McDonough Funeral Home

01/22/2026

01/16/2026

Valentino ‘Val’ Pestana, 84 of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Northwood Nursing Home after finding out January 5th he had stage 4 lung and brain cancer. He was born on January 23, 1941 in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal and was a son of the late Francisco Corriea Pestana and the late Juliet Quadros.

He was raised and educated in Graciosa where he lived until he relocated to Sao Miguel as a young man, working as a chef at a restaurant, where he met his wife, Alda Maria (DaSilva) Pestana, and they married in 1967 and shared 58 years together before she passed away in June of 2025. Val came over to the United States first, and Alda joined shortly after, settling in Lowell in 1968, where they made their home. He worked as a baker in Lowell for many years.

He lived in the South Lowell neighborhood for many years, before relocating to Florida for 15 years; eventually coming back to Lowell recently to be closer to family. He was a communicant of St. Anthony Church.

Val enjoyed spending time watching TV, camping, and taking trips to Hampton Beach. In his younger days, he enjoyed dancing. Above all else, he enjoyed time spent with his family.

He is survived by two children, Sandra Maria DelRiego and her husband, Jorge of Williston, Florida, and Valentino Q. Pestana, Jr. and his wife, Tamara of Jacksonville, NC; his grandchildren, Nina and her husband, Craig, Amy, Brandon, Andrew, Zayden, and Sebastían; and his great grandchildren, Macie, Maddie, Marcus, Kendall and William.

He is also survived by his cousin, Blandina Garcia of Lowell; his nieces and nephews, Theresa, Denise, Ricky Pestana, and Danny and Arthur Silva; his sister-in-law, Margarida Torres and her husband, Manuel of Lowell; his brother-in-law, Joe Matias of Lisbon, Portugal; his nieces, Marylou Piexoto of Lowell and Stephanie Landry and her husband, Tim of Nashua; his nephew, Manny Torres of Lowell; and grand nephews, Jacob and Collin.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Eurico Pestana; his sister, Belmira Silva; his cousin, Elvino Garcia; and his nephews, Bobby Silva and Rodrigo Piexoto. Also his sister-in-laws, Liliana Matias and Fernanda Corriea; and his brother-in-law, Carlos DaSilva.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: the American Diabetes Foundation at: https://diabetes.org/donate

On Monday, January 19, 2026 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2-6 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.

His funeral will begin on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his funeral mass at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

01/14/2026

Sheila Anne Lowell

Sheila Anne Lowell, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at D’Youville Senior Health Care Center, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on April 26, 1945, in Lowell, and was the daughter of the late Charles Lowell and the late Gladys (Gendron) Lowell. Sheila grew up in Lowell and was educated in the city, graduating from St. Peter’s School and Keith Hall and briefly attended Lowell State Teachers College.

Through the years she resided in Lowell, Chelmsford and also Tyngsboro. Sheila dedicated much of her working life to serving others. She was employed for nearly 23 years with Lucent Technologies, from which she retired, and was a proud union steward with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). In that role, she advocated tirelessly for her coworkers and assisted many with labor board matters, earning deep respect for her fairness, compassion, and strength. Earlier in her career, she also worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sears & Roebuck, the Baybank Middlesex Bank, then later at Epicurean Feast and Dress Barn.

Sheila was a longtime resident of the Saab Residence in Lowell, where she was very active in the community and formed many meaningful friendships. She was once featured in a Mother’s Day newsletter and even appeared on a D’Youville Manor billboard in Lowell, moments her family always found charming and fitting for her warm spirit.

Family was the center of Sheila’s life, and she cherished time spent with those she loved. The Catholic religion was also an important part of her life. She attended Catholic Schools and In her later years she would faithfully watch the Catholic Channel. Each evening she would watch Mass & recite the rosary with her great friend and roommate, Marjorie Richardson. Sheila enjoyed ballroom dancing, word searches, reading, and was a member of a bowling team, activities that reflected her social nature and sharp mind.

Sheila is survived by her beloved daughter, Cynthia Goode, and her husband Timothy, of Merrimack, New Hampshire; her grandson, Brian Turco, and his wife Sabryna, of Manchester, New Hampshire; and her cherished great-grandsons, Anthony and Adrian Turco, also of Manchester. She is also survived by her brother, Arthur Lowell, and his wife Janice, of Fremont, Ohio; her sister, Karen Bellemare, and her husband Mike, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; as well as several nieces, nephews, godchildren and many dear friends.

Sheila was formerly married to the late William Wasik and to the late Victor Ghika. She had also been engaged to the late Arthur Baker prior to his untimely passing.

You are welcome to attend her memorial visitation on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 4pm until 7pm at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852.

Her funeral will take place Wednesday, January 21, 2026, beginning at 11 am at Saint Patrick Church, 12 Main St., Pelham, NH 03076 followed by procession to Saint Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA

01/12/2026

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01/11/2026

Ezequiel “Zeke” Aguiar

Ezequiel “Zeke” Aguiar, 86, of Lowell, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 9, 2026, following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Lorraine L. (Baril) Aguiar, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary this past September.

Born on November 30, 1939, in São Jorge, Azores, Portugal, Zeke was the son of the late José Aguiar and Maria (Roposa) Aguiar. He was raised and educated in São Miguel and proudly served in the Portuguese Military. Following his service, he began a lifelong career in auto repair. work that was more than a job, but a true passion.

In 1966, Zeke immigrated to the United States, settling in Lowell, which he proudly called home for the rest of his life. A skilled and respected freelance auto body technician, he was known as a “true body man” who took great pride in his craft. In addition, he worked in the printing industry for more than 20 years, beginning at the former Central Middlesex Printing and retiring from Beacon Communications.

Zeke was a devoted family man who cherished time spent with those he loved. One of his greatest joys was the weekly card games shared with family, a tradition that spanned more than 40 years. He also enjoyed fishing, spending time at the club, and playing cards with friends.

An avid soccer fan, Zeke proudly supported Benfica and greatly admired Cristiano Ronaldo. He loved oldies music and classic rock, especially artists like Chuck Berry. A longtime active member of the Red’s Club in Lowell, he was well known for his sense of humor and playful nature, often described as a jokester who never took life too seriously.

Zeke is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine; his three children, Bernard Aguiar of Dracut, Paul Aguiar and his longtime companion Christine Marson of Methuen, and Robert Aguiar and his longtime companion Keri Radzik of Lowell. He was the proud grandfather of Corina Aguiar of Lowell, Marissa Brooke and her husband Spencer of Alton, NH, David Aguiar and his companion Victoria Hernandez of Goffstown, NH, Dylan Aguiar and his wife Elizabeth of Sevierville, TN, Nathan, Michael, Sylvia, Alex, Tyler, and Isabella Aguiar all of Lowell.He also leaves six great-grandchildren, McKenna Torgerson, Maverick Torgerson, Mia Aguiar, Amarii Aguiar, Winston Aguiar, and Scarlett Aguiar.

In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Brenda Angove, and his brother-in-law, Joe Baril, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was the grandfather of the late Robert Aguiar-Doyle, brother of the late Eduardo Aguiar and his wife Manuela, Antonio Aguiar and his wife Marianna ,and Emelia Medeiros, brother-in-law of the late Lawrence Angove, Judith Baril, Donna and Andrew Gagne, and son-in-law of the late Joseph and Edna Baril.

You are welcome to attend his calling hours on Wednesday January 14, 2026 from 4pm until 8pm at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. On Thursday morning his funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 10am followed by procession to Saint Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford. www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com

01/05/2026

Steven M. Schultz

Steven M. Schultz, 66, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his home in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Born on February 28, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, Steven was the son of the late Conrad Schultz and the late Philomena (Lis) Schultz. He was raised and educated in Trenton, Michigan, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. He later received his master’s degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Steven enjoyed a long and accomplished career as an electrical engineer, working for both Raytheon and Philips.

An avid outdoorsman, Steven found joy and challenge in rock and ice climbing, whitewater canoeing and kayaking, winter camping, and exploring the natural world in all seasons. He was also deeply interested in amateur (HAM) radio and was involved in local radio clubs. His love for the outdoors extended to his membership in the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Steven is survived by his son, Daniel Schultz and his daughter, Jennifer Schultz of Susan Baxter and Beverly Moore. He is also survived by his siblings, Conrad Schultz, Thomas Schultz, Jerome Schultz, and Cathy Pohutski. He leaves behind his companion, Kathy Casey of Lowell.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Steven’s memorial visitation on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 7:00 PM, at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852.

01/05/2026

Pauline F. Lysz
May 26, 1950 - January 2, 2026

Pauline F. Lysz, 75 of Dracut, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Lowell General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on May 26, 1950, in Lowell and was a daughter of the late Vincent J. and Vera C. (Sousa) Lysz.

In her younger years, Pauline worked Scotty Shoe Company and then for more than 30 years for Courier Citizen (later known as NADCO). After her time at Courier, she worked briefly for ZBR and King Printing before spending the last of her working career at DS Graphics in Lowell after over 16 years of service, retiring in 2014.

Born and raised in Lowell, later finishing her life in a Dracut, she was a parishioner of St. Anthony Church and St. Joseph the Worker Shrine. Her Catholic faith was everything to her and she was known for being a prayer warrior, praying for anyone who needed it.

Pauline enjoyed watching Hallmark Channel and Wheel of Fortune with her furry companion, her "great-grandson" King Tut the cat while crocheting. She was known especially for making blankets. Pauline also loved baking. There were many birthdays and gatherings where Pauline made most of the baked goods. A lover of music she had a lengthy Playlist that was dominated by Elvis.

Pauline is survived by her daughter, Stefanie Lysz-Britton and son-in-law, Nicholas of Dracut, granddaughter Ash Demers, and her husband Andy, of Dracut, her sister Kelli Lysz of Dracut, her sister Linda Lysz and her partner Ronald Steele of Plymouth, NH.
She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended friends that she loved dearly.

Pauline was predeceased by her brother, the late William Lysz; and her nephew, the late Robert Lysz.

No services will be held per her request. However, at a later date there will be a celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American cancer society or to your local animal rescue in her memory as all her animals were rescued.

12/29/2025

Bertelle Siopes Copley, 72, of Mechanicsville, VA (formerly of Lowell), passed away at home on December 20, 2025, after a battle with metastatic cancer. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert ‘Bob’ Copley, parents Demitrios and F. Bertelle (Tibbetts) Siopes, and brothers, James & Thomas Siopes.

She is survived by her three children, sons Robert and Sean Copley, and daughter Bertelle Bunyard (Chad), as well as four grandchildren (Cameron, Kayla, Logan, and Hayden), and two great-grandchildren, all of whom reside in Virginia. She is also survived by siblings, Paul Siopes (Jeanne), Demetra Phair (Chuck), Bill Siopes (Sue), Keith Siopes, Kim Pekkala (Rick), and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews, many of the Greater Lowell Area.

Bertelle was born in Boston and raised in Lowell. She was a 1971 graduate of Lowell High and went on to graduate from UMass Lowell. In 1976, Bertelle and her husband moved to Dover, NH, and welcomed their three children before following employment to Virginia in 1987. By career, Bertelle was a registered nurse for almost 50 years, working in various settings, but her passion was working in home health care, where she worked for many decades.

Bertelle was a smart and caring person. She was a participating member at Catholic churches throughout her lifetime, including being one of the founding members who worked to start St. Olaf Catholic church in Williamsburg, VA. She loved attending church, cooking, sewing, shopping, theater, festivals, dogs, and most of all spending time with her family. Bertelle always tried to lend a helping hand where she was able, but her favorite was cooking for visitors and gatherings.

Bertelle will be laid to rest alongside her husband on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, beginning with an 11:00 AM mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 144 E Merrimack St, Lowell, MA, and followed by burial at the Lowell Cemetery.

12/28/2025

Dolores J. L’Heureux

Dolores J. L’Heureux, 90, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, December 22, 2025, surrounded by the love and prayers she gave so freely throughout her life. She was the devoted wife of the late Raymond E. L’Heureux, who passed away in 1992 after 32 years of marriage.

Born on March 27, 1935, Dolores was the daughter of the late Charles and Jeannette (Charity). With the exception of her most recent years spent living with her son in Pelham, she was a lifelong resident of Lowell. She was a proud graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1952, and carried with her a deep love for her city and community throughout her life.

Dolores lived a life rooted in faith. Her devotion to God, the Blessed Mother, and Jesus guided every part of who she was. Prayer was not something she did, it was how she lived. She prayed for everyone, for family, friends and strangers, she believed deeply in the quiet strength that comes from trusting God.

She met her beloved husband Ray in 1958 through mutual friends, and the two were married in October of 1959. Together they built a life grounded in love, devotion, and family. Ray was a hardworking provider, and Dolores was the heart of their home.

Family meant everything to Dolores. As a teenager, she was told she would never have children, words that broke her heart. But Dolores prayed relentlessly. Her prayers were answered when she welcomed two children, whom she always described as gifts from God. Her son was her Christmas miracle, and her daughter her Easter blessing. She never stopped thanking God for them.

Dolores cherished time spent with her large and loving family, her siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and especially her great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. She loved dancing, playing cards, and listening to music on records. She adored animals and was affectionately known as the family’s very own “Snow White.”

She was known for her generosity and compassion. Having grown up during the Great Depression, Dolores knew what it was like to have very little, and she never wanted to see anyone she loved go without. She would help anyone in need, even if it meant giving her last dollar or her last meal.

Small in stature but fierce in spirit, Dolores lived with strength, determination, and joy. She also had a legendary love of shopping—so much so that she was often paged in stores, only to be found with her cart piled full of items, many which she already had at home.

Dolores is survived by her loving son Charles L’Heureux; her grandchildren Jennifer L’Heureux, Katie Colon and her husband Freddy, Joel L’Heureux and his wife Alexa, Mikayla Wells, Christin Perruzzi and her husband David, and Christopher Philipon and his fiancée Denise.

She was the proud great-grandmother of her precious girls, who always made her smile and laugh: Lacey, Aaliyah, and Layla Colon, and Emmy (Emerson) Wells; and her only great-grandson, Brogin Riley Sousa, whom she lovingly called “her king.”

Dolores found great joy in attending Grandparents’ Day at St. Jeanne d’Arc School for Jennifer and Katie, and later for their children. She loved baking cakes, doing crafts, chatting with them as teens, and then sharing in their lives as they became mothers themselves.

She was over the moon to have a grandson, Joel to carry the L’Heureux name. As a young boy she treasured the weekends he spent at her house. Joel’s blue eyes reminded her of his Pepere’s.

She shared a special bond with Christin Perruzzi and her husband David, enjoying beach trips, adventures that allowed her to remain young at heart, and cherished annual photos sitting with Santa.

She adored Mikayla and Christopher beyond measure, always eager to see their latest crafts, photos, and hear of their accomplishments in Texas—keeping their pictures close at hand to proudly show anyone who visited.

Dolores is also survived by her beloved brother Robert “Bobby” Charity and his wife Sue; her sister-in-law Lorraine L’Heureux; her brother-in-law Leon L’Heureux; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was the cherished godmother of Nichole Fulton Chistman, whom she loved dearly.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Ray; her longtime companion Ronald; her beloved daughter Denise Anne whom she could not wait to see in heaven; her brothers Henry Brunelle his wife Alice, Edward Charity his wife Jane, her sisters Jacqueline Gauthier her husband Roger, Shirley Capsalis her husband Jimmy, Isabelle Fulton her husband Hazen; as well as many members of the extended L’Heureux family.

Dolores embodied the power of faith, hope, and prayer. None of her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren would be here without her devoted prayers. Her legacy is one of love, generosity, forgiveness, and unwavering belief. Her prayers continue as love knows no end.

On January 10, 2026 all are welcome to attend her funeral mass at St. Patrick Church, 282 Suffolk Street, Lowell, at 10 a.m.. Dolores loved color. Please wear something colorful and vibrant at Mass in remembrance of her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Frontal Lobe Dementia, the disease that took Dolores’s husband and daughter at such young ages, at: https://www.theaftd.org/what-is-ftd/disease-overview/?campaign=488718

12/24/2025

Maria Guadalupe (Melo) Lima - Funeral Mass

12/23/2025

Michael Joseph Fitzgibbon, 88, retired Lowell Fire Department Deputy Chief and longtime Lowell resident passed away peacefully at Palm Center in Chelmsford on Sunday, December 21. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Hanrahan) Fitzgibbon, with whom he shared the past 37 years of marriage.

He was born on January 26, 1937 in Cambridge and was a son of the late John Fitzgibbon and the late Amelia (Monahan) Fitzgibbon. He was a graduate of Howe High School Class with the Class of 1954, went on to attend college at Northeastern University earning an associates degree.

He served his country in the United States Navy for a period of 2 years before his honorable discharge.

In the early 1970's he began a career as both a police officer in Chelmsford and a firefighter in Lowell, after about 6 months he decided tp pursue a career in the Lowell Fire Department exclusively. He was a firefighter for 20 years, retiring in 1991 as Deputy Chief.

He was a lifelong member of the Lowell YMCA and was also a gifted woodworker. He crafted countless world class, meticulously crafted dolllhouses over the years. He could make or fix almost anything. He loved to gamble, especially at Foxwoods in Connecticut but he also took pride in his property at home and maintaining it.

Besides his wife, Kathleen, he is survived by his 2 daughters, Kathy Foss and Linda Larrabee, both of Amesbury, his grandchidren, Aimee, Danielle, Michelle, Alaina, Joseph and Lauren. His stepson Adam Lachapelle of Chelmsford and 6 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother the late Ernest Fitzgibbon and his sister the late Barbara Kullgren.

Family and friends are welcome to attend his visitation and funeral service on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 10 am until 12 pm at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. His funeral service will follow at 12 pm at the funeral home and will conclude with a procession for burial and military honors at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury.

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