Obituaries - Marblehead Current

10 Jan

OBITUARY: Jane Anne Allen, 89

Leigh BlanderObituaries

Jane Anne Allen, 89, of University Place, Washington, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 27, in University Place after a very brief illness. She was born on July 26, 1936, in Mitchell, South Dakota, and is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Margaret Mary Smith, and her sister, Margaret Mary Brosnan Wilkerson. She grew up in Huron, South Dakota, matriculated at Presentation Junior College and Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and taught in Aberdeen and Pierre, South Dakota.…

09 Jan

OBITUARY: Tamsen Drew Hood, 65

Leigh BlanderObituaries

Tamsen Drew Hood passed away in the early morning hours of Dec. 14 at her vacation home in St. Albans, Maine. Her partner and soulmate, Gerry Martin, was by her side. She was 65 years old. Tamsen always displayed the cheer and optimism she was known for, even during a difficult and final battle with cancer. She loved life even in hard times and held on to it with enthusiasm to the end. Tamsen was born on Oct. 5, 1960, in Salem, to Bruce Stedman…

08 Jan

OBTIUARY: Joseph Leo Brophy, 91, helped build cameras for Mars landings

Leigh BlanderObituaries

Joseph Leo Brophy, 91, of Marblehead, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, at the Residence at Vinnin Square in Swampscott. Born in Boston, Joseph was the son of the late Mary (Dwyer) and Joseph C. Brophy. Joe grew up in Hyde Park and attended Boston College High School, graduating in the class of 1952. He went on to attend Northeastern University where he graduated in 1957 with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. Ever a learner, he continued his education at Northeastern and graduated…

07 Jan

OBITUARY: Laurel Ann (Burkinshaw) McDonough

Leigh BlanderObituaries

Laurel Ann (Burkinshaw) McDonough of Marblehead passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 2025. Born in 1940 in Lynn to James Leo Burkinshaw and Anna Burkinshaw, Laurel was the youngest of four girls. She attended St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s in Lynn. She then attended Chandler School in Boston and went to work in several corporate positions in Boston before leaving to have three children. She cared for her mother for 18 years. She then took a position at Coldwell Banker in Marblehead for over 20…

06 Jan

OBITUARY: Mary Jo McConnell, 88

Leigh BlanderObituaries

Mary Jo McConnell, 88, of Marblehead, passed peacefully on Dec. 29, 2025, with her daughters by her side. Mary Jo lived to the beat of her own drum, seeing the world through a lens uniquely her own. An artist in both spirit and practice, she found beauty everywhere — in birds and fish, flowers and even overlooked creatures, including beetles and rats. Curious, creative and deeply observant, she delighted in sharing this perspective through her art and her actions, reminding others to slow down and…

04 Jan

Stephen Wright Ware, 71

Leigh BlanderObituaries

Stephen Wright Ware passed away Dec. 31, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He leaves his mother Amy Lockerbie Smith, his brother Brian L. Ware and his sister-in-law Rebecca Ware. He was pre-deceased by his sister Sharon Ware Kellum. Steve loved Marblehead and spent a good part of his working life in Abbot Hall. He was a lover of music and photography. There will be a private memorial service at a later date. If you would care to make donations in Steve’s memory, please do so…

01 Jan

OBITUARY: Judith Lee (Goodwin) O’Leary

Leigh BlanderObituaries

Judith Lee (Goodwin) O’Leary passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family on Dec. 24, 2025. Judy leaves behind her daughter, Tara O’Leary MacCarthy and her husband, Kenny; her grandchildren, Dr. Keira (O’Donovan) Martinez and her wife, Dr. Jennifer Martinez, Connor O’Leary and his wife Katherine. Judy is also survived by her two beloved great-granddaughters, Eve Martinez and Saoirse O’Leary, and her loving extended family and dear, life-long friends. Judy was predeceased by many loved ones, including her husband, Capt. Douglas M. O’Leary,…

01 Jan

OBITUARY: Rosalyn Weinstein

Leigh BlanderObituaries

Rosalyn Weinstein of Marblehead entered into rest on Dec. 30, 2025, at the age of 91. She was the beloved wife of Saul Weinstein (deceased) and a devoted mother to Steven (Linda) Weinstein and Susan Bean (Thomas Sheehey). Rosalyn was a loving grandmother to Katie (Mark) O’Shea, Timothy Weinstein, Samantha (Zachary) Weiss, Mik Bean and Bekka Bean, and a cherished great-grandmother to Will, Scotty and Emmie O’Shea, as well as J.J., Lukey and Ellie Weiss. Roz grew up in Malden and later moved to Marblehead,…

01 Jan

OBITUARY: Joseph E. Homan, 86

Leigh BlanderObituaries

Joseph E. Homan Jr., 86, died peacefully on Dec. 25, at the Kaplan house in Danvers. He was a lifelong Marbleheader, who was educated in the Marblehead public school system. Joe, also known as Skip by childhood friends, served as a Marblehead police officer for over 30 years. In retirement, he worked part time for the Marblehead Harbormaster. Joe was an avid golfer who played in Scotland, England, South Carolina etc. with his golf buddies. He was also a member of the Gerry 5 and…

30 Dec

Some of Marblehead’s notable deaths in 2025

Leigh BlanderObituaries, Top Stories

From dedicated town volunteers and community leaders to a highly decorated veteran, renowned journalist, artist and social worker, Marblehead lost many notable residents in 2025. This list is not comprehensive. Readers who wish to suggest an addition may email info@marbleheadnews.org. Ed Bell, 84 Ed Bell was an award-winning journalist and community volunteer whose career in news spanned five decades. A co-founder and president of the Marblehead Current, Bell worked in newspapers, broadcasting and wire services, leading coverage of some of the most consequential stories of…