Virginia M. 'Ginny' Tewell Obituary (1923 - 2016)

Virginia M. (Costello) Tewell, 93, a longtime Chelmsford resident, passed away on Wednesday December 28, 2016, following a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold E. Tewell. Ginny was a devoted wife, mother grandmother and loyal friend. She was an avid reader who stayed current and served others with a kind word, a simple story or through her prayers. Born in Boston on May 9, 1923, she was a daughter of the late Francis X. and Margaret E. (Pillsworth) Costello. After graduating from high school Ginny was employed by Sears Roebuck in Kenmore Square, Boston, MA and later in life in the infant clothing department at Sears in Lowell, MA. In her thirty years of employment she especially enjoyed helping new mothers outfit their young children, sharing her retail expertise and developing lasting bonds. A woman of faith and service, Ginny was a communicant of St. Mary Church where she was active in many facets of the church including Eucharistic, Hospital and Bereavement ministry. Through St. Mary's she also formed many friendships especially with "The Ladies" (Fran Campbell, Polly Duffy, Mary Littlefield, Olive Looney and Chris Moran) who helped support her after the death of her husband and father on September 26, 1982. Ginny enjoyed spending time on Nantucket with her dear friend, Anne and relaxing in the Cayman Islands with her sister, Barbara. Most recently she cherished her visits with her sisters Maureen and Jean. As a child, she enjoyed watching the Boston Olympics at the original Boston Garden and always looked forward to cheering on the Bruins, Red Sox, Celtics and New England Patriots. Most of all Ginny enjoyed creating and sharing fond memories with her sisters, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. They will all miss her stories, smile, laugh and wit. Ginny is survived by her children, Charles F. "Chuck" Tewell and his wife, Cheryl of York, ME, Maryann Hayward and her husband, Clyde of Chelmsford, Kathleen J. Shultz and Dale Rector of Lunenburg, MA; her sisters and brother-in-law Barbara MacKenzie and her husband, Donald of Mansfield, TX, Jean Mahoney of Billerica, Maureen Barry of Westford; 6 grandchildren, Kristie Tello, Eric Hayward, Peter Tello, Michael Shultz, Chelsey Tewell, and Paige Tewell; 6 great grandchildren, her cousin Patricia Costello, many dear friends including Anne Stennett, Sharon McArdle, childhood friends Estelle Hieger, Sr. Claire Quinlan, Sr. Evelyn Claire, many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Dorothy Kelleher. Visitation will be held on Tuesday January 3, 2017 from 3 until 7 PM in the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 AM in St. Mary Church, 25 North Road, Chelmsford. Interment will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. For those who wish, donations in her loving memory may be made to: Catholic TV, PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471. Visitation January 3, 2017 3:00pm - 7:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information January 4, 2017 11:00am, Saint Mary Catholic Church 25 North Road Chelmsford, MA 01824 Interment Location Pine Ridge Cemetery 130 Billerica Road Chelmsford, MA 01824