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Engaged Eastern Mass Woman Dies Unexpectedly, Community Rallies for Family, Fiancé
The community of a woman who "suffered in silence" rallied together to raise enough money to give her an "amazing" farewell, with money left over to create a foundation in her name.
Bruna Rocha, of Woburn, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Aug. 9, leaving behind a heartbroken family and a fiancé who called Rocha his "soul mate," according to a GoFundMe created for her funeral services and social media posts.
Rocha attended Matignon High School in Cambridge before attending UMass Boston from 2013 to 2019. She worked at, among other places, On Pointe Dance Academy in Everett, according to her…
Under Water, No Insurance: Eastern Mass Businesses Lean On Communities After Storm
A "fast-moving, deluge of a rainstorm" left Eastern Massachusetts businesses and residents struggling with significant damages. But locals have doled out support in spades, donating over $150,000 to recently-made GoFundMe campaigns to support those suffering from losses.
A "fixture" in North Andover's dining scene, Jaime's Restaurant, was among those seriously impacted by the tumultuous weather that hit Massachusetts on Tuesday, Aug. 8, and without flood insurance to fund repairs. The eatery, located at 25 High Street in North Andover, received a different kind of deluge after the storm pa…
Waltham Man, 35, Dies After Stroke, 3 Cardiac Arrests, Community Helps Widow Bear Burden
A Middlesex County man diagnosed with brain cancer died before he was able to start treatment.
Michael Martins, of Waltham, and formerly of Newton, Medford, and Framingham, died on Aug. 1 after a hemorrhagic stroke, brain bleed, three cardiac arrests, and internal bleeding of the lungs, according to a GoFundMe created for his funeral expenses.
The hemorrhagic stroke left Martins, age 35, disabled and unable to walk, talk, or eat for a period of time before his death.
"He touched many lives in a short period of time and will be truly missed by all who were fortunate to have known…
Beloved Western Mass Restaurant Owner Killed In Florida Crash: Family
Richard Daviau, the co-owner of a popular steakhouse in Hampden County, died on Friday, Aug. 4, in a motorcycle crash in Florida, his family announced.
Richard Daviau owned Prim3 St3akhous3 in Southwick with his brother and sister. The threes in the name refer to the three siblings — Debbie, Todd, and Richard Daviau.
His sister, Debbie Daviau, wrote about Richard's death on the restaurant's Facebook page.
Prim3 St3akhous3, is the embodiment of a vision of 3 siblings, Todd, Deborah, and Richard Daviau. It is with heavy hearts that Todd and Deborah announce that their brother and partne…
Eastern Mass Mom Of 4 Dies Unexpectedly, Community She Cared For Returns The Love
A woman known for her generosity is now being laid to rest with the help of her Middlesex County community.
Vilmaria Maldonado, a Lowell mom of four who worked for various non-profit organizations, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 28, according to a GoFundMe created to raise money for her "final farewell."
"Chispi loved to be involved in the community helping in any way she could," her obituary said. "She gave of herself to those in need."
Vilmaria worked as a CNA, social worker, and non-profit advocate, according to her Facebook profile.
Only days before her death, Vilmaria was maki…
Eastern Mass Mother of 6 Dies Suddenly At Age 43, Community Pours Out Love, Support
A Middlesex County single mother died unexpectedly recently, leaving her six children parentless. Now, one of her children is asking for the community's help.
Lynda M. Miller, of Somerville, died suddenly at her home on Saturday, July 22, at age 43, according to her obituary.
Miller enjoyed spending time at the beach and cheering on her children from the sidelines at their football and basketball games and cheerleading competitions.
"Above all, she put her family first and cherished time spent together," her obituary said.
Miller was a "devoted mother" to her six childre…
(Update) Fatal Hit-Run: 1 Dead, 3 Hurt In Multi-Car Crash On I-95
Police have identified the 44-year-old man who died Friday, July 28, in a multi-car hit-and-run crash in Essex County. One of the men in the car that caused the mayhem is still on the run, authorities said.
Valkisergio Costa Silva, 44, of Centerville on Cape Cod, died just after 4:15 p.m. when he was ejected from a Chevrolet Express van traveling southbound on I-95 in Topsfield near Exit 79, Massachusetts State Police said. Three other people in the van, whose names were not released, were taken to area hospitals. One, a 30-year-old man, was airlifted to Boston Medical Center…
Eastern Mass Mom Of 3 Dies, Community Helps Fulfill Her Final Wish
A fundraiser for a Norfolk County mother of three who died of cancer this week has surpassed its $5,000 goal in less than a day.
Gina Findlay, a Braintree mother of three, died on Wednesday, July 26 of melanoma, leaving behind her three children: Marissa, Michael, and Jordan, according to a GoFundMe created to raise money for her funeral arrangements.
Findlay, who said she was a "daddy's girl" on her Facebook page, wanted to be buried next to her father, who died in 2018.
Friends say Findlay declined rapidly before her death, and her family did not have time to make …
College Student Calls On Lynn Community After His Father, 'Best Friend' Dies Suddenly
An Essex County man and devoted father with the "most loving, gentle soul on earth" is being memorialized by his son, with help from their community.
Philip Randazzo, age 50, of Lynn, died on Wednesday, July 19 after a sudden illness, according to his obituary.
Randazzo was a talented carpenter known for his humor and dedication to his family. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, and going on bike rides with his son.
His 20-year-old son, also named Philip Randazzo, made a request for help paying for the costs associated with his father's death via a GoFundMe fundraiser.…
Recently-Married Beverly Man, 35, Dies Unexpectedly, Widow Met With Surge Of Support
An Essex County man is being remembered as a "ray of light to all who met him" as his community rallies to provide support to his wife.
Philip Joseph Newcomb Jr., of Beverly, died unexpectedly on Monday, July 17, at age 35, according to his obituary.
"Phil, who had a larger-than-life personality, made everyone smile and feel so loved," the obituary reads.
Phil was born in Weymouth and graduated from Randolph High School in 2006.
He was an avid fan of baseball, soccer, basketball, and hockey, and his favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys. Phil was also a passiona…
