19

THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 27, 2023 Page 19 OBITUARIES Irene C. (Gately) Craven Of Melrose, formerly a longtime resident of Malden. Passed away in her home on Thursday, October 19, 2023. Irene was born in Malden in 1934, the daughter of the late Martin and Grace Gately. She was raised and educated in Malden, graduating from Girls Catholic High School with the Class of 1952. After high school, she began working at the First National Bank of Malden. In 1957, she married her sweetheart, Robert A. Craven (retired Malden Firefi ghter) with whom she shared 58 years together until his passing in 2015. They settled down in Malden to raise their family, and at that time Irene stopped working outside the home to dedicate herself to raising their children. She later took secretarial positions with New England Trucking and Pullman Vacuum before taking a position with the traffi c division of the Malden Police Department. She worked for the City of Malden for over 10 BHRC | FROM PAGE 17 encourage them to develop relationships with the public higher education system and the Massachusetts business community, and contribute to the present and future economic growth of the commonwealth.” SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAMS (H 1169) – The Health Care Financing Committee held a hearing on a bill that would expand smoking cessation benefits for MassHealth recipients by providing coverage for additional cessation services including individual, group and phone counseling by a physician, dentist, behavioral health counselor, mental health counselor, certified tobacco use cessation counselor or other qualified clinicians. MassHealth the state’s Medicaid program that provides health care for low-income and disabled persons. “[The bill] would increase the number of certifi ed practitioners available to provide evidence-based counseling for those seeking assistance quitting tobacco,” said sponsor Rep. Christine Barber (D-Somerville). “Not only will this legislation help smokers identify their resources for quitting, but it could inspire someone who would not otherwise have taken on the difyears until her retirement. Outside of work, Irene was a member of the St. Josephs Mother’s Club, and the Junior Aide Society of Malden. She is survived by her children, Michael Craven (retired Medford Firefi ghter) and his wife Gloria of North Ft. Myers, FL, Stephen Craven (retired Malden Firefi ghter) and his wife Donna of Peabody, and Denise Leonard of N. Reading; her grandchildren, J-M Craven, Daniel Craven, Nicole Colby, Jessica Tringale, and Sean Craven, and her great grandchildren, Luke Colby, Brooklyn Colby, Ariana Tringale, Dante Tringale, Madison Craven, Lennon Craven, and Oliver Craven; her sister Jane Gagne of N Reading and many other beloved family members. In addition to her husband Robert, Irene was preceded in death by her siblings Leo Gately, Dorothy Ruelle and Elizabeth Stepasiuk, and her son in-law, Gregory Leonard. Funeral services were held from the Weir – MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, Malden on Monday, Oct 23rd, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in fi cult task of ending their addiction to do so.” BAN STATE FUNDS FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD (H 1224) – Another measure heard by the Health Care Financing Committee would prohibit any state funds from being made available to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, or to any of its affi liates. "Planned Parenthood is a well-funded organization that is often very politically active and very partisan,” said Rep. Jospeh McKenna (R-Webster). “I believe that this alone is enough to keep it from receiving state funding. I further feel that those who believe that abortion, the taking of human baby's life, is morally reprehensible should not have their tax dollars go to a private organization who has this as its core mission.” LIMIT TRAIN IDLING (H 3268) – The Transportation Committee held a hearing on legislation that would prohibit a locomotive train engine from idling longer than 30 minutes. The measure would also require the Department of Environmental Protection to investigate idling violations and conduct emissions tests to determine whether a train's emissions exceed carbon regulations, in which case the violator would be fi ned up to $5,000 per incident. St. Joseph’s Church, Malden. Interment followed in Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of fl owers, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Malden Firefighters Relief Association, 1 Sprague St, Malden MA 02148 or the Bread of Life, 214 Commercial St, Ste 209, Malden, MA 02148. Russell B. “Westy” West (The Legend) Of Melrose, formerly of Malden. Affectionally known as “Westy” passed away on October 7th peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. Russ was born on December 10, 1940 in Malden, MA and he lived in Malden until 1980 before moving to Melrose. He was educated in the Malden School System, Bunker Hill and Lowell University. He joined the Malden Fire Department in 1964. During his time on the fi re department, he received multiple accommodations and awards for his herSupporters said that trains will often park and idle for up to 24 hours, creating a nuisance for those living in nearby neighborhoods and harming the environment as well. They noted there are existing laws dealing with idling motor vehicles, including school buses, but the issue of trains idling in communities across the state has not been adequately addressed. "This isn't solely a regional concern; it aff ects communities spanning from Cape Cod to the Berkshires,” said sponsor Rep. John Barrett (D-North Adams). “[The bill] will prevent unnecessary emissions and improve the quality of life for those who live close to idling trains." POLICE AND FIREFIGHTER DEATH BENEFITS (H 2641) – The Public Service Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would change the current law which pays the family of a deceased police offi cer, fi refi ghter or corrections offi cer the maximum pay for the position the person holds even if that person had not reached the maximum pay level. The bill would increase the pension given to the family of the deceased by giving them the next grade-step above his or her position after their death. “I believe this bill is important so those who have peroism. The last statement on his discharge from the fi re department also noted that he also had so many unwritten accommodations. He was a leader and teacher to so many fi refi ghters. He retired on February 1, 1999. After retirement, he joined a group of younger people and traveled to Iceland and many other European countries. He also held a part time job at Kane’s Donuts in Saugus, a job he loved. He loved to take long walks in the Fells, 12-16 miles, a couple of times a week. He loved his family, especially being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He immensely enjoyed time with his fellow fi refi ghters, relishing the stories and memories they all shared. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Contributions may be made to the Malden Fire Relief Association, 1 Sprague St., Malden, MA 02148. A Celebration of Life will be held at Anthony’s of Malden, 105 Canal St., Malden on Saturday, October 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The family is most grateful to the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals of Revere for ished while protecting their communities can continue to support their families and loved ones after their passing,” said sponsor Rep. Angelo Puppolo (D-Springfi eld). “Providing these benefi ts relieves some of the burden from those left behind by someone who perished while actively fulfi lling their roles and duties.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “The ability to work, play and enjoy our outdoor spaces is a matter of environmental justice. This program is another example of the HealeyDriscoll Administration’s efforts to ensure our outdoor recreational areas are fairly and evenly distributed among all Massachusetts communities. From a new splash pad to cool off in the summer to an accessible town green for all people to gather, these grants will go a long way to bringing communities together outdoors.” --- Executive Offi ce of Energy and Environmental Aff airs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing more than $6.6 million in grant funding to make parkland and trail improvements and preserve and protect land in Massachusetts. “Teen driver crashes aff ect everybody on the road. Parents and caregivers play a crittheir assistance in completing funeral arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza. com.com. Christine M. "Tina" Donovan-Glennon Of Malden. Passed away on October 21, 2023. She was 74 years old. Christine was a lifelong resident of Malden and worked as a clerk for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Christine was the daughter of the late James and Helen (Flynn) Donovan. She was the loving mother of James P. Glennon. Christine was the devoted sister of Katherine Donovan of Malden and the late Joan M. Donovan and John G. Donovan. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Chritine’s life was held at Saint Joseph’s Church, Malden on Wednesday October 25th. There were no visiting hours. Interment will be in Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden ical role in making sure young drivers learn in a safe environment.” --- Mark Schieldrop, spokesman for AAA Northeast revealing the number of fatalities in teen driver crashes in Massachusetts reached 49 -- its highest point in over a decade. “The cost of housing is the biggest challenge facing the people of Massachusetts. We said from day one of our administration that we were going to prioritize building more housing to make it more affordable across the state. The Aff ordable Homes Act delivers on this promise by unlocking $4 billion to support the production, preservation and rehabilitation of more than 65,000 homes statewide. It’s the largest housing investment in Massachusetts history. Together, we’re going to make our state a place where people can aff ord to move to and stay to build their future.” ---Gov. Maura Healey unveiling a $4 billion plan to jumpstart the production of homes and make housing more aff ordable across the Bay State. "We appreciate the work the state has done to welcome new arrivals and recognize the BHRC| SEE PAGE 21

20 Publizr Home