Nelda A. Rouillard, 99

Famed Local Artist

 Nelda A. Rouillard – of Ft. Myers Florida, formerly of North Reading, died at the Shell Point Pavilion Nursing Center on May 5, 2020. She was the beloved wife of 58 years to the late Edwin A. Rouillard.

Born in Ephrata Pennsylvania on April 11, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Lester and Helen (Brunner) Keller. She was raised in a small farmhouse in Clay Pennsylvania relocating to Massachusetts after marriage to Edwin in 1949 and then to North Reading in November of 1953.

She was a resident of North Reading for 56 years before moving to Florida in 2009. During that time, she became a self-taught artist, painting New England landscapes and North Reading landmarks for over 5 decades, including her famous motif of the North Reading Common. The iconic oak tree, and the building on the common were captured on barrel staves, Christmas ornaments and many other keepsakes. Many of her paintings adorn the walls of residents and local buildings throughout the town. In addition to being an accomplished artist, she was a Pre-school teacher, a puppeteer creating her own marionettes and dolls for performances to local school children, and later became a published author writing a children’s book “Papa’s Red Britches” a legend of how a tract of land traded for Papa Upton’s red ridding Britches became what is known as North Reading today. After moving to Florida she continued to paint capturing the beautiful tropical beaches and landscapes of southern Florida. She was a calm and loving soul who took the nature and beauty around her and transformed them into keepsakes for generations to come. She was just a beautiful person who made a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was the loving mother of Stephen E. Rouillard and his wife Teresa of Bonita Springs, Florida and Ronald L. Rouillard and his wife Jennifer of South Dartmouth Massachusetts. She was the cherished grandmother of Ryan, Stephanie, Joshua and Molly Rouillard, and a great grandmother of 8.

Due to the current situation a memorial service will be held on a later date. Croswell Funeral Home , 19 Bow St. , North Reading, MA is in charge of arrangements. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Mary C. (Pierce) Atkins – 89, of North Reading and formerly of Wakefield, died at her home on April 13, 2020. She was the beloved wife of the late James R. Atkins.

Born in Boston, MA on December 5, 1930. She was the daughter of the late Clarence Irving Pierce and Elsie (Lucas) Pierce. Mary was a graduate of Medford High School. She worked at the North Reading High School Cafeteria and as a Home Health Aide.

Mary was always laughing and smiling. She enjoyed the Middleton Art Association activities, she loved to travel, crochet, and sew. In her earlier years, she was a fantastic cake decorator – always creating wonderful birthday cakes!

Family members include her daughters, Barbara N. Atkins and Donna E. Atkins; her late son, Clayton S. Atkins; her late siblings, Clarence (Bucky) I. Pierce, Jr., Virginia (Ginny) Velmure, Margorie (Midge) Roberts and many nieces, nephews, friends and in-laws who loved her dearly.

Burial for Mary and her husband James will be at the Veterans National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts. At this time due to the Virus, services will be delayed to sometime in the future. Donations can be made in her memory to Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial Street, No. 19, Malden, MA 02148 and/or the North Reading Veterans Services, 235 North Street, North Reading, MA 01864. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Dorothy B. “Dot” Paicos, died Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Sutton Hill Center Skilled Nursing Facility in North Andover, at the age of 93.

Born in Everett, MA on December 9, 1926. She graduated from Everett High School, Katherine Gibbs Business School, Harvard University Public Speaking course, and lived in North Reading at 22 Sunset Avenue, for over 40 years prior to moving to an assisted living facility in recent years.

During WW II she served as a volunteer member of the Air Spotter Corps and the Boston USO.

Dot was an Executive Secretary and worked for the Massachusetts Department of Education, Phillips Academy Andover and Raytheon Corp.

She was a past member of the North Reading Water Commission, President and long-time member of the North Reading Garden Club, an Arthur Murray Studio dance instructor, champion water skier, and received many juried awards for flower arranging and perennial gardening.

She organized several Garden Club fashion shows and was the North Reading Fund Raising Campaign Chairman for the construction of the Wilmington Regional Health Center.

Dot was married to Bill Paicos prior to his passing in 2003 and is survived by her son Kevin and Wife Ann, son Christopher and wife Molly and son Alex and her three grandchildren and two great grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.

Dot also had many additional relatives and dear friends who visited with her in the last few months of her life and she expressed her desire that they know how precious they were to her.

Her funeral will be at graveside, Wednesday, May 15, 2020.

Due to Corvid-19 restrictions, only a small number of family may attend.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made in her name to the New England Home for Little Wanderers, by visiting their website at www.thehome.org. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Kathleen (Krupa) Sullivan

January 26, 1933-May 6, 2020

Kathleen T. (Krupa) Sullivan,- 87, beloved wife of the late Lawrence C. Sullivan, died on May 6, 2020 at Winchester Hospital. Kathleen lived at Windsor Place of Wilmington for the past few years but previously had been a long term resident of North Reading and parishioner of St. Theresa’s Parish. Kathleen died surrounded by the spirit of love from her daughters and their families.

Kathleen was born on January 26, 1933 in Albany NY, the daughter of the late Frank and Frances (Zientek) Krupa. She grew up in Fall River, MA where she graduated from Durfee High School, Class of 1950 and the Nursing School at Newport Hospital, RI, Class of 1955.

Kathleen followed her passion working as an RN at Newport Hospital, RI, Yale New Haven Hospital, Connecticut and for many years at “Dr. Lou’s” OB/GYN practice in Melrose, MA.

She enjoyed playing the piano and oil painting. Later in life, other interests included being a “snowbird” spending winters at Melbourne Beach, FL; time in Newport, RI, Caribbean cruises, walking the track at NRHS, visiting casino’s, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, reading, BINGO, listening to music and singing along. But her greatest joy throughout her life was that of being a mother and grandmother.

Surviving family members include three daughters, Sandra Conron, of Methuen, MA; Judith Gosselin and husband Jay of Deerfield, NH; Jacqueline Bonasoro and husband Gary of North Andover, MA; six grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jessica Conron, Renee and Alex Gosselin and Leia and Shawn Bonasoro; sister in law, Anne Mills of Newport, RI and nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com A private burial ceremony will be held at Riverside Cemetery in North Reading on May 11, 2020. A celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kathleen’s memory to the “Massachusetts COVID19 relief fund”, c/o Foundation for Business Equity, 265 Franklin Street, BOX 304, Boston, MA 02110 or MACovid19ReliefFund.org

Joe Sadlow, 94

WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY

Joseph F. Sadlow – 94, of North Reading and formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y. died in his home on Monday, May 4, 2020.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 23, 1926, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Louise (Nadler) Sadlow. He was raised in Queens, NY and attended Brooklyn Tech High School and Northeastern University.

Joe was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy missioned on the USS Fremont APA 44 as a motor machinist’s mate third class. He worked for many years as a mechanical engineer and model maker at toy companies, telegraph and typesetting companies as well as National Radio, Polaroid, Compugraphic and AVCO. He was a resident of North Reading for 61 years.

Joe was a member of the Union Congregational Church, where he was the “Clerk of the Works” for its extensive renovation, served on multiple committees, including moderator of the Church Council and always supporting the Church Fair with his hand-crafted woodwork. He was also a member of the North Reading Masonic Lodge, the Order of Eastern Star, Lions Club, Theater Workshop, Gourmet Club, Grandfather’s Club and many more.

He loved spending time with family and friends. Always busy with a project fixing something for someone or pouring his talents into creating Masonic and Eastern Star gavels, pens, clocks, trains, you name it and he would build it. Everything he made was with such precision and love. He made sure each day had a purpose. He filled his life with woodworking, traveling, entertaining in his home, attending musical productions, dining out with friends, collecting stamps and coins, gardening, and always capturing moments from behind a camera.

Joe was a wonderful husband, father and friend. An inspiration to all, as he lived a full life even after contracting polio at 29 years old. Nothing would stop him from participating in all that life has to offer. Even after being diagnosed with post-polio syndrome he and his wife would continue to travel the country together into their late eighties. Up until his passing he was still living independently in his beloved home of over 55 years.

Joe touched so many people near and far. He could brighten anyone’s day and always took a genuine interest in others. A few words from friends throughout the country refer to him as admirable, humble and kind, genuine, gentle, talented, thoughtful, welcoming, a history buff, a great storyteller and a remarkable man. He was always smiling and would always keep in mind “what good can I do today”. He will be missed by so many.

A beautiful life that comes to an end. He died as he lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept of one we loved and will never forget.

Family members include his beloved late wife of 66 years, Alice C. (Benson) Sadlow; his loving son, Carl Sadlow and his wife Renee’ (Bourgea) Sadlow of Methuen; loving daughter, Christina McCormack and her fiance’ Wayne Hinckley of North Reading; grandchildren, Nicholas (18) and Elizabeth Sadlow (15), Kailyn (18) and Kyle McCormack (14) and his late sister, Jeanne Sadlow of Old Bethpage, NY.

The family is grateful he received over 200 cards during his final weeks with wonderful memories of the past, words of encouragement and birthday wishes. Now they extend a heartfelt thank you to so many friends in North Reading and beyond who shared their lives with Joe and now their remembrances. They look forward to a future memorial service for all to come together to celebrate his life.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading, MA 01864 or to the North Reading Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M., c/o Russell Walters, 154 Main Street, Sandown, NH 03873. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, www.croswellfuneralhome.com

Condolences/Remembrances: 387 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864 or clmccormack71@aol.com