McDonough Funeral Home

04/27/2026

A Legacy of Generosity, Heritage, and Community
Luis M. Pedroso
July 14, 1959 - April 24, 2026

Luis M. Pedroso, beloved brother, community leader, and philanthropist, was called to God’s Kingdom surrounded by his family on April 24th after an extraordinarily courageous battle with cancer. He joins his loving parents, Helio and Amelia Pedroso, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Born in São Jorge, Azores, Portugal, Luis was immensely proud of his Portuguese heritage and dedicated his life to educating others on Portuguese—especially Azorean—history and culture. His greatest joy was paving the way for future immigrants to succeed in the United States, particularly in the Greater Lowell area. He devoted himself to mentoring, supporting, and creating opportunities for others, while generously contributing both his time and resources to causes that strengthened his community.

At just 24 years old, Luis founded Qualitronics, Inc. in 1984, building a business that provided meaningful employment to numerous immigrants and individuals seeking a second chance. After selling the company in 2000 and briefly retiring, his passion for creating opportunity quickly called him back. In 2004, he co-founded Accutronics, Inc. alongside his siblings, where he continued his mission—employing many former Qualitronics team members, as well as countless others in need of a place to start, grow, and succeed.

Luis’s commitment to education and scholarship was far-reaching. A graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1980, he later received an honorary Doctorate from UMass Dartmouth in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to education and the community. He established the Portuguese American Scholarship Fund and the Make A Difference Fund, supporting students and organizations throughout the Greater Lowell area. He was a major donor to the Helio and Amelia Pedroso Endowed Chair in Portuguese Studies at UMass Dartmouth, which continues to bring Portuguese educators to the university and strengthen its Portuguese Studies program. He also funded initiatives such as Pedroso Tutors, which employed UMass Lowell students to support K–12 students in Lowell schools.

He was equally devoted to civic engagement and nonprofit leadership. Luis was a founding member of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and served as President Emeritus, helping guide philanthropic investment in the region for decades. He partnered with others in the community to establish the Portuguese Senior Center, giving local seniors a welcoming place to gather, share meals, and enjoy one another’s company. He also served as a trustee of the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, supporting equity and opportunity across Greater Lowell, and as a board member of Enterprise Bank, Fortaleza, Inc., Lowell General Hospital, and the Rwanda Youth Project, specifically the Rungano-Ndota Team. Additionally, he was a generous supporter of local service organizations, including Project LEARN, MAPS (Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers), the Boys & Girls Club, and the Lowell Community Health Center—demonstrating his lifelong commitment to education, opportunity, and community well-being.

Luis’s remarkable contributions were recognized through numerous honors, including the Governor’s New American Appreciation Award, MAPS Person of the Year, the George L. Duncan Award of Excellence, the International Institute American Dream Award, induction into the Lowell High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Order of Prince Henry the Navigator from Portugal.

Beyond his professional and philanthropic achievements, Luis had a deep love for games of all kinds. He was an avid PC gaming enthusiast who found joy not only in the games themselves, but in the connections they created. Through his passion—especially within the world of Ultima Online—he built lasting friendships and introduced many others to a community that became a meaningful part of their lives. He also loved playing Risk, working on puzzles, and enjoying card games, as they challenged his mind and brought people together—something he valued deeply. Luis will be deeply missed by his sister, Maria Silva, and her husband Fernando of Dracut; his twin sister, Luisa Dinis, and her husband Joao of Dracut; and his brother, Paulo Pedroso, and his wife Christine of Pelham, NH. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, who were like children to him: David Silva and his wife Erica of Lowell; Amanda Varga and her husband Nicholas of Pelham, NH; Jessica Calabrese and her husband Doug of Lowell; Ashley Costa and her husband Jeffrey of Methuen; Meghan Dinis and her partner Joseph of Lowell; and Michael Pedroso and his wife Kaylia of Billerica. He is also lovingly remembered by his great-nieces and great-nephews: Cole and Connor Silva; Amelia and Caroline Varga; Lina and Chloe Costa; Estella Pedroso and Cayden Mitchell.

He is also survived by his aunts, Lucilia Bettencourt of São Jorge, Azores, and Filomena Azevedo of Tracy, California, as well as many cousins throughout the United States and Portugal.

Luis believed deeply in the power of friendship, and over the years, many of those friendships grew into family. During the final months of his life, he was surrounded by extraordinary love, as friends and family from near and far—including Portugal, Arizona, California, and Nevada—traveled to visit him or reached out through calls, texts, and messages. The Pedroso family is profoundly grateful to all who stood by Luis during this time, bringing comfort, laughter, and many smiles to his face.

Luis Pedroso’s spirit, generosity, and unwavering dedication to family, heritage, and community leave an indelible mark on Greater Lowell. He will be remembered with love, admiration, and deep gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

With grateful hearts, the Pedroso family thanks all who shared in Luis’s life and will continue to honor the legacy of generosity, faith, and community he leaves behind. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the

Luis M. Pedroso Make A Difference Fund through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation: https://glcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1445 This fund was established by Luis to support Greater Lowell nonprofit organizations that help immigrant individuals and families grow, thrive, and build new lives in the United States.

On Friday, May 1, 2026 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 4-8 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.

His funeral will begin on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at Saint Patrick Cemetery in Lowell.

04/27/2026

Joseph M. 'Joe' Baltazar - Funeral Mass

04/25/2026

Steven M. Bardsley - Funeral Mass

04/24/2026

April 24, 2026 marks the 111th Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. Our family proudly flies the Armenian flag today in recognition and to honor the millions who died.

04/22/2026

04/22/2026

Joseph M. ‘Joe’ Baltazar, 69 of Lowell, passed away at Lowell General Hospital on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 after a period of declining health surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Maria (Pimentel) Baltazar with whom he would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this upcoming September.

Joe was born on November 10, 1956 in Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal, and was a son of the late David S. and Maria Rosa (Peixoto) Baltazar. He was raised in Sao Miguel until he was 11 years old, when he relocated to the United States with his family, settling in Lowell. He attended the area schools in Lowell, graduating from Lowell High School.

He worked as a truck driver throughout his entire career, beginning at Baker Commodities. He later worked in construction on the Big Dig and the widening of Route 3, before returning to Baker Commodities, where he spent over 20 years until his retirement.

He was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church and a member of the Portuguese American Civic League, the Red’s Club and the Portuguese American Center, the Blue’s Club.

Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren was his greatest joy in life.

In addition to his wife, Maria, he is survived by his daughters, Lisa Brown and her husband, Harold of Lowell, and Sandra Borges and her husband, Alex of Tyngsboro; three beloved grandchildren, Abigail Brown, Tiago Borges, and Leandro Borges. He is also survived by his brothers, David Baltazar of Lowell, and Charlie Baltazar of Arizona; and several nieces, nephews, friends, and his Godchildren.

Donations in his memory may be made to: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online at: https://www.heart.org/

On Sunday, April 26, 2026 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2-5 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.

His funeral will begin on Monday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at Lowell Cemetery on Knapp Ave. in Lowell.

04/21/2026

Jose Manuel Garcia-Oliva, 87

Jose Manuel Garcia-Oliva, 87, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Amsterdam Nursing Home in New York, following a period of declining health.

He was born on September 16, 1938, in Havana, Cuba, the son of the late Manuel Garcia and the late Jovita Garcia. He was raised and educated in Cuba before coming to the United States in 1961. As a young man, he settled in Manhattan, where he built a remarkable life and career.

Mr. Garcia-Oliva was a vibrant and accomplished professional who dedicated decades of his life to the world of television. He worked with Univision Channel 41 and Telemundo Channel 47, where he played an intergral role in the Public Relations Department. His work left a lasting mark on Spanish-language media in New York.

In addition to his broadcasting career, he was deeply involved in the arts and entertainment community. He served as a former president of the Thalia Awards and was an active member of the Association of Entertainment Journalists, further reflecting his lifelong passion for the performing arts and media.

Throughout his life, he received numerous awards and commendations from the City and State of New York, as well as recognition from organizations around the world. Outside of his professional life, he had a deep love for travel, spending time throughout Europe, particularly in Spain, and venturing as far as Russia and Budapest. He was also an avid art collector, and pieces from his collection are now displayed in various museums in and around New York City.

He is survived by his sister, Dr. Maria Cuesta of Lowell; his niece, Beatriz Curley and her husband Jeff of Westford; and his nephews, Robert Cuesta and his wife Heather of Lowell, and Michael Cuesta and his wife Megan of Georgia. He also leaves his grandnieces and grandnephews: Molly Druid and her husband William of Westford, Andrew Cuesta and his wife Alecia, Benjamin Cuesta, Matthew Cuesta, Julia Cuesta, and Gabriel Cuesta, along with many cousins in Spain and throughout the United States.

A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date, details will be posted here when they become available. www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com

04/20/2026

Barbara (Brooks) Lawrence
July 6, 1940 - April 17, 2026

Barbara (Brooks) Lawrence, 85 of Londonderry, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026 at The Orchard Inn at the Baldwin Senior Living where she resided. She was the widow of the late David M. Lawrence with whom she shared nearly 46 years together before he passed away in 2010.

Born July 6, 1940 in Lowell, she was a daughter of the late James T. Brooks, Sr. and the late Mary Jane (Gargan) Brooks. She was raised in Chelmsford, where she attended the area schools before earning her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.

For over 40 years, Barbara worked for the Department of the Air Force as a contract negotiator in procurement at Hanscom Air Force Base, until her retirement. She was a communicant of St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Andover, where she was also married.

She loved cats, reading, and a good cup of tea. She also enjoyed working the polls in Lowell and Billerica, as well as gardening and tending to her bird feeders. She was very smart, bright, and funny, with a wonderful sense of humor. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of many subjects, was truly her own person, and was known for her many unexpected turns of phrase.

Her survivors include her son, Brooks Matthew Lawrence and his husband, Matthew Robert Miceli of Philadelphia, her sister, Mary Jane Pearson of Fairfield, VA; and her nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, the late James Thomas Brooks, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Lowell Humane Society, 951 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854 or online at: https://www.lowellhumanesociety.org/donate/

On Thursday, April 23, 2026 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 4-7 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.

Her funeral will begin on Friday morning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by her funeral mass at 11 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 198 Haggetts Pond Rd, Andover, MA. Burial at St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell.

04/17/2026

Joan P. (Sheehan) Boucher, 63 of Lowell, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

She was born on July 9, 1962 in Lowell and was a daughter of the late Richard Sheehan and Joan (Shields) Donaghue. She was raised in Lowell, where she attended the area schools graduating from Greater Lowell Voke.

Joan worked for the Department of Workforce Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for over thirty years. In her younger days, she was a waitress at the former Glenview Restaurant.

Joan was an avid Boston sports fan, especially rooting for the New England Patriots religiously. She enjoyed spending time with her family, taking trips to the casino together. Spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, brought her the most happiness.

Joan is survived by her children, Derek Boucher and his wife, Beth Geiger-Boucher of Tewksbury, and Krystle Boucher and her husband, Joseph Baez of Lowell; and her grandchildren Joseph Baez Jr., Alexis Baez, Emily Boucher, Owen Boucher and Charlotte Boucher.

She is also survived by her siblings, Ann Trudel and her husband, Jimmie of Dracut, Patricia Sheehan-Coville of West Yarmouth, MA, and Richard Sheehan and his wife, Barbara of Lowell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and coworkers.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings the late Michael Sheehan and Kara Donaghue.

On Sunday, April 19, 2026 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 2-5 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816. Her funeral service will take place at 5 p.m. in the funeral home.

04/14/2026

Steven M. Bardsley, 49 of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Friday, April 10, 2026 after a two year courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of Norberta M. (Fernandes) Bardsley with whom he would have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary next January.

He was born on August 9, 1976 in Waltham and was a son Brian and Susanne (Defino) Bardsley of Burlington. He was raised and educated in Burlington, graduating from Burlington High School before earning his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell.

Steven loved playing hockey, beginning in childhood and continuing through his high school years. More recently, he played for the Junior Bruins. Above all else, he cherished the time he spent with his family, creating lasting memories together.

In addition to his wife, Norberta, he is survived by his son, Brian Bardsley of Chelmsford; his parents Brian and Susanne (Defino) Bardsley of Burlington; his two siblings, Michael Bardsley and his wife, Jana of Lowell, and Melissa Oliveira and her husband, Nick of Billerica. He is also survived by his mother and father in law Urialdo and Odilia Fernandes of Dracut; his brothers in law, Diogo Fernandes and his wife, Vivian of Dracut, Emanuel Fernandes and his wife, Shelly of Pelham, NH, and Eduvino Fernandes of Gardener; as well as his nieces and nephews, Bella and Sofia Bardsley, Joseph, Jacob and Mia Oliveira, Caroline Fernandes, and Amanda Cote and her partner, Geoff Paquette; his grand nieces, Madeline and Zoe; and many friends.

He was predeceased by his brother in law, the late Idelberto Fernandes.

Donations in his memory may be made to: Dana Farber Jimmy Fund at: https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2118&mfc_pref=T&2118.donation=form1

On Saturday, April 25, 2026 all are welcome to attend his visitation from 10-11 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. His funeral mass will immediately follow at 11 a.m.

Find us on Facebook or visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.

04/13/2026

Joan Frances (Martin) Turcotte, affectionately known as Joni, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Palm Springs Nursing Home in Chelmsford. She was 87 years old, born on July 9, 1938 and was a daughter of the late William and Anna (McLellan) Martin. She was raised in Lowell, where she attended the area schools, graduation from Lowell High School with the class of 1955.

After graduation, Joni worked for New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. In 1960, she married James C. Turcotte with whom she shared 46 years of marriage before he passed away.

Joni was extremely artistic, known for her work as a doll maker and folk art painter. She was also known for her quick wit. For her 80th birthday, she took a solo trip to Key West in her remodeled van.

She found great solace in spending summers at her son Robert and his wife Mary’s beach cottage in North Hampton, New Hampshire. She especially looked forward to spending a week with the “Beach Gang” on 11th Street in North Hampton.

Together they had four children, William J. Turcotte and his wife Virginia (Mello) of Londonderry, NH, Lynne C. Teichert and her husband, John, of Lowell, Robert D. Turcotte and his wife, Mary (Bamford) of Allenstown, NH, and Daniel P. Turcotte and his wife, Karen (DeBonville) of Manchester, NH; 3 grandchildren, Nicholas Turcotte and his fiancé, Heather Tourville of Derry, NH, Elissa Turcotte Luna of Londonderry, NH and Katherine Turcotte Laflamme and her husband, Matthew of Allenstown, NH; 3 great grandchildren Ayva Turcotte, Adelaide Laflamme, Isabelle Laflamme; and her ‘other favorite kid’, Debra (Pelland) Moreau.

She is also survived by her doting brother, William Martin of Chelmsford; her sister in law, Ann Marie Martin of Lowell and her friend since childhood, Fran Smith of Hyannis, and her close friend, Pat Costa of Bristol. She also leaves many wonderful and loving nieces and nephews, and friends from up North in Bristol, NH where she lived for 19 years.

She was sister of the late Robert D. Martin, and sister in law of the late Kathleen Martin.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the exceptional care she received at Palm Springs – A Wing in Chelmsford, to her nurse, Arlene, at Tufts Hospice, and to her favorite PA, Tarina Mansur, at Mill City Medical. The compassion and care she received were truly outstanding.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816. Find us on Facebook or use this website to leave the family a message of condolence.

04/10/2026

Ashley Lynne Dallaire - Cemetery Prayers