Folsom Funeral Service

Ruth “Chickie” (Anderson) Martowska, age 90, of Norwood, beloved wife of the late Zigmund A. Martowska, died peacefully at home on October 21, 2020 surrounded by her devoted daughters and loving family. She was born in Norwood on May 8, 1930, the cherished daughter of the late Ruth (Bailey) Rhode and John Anderson. She was a life-long Norwood resident. Her life revolved around her family, friends, church, teaching career, love of music, and of course, her passion for sports and athletics. As a child, Chickie was not the typical girly girl. She preferred playing ball with the neighborhood boys over dressing up and playing with dolls. Her true passion quickly became evident – sports and athletics. She played softball, basketball, field hockey, and tennis throughout her school years. She was also an excellent swimmer and golfer. As an adult, she proved a fierce competitor as a semi-pro bowler, appearing on the Candlepin Bowling TV show twice. She even began square dancing when she was in her fifties. Sports and athletics were her life. She also grew up with a love for music, both singing and playing. She began studying the violin at age 10 and took up the mandolin in high school. Her love affair with music remained throughout her life. Chickie was a proud graduate of Norwood High School, Class of 1948. She excelled in athletics during high school, lettering in three sports – women’s basketball, softball, and field hockey. She was thrilled to be inducted into the Norwood High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 for her tremendous athletic accomplishments during high school. She became the first person in her family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1952 from Bridgewater State College. She taught Physical Education, as well as Social Studies and Mathematics, to high school and junior high school students in Hanover and Abington. She also coached the girls’ sport teams. She met the love of her life, Ziggie, when her own mother introduced her to “this nice, young man from South Norwood” with whom she worked at a local restaurant. They married on June 25, 1955 and started a family in January 1958. Since her family was her top priority, Chickie decided to leave full-time teaching for a career with more flexible hours. She turned to coaching and officiating, both of which allowed her to schedule her work around raising her children. She coached girls’ basketball, field hockey, and softball teams at several South Shore high schools. She held ratings in field hockey, basketball, and softball, and officiated in numerous college and high school tournaments. She continued officiating at the high school level until she was over 70 years old. Even though her family was paramount in her life, Chickie always found time to volunteer whenever and wherever she was needed. When her children were young, she volunteered as a Camp Fire Girls leader for her daughters, even leading two different groups at the same time for 5 years. She also served on the Camp Fire Girls executive board for many years. Volunteering to coach her youngest daughter Judy on the Co-Eds girls softball team of Norwood Little League turned into a decades long commitment. After her daughter aged out of Little League Softball, she continued to coach the Co-Eds with her daughter for a total of 25 years, selflessly giving of her time and sharing her knowledge and expertise of the game with the next generation of players. Chickie was often recognized for her efforts in promoting athletic opportunities for girls to compete. These included improvement in the facilities for the girls’ athletic programs and for additional opportunities for girls to compete in out-of-school programs. To recognize these contributions, she received the Outstanding Service to International Amateur Softball award in 1979 and the Joseph W. Wall Memorial Award for her dedication and service to Norwood Little League in 1993. She was also inducted into the New Agenda Northeast Hall of Fame for Girls and Women in Sports in 1994. A lifelong member of First Congregational Church in Norwood, Chickie rarely missed a Sunday service from the day she was baptized until the day she died. Her love of music found a new home in the church choir, where her deep alto voice added strength and harmony to the hymn singing for over 20 years. She also loved to participate in the bell choir of the church and was a long-time member of the Friendly Service group at the church. Her community service went beyond church, sports, and athletics. She was an active member of Norwood Women’s Community Committee (WCC) for 25 years. She put in countless hours at WCC Thrift Shop, which she affectionately called “The Unique Boutique”. She also organized and conducted the annual babysitting course sponsored by WCC. Chickie had many friends throughout town and around the state. She was adored by all who knew her. She loved to grab a quick bite at Brookside with her friends from church or knitting. She also shared a strong bond with her fellow Physical Education college classmates, meeting regularly with the group for lunch or dinner. Chickie especially enjoyed spending summers with her husband, mother, children, and their families at her cottage on Wallum Lake Terrace, where she was a member for the past 62 years. She loved walking to the beach and spending a relaxing day in “her spot” near the big rock. An avid sports fan, only the Red Sox could keep her away from the beach on a hot, humid day. If the Red Sox were playing, everyone knew not to expect her at the beach until the game was over! No mother was more devoted to her family. She delighted in her nine grandchildren, showering them with love and affection. She relished her role as Nana and Grand-Nan and would always revert back to her teaching roots when children were around. She taught her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to swim, using charts and star stickers to applaud their successes. As a “young” 75 year old, she even gave her grandsons and granddaughters a lesson on how to correctly throw a football! Life with Nana was always filled with fun! She never could resist the temptation to initiate a fierce all-out squirt gun battle with the family! Chickie was a petite ball of fire with an enormous heart. She will always be remembered for her fun-loving, enthusiastic, energetic, generous, compassionate spirit. She is survived by her three daughters, Ruth Parker and her husband Andy of Prospect CT, Jean Forget and her husband Rick of Douglas, and Rev. Judy Martowska of Norwood. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Andrew Parker Jr. of Norwood, Michael Parker and his wife Tania of Shelton CT, David Parker of Vernon CT, Sarah Parker of Arlington VA, Bailey Jeffers of Douglas, Richard Forget of Douglas, Luke Jeffers and his wife Kristen of LaGrange OH, and Jacob Jeffers of Elyria OH. She was also adored by her 5 great-grandchildren, Luke, Nathan, Ada, Kova, and Jessie. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Donald E. Devine of Norwood and her grandson Jesse W. Jeffers of Douglas. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 4-8 PM on Friday, October 30 at the Folsom & May Funeral Home, 85 Nichols Street, Norwood MA. An outside funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 31 at 12 noon in front of the First Congregational Church, 100 Winter Street, Norwood MA. Interment to follow in Highland Cemetery, Norwood. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church in Norwood. Due to COVID restrictions, everyone is kindly requested to wear a face mask at the funeral home and at the church.

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Jacob Albert John Peterson Jr., a resident of Dedham, died Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at his home in Dedham.  He was 99.  Jacob was born October 26, 1920 in Lempster, New Hampshire, the son of Jacob Albert John Sr. and Anette (Ernovitz) Peterson, immigrants from Latvia.  Jake was inducted into the US Army in September of 1942 and served as a private first class in Battery A of the 449th AAA Battalion.  He landed at Normandy in the third wave of the invasion and further fought in Southern France, the Rhineland, and the Ardennes.  After his honorable discharge in December of 1945, he studied to become an electrician and opened his own business, Peterson Electric, which specialized in providing electrical service and repairs to businesses in the Dedham area until his retirement in 1987. Jacob enjoyed deep sea fishing, gardening, and birdwatching, and was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church in West Roxbury.  Jake was the former husband of the late Margaret Lillian (Randall) Peterson; the father of the late John A. Peterson, the late Karl D. Peterson, and the late Charles D. Peterson; and the brother of the late Alfred Peterson, the late Olga Bills, and the late Millie Thoma.  He is survived by this daughters, Judy Salazar of Randolph, and Jane Peterson of Dedham; his 10 grandchildren; and his 18 great grandchildren.  Visiting hours will be held Monday, October 26th (his 100th birthday) from 11am to 1 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham followed by a funeral service in the funeral home a 1 pm.  Interment will follow the funeral at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton.

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Mark James Downey Sr. died Oct 12, 2020 following an horrific and tragic accident. Beloved husband of Jean (McKinney) Downey and dear father of Corinne, Mark J. Jr., and the late Michael Joseph Downey. Son of the late Mary Ann and Donald Downey and brother of the late Peter Downey. Brother-in-law of William, Alex, Larry and Anna, and super uncle to many nieces and nephews. Mark grew up in Dedham, summered in York, Maine, and graduated from the Old Mission High which became Xaverian Brothers High. He was proud that his son graduated from there and attends Providence College. Her is equally proud of Corinne who is pursuing her paramedical degree. Mark had his own trucking company and had recently retired. But he never retired from being a helping hand to family and friends. He could move anything, fix anything, create anything. He loved his family above all else. He will be dearly missed. Because of covid restrictions services will be for family only. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to “Downey Family-Funeral and College Fund” at GoFundMe.

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Anna Louise (Loeffler) Peterson, a resident of Dedham since 1944, died Friday, October 9, 2020 at her home in Dedham.  She was 93.  Anna was born November 4,  1926 in Mobile, Alabama, one of the 3 children of Eugene and Anna (Nordmann) Loeffler.  She graduated from the Convent of Visitation Academy High School, now McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, in Mobile, Alabama, and she spent her Summers growing up at the family camp on Dog River in Mobile.   Anna married Arthur William Peterson on December 2, 1944.  Pete and Weeze, as they were know to their relative and friends, were married for 55 years until Pete’s death in 1999.  Anna enjoyed puzzles, games like Boggle and Skip Bo, and was an expert cribbage player.  She enjoyed gardening, knitting, sewing and crocheting, and was a big fan of all the NFL teams.  Weeze had lots of friends who she enjoyed entertaining.  She worked for Emma’s Bridal Shop in Dedham for a brief time.  Anna was the mother of the late Arthur William Peterson II and is survived by her son, Kenneth E. Peterson, and his spouse John Wozney, of Hudson; her daughter, Carol A. Geary, and her husband Bill, of Foxboro; her three grandchildren, Nathan, Kristin, and Amanda; and her five great grandchildren.  Services and interment in Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham were private for her family.  In lieu of flowers donation to Hope Health Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904 would be appreciated.

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Francis M. Collins, Jr. “Franny”, passed away on October 9, 2020.  Born in Boston and raised in Dedham, he was the son of the late Francis M., Sr. and Mary P. (McNamara) Collins.  A longtime resident of Mansfield and proud member of the IBEW Local 103 for over thirty years.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and had a passion for basketball.  Franny was the father of Shawn of Mansfield, Jared of Quincy and Matthew of Mansfield.  He was the brother of James Peterson of Walpole, Michael Peterson and his wife Kathryn of Norton and the late Mary P. Collins.  Also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.  A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 1 PM in St. Joseph Cemetery, Boston.  In lieu of flowers donations to St. Mary’s Life Teen Center, 420 High St., Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated.

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Dr. Krishamoorthy D. Mudigonda, MD FRCS was born December 10, 1935 and sadly passed away on October 9. 2020 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. He was a long time resident of New Hartford and lived at 22 Oakwood Dr. New Hartford, New York. He was the adopted son of the late Mudigonda Janakamma and the late Mudigonda Purshottam Rao. Dr. Mudigonda, one of 5 children, was raised in India and graduated from Osmania Medical College in 1960 in Hyderabad, India. He trained as a surgeon and worked on the faculty of Osmania Medical College teaching anatomy to medical students. He immigrated to England in 1969 with just 3 Pounds in his pocket and achieved his lifelong dream of FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh) in 1971. He worked in the National Health Service for many years as an attending Orthopedic Surgeon. He came to the United States in 1977 and settled in New Hartford, New York. He spent most of his life in New Hartford working as an Emergency Department Physician at Faxton, St. Elizabeth, and Ilion Hospitals. He deeply cared about his patients and worked a long career as a Medical Specialist at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center. In addition to Medicine he was also a lover of Urdu Poetry and published a book translating the major works Mirza Ghalib. Once retired, he spent time on his hobbies of writing poetry, reading, traveling, watching tennis and CNN. He is survived by his wife Shakunthala, sons Ravi and Sanjay (Priyamvada), and his grandchildren Aarav, Neela and Rohin. He cherished his brother Ramesh, his nieces and nephews, and the many friends he had made over the years in India, England and the United States. A Funeral Service in memory of Dr. Mudigonda will be held on Tuesday, October 13 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s 500 Canterbury St, Boston, MA 02131

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Russell Warren Poole, a longtime resident of Dedham, died Saturday, October 3, 2020 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Needham.  He was 78.  Russell was born July 7, 1942 in Norwood, Massachusetts, the son of Warren Henry and Rose E. (Austin) Poole.  He enlisted in the US Army in September of 1960 and served until his honorable discharge in 1963.  Russell worked for 21 years as the business manager for the Marshfield Center Garage.  He was a member of American Legion Post 18 of Dedham and served as a Dedham Town Meeting Member for District 2 for many years.  He was also a member of the Allin Congregational Church in Dedham.  Russell is survived by his wife of 54 years, Beverly Louise (Cassie) Poole and his two sons, John B. Poole of South Yarmouth and David R. Poole, and his wife Dana, of Belmont, California; as well as his sister Jane E. Cobb of Florida, and his five grandchildren, Zachary, Haley, Charlie, Heidi, and Harry Poole.  He was predeceased by his infant grandson William Poole.  Visiting hours will be held Friday, October 9, 2020 from 4 to 8 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham. Masks are required to enter the building. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his graveside service Saturday at 11 am at Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham with military honors.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 22, 2024 at 10 am at the Allin Congregational church followed by fellowship in the Fireside Room at the church. In lieu of flowers donations to the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated.   

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William Ladd Bliss of Westwood, MA died peacefully on September 19, 2020, one day shy of his 91st birthday and almost exactly a year after the death of his beloved wife of 67 years, Lee Nichols Bliss. The ultimate team player, Bill lived life to its fullest. His positive energy and genuine kindness have left a deep and lasting impression on all those fortunate to have known him. Born in Boston in 1929 to Harry M. Bliss and Merriam Ladd Bliss, Bill attended Noble and Greenough School in Dedham. While there, he excelled in hockey, crew and soccer. He graduated in 1948 and was later inducted into the Nobles Athletic Hall of Fame. Throughout his life, Bill remained committed to Nobles as a member of the Board of Trustees, the Graduate’s Council and as a parent and grandparent. Bill later attended Harvard University where he continued to shine as an athlete, playing ice hockey and rowing for the crew team. Bill remained active at Harvard serving for many years as class secretary and reunion organizer. Shortly after his graduation in 1952, Bill married Lee Nichols and the two moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where Bill began his military service as a Second Lieutenant in the Army. A decorated veteran, Bill served in an infantry regiment in Korea through April 1954 and then in the Army reserves until 1957. In 1954, Bill and Lee settled in Dedham where Bill began his professional career at the Honeywell Corporation as a Sales Engineer. After working for several companies in security management, Bill started his own consulting firm, W.L. Bliss Associates that he ran successfully for many years. Bill remained passionate and engaged in his professional life until well into his seventies. Throughout his life Bill was a problem solver and his creativity and ingenuity are legendary. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, sailor, skier, tennis player, gardener, wood worker, and beekeeper. Often found “east of the buoy” off of Martha’s Vineyard, and wearing his signature red shorts and rope belt, he would say, “just one more cast” before wrapping up a full day of fishing on his beloved 23 foot Mako, Poach. No grandchild ever came home empty handed and he delighted the neighborhood with fresh fish. For over 35 years, Bill maintained several hives at his home and the homes of his friends. Recognizing the critical importance of bees, Bill was eager to share his knowledge of, and enthusiasm for beekeeping, guiding students and adults alike. Perhaps the greatest testament to Bill’s zest for life and generosity to others is his commitment to service and community. Bill was co-founder of the Nobles Marathon Fund which now supports the financial needs of 11 Nobles students each year and is the second largest scholarship fund at the school. He ran over 20 marathons in Boston, New York and London, raising money for this scholarship as well as the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. For many years, Bill volunteered at the Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester where he shared his love of woodworking. Bill was also active in Dedham as a town meeting member. Whether it was treating others to the fruits of his garden or supporting important causes, Bill was always reaching out to others. Bill is survived by his five children: Lindy Bliss Gaylord, Peggy Bliss, Louisa Bliss, William Ladd Bliss Jr., Jane Bliss Graham and their spouses; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his brother, Edward P. Bliss. With a twinkle in his eye, Bill was often known to say, “We’re off to see the wizard” when embarking on a new adventure. His energy and enthusiasm are a guiding force to all who knew him. A private burial will be held on October 17th with a celebration of Bill’s life later in 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Neighborhood House Charter School https://www.thenhcs.org/ or the Elise “Butch” Wallace H’03 and Bill Bliss‘48 Marathon Fund https://www.nobles.edu/giving/donate-now/ .

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Barbara L. (Dickinson) Lyons, former resident of Dedham, died peacefully Sunday, August 23, 2020 at the New England Homes for the Deaf in Danvers, Massachusetts at the age of 97. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Reynold Lyons, who passed in 2011. The eldest of three children, Barbara was predeceased by her sisters,  Janet Mae Boisvert and  Betty Ann Kass. Barbara attended the Clarke School for the Deaf, graduating in 1940. She then attended Dedham High School, graduating in 1944. After high school, Barbara was employed by John Hancock as a photo lithographer until her retirement. Barbara was an avid Boston sports fan and when she was not watching the Red Sox or the Patriots.  She enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, crocheting, needlepoint, traveling, stamp collecting and tracing her genealogy. Barbara is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be held Monday, September 28, 2020 at 11 am at the Plainville Cemetery, Plainville, MA. A memorial service for Barbara will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the New England Homes for the Deaf, 154 Water St., Danvers, MA 01923 or Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.

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Smith, Robert Edward, known as Bob or Smitty to his friends and family, died Thursday, September 10, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton.  He was 84.  Smitty was born April 10, 1936 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Donald William and Faye (Corey) Smith Dionne.  Right from High School he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served for two terms.  He was recalled from the reserves for a year of active duty in Vietnam with the Navy Seabees.  Bob worked as a firefighter with the Westwood Fire Department for 20 years until his retirement in 1983. He then became a bus driver for the Westwood School System for 10 years.  In his spare time he worked as a carpenter with his brother-in-law Jack Sandberg.  He also worked for several years as the sexton for the First Baptist Church in Westwood where he was a longtime member and where he sang in the choir.  Smitty was a member of Elliot-Hyde Park Masonic Lodge (now Celestial Lodge) AF & AM, as well as a Shriner, and member of Allepo Temple Shrine of Wilmington.  He was the husband of the late Genevieve “Jenny” Ann (DeAngelis) Smith; the brother of the late Norma Smith and the late Joan Sandberg; and the grandfather o the late Robert E. Smith III.  Smitty is survived by his son, Robert E. Smith Jr., and his wife Patty, of Taunton; his two daughters, Ann Marie Anderson Beltis of Homosassa, Florida, and Cheryl Anderson Mills-Scarchilli, and her husband David, of Norton; his grandchildren, Kimberly, DeAnne, Derek, Caila, and Sara; his great grandchildren, Hayley, Briley, Cheyenne, Braelyn, Amelia, and Maeve; and his great great grandson, Kylan.  Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, September 15th from 4 to 7 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood with a Masonic Service by Celestial Lodge AF & AM of Westwood at 6:30 pm.  A private graveside funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10 am at New Westwood Cemetery, Westwood.  Friends may watch the graveside service at www.harborview.live/   In lieu of flowers donations to the First Baptist Church, 808 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090 would be appreciated.

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