Obituaries 03-21-2024

Kara Kelley

A beloved member of the Winthrop Community

Kara Kelley, a beloved member of the Winthrop community, passed away on March 17, 2024.

Kara was known for her infectious smile that could light up any room. She was a friend to everyone she met and touched the lives of many. Kara dedicated many years of her life to working for ROCA, where she passionately helped youth in need. She was also an active member of the recovery community for many years, offering her support and kindness to those on their own paths to healing. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the memories of those whose lives she brightened with her warmth, compassion and unwavering friendship. Rest in peace, dear Kara.

Kara was the loving daughter of Paul Kelley and his late wife, Virginia Maxwell and Mary (Cohan) Donovan and her late husband, Thomas Donovan. She is survived by her devoted sister, Erin Kehoe and husband, Nathan. Kara was a cherished niece of Lois Cohan, Diane Cohan, Robert Kelley, Thomas Kelley and was predeceased by Claudia Kavanough, Bernadette Davis, Francis Cohan, Joseph Cohan, Ethel Kelley, and Ann Kelley. She was an adored aunt to Norah and Spencer, and leaves behind many cousins and friends. She also leaves behind her beloved canine companion, Fitz.

Kara’s family and friends will gather to honor her life at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, East Boston, on Wednesday, March 27th, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. John the Evangelist/ St. Michael the Archangel Parish for an 11:30 a.m. Mass. Kara will then be laid to rest at Winthrop Cemetery, Belle Isle Section. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center, MSPCA-Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130. Rest in peace, dear Kara. To leave an online condolence visit www.ruggieromh.com.

Linda Grace Wagner-Tzannos

Her fierce and independent spirit took her boldly through life on many adventures across the world

Linda Grace (Johns) Wagner-Tzannos of Winthrop passed away Tuesday, February 27 at home after a brave battle with brain cancer.

Linda was born in Chelsea on July 23, 1947 to Angelina (Ferrara) Johns and Nelson Johns. She spent part of her early childhood in Alabama and had fond memories of the quiet solitude and spending time in nature. She grew up in East Boston and proudly graduated from the Peter Bent Brigham School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. Linda also attended UMass Boston, where she developed her love of French Studies and dance.

Linda’s fierce and independent spirit took her boldly through life on many adventures across the world. She spoke French and German fluently. She loved music and the arts. As an avid runner and ballroom dancer, health and fitness were a very important part of her life until the very end. She adored her cats Charlie and Henry and all creatures great and small.

I love you Mom. Have a good rest.

Linda was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gregory F. Tzannos of Winthrop. She is survived by her daughters Kimberly Wagner-Melendez of Winthrop and Krista Tzannos-Byron of Salem; grandchildren, “her kids,” Ysabelle Regis of Watertown, MA, Pocknett of Winthrop,  and Elektra Newman of Watertown. She is also survived by her sister, Deborah Jones and brothers, Richard Johns and Steven Johns, her lifelong friend, Maggie Mooney as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Greenpeace at https://engage.us.greenpeace.org>donate.

Services were private and under the direction of the Caggiano-O’Maley-Frazier Funeral Home, Winthrop.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.caggianofuneralhome.com.

Robert “Higgy” Higginbotham

US Airways retiree

Robert “Higgy” E. Higginbotham, 80, of Peabody, formerly of Winthrop, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 14 at Lahey Clinic Hospital in Burlington surrounded by his loving family. 

He was the beloved husband of Mary Ellen (Barry) Higginbotham with whom he shared 38 years of marriage.

He was born in Revere on October 8, 1943, the cherished son of the late Joseph and Helen (Hock) Higginbotham. Robert was raised in Winthrop and graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School in Boston.  After graduating, he joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War Era. He enjoyed a 25-year career at US Airways holding many roles while there.

After retirement, Robert and his wife traveled, taking trips to Las Vegas and numerous cruises to various destinations.  He enjoyed going to the casinos in Connecticut and most recently locally in Seabrook, NH. 

In addition to his wife, Mary Ellen, Robert is survived by his son, Rob Dower; his brother, Joseph Higginbotham; his sister, Ruth Loughran and her husband, James; his sister-in-law, Josephine Higginbotham and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Sadly, in addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, John, Paul and David Higginbotham; his sister, Joan Cook; and his sister-in-law, Martina Higginbotham. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody on Sunday, March 24 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m.  Burial will be private.  At the family’s request, please OMIT flowers. 

Donations may be made in Robert’s memory to Habitat for Humanity by visiting www.habitat.org?

For guestbook and directions, please visit ?www.ccbfuneral.com.