Everett D. "Evie" Wrightington, Jr., 81, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2025. He was the husband of Jane H. (Bishop) Wrightington and the son of the late Everett D. Wrightington, Sr. and Esther (Phillips Shurtleff) Wrightington.

Everett was born in Middleboro and lived a very happy life in Rochester for over 50 years. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era.

He took great pride in his work as a skilled carpenter and his handiwork can be admired in many local homes.

Evie left a lasting impression through his infectious humor and warm heart. He was the type of man who would happily give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

His deep love for Jane, his high school sweetheart, was admired by so many. Evie had a passion for fishing and hot rods. Many countless hours were spent alongside Jane searching, and also vying for, the biggest bass. He also enjoyed street rodding and connecting with people near and far. He accumulated a huge network of friends across several states and communities as he was a man that people truly loved to be around. Evie will be fondly remembered for his laughter, kindness, love for life, infectious spirit and friendly nature.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 61 years, Jane (Bishop) Wrightington; 2 brothers, David Wrightington and his wife Penny of Rochester and Ronald Wrightington of Lakeville; 2 sisters; several dearly loved nieces and nephews and a vast extended family of cherished relatives and friends.

A private celebration of his life will take place at a later date.

Please keep his spirit alive through the sharing of his stories. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham

Robert J. Freitas, 78, of Rochester died January 6, 2025 unexpectedly at home.

He was the former husband of the late Debbie (Morrison) Freitas.

Born in New Bedford, son of the late John and Irene C. (Vieira) Freitas, he was raised in Fairhaven and lived in Rochester most of his life.

He was formerly employed by the Massachusetts Highway Department for over 20 years until his retirement.

Survivors include his son, Robert M. Freitas and his wife Chelsea of Rochester; a daughter, Catherine Freitas and her fiance Marco Prioli of Fairhaven; and 3 grandchildren, Ella, Emily and James.

His funeral services will be private. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Joan T. Heald, a cherished member of our family and community, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion.

Born in Pawtucket, RI, she was the beloved daughter of Clifford A. Trescott and Helen (Pray) Trescott. A proud member of the Class of 1951, Pembroke College at Brown University and the New England Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1951, she dedicated her life to the care and well-being of others.

Her professional journey was one of compassion and purpose, spanning years as a pediatric nurse at Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital, and culminating as the beloved School Nurse/Teacher at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf. Her gentle care touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

A resident of Mattapoisett for close to two decades, she retired early and moved to the Village to help care for her treasured grandsons. She embraced her new home with open arms, becoming an active member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church and the Council on Aging. Her life was enriched by deep friendships, especially within the knitting community, where her intricate cable-knit sweaters became treasured highlights of the church's Christmas Fair. Every trip to the Village included a drive to Ned's Point Lighthouse.

In her youth, she delighted in adventures, from riding the ski train to the White Mountains to exploring the National Parks. She celebrated her 80th birthday with a family hiking trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. A lifelong gardener, she marked her 50th birthday by transforming her backyard into a lush vegetable haven, sowing seeds of joy and resilience. She found peace and happiness on beaches everywhere. Her love of the ocean started with family summers on the Vineyard and continued with her grandsons by her side at the town beach, watching them grow and thrive. In retirement, she traveled to her bucket list places starting with Hawaii and finishing with many trips abroad.

She was a devoted mother to Dr. Candace Lee Heald of Mattapoisett and a proud grandmother to Nathaniel Fuchs of Rhode Island, and his partner, Dr. Daniel Cubberly, and Walker Fuchs and his wife, Dr. Muriel Solberg, of Connecticut. She was also the treasured Aunt and mentor to a generation of nieces. Her family was her greatest joy, and her love for them was boundless.

A private burial will take place in the spring at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

William H. Goetz, 94, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts died Sunday, January 5, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Evanston, Illinois on May 31, 1930, 'Bill' graduated from Chicago's Lakeview High School in 1947 and enlisted in the US Coast Guard. He rose through the enlisted ranks, completed officer candidate school first in his class, and retired a Commander and Commanding Officer (captain) of New Bedford's USCGC Vigilant in 1976.

He met Elizabeth Oliver, the love of his life, in 1948 while stationed in Nantucket, Massachusetts. They married on June 7, 1950 and had recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in 2024.

Bill loved baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs, and was an excellent golfer and bowler. He served for many years as treasurer of the Mattapoisett Lions Club. He was happiest, however, in his role as family patriarch. He led by example, always encouraging his sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in everything they did. He also was fun loving and a master joke teller. His warmth was felt by everyone around him, including nearly three dozen nieces and nephews, and he always was available to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his wife Betty; sons Michael (Suzanne) of Manville, Rhode Island and Stephen (Carol) of Deer Isle, Maine; grandchildren Rebecca, Sarah, Michelle (Chad), and Joseph (Meghann); and great grandchildren, Owen, William, and Allison.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Elsie Goetz, and brother Paul Goetz.

His Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 11:30 am at St. Anthony's Church, 22 Barstow St., Mattapoisett, with everyone meeting directly at Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Monday, January 20th from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's honor to either the charity of their choice or the St. Vincent dePaul Society of St. Anthony's Church, 22 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

M. Raye (Smith) Sawyer, 90, formerly of Mattapoisett and Rochester, passed away Saturday December 28, 2024 at The Cottages of Dartmouth Villages. She was the wife of the late Walter Judd Sawyer.

Born in Middleborough, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Katherine (Ferguson) Smith. A graduate of the Katharine Gibbs School, she worked as a secretary in Boston for a time, before becoming a full-time Mom after her marriage. She worked at the polls as an election worker for the Town of Mattapoisett for years and also substituted at the library at Old Rochester Regional High School when needed.

Raye was a legendary baker of cookies and treats for all occasions, including scores of individually wrapped and customized ginger-bread men at Christmas for relatives, friends and neighbors. She was well-known as the maker of "crunchy noodle beef bake" that was always popular at family gatherings. She was also a prodigious knitter, sewer, quilter and rug braider.

She was predeceased by her husband Walter and her eldest son, Nathaniel Judd Sawyer.

She is survived by her son, Benjamin Alden Sawyer and his wife, Ellen Terry; her grandsons, Patrick Judd Sawyer, Samuel Alden Sawyer, and Robert Maxwell Hammerton; and her daughter-in-law, Catherine (O'Malley) Sawyer (Nat's widow) and her husband, Scott Amorin.

A celebration of her life will be held in the Spring. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Donald Francis Tucker, 92, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 27, 2024. He was predeceased in 2022 by his loving wife of 69 years, Lois Howard Tucker.

He was born in Fairhaven on September 4, 1932, to Claude S. and Catherine (Sullivan) Tucker. Donald lived his entire life in Fairhaven where he and Lois raised their children surrounded by a close extended family and participated actively in the community he loved. He was a deeply religious person and a communicant of St. Mary's Church.

For seven decades their home was filled with cousins, neighbors, and dear friends. In the 1990s Donald published two books about his father's schooner, Coral, to preserve the history of schooner life in New England for future generations and to reflect his enduring love of the sea.

Soon after graduating Fairhaven High School with Lois in 1950, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine, and at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, with the 64th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, where he served as staff sergeant. Ever resourceful, Donald bought a Piper Cub to work as a bush pilot while off duty. Donald remained fiercely patriotic throughout his life.

After he and Lois married in 1953, Donald went to work at Davidson's Meat Products of New Bedford. In 1963 he began a long career at New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Company, later Com Electric, where he progressed from appliance salesman to payroll and benefits supervisor before retiring in 1993.

Donald was a 35-year member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in Fairhaven, Little League coach, Junior Achievement advisor, Red Cross first responder and instructor, Fairhaven town meeting member, and a United Way loaned executive. He also found time to earn an associates degree in 1973.

Donald leaves behind the four loving children he raised with Lois: Ruth E. Comeau and her husband Patrick of Fairhaven; Francis J. Tucker and his wife Lu-Ann of Wareham; Howard S. Tucker and his wife Kami of Jamestown, North Carolina; and Thomas M. Tucker and his wife Caroline of Mattapoisett. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a brother-in-law Charles M. Howard of Bowie, Maryland; a sister-in-law Joan Tucker of Fairhaven; and several nieces and nephews. Donald was the youngest brother of the late William Tucker, Helen Davidson, Kathleen "Dolly" Benac, Claude Tucker, Jr., and Francis J. Tucker, killed in action aboard the San Francisco during the Battle of Savo Bay in November, 1942.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2:00-5:00pm at Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven. His funeral will be 9am Monday, January 6, 2024 from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Mary's Church, Fairhaven. Interment will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Church, Fairhaven. For memorial register or facility directions please visit, www.hathawayfunerals.com.

Dr. John A. Mills M.D. passed away on December, 24, 2024, in his beloved home in Marion, MA, and surrounded by family.

John Mills was born June 5, 1929 in Montreal, Canada, the son of Dr. Edward Sadler Mills and Marion Baile Mills, and raised in the City of Westmount. After graduating from Westmount High School, he attended McGill University, first earning a B.A. in 1951, followed by an M.D. in 1954. He served his internship at the Montreal General and then moved to Boston to accept a position as Assistant Resident in Pathology under Shields Warren at the New England Deaconess Hospital.

By 1956, he had begun his lifelong association with the Massachusetts General Hospital where he completed a residency in Medicine. He briefly returned to McGill as a Hosmer Teaching Fellow and then served a year in London, U.K. as a research fellow at the Lister Institute of Preventative Medicine. Returning once again to Boston, he became a member of the staff at the Arthritis Unit of the MGH where he concentrated on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatology and connective tissue disease under the tutelage of Dr. Walter Bauer and Dr. Marian Ropes. It was there that he met Nancy Gordon and they were married in October of 1962. Together they raised three sons, Edward, Peter and Alexander, and made their home in Winchester, MA where they made many close friendships that have endured for over 60 years. Nancy and John were happily married for 62 years and delighted in their growing family that now includes eight grandchildren between the ages of 29 and 19.

Teaching was John's avocation and greatest source of professional joy. From 1976 to 1992, he was the director of the Introduction to Clinical Medicine course at the Harvard Medical School, from which generations of physicians learned the skill of speaking with - and truly listening to - patients, as well as the art and science of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Even after his retirement in 1996 as an Emeritus Professor and rheumatology faculty member at MGH, he continued to share wisdom with cohorts of medical students, house staff, fellows and peers as he made weekly visits to the Clinic and served one month per year on the MGH medical service. He also inspired "Mills Rounds" at MGH, at which fellows and faculty were encouraged to bring forward challenging cases for discussion, and through which all assembled were able to learn from faculty presentations and obtain unique perspectives on case evaluation grounded in Dr. Mills' many years of teaching and patient care.

Outside of his work, John had a love of activities that could engage the whole family. These included sailing, skiing and family outings in the Fells Reservation that were a hallmark of Sunday afternoons in Winchester, often after a long morning of raking leaves, shoveling snow, or attending to a seemingly infinite variety of outdoor tasks at Rangeley Rd. Among his greatest joys were vacations spent cruising the waters of Cape Cod and the Islands in summer, and annual winter excursions back to his native.

Canada, where the entire family enjoyed skiing together at Mt. Tremblant in the good company of many old friends and relations from around greater Montreal, including fellow members of McGill's Red Birds Ski Club who could always be counted upon to be up for another run as well as a cold beer (or 2) at the Chalet following the day's exertions.

John's connections to Massachusetts' Southcoast and Buzzards Bay ran deep, having spent a few youthful summers on Cuttyhunk Island and, as a young adult in the early 1950's, trailering his International 14 dinghy down from Montreal to compete in the Buzzards Bay Bowl and other competitions, where he would stay as a houseguest of lifelong friend Margaret "Peggs" Francis. By 1981, he had picked out a vessel of his own, and set out to keep her in Sippican Harbor, which he deemed to be as fine a sailing harbor as could be found on the eastern seaboard. Shortly thereafter, he began his long association with the Beverly Yacht Club where, as a member, he enjoyed both cruising and contesting for silverware aboard the "Kanga," always in the company of family and friends, and once safely back on shore, amongst the fellowship of sailors from far and near at the many regattas and events sponsored by the club.

In later years, he rejoiced in tending to his vegetable and flower gardens, most of which he started himself from seed, secure in the knowledge that with a bit of patience and careful nurturing, they would surely produce better and more prolifically than any specimens that could be obtained from a nursery.

John was preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth and a nephew Arthur Sesselberg, and is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Edward of Cohasset (Marianne, and children John, David and Margaret), Peter of Milton (Katrina, and daughters Mackenzie, Claire and Madeline), Alex of Hingham (Sarah, and daughters Grace and Emma) a nephew, Dr. Henry Sesselberg of Cape Elizabeth, ME (Tracy, and daughters Meryl and Alemnesh), as well as Arthur's wife Abby of Guilford, CT, and their children Herrick and Graham.

The family would like to thank John and Nancy's many dear friends and neighbors in Marion for their extraordinary kindness and support, Dr. Chris Coley (MGH, Boston), the staff at the Tobey Hospital (Wareham, MA), Sippican Healthcare Center (Marion, MA), and Community Nurse Home Care (Fairhaven, MA). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra or the Marion Council on Aging. A memorial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Leonard C. Higgins, 88, died peacefully on December 14,2024 surrounded by family at The Oaks Nursing Home.

He was the husband of the late Helen R. Higgins.

Born in Boston, the son of the late Leonard M. and Victoria (Mikolyski) Higgins. He lived in Mattapoisett most of his life and was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church. Survivors include his 3 sons, Matthew Higgins of Pacifica, CA, James Higgins and his wife Kristen of Mattapoisett and Daniel Higgins and his wife Rachael of New Bedford, his brother Thomas Higgins and his wife Connie of Alabama, his sister Beth Carciofi and her husband Lou of Tewksbury MA, his sister Mary Lou Bangs and her husband Eddie of Centerville MA. Also survived by 7 grandchildren; Emma, Jillian, Lauren, John, Anna, Joseph and Helen and many nieces and nephews.

Lenny was a devoted companion to his wife Helen. They met in Boston and they were married for 41 years.

After graduating from high school, Lenny served in the Army for 3 years. After his honorable discharge he went to work for his father's business, Higgins Ice Cream, which he later took over and eventually sold.

He worked as a dispatcher for the New Bedford fishing industry for over 20 years.

Lenny enjoyed working in his garden and was an avid reader. He would preach about silver being a good investment. After his wife's passing, he would enjoy going to the Pasta House in Fairhaven for happy hour. Lenny loved a good joke, spending time with his family and watching the Patriots.

His Funeral will be held on Saturday, December 21st at 9 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church at 10 am. Visiting hours will be on Friday, December 20th from 5-8 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Julie Ann (Marshall) Hillier of Mattapoisett passed away after a brief illness on December 13th, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Ralph Howard Marshall and Florence Lame Marshall of Acushnet. Julie enjoyed a 46-year partnership with her husband Jack Hillier.

Julie was born in New Bedford, MA. She was a 1969 graduate of Holy Family High School where she was thrilled and fortunate enough to be a member of the cheerleading squad for a basketball team that played in Boston Garden and won the state championship.

After assisting her mom with the care of her seven siblings, a career as a nurse was a natural path. Julie graduated from the St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in 1973. Part of her early career was spent at St. Luke’s. Later she moved to Brookline and worked at the Boston Hospital for Women. Always interested in travel, she moved to England where she took a job at Chailey Heritage Hospital School in Sussex. While in the UK she worked with children who had complex neuro-disabilities. During breaks from work she traveled widely in Europe. Upon returning to the U.S. she worked at the Kennedy Donovan Center on Coggeshall Street, New Bedford. After her marriage to Jack and a move to Cape Cod, Julie worked in long term care at the Falmouth Nursing Home. Home care nursing positions followed after she earned her Certificate in Gerontological Nursing. Organizations such as Special Care Nursing, Marriott Assisted Living, Project Independence, Lifestream, and Coastline Elderly Services benefited from Julie's nursing skills. No matter the care setting, patients appreciated her calm demeanor and warm ways.

Julie loved nature! Among her favorite places were: Ned's Point, Herring Cove Beach, Nauset Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, FL, St. Simons Island, GA, the coast of Maine from York to Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park and the West Coast of Ireland. Julie was always in search of heart shaped rocks and unique shells. She kept her backyard well stocked with bird food year-round. She cultivated flowers to attract various avian species and added sugar water to multiple oriole and hummingbird feeders throughout each summer.

Julie had a great sense of fashion. She enjoyed shopping and putting together outfits from various consignment shops, street fairs and specialty stores. Julie made pottery and jewelry. She painted with acrylics and also stenciled walls for her friends.

Julie was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth.

In addition to her husband Jack, she leaves her siblings and their spouses: John (Paulette) of New Bedford, Peter (Karen) of Rochester, Charles (Anna) of Acushnet, Katherine (Peter) Majka of Wareham, Robert (Donna) of Freetown, and Thomas E. of Acushnet.

Julie loved her family and friends dearly. Her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews loved their "Auntie Julie". She will be missed by many and not forgotten. To honor Julie's memory, live by the golden rule and strive for peace.

A visitation will be held on Friday December 20th from 1-3 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett, followed by a memorial service beginning at 3 pm.

Elizabeth Morse Read, 73, of Fairhaven died peacefully on Friday December 13, 2024. She was born in New Bedford and lived in New York before settling in Fairhaven. She is survived by her sisters and children. A memorial will be held in private at her residence. Arrangements were by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals.