Around Town

OBIT: Lillian O’Bannon, 95, Raised in Watertown, Worked as Bank Switchboard Operator

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Lillian “Lil” O’Bannon

Lillian “Lil” O’Bannon, unexpectedly passed away on October 19, 2023 at the age 95 after a sudden illness. She was born January 3, 1928 and was raised in Watertown. In the early 70’s she moved to Malden to be closer to her daughter and went to work for Century Bank in Medford as their Switchboard Operator.  

Over her 20+ year career at the bank she became highly regarded and received awards for her exemplary service. She was always very independent and carried herself with grace, leaving a special impression on many people she came in contact with over the years.

Obituaries

OBIT: Freda Stephen, 96, Devoted Boston Sports Fan, Music Lover, Proud Democrat

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Freda Stephen

Freda (Bedig) Stephen, 96 of Watertown, passed away at CareOne Lexington on December 27, after a recent illness. Freda grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from Belmont High School. She worked at Farmer’s Insurance in Los Angeles until meeting her husband Dan Stephen. She married and relocated to Watertown and quickly became a proud Watertown resident. She always felt a closeness to her husband’s family and stayed in touch with them long after his death.

Around Town

OBIT: Robert McElroy, 71, Retired Watertown Police Lieutenant, Air Force Veteran

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Robert “Bob” McElroy

Robert J. “Bob” McElroy of Millis, formerly of Watertown died on January 26, 2019 at the age of 71. McElroy retired as a lieutenant in the Watertown Police Department. He served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam. Beloved husband of Virginia “Ginger” (Burgess) McElroy. Loving & devoted father of Ashley M. Bailey & her husband Brent H. of San Diego, Madeline “Maddie” A. McElroy of Millis, and the late Brendan J. McElroy.

Obituaries

OBIT: Ethlyn Bleiler, 96, of Watertown, Mother of 3, Grand Mother & Great Grand Mother

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Ethlyn Bleiler

Ethlyn Irene Bleiler of Watertown died on January 26, 2019 at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Bleiler. Devoted mother of Joseph J. Bleiler, Jr. & his wife Yvonne of Hudson, Stephen J. Bleiler & his wife Diane of Watertown, and the late Gayle Marie Bleiler. Loving grandmother of Joseph S. & James J. Bleiler and Meghan E. Lutz. Dear sister of Alice Richard of Duxbury, Dorothy L. Leslie of Stoughton, Nancy Lund of Billerica and the late Mildred MacLeod, George R., and Frederick Lund.

Obituaries

OBIT: Mary (Herlihy) Russo, Served on Council on Aging, Past President of Sons & Daughters of Italy

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Mary (Herlihy) Russo of Watertown and Boca Raton, Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.Mary’s passion was her family, both immediate and extended, who will miss her energy, excitement and infectious laughter. She was the heart of our family. She is survived by her loving husband David A. Russo to whom she was married for 51 years. Devoted mother to her daughter, Rosemary Garside and her husband Paul of Watertown, son David J. Russo and his husband Matthew McNeff of Watertown, and daughter Sister Elizabeth Francis (Linda) of Quincy (Daughters of Mary of Nazareth). She was a loving grandmother to Katherine Garside and Daniel Garside of Watertown. She was the daughter of the late John and Evangeline Herlihy and sister of the late
Alice (Herlihy) Walker.