikub and Scrabble (especially during the Pandemic), and as an active member of Allin Congregational Church. Her favorite places included Scotland and her winter residence for many years in Nalcrest, Florida. Bernice was an enthusiastic participant in her husband Bob’s adventurous spirit which included boating, biking, fishing, camping, and hiking. Bernice was a devoted Patriots and Red Sox fan, and spent many summer nights cheering along the Cape League baseball players. Her daily walks, which ended in January of this year due to illness, made her a regular sighting in and around the Ashcroft and Endicott neighborhoods. Bernice had a charitable nature, perpetual smile and a relentlessly positive disposition. In her memory, please smile at a stranger or give to one of her favorite charities: Rosie’s Place (889 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118; http://www.rosiesplace.org/give) or St. Jude’s Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/faq/how-can-i-donate-to-st-jude.html). Interment will be private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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Stephen Alan Spongberg

Born October 15, 1942 to Alan Edward Spongberg (1912-1981) and Barbara Elsie Sandehn Spongberg (1912-2008), Stephen Alan Spongberg died at home in Westwood, MA on March 18, 2021 of complications related to oral cancer. Steve grew up in Rockford, IL, attended Rockford College, and went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where, in 1971, he earned a PhD in botany.

Steve’s professional positions included, in part, Executive Director of The Polly Hill Arboretum and Curator of The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, both emeritus positions at the time of his death. His primary research interests included Magnolias and Stewartias. His field studies took him to the Rocky Mountains, Japan, Korea, and The People’s Republic of China. He was the Arnold Arboretum’s participant in the 1980 Sino-American Botanical Expedition to western Hubei Province, PRC.

Steve held many editorial positions over the years including memberships on the editorial boards of Harvard Papers in Botany, 1996-1998, and The Plantsman, 1996-2006. He was Editor of The Journal of The Arnold Arboretum, 1979-1990, and Associate Editor of Rhodora, Journal of the New England Botanical Club, 1972-1978.

Steve served on many committees, published numerous articles, and wrote several books including A Reunion of Trees: The Discovery of Exotic Plants and their Introduction into North American and European Landscapes, 1990, and Island Life: A Catalog of the Biodiversity On and Around Martha’s Vineyard, 2008, which he co-authored with Allan Keith.

Awards and recognition Steve received include the naming of the Polly Hill Arboretum Library in his honor, 2004; the Thomas Roland Medal of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 2001; the Veitch Memorial Medal of the Royal Horticultural Society, 1996; and the Award of Distinction from the Alumni Association of Rockford College, 1983. Two plant species new to science have been named in Steve’s honor, Cotoneaster spongbergii and Sorbus spongbergii.

Steve enjoyed reading literature classics and was a dedicated armchair traveler. He was a passionate collector of antiques and oriental rugs, and he had an impressive collection of botanical and natural history themed postage stamps. He loved classical music and opera, particularly the works of J.S. Bach, G.F. Handel, and R. Wagner. He thrived on hikes and walks. Any garden he created was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Those who knew him best were treated to his subtle and often mischievous wit. He was an excellent chef, and his enthusiasm for cooking and his Swedish heritage expressed themselves each December as he spent weeks preparing an elaborate Christmas Eve Smörgåsbord for friends and family. Loved and respected by many, Steve was indeed a gentleman.

Steve is survived by his wife, Harmony (Happy) Clement Spongberg of Westwood, MA, his daughter Harmony (Nia) Sandehn Spongberg and daughter-in-law Margaret (Mollie) Leslie McDermott of Ann Arbor, MI, and among others his closest nephews William Boggs of Tiverton, RI, and Nathan Boggs of Beloit, WI. Steve was predeceased by his sister Sondra Kay Spongberg Boggs (2012) and nephew Andrew Boggs (1987). A memorial gathering will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to The Polly Hill Arboretum (https://pollyhillarboretum.givecloud.co/) or the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (https://www.rmbl.org/donations/).

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James R. Gallant of Norwood, Massachusetts, died on March 10th, 2021 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston after a short illness. Born in Norwood on April 29th, 1959, he was the beloved youngest son of the late John B. and Simonne L. Gallant of Norwood. A 1977 graduate of Norwood High School, Jim also took some journalism courses at Suffolk University in Boston. Jim had a small circle of friends who were very loyal to him, and he returned the same loyalty to them. One of Jim’s major interests was the ill-fated ocean liner R.M.S. Titanic, which sank on it’s maiden voyage in April, 1912. He was a member of the Titanic Historical Society. Jim was the adoptive father of Amanda York in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He is survived by his brother Joseph and his companion Christine Egan of Norwood. He is also survived by the aforementioned group of loyal friends. Funeral arrangements were private..

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Marie Christene (Savage) Croke, a resident of Cornerstone in Canton, and formerly of Westwood, died at her home in Canton.  She was 83.  Marie was born December 25, 1937 in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the three children of James and Hanora (Enright) Savage, immigrants from County Kerry, Ireland.  Marie was the wife of the late Kenneth John Croke who predeceased her in 2015, and is the beloved mother of Susan Marie Mansfield, and her husband Michael, of Medway, Kenneth James Croke, and his wife Angelina, of Arlington, Virginia, Michael John Croke, and his wife Kristen, of Wellesley, and Karin Ann DiFiore, and her husband Matt, of Canton. She is the dear sister of Jim Savage and Ann Van Stry, and the proud grandmother of Shauna, Brendan, Kaitlyn, Shannon, Meaghan, Rachel, Nick, Matt, Aidan, Sam, Will, Tom, and Camryn.  Due to covid restriction the funeral service and interment will be private however friends and relatives are invited to attend the livestreamed services at www.harborview.live at 11 am on Thursday, March 11, 2021.  The recorded version of the Church and Cemetery services will be posted later in the day on Thursday.

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William S. Spicer a resident of Dedham, passed away on March 8, 2021 at the age of 80. He was born in Boston and was the son of Hugh C. and Victoria (Szydlowski) Spicer. A veteran serving in the United States Air Force and member of the Jacob Jones VFW, Post 2017 and the Pipefitters Local 537. His family was everything to him. He also loved to spend time with friends with a shot and a beer. He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia A. (Corey) Spicer and is survived by his sons; William J. Spicer and his wife Susan of York, ME, Thomas H. Spicer and his wife Doreen of Baldwinsville, NY, Patrick M. Spicer and his long time companion Vikki L. Cibotti of Dedham and Joseph J. (JJ) Spicer of Dedham, his brother Joseph Spicer and his wife Sue of Chelmsford and brother-in-law Thomas Corey and his wife Linda of Quincy. He was predeceased by his brother Hugh Spicer. Proud grandfather of Cody and Danielle Spicer, Jessica, Courtney and Kyle and great grandchildren, Alessia, Max and Silvia. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 15 from 4 to 8 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St., Dedham. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16 at 11 AM at St. Anne’s Church, 90 W. Milton St., Hyde Park. Interment in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree, MA. Donations in his memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or www.dav.org

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Catherine Mary (Tayne) Griffin, a longtime resident of Westwood, died Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Franklin.  She was 90.  Kay was born November 3, 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the four children of Henry J., and Mary Ellen (Gorey) Tayne.  Kay worked as a customer service representative for the New England Telephone Company for 20 years until her retirement in 1991.  She was active in the girl scouts in her youth and passed the love of girl scouting to her daughters and her granddaughters.  Kay was an active member of St. Denis Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister,  a CCD teacher, a member of the Ladies Sodality and was a charter member of the St. Denis Bowling League.  She also sang in both the St Denis  and St. Theresa (West Roxbury) church choirs.  In addition, she volunteered at the Norwood Hospital Gift Shop. Kay would join any trip, for any group, to any location and she especially enjoyed  Summer vacations with her family on the Cape.  She was the wife of the late John Anthony “Red” Griffin, retired firefighter, Boston Fire Dept, and the mother of Julia M. Cowell, and her husband Kevin, of Franklin, Mary Ellen Emmerling, and her husband Eric, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, and John A Griffin Jr., and his wife Sandy, of Walpole.  She is also survived by her best friend and sister Ann Provost of Westwood, as well as 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  She was the sister of the late Henry J. Tayne, Jr., and the late Edward J. Tayne.  Kay was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Visiting hours will be held Friday, March 12th from 4 to 7 pm at the Folsom Funeral  Home, 649 High Street, Westwood.  The funeral home does have a maximum allowed capacity of 40 people at a time, and masks are required.  Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home Saturday at 8 am and proceed with us to St. Denis Church in Islington for her funeral Mass at 9 o clock.  The church has a maximum allowed capacity of 67 people. A livestream of her funeral mass on Saturday may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/784513/db6dabc688 Interment will follow in New Westwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations to Catholic TV, PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA  02471, or to St. Denis Church, 157 Washington Street, Westwood, MA 02090 would be appreciated 

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It is with great sorrow that we announce that Robert Monteith Keller, 86 of Westwood MA, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on March 4, 2021. Bob, as he was known to family and friends, was born on April 6, 1934 in Annapolis, MD, the son of the late Beatrice Dunderdale (Stokes) and Capt. Walter Smith Keller. Bob was a devoted husband to his late wife of almost 60 years, Kate (Kitty) Van Winkle Keller, and a loving father to his daughters, Anne Keller Geraci and her husband Joseph St. Martin (Fairport, NY) and Margaret Keller Dimock and her husband Allyn Dimock (Concord, MA). He is also survived by two granddaughters, Elisabeth Leigh Geraci (Denver, CO) and Carolyn Marie Geraci (Burlington, VT). He is also survived by his brother James Parker Keller (Providence, RI), and foreign “brother”, Werner Vetter (Memmingan, Germany). He was predeceased by his brother Walter Smith Keller, Jr. A resident of Fox Hill Village in Westwood, MA and previously of Darnestown, MD and Coventry, CT, Bob had many interests including soccer, choral singing, bell-ringing, English country dancing, and helping others. He served his country as a nuclear engineer after attending the United States Naval Academy. Hand-picked by Admiral Rickover, he was a plank owner of the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear air-craft carrier commissioned by the US Navy. He continued his service in industry by developing an innovative simulator used to train operators of nuclear power-plants. He returned to Coventry, CT in 1970 with his wife and children to provide support to his parents at their homestead, Stokell Farm. He served as a town councilman in Coventry from 1971-1977. Bob moved to the Washington, DC area and continued to ensure public safety with a focus on licensing and training of nuclear reactor operators, first as part of the NRC and later DOE. Following his retirement in 1993, he provided counsel to Sen. John Glenn on key nuclear safety concerns. Bob and Kitty became interested in Early American Music and Dance during the bicentennial celebrations of 1976 and over the next few decades, they became specialists and renowned national experts on historical music and dance. In 1988, he developed an unique system of indexing country dance figures and has complied several major indexes of English and American Country Dances 1730-1810, and The Dancing Master CD-ROM and website. He participated om the development of The National Tune Index and managed the programming for The Performing Arts in Colonial American Newspapers. He is the principal author of the Early American an its European Sources. Together with David and Ginger Hildebrand, Bob and Kitty formed what would become the Colonial Music Institute, which promotes and encourages the understanding of early American history through music and dance. The importance of this work is reflected in the fact that it is now housed at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon. In 2004, Bob and Kitty moved to the Fox Hill Village community, where they shared their talents and energies through English Country Dance, bell-ringing, computer training, and choral singing. Bob was an enthusiastic chorister and he loved to sing the Hallelujah Chorus (Handel’s Messiah) and Verdi’s Requiem at the top of his lungs. Bob was devoted to Kitty and his entire family, and that was clear to everyone who knew them. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to the US Navel Academy Alumni Association and Foundation.

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Walter Edwin “Bud” Barrett Jr., a longtime resident of Dedham, died Friday, March 5, 2021 at his home in Dedham. He was 95. Bud was born June 19, 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts, the only son of Walter Edwin Barrett Sr. and Clara (Towner) Barrett McClutchey. He was raised by his foster parents, George C. Morris and Lucy Bell (MacPhee) Morris. Bud graduated from Hyde Park High School as the Class Vice President with the Class of 1942. After High School he worked for the Sturtevant Company in Hyde Park and then as an electrician for the New Haven Railroad.  He volunteered for the Army in 1944 and was Honorably discharged as a Corporal in the Army Air Corps 18 months later due to a surplus of volunteers in his specialty. Bud earned his Bachelor’s Degree and his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston University. He started his professional career as the Youth Director for the Cambridge YMCA and then became the School Adjustment Counsellor for the Dedham School Department until his retirement in 1995. Bud’s passions were varied, from antique autos, harness horses, gardening, and cooking, and he enjoyed a good parade.  He was a Past President of the Bay State Antique Auto Club and owned a restored 1931 Model A Huckster.  Bud had a groomer’s license for harness horsemen and he groomed horses at Foxboro racetrack and at private stables.  He loved history and was a member of the Dedham Historical Society. Bud joined his interests and wrote a history of the Readville Racetrack.  He was a Past President of the Dedham Retired Men’s Club, a trustee of St. John’s Preschool, and an active member of the Allin Congregational Church in Dedham where he had served as a Deacon.  Bud is survived by his wife, Olive Day (Emerson) Barrett; his daughter, Susan B. Sisk, and her husband Robert, of Nashua, New Hampshire; his two sons, Alan W. Barrett of Dedham, and Steven D. Barrett, and his wife Aline, of Westwood; and his brother, Jerry Morris of Scarborough, Maine.  He was the brother of the late George C. Morris, and the late Evelyn Orcutt.  Visiting hours will be held Monday, March 8th from 2-4 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham.  His funeral service will be Tuesday at 11 am at the funeral home followed by interment in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham.  Masks are required in the funeral home and at the cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice Services of MA, 681 Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01832 would be appreciated. 

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Elsa Marilyn Smyth, of Dedham, formerly of Ridgefield, CT died after a period of illness on March 1, 2021 at home, with family by her side. She was 83. She was born on February 4, 1938 in Boston, the daughter of Samuel G. Smyth and Elsa (Munroe) Smyth; and sister of the late Barbara H. Pinkham of Dedham. She grew up in Hyde Park and graduated from Hyde Park High School. Marilyn was retired from Xerox Corporation in Stamford, CT where she worked for 29 years as an executive administrative assistant. She began her career with John Hancock Life Insurance Company in Boston. Marilyn was an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ridgefield, CT. While a resident of Dedham she worshiped at Allin Congregational Church in Dedham. Outside of work she enjoyed numerous pursuits including gourmet cooking, professional-quality dressmaking, knitting, classical music, art and antique collecting, worldwide travel, and was an avid practitioner of yoga. She is survived by her nephews Richard Pinkham of Harrisville, Rhode Island; and Robert Pinkham, and his wife Margaret, of Needham; and Russell Pinkham of Dedham; and her niece Deborah Pinkham Brooks, and her husband David, of Brunswick, Maine; and eight grandnieces and grandnephews. Visiting hours on Sunday March 7th will be from 2-4 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, WESTWOOD. In observance of COVID-19 restrictions, face coverings are required. Due to current restrictions, the funeral and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s memory to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 351 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877 or Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026.

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