Published in the June 22, 2018 edition
WOBURN — Louise R. (Farrell) Chase, 86, a longtime resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully at Winchester Hospital on Thursday, June 14, 2018.
Louise was born in Melrose on March 22, 1932, one of three children of the late John J. Farrell, Sr. and Ada A. (Goff) Farrell. Raised in Melrose, Louise graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1950. After graduating, Louise worked in bookkeeping in Boston at Lumberman’s Insurance and later John Hancock. As a young woman, she enjoyed traveling with a large circle of girlfriends to New York for plays and concerts. She was a music lover her entire life, and often reminisced about seeing Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and her favorite, Johnny Cash live in concert.
Louise worked as a Nurses Aide at Oosterman’s Rest Home in Wakefield and Melrose for 25 years. A sweet woman with an open heart, Louise enjoyed her work offering loving care and support to the residents. After retiring from Oosterman’s at 62, she continued her work as home health aide for Howse Home Healthcare, until finally retiring at age 71.
An avid Boston sports fan, Louise and Richard were season ticket holders for the Bruins for many years. Louise watched the Patriots in recent years, but most of all was a passionate and knowledgeable Red Sox fan. While analyzing the game, she often recited the full game schedule for the next two weeks.
The wife of a veteran, Louise was a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary with the VFW Post in Wakefield. A good cook, she often made her famous potato salad, calico beans or roast beef for member functions. Louise was also a regular bowler, and enjoyed bowling in several leagues in Melrose or Wakefield with her family and friends.
Louise led a life full of laughter and love, but above all, family was most important. With her unconditional love, Nannie never said a bad word about anyone, and always looked for the good in people. She was a true matriarch who cherished any time spent together with family, and always had time for a chat with her grandchildren. She was well known for “Nannie’s candy drawer” which was filled with special treats for all the big and little kids. She will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered as an easy going, sweet woman who opened her heart to her family.
Louise was the beloved wife of the late Richard L. Chase, Sr. with whom she shared 37 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Richard L. Chase, Jr. and his wife Mary Jo of Woburn, Robert S. Chase and his wife Lorry of Wilmington, and David J. Chase and his partner Beth Dickerson of Pembroke Pines, Fla. Dear sister of the late Frank L. Farrell and his surviving wife Ann of Melrose, and the late John “Jack” Farrell, Jr. and his surviving wife Phyllis of Melrose. Cherished grandmother of PJ Finn and his wife Anna Lisa, of Woburn, Theresa Crocker of Boston, Colleen DiMambro and her husband John of Billerica, Richard L. Chase, III and his wife Nicole of Woburn, Dianne Tarquinio and her husband Anthony of Stoneham, Marissa Chase of Manchester, N.H., Thomas Chase and his wife Ashley of Saugus, and Lisa Chase of Woburn. Loving great-grandmother of Nicole DiMambro, Anthony DiMambro, Ashlynn Crocker, Angelo Finn, and Lily Chase. Also survived by many nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat, Dixie.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Louise during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, June 19, and again on Wednesday for her funeral service. Interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. For directions or online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
