Joan A (Hagan) Holbert- age 90 of Peabody and formerly of North Reading, MA passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Alliance Health @ Rosewood in Peabody, MA.  Born in Chelsea, MA on November 20, 1933, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Mary (O’Brien) Hagan of Chelsea and North Reading, MA.

Anyone that knew Joan would recount many fond memories of her time here with us. Most notably her incredible sense of humor, spicy attitude and many passions that kept her company. Her love of tending to her gorgeous plant collection, playing cards, following her beloved Red Sox, keeping a pristine home and loving endlessly on her many cherished family members.  Joan lived to love. She sang and danced any time the music was right. She spent many summers of her life camping and never forgot to make a moment count.

Joan married the love of her life Bernard Holbert in 1953 at the old St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading.  Their journey together was filled with joy, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to one another until Bernie’s passing in 2008 after 55 years of marriage.  As the wife of a US Marine, she experienced life in several locations around the country until settling back in their hometown in North Reading in 1968 after his retirement. Family was her number one love: her priority.  Friends became family, especially the many friends of her children.

Joan worked at Marshall’s Distribution Center as well as Green Grove Nursing Home in North Reading for many years, before her retirement.

She was predeceased by her brothers Donald and Arthur Hagan and her sister, Anna Cesareo.   She was also predeceased by her 2 son in-laws George Nolan and Rick Cass and her great grandson, Bentley Cass.

With love as her compass, she navigated life’s challenges, dedicating herself to her family.  She is survived by her 5 children, Bernie Holbert of Sebago, Maine, Karen Nolan of Manchester, NH, Denise and her husband Brian of Chester, NH, Cheryl Millard and her husband John, of Peabody, MA, and Kim Cass of Beverly, MA.   Joan also leaves behind her 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and her treasured nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Croswell’s Funeral Home. Interment services to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Elm Street, North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: Alliance Health @ Rosewood – Resident Council Fund, 22 Johnson St, Peabody MA 01960 or Care Dimensions  – Sylvan St, Danvers MA, 01923

www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Marilyn K. Ewer– 74, of North Reading, died at her home on Sunday, June 9, 2024. Services will be private.

John J. Dick – 74, of Peabody and formerly of North Reading, died  unexpectedly at the Lahey  Hospital and Medical Center in Peabody on Monday, July 15, 2024.

He was born in Everett, MA on December 8, 1949, he was the son of the late John T.  and Ann (Power) Dick. John was raised and attended school in North Reading.

John worked as a truck driver for J.B. Hunt and for New England Motor Freight. He has been a resident of Peabody for the past 23 years. John was a kind and caring person. He would do anything for anyone. He loved to garden and mow the lawn. He also loved taking care of his wife. He was a strong and independent person.

Family members include his loving wife of 38 years, Grace (Izzo) Dick; his son, Frank Pitts and his wife Tina; his sister, Peggy Bryant; and his late brother Thomas Dick.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, July 23 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  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

Harry L. Larkin – 82, of Reading, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

Born in Stoneham, MA on January 19, 1942. He was the 2nd of 4 boys to the late Herbert M. and Ethel D. (Griswold) Larkin, and was raised in North Reading, MA. Harry was also a resident of Chester, NH for 20+ years.

He was predeceased by his two brothers, the late Edson “Ned” of North Reading and the late Robert “Bob” of South Yarmouth, MA. He is survived by his baby brother Dr. Richard “Doc” Larkin and his wife Emilia of North Reading, his loving children Toni Lynn Larkin of Saco, ME, Sean Larkin of Reading, and Amy Larkin-White of Windham, NH who together gave him 8 grandchildren Jordan and Logan Matthews; Samantha, Tori and Leo Larkin; Cameron, Lexeen and Juliet White; and 1 great grandchild Dakota. He was loved by many nieces and nephews, leaves his ex-wife Janet Larkin of Methuen, and long-time friend, companion and caregiver, Charlene Phillips of North Reading.

Harry was raised and attended schools in North Reading, He was a 1960 graduate of North Reading High School. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Harry was an owner and mechanic magician of Larkin Lawnmower of North Reading for many years. He was a member of the North Reading Moose Lodge, North Reading Masonic Lodge, the Shriners and Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association. Harry loved snowmobiles, motorcycles and drag racing (in his more youthful days), and Sunday breakfast. He was a proud man, and often would be the first one to lend his hand to someone in need. He was one of many snowmobilers who rescued stranded motorists on Route 128 during the “Blizzard of 78.” Harry liked to travel; special trips included Sturgis, South Dakota (on motorcycle), across Quebec, Canada (on snowmobile), and numerous trips to Nova Scotia. He was most happy working, watching western movies, or listening to his “country oldies.”

His funeral will be held on Thursday, July 18 at 11:00 AM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, Calling Hours for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, July 17 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. The family requests all who attend to bring a story of Harry to share. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Shriners, or the charity of one’s choice.

Patricia  A. (Luther) Brooks – 93, of North Reading, died at her home on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late James W. Brooks, Sr.

Born in Medford, MA on November 13, 1930. She was the daughter of the late George P. and Mildred W. (Krohn) Luther. She was a graduate of Dorchester High School and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School.

Pat worked as a secretary for the Green Grove Convalescent Home in North Reading and for the General Electric Company.

She was a resident of North Reading for the past 67 years and an active member of St. Theresa’s Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. Pat loved traveling and playing cards with her friends.

Family members include her daughter, Deborah Hall and her husband Jeff; sons, James W. Brooks, Jr. and his wife Maureen and George Brooks and his wife Nancy; 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, July 16 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice.www.croswellfuneralhome.com