Category Archives: obituary
Judith M. Burdett
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.
Raymond S. MacLean, Jr.
Raymond S. MacLean, Jr. – 27, of Lawrence, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. He was a graduate of Greater Lawrence Technical School.
Raymond was a loving son, brother, grandson and friend to many. He had a sense of humor and loved to play practical Jokes. He was always there for whoever called him for a ride or just needed a hand. He had a smile that seemed to convey “he knows something”. He loved his nickname “White Boy”. He loved cars and detailing them was a passion of his. He loved going to the gym, walking his dog Chulo, The Simpsons and Pac-man. He enjoyed going to his nana’s house every Sunday to visit and do whatever she needed.
Family members include his loving parents, Raymond and Jennifer (Russo) MacLean, his brother Zachery MacLean and his grandmother Eilleen Russo.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced. Memorial donations may be made to Team Sharing, Inc. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.
www.Croswellfuneralhome.com
Molly (Mary Elizabeth) Whitney
Molly (Mary Elizabeth) Whitney (née Johnson), 87, of North Reading, passed away peacefully August 26, 2025, surrounded by her children.
She was Born in New York City, on May 1, 1938, to the late Elizabeth C. Johnson (née Goodwin) and Ralph F. Johnson. She lived in North Reading most of her life and brought up her four children there.
Molly was an insurance agent for many years at Davis Clark & Latham in Reading, and then later worked with her friend Judith Pinney. She was also a dedicated poll worker for many years.
She loved to play tennis, and played competitively until she was 80. She was the boy’s tennis coach at North Reading High School for many years.
She loved to garden and did various crafts throughout her life, such as ceramics, ornaments, homemade candles and more. She loved animals, especially her many Newfoundlands. She had many other animals over the years including goats, chickens, geese, turkeys, ferrets, bunnies, and a peacock, along with numerous cats and other breeds of dog.
Her other hobbies were going to the beach, boating, playing the piano, trips to the casino, travelling, making Chex Mix at Christmas time, and collecting frogs. In her later years she enjoyed visits from her children and four grandchildren and chatting with her friends. Her police scanner was always on as was her television with old familiar shows playing. On Sunday mornings she loved to listen to the Congregational Church sermon on Zoom.
She is predeceased by her husband of almost 51 years, Tony (Frederic A.) Whitney. She is survived by her daughter Jane Whitney, her son Robert Whitney and his husband Clark Sorensen, her daughter Julia, and husband Mark Robarts, her daughter Jennifer Mahoney, her beloved grandchildren, (Zachary, Benjamin, Casey and Georgia), her sister Jackie Malonson, her brother Richard Johnson and wife Elvira, and many other family and friends.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 3 at 11:15 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. A collation will follow at Kitty’s Restaurant in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice.
William D. Boucher
William D. Boucher- 94, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a long and fulfilling life.
He was the devoted husband and best friend of Lorraine (Caprara) Boucher. They were high school sweethearts and were married for sixty-six years, until Lorraine passed away in 2021. Originally from New York, Bill and Lorraine moved to North Reading in 1963, where they raised their family and then welcomed the next two generations.
Bill was the rock of his family. He was a supportive and encouraging guide to his four children: Denise (and her husband Malcolm); Cary (and his wife Robin); Mary Alison and Michael. He was the loving grandfather and Papa to: Joseph (and his wife Sandra), Justina (and her husband Scott), Jeremy and Joshua; Kyle (and his fiancée Shannon) , Ryan (and his fiancée Meghan), Colin and Caroline; William and Andrew. His large family also included ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Bill is survived by his brother Joe, of Arkansas, and was predeceased by his sister Barbara.
Born in 1931, in Yorktown Heights, NY, to his parents Eugene and Margaret, his early years were shaped by the Great Depression and World War II. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He served for four years stationed in the Philippines and at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio.
Bill began his career at IBM in Fishkill, NY, and continued at different local companies including Avco/Textron and Raytheon, until his retirement in 1995. He was employed as a Technical Writer and Information Specialist with a primary focus on Transportation and Aerospace data.
Bill was known for his subtle wit, wisdom,and easy going nature. He was always able to find common ground with others and could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Throughout his life, he was a sports enthusiast, playing on teams in high school, the military and in adult leagues. He also enjoyed golf and was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. Thriving on competition, Bill was an astute analyst of the NFL and bested his opponents 5 out of the last 7 seasons in the weekly “pick ems” challenge.
He and Lorraine had a deep appreciation for the beauty of New England and looked forward to day trips to Rockport and Marblehead Neck. They also treasured the memories they created when they traveled to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Germany, Portugal and Italy. A man of faith, Bill was a communicant at St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. His Funeral will be held from the Funeral Home on Saturday, August 30 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Special Olympics or the MSPCA-Angell.
www.croswellfuneralhome.com




