Patricia Pierce
Retired Teacher
On Wednesday morning, May 9, Patricia Pierce of Peabody, who previously lived in Chelsea, passed away.
Having been born in East Boston more than 90 years prior, Patricia died at Rosewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Peabody, where she had been under supportive care.
Her childhood was spent on Spencer Avenue with her family, and she completed her schooling in Chelsea. Following her high school graduation, Patricia joined the Sisters of Providence convent and professed her final vows. She remained in religious life for 27 years until her sister-in-law’s death prompted her to leave in order to care for her brother. Subsequently, she worked as an educator in the Malden School System before retiring. During her later years, she lived at 5 Admirals Way and served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Rose Parish and St. Mary’s Parish in Revere, in addition to delivering Communion to residents of homes and the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home.
She was the devoted daughter of the late John F. and Ella (McKevitt) Pierce. Her siblings included the late Francis Pierce, Elizabeth Smith, Loretta McCormack and Sister Eleanor Pierce, SP. Patricia is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
The Smith Funeral Home in Chelsea handled funeral arrangements. Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett following services.
The family requests that those wishing to honor her memory direct contributions to the Sisters of Providence-Mission Advancement Office, 1 Sisters of Providence Road, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876 or visit www.spsmw.org/donate.
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Frederick ‘Fred’ Nowicki
Retired Chelsea Firefighter nationally recognized for heroism
On Wednesday morning May 16, Frederick A. “Fred” Nowicki, a lifelong Chelsea resident and retired Chelsea Firefighter, died at the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home at age 77. He had been receiving supportive care there for various ongoing illnesses.
A native of Chelsea raised there by the late Anthony Nowicki and Louise (Kozolowski) Nowicki-Hurley, he completed his education at local schools and earned his diploma from Chelsea High School in 1959. Fred played on the Chelsea High School Football team, which defeated Everett in 1958.
His education continued at Dodge City Jr. College, where he received a full scholarship offer to Arizona State. Instead of accepting it, Fred chose to return to Chelsea with his new wife, the former Beverly Renfrew, to build and support a family.
Before joining the Chelsea Fire Department in 1968, Fred worked as a truck driver for Monarch Foods.
Recognition for his heroism came nationally in 1972 when he recovered a bomb from the Chelsea Naval Hospital. The Chelsea Fire of 1973 was another significant event in which he participated as a veteran firefighter. His involvement with Chelsea Firefighters Local 937 included serving as Past-President and later being honored as President Emeritus. As a member of the Fire Department Color Guard and one of the original organizers of Chelsea Firefighters Memorial Sunday, which occurs annually on the first Sunday of June, Fred remained active in the department until his retirement in 2003.
Beyond firefighting, Fred spent many years working as a foreman at Travaco Laboratories in Chelsea until retiring in 1996. He belonged to both the Cary Square Associates and the Winnisimmet Social and Athletic Club.
In December, Fred lost his wife of 56 years, Beverly J. (Renfrew) Nowicki. He leaves behind his son Scott C. Nowicki of Revere and his son Paul R. Nowicki and wife Tracy M. Nowicki of Chelsea; grandchildren Mia V. Nowicki, Christina H. Nowicki and John Paul Nowicki; siblings and their spouses Linda and Frank Sobelewski of Dennisport and Roger A. Nowicki of Billerica with his late wife Linda; and relatives Paul Renfrew and his wife Sue Ellen of Southborough, along with nieces and nephews Brenda Sobolewski-Finn, John Sobolewski, Elizabeth Renfrew-Birkemose, Douglas Renfrew, Adam Nowicki and Rachel Hall. He was also preceded by his sister Janice Nowicki.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St., Chelsea at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, following a funeral service at the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea at 9:30 a.m. Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett will be the site of interment. All relatives and friends are cordially invited. Visiting hours at the Welsh Funeral Home take place Monday from 4 p.m. The Funeral Home is fully handicap accessible with ample parking across the street. For directions or to share condolences, visit www.WelshFuneralHome.com.
Anthony Memorial – Frank A. Welsh & Sons Chelsea, 617-889-2723