Paula Marie Gallant
Her family was always her greatest priority and she will be remembered for her boundless love, selflessness and compassion
Paula Marie (Williams) Gallant, 63, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away on December 14, 2025, following a courageous and unwavering battle with GVHD.
Paula was born on March 23, 1962, in Chelsea, the cherished daughter of the late Paul Williams and Barbara E. (Slevoski) Dunn. She was raised and educated in Chelsea, where she formed lifelong friendships and met the love of her life.
Paula met her husband, Paul Gallant, while they were growing up in Chelsea. They married in the early 1980’s and made their home in Wilmington, where they raised their two beloved daughters, Meaghan and Katelyn. Paula was a devoted wife, an exceptional homemaker, and a wonderful mother. Her family was always her greatest priority.
Known affectionately as the “cool mom,” Paula opened her heart and her home to everyone. She had an open-door policy and welcomed her daughters’ friends as if they were her own. Paula was born to be a host and took great joy in bringing people together. She especially loved the holidays—Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorites—and she had a remarkable gift for making those times truly magical for her family.
Paula shared a special and loving bond with her husband, Paul and together they cherished watching their daughters grow, built their lives, and eventually became loving grandparents. They enjoyed relaxing together in their yard by the pool and soaking in the simple pleasures of being together.
Paula adored her daughters unconditionally and was their biggest confidant and supporter. She never missed a cheerleading competition, skating event, or school activity, and she was endlessly proud of Meaghan and Katelyn, never missing an opportunity to tell them how deeply she loved them.
Becoming “Nanny” to her grandchildren was one of Paula’s greatest joys. She Facetimed daily, celebrating every milestone and moment, and her love for her grandchildren knew no bounds.
Paula was diagnosed with cancer more than twelve years ago and faced her illness head-on with strength, courage, and grace. After receiving a bone marrow transplant, she became a survivor and continued to inspire everyone around her. With her positive attitude and warm spirit, Paula became affectionately known as the “mayor” of the Feldberg 7 and Shapiro 7 floors at Beth Israel Hospital. Even in the midst of her own fight, she brought joy, comfort, and encouragement to nurses, doctors, and fellow patients with her radiant smile and kind words.
Paula will be remembered for her boundless love, selflessness, and compassion. She loved without judgment, always putting others before herself, and never complained. She was a strong and inspiring role model to her family and all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
Paula was the beloved wife of Paul Gallant; devoted mother of Meaghan Gallant and her late fiancée, Nathan Regan, of Wilmington, and Katelyn Caruso and her husband, Jack, of Watertown; and loving “Nanny” to the late Logan Regan, Marley Caruso, and Archer Caruso. She was the dear sister of Walter Williams and his wife, Kim, of Revere; Robert Dunn of New Jersey; the late Shamus Dunn; and Cheryl Riley of Wilmington. She was also the sister-in-law of Janet Gallant and her late husband, Ricky Gallant. Paula is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will gather for visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Avenue (Route 62), Wilmington, on Friday, December 19, from 9 to 11 a.m., immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main Street (Route 38), Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paula’s name may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Blood Cancer United), P.O. Box 22470, New York, NY 10087-2470, or to New England Donor Services, 60 First Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451.
Edward Kehoe, Jr.
US Government retiree
A long-time resident of Alexandria, VA, entered eternal rest on November 25, 2025.
He leaves his wife, of 55 years, Marjorie, son, Michael, brother, Robert (Susan) Kehoe, sister, Marion (Paul) Cameron and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He was born in Chelsea, son of the late Edward A. Kehoe, Sr. and Marion G. Kehoe.
He served in the 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War. He was a member of that association; a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Boy Scout leader of Troop 988. He retired from the U.S. Federal Government after 39 years of service. He was also actively involved in many church activities.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 08, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Kimberly M. (Kursonis) Ursino
Graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1985
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Friday, December 19th, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Vertuccio Smith and Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach Street, Revere for Kimberly M. (Kursonis) Ursino who passed away far too young after a brief battle with cancer. She was 58 years old. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 7 p.m., interment will be private.
Kimberly was born in Everett on January 7, 1967. She was the only child born to John W. Kursonis and Frances L. (Ciaramella) Kursonis. She was raised and educated in Cheslea and was a graduate of Chelsea High School, Class of 1985. During her time in high school, Kimberly was captain of the cheerleading squad and was also on the girls’ volleyball team. Her greatest joy in life was becoming a mom and she was blessed with her two sons, Daniel and Dylan. Her love for them knew no bounds and never wavered.
She had an immense passion for Disney. She was beyond a superfan and looked forward to her many vacations there, each trip extra special to her. Kimberly worked for the Federal Government in a managerial role at the Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford. Her federal career spanned over fifteen years until her diagnosis. Kimberly was also a lover of the beach and ocean. She and her fiancé, Jeff would spend the season on their boat “The Kimberly Marie.” They would enjoy Sundays at the Back Beach Sand Bar in Essex with friends, family and their dog, Leia.
She was also enthusiastic about sports, specifically football, attending and supporting every one of her boy’s games as their biggest fan. Kimberly was creative and loved decorating for all occasions. Whether it was Halloween, Christmas, or the Fourth of July, her imagination was limitless, each year bringing new themes and decorative ideas. Her holiday gingerbread house parties were among one of her favorites. Each year she and her friends would compete for the best decorated gingerbread house. She was an extremely loyal and devoted friend. Kimberly, along with her friends, called themselves “The Stella’s.” This group of women have been friends for decades and they have always remained extremely close. Kimberly was a strong, caring, kind and passionate woman. Most importantly she will be remembered as a loving mother, daughter, companion, friend, and lover of all things Disney.
The loving mother of Daniel J. Ursino and Dylan A. Ursino, both of Middleton, she was the devoted daughter of Frances L. (Ciaramella) Kursonis of Cheslea and the late John W. Kursonis, the cherished fiancé’ of Jeffrey S. Mariano of Middleton, the loving niece of Josephine and the late Salvatore Fazio and Sherry and Tony Ciaramella, the treasured cousin of Salvatore “Teddy” Fazio and the late Nicholas “Nicky” Ciaramella and is also lovingly survived by her lab, Leia, the Stella Girls’ Group, many other friends, and extended families.
At the family’s request, please OMIT flowers and make a donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9188.
Patricia “Tricia” O’Donnell
July 18, 1963 – December 3, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Jean O’Donnell, affectionately known as Tricia, who left this world unexpectedly on December 3, 2025, at the age of 62, surrounded by the love of her devoted husband, William H. O’Donnell, Jr.
Tricia’s journey began in Chelsea, where she was born on July 18, 1963, the cherished daughter of the late Chester V. and Charlotte J. Zaksheski.
Tricia’s academic journey commenced at St. Stanislaus Parochial School and continued through Williams Jr. High School, culminating with her graduation from Chelsea High School in 1981. Demonstrating a keen interest in engineering from a young age, she pursued drafting and design studies at NE Technical School in Wakefield. Her educational achievements included earning an Associate’s Degree in Tool and Die Design from Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, PA, followed by an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Drafting from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Over the span of a remarkable 40-year career, Tricia contributed significantly to the fields of engineering and quality assurance at E.G. & G. in Salem, which later became PerkinElmer Optoelectronics and then Excelitas Technologies. Starting as a Drafter, her career flourished as she ascended to the role of Senior Quality Analyst, a testament to her unwavering dedication and expertise. Her commitment to education continued, as she proudly earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management in 2012.
Tricia married the love of her life, William, on May 1, 1988. Together, they forged a beautiful life for 37 years in Peabody, Massachusetts, where their shared love and devotion were evident to all who knew them. Tricia found joy in the simple pleasures of life—celebrating holidays with family, nurturing friendships, and curling up at home to watch her favorite sci-fi and reality television shows.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, William, and her cherished family: her siblings: Linda S. Wood and her late husband, David of Arizona; Peter A. Zaksheski and his wife, Donna of Chelsea; Andrea Z. Jackowski of Royersford, PA and the late Dianne M. Zaksheski. Tricia was a treasured aunt to Amanda Jackowski and her partner, Kyle, as well as Christopher Jackowski, all of Pennsylvania, and her late Godson, Jonathan Jackowski.
She is also survived by a large extended family, including in-laws: Dorothy Morgan and her husband, Michael of Saugus; James O’Donnell of Jackson, NH; Joseph F. O’Donnell and his wife, Kellye of Newburypor; and Mary Welch and her husband, George of Saugus. Tricia’s family was further enriched by her numerous nieces and nephews, including Whitney and Keri Morgan, Joey O’Donnell Jr., Brittany O’Donnell and her daughter,, Ruby Dixon, Michael and Brooke O’Donnell, George Welch III, his wife, Cristin and their son, Caiden, Meghan Welch, and the late Michael R. Morgan, Jr.
Tricia’s life was honored with a private family farewell service and burial at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, in Peabody where she was laid to rest. Those wishing to commemorate her are encouraged to consider contributing to a charity of their choosing in her name.
In her memory, we reflect upon the joy and love she brought into our lives, a lasting impression that will remain in our hearts forever.
Patricia L. “Patty” (Creamer) Schlicher
She was an “Auntie” to everybody, and the beloved caretaker of the family
Patty entered eternal rest Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her husband, while at home in Saugus. She was 74 years of age.
Born and raised in Chelsea, the daughter of the late James S. and Lucy (Ryan) Creamer, Patty attended school in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1969. She worked as a receptionist for various companies over the years, but retired from Microsurgical Eye Consultants in Peabody.
After getting married, Patty and her husband settled in Saugus, where she has resided all these years. Patty was an “Auntie” to everybody, and she was the beloved caretaker of the family. She loved the beach, going on cruises and taking vacations with her husband. She loved spending time with friends and family, especially during the holidays. Everyone went to Auntie’s for dessert on Christmas night! Patty will be forever loved and cherished by her family.
Patty was the devoted wife of Joseph R. Schlicher of Saugus, with whom she shared 54 years of marriage; dear sister of Dorothy E. Capone and her husband, Jerry of Saugus, Nancy J. Bright of Billerica, Robert H. Creamer of Billerica, and the late James S. Creamer, Jr, John M. Creamer, Richard G. Creamer and Linda Hamel; beloved sister-in-law of Cheryl Creamer of Peabody, Lisa Creamer of Woburn and the late Jimmy Bright. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours at the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., Chelsea, on Saturday, January 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Patty’s Memorial Service will be celebrated in the Funeral Home at 11:30 a,m. Services will conclude at the Funeral Home. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Patty’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 or on-line at www.alz.org.
We encourage family and friends to visit carafafuneralhome.com to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.