Robin Ann Bard
Malden High School graduate
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our sister Robin who fought a courageous battle against cancer. Robin passed away peacefully March 31 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers with her loving husband Michael Delellis at her bedside.
Born in Boston, February 17, 1957, Robin was the daughter of the late Thomas D. and Sylvia (Perez) Bard. Robin grew up in the Everett/Malden area attended local schools and graduated from Malden High School. She was the youngest of seven children. To cherish her memory, Robin leaves her husband Michael Delellis; her sisters: Rhoda Burrows, Charlene Lombardi, Sue Alfieri and her husband, Tony; her brothers, Thomas Bard and his wife, Maryjo, Dennis Bard and his wife, Karen and Paul Bard and his wife, Lisa. Robin is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews and her much loved loyal companion, Lexi.
A special thank you goes out to her sister Rhoda, who resides in Missouri for extending her stay to help care for and support the family during this difficult time. Also, a special thanks to her niece, Sara Vasiliou for her commitment to Robin and Michael by not only helping with Robin’s care but by infusing the joy and love of her children by bringing smiles to all.
Graveside services will be held today, Thursday, April 13 at Woodlawn Cemetery 302 Elm St., Everett (time to be announced) Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend. Arrangement are by the Anthony Memorial – Frank A. Welsh and Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea.
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Maryann ‘Smitty’ Smith
Of East Boston, formerly of Chelsea
Maryann J. “Smitty” Smith passed away on Monday, April 4 after years of battling overwhelming illnesses. She was 53 years old
She was born in Chelsea, one of 13 children of the late Leon Maxwell Smith, Jr. and the late Ruth (Henderson) Smith. “Smitty,” as she was fondly called, was raised in Chelsea residing for many years on Marlborough Street and has been living in East Boston for the past 20 years.
She attended local schools, graduated Chelsea High School and was active in high school sports. Her passion was football, she enjoyed all things related to that sport; cooking, hosting and preparing for “Super Bowl” parties for family and friends. As a young woman she worked for Calendar Linen in Chelsea as a “Flatwork Ironer,” ironing and folding the large flat linens. Later on, she worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant in the greater Lynn area and she enjoyed her time attending St. Rose Bingo.
In addition to her parents, “Smitty” was also preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Smith and two brothers, Leon and Ronald Smith. Left to cherish her memory are her dearest sisters: Diane, Leona, Marion and Sylvia, her beloved brothers: Leon Saunders, Douglas, James, Dennis, Wayne and Richie Smith. She is lovingly survived by her aunt Marlene Tyler, uncle Paul Smith, her goddaughter Shannell Arck and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and a host of cousins and many extended family members and friends.
Arrangements were by the Frank A. Welsh and Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea. Inurnment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
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Rogelia Lopez
Of Chelsea, formerly of Florida and Cuba
Rogelia P. Lopez, a resident of Chelsea and formerly of Port St. Lucie, Florida, passed away peacefully at the Chelsea Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on April 4 at 102 years of age.
Rogelia was born and raised in Santa Clara, Cuba growing up in a blended family with 20 brothers and sisters. As a young lady and newlywed she settled in Havana, Cuba with her husband, Valerano Lopez. In the late ‘60’s, Rogelia and her husband, together with her sister Elia, her young niece and nephew, began efforts to relocate to the United States. Her first stop was at a military base in Opa-Locka, Florida, before she could first settle in Madison, NJ, beginning her new life in America.
After a short time they came to Chelsea seeking better jobs and opportunities. Her husband found work at American Biltrite and Rogelia found work as a stitcher at the Everlastic binding factory in Chelsea. It wasn’t long before they could purchase their own home on Shawmut and Congress Ave. Rogelia’s home was always open to family and friends and she would often prepare meals for neighbors, no one ever left her home hungry or without a smile. She was a warm and caring auntie possessing a fun loving and gregarious personality. Almost every Saturday she and her husband would routinely begin their day attending early morning Mass in Boston at the St. Anthony Shrine on Arch Street. They would then stroll about downtown crossing and would often have lunch at “Dinis” in Boston before returning home.
Rogelia and her husband retired to Port St. Lucie Florida in 1986. She remained in Florida up to the time of Valerano’s passing 27 years ago. She returned to Chelsea to be near her sister and nephew and has remained in Chelsea since. In her lifetime, Rogelia remained a young spirited woman who enjoyed music, dancing tango and would never refuse an invitation to dine and socialize with her family.
In addition to her husband, Rogelia was also preceded in death by all of her siblings, including her dear sister, Elia Perez, 20 months ago. She remained the dearest aunt of Isaias Maldonado and his wife, Angela of Chelsea and Alcira Lafferty of Landisville, PA and her late husband, Michael J. Lafferty. She was the adored great auntie of Julia Marie of Seattle, WA and Patrick Michael of Philadelphia.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, Chelsea. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.
http://www.alz.org/manh/in_my_community_donate.asp