Author Archives: Dana Farwell

   Lucille M. (Quigley) Bertrand, a Nashua native and lifelong resident, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, September 16, 2025 on her 101^st birthday. Lucille was the wife of the late Albert R. Bertrand.          

   A daughter of the late James P. and Elsie (Pelkey) Quigley, she was born in Nashua on September 16, 1924 and grew up in the Crown Hill neighborhood of this city. Educated in local schools, Lucille was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1942. 

    Lucille had worked for a time at the Nashua Gummed and Coated Paper Company where she met her future husband. Lucille and Albert were married on August 9, 1947 and made their home on Stark Street for many years. Lucille was a homemaker and after raising six children she was employed by the Nashua School District until her retirement in 1990. The couple shared over 55 years together until Al’s passing on January 10, 2003.

    In her leisure time, Lucille enjoyed baking, traveling, knitting and crocheting. She was a communicant of St. Christopher Church.

    Members of her family include five sons, Douglas Bertrand and his wife Holly, Daniel Bertrand, David Bertrand, Christopher Bertrand and Thomas Bertrand; her daughter, the late Deborah Sue McNally, who passed away April 15, 2013; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, William Quigley; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Lucille was predeceased by three brothers, John P. Quigley, Edward T. Quigley (former Postmaster General in Nashua) and James Quigley; and two sisters, Dorothy Quigley and Jane Quigley.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, September 23^rd from 2 to 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Wednesday, September 24^th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Paul A. Desrosiers, 87, of Nashua, NH, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025.          

   A lifelong resident of Nashua, Paul was born on July 4^th, 1938, a son of the late Ernest and Philomene (Noel) Desrosiers. He was a 1956 graduate of Nashua High School after which came his marriage to Laurette (Soucy) Desrosiers on September 6, 1958. They enjoyed fifty-four years together and shared many beautiful memories before the Angels swept her away in 2012. 

    Paul served with the Nashua Fire Department for twenty-three years, retiring in 1983, after which he was an active member of The Retired Firefighters Association.

    Besides his wife Laurette, he is predeceased by brothers, Robert and Leo Desrosiers; sisters Claire (Hayden), Theresa (St. Laurent), and Mary Jane (Cross).

    He is survived by one son, Brian Desrosiers; two daughters, Laurie Spicer and Janet Fabian; five grandchildren, Angela, Jessica, Meagan, Derek and Jeffrey. Paul was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Novalee, Daniel, Leland and Bella; two great-great-grandchildren, Matteo and David; and many nieces and nephews.

    Paul had a routine which he tended to every morning. His visits to the Bright Spot where he would socialize, drink coffee, and share his six pack of mini donuts. For everyone there, we feel blessed in knowing he had you all as friends and acquaintances.

     Thank you also to the neighborhood friends for looking out for him and supplying help when needed. We would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Mr. Robert Burnham for your caring, concern and help you gave to our father. You were always there for him when he needed you and we are deeply grateful to know he had such a wonderful friend in you. Also, thank you to the Community Health and Hospice in Merrimack.

      As per Paul’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Graveside ceremony will be held at St. Louis De Gonzague Cemetery, 752 West Hollis Street, Nashua, on Wednesday, September 10^th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nashua Firefighters Relief Association, 177 Lake Street, NH 03060.

    Psalms 23:4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me.

   To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

Brenda Marie Hamelin, of Hudson, NH, passed away peacefully at home, on the 31^st of August, surrounded by the love of her family. Brenda was the widow of Raymond G. Hamelin, Jr.

Born on July 19, 1944, in Nashua, NH, she was the daughter of the late Frederick J. and Evelyn A. (Jalbert) Richardson. Brenda dedicated her life to caring for those she loved. Her greatest joy was her daughter, Jennifer, and her beloved grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She cherished every moment with them, and her family will always remember her warmth, laughter, and unwavering love.

For over 55 years, Brenda worked as a hairdresser, sharing not only her skill but also her kindness and friendship with everyone who sat in her chair. Her clients quickly became friends, and she built a legacy of compassion and connection through her work.

Outside of the salon, Brenda found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending sunny days at the beach, where she felt most at peace, and she enjoyed many fun-filled evenings playing bingo with friends.

Brenda will be remembered for her generosity, warmth, quick wit, and the way she made everyone feel special.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was predeceased by her husband Ray, who passed away on December 22, 2016. They were married on February 4,1967 and shared nearly 50 years together.

She was also predeceased by her brothers, Carl F. Richardson in November 2001 and Alan J. Richardson in January of this year.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer & Peter Cebrero, her grandchildren, Isabella and Sofia, and many friends and extended family who will deeply miss her.

A private service will be held to honor her life. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

   Constance D. (Soucy) Lavoie Acquino, 90, of Nashua, widow of Roger P. Lavoie and Frederick E. Acquino, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, August 26, 2025 at the Crestwood Center in Milford.         

   A daughter of the late Elie J. and Marie D. (Parent) Soucy, she was born in Van Buren, Maine on September 9, 1934. “Connie” made her home in Nashua for the greater part of her life and was educated in local schools.

    In addition to raising her family, Connie was employed at Wingate’s Pharmacy as a pharmacy tech for many years. As a young woman, she also worked at Bell Shops and Sprague Electric Company.

    Connie loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her leisure time, she enjoyed cooking and baking.

   Besides her parents, Connie was predeceased by her 1^st husband, Roger Lavoie in June 1990 and her 2^nd husband, Frederick Acquino in April 2011; and her son, David Lavoie in 2012. Connie was also predeceased by seven brothers, Leo, Joseph, Lawrence, Philip, Gerard, Henry and Clifford Soucy; and her sisters, Rita Pelletier and Aurore Pelletier.  

    Members of her family include her sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Tracy Lavoie Gerald and Cheryl Lavoie and Carol Lavoie (widow of David Lavoie), nine grandchildren, James, Brian, Jacob, Melissa, Daniel, Jessica, Carrie, Shawn and Ryan; twelve great-grandchildren; her step-daughters, Elizabeth Jureka and Jane Acquino; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

    There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Thursday, September 4^th at 10 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be private. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

Doris P. (Latour) Gagnon, 88, a lifelong Nashua resident and widow of E. Paul Gagnon, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, August 24, 2025 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack.

A daughter of the late Joseph M. and Cecile R. (Guerette) Latour, she was born in Nashua on March 25, 1937. Her parents owned and operated Latour’s Market on Kinsley Street for many years. Educated in local schools, Doris attended the former Sacred Heart School of St. Patrick Church and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1955. She furthered her education at Rivier College.

Prior to her marriage, Doris worked as an executive secretary for Improved Machinery. She later assisted her husband in the operation of Studio Press/Art Studio which developed into Foster Graphics Corporation and Artist Discount Outlet. The Gagnon’s established the business in 1959 and continued until their retirement in 2004.

Doris loved traveling with her family all over New England, especially to Maine and Vermont and multiple trips to Montreal, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and The Netherlands. She was an avid reader, loved world history, gardening, flowers, dining out and going on long car journeys. In addition to her parents, Doris was predeceased by her husband Paul, who passed away February 26, 2009. They were married on Memorial Day of 1959 and shared nearly 50 years together.

Members of her family include her sons, Stephen M. Gagnon of Nashua and the late Edward Paul Gagnon, who passed away on October 31, 1984; her brother, Richard Latour of Nashua; her sister, Linda Latour and close family friend, Linda Ricard of Concord; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Louis and Jane Gagnon of Portsmouth; nieces and nephews, Pamela Ward and her husband Andrew of Portsmouth, Peter Gagnon and his wife Stephanie of Pelham, Thomas Latour of Wilton, Suzanne Foley and her partner Rob Delgado of Nashua, Catherine Porusta and her friend Kevin Callanan of Arcadia Florida.

There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Monday September 8th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Family and friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in Doris’ memory to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, saintjude.org or to The ALS Association, als.org.  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua

   Jacqueline A. (Deschenes) Berube, 85, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away late Tuesday evening, August 19, 2025 at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester after a period of declining health.

    A daughter of the late Therese Artemise (Bousquet) and Antoine Thomas Deschenses, she was born in Nashua on July 31, 1940. Educated in local schools, “Jackie” was a graduate of the former St. Louis de Gonzague High School Class of 1958.

     In addition to raising her family, she had been employed as a bookkeeper and administrator for the former Improved Machinery and their successor, Ingersoll Rand, Dion Cleaners and Chick Beaulieu Roofing and Siding.

     Jackie made her home in Nashua on Marshall Street for a number of years and more recently on Peele Road. In her leisure time, she enjoyed baking and was an avid Red Sox fan. Jackie also loved calling everyone she knew on their birthdays to leave a singing telegram.

      Members of her family include her three children, Marc Berube and his wife Sue of Lincoln, NH, Rick Berube and his wife Tina Meeks of Las Vegas, NV and Denise Berube Verrington and her husband Tim Verrington of Nashua; nine  grandchildren, Connor Berube, Sydney Berube, Cole Berube, Nicolas Berube, Derek Berube,  Bodhi Berube, Willow Hannington, Ryan Verrington and Kaylee Verrington; her sister, Margaret Dufoe and her husband Bill Dufoe; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Jackie was also predeceased by her brother, Andrew Deschenes.

      Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday afternoon, August 22^nd from 2 to 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Saturday, August 23rd at 10 a.m. The Mass will be live stream, please go to the church website at https://parishoftheresurrection.org/ and scroll about half way down the home page where you see a photo of the interior of the church. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, 2 Quincy Street, Nashua, NH 03060. https:// nsks.org/give-online/ 

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Sharron D. Newell (Methot) of Lowell, MA and Nashua, NH, passed away peacefully at home on Friday evening, August 15, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones and the pets she so dearly loved.

    Born in Nashua, NH on November 9, 1943, she was the only child of Lorraine (Cross) Newell and William R. Newell. Although her heart was always in Nashua, she spent much of her life in Lowell, MA. She was a lifelong friend of John G. Flood, who passed away in 2013. Together, they shared 25 years of companionship and more than a dozen unforgettable trips to Ireland. Over the years, they proudly became “parents” to three Jack Russell Terriers they brought home from Ireland: Sligo, Galway and Tipperary.

     A 1961 graduate of Mt. St. Mary Seminary in Nashua, Sharron worked for the New England Tel & Tel (formerly of Nashua), Erin Food Services, Inc. (NH Burger King Franchise) as a Marketing Coordinator for 11 years, and later as an administrative assistant for Lockheed in Hudson, Manchester, and Nashua. She retired from Evoqua Water Technologies in Lowell in 2016 after 17 years as an administrative specialist.

      While her family was always at the center of her life, Sharron often reminisced about her teenage years riding horse in Hudson, NH. She loved working with new horses off the auction train and teaching riding skills to children. After graduating high school and landing her first job, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a horse. Her love of horses never faded. Another passion of hers was genealogy. She loved discovering and sharing her family history. She traced her roots back through the Civil and Revolutionary Wars, to the Mayflowers, and into England and Ireland. She delighted in each new discovery and was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

     Sharron’s daughters were the blessings of her life and the beat of her heart. She cherished her sons-in-law as her own and was endlessly proud of them. The birth of two granddaughters was a defining joy. They were her shining stars. And the arrival of her first great-grandchild, Salome, was the great gift of all. She often expressed how deeply blessed she felt by the love and attention of her wonderful family.

      She is survived by her beloved daughters, Melissa A. (Methot) Bruneau and her husband Thomas, and Andrea L. (Methot) Sliwa and her husband Michael; her granddaughters, Rhiannon (Sliwa) Muneton and her husband Nanito; Abigail Sliwa and her fiancé Andrew Stasinos; and her great-granddaughter, Salome. She was predeceased by her former husband, Paul Methot.

      “My family has always been the beat of my heart and the breath that I take… I love you more.”

   A private graveside service will be held for her family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sharron’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Massachusetts General Center for Movement Disorders, or The Humane Society for Greater Nashua. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. 

  Donald Hidden Sutherland, 85, of Nashua, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, August 13, 2025 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a period of declining health.

   Born in North Springfield, Vermont on December 4, 1939, “Don” was a son of the late Donald Morse Sutherland and Elizabeth Marguerite (Hidden) Sutherland. During his youth, Don resided in Tamworth and Manchester, NH and was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1957. A Marine Corps veteran, Mr. Sutherland served in the reserves and held the rank of Corporal. Don furthered his education at Keene Teachers College where he earned a Bachelors degree in Education and his Masters degree in Education (mathematics) from the University of New Hampshire.

  Don began his career as a math teacher at the Appleton Academy in New Ipswich, NH. He continued teaching at Groton–Dunstable (MA) High School where he was the head of the math department. After his teaching career, he worked as a software engineer at Honeywell and later at BAE Systems in Nashua, where he retired at the age of 71.

    In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing piano, loved singing, dancing, and the outdoors. Don especially loved being with family and supporting his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. He was a member of the New Hampshire Masonic Fraternity for over 50 years.

   Members of his family include his six children, Patricia Sutherland and her husband Kevin Connolly, Kimberley DuBois-McCarthy and her husband Brian McCarthy, Jennifer Tyrrell and her husband Mike Tyrrell, Stephanie Sutherland, Jaime Cullen and her husband Rob Cullen, and Shaun Sutherland and his wife Mandy Sutherland; ten grandchildren, Shannon, Jessica, Greg, Cameron, Megan, Lauren, Erin, Avery, Jack and Demi; a sister, Dorothy Kelley and her husband Bill; also nieces, nephews and cousins. Don is predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Edward H. Sutherland and James G. Sutherland, as well as his granddaughter, Jennifer (Jenna) C. DeAngelis.

  Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, August 20^th from 4 to 7 p.m. Following cremation, a graveside service and interment will take place at Ordination Rock Cemetery, 299 Cleveland Hill Road in Tamworth, NH on Saturday, August 23^rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Shirley (Mercer) Buder, 100, a Nashua native and longtime resident, passed away peacefully at Laurel Place in Hudson on Monday afternoon, August 11, 2025. Shirley is the widow of Archie F. Buder.

    Born in Nashua on September 26, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth L. and Lillian (Bickford) Mercer. Educated in local schools, Shirley was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1942.

    In addition to raising her family, Shirley worked as an administrative assistant with the former Producers Dairy and later with the former Sanders Associates, Inc.

   Shirley and her husband Archie were married on June 14, 1946 and made their home on Forest Park Drive for many years. The couple shared over 26 years together before his passing on March 11, 1973.  Shirley loved spending time with her family and enjoyed annual visits to local apple orchards including Lull Farm in Hollis and Sullivan Farm in Nashua.

     Members of her family include her daughters and sons-in-law, Darthy and Steven Cady of Hudson and Janice and Daniel Caggiula of Nashua; four grandchildren, David Caggiula, Amy Caggiula, MD and her spouse Jay, Matthew Caggiula and his spouse Mija, and Jonathan Caggiula; two great-granddaughters, Lillian and Lola Caggiula; her sister, Beverly Cowan; and two nieces.

      There are no calling hours. A private graveside service is being planned for her family. Donations may be made in Shirley’s name to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.   

Maurice E. Ravenelle, a lifelong resident of Nashua for 94 years, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, August 10^th with his family by his side.

Maurice was born on May 27^th, 1931, to Luc and Blanche (Boisvert) Ravenelle. Maurice attended local schools and graduated from Nashua High School in 1951. He served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and received an honorable discharge in 1955. He is a 55-year member of the American Legion, James E. Coffey Post #3.

Soon after his discharge, he married Margaret A. LeBlanc of Haverhill, MA, and together they had three children. Maurice and Margaret were in their 70^th year of marriage.

In 1956, Maurice became a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, and he proudly served 32 years, first in the Crown Hill section of Nashua and later on the Daniel Webster Highway. Maurice was one of the original carriers to implement the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) union in Nashua, and he was a Gold-Card member of the NALC, as well as past President of local branch 230. Early on, Maurice also worked nights and weekends as a waiter at the Lafayette Club for eight years. After retiring from the Postal Service, Maurice worked at Allen Mello Dodge.

Maurice served on the Nashua Board of Registrars in the mid-1970s during the terms of Mayor Dennis J. Sullivan. He also served with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 257, Infant Jesus Church, where he was the Advancement Committee Chairman for many years. Maurice received the Bronze Pelican Award for his service with the Boy Scouts. He was also a lifetime member of the 100 Club of NH.

Maurice was an active member of the Saint John XXIII at Infant Jesus Parish, where he served on the Parish Council, Bereavement Team, and the Finance, Land/Buildings, and Decoration committees. Post retirement, he volunteered at Corpus Christi Food Pantry, delivering food to families in need.

Maurice’s favorite times included sitting on his front porch in Nashua, watching the world pass by, and spending the past thirty-eight summers with his family at Ossipee Lake.

Survivors include his beloved wife Margaret Ravenelle, three children and their spouses, Michelle Barton (Pierre), Raymond Ravenelle (Jane), and Thomas Ravenelle (Theresa Sousoures); four grandchildren and their spouses, Alana Routhier (Nick), Renee Nicastro (Anthony), Ashley Ravenelle, and Michael Ravenelle (Kaity); six great-grandchildren Serafina and Salvatore Nicastro, Colten Chase, Francis Routhier, and Noah and Penelope Ravenelle; a sister, Lorraine Jarest; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Maurice is predeceased by two sisters and two brothers, and spouses, Irene Brault (Hector “Tiny”), Theresa Cote (Edgar), Paul Ravenelle, and Richard Ravenelle (Shirley), as well as two brothers-in-law, Donald Jarest, and Norman LeBlanc (Margaret).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maurice’s name to Corpus Christi Food Pantry, 3 Crown Street, Nashua, NH 03060.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, August 18^th from 4:00-7:00 PM at FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Fr. Ryan Amazeen on Tuesday, August 19^th at 10:30 AM at Saint John XXIII at Infant Jesus Parish, 121 Allds Street, Nashua, followed by burial at St. Louis de Gonzague Cemetery, 752 West Hollis Street, Nashua. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Marcia I. Michaud, 81, of Nashua, widow of Sylvio R. “Sonny” Michaud, passed away peacefully at her home, Wednesday morning, August 6, 2025 after a period of declining health.

    A lifelong resident of this city, Marcia was born on January 9, 1944, a daughter of the late Carl and Marcia (Cloutier) Ingerson. She was educated in local schools and worked as a waitress at the former Greenridge Turkey Farm Restaurant for many years.

     Marcia operated a daycare for young children in her home for a number of years and later worked at Disney World in Florida for ten years.

     She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved her dog, Molly.

     Marcia and Sonny were married on June 29, 1963 and made their home on Conant Road in Nashua for several years and many winters in Florida. The couple shared nearly 50 years together until his passing on June 21, 2013.

     Members of her family include her three children, Scott Michaud and his wife Christine, Marc Michaud and his wife Anita, and Lori St. Laurent and her husband Daniel Rouille; six grandchildren, Eric Michaud, Tyler Michaud, Ryan Larocque, Evan Michaud, Kayla Michaud and the late Randy St. Laurent; four great-grandchildren, Jordan Michaud, April Michaud, Luca Larocque and Lane Larocque; a sister, Nancy Scott; also many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Marcia was predeceased by a brother and three sisters, Carl, Marjorie, Carol and Sylvia.

     A Graveside service will take place in St. Louis Cemetery, 752 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Friday afternoon, August 15^th at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to meet at the cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. 

   Roger Arthur Douillette, Jr., 63, of Pembroke, passed away Wednesday morning, July 30, 2025 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire due to a stroke.     

   He was born in Concord, New Hampshire on November 11, 1961. Roger did work on construction, retail and newspapers.

   In his leisure time, Roger loved to go fishing, boating and collecting his coins and baseball cards.

    Roger is survived by his wife of 33 years, Virginia Douillette; and their son, Thomas E. “Tom” Douillette; his mother, Marion Wilcox and his father, Roger A. Douillette, Sr. Along with his brothers, James Douillette, Timothy Douillette and wife Linda Douillette, Charles Wilcox Jr. and Jeffrey Douillette; his sisters, Deborah Griggs and her husband Robert Griggs Jr., Bonnie Scovil and her husband Donal Scovil, and Elizabeth Lambert.

     A Celebration of His Life will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 30 Eastman Street, Concord, NH, Saturday, September 13^th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend.  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, assisted the family with arrangements.  

Cheryl Ann Widen Piekarski, 72, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully in Nashua after a life filled with love, creativity, and devotion to her family and friends.

Born on August 29, 1952, in Beverly, Massachusetts, Cheryl was the beloved daughter of the late Elmer “Al” Widen and Virginia Francis Harris Widen. She was raised in Boxford, MA, and later studied fashion design in Boston—laying the foundation for a life steeped in creativity, warmth, and a uniquely caring spirit.

Cheryl worked as a skilled hairdresser for several years after college. After marrying Mark Wilfrid Piekarski, she dedicated herself to raising their two sons, giving them every opportunity to explore the world through education, culture, and life experiences. While volunteering at Bicentennial School in Nashua, Cheryl met Joan Abbot, who introduced her to what would become one of her greatest lifelong passions: rescuing and rehabilitating cats.

Cheryl poured her heart and soul into her work with Kitty Angels, a cat rescue organization that she supported with extraordinary dedication. She converted garage bays into climate-controlled shelters, where she lovingly nursed sick, injured, and traumatized cats back to health—administering IV fluids, tending to wounds, and restoring their trust. Through her care, hundreds of cats found healing and ultimately, loving forever homes.

Outside of her animal rescue work, Cheryl’s spirit was deeply connected to nature, the desert, and the philosophy of Native American cultures. She adored horseback riding, especially in the red rock canyons of Sedona and the saguaro-dotted landscapes of Tucson. She found peace and purpose in the wilderness and traveled many times to Arizona and Colorado to ride through the high desert. She held a special reverence for the natural world and often said she was most at home among the horses and the quiet stillness of the land.

In quieter moments, Cheryl found joy in jigsaw puzzles—amassing a vast library of puzzles that she shared generously with her friends at the Nashua Senior Center.

Cheryl is survived by her sons, Chase Garrett Piekarski and Brenton John Piekarski; her daughters-in-law, Nicole Helton Piekarski and Sabrina Huckins; her grandchildren, Aria Fay Piekarski, Keelan Cash Piekarski, and Jayde Alexa Tuscano, whom she loved deeply and spoke of with constant pride; and many beloved cousins, extended family members, and friends. She also leaves behind cherished friendships with Kim McCaw, Khristine Motard, Pat Francis, Maureen Doolittle, and Ginny Connors.

In her final days, Cheryl was surrounded by devoted caregivers whose compassion brought great comfort: Nurses Kate Lynn Guillemette, Denise Hernandez, Michelle Walburger, Sara, and the entire staff at Courville and Aynsley Place, along with the team from Merrimack Home Health and Hospice Care.

Visiting hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

In lieu of flowers, Cheryl’s family asks that you consider a living tribute by sending replantable flowers or plants that can grow on in her memory—or by making a donation to Kitty Angels, in honor of her tireless love for animals.

Mary F. (Farkas) Kalil, 94, of Nashua, NH, wife of Robert J. Kalil, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, July 26, 2025 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH.

Mary was born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 26, 1930, daughter of the late John Welch and Lillian (Butler) Welch. Mary grew up in Orient Heights, Massachusetts and was educated in the Catholic School Systems, graduating from Fitton High School in East Boston, MA. 

In addition to raising her family, Mary was employed by New England Telephone/NYNEX Verizon, where she held a variety of positions from Operator to Design/Drafting Administration during her 20+ years of employment, retiring in 1991.

In her leisure time, Mary enjoyed spending time here in NH, and at her MD Beach home and attending shows and plays in Boston and NY, “Girls” Shopping trips, and the occasional Casino visit. Mary also enjoyed family gatherings, playing cards, dining out, excursions with her Grandchildren and vacations, both US and International.

Members of her family include(d): her Husband, Robert Kalil; and her late Husband Joseph Farkas; Son, Stephen Farkas and his wife Lynn (Schultz) of Nashua, N.H.; Daughters Nancy (Farkas) Mills of Maryville, IL. and her Husband Jim (Deceased); Patricia (Farkas) Raboin of Hope Valley, RI. and her husband Richard; Step-Daughter Karen (Kalil) Connelly of Norwood, MA. and her husband Paul; and Cheryl (Kalil) Cerullo of Medford, MA. and her husband Robert. Mary also had 16 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren. In addition, Mary has a sister, Patricia (Welch) Daly of Weymouth, MA and her husband George (deceased); and a brother, Thomas Welch and his wife Irene (Marino) (both deceased); also nieces and nephews.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH on Monday, August 4^th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, NH, Tuesday morning, August 5^th at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com. 

Carlos J. Rosado, Jr., 33, of Nashua, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025. Carlos was born in New York, NY on June 5, 1992, a son of Carlos J. and Leonida M. (Nunez) Rosado.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday afternoon, August 9th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. To leave an online message of condolence,

please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Pauline G. Desautels, age 83, passed away on July 25, 2025.  She was born in Berlin, N.H. on January 26^th, 1942, the daughter of Victor C. Gosselin and Anita Lemieux Gosselin. She was a retired educator of the Nashua Public School System, teaching 7^th grade History at both Spring Street Junior High and Pennichuck Middle School for many decades.  She also served as Assistant Librarian at Nashua High School North.  Pauline was a member of the Nashua Educators Association and life member and officer of the NH Retired Educators Association.  She was a volunteer at the Nashua Senior Activity Center Library for many years and served on the Board of Trustees of the Nashua Public Library.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years, Peter F. Desautels, her parents and brother Victor R. Gosselin.  She leaves her son Daniel Desautels, his wife Gayle and granddaughters Kelsey and Hannah of Raymond, N.H., her sister Anne Marie Gosselin of Berlin, N.H. and nieces Michelle Gosselin Desilets of Claremont, N.H., Danielle Gosselin Watkins of Berlin, N.H. and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pauline was a proud graduate of Rivier University, ’63 BA and ’74 MA.  She possessed a lifelong love of learning and sought every opportunity to enrich the lives of her students, friends and family.  She loved to read, especially historical novels about societal struggle and achievement.  A passionate gardener, Pauline enjoyed growing herbs and maintaining a beautiful backyard flower garden.  She especially enjoyed feeding birds and the creatures that frequented her backyard sanctuary.  She loved to cook and excelled at the thoughtful presentation of her cuisine for family gatherings.  Pauline loved bicycling with her husband Peter, enjoying the fresh air and chatting with neighbors.  One of their favorite bicycling getaways were the trails at Odiorne Point State Park.

Funeral Mass will be held at the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad St., Nashua, N.H. 03063 on Monday, August 11^th at 11 a.m. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will take place in the Desautels family plot at St. Louis de Gonzague Cemetery, Nashua, NH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, N.H. 03054.  www.hhhc.org  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.