Obituaries

OBIT: Henrietta Parrott Light, Cared for Greenhouses at Lyman Estate, Helped Start Chemical-Free Garden Tours

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Henrietta Parrott Light

Henrietta Parrott Light of Watertown, MA, died peacefully at her home on May 2, 2026. Henrietta (Penny) was born in Dayton, Ohio on Oct. 8, 1930, to Robert Ferguson Light and Henrietta Clunet Light, who raised her with a lifelong love of gardening and the natural world, literature, music, and friendship. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in early childhood education, which she applied to a year of teaching at Ruggles Street Nursery School in Roxbury before dedicating her energies to raising her four children and cultivating her interests in music and horticulture. Later, she attended the Horticulture Program at Mass.

Obituaries

OBIT: Michael Donovan, 38, Advocate for Children with Autism & Other Challenges, Devoted to Family & Friends

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Michael Donovan

The Donovan, Lazarus, Zinsmeyer, and Eurich families are devastated to share that Michael Maurice Donovan passed away on March 20th, 2026, from complications related to Marfan Syndrome. At only 38 years of age, this loving husband, son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend left us much too soon, but he will stay with us in rich memories. 

In his toddler years, Mike had long blonde hair and an irresistible, mischievous grin. Later at Shady Hill School, he found his quiet but razor-sharp wit, which he hid behind a subtle smile and a spark in his eyes until the moment came for the perfect quip. From an early age, Mike also possessed something that many of us still search for: the ability to completely and comfortably be himself. This gave him a quiet charisma and unflappable kindness that is hard to describe but impossible to forget. 

As a teenager, he became a leader on the lacrosse, soccer, and basketball teams at Beaver Country Day School, where he also uncovered a passion for English literature that stayed with him through his time at Occidental College.

Obituaries

OBIT: Donald Joseph “Don” Quinn, Watertown High Grad, Worked for 30 Years at Shipley Corp., Voice of Hudson Sports

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Donald J. Quinn

Donald Joseph “Don” Quinn July 17, 1941 – February 27, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Donald Joseph “Don” Quinn announces his passing after a short battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on July 17, 1941, in Watertown, Massachusetts, to the late Richard and Mary Quinn, Don lived a life defined by love, family, dedication, and community spirit. Don was a proud graduate of Watertown High School, Class of 1959, where he served as Student Council President. He was a standout three sport athlete, playing point guard on the basketball team, center field on the baseball team, and running back on the football team. Don went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Obituaries

OBIT: Jane O’Connor, 79, Former Watertown Teacher & Principal, Helped Establish School for Girls in Rwanda

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Jane O’Connor

Jane Elizabeth (McCarthy) O’Connor, 79, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, 212 Main Street, Watertown. Visiting hours will be held in St. Patrick’s Church on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

Obituaries

OBIT: James “Jim” Brennan Jr., 63, Computer Wizard & Educator

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Jim Brennan

A Mass of Christian Burial for James “Jim” Joseph Brennan, Jr. of Watertown will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 39 Sixth Street, East Cambridge. Jim was born in Willimantic, Connecticut, to the late James Joseph Brennan, Sr. and Donna Marie (Smith) Brennan. He passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 26, 2026, at the age of 63.

Obituaries

OBIT: John J. York, 85, Retired Watertown Police Detective

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John J. York

A Mass of Christian Burial for Retired Watertown Detective Sergeant John J. York will be celebrated on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, 212 Main St., Watertown. John “Jack” York was born in Brighton to the late John Joseph York, a retired member of the Watertown Police Department, and Rita (Marion) York. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on January 6, 2026, at the age of 85. Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Patricia (Ambrose) York.