Margaret  T. “Peggy” (Pomes) Costa – 96, of North Reading and formerly of Boston, died Friday, September 7, 2018 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She was the beloved wife of the late Salvatore R. Costa.

Born in Boston, MA on February 15, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Helen (Harrington) Pomes. Peggy graduated high school in Boston.

She worked as a waitress for many years at the Hillview Country Club, the Barnside in North Reading and the Ye Olde Redding House.

Peggy was a resident of North Reading for 69 years. She was a member of St. Theresa’s Church and a former Girl Scout and 4-H Leader.

Until the day she departed, Peggy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great- great grandmother and friend. She was a hard worker, a woman of faith and a friend to many. She loved to travel, taking many cruises, road trips and flights to places far and near with her husband, children and grandchildren. When she was home, Peggy enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading and crafting (especially with her grandchildren).

Above all else, Peggy loved her family. She was happiest when celebrating with them, no matter what the occasion. Her family loved looking on as she danced around the floor with her beloved Salvatore at countless weddings and was blessed to have her present to share countless graduations christenings, first communions and birthdays.

Without question, Christmas with her family and closest friends was her favorite. Even into her 90s, she insisted on everyone gathering at her home (no matter how crowded it might get) and sharing dinner, gifts, memories and laughter. She passed peacefully surrounded by family. She loved deeply and was deeply loved.

Family members include her loving son, Steven M. Costa of North Reading; daughters and sons-in-law, Joanna and Ed Hickey of Hampton Beach;   Helene and Joseph Tracey of Exeter, NH; Paula and the late Charles Emmons of Waterboro, ME; Donna and Richard Scott of Haverhill; and Lynne and Robert Haynes of Hampstead, NH; her brother, Donald Pomes of Honolulu, HI; 15 grandchildren: Dianna Powers, Eddie Hickey, Annmarie Kilty, Sarah Hill, Joseph, Jeffrey and Jonathan Tracey, Andrea and Aleta Emmons, Amanda Ramirez, Wesley, Carrie and Adam Scott, Megan Malcolm and Katie Haynes; 29 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 13 from 4 to 8 PM. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.  A Funeral Procession will begin at the Croswell Funeral Home on Friday, September 14 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading.  Memorial donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Leon Victor Bernier – 82, of Waterstone at the Circle in Boston and formerly of North Reading, died at his home on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.

Lee was born in Northampton, MA on March 29,1936 and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Upon graduation, Lee served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1966 as a pilot of the KC-135 aircraft. He was a distinguished Veteran of the Vietnam War and earned the rank of Captain.

After leaving the military, Lee and his wife Anne settled in North Reading to raise their three children and remained in town as residents for over 50 years.  Lee enjoyed his career and passion as an airline pilot for American Airlines for over 30 years.

Lee will be remembered by his loving wife Anne (Leyden) Bernier of 56 years; his son, Kevin Bernier; his daughters, Nanette Villandry and her husband Richard  and Cathleen Bernier-Garzon; his six beautiful grandchildren, Jessica and Anthony Fino, Nicole and Cali Bernier, and Nicholas and Gabriel Bernier-Garzon, his great grandson, Julian Donald, his parents Laurant Victor Bernier and Miriam (McNerny) Bernier and his brothers, Stephen Bernier and the late Kenneth Bernier.

“A special thank you” is extended to Dr. Komer and Dr. Einstein for all their love and care that they extended to Lee.

We will always carry your memory in our hearts.

A private service will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home on Thursday, September 13, 2018, per the family’s request, there will be no calling hours.   A private Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.  Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or to the American Bladder Cancer Society.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com 

Janet  L. (Marcisak) Stickle – 57, of North Reading and formerly of Brooklyn, New York, died Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading, after a long illness.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 12,1961.  She has been a resident of North Reading since 1990.

Family members include her loving husband Walter L. Stickle and her two sons Jaden River Stickle and Jackson Ocean Stickle, all of North Reading;  Her parents Paula (Mushkin) Marcisak of New York and a part time North Reading resident and the late Nicholas Marcisak;  her  aunt Myrna Davis of Sag Harbor, NY;  cousin and childhood best friend  Matt Davis of Sag Harbor, NY.  The water references in her son’s names were very intentional as she believed in the idea that soft things can still move mountains and sculpt continents

Janet grew up in the NYC public school system, attended Queens Community College, and later in life pursued further education at Merrimack College in North Andover MA.

She worked for various technology companies including Perception Technologies and FTP Software, and when she became a manager, she built friendships with her employees.  She also worked as a VJ, projecting video on screen for a local band.

Janet, more than most people was   motivated by love.  She was extremely outgoing and loved doing things for other people. But threaten her friends or family in any way and she would go full-on mama bear. Janet was generous with her time.  She was an area director for the Science Fiction convention Arisia, volunteered in the schools, for the Cub Scouts, conservation causes, and was a state delegate in politics.

Janet identified as a “Dead Head”.  She loved the music of the Grateful Dead, and the culture they created.   She followed them around on tour several times in the US and once through Europe.

Janet loved crafts and woodworking and built furniture and art for her home. The greatest joy in her life was becoming a mom, and her children, Jaden and Jackson, were the reason she fought so tenaciously to hang on to life.   Even her doctors said she was going above and beyond.

Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 8 at 4:00 PM, followed by visitation until 6:00 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.  Memorial Donations made in her memory would be welcomed to Wikimedia, or Doctors without Borders, or Big Brother/Big Sister, or Heifer International.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Gerald  B. Macaulay – “G” passed away, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 2, 2018, after a long battle with cancer. He was 66,  a resident of North Reading for 35 years and a former resident of Malden.

Born in Everett, MA on January 13, 1952, he was the son of the late William and Geraldine (Whitman) Macaulay.

Gerry was graduate of the University of Massachusetts, with a degree in English. He was employed by the United States Parcel Service, until his retirement six years ago.

Gerry is survived by his loving wife Rita Fernandes; his sons, Jesse Macaulay and his companion Erin Cameron of North Reading and Matthew Macaulay and his companion Genevieve Flatley of Woburn; his brother, William Macaulay and his wife Patricia of Malden; nephews, Aaron and David Macaulay; cousins, Deb and Sandra Hayes; he had a huge network of loving friends, including Steve and Dorrine Foley, Brian Hoyle and Thomas Fisher, who supported him through his Cancer treatment.

Gerry had a lifelong passion for writing and reading. He was an enthusiastic Boston Sports fan, he enjoyed riding motorcycles and skiing at Sunday River. Gerry especially loved music, playing the guitar and organizing an annual Jam at his beloved Bryant Pond, Maine, which he has chosen as a final resting place. A memorial service will be there at a later date, to be scheduled by his family.

He took in so many people under his wing and always made everyone feel like family, he touched many lives and was always willing to help.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 6 from 4 to 8 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute , P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift  or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Matthew  B. Willard, Jr. – 57, of North Reading and formerly of Lawrence, died Saturday, August, 25, 2018 at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading.

Born in Stoneham, MA on January 19, 1961. He was raised and attended school in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1979.

Matthew was a Foreman for Atlantic Plywood in Woburn for over 30 years. He was known for his kindness towards everyone and his smile. His constant singing and sense of humor and joking that always made everyone comfortable. He had a great love for his family and animals. He was a very dependable son.

He loved woodworking, boating, fishing and hanging with all his many friends. He loved looking out the back deck at the wildlife.

Family members includes his loving son, Matthew P. Willard of Lawrence; his parents, Matthew B. Willard, Sr. and Marjorie K. (Wood) Willard of North Reading; his sister, Ann Marie Tunnell and her husband Bill of Port Clinton, Ohio.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, September 1 at 11:00 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 31 from 5 to 8 PM. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com