All posts by Carol Croswell

Belinda Kate Tompkins

obituary

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

Frances K. Brady

obituary

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.

Gloria Faye Surette

obituary
Gloria Faye  Surette Passed away on August 1, 2025 in McMinnville Oregon. She was 95 years old.
  Gloria was born on February 3, 1930 in Jonesport, Maine to parents, Bernard C. Crowley & Lelia Beatrice Crowley.
   Gloria‘s father worked for Consolidated Lobster Co. in Jonesport and her mother was a homemaker. Her parents moved with Gloria and her two brothers to Gloucester MA. in 1932. They settled into Lanesville where her father then became the captain of a lobster smack.
   Gloria met her future husband, Paul Richard Surette, in Gloucester when she was 17 years old, at which time they began dating. She graduated from Gloucester High School in 1948.
  Richard and Gloria married in 1951 and bought a home in North Reading, MA. Richard became the proprietor of Paul’s lobster company in Boston MA. While Gloria chose to be a stay at home mom and raise their three children. Alan, Pam and Bernie.
 Gloria was a talented artist, and once the kids were in school, she went to Northeastern University to study art during the 1970s. She was a member of Lynnfield Art Association and painted for many years.
  She also sang in several chorale groups and was a member of the North Reading Theatre Workshop,  acting in local musicals.
   Gloria was raised in church, and had a lifelong faith in God. During later years, she and Richard rededicated their lives to Christ and attended Victory Chapel.
  Gloria was Predeceased by her husband, Richard in 1992, Her son,Bernard Paul Surette in 2021, And beloved grandson, Paul R. Surette ll In 2023.
    She leaves behind two children, Alan James Surette, ( wife Novi) of Lynn Mass., Pamela N Gaeta, Of Amity, Oregon, her older brother, Burlon Crowley of Punta Gorda, FL., 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 5 nieces and 2 nephews
 Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 13, 11:00 AM at  Croswell Funeral Home in North Reading MA. Followed by burial at Riverside Cemetery. Please visit Croswellfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.

Judith M. Burdett

obituary

Judith Marian Burdett -86, known lovingly as Judy, passed away peacefully at home in Haverhill, Massachusetts on August 26, 2025 .

Born in Clinton, MA on December 23, 1938, Judy was the cherished daughter of Edward Eugene Burdett and Bertha Alice Pike, and stepdaughter of Margaret (Peg) E. Paulson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Sumner E. Burdett.

Throughout her life, Judy called many places home—including Billerica, Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill, as well as Rhode Island and Maine. She worked several years at American Training, Inc and Digital Equipment Corporation, where her warmth touched many lives.

In her later years, Judy found a nurturing and supportive community at Waystone Health & Human Services, formerly known as Fidelity House CRC. There, she lived with dignity and independence, surrounded by compassionate staff and housemates who became like family. Waystone’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities was beautifully reflected in Judy’s life—one filled with connection, purpose, and joy.

Judy was known for her radiant smile—a reflection of her gentle spirit and joyful heart. Whether playing the piano, dancing, or exploring new places, she brought light and laughter to those around her.

Her gentle spirit and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the joy of knowing her.

Funeral services will be held at Croswell Funeral Home in North Reading, MA, on Tuesday, September 2, at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at Riverside Cemetery. Judy will be remembered for her kindness, her love of music and movement, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy’s memory to Waystone Health & Human Services, in support of their mission to empower individuals with disabilities. Contributions can be made online at waystonehhs.org/donate.

www.Croswellfuneralhome.com