All posts by Carol Croswell

Dorothy Tartaro

Dorothy Tartaro of North Reading, MA. Dorothy was blessed with 91 years of life and passed on to her eternal rest on July 9, 2025. She was born in Gary, Indiana on March 13,1934 to the late Joseph and Agnes Krasnansky, who immigrated to the U.S. from Czechoslovakia. She attended Froebel High School and was a graduate of the R.N program at St. Mary Mercy Nursing School in Gary, Indiana. She relocated to Massachusetts and raised a family in North Reading. Dorothy had a remarkable work ethic, a trait she inherited from her parents. She was employed as a R.N. at local hospitals, including Malden Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She spent the majority of her career as a company (industrial) nurse at W.H. Nichols Company (Parker Hannifin) of Waltham, MA.

She had a genuine, caring nature that is reflected in the life-long friendships she made at work and in her personal life. She also had a strong faith that sustained her throughout her life. She was a long-time member of St. Theresa’s Parish in North Reading, MA.

Dorothy was a devoted and loving mother. She is survived by her children; Susan Hurton and her husband Michael of Tewksbury, Joseph Tartaro and his wife Lena of Billerica, Jeanne Tartaro of North Reading; her grandchildren Sarah (husband Todd), Stephen (wife Everly), Rachel (husband Corbin) and Theresa (husband Ben); her great-grandchildren Beatrice, Alex and Lionel and her beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Beyond her role as a mother, Dorothy enjoyed time with her beloved dogs; the first being Maggie, followed by Brody, Lily, Roxie, and her current canine companion, Alfred. They all brought laughter and happiness to her life.

She was predeceased by her parents; Joseph and Agnes Krasnansky, her sister Mary Purcell and her brothers Joseph and John Krasnansky.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 9:15 AM from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Parish, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. A graveside service will immediately be followed by a luncheon at a local restaurant. Visiting hours for family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the animal rescue or charity of one’s choice

Nancy C. French

 

Nancy Carol French – With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Nancy Carol French, who died peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at age 72.

Born on June 19, 1953, Nancy was the beloved daughter of the late Gloria Mary (Murphy) French and Harry Edward French. She was predeceased by her siblings, John (Jack) French and Jean Nutile, who she loved dearly and missed deeply.

Nancy grew up in Medford, MA, surrounded by the joy and bustle of a large and loving family. A woman of strong faith, she was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Stoneham, where she found comfort, purpose, and community throughout her life.

Nancy is survived by her cherished siblings: Donna Taylor of North Reading, Harry French of Atkinson, NH, Joyce Breen of Laconia, NH, Daniel French of Hampstead, NH, David French of Pembroke, NH, Donald French of Litchfield, NH and Dennis French of Derry, NH. She leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and  friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Nancy was known for her sharp wit and her fearless honesty, she always spoke her mind and never hesitated to say exactly what she thought, often with a smile or a perfectly timed joke. Her humor and bold spirit made her unforgettable.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held prior to the Funeral Mass, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Donald F. Henchey

Donald F. Henchey- resident of North Reading, MA passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025 at the age of 87 years old.  Donald graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1955 and graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 1976.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Doris M. Henchey, with 54 years of marriage, and also their children, Jean Hartzog and her husband Jason of Woodbridge, VA, Theresa O’Riorden and her husband Stephen of Stow, MA, and Brian Henchey and his wife Jill of New Hampshire.

He was the proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren: Rosemarie, Tristan, Sawyer, Jessica, James, Glenn, Brent, and Kelsey.  He was also survived by several nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his mother, Catherine F. Henchey (Callum), and his sister Patricia (Henchey) Dole and her husband George Paul Dole.

Donald grew up in Dorchester, MA.  In his last year of high school he took the test to get into the General Electric Apprentice Program and aced the math section.  He was one of three boys from his high school class chosen to enter the program, where he worked as a draftsman while attending college at night, at Tufts, to get his associates degree He later received his Bachelors Degree at Northeastern University.  This was the start of a 38 year career at General Electric Aircraft Engines in Lynn, where he worked, first with punch cards, till computers were invented and then, ultimately, as a Systems Analyst de-bugging computer code.

Donald joined the North Reading Knights of Columbus in 1964.  He was the Financial Secretary from 1975 to 2023.  In 1971, Donald and Doris were married while Donald was Grand Knight.  From 1981 to 1984 Donald was the District Deputy.  From 1985 to 2015 (30 years) Donald was the Boy Scouts of America Charter Organization Representative.

Donald was a firm believer of giving back to the community and was very proud of his charity work.  He was recognized in 2023 for nearly 50 years of service as the Financial Secretary to the Knights of Columbus and 55 years of service to St. Theresa’s Church as a Lector and a member of the Financial Board.

Although Donald’s college degree was in Industrial engineering, he minored in history and considered himself a “history buff”.  He loved reading books about World War II and especially loved Winston Churchill.  He read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich 14-15 times.

Donald loved camping as a family with the Starcraft Camper Club and then later, traveling to Europe with Doris.  Their first trip in 1997 was to visit Jean, who was working in Belgium, and they traveled to Belgium, Germany, England, Ireland, and France.  They were at Buckingham Palace when the flowers were scattered in front of the Palace following Princess Diana’s death.  They also toured the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.  Donald was a devout catholic and loved visiting churches.

Donald was the epitome of the American Dream.  Because of his education, he was able to leave his meager beginnings and raise a family in the suburbs. One of the things he was most proud of is that all three of his children graduated from college.  He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 5 to 8 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street , North Reading. Everyone should go directly to church. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Kathleen Molhan

Kathleen (Foley) Molhan
July 20, 1962 – June 28, 2025

Kathleen Molhan – of North Reading, MA, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 62.

Born in Wakefield, MA, to the late Robert and Mary Foley, Kathleen lived a life defined by compassion, curiosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She was the beloved wife of David Molhan and the cherished mother of Amanda Cooper, Kevin Molhan, and Brett Molhan.

A lifelong conversationalist, Kathleen found joy in engaging with people from all walks of life, always eager to learn, listen, and connect. Her kindness, empathy, and vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Kathleen was a dedicated and respected executive assistant at Google in Cambridge, MA, where her professionalism and warmth touched many. Beyond her career, she was known for her extraordinary selflessness—always putting others first and offering her time, energy, and heart to anyone in need, no matter the circumstances.

Kathleen took immense pride in her role as a grandmother. She was a constant source of love, laughter, and support to her four grandchildren: Lochlan Cooper, Murphy Cooper, Jack Molhan, and Nora Molhan. Her memory will live on in the countless moments she shared with them.

In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, Kathleen is survived by her sister, Maureen Yamartino, and her brother, Robert Foley.

Kathleen’s legacy is one of love, generosity, strength, and grace. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 4 to 8 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Everyone should go directly to church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the to the American Cancer Society, the Flint Memorial Library in North Reading, or to the charity of one’s choice.

 

www.croswellfuneralhome.com