Frederick Vincent Fortmiller, Sr. died on April 15, 2026. Fred possessed a rare intelligence, set an example of honesty and candor, and lived a full life, sharing his joy and loyalty with his family and friends.

The son of Hubert and Laura (Pollina) Fortmiller, Fred was born in Boston on September 26, 1928. He spent his early years in public schools in Newton, MA, before graduating from Phillips Academy Andover (where he was hockey captain), Harvard College (as a bio-chem major), and Harvard Business School.

He then served as a U.S. Navy supply officer in Yokosuka, Japan, where Fred developed a deep affinity for the Japanese people and culture. American and Japanese joint ventures became a significant part of his efforts as a business consultant, and he became a collector of Japanese prints, screens, and pottery.

Fred married Mary Jane Harvey in 1968, and they spent the early part of their 58 years together living with their children Lee and Fritz near the pond in Newton where young Fred had learned to play hockey. They then moved to Wellesley to watch sunsets over Morses Pond. Fred’s interest in the health of Morses Pond led to his becoming President of Wellesley Conservation Land Trust.

With their children grown, Fred and Mary Jane moved to a sea-side home in Gloucester and enjoyed their summers living on a down-Maine sailboat, inviting friends and family to share their coastal cruising adventures.

Throughout his adult life, Fred served his school, college, and business school alumni classes, led the trustees of the Phoenix – SK Club at Harvard, and became a stalwart on the Board of Harvard’s Commencement Committee. For over 20 years, he and Mary Jane were trustees of Thom Child and Family Services, caring for families throughout Massachusetts.

His life and his love for his family and friends will be celebrated at a gathering later this year, and his ashes will be scattered in the ocean he loved.

Fred is pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Frank Harvey, and he is survived by his wife Mary Jane, his daughter Lee, his son Fritz, his daughter-in-law Danica Mills, his grandchildren Rowan and Cordelia, his brother Hugh, his sisters-in-law Francie Nolde and Pat Harvey, his nieces Jennifer and Nancy, nephews Ben and Jon and their families, and scores of cousins, their children, and many friends who also loved Fred’s energy, wisdom, humor, and compassion.

Cynthia Joan Wight Rossano (also known since birth as Muffet), of Wellesley, Massachusetts, died March 21, 2026. Beloved wife of Kenneth R. Rossano for sixty-six years. Loving mother of Graham Wight Rossano, Brian Amsler Rossano, and Mary Penelope King Rossano. Devoted grandmother – ‘Greeny’ – of Colin Joseph, Virginia Avery, James William, Carter John, Peter Kenneth, and Louisa Lucile King. She adored her family and cherished time spent with them. Daughter of the late George Earle Wight, M.D., and Lucile King Wight, R.N., of Montreal, Quebec, and sister of the late George Earle Wight, Jr., of Toronto, Ontario. Also survived by many dearly-loved Canadian and American family members, and godchildren Cynthia Rolph Ballantyne, Susan Keating MacDonald, and Bruce John MacCormac; and grand-goddaughter Elizabeth Mary Moulton.

Cynthia grew up in Montreal, attended Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School, and graduated from Havergal College, Toronto. In addition, she attended McGill University, the McGill Conservatory of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, the Radcliffe Seminars, and Radcliffe Publishing Procedures, from which she graduated in 1973. After marrying in 1960, she and her husband moved to the Boston area and raised their family in Wellesley. A writer and editor with ink in her veins from birth, Cynthia wrote and edited many books aside from those at Harvard, including, in 1982, Volume I, Seventh Edition, of The American Pageant: A History of the Republic, by David M. Kennedy, Professor of History, Emeritus, of Stanford University, and she wrote for diverse publications including newspapers in Montreal and Boston; Parents Magazine; Harvard Magazine, and sundry house organs. She also happily taught piano to young students.

Loyal to and happy at Harvard University for close to forty years, her contributions there include, beginning in 1987, establishing a new tradition of the ringing of all Harvard and Cambridge bells on Commencement Day. She annually wrote ‘These Festival Rites’ and edited the Order of Exercises for Commencement; co-edited in 1992 ‘Foundations for a Learned Ministry,’ the 175 th anniversary catalogue for the Harvard Divinity School’s exhibition in Widener Library, and she fielded the exhibition ‘Thomas Hollis, Merchant, of London,’ in Houghton Library. In 2007, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of John Harvard’s baptism in Southwark Cathedral, London, and the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Memorial Church building, she wrote the catalogue for and fielded an exhibition in Pusey Library, which she entitled, ‘Heralds of Light: John Harvard and The Memorial Church, 1607.1932.2007.’ In 1998, she documented the special ceremony in which President Nelson R. Mandela was awarded an Honorary Degree, and in 2003, she edited and published the Third Edition of ‘Prayers for Private Devotions in War-Time,’ first published in 1942 by The Reverend Dean Willard L. Sperry.

Cynthia worked with her dear friend, the late author/editor/poet David Thompson Watson McCord – for forty years head of the Harvard College Fund – on his papers; and she edited Love to All and Four Hands Around, a book published in 2007 by the late Daniel Pierce, ’56, of his great-grandfather, Charles William Eliot, president of Harvard, 1869-1909. She edited Environmental Studies and Research at Harvard University in 1993; and served for more than thirty years as sole editor to the late Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes, editing and publishing innumerable papers and addresses, and all fourteen volumes of his sermons plus six New York Times best-selling books, including The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart, and The Good Life: Truths That Last in Times of Need. Further books are listed elsewhere. She also assisted in Professor Gomes’ classes at Harvard: ‘Religion 42: The Christian Bible and Its Interpretation,’ and ‘Religion 1513: A History of Harvard and Its Presidents.’ After Professor Gomes’ untimely death in 2011, Cynthia edited and published Never Give Up! and Other Sermons Preached at Harvard, 2008-2010; and in 2012 she wrote and published Durable Values: Selected Writings of Peter J. Gomes. In 2014, she wrote and published When I Go To Harvard, and since then she has written many books and essays of her own.

Ever an optimist, Cynthia deeply loved and cherished her family, cheering them on in their chosen endeavors, immensely proud of each. She loved her friends, her colleagues, the family’s adored Siberian kittycats Anastasia and Ekaterina, beautiful and interesting poetry and literature, all music – especially choral, harp, piano, and organ – national and international travel, the Maine coast, her home in Wellesley, her beloved Laurentians and native province of Quebec, and its best-in-the-world maple syrup.

She was steeped in Harvard history, loved sharing it with students and scholars, and willingly responded to abundant editorial requests. In her honor, in 2009 the late Daniel Pierce, ’56, established ‘The Cynthia Wight Rossano Prize in Harvard History’ at Harvard, to be awarded annually and in perpetuity to an undergraduate student; and in 2012, the acclaimed American composer and organist Carson P. Cooman dedicated to her his new musical arrangement of Samuel Gilman’s ‘Fair Harvard,’ entitled “Fantasia on ‘Fair Harvard.’”

In 1997, Cynthia and Ken established ‘The Gomes Lecture’ in Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, UK, John Harvard’s alma mater, in honor of the Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes, to be given annually and in perpetuity. They also made a gift of the main reading room to the Wellesley Free Library; were long-time members of the Harvard Club of Boston, where they served on many committees, and they were dedicated congregants of the Memorial Church, Harvard University. A memorial service will be held on May 1, 2026, at 2PM in the Memorial Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Memorial Church or to a charity of your choice, for which the family gratefully thanks you. Burial is in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Rosemary Orsi Holland, 82, of Mashpee, MA, died peacefully at home on Easter Sunday morning, April 5, 2026, after a long and remarkable life, one that ended with the same grace and strength she carried throughout, following a journey with ovarian cancer. She is the beloved wife of Clinton Holland with whom she shared 59 wonderful years together.

Obituary information for Rosemary Holland

Rosemary was born November 5, 1943, the daughter of William E. Orsi, Sr., and Catherine L. (Fitzsimmons) Orsi, in Fall River, MA. She grew up in Taunton, MA, and attended St. Mary’s High School. Her life was shaped early by both loss and love. After losing her father at age seven, she was raised by her mother within a close-knit circle of family, friends, and church; a foundation that shaped her lifelong devotion to caring for others. After graduating, she answered her call to become a nurse and caregiver. Rosemary attended nursing school in Boston and blossomed into a career that perfectly matched her spirit. From emergency room night shifts to GI outpatient care, and later as a parish nurse, Rosemary did not simply treat patients; she cared for people. Her career spanned several states and specialties including pediatrics, ER, and GI nursing. She was deeply admired and lauded by her patients and her fellow nurses and physicians.

It was during her time as a student nurse that she met her husband, Clint Holland, then a college student and her patient; a meeting that grew into a 60-year love story defined by compassion, humor, and a lifelong partnership. Rosemary’s life took her and her family to Wellesley in 1984.  She built many special connections with co-workers and patients as a Newton-Wellesley Hospital GI Nurse. After retirement, Rosemary and Clint settled in Mashpee on Cape Cod near family in Cotuit, where she found a deep sense of peace and belonging.

Rosemary remained deeply involved in her community. She volunteered her time in many ways, including as a nurse supporting runners at both the Boston Marathon and the Falmouth Road Race for many years, continuing her commitment to helping others in every way she could. She supported Cotuit Library fundraisers as an active member of their book club, was a passionate bridge player involved in several local groups and was a devoted member of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. Her faith guided her to lead the parish nursing program, where she continued caring for others in a meaningful, lasting way.

She was known for being both a remarkable nurse and an unforgettable presence, equally at home, offering care in a hospital room, or lighting up a gathering with stories and laughter. She was a loyal friend, generous beyond measure, and someone who treated strangers with the same warmth she gave to family. If you complimented her on something she was wearing, there was a real chance she would take it off and hand it to you, insisting it now belonged to you.

The light of every room, Rosemary was full of laughter, conversation, and possessed a legendary gift of storytelling that made everyone feel special. She was truly an everyday angel whose kindness touched more lives than we will ever know. She had a rare ability to put people at ease, offering comfort through a story and a smile, even in the most difficult moments.

Rosemary will be remembered as an angel, a storyteller, a caregiver, and a friend, someone who showed, every day, what it meant to live a life of giving.

At the center of everything was her family. Rosemary is survived by her beloved husband, Clinton Holland; her sons, Jeffrey Holland, and Peter Holland and his wife Laura Holland; her cherished granddaughters, Jules Holland and Jenna Holland; and her brother, William Orsi, Jr.

Rosemary once answered the question, “What is your definition of perfect happiness?” by saying, “My idea of perfect happiness is to be in good health, have a job that I love, be married to a wonderful husband, be blessed with children and grandchildren that we are proud of, and have enough resources to travel and maintain our home until it is time to go to Heaven. I have it all—but I haven’t experienced Heaven yet.” Her faith in God was strong, and she looked forward to Heaven and her funeral with peace and grace.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church, 5 Job’s Fishing Rd., in Mashpee. For those unable to attend the mass, livestreaming will be available by visiting www.christthekingparish.com/live-streaming.

Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, in Taunton, MA at a later date where Rosemary will be laid to rest alongside her mother, father, and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, Rosemary requested donations to the Matthew 25 Fund at her church. Gifts will support the charitable works of Christ the King Parish. Gifts can be made by sending to Christ the King Parish, PO Box 1800, Mashpee MA 02649, or online at www.christthekingparish.com/online-giving.

Obituary also published at the Chapman Funeral Home website.

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Ann Carter Jameson (AKA Ann Carter) of Wellesley, 69, passed away peacefully at home on March 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ann was the beloved wife of Philip, devoted mother of Alexandra and Elizabeth (husband Brian Civale), best friends to her twin brother Edward, sister Emilee (husband Stephen) Crowell, and sister Susan (husband Scott) Mega, and idolized aunt to ten nieces and nephews, six grandnephews, and two grandnieces. She was predeceased by her parents, Dora (Dischino) and Paul Carter, who were the major influences in her life.

Ann’s most cherished possession in life was the love of her family and friends. The love she shared and received back was overflowing. She also enjoyed her jewelry, handbags, and shoes as accessories to her stylish clothes, which she wore with a creative flair that seldom went unnoticed (“it was on sale!”). That creativity spilled over to her painting on canvas as well as through decorating shells as gifts, making floral arrangements, and sharing new recipes.

Professionally, she was known as Ann Carter, consultant for years with Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications, and more recently she built her own business as AC Communication Partners. Her clients benefitted from her wisdom, insight, judgment, creative problem-solving, and understanding of people and how they work together. She had a real talent for helping organizations distill their values and share their message clearly to the outside world.

Her dedicated nonprofit and Board trustee work highlighted her selfless, caring nature – always thinking of others. Her life made a real difference. As a successful woman in business and working mother, her success achieved with humility and grace, she set a shining example and was celebrated as a mentor by many colleagues and others with whom she crossed paths. The outpouring of love and admiration for Ann both personally and professionally during this difficult time has been overwhelming, and her family is beyond grateful.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, March 29th, from 2-6pm at George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street (Route 16), Wellesley, MA. Her funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 30th, at 11am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 502 Washington Street, Wellesley. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ann’s memory to William James College or Conservatory Lab Charter School. And always feel free to put on that piece that’s been sitting in your closet, that you haven’t found the right time to wear!

If you’d like us to run a complete obituary of your loved one on Swellesley, please send to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Beth McGinty, 94, of Duxbury and Wellesley, Massachusetts, died peacefully at home with her family on March 23, 2026. Intelligent, witty and kind, Beth’s strength, curiosity, integrity and humor have been a delight to those who knew her. Always invested in others, Beth managed life’s joys and challenges by focusing her extraordinary talent on those she loved, both her large family and the countless children she taught in her long career.

Beth loved her family first, especially her children, Kathy Griffin and her husband Rob, Ellen Grieco and her husband Bill, and John McGinty and his wife Ingrid, her grandchildren, Ellen Callahan and her husband Jeff and Sarah Ducas and her husband Matt, Matthew and Emily Grieco, and Christy Brantley and her husband Geoff, Caitlin, Shannon and Anna McGinty, and her great grandchildren, Jack and Dorothy Callahan and Griffin, Natalie and Theo Ducas and Knox and Hunter Brantley.

Born in Worcester, Beth grew up and lived primarily in Massachusetts near her much loved Boston and in the heart of New England – the best, maybe the only, place to live. The daughter of Thomas and Hester Dignan, she treasured her beloved brother Thomas Dignan Jr. and his wife Mary Anne, who have survived her, her sisters, the late Joan Fuller, Hester Curtis, Ellen Dignan, and Marian Drury, and her many nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Abbot Academy and Boston University, Beth was a public school teacher for over 50 years, first in Boston, and later in the field of special education in Wellesley, teaching thousands of children to be curious, kind and confident and to love themselves whatever their abilities or challenges. She loved children and understood them in an extraordinary way, entering their world with joy, enthusiasm and no judgment. With her special appeal for young children, she communicated effortlessly, almost magically with them throughout her life. Beth’s many different grandchildren and great grandchildren all loved her as a kindred spirit.

We love her. Beth was charming and uplifting as a field of daffodils on a Spring morning, she had a curious and discerning intellect and a warm and kind heart, and she was a truly extraordinary mother.

The family plans a private burial and celebration of life.

Cheryl Ann Colbert, known affectionately as “Pookie,” age 77, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, died on March 3, 2026, from dementia. She bravely survived breast cancer twice and persevered through heart failure resulting from her chemotherapy treatments.

Cheryl was born to Phyllis and Joseph Livernois in Southbridge, Massachusetts. A graduate of Woodstock Academy and Peter Bent Brigham Nursing School, Cheryl was a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner. She held a Bachelor of Science degree from Emmanuel College and a Master’s degree in nursing from Marymount University. She worked at Faulkner Hospital, Lahey Hospital, Olsen Home Care, Riverside Community Care and eventually founded Senior Care Alternatives, a geriatric care management service in Wellesley, with Frances Kerchner (the job in which she had the most joy).

Additionally, she co-founded the Wellesley Cancer Prevention Project, was President and involved with the Wellesley Garden Study Club, and joined the health and healing task force at Wellesley Village Church (where she was a dedicated member for 37 years).

She is survived by her daughters, Samantha (Todd), Sarah (Jonathan), Natalie, and her son John (Jill); her grandchildren, Tyler, Mason, Madelyn, Sophie, Jack, and Jane; her brothers, Lawrence and Jay; as well as numerous nieces, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Colbert, Jr, her brother Charles “Chuckie”, and her parents, Phyllis and Joe.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Wellesley Village Congregational Church, 2 Central St, Wellesley. In honor of Pookie’s passion for gardening, we invite guests to dress in Spring colors. Donations can be made in her honor to the church www.wellesleyvillagechurch.org and the Wellesley Garden Study Club www.gcfm.org/wellesleygardenstudyclub

If you’d like us to run a complete obituary of your loved one on Swellesley, please send to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com