All posts by Carol Croswell

Joanna E. Thibodeau

Joanna Elizabeth (Domey) Thibodeau – Loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed from this world on Saturday morning April 27th, 2024 in her North Reading home while being held in the arms of her two adoring children.

Born in Lynn, MA. She was the daughter of the late John F. and Edith V. (Bergstrom) Domey and sister to the late Raymond G. Domey and Patricia E. Domey.

Raised in Saugus MA, Joanna would describe her youth as simply wonderful. A time of pride and patriotism, a simpler time when it was all about family, God, and country. She would recount spending her youth attending Saugus schools, skating on Lilly Pond, beach days, bicycle rides around Saugus Center, her childhood friends that she kept throughout her life, and all the fun she had cheering for Saugus High School in her senior year as head cheerleader alongside her sister, the cheerleaders and twirlers all in their splendid regalia of the time, cheering on their Saugus Sachems football team.

After graduating Saugus High class of 1956, Joanna attended the Chandler School for Women in Boston and upon graduation she landed a job at the Mass. Eye and Ear infirmary where she remained until starting her family.

Joanna married the love of her life, Paul T. Thibodeau on Feb 8th, 1959, they remained married until his sudden passing in 1995. She would never marry again as in her eyes he was her one true love and soulmate.

Joanna and Paul moved to North Reading in 1961 where they chose to raise their family. Her family meant everything to her. In the mid 1970’s as her children got older, she decided to venture back into the work force and at the suggestion of a friend she got a job waitressing. She would practice with her kids, handing them menus at the dinner table trying to remember their orders while they all laughed. She loved the hustle and bustle and excitement of that line of work and remained working part time until her retirement from the Picadilly Pub at age 70.

If you drove past her house she could be seen on any given day outside gardening, raking, up on a ladder painting or perhaps if it were winter you might catch a glimpse of her outside making a snowman. She took pride in working hard and kept her home and yard neat and kempt right until the end.

Though a homebody at heart, Joanna enjoyed traveling and in her later years took many trips with her sister, her daughter and her granddaughter.

She attended church as a child only because her parents made her go as the church was right next door, but later in life, she was thankful for it. She felt that turning to a higher power was something important to have and throughout her adult life she said a prayer for those she loved every night before she went to bed.

Joanna had many talents, far too many to list. She also had boundless energy while well, a sense of humor those closest to her know all too well, was as sharp as a tack, smart as a whip, stubborn as a mule, and as loving and loyal as could be. She was wise and warm, witty and kind. Heaven has gained an Angel but there is now a huge hole for those of us she left behind.

Preceded in death by her husband Paul T. Thibodeau and son Paul M. Thibodeau, Joanna leaves behind her loving daughter Suzanne Sierra of Peabody, her loving son John T. Thibodeau (Catherine Cutler) of Danvers, her grandson Michael Sierra, granddaughters Joelle Sierra-George, Nicole Thibodeau Buchanan, Sarah Thibodeau and her great grandson Lucas.

Services will be private and any thoughtful donations may be made in her memory to a charity of your choosing. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Everett E. “Chet” Chesley

Everett  E. “Chet” Chesley – 77, of North Reading and formerly of Stoneham, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Brightview North Andover, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Stoneham, MA, he was the son of the late Earle and Dorothy (Ashman) Chesley. He was raised in Stoneham and was a graduate of Stoneham High School. He later attended Lowell Tech and he also served in the U.S. Air Force in the ROTC Program. He has been a resident of North Reading for the past fifty years.

Everett worked for over twenty five years as an Electronic Technician for the United States Post Office in North Reading. He was a jack of all trades from carpentry, real estate, mechanics, heavy equipment operation, remodeling and finishing work.

Everett was a family man, a devoted husband for fifty years, a loving father, a faithful friend to many and a dedicated worker. He was a great problem solver and was well respected by all. He was a craftsman, sportsman, car and Enduro Motorcycle enthusiast. He was a woodsman, fisherman, and belonged to several outdoors clubs. Everett was a football and hockey fan, he was a college boxer and he especially loved Home Depot. He enjoyed spending summers with his family at the house he built in Maine.

Family members include his loving wife of fifty years, Donna M. (Budowicz) Chesley; his sons, Eric E. Chesley of Alton, NH and Everett A. Chesley of Revere MA; his daughter, Andrea L. Chesley of Middleton, NH; his brothers, Earle E. Chesley and his wife Deborah of Rowley MA and the late Allan L. Chesley.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, May 2 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 Wednesday, May 1 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or Compassionate Care ALS.

www.Croswell Funeralhome.com

Richard A. Margeson

Richard A. Margeson “Big Rick”, 74, of North Reading, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 23, 2024, after courageously battling numerous health challenges.  Born March 7, 1950, he lived a life dedicated to service, adventure, and the great outdoors.

A proud U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict Era, he served his country with honor and distinction, embodying courage and sacrifice in the name of freedom. His commitment to duty extended beyond the call of service as he embarked on a career in law enforcement, with the North Reading Police Department, where he continued to protect and serve his community with unwavering dedication.

But beyond his uniforms, Rick was a man of many passions. An avid hunter and skilled outdoorsman, he found solace and joy in nature’s embrace. Whether casting his line into the tranquil waters, hunting the woods of Freedom, NH, or tending to his garden, his connection to the earth was profound and enduring.

As a loving father, Rick shared his passion for the outdoors with his family, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. Countless memories were made during fishing trips, hunting expeditions, and peaceful moments spent in his beloved garden.

His legacy of bravery, kindness, and reverence for nature will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Rick was predeceased by his wife, Martha. Their journey through life was deeply shaped by their love story. They met at a young age, and from that moment on, they crafted a life of shared experiences, closeness, and unwavering commitment to each other and their family.

Rick leaves behind a cherished family, including his son Richard Margeson, Jr. and wife Maria, daughter Kristie Middleton and husband Craig Frizol, grandson Richard J. Margeson, and sister Sandra Mitchell.

Visitation will be held at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Thursday, May 30th from 4:00-7:00 pm with interment on Friday, May 31st at 11:00 am in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in his name to: Care Dimensions (for the Kaplan Family Hospice House) 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Ronald Joseph Arsenault, Jr.

It is with great sadness our family would like to announce the passing of Ronald Joseph Arsenault Jr., of North Reading, MA on Thursday April 11, 2024. Ron lost his courageous battle with cancer at the age of 67. He was born on November 17, 1956, to Ronald & Rita Arsenault. Ron served as an Avionics Technician in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and then continued his service as a Civilian Program Manager until his passing. Ron’s dedication and passion for supporting his fellow servicemembers earned him recognition and awards in his field. Ron was a one-of-a-kind man, who touched many lives throughout his lifetime.

Ron is predeceased by his parents, his sisters Elaine Goodsell and Joan Parker, and his brother Michael Arsenault. Left to mourn his loss are the love of his life and best friend S.S. Louise, his sister Susan Davis and her husband Larry of Chiefland, FL, his sister Kelly Malecki and her husband Joe of Windsor Locks, CT, several aunts & uncles, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends and colleagues.

Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA on Friday, May 17th, 2024, from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. Immediately following will be a service to celebrate Ron.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting veterans and first responders online at www.T2T.org.

www.Croswellfuneralhome.com

Maureen Peters

Maureen (Bennett) Peters -of Salisbury and formerly of North Reading passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in Boston on April 15, 2024, following a recurrence of cancer.

Maureen was born on April 15, 1950 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to R. George and F. Marilyn Bennett.  After briefly living in Los Alamos, New Mexico, she was raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she developed a lifelong fondness of Boston.  Maureen attended Cambridge Matignon School on scholarship and graduated in 1968.

In 1971, Maureen married the late Paul DiVasta and spent years as a proud Air Force wife living in Georgia and North Carolina.  She had two children with Paul: Brian and Melanie DiVasta.

In 1978, Maureen and Paul separated and she returned to the Boston area with two kids, a dog, and a cat to start over.  She eventually met and married Karl Peters in 1982 and settled in North Reading. Together, they had two sons, Chris and Mike Peters.  All four of Maureen’s children graduated from North Reading High School.

Maureen established a career working as a paraprofessional in the North Reading Public School District for over 20 years.  She found a calling in special education, where she touched the lives of countless children and families through her compassion and patience.

Maureen was a brilliant person, but never earned a college degree, instead prioritizing being a mother.  She had children under the age of 18 at home for 32 years of her life, and throughout her life they were her greatest source of joy and pride.  In return, her children could always count on Mom’s help and unconditional love even in their hardest times.

Later in life, Maureen was a loving “Nana” to Alexis, Nicholas, Sydney, and Adelyn, the oldest of whom Maureen lived to see graduate high school in 2023.  Taking her grandchildren on trips across the country, from Yellowstone National Park to South Dakota to meet their American Indian cousins, was a special joy in her later years.

After Maureen and Karl divorced in 2011, she set out on her own once more and settled in Salisbury.

Long walks at low tide on the state beach brought her comfort and peace amid challenging periods that included her mom’s passing in 2012 from cancer and Maureen’s own battles with cancer over the past several years.  Her hardest test came in Melanie’s unexpected passing in 2023, which Maureen faced with superhuman strength and grace.

She leaves a rich, loving legacy in her children and grandchildren that includes cherished Christmas traditions, a love of Boston, and a fondness for animals (especially cats).  More broadly, she leaves the example of how she lived: with perseverance through adversity, the capacity to always experience joy in life, and selflessly putting family first.

Maureen Peters is predeceased by her parents and, in addition to Melanie, by her baby Kim lost in childbirth in 1972.  She is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and siblings Philip and Judy Bennett and Carol Camp.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday May 11th at 11:00am at St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading followed by a celebration of life reception in town.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society.

WWW.CroswellFuneralHome.com