Karen P. McBrine – 68, of North Reading and formerly of Quincy, died at her home on Thursday, September 18, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Milton, MA on November 4, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jeanne (Spatola) McBrine.

She has been a resident of North Reading for the past 45 years. Karen was a bartender for the Owl’s Nest in Thornton, NH and the Mad River Tavern in Campton, NH.  She was a member of the Wollaston Beach Girls Club.

Karen gave a lot of love and devotion to her kids and grandkids. She loved horses, Cosmos, the Wollaston Beach Girls Club and riding trips to Acadia in Maine.

Family members include her loving sons, Stephen Farricy and his wife Sara and Michael Farricy; her daughter, Nicole Eicher and her husband James; brothers, Kevin McBrine, Joseph (Buddy) McBrine and Robert (Red) McBrine; grandchildren, Codi and James Eicher and Sean Farricy.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 23 from 3:00 to 5:45 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, followed by a prayer service at 5:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to New England Equine Rescue. Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Belinda Kate (Taylor) Tompkins, age 62, of Groveland passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Belinda was born on May 22,1963 in Worcester, MA. She was a graduate of North Reading High School, class of 1981. She had a long career as a Benefits and Compliance Manager at Copyright Clearance Center.

Belinda had a passion for gardening, decorating, cooking and especially her cherished horses Lottie and Monster. Belinda loved nature, all creatures, and the feel of soil on her hands.

She had many, many friends from all the parts of her life and could always be counted on for gardening and decorating advice, a fun outing, a special homemade meal, or to just lend an ear.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years Andrew Tompkins, her son Cody and his wife Julia, her parents, Victor Taylor and Janice MacHugh, brother Andrew Taylor and his wife Tara, and sisters Rebecca and Sarah. She was Nana Bee to her two precious grandchildren Brayden and Ryland. Also survived by her beloved Irish Terrier Callan. She was preceded in death by her brother Matthew Taylor.

Belinda was truly a beautiful person inside and out and will be deeply missed by the many who loved her.

She loved the wind, the open skies,
The gentle strength in horses’ eyes.
Now rides she on a brighter plain,
Where hooves beat soft like summer rain.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Belinda’s memory to New England Equine Rescue, 52 Ash St., West Newbury, MA 01985 or www.NEERNorth.org

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Michael W. Novasad – 86, of North Reading, August 24, 2025.

Frances  K. (McDonough) Brady  –  88, of North Reading, formerly of Lynn, died September 4, 2025, at Seasons of Danvers, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Lynn on August 4, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Marie (Beaudet) McDonough.  Frances was one of ten children and survived by her sister Dorothy Stevens of Danvers.  She was predeceased by her eight other siblings.  She was raised in Lynn and was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School.

Frances was a devoted wife, married to the late Killian J. Brady, Jr., with whom she shared 48 years of marriage. Residing for almost 40 years in North Reading.  She was a member of Saint Theresa’s Church.

She is survived by her children, Shawn K. Brady and his wife Carol of Lynn and James F. Brady and his wife Colleen of North Reading, and grandchildren, Michael K., Erin C., Shawn K., Jr., Joseph K. and wife Alisha Brady and Brittney C. (Brady) Locke and husband Daniel and step grandchild Kerry Fannon. She was also blessed with great grandchildren, Alexiya, Thomas, Jillian, Alia, Kilian, Kashton, and Memphis.

Frances built a respected career as an assessor for the City of Malden, where she was admired for her dedication and professionalism.  Outside of her work, she enjoyed gardening, baking and most of all spending time with her family.

She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished so deeply.

Her funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Friday, September 12 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11 from 4 to 7 PM.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association, Attention Donor Services, 225 North Michigan Ave., floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.