Stoughton Obituaries (Week of May 21)

Manuel J. Rodrigues

Former Stoughton selectman Manuel J. Rodrigues, 79, of Sagamore Beach, died at home May 16, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of Carla (Weston) Rodrigues.

Born June 1, 1932, he was the son of the late Manuel and Mary (Perry) Rodrigues. Mr. Rodrigues served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was also a member of the Wareham Elks, American Legion in Sandwich, and the Bourne VFW.

He was a self-employed carpenter for many years in the Stoughton area, and also served as selectman for the town of Stoughton.

Mr. Rodrigues and his wife owned and operated a Cape Cod package store. Manny also took great joy in fishing and boating.

He was the father of Theresa and Kim of Easton, Edward of Maryland, Gary of Marshfield, Nancy of New Hampshire, and the late Scott and Todd; stepfather of Steven Briggs and Nicole Rodrigues; brother of Albert of Buzzards Bay, John of Hyannis, Bobby of California, Lucian of Brockton, Freeman of Florida, and the late Mary of Florida. He also leaves many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at Corpus Christi Parish, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd., East Sandwich. Burial with military honors followed in the Massachusetts National Cemetery of Bourne.

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Nellie A. (Lola) Nye Holmes

Nellie A. (Lola) Nye Holmes, 92, died Monday, May 21 at the BayPointe Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Brockton.

She was the wife of the late Herbert Russell Holmes. Born in Stoughton, she was a life-long resident of Stoughton and a graduate of Stoughton schools.

She worked as a stitcher for Twinkee Rainwear in Stoughton and Robin's Sportswear in Brockton for many years, retiring at age 62. Mrs. Holmes was a member of the Stoughton Golden Agers and the Stitchers Union – Unite AFL-CIO. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing and crossword puzzles.

She was predeceased by her two children, Edward F. Nye and Nancy A. Nye. She is survived by her 7 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and her sister Lillian Semensi of Randolph and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Albina Durkee.

Graveside Services were held at  the Blue Hill Cemetery, 700 West St., Braintree, on Wednesday, May 23.

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Marjorie E. (Cluff) Howsen

Marjorie E. (Cluff) Howsen, a longtime resident of Stoughton, died peacefully, Monday, May 21 at her home after a short illness under the care of the Hospice of Greater Brockton. She was the wife of the late Albert L. Howsen.

Born in Boston, she was raised and educated in Dorchester and was a graduate of Boston Schools and Boston Clerical School. Mrs. Howsen worked as a bank teller for many years, retiring over 25 years ago. She was a resident of Stoughton for over 50 years.

In her free time, she enjoyed knitting, sewing and spending time with her grandchildren. She was an animal lover and Red Sox fan.

Mrs. Howsen is survived by her children, Patricia A. DeLoughrey of Easton, Albert L. Howsen of Stoughton and Jill E. Downs of Bridgewater. She was the sister of the late Thomas E. Cluff, Jr. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services were private. Donations in Mrs. Howsen's memory may be made to Hospice of Greater Brockton, 1324 Belmont St., Ste., 202, Brockton, MA 02301 or www.hospiceboston-brockton.com.

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Gerald V. Gaudet

Gerald V. Gaudet, a World War II Veteran of the United States Army and longtime resident of Stoughton, passed away on Monday May 14 at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Massachusetts.

He was 88-years-old and the beloved husband of Claire G. (Coughlin) Gaudet . Other survivors include his loving children, Alice McKain, Darlene Smith and Denise Birchmore all of Stoughton, his cherished two grandchildren, Gerald Smith of Stoughton and Sandra Birchmore also of Stoughton, and his two brothers, Raymond and Reggie Gaudet, both of Somerville, MA.

Born November 23, 1923 in Somerville, Massachusetts, Gerald was a son to the late Joseph A. and Theresa F. (Elliot) Gaudet. PFC Gaudet honorably served his country during WWII and was the proud recipient of The Good Conduct Medal, The WWII Victory Medal, The WWII American Campaign Medal and The European – African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars. Mr. Gaudet was employed as a Sheet Metal Worker by the D.J. Cutter Company in Dorchester, MA for over 40 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Town of Stoughton/Veterans Services Department, ATTN: Veterans Agent, Michael Pazyra, 10 Pearl Street, Stoughton, MA 02072 in Gerald’s memory, would be appreciated.

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