From dedicated educators and civic leaders to business pioneers and community servants, Marblehead lost several influential residents in 2024 who enriched the town through service, leadership and philanthropic endeavors.
Donald Watt Gardner Jr., 88, passed away Jan. 15. A lifelong sailor and civic leader, Gardner opened Jimmy Carter’s primary campaign office in Boston and served the town through various roles including work with the Marblehead Historical Society. He remained active in local Democratic politics throughout his life.
Norma Wight Vessot, 92, who relocated from her native Montreal to the Boston area in the 1950s, died Jan. 25. Vessot worked in Harvard University’s meteorite research lab before marrying and moving to Marblehead in 1960 to raise a family. She was active in various community organizations and enjoyed sailing with her husband, traveling, gardening and games. Vessot was the first employee of Salem’s Harbor Sweets confectionery.
Whitney W. Shattuck, 92, died April 1 after a yearlong battle with cancer. A Korean War Navy veteran, Shattuck was an active participant at the Marblehead Council on Aging, where he enthusiastically played pickleball, curling and bocce. His love for sailing was demonstrated through his 43-year stewardship of his wooden sailboat Arion.
Todd Norman, 61, died April 8 at his Marblehead home. A lifelong Marblehead resident and beloved figure, Norman devoted his life to the community he called “heaven.” He coached youth and varsity sports, served as a Recreation and Parks commissioner and was president of Marblehead Youth Baseball and Softball. Known as “Coach Norman,” he positively impacted generations of Marblehead athletes with his humor, dedication and unwavering belief in teamwork. His passion for community extended beyond sports; he also served on the board of Sterny’s Way Scholarship Fund and was a familiar face at Maddie’s Sail Loft.
Carolyn Stanton, 98, died April 15 in her home. She made history as the first female math teacher at Marblehead High School. Stanton was deeply involved with My Brother’s Table in Lynn, served as Marblehead’s representative to the North Shore Vocational School and was a docent at Peabody Essex Museum.
Nancy S. Graves, 94, died April 24. She taught chemistry at Marblehead High School for 16 years and science at Marblehead Middle School for four years. Graves volunteered extensively at the Marblehead Food Pantry, Lighthouse Thrift Shop, Marblehead Historical Commission, Dollars for Scholars and Friends of the Council of Aging.
Everett Chapman Goodwin, 87, died April 27. His cooking career began at his Great Uncle Clint Adams’ takeout restaurant at the Fort Sewall turnaround. He later managed the Eastern Yacht Club for 14 years and was a loyal Mason, Shriner and life member of the Gerry 5, where he served as board chair and was known for his Friday night seafood feeds.
Sidney Rose, 103, died April 28. A World War II Navy veteran who served on the USS Lapon submarine in the Pacific, Rose was a dedicated member of Temple Emanu-El and founded Salem-based Rose Displays Ltd. His philanthropic work included significant contributions to local Jewish institutions.
Dr. Robert D. Fallon Jr., 87, died May 20. A respected internist based at Marblehead and Salem hospitals, Dr. Fallon served the North Shore community for 47 years. His love of sailing and community life was evident through his active participation in local racing fleets.
Nancy Perkins Arata, 78, died May 26. As a trustee of Abbot Public Library, she spearheaded the $10 million renovation project and established the library’s Foundation. Her vision and fundraising expertise helped secure the library’s future.
Alicia Ellen (Harkins) Canniffe, 85, died July 9. She owned and operated Stowaway Sweets in Marblehead for over 30 years, where she was known for remembering every customer’s candy preferences and their children’s accomplishments.
Frances “Fran” Sheridan, 79, died July 20 surrounded by family. A beloved kindergarten teacher at Bell, Eveleth and Glover schools, Sheridan created the reading buddies program pairing kindergarten and fourth-grade students. She was a 50-year member of the Beach Club and active in community life.
Jane Camp Hunt, 87, died July 25. A member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and the Eastern Yacht Club since 1961, Hunt served as president of the Marblehead Counseling Center and volunteered extensively at My Brother’s Table in Lynn.
Kenneth MacLean Eldridge, 79, died Aug. 5. A Marblehead Football Hall of Fame inductee, Eldridge was captain of both football and hockey teams at Marblehead High School. He later founded Captain’s Quarters Marblehead with his wife Carol.
Dorothy Lawrence Stephens, 100, died Aug. 8 at Brooksby Village, Peabody. Stephens co-wrote Discovering Marblehead: A Guide to Open Spaces and Historic Places. An author and adventurer, she lived in East Africa during the late 1950s while her husband, Robert Fyfe Stephens, worked with the U.S. State Department and held academic positions. Her experiences in Kenya and Tanzania during a time of political and cultural transformation inspired memoirs such as Kwa Heri Means Goodbye and Africa Calling Me Back.
Karen Alexander Doub, 78, died Sept. 15. Born at the original Mary Alley Hospital, Doub founded Irresistibles in 1977 and ran it with her husband John for 46 years, growing it to 10 locations. She served on the board of trustees at Shore Country Day School and was deeply involved in community life.
Paul David Guertin, 88, died Oct. 11. Known as “PG,” he had a distinguished career as a civil engineer shaping New England’s infrastructure. He served on the Marblehead YMCA’s board for 30 years, helping to fundraise and oversee construction of the new Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA. Guertin was remembered for his humor, storytelling and dedication to community service.
Anne Shepard Bullis, 94, died Oct. 13 at Brooksby Village retirement community in Peabody. A champion athlete who toured with the U.S. Women’s Squash team, Bullis won numerous tennis and badminton championships at Marblehead’s Eastern Yacht Club and the Gut ‘n Feathers Club, continuing to compete into her 90s. She worked at Harbor Sweets for 15 years and was known for engaging with residents and visitors at Fort Sewall.
Nancy Levin Sack, 100, died Oct. 23. She was a dedicated English teacher at Marblehead High School, where she influenced generations of students and maintained strong connections with the community through her teaching career.
Priscilla Landis Moulton, 101, died Nov. 29. A librarian who helped shape children’s literature nationally, Moulton co-authored books about Marblehead’s history including “Molly Waldo!” and “The Paintings of J.O.J. Frost: An American Story.” She was dedicated to preserving local culture through her writing.
