Leona Fothergill
Wife of late Chelsea Fire Chief and mother of retired Chelsea Fire Chief
Leona W. (Holland) Fothergill, a longtime Chelsea resident, died on Sunday evening, October 16 at the Leonard Florence Center for Living in Chelsea, surrounded by family members who loved her. She had reached the age of 90.
A Chelsea native who grew up in the city, Leona was the daughter of the late Henry and Margaret (MacDougall) Holland. She completed her education at Chelsea public schools and received her diploma from Chelsea High School in 1943. In her younger years, she wed Herbert C. Fothergill, her cherished husband. Their marriage lasted 61 years until Herbert’s passing in 2009. During her working years, Leona remained at home as a caretaker for her three children and household. She was a devoted supporter of her husband’s lengthy tenure as Chelsea Fire Chief, frequently assisting him with typing and the administrative responsibilities of his position. Those who knew Leona will remember her fondly.
Leona is survived by her beloved children: Arlene J. Fothergill and her husband, Bert Garrity of Woburn; Retired Chelsea Fire Chief Herbert C. “Chuck” Fothergill, Jr. and his wife, Patricia “Tricia” of Tewksbury, Robert “Bobby” Fothergill and his wife, Patricia “Patty” of Everett. She was the sister of the late Irene Curtin and Louise Losco, and sister-in-law to William Fothergill and his wife, Loretta of New Hampshire, the late John Fothergill and his wife, Peg, Kenny Fothergill and his wife, Dorothy, and Marilyn Julian and her husband, Ralph. Seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.
Services for Leona will take place at the Frank A. Welsh & Son’s Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Friday, October 21 at 9:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St., Chelsea at 10:30 a.m. All relatives and friends are welcome to attend. Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett will be the site of interment. The Welsh Funeral Home will be open for visiting hours today, Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Leona’s name to the Leonard Florence Center for Living, 165 Captains Row, Chelsea, MA 02150.