Stephen Owen Coldwell 75, a resident of Southborough since 1967, died on Friday, March 13, 2015, at home with his family, following a 19-month battle with brain cancer. He will be remembered by his wife and best friend of nearly 50 years, Marjorie (Denham) Coldwell; his two children, Laura Coldwell-Stewart and Stephen Dana Coldwell; daughter-in-law Michelle (Moran) Coldwell, son-in-law James Stewart; and his two grandchildren, Robert Stewart and Sarah Coldwell, as well as a veritable army of loving family and friends.
Born in New York City, NY, on May 7, 1939, to Raymond and Dorothy Coldwell, Stephen and his brothers, Raymond and Rodney, moved to the Saxonville neighborhood of Framingham in the 40s, just in time for the birth of their sister Sara. He attended Framingham High School, where he served in Boys’ State in his junior year, and graduated in 1957. After graduating from University of Rhode Island, he moved to Southborough in 1961. He met Marjorie, the love of his life, on Halloween 1965, and the two were married at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Southborough in 1967.
He coached Southborough youth soccer in the late 70s and was a much-loved leader in the town’s Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs in the 80s. For more than 40 years, he served in the dual roles of Treasurer and Shipper for Middlesex Research, the family’s textile business in Hudson. After his retirement in 2002, he devoted much of his time to service work, including terms as Financial Secretary for Pilgrim Church (he was still Assistant Treasurer at the time of his death), Inventory Manager for the Southborough Food Pantry, and significant work with Habitat for Humanity. He enjoyed travel, country music, puzzles and reading, and his home away from home was the beach in Mattapoisett. More than anything, he lived for tending his vegetable garden and spending time with his family. As a grandfather, he was not content to simply watch Sarah and Robby grow up—he took immeasurable joy in being an active part of their adventures. He was a loving, thoughtful and funny husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, and he will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at Pilgrim Church on Wednesday, March 18, at 11 a.m., followed by a burial and a reception for those who wish to attend.
In lieu of flowers, Stephen asked that donations be made to Pilgrim Congregational Church, 15 Common Street, Southborough, MA 01772. A memorial service will be held at Pilgrim Church on Wednesday, March 18, at 11 a.m., followed by a burial and a reception for those who wish to attend.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St. Southborough (Morrisfuneralparlor.com)
(Obituary via Morris Funeral Home; photo contributed)
