Obituaries

Donald Marvin Merrigan — “Don” to everyone who knew and loved him — passed away at home on April 15, 2026, at the age of 83 after a brave battle with cancer, leaving behind his family and many dear friends whose lives were made richer, warmer and more colorful by his presence. Born on March 19, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, Don lived in numerous places across the U.S. before settling down in his wife’s hometown of Marblehead, a place he loved deeply. He served…

John K.P. Stone, III, known as “Nick,” of MacMahan Island, Georgetown, Maine, died on April 17, while enjoying his daily walk. He was born on December 12, 1932, in Summit, New Jersey, as the first child of Dorothy W. Stone and John K. P. Stone, Jr. He grew up in neighboring Short Hills, where he attended local elementary and intermediate schools. In 1950, he graduated from The Pingry School in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He then matriculated at Princeton University where he graduated cum laude in…

Betty L. Barnett, 97, passed away on April 6 in her home, in the loving company of her family. The daughter of Lesley M. Lyon and Beth Ripley Lyon, she was born on May 30, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, and was a lifelong resident of the greater Kansas City area. She was predeceased by her husband, Clayton Wallace Barnett, with whom she had three children: Thomas Clayton Barnett (Carol) of Stilwell, Kansas (and former spouse Janet), Andrew Lyon Barnett (Jessica) of Marblehead, and Lynn…

Elaine May Jellison, 76, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth and lifelong friendships. Born in Malden, Elaine was the beloved daughter of the late Eveyln and Warren Heartquist. She graduated from Malden High School, where she was a proud member of the National Honor Society. Elaine shared a devoted 56-year marriage with her husband, Charles Jellison. Together they built a loving family, which was the center of her life. She is survived…

Sarah L. Stiles, 78, formerly of Beach Bluff Avenue, Swampscott, passed away on April 6 after a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late A. Hall and Harriet F. Stiles. She is survived by her devoted son, Hall Stiles Anthony of Swampscott, and her siblings, William F. Stiles of Darien, Connecticut, Linda S. Ferguson of Darien, Connecticut, and Elizabeth Stoner of Barrington, Rhode Island, along with her former husband, Jim Anthony of Marblehead, and many nieces and nephews. Sarah L. Stiles Sarah was…

Mary Louise (Sabisch) Schneider, formerly of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on March 26, surrounded by family. She was 92 years old. Born in Albany, New York to the late Alfred and Marjory Sabisch, Mary Lou graduated from the Albany Academy for Girls, Class of 1951.  She attended Springfield College, her father’s alma mater, where she was proud to be a graduate in the school’s first women's class in 1955. At Springfield, she met her husband of over 55 years, the late Richard L. Schneider. Two…

William “Billy” C. Bassett, 82, passed away peacefully on March 25. He was born in Marblehead, where he spent many years cooking for the Elks, the Riptide and the Three Cod Tavern, sharing his passion for food with the community he loved. William “Billy” C. Bassett Family meant everything to him. He is survived by his daughter, Terry Camarda, and her husband, Paul, and his beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Nicole Camarda. He is also survived by his brother, James “Spike” Bassett, and his wife, Cheryl,…

Norton (Norty) Halber, a resident of Marblehead since 1971, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the presence of his son at the Harriett & Ralph Kaplan Estates in Peabody. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Dorthy Halber (best friend and tennis partner); son, Eric; and grandson, Matthew. He also leaves longtime friends Jesse Kajko and Bill Smalley; daughter-in-law, Jodie Titus, her husband Cal Titus; and their children Rachel and Zachery. Norton was born on August 1, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio to…

Johannah "Josie" Crowley passed away peacefully, at home, on March 22, surrounded by her loving family. Josie (Hammond) Crowley was born in Marblehead on Oct. 5, 1941, as the daughter of Mary (Brady) Hammond and Ralph Hammond. She was predeceased by her son Sean Patrick; brother William; and sisters Anne Khatchadurian, Catherine Hammond and Mary Margaret Hammond. Josie was educated in Marblehead schools graduating with the Class of ’59 and then moved on to the Salem Hospital Pediatric School of Nursing. She met her future…

Jack McGrath died suddenly on March 21 doing what he loved to do most in the world — skiing. Skiing was his passion and he shared that love and enthusiasm with everyone from a very young age. Jack was 25 years old. He was spirited, joyful and loving to all around him. During his short, but full life, Jack made an impact in the communities he was a part of from Marblehead to Carrabassett Valley, Maine, and lastly in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Jack leaves his parents John…