Mary Clare (Flintoft) Collings – 77, of North Reading, died Monday, November 23, 2020, at Winchester Hospital.

Born in White Plains, NY on September 24, 1943. She was the daughter of the late Gerald V. and Edith M. (O’Shaughnessy) Flintoft. She was a graduate of St. John’s High School in White Plains, NY, she received her B.A. From Manhattanville College, her B.S. from Columbia University and her Master’s Degree from Boston College.

Mary Clare was a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for the Greater Lawrence Mental Health Center. She devoted her life to helping others deal with life’s trials. Although urged by her college professors, to pursue a graduate degree in English, she pursued a career in nursing specializing in counseling those suffering from mental health issues. After retiring, she counseled those suffering through bereavement.

She was a deeply religious person, she led a bereavement support group at St. Theresa’s Church with Father Thomas Powers and taught bible study at St. Augustine’s Church in Andover. She also led a weekly centering prayer group at St. Theresa’s Church.

Mary Clare has been a resident of North Reading for the past 49 years and an active member of St. Theresa’s Church for many years.

Family members include her loving husband, Honorable Robert B. Collings; sons, John Richard Collings and Christopher J.M. Collings; her daughter, Clare Collings Bradley; late brothers, Gerald J. Flintoft and Richard A. Flintoft (who died on November 21, 2020); 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Jr., Luke, Conor, Amelia, Robert and David.

Her Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading on Saturday, November 28 at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be private. interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to: Rosie’s Place, 889 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 or to Contemplative Outreach, 1560 Union Valley Road, No. 909, West Milford, New Jersey 07480. Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

John A. Ahern – of Quail Run, Tewksbury and formerly of North Reading, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at age 65. He was the loving husband of 32 years to Ellen (Duggan) Ahern.

Born in Melrose, MA on May 14, 1955. He was the son of the late Daniel, Jr. and Grace C. (Proctor) Ahern, of Voke Street in North Reading.

John graduated from North Reading High School, Class of 1973, he was a gymnast and cross-country runner. Later continuing his education at Salem State College, graduating in 1977 with a B.S. in Business.

During these years he worked at the Thomson Country Club in North Reading, in the kitchen. He decided to switch careers to food service, working as a chef at the Heathwood Retirement Home in Newton, MA for the next 35 years.

John was an outgoing man, enjoying skiing, racquetball and golf. His love for golf started as a caddy at Hillview Country Club in North Reading. John was an avid reader and enjoyed a friendly discussion. In retirement he enjoyed gardening and flower arrangements.

He will be missed by his family: his wife, Ellen and their dog Maggie Mae; his siblings, Patricia, Dan, and Mary and spouse Nate; his Duggan siblings, Mary, Timmy, Patty, James, and  spouse Melissa. He touched the lives of many, his aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  We will miss him dearly.

His funeral services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701. www.cancer.org. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

John J. Sheehan – 81, of North Reading, died on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington.

Born in Liverpool, England on December 1, 1938, he was the son of the late Michael and Bridget (Kiely) Sheehan. John worked as a Merchant Seaman (English Merchant Service), First National and for Raytheon as a Wafer Fab Operator.

John had been a resident of North Reading for the past 46 years. John was known for his good humor, generosity and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone. He loved watching soccer, going out to eat, reading and being with people.

Family members include his loving wife of 48 years, Lorraine (Maher) Sheehan; his brothers, Terry Daly, and his wife Joyce, and family of Liverpool, England, and the late Peter Sheehan and family of the United Kingdom; his late sisters Maura Leslie and Rita Spur; late brother-in-law, Dennis Maher and his surviving wife Kathy Maher; beloved nieces Jennifer Carpinella, Kimberly Maher-Stamegna and Alison O’Brien; beloved nephews Paul Leslie, and his wife Grainne, and family of England and the late Shaun Leslie of England. In addition, John is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and dozens of friends in Ireland, England and the United States.

His funeral will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading on Monday, November 30 at 10:30 AM. Due to Covid -19 restrictions, masks must be worn at all times and social distancing rules apply. Internment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St., North Reading, MA 01864, in the name of John Sheehan. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Frank  W. Kenrick – 81, of North Reading and formerly of Everett, died at his home on Friday, November 20, 2020.

Born in Everett, MA on February 10, 1939, he was the son of the late Edwin M. and Hazel A. (Fraser) Kenrick. Frank attended the L.D. Batchelder School in North Reading and graduated from the Malden Vocational High School in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1959.

Frank was a sheet metal worker, he started his own business in 1962, the Kenrick B. Hall Corporation. He worked  on numerous buildings throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York, that are still standing. He also installed heating and air condition systems in malls and industrial buildings, he was the chief cook and bottle washer.

Frank was a witty man, full of wisdom, stories, laughs and love. He had a heart of gold, always willing to help when he could.

Frank was indeed a man of different skills and trades, a true entrepreneur. He always enjoyed   fixing things around the house and gardening at its best. His specialties were tomatoes, corn, all kinds of peppers and onions. Frank enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family and Sunday dinners.

Frank has been a resident of North Reading for over 60 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge A.F. And A.M., as well as a dedicated member of Union Congregational Church, all in North Reading.

His surviving family members include his loving wife, Andrea E. (Powell) Kenrick; daughters, Farika S. Williams and De Andrea D. Gibbs of North Reading. Son-in-law, Dominic Williams of North Reading. Adoptive daughter, Carline Gabert of Malden. His loving nieces, Susan Kenrick of Natick and Sannett Petrus of Haverhill; cousin, Scott Kenrick of Lynnfield. Life long friend of over 40 years, Jack and wife Jane Hudgins of North Reading. Also survived by a host of extended family and friends. He was the father of the late Frank, Jr. and Glen Kenrick.

His funeral will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading on Wednesday, November 25 at 10 AM. Calling hours will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, November 24 from 4 to 7 PM. Due to current restrictions, masks must be worn at all times with social distancing. A maximum capacity of 50 people will be allowed in the funeral home at one time. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Dennis Francis Collins, Jr., February 7, 1936 – November 16, 2020

Dennis Francis Collins, Jr., age 84, died peacefully in his home, with his beloved wife by his side, in North Reading, Massachusetts on November 16, 2020.  Dennis, originally of Hyde Park, Boston, was a graduate of Boston University, where he graduated second in his class while earning an Aeronautical Engineering degree.   He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In his early career, Dennis worked for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center where he made significant contributions to NASA’s space flight program.  In 1966, he married Solfrid Svalgres, a beautiful Norwegian woman whom he met while dining at a German Restaurant in Washington, D.C.  Eventually, the couple settled in North Reading, where Dennis continued his lifetime of civilian service working as an Engineer at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Cambridge.  Dennis and Solfrid went on to have a son, Brendan and a daughter, Britt.

Dennis was a gentle, humble and religious man who loved nature and was devoted to his family. Over the years, Dennis became accomplished at many hobbies including sailing, photography, fly fishing, skiing, gardening, playing Flamenco guitar, and furniture making.  He was happiest when taking long walks in the woods with his wife, children and dog, Nosey.  He also enjoyed listening to jazz while reading the newspaper and his travels to Norway.  Although he was not one to brag about his own accomplishments, he thoroughly enjoyed bragging about his grandchildren’s.

Dennis is survived by his wife Solfrid, who cared for him during his long illness.  He is also survived by his son, Brendan and daughter, Britt and his five beloved grandchildren, Boden, Donovan, Sophia (his favorite), Aidan and Rachel as well as several nephews.  He is predeceased by his sister, Marie.  Those wishing to honor Dennis’ life may make a donation to Catholic Relief Services or Food for the Poor.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, November 21 at 9:30 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be private. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com