Linda L. Sparks of Dorchester, 71, passed away on April 19, 2015 from sudden complications of long-term illness. She was born July 3, 1943 to Ethel Lee and John Jerkins in Loxley, Alabama. Linda moved to Boston in 1955 at the age 12 where she lived in the West End. She graduated Girls High School in 1961. In her graduating class yearbook her stated ambition was to attend college. It is also during her years on Beacon Hill where she began a lifelong relationship with Old West Church. While she had long been unable to attend, she remained vocal and demonstrative of her celebration of the church that instilled deep belonging in a community which held her with respect and love.

On September 8, 1963 she married, Joe R. Sparks, also an Alabama transplant, who she met in Boston and made a life with for 52 years.

She attended Boston University and studied sociology where a course project evolved into a career in law enforcement. She was one of the first three women to join the Quincy Police Department in 1975. Linda was a proud member of the QPD for 27 years retiring as a detective in 2001.

Linda was also a proud member of the Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Jurisdiction of Massachusetts where she was a Past Worthy Matron of Celestial Chapter No. 6.

Linda was a great traveler. She enjoyed exploring the history, culture and people of the Caribbean where she traveled extensively. She found deep joy and serenity anywhere near or on the ocean whether it was the Caribbean Sea or on the Cape. Linda was an adventurous spirit and at the age of 50 gave herself the gift of aviation lessons.

Linda was independence and grace personified. She is survived by her devoted husband, Joe R. Sparks of Dorchester; daughter, Melissa L. Sparks and partner, Martha J. Haverly of Ipswich; her sister, LaRose A. Jerkins of East Boston; half siblings; Elfina Jerkins of Loxley, Alabama and John H. Jerkins, Jr. of Troy, Alabama; her treasured godchildren, Kafe C. Williams-Kalez and Crystal M. Williams-Kalez of Jamaica Plain; aunt, Ruby Boyd of Riverside, California.

The family is grateful for the kindness and loving support of her friends, colleagues, Old West Church and healthcare providers over the years. Visiting hours will be held April 29^th at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St., DORCHESTER
9:30-11:30AM. Funeral service to follow immediately after at 11:30AM in the funeral home. Relatives and friends invited. Interment at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial gift to The National Kidney Foundation.

The National Kidney Foundation, https://www.kidney.org

Mailing address: NKF, 30 E 33rd ST, NY, NY, 10016. Please write, “Memorial gift: Linda L. Sparks” in the memo line.

Benjamin E. Raymond Sr., 74 a devoted husband of Chief Apostle Florine (Lawton) Raymond of New Jerusalem Church of God; departed this life and was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 19, 2015.

The Wake Service will be Wednesday, April 29^th from 6-8PM at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, Lower Mills of Dorchester, MA.

The Home Going Celebration Service will be on Thursday, April 30^th at 10AM at Morning Star Baptist Chruch, 1257 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA.

The family is requesting that flowers be sent directly to the Dolan Funeral Home. Monetary gifts can be left at the office of New Jerusalem Church of God, Inc. 1268 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA.

Harry Saintil, of Boston passed away April 15, 2015. Born in Saind-Du-Nord, Haiti on December 14, 1988, he was the beloved son of Clarel Saintil and Dieuca Nivonee.  Although Harry was a cook for many years at Brio Restaurant in Cambridge, he managed to obtain a degree in construction.

Harry leaves behind his five loving siblings: Michele, Dukakus, Patrick, Gregory, and Fabienne Saintil. Cherished nephew of Remy Saintil, Touissaint Saintil, Gustav Dominique, Jacqueline Saintil, Jeanine Saintil, Yoland Saintil, and Yvette Saintil.  Beloved cousin of Alann, Diane, and Aymaric Henaff, Jean and his wife Nadia , Giscard, Reginald, Herby, Nathalie, Jeamyr, Lara, Stephanie, Diane, Remy, and Marjorie Saintil, Dimitri Fleurisca, and the Dominique family. He is also survived by many friends, and mentor Maureen Goggin who will miss him dearly. A Mass of Christian Burial will held Saturday, April 25^th, at Saint Angela’s Church in Mattapan at 10AM. Visitation will also be held at the church from 9-10AM. Relatives and friends invited. Interment at Fairview Cemetery.

Cameron Aralton Whittaker was born on October 18, 1920 to the late Harold Sandiford and Miriam Whittaker at Sea View, in the parish of St. James, Barbados. Affectionately known as “Cammie” to his friends, he attended St. James Primary School where he graduated. Upon leaving school he worked as an agricultural laborer and later as a pipe layer for the Water Authority of Barbados. Between 1940 and 1953 he worked in Trinidad in the oil industry. In 1952 he married our mother Anetha Bannister until her death in 1965.

In the late 1960’s, he emigrated to Boston, United States to join his brother Joseph and sister Elaine. Eventually he managed to bring all his children to the United States to join him as well. His late wife’s simple tenet “Take care of your children, they are your treasure” became his life’s mantra. He was an advocate for education and enrichment of the mind. He put great effort and energy into his children’s education and goals.

He worked for many years as a baggage handler for Eastern Airlines and Pan American Airways. He also worked for the Prudential Center and the Best Coat Company, working two jobs and long hours to help educate and support his children.

He was an avid reader of newspapers, had a sharp memory and could recall minute details of events long thought forgotten. He loved having things in order, would never be late for an appointment or meeting deadlines for payment of taxes or bills. He enjoyed the beach, playing  dominoes, watching baseball and wrestling. He could be stubborn and determined. Once he made up his mind, it was nearly impossible to convince him otherwise.  Underneath he was a resourceful, caring, and inspiring individual with a rare selfless heart who would give you the shirt off his back. He had an unparalleled generosity of spirit, with unlimited boundaries for his family. He never forgot where he came from and he never ever forgot his friends in Barbados. Upon his retirement, he travelled frequently to Barbados spending time with close friends and relatives.

He had exceptional wisdom and a witty sense of humor, and he loved America, his adopted home of over 45 years.

Our father had the patience of Job, the gentleness of St. Francis of Assissi and the wisdom of Solomon.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Elsa Walker, Carson Bannister Ret. Senior Superintendent of RBPF (Barbados), Gladwyn Bannister, Merlene Bannister-Clarke, Glindon, Patricia, Sandra and Ronald Whittaker and the late Deborah Whittaker.

Brother of   Joseph Sandiford and Elaine Woodley

Grandchildren: Ryan Whittaker, Errol, Stephen, Dale, Junior, Judy, Reginald and Sean Bannister, Derek and Timika Downes, Shanita Clarke and Garikai Dzvairo , Karen and Joyanne Bannister (Barbados).

Nieces and nephews: Shirley, Edrick, Cecilia and Velda Burnett (Barbados), Marva, Orphia, and Margaret Sandiford, Paul and Paula Woodley and Joan Smith.

Daughters-in-law: Joy Bannister (Barbados), Joan Bannister

Son-in-law Victor Clarke

Sister-in-law: Vivian Green (Barbados)

Brothers in law: Morton Worrell (Germany) and William Woodley.

Several great-grandchildren, grandnieces, cousins and other relatives including the Sandiford, Whittaker, Greenidge, Griffith, Burnett, Hinds and Mayers families.

Treasured friends: Jocelyn Jemmott, Richford Richards, Helena Haynes and Diana Haynes (Barbados).  A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 25th at the Dolan Funeral Home, LOWER MILLS, at 11AM. Visitation will begin at 10AM. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery.

William  Collins of Milton ,formerly of Dorchester,  50 + year  owner of Mohawk Insurance & Real Estate , Dorchester,  on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.  Beloved husband of Maureen (Gallagher) Collins.  Loving father of Michael W.  Collins, Scott T. Collins and Mary Beth Collins of Dorchester.  Brother of the late James Collins, John Collins and Edward Collins.  Son of the late Dr. James J. and Sarah A. (Mulloy) Collins.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Agatha Church, Adams at Brook Rd., Milton, Tuesday, April 21 at 10:30 AM.  Relatives and friends invited.  Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., EAST MILTON, Monday 4-8 PM.  Interment Milton Cemetery. Late Veteran US Army Paratrooper,  Korean War Era.  If desired memorial contributions may be made to  Alzheimer’s Association 480 Pleasant Street Watertown, MA 02472, www.alz.org.

Paul V. Fanning of Pembroke, formerly of Milton, Jan. 28, beloved husband of Deborah (Meyer) Fanning.  Devoted brother of Kevin W. Fanning of Taunton, Moira E. Fanning of Pembroke, Martha L. Duffley of Milton. Uncle to several nieces and nephews and Great Uncle to several great nieces and nephews. Brother in law of Carole L. Wood of Vineyard Haven, Cheryl McCarthy of Pembroke and the late Warren T. Meyer.  Funeral Service in the Dolan Funeral Home, 460  Granite Ave., EAST MILTON SQUARE, Tuesday, April 21,  at 11 o’clock.  Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.  In lieu of flowers contributions  in Paul’s memory may be sent to the charity of ones choice.

Paul Fanning always cast a long shadow on everyone he knew, and it wasn’t just because he stretched six feet-six inches from his head to the floor. Yes, he was a big man, big enough to swallow defensive lineman on the football fields of his youth. But that wasn’t it. For those lucky enough to know him well, it was the size of his heart and the weight of his laughter that will linger on long after his passing.
Many people looked up to Paul, but he never looked down on them. Even though he projected a certain toughness to the outside world, he was generous of both heart and wallet. While he seemed frugal on the surface, he was always there for anyone who needed him, whether it was through a kind word, sage advice or a few dollars in your pocket.

Paul died on Jan. 28, 2015, just days before Tom Brady staged yet another remarkable Super Bowl victory for the New England Patriots. Paul had predicted it the night before he passed. He had faith in his team. He had faith in many things – family, friends, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, and of course, in Tom Brady.

But most of all he had faith in his beloved wife of nearly a half century. Debbie meant everything to him. In his final months he wasn’t always a man of many words. He was resigned to his fate and expressed it with a quiet dignity. But in his last days he confessed to being the luckiest man who ever walked this earth. He was able to spend most of his life in the light and love of a wonderful, wonderful woman.
“I would have been lost without her,” Paul said the night before he died.
Paul had a fascinating life. His passions spread in many directions. He played football and golf. He collected mint coins. He was a student of history, often traveling south to visit the gravesites of Civil War veterans and the fields of historic battles. He served in the Army in his younger days, and enjoyed films about the brotherhood of soldiers. He would watch “The Longest Day” whenever it would come on television.

He grew up in Milton. His journey eventually took him to BC High, then to UMass-Amherst, and then to UMass-Boston, where he studied economics. He spent much of his professional career in the insurance business.
When he finally retired he was able to spend his time the way he always wanted – exclusively in the company of those close to him. As he fell ill in his later years he was moved by simple pleasures – the taste of seafood, the soft purr of a tiny kitten, the sound of a ballgame on TV, and the gentle kiss of his wife.
Perhaps Paul could have lived a few weeks or months longer had he chosen the around-the-clock care of a medical facility. But that’s not what he wanted. He had lived an amazing life, with a wonderful wife and family always close by his side.

“I don’t want to be anywhere else,” he said the night before he died. “This is home.”
Paul Fanning always knew where he belonged.

Thelma Jane (Love) Cluett died peacefully April 9^th at the Samuel Marcus Nursing Home in Weymouth.  She would have been 82 years old on April 26^th.

Born in Boston, raised in Dorchester, Thelma was a graduate of Hyde Park High School.  She began her career working for Boston Gas Company before moving to Milton to raise her family.  She worked at the Milton Public Library before retiring from the Boston Athenaeum.  Thelma was a Past Worthy Matron of the Reliance Chapter Order of Eastern Star.  She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Milton.

Thelma was the daughter of the late Frederick and Edna Love.  She was the loving mother of Edward G. Cluett, Jr. and his wife Judi of Hanson, Donald R. Cluett, M.D. of Quincy and Peter T. Cluett and his wife Julie of Belmont, NH.  She is also survived by her brother Fred Love and his wife Arlene of Braintree, her niece Joanna Zehme, her nephew Robert Love, 10 grandchildren and her former husband, Edward G. Cluett, Sr. of Milton.

Thelma was a voracious reader.  She had a lifelong love of music, sang in church choirs and would sing and dance whenever the spirit moved her.  She had an infectious smile and a penchant for laughter. She truly understood the gift of love.

Private services were held April 13^th at Milton Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider carrying on Thelma’s charitable legacy by making a donation to a charity of your choice in her memory.

Rita N. McCauley, 95, of Milton passed away on April 10, 2015.  Beloved daughter of the late John and Bridget (Monahan) McCauley.  Loving sister of Marguerite McCauley.  Rita was predeceased by her siblings Eileen Perrotta, Amelia, John, Catherine and Elizabeth McCauley.  She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many grand nieces and nephews.  Rita was born in Boston and graduated from Cornell University.  She was a Professor of Biology at Boston State, Quincy College and Salem State College for over 40 years.  Rita grew up in Dorchester and moved to Milton in 1973.  She was a longtime member of the Girl Scouts, attending meetings until 2009.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:30 AM in Saint Elizabeth’s Church, 350 Reedsdale Road, Milton.  Relatives and friends kindly invited.  Visiting hours in the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON, from 4-7 PM on Monday.  Interment New Calvary Cemetery. 

Helen R. Szcesuil  of Dorchester, April 7, beloved sister of William Szcesuil of Quincy, Lillian Szcesuil of Carver,  Mary Stock of Sagamore Beach and Paul Szcesuil of Bolton.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.  A Prayer Service will be held  in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St., DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Monday , April 13, at 1:00 pm. Visiting Hour Noon to 1:00.  Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester.

Sonita Vilbrun died at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital on Tuesday, March 24, 2015.  She was 55 years old.

Born in Haiti on August 24, 1954 she was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph B. Vilbrun and Marie Anita Vilbrun.  Loving and devoted mother of Giovanni Aaron Thomas of Mattapan.  Beloved sister of five other sisters Eliana Vilbrun, Jocelyne Vilbrun, Nicole Vilbrun, Yolette Vilbrun and Annette Vilbrun and one brother Wesner Vilbrun.  Grandmother of Giovanni Alexander Thomas Jr.  Also survived by special niece Sandra Vilbrun and many nieces and nephews.

She was employed by Massachusetts College of Pharmacy for many years.  Sonita enjoyed cooking for her family and was a sister and best friend of her entire family.

Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St. Dorchester, MA Friday, April 10, 5-9 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial at St. Angela Church, Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan on Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 AM.  Interment Oak Lawn Cemetery, Roslindale, MA.