McDonough Funeral Home

02/17/2026

Maria E. (Mendes) Sousa Funeral Mass at St Anthony Parish Lowell

02/16/2026

Alvaro J. Aguiar, age 81, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Cape Cod Hospital.

Born in Lowell on August 3, 1944, he was the son of the late Alvaro and Mary (Freitas) Aguiar. He was raised in Lowell and graduated from Lowell High School.

In his teenage years, Al worked at Suffolk Knitting in downtown Lowell. Not long after he relocated to East Hartford, Connecticut, where he began a long and dedicated career as a machinist with Pratt & Whitney. He worked there for more than 35 years before retiring at the age of 55.

Al enjoyed an active and well-rounded life. He loved skiing and especially enjoyed spending time at the beach, with Hyannis being a favorite destination. He followed the stock market closely and had a deep appreciation for music. Most of all, he valued time spent with family and friends.

He is survived by his siblings, Joseph L. Aguiar of Lowell, Priscilla M. Hilliard of Tewksbury, Claudia F. Miller of Derry, New Hampshire, and Louis Aguiar of North Chelmsford. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was the brother-in-law of the late Harold Miller.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Thursday, February 19, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 12:00 noon, followed by a procession to St. Patrick Cemetery.

02/16/2026

James P. ‘Jim’ Burke, 72 of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026 at his home. He was the loving husband of Donna M. (Lilly) Burke with whom he just celebrated 48 years of marriage.

He was born in Niagara Falls, Canada on April 1, 1953 and was a son of the late Patrick and Margaret (O’Sullivan) Burke. At a young age, he came to Lowell, where he was raised and attended the local schools, graduating from Lowell High School.

Jim worked as a production manager at Pellon for many years until his retirement. He loved walking the Boulevard each week with his good friend Dennis. He enjoyed traveling to Florida, spending time at the beach, eating breakfast at Mary Ann’s diner in Salem NH, and was an avid sports fan. Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Donna of Lowell, he is survived by his son, Michael Burke of Lowell; and his brothers and sisters, Vinnie Burke and his wife, Anne of Delaware, Patricia Burke of Lowell, and Richard Burke and his wife, Debra of Lowell.

His wife's siblings, David Lilly of New Hampshire, Marc Lilly of Daytona, FL and his wife, Mindee of St. Augustine, FL, Nancy Canelas and her husband, Juan of Nashua, NH, Julie Couillard of New Hampshire, Scott Minton of New Hampshire, Brenda Torrigan and her husband, Zaven of Lowell, and Rayleen Caggiano and her husband, Nicholas of Palm Coast, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, the late Patrick Burke; his siblings, the late Daniel Burke, Maureen Burke, Catherine Burke, and Kevin Burke; and his wife's siblings, the late Michael Lilly, and John Lilly. He was also the son in law of the late Madeline Paquin, and the late Cecil Ray and his wife, the late Doreen Lilly.

On Monday, February 23, 2026 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 9-11 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.

His funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m.; followed by procession to St. Joseph Cemetery.

02/15/2026

Adela (Maldonado) Sargent, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Lowell General Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of the late James F. Sargent, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage before his passing in 2007.

Born on February 10, 1935, in Utuado, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Jose Maldonado and Carmen Maria Medina. She was raised and educated in Puerto Rico and came to Massachusetts in 1960. Soon after arriving, she met the love of her life. Within a year they were married and beginning the family that would become the center of her world.

Adela was a woman whose greatest joy was bringing people together. She loved her flowers and took great pride in her garden, not just for its beauty, but because it was a place where family gathered. She cherished trips to the beach, holidays filled with family and joy, and simple moments spent with those she loved. Whether playing bingo, enjoying dominoes with her husband, or hosting family and friends, she created warmth wherever she went.

She had a gift for cooking, entertaining, and making people laugh. Adela loved music, dancing and celebrating life. Her energy, humor, and welcoming spirit made her the heart of every gathering and she was truly the life of the party.

For nearly 20 years, she worked as a nurse’s assistant at Tewksbury Hospital, where she cared for others with the same compassion and kindness she showed her family.

She is lovingly survived by her sons, David J. Sargent and his partner Donna Levesque, James J. “Joey” Sargent, and Randy J. Sargent, all of Lowell; her granddaughters, Stephanie M. Sargent, Felicia M. Landry, and Christine A. Sargent; and her great-grandsons, Lucas J. Hudon, Elijah M. Landry, and Noah L. Landry.

She also leaves her siblings, Cesar Maldonado, Gloria Martinez, Noelia Maldonado, Jose G. Maldonado, Lillian Maldonado, Orlando Maldonado, Evelyn Maldonado, Marisol Maldonado, Mariluz Maldonado and Manny Maldonado; her longtime and dear friend, Socorro “Koky" Rosas, whom she loved spending time with; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Adela was the mother of the late Michael B. Sargent. She was also predeceased by her siblings Dulcilia Ocasio, Jorge Maldonado, Aristle Simonetti, Luis “Luichi” Maldonado, Sergio Maldonado, Jose Maldonado and Christobal "Papo" Maldonado, and by several members of the Sargent family.

Family and friends are invited to attend her calling hours at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, and Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

Her funeral will begin at the funeral home on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM, followed by her Funeral Mass at Holy Family Parish, 30 Grafton Street, Lowell, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Lowell Cemetery.

02/14/2026

02/14/2026

Gloria Evadnee Gray - Funeral Mass

02/12/2026

Maria E. (Mendes) Sousa, 91 formerly of Dracut, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Northwood Nursing Home in Lowell. She was the widow of the late Raul C. De Sousa with whom she shared 46 years of marriage before he passed away in 2004.

She was born on February 25, 1934 in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal and was a daughter of the late Raul Mendes and Cremilde (Santos) Mendes. She was raised and educated in Graciosa, where she met and married the love of her life, Raul. They began their family before moving to the United States in 1985, settling in Lowell. She was a devoted communicant of St. Anthony Church and was a member of the Holy Ghost Society.

Maria worked for many years at Old Mother Hubbard. She also worked as a housekeeper, helping wash clothing for hospice and cleaning houses. She enjoyed crocheting and cooking big meals to bring her family together. Above all else, she cherished time with her family making memories.

Surviving Maria is her daughter, Maria Fatima Espinola and her husband, Jose of Florida; a son, Rui Sousa of Chelmsford; five grandchildren, Jason Espinola and his wife Melissa of Windham, Joshua Espinola and his wife Samantha of Dracut, Justin Sousa of Dracut, Allison Sousa of Dracut, and Karissa Espinola of Setubal, Portugal; as well as her three great grandchildren Sophia Espinola, Leo Espinola and Greyson Espinola.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, the late Olga Maria Sousa.

On Monday, February 16, 2026 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 2 - 6 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.

Her funeral will begin on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by her funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial at St. Patrick Cemetery.

02/11/2026

Gloria Evadnee Gray

Gloria Evadnee Gray, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026 at D’Youville Center for Advanced Therapy. She was the beloved wife of Duke T. Gray; the couple shared 46 years of marriage. Gloria passed away just one day after their wedding anniversary.

Born on October 13, 1933 in Georgetown, British Guiana , she was the daughter of the late William McKenzie and the late Janie (Carter) Wong. She was raised and educated in British Guiana before moving to Canada in 1961.

After arriving in Toronto, Gloria began working as a domestic before continuing her career at the University of Toronto, where she worked at the university bookstore and later at the Samuel L. Sigman Library. It was during her years in Toronto that she met her husband, Duke, who was serving as a minister at a Unitarian church.

Gloria was known for her grace and personal style, always carrying herself with elegance and care. Above all, her life was deeply rooted in faith and service to others.

In the early 1980s, she became actively involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at Holy Rosary Parish in Toronto, where she served as a leader. This experience marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to missionary work that continued annually for many years, only pausing during the COVID pandemic.

Through her involvement with the international ministry The Choices We Face, Gloria became a member of a missionary “Fire Team,” traveling extensively to share her faith, lead prayer and teaching, and support local communities. Her missions took her to Ghana, Kenya, and several countries in Eastern Europe, including Slovakia and the Czech Republic. While serving in Slovakia, she devoted special attention to teaching and supporting members of the Roma community. Throughout her life, she spent extended periods each year on retreat or in mission, offering spiritual guidance, encouragement, and service wherever she was called.

Closer to home, Gloria also led a Bible study group in Malden and worked part-time as a health care aide at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and at Scarborough Centenary Hospital. Her life was a quiet but powerful example of faith in action.

In addition to her husband, Duke, she is survived by her stepchildren, Theodore “Ted” Gray and his wife Julia of Chicago and Arthur Gray of North Carolina; her sister, Ann-Jane Wong of Toronto; her brother, Ronald Hosford Carter of Toronto; and her step-sister, Bridgett Hughes of England. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Lillian, Emalyn, Aaric, Eleana, and Thomas Gray.

Gloria was especially close to Richard Silvio and Patrick Bem, whom she loved as adopted grandchildren. She is also survived by her cousins, Gem Bynoe, Lenox Carter, Jacqueline Carrington, and Ernest Sandiford; her nieces, Sabrina and Jennifer Carter, Naomi Fitzpatrick, and Sharon O'Dell; and many members of the Wong, Hamilton, Ninvalle, Camejo, Eytle, O’Brien, Carter, Adams, Callendar, Dyal, Hinds, Beresford, Boyce, Brown, McKenzie, and McKellar families.

She was predeceased by her stepbrother, Hilbert Wong.

You are welcome to attend her visitation on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 9:00am until 9:45am at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 115 Wheeler Rd, Dracut, MA 01826. Her funeral Mass will begin at 10am. Procession for burial in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford to follow.

Her funeral will be livestreamed at - https://www.facebook.com/McDonoughFuneralHome/videos/

Arrangement by the McDonough Funeral Home. www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com

02/11/2026

Francis P. Kelly

Francis P. Kelly, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 9, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late Virginia E. “Ginnie” (MacPhail) Kelly, who passed away on October 26, 2013, on the day of their 44th wedding anniversary.

Born in Lowell on November 10, 1946, he was the son of the late George and Madeline (McCarthy) Kelly. Francis grew up in the Centralville section of Lowell before moving to the Acre, and later lived with his family at Shaughnessy Terrace. After the early loss of his father, he developed a strong sense of responsibility that would guide him throughout his life.

Francis proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division. For his courage and service, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Shortly after returning home from Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Ginnie. He began his working life as an auto mechanic before starting what would become a long and respected career with the Chelmsford Police Department. Francis served the community for 32 years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant.

During his career, he led the department’s Traffic Bureau and coordinated many special events. He also supervised the Chelmsford Auxiliary Police and was widely recognized as a motorcycle officer. Known affectionately within the department by his nickname, “Fireball,” he earned the respect and friendship of his fellow officers and the community he served.

Outside of his work, Francis embraced life fully. He loved fishing and kept a 23-foot boat docked in Newburyport. He enjoyed lobstering with his sons off the coast of Hampton, camping, and cheering on his favorite NASCAR drivers. In retirement, he discovered a passion for woodworking and became a skilled and creative craftsman. He was also an avid baseball fan.

Above all, Francis was devoted to his family. He treasured time with his grandchildren and shared a deep and lasting bond with his wife, whom he lovingly cared for during her illness in the years before her passing.

He is survived by his two sons, Francis P. Kelly, Jr. and his wife, Tracy, of Lowell, and Christopher E. Kelly of Lowell; his two grandchildren, Francis P. Kelly III and James M. Kelly, both of Lowell; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends. He was also the brother of the late Madeline Kelly.

His family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Atrium in Chelmsford for their kindness, dedication, and friendship over the years.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816.

His funeral will begin on Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 374 Stevens Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at Westlawn II Cemetery.

www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com

02/10/2026

James F. Fallon, Jr., 94, a lifelong Lowell resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family—just as he had surrounded them with love throughout his life. He was the beloved husband of Catherine A. (Rynne) Fallon, with whom he shared over 72 years of marriage.

Born April 28, 1931, in Worcester, he was raised and educated in Lowell. He graduated from Lowell High School as a proud member of the Class of 1949. Jimmy was a standout three-sport athlete during his era and is a member of the Lowell High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the quarterback on Coach Ray Riddick’s first undefeated football team, leading the Raiders to a bowl game in Jackson, Mississippi. Baseball and basketball rounded out his athletic pursuits, and after graduation he was signed to a professional baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1950. Later in life, he shared his knowledge and passion by serving as a highly successful coach at various levels of youth sports in Lowell.

Shortly after his graduation, in 1953, he married Catherine A. Rynne and began working for the gas company. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. While in the Army, he also had the opportunity to play baseball in Japan. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and worked in sales for Armour as a commercial meat salesman before joining the Lowell Fire Department—a career he truly loved. He retired as a Lieutenant in 1992 after more than 30 years of service to the city, much of that time spent at Engine 7 on Pine Street, where his co-workers became lifelong friends.

A longtime Highlands resident, his name is immortalized at the James Fallon Sports Complex, located behind the Daley School. He also served on the Friends of Lowell High Boosters and was President of the Lowell Firefighters Credit Union for many years.

Jimmy loved to golf and was a member of Mount Pleasant Golf Club in his younger years. He also played for many years in the telephone company league at Green Meadow alongside his good friend, Bucky Boehm.

He and his wife spent countless summers in Seabrook, New Hampshire. Though not a beach lover, he took great joy in providing memorable family vacations and could often be found watching Red Sox games from the cottage. A kind and generous man, he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He always deemed himself a lucky man to have his family close by and cherished every moment of his children’s, grandchildren’s, and most recently his great-grandchildren’s accomplishments—never missing an opportunity to celebrate them.

Besides his devoted wife of over 72 years, Catherine, he is survived by their five children: James Fallon and his wife, Karen of Chelmsford; Timothy Fallon and his wife, Catherine of Lowell; Catherine Dillon and her husband, Michael of Lowell; Martha Santos and her husband, Arthur J. of Lowell; and Marikay Guthrie and her husband, Roland of Lowell. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” McCann of Auburn, NH and his sister-in-law Joan Ryan of Tarpon Springs FLA.

On Thursday, February 12, all are welcome to attend his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 374 Stevens Street, Lowell. A procession will follow for burial at St. Patrick Cemetery, also in Lowell. Following the burial and military honors, the family invites all to join them at Princeton Station for a remembrance and celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider memorial donations in his name to: Lowell Retired Firefighters Association (LRFFA) Scholarship Fund, 15 Brunswick St. Lowell Ma 01852. Condolences may be shared with the family via Facebook or by visiting www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com at any time.

02/05/2026

Edward F. Wallace (Eddie), age 69, devoted husband, loving father to two children, and begrudging grandfather to three grand-cats,one grand-tortoise and NO grand-dogs, passed away in the evening of January 31, 2026, surrounded by love and in the care of his wife Terese Wallace, daughter Michelle Wallace, and the compassionate staff at Rosewood Care Facility in Peabody, Massachusetts.

Eddie spent 31 years as a proud union man working for the railroad as a locomotive machinist, coming home from his long overtime shifts smelling of the manly, yet surprisingly comforting scent of diesel fuel, Safeguard Soap, and Camel Ci******es (Speed Stick take notes and bring back the “Musk” scented deodorant -sponsored). His career was cut short by a 15-year struggle of medical complications and Parkinson’s Disease, requiring an early retirement of moving to Salem Massachusetts, watching “the Wheel”, eating good snacks, and suspiciously always winning at Threes, though he swore he didn’t load the dice.

He spent 50 years with the love of his life, Terese. Let the history books show that their long and happy marriage was attributed to him never begrudging her for losing the secret whoopie pie recipe that his mother had bestowed to only her. In fact, he continued to eat the whoopie pies she made, even though they both knew they were never as good as his Mom’s, but nary a word was ever spoken between them of this failure.
On that sub-freezing, icy-roaded, St. Brigid’s Eve, with Terese by his side, Eddie’s last words were in classic Dad style; “Did Shelly (Michelle), make it home safe”. Only after he knew she was safe did he feel ready to hitch a ride with St. Brigid up to heaven, where he reunited with the ol’ Lowell Daley School crew to drink a Bud, smoke a butt, cheer on the Pats, check out the next Ozzy concert, and most importantly, to finally enjoy his Mother’s whoopie pies (true to the secret recipe).

In lieu of flowers, the Wallace family is collecting contributions for the School of Herbalism hosted at Artemisia Botanicals in Salem Massachusetts. Eddie loved his daughter deeply, and she loved him just as fiercely. Michelle began her herbal studies in the hope of finding ways to better care for her father during his illness. The mentorship, knowledge, and community that Michelle found through this program became an invaluable part of supporting and caregiving for Eddie with comfort and dignity in his final years. This fund would honor Eddie’s legacy by supporting the continued sharing of this knowledge with others who are caring for the people and communities they love.

Donation Link: https://gofund.me/a272043fa

Funeral services will take place privately.

02/03/2026

Catherine A. ‘Cathy’ (Ward Eklund) Brady, 63 of Lowell, passed away unexpectedly after a period of declining health on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at her home. She was the widow of the late John Brady who passed away in 2019 after sharing 27 years of marriage.

She was born on August 20, 1962 in Lowell and was a daughter of the late George Ward and the late Alice (Greenhalge) Eklund Ward. She was raised in Lowell where she attended the area schools graduating from Lowell High School.

Cathy worked as a bartender at the Gaelic Club for many years.

Surviving Cathy are her son, Patrick Brady of Lowell; her siblings, Donna Eklund-Jaynes, Gail Eklund-Carney, Richard ‘Dicky’ Eklund, Phyllis Eklund, Alice Eklund-Kelly, George ‘Micky’ Ward Jr. and his wife, Charlene, and Sherri Fells-Ward and her husband, Anthony, all of Lowell; her mother in law, Catherine Brady of Lowell, her brother in law and sister in law, Gerald and Mary Brady of Lowell. a brother in law Joseph Cooper and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was also the sister of the late Cindy A. Eklund-Cooper and the sister in law of the late Larry Carney.

On Friday, February 6, 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 to gather at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home for her funeral service at 10 a.m., followed by procession to St. Joseph Cemetery.