Author Archives: Dana Farwell

  Maurice “Mauro” Ferrigno, of Nashua, NH, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024 at the age of 91.         

   Maury was a first generation American, born in New London, CT on June 11, 1932, to Mary and Joseph Ferrigno, who had emigrated from Sicily. The youngest of four children, he displayed musical talent at an early age and was a pianist, composer and arranger. Maury attended Chapman Technical High School where he was salutatorian of his class. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Music from The University of Connecticut. He studied composition at The Hartt School of Music before entering the Army where he served as a member of the West Point Jazz Band, having been recommended for the position by the great jazz band leader Stan Kenton.

    After service in the Army, Maury received a Fulbright Scholarship in Composition to study at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. His works were performed throughout Europe during his time on the Fulbright. He remained in Europe traveling, studying and playing jazz for the next six years.

    Maury married Helen Klidzia in 1964 and their adventure together began in Germany before returning home to Connecticut to start their family – two daughters, Lisa and Nina Ferrigno. In 1974 they moved to Nashua, New Hampshire where the close proximity to Boston, particularly the arts and culture scene, was a source of enjoyment to Maury. He was an avid runner and was a longtime member of The Gate City Striders running club. He ran in several Boston Marathons and many White Mountain Endurance Races in North Conway, NH. An infinitely curious man, Maury was a collector of antiquarian books, letters and ephemera and always had a new passion for collecting. He worked on cars – rebuilding the engine of the family automobile and engineering the method of removing/replacing the engine single handedly. But music was Maury’s greatest passion, the love of which he passed onto his daughters and grandchildren. He attended hundreds of their concerts including watching the live streams of his grandchildren’s performances from school! Maury had a great sense of humor and sociability, making lasting friendships all throughout his life.

     Maury was predeceased by two older sisters, Mary Grace Andriewicz and on December 21, 2023, Johanna Theresa Ferrigno Miskill. He is survived by his beloved wife Helen; two children, Lisa Ann Ferrigno and Nina Ferrigno; two grandchildren, Ava Frances Andrews and Zachary Douglas Joseph Andrews; his oldest brother, Frank Ferrigno; and much-loved nieces and nephews and extended family. He was proud of his family and was a loving husband, father, Nonno, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed.

     Condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page at www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH, assisted the family with arrangements.

James N. Tamposi  104, Aviation Pioneer, Founder of Daniel Webster College, Army WWII Veteran 

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, James N. Tamposi, age 104, passed away peacefully on January 6, after a short decline. Born June 26, 1919, Jim was the second of Nasi and Aspasia Tamposi’s five children. He attended Nashua High School and would discover his life-long love of all things aviation while working the family farm on Pine Hill Road in Nashua and for Goldsmith Flying Service. A favorite memory was of helping to clear the land for the first runway at the Nashua Airport with his brother, Nick, in 1935.

He served during World War II with the Army Air Forces as a flight engineer and crew chief on a B-25, protecting the California coast. Upon his return to New Hampshire, he started Nashua Aviation & Supply and served as a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol.

Along with close friends, future Senator Warren Rudman and Harry Sheffield, Jim founded New England Aeronautical Institute in 1965, later becoming Daniel Webster College, which became a nationally-recognized leader in pilot training. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the college in 1987.

Jim forged many strong friendships both on the airport and off. He enjoyed people from all walks of life. He kept in touch with most of his former employees, often meeting for breakfast at his favorite Midfield Café.

When receiving his Citizen of the Year Award in 1986, Senator Rudman referred to Jim and his brother, Sam, as “the two brothers I never had”. Former Governor Hugh Gregg wrote to Jim that “without your pioneering, we’d have no Boire Field, nor would Nashua be the busiest airport in the state. I well remember those early days when you were Mr. Aviation”.

While aviation fueled Jim’s professional life, his love of family and friends fueled his whole life. Jim met his one true love, Shirley Clarke from Somerville, MA and after a long courtship, they married in 1953. To their four sons, he was a hero, a man’s man who never faltered. They revered him and he loved them deeply. To Shirley, he was her rock, as she was his. Copilots for life they were. After 69 years of a beautiful marriage, Jim lost Shirley in 2022. Private services were held earlier for both and they now rest together at Edgewood Cemetery.

Jim was predeceased by this brothers, Nick and Sam, and his sisters, Pepper and Zoe. He is survived by his four sons, James Jr. and his wife, Meredith, of Temple, NH, Douglas and his wife Annie of Nashua, Jon and his wife, Mary, of Sunapee, NH and Bob and Michelle of Nashua, along with 9 grandchildren and one great-grandchild and many, many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A special thanks goes to nieces Carol Studley and Martha Lancourt of Hollis, for helping him to live in his home through the end. Carol said it best, “he was a loving and generous husband, father, uncle, brother, friend – loved, respected and admired by all who knew him. His was truly a life well-lived”.

The family hopes that those wishing to honor Jim, do so by making a donation to the NH Aviation Museum, whose mission to honor aviation’s past and ensure its future, he wholeheartedly embraced. The Museum’s address is 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, NH 03053.

The Farwell Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements. The family is planning a celebration of life for both Jim and Shirley, at a later date.

   Mildred H. D’Eri, 99. of Nashua and more recently of the Granite Ledges in Concord, passed away Sunday morning, January 21, 2024 after a period of declining health. Mildred was the widow of Nicholas L. D’Eri, Sr.

    A native of New York City, Mildred was born on March 29, 1924, the daughter of the late Henry and Kathleen (Muzio) Buono. She was educated in New York and graduated from Manhattan High School, Class of 1941.

    Mildred and her family made their home in Sparta, New Jersey for several years before moving to Nashua in 1967.

     In 1973, Mildred and her husband purchased Scenic Wallpaper and Paint Store in Nashua and later in Amherst, NH and built a successful business until her retirement in 1998. Mildred loved being a business owner and won several awards for interior design and was named top seller of Window Quilts in New England two years in a row. Many of her clients became lifelong friends as Mildred had a way with people and always made her customers feel like family. Additionally, Mildred opened her home to anyone in need of a place to stay for a time, or a warm meal to eat.

    She was a member of RISE at Rivier University for over 15 years. Mildred enjoyed writing poetry, stories and plays. Mildred loved playing poker with her friends at Thoreau’s Landing on Friday nights for many years. She also enjoyed Nashua’s Holiday Stroll and her annual progressive celebration that her friends at Thoreau’s affectionately called “Mildred’s Walk” during the Christmas Season.  

    Mildred was predeceased by her husband Nick, who passed away December 11, 1985. They were married on August 12, 1944 in Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA, while Nick was serving with the US Navy, and shared 41 years together.

     Members of her family include her five children and their spouses, Denise D’Eri and Bill Huntley of Wolfeboro, Patricia and Patrick Van Rooyen of Manchester, Linda and Roger Dussault of Hollis, Nicholas L. Jr. and Robin D’Eri of Nashua and Maribeth and Thomas Swift of Tuftonboro; eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Mildred was predeceased by her brother, Henry A. Buono of Staten Island, NY who passed away in 2016.

     There are no calling hours. The family is planning a Celebration of Her Life. The date and location will be announced later. Donations may be made in her memory to the Tolles Street Mission, 52 Whitney Street, Nashua, NH 03064 or to a favorite charity of one’s choice. 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.

Thomas Conway Cassin unwillingly took his last breath on the morning of January 20th, 2024-as he had lived; on his own terms, at home surrounded by family, with a twinkle in his eye and his spirit intact.

Widowed early, Tom devoted his life to working hard to provide for his four daughters; in return, after an unpropitious second marriage, his daughters devoted their time to being his caretakers and are grateful for the quality time together at the family homes in Nashua and Europe. Tom was pre-deceased by his wife, love of his life and mother to his girls Patricia (Vanderlosk) Cassin; his eldest daughter, Karen Lee Weeks; his sister, Nancy Cassin; and his two lower legs.

Tom started out in life in Lowell, Massachusetts, the son of Thomas J. Cassin and Mary Conway, a longtime Lowell teacher and one of the first female graduates of Boston University.  Tom himself was a proud graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, where he was the baseball catcher under famed coach Jack Barry.

Tom retired as Vice President of Sales from Pitco/Blodgett Corporation after 50 years of charming his colleagues with his wit and wisdom in the commercial appliance industry.  Tom considered his co-workers family and his Reps, Dealers, and customers in the industry to be some of his closest friends.

Tom was deeply involved in NAFEM-The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers, serving on its Board of Directors for 6 years.   He received NAFEM’s highest industry honor in 2007 when he was presented with the William W. Carpenter Award by Carol Wallace, President of NAFEM.  He also received the Market Mover award in 2001 from the Manufacturers’ Agents for the Foodservice Equipment

Industry, among many other awards and acknowledgements from his peers.

Tom’s favorite things included his hero, Joe Biden, his intellectual muse, Rachel Maddow, an impeccably knit sweater, reading anything, jelly donuts from Crosby’s Bakery, Friendly Fribbles and a love of Christmas (there were never enough decorations!).   He traveled the world, including his many trips to Europe and a favorite; being wheeled through a three-week safari in Africa by sons-in-law, Big Jim and Philip.

Tom spent Christmas of 2021 with his entire family in Salzburg, Austria.  We all pleasantly reminisced about a prior Segway ride in Austria that Tom took which ended with his broken hip.   What a trip they both were!

Tom would stop to help anyone at the drop of a hat and graciously open his home, which became the favorite gathering spot for his and his daughter’s many family and friends whom he prioritized.

Tom is survived by a brother, James Cassin, and his wife, Joan of Lowell, Massachusetts.

Three daughters and their spouses: Sandra Dei Dolori (Philip) of Ogunquit, Maine,  Michelle Cassin (James Reed) of Nashua, NH, and Kristen Cassin-Dubord (James) of Nashua, NH.

Tom had six grandchildren: Dr. Emily Weeks Graham and her husband Matt, Wyatt Weeks, Owen Weeks, James Cassin-Reed and his wife Lauren, Myles Cassin-Reed, and Olivia Dei Dolori.

In the nick of time, Tom met his first great-grandson, the little nugget Jones Cassin-Reed, born December 14th, 2023.

At the family home, an Irish wake, with laughter and stories of Tom’s legendary adventures, will be held on Thursday, January 25th from 5-8pm.

Tom was a life-long Democrat.  In place of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute or The Planned Parenthood Federation of America because, as Tom would say, “They are both wonderful organizations and don’t forget to deduct it on your taxes!”

His Funeral Mass and Burial will be private, to be held on Saturday, January 27th at 10am at St. Christopher’s Parish in Nashua NH.

We are left with the bittersweet realization that even in death, Tom’s spirit will forever live in our hearts and undoubtedly in the donut shops he frequented.  We love you dad and will miss you terribly. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, is assisting the family with arrangements.

We regretfully announce the unexpected death of Donald Francis Smith, 77, of Hooksett, NH, from complications of pneumonia. He was predeceased by his parents Roland S. and Mary E. Smith (Marshall).

He is survived by his loving wife, Trinidad, and their 4 children, Nicholas, Cassandra, Vanessa, and Victoria: along with his sister, Nancy Barker and her family, several cousins and nieces and nephews.

Don began his career in sales working for AT&T, but later found his true passion in psychotherapy, obtaining his Master’s degree from Northeastern University. Don had worked in the Lowell, MA area for several years before opening his own practice, Coupsy, in 2014. He deeply enjoyed working with his clients to improve their quality of life.

Don’s wake will occur on Sunday, January  21, 2024, from 2-4 pm at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH. A celebration of life service is being planned for this spring. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Ruth E. Sousa, 87, of Milford and formerly of The Villages, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was the devoted wife of the late Dr. John A. Sousa.

   Born in Arlington, Massachusetts on March 31, 1936, she was a daughter of the late George H. and Mary (Burns) Musgrave. During her youth, she was raised in Natick, MA and was a graduate of Natick High School. Ruth settled in Framingham, MA with her husband John after meeting at Natick Laboratories where they were both employed. John and Ruth had three children, and shared many happy memories including temporary move to the United Kingdom while John completed his PhD at Kings College in London.

   Following her husband’s retirement, Ruth and John spent much of their time traveling the world and spending time at their residences in North Conway, NH and The Villages, FL. During their retirement Ruth spent a lot of time reading which she always had a book going and being part of the Red Hat Reading Society. Ruth and John enjoyed playing golf together and Ruth enjoyed staying active with water aerobics.

    Ruth tenaciously battled breast cancer for many years prior to her passing.

In addition to her parents, Ruth is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Dr. John A. Sousa; her daughter, Cynthia Sousa McAuliffe; brothers, Charles H. Musgrave, George Musgrave and Robert Musgrave; and brothers-in-law, Richard Farley and Larry Devereaux.

   She is survived by her sons, John G. Sousa and his wife Karen of Nashua, NH and Mark F. Sousa and his wife Donna of Amherst, NH; son-in-law Joseph McAuliffe of Villa Rica, GA; six grandchildren, Jacqueling and her husband Joe, Nicole, John Cameron, Kati and her husband Brad, Shauna, Viktoriya and her husband Logan; four great-grandchildren, Jordan, Jude, Jovie and Rory; her sisters, Mary Farley of Centerville, MA and Eleanor Devereaux of Dover and formerly of Yarmouth, MA; brother-in-law, Joseph Sousa and his wife Kathy of Amherst, NH; sister-in-law, Marie A. “Toni” Musgrave of Syracuse, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

      A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Friday, January 19^th at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to Home Health & Hospice, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com  The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Edith Frances Hall, 94 of Nashua, passed away at her home, Thursday afternoon, January 4, 2024 after a period of declining health. Edith is the widow of James Hall.        

    Born in Brockton, Massachusetts on May 13, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Calvin and Edith (Donovan) Morey. Edith grew up in Stoughton, MA and was a graduate of Stoughton High School Class of 1947. She furthered her education at a business college in Boston.

    Edith was a homemaker to her family, and also worked as a waitress and later at Digital Equipment Corporation and Cosco.

    A resident of Nashua since 2009, she previously made her home in Dennis, MA on Cape Cod for many years. In her leisure time, Edith enjoyed listening to Country Western music and at one time played in a Country Western band. She also enjoyed gardening at her home.    

   Members of her family include her five children, Paul Tessler and his wife Marie of Nashua, Mark Tessler and his wife Roberta of Geneva, FL, Edward Tessler of Stoughton, MA,  Kimberly Tessler of Nashua and the late Kevin Tessler; and two granddaughters, Madison and Hailey Tessler.

  A private graveside service will take place at St. Louis Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to Home Health & Hospice, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. 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.

Evelyn passed away peacefully January 4, 2024 with family by her side. Evelyn was born in Nashua June 28,1932 the only daughter of Albert A. Pelletier and Marielouise (Aubut) Pelletier.

Evelyn had a strong work ethic that started as a young girl when working on the family farm, in the family variety store and in the Mills both the plastics and the shoe factories.  She was fond of sharing the stories of the farm and especially her responsibilities caring for all the pigs that were born as the “runts” of the litter that her father put in her care.

As a young adult she purchased and operated the family store (Pelletier Variety). The house her father built which housed the store still stands today at 60 Ledge Street.

Evelyn married Wallace Burton and together they raised their five children. Don Burton (Trish), Marielouise Dubois (Steven) Al Burton (Michelle) Donnalee Lozeau (David) and David Burton.

Evelyn and Wallace were tireless grassroots campaign workers.  From Presidents to US Senators, Congressmen and Governors, she was always one of the first they would call.   She was the first to volunteer to open the office during election season. The Honorable Judd Gregg and the Honorable Charlie Bass were very special to her, and she to them. They always extoled her value and knew they could always count on her. She was recognized by the Nashua Republican City Committee with the “Elphy” Award for her unwavering dedication.

Along with her children and their spouses, she is survived by nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, her two brothers and their wives. Evelyn was a woman of very deep faith, which brought her great peace during the most difficult times.

Evelyn will be interned at a private service at the Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen New Hampshire. In her memory, she would ask that you never miss the opportunity to vote.

Her family is grateful for the kind care she received at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack.  Donations to the Community Hospice House in her name would be welcome.

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

Kay S Chrissis, 83, of Nashua NH passed away peacefully in her sleep January 2, 2024.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 30, 1940, she is the daughter of the late Theodore Schirnhofer and the late Edith (Stoy) Schinrhofer. Kay was raised in Pittsburgh and attended Avalon High School where she played the clarinet in the school marching band.

After graduation in 1958, Kay worked for May Sterns, Plaid Stamps and Allegheny Ludlum Steel.

On February 24th, 1962, at West View Presbyterian Church, Kay married Michael Chrissis, the love of her life, in a small ceremony. Kay would later become a Deacon in the same church.

Kay loved music, organ music in particular, and during her time in Fort Wayne, Indiana she would often open the window at the church office she worked in so she could listen to the music from the weekly organ practice and the periodic organ competitions held there.

Kay and Michael moved often throughout their marriage and at every new city Kay would join the local newcomer’s committees so she could quickly acclimate to her new town and get involved fast.

Kay started a fifteen year journey as a volunteer with the Girl Scouts as a troop leader in Marietta, Ohio. Kay continued as a troop leader through various cities until arriving in Nashua in 1986 where she would become Community Chairman of the Swift Water Girl Scout Council, volunteering even long after her children were no longer involved.

Kay’s love for people shined through in everything she did especially through her charity work, donations, and volunteering. Kay was constantly involved within the community in which she was living including volunteering for PTA, churches, and other charities as she saw the need. In Nashua, she always found the time to knit hats to donate for preemies as well as hats and scarves for the Nashua Soup Kitchen, Veterans organizations, and the Grey Nuns. Her love for strangers and the people in her life was recognized, not just by the people who met her, but also by WZID who awarded her an Outstanding Woman award for her charitable efforts in 2014. Her caring and generous nature inspired everyone she met.

Kay kept busy with many hobbies. She was an avid reader, keeping her mind sharp with historical non-fiction and mysteries. She was a talented seamstress, making her own clothes from a young age and then for her children as they grew up. She was also an exceptional quilter. She enjoyed making quilts as gifts but especially liked making prayer quilts for the sick and terminally ill. Kay was a skilled cook and baker, often bringing food to people as a way to show her love and appreciation for them or to make their life a little easier during difficult times.

Kay is survived by her daughters, Julie Chrissis of Manchester NH, Kathleen Chrissis of Exeter NH, her husband Michael Chrissis of Nashua NH, and Richard Schirnhofer of Pittsburgh PA.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday January 12th, 2024 in the  SHAW CHAPEL of the First Church, 1 Concord Street, Nashua NH. Family and friends are welcome to calling hours from 1-2pm, immediately followed by a funeral service, and burial at Edgewood Cemetery.  Kay loved bright and cheerful colors, so please feel free to wear color in her honor. Kay did not believe in flowers at funerals. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity. 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.

Alexandra “Sandy” Johnson, passed away on January 2, 2024 at the age of 94. Born in Boston, the daughter of Thomas and Josephine Cimeno. Raised in West Roxbury, she spent many years in the Boston area before moving to Latham, NY in 1965 and to Hollis, NH in 1973. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Johnson, Sr.

Sandy’s love of her family came above everything else in her world. She was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and mother-in-law.

Both Sandy and her husband Charlie loved the Falmouth area and in 1962 they built a home there where they spent many wonderful summers. Sandy enjoyed time in Falmouth throughout her life and recently celebrated her 94th birthday there.

Sandy remained active her entire life. She was a volunteer at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center for 45 years and chaired the gift shop there for 22 years.  In that time, she raised over a million dollars for the hospital. After stepping down from the gift shop, she volunteered at the information desk. She stopped working there due the pandemic. In addition to volunteering at the hospital, she gave of her time volunteering at the Corpus Christi Food Pantry.

Sandy loved gardening and became a Certified Master Gardner.  She was very generous with sharing her expertise, helping design the garden at the hospital, and later moving it to the Home Health & Hospice Care site.  Sandy was also a cofounder of Voices of the Faithful in the Nashua area.

Sandy enjoyed spending time with her many dear friends, easily making friends through her many activities, and was an active participant in the Hollis community.  She enjoyed politics, loved the access that living in NH afforded her to meet national candidates, and worked at the polls during elections for many years.

Sandy leaves behind her sons Charles (Dianne) Johnson, Jr., Curtis (Margery) Johnson, five grandchildren, Charles (Maeve) Johnson, III, Kenneth (Dinah) Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Michelle Johnson and Emily (Andrew) Cooney; two great grandchildren, Charles Johnson IV, and Frederick Johnson; one sister Mildred Rolleri, one brother Thomas (Nancy) Cimeno; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Darlene M. Johnson and brother-in-law, Aldo Rolleri.

Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 216 East Dunstable Road in Nashua on Thursday, January 11^th at 10 AM

Private burial will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Corpus Christi Food Pantry at 43 Franklin St, Nashua, NH 03064 or Nashua Soup Kitchen PO Box 3116 Nashua, NH 03061. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements.

Claire Labednick, age 79, a lifelong resident of Hollis, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 29, 2023 after a period of declining health.  She was the eldest of five children of the late Gregoire Lessard and Albertine (Pelletier) Lessard.  She was born and raised in Nashua, New Hampshire and attended St. Louis De Gonzague Catholic High School where she graduated in 1963.

During high school Claire worked part time as a candy striper at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua.  She spoke fondly of this time in her life particularly her interest in caring for others and the medical field.  For many years while raising her family, Claire was a homemaker and later worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Kenneth Williams in Hollis.  She enjoyed this work especially all their patients many of whom became friends.

From an early age, Claire was a loving and compassionate person.  She was selfless, kind and mild mannered.  She always stepped up and offered help to anyone in need.  Her warm hearted nature brightened the lives of those who knew her.  Claire was an optimist, cheerful with a contagious laugh.  She was easy to talk to and made many friends wherever she went.  She never missed a birthday or occasion to send an original crafted greeting card to family and friends.

Claire loved to create and her creativity spanned many genres including professional cake decorator, quilter, doll maker, calligrapher, greeting card maker, scrapbook maker and journaler, watercolor painter among many other interests.  She possessed an innate ability to create beauty from the simplest of things and her passion for quilting and sewing was a testament to her artistic spirit.  Through the years, she lovingly made many cherished hand sewn quilts for family and friends, a symbol of love and warmth.  She meticulously crafted handmade Christmas ornaments each year she lovingly stored for her daughters to adorn on their Christmas trees later in their own homes, creating a cherished tradition and forever reminder of her presence during the holiday season. Claire was also passionate about flower and vegetable gardening sharing her harvests with loved ones and friends.  She especially loved blueberry picking at the local orchards and making freshly baked blueberry muffins, the aroma of which filled her entire home.  Ever curious, Claire attended Rivier University’s RISE Program enjoying many subjects especially those related to genealogy, art classes, medical and spiritual health.  With her husband, Bob, she enjoyed exploring New England’s seacoast, Nova Scotia, Bermuda, the Southwest along with many yearly visits to Disney World with her then young daughters.

Most of all she loved her family with all her heart and was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and mother in law.  Often referring to “my girls”, she beamed with pride and supported them through many passions in their lives.  Similarly, as “Memere”, she was a doting grandmother to her two grandchildren, Erica and John.  She will remain forever in our hearts.

She leaves behind her daughters, Donna Corey and husband Jeff, of Brookline NH and Linda Osgood and husband, Andy of Milford, NH, and two grandchildren, Erica Breau and husband Taylor, of St. Petersburg, Florida and John Osgood, of Milford, NH.  She also leaves behind her sister, Diane Maltais and brother in law, David Maltais of Phoenix, AZ; her brother, Bobby Lessard of Sun Lakes, Arizona and brother, Leo Lessard and sister in law, Karla Lessard, of Milford, NH, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Claire is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Robert Labednick; her parents, Gregoire and Albertine Lessard, her sister, Lucille Houle of Phoenix, AZ; her niece Brigitte Kennedy of Peoria, AZ and sister- in- law Deborah Lessard of Sun Lakes, AZ.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude for all the kindness and support our mother received over the years from her dedicated and compassionate care providers and medical personnel as well as a heart felt thank you to Pat Morse, Claire’s loyal and lifelong friend.

There will be a Wake on Thursday, January 11, 2024 between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at The Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, NH.  Burial will follow at St. Louis Cemetery at 752 West Hollis Street, Nashua. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

  Leo B. Ballou of Hollis, died peacefully at his home late Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023.         

Leo was born in Arlington, Massachusetts on March 14, 1927, a son of the late Leo B. and Marguerite (McKinnon) Ballou and grew up on a farm in Belmont Hill, Massachusetts.   

   During World War II, he served as a gunner’s mate in the Armed Guard on the North Atlantic Convoys.

   Leo was predeceased by his wife, Iola (Norton) Ballou. He is survived by his seven sons, Jerry, Mike, Dave, Pete, Matt, Deane and Ben; their significant others, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and a huge extended family.

    There are no services planned at this time. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com  

    On Christmas Eve, 2 ½ weeks shy of her 105 Birthday, Velma went peacefully to her eternal rest. She was born in Nashua, to Everett and Jennie Morgan on January 10, 1919 at the old “Memorial Hospital”.  Educated in Nashua, Milford & Hudson schools, she went back to school at age 50, commuting every day to Beacon Street in Boston, Massachusetts to Ritners’ School of Floral Design, graduating in 1969. She went on to work in her “dream job” as a floral designer at Snow’s Florist until her retirement. Previously, she was employed in the offices of J.F. McElwain Shoe Company and Sprague Electric, making the 1^st circuit boards of the future! She was my Father’s “right hand Lady” along with her sister and brother-in-law in their joint Family Side Business, Philbrick & Baileys’ Greenhouses, growing/tending to plants, shrubbery & flowers grown. At Christmas, they were the only place that sold trees, home grown on my father’s tree farm in Springfield, NH, hand cut and brought down by my family to Nashua. Mom would help make/decorate all the handmade wreaths and pine bow roping to sell. Everyone in the city would come for years at Christmas to get ready for the Holidays. But first and foremost, her husband, children and family came first in her life, enjoying, camping, hiking, skiing and getting back to Nature and many happy time together!

     She was an active member of the Arlington Street United Methodist Church, since the age of seventeen. Singing/music was always a big part of her life, singing al through her school years, in the church choir for 63 years and was an active member of the Nashua Symphony Choral Group performing in the community. Her strong faith saw her through many trials and tribulations in her life over the years and it remained so up until her passing.

     A beautiful seamstress, making all her own clothes plus her daughters and granddaughters, along with doing upholstering, draperies. Her sewing machine was still roaring along with projects into her 90’s! Her embroidery, crewel work and quilting was to perfection. She also refinished furniture, early American painting and stenciling. The beautiful pieces she leaves behind will long be treasured by her family. The best cooks, she continued to do so for herself and others up until 97 years. Leftovers were never thrown away being made to taste even better the second time around.

     Velma was an avid reader, loved to travel and loved to play games. She was a real “card shark” playing up till the last few years, enjoying many a rowdy game with family and friends! She kept active both in mind and body. She read her Bible daily up until her sight began to leave her.

     She was predeceased by her second husband, Paul Hendrick, who shared 28 wonderful years with; a sister, Elizabeth Bailey Draper; two grandsons, Garrett Brouillard and Scott Carr; two nephews, Everett Bailey and Gary Bailey; and her beloved parents, Everett and Jennie Morgan.

Velma leaves behind two daughters, Diane Morrison of Hernando, FL, Jan Philbrick of Nashua, NH; two stepdaughters, Joan Beth Carr of Northbrook, IL and Peggy Ann Soucy of Ocala, FL; twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. Also a beloved sister-in-law, Phyllis Philbrick Wheatley of Abington, MA; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

    There will a “Celebration of Life” at the Arlington Street United Methodist Church, 63 Arlington Street, Nashua on Saturday, January 20^th at 10:30 a.m. Private burial will be at Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua directly after, for family, church family and close friends only. Donations may be made in her memory to the Arlington Street United Methodist Church, 63 Arlington St, Nashua, NH 03060 or 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.    

   Doreen E. Denault, 63, of Nashua, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023.         

   Born in Nashua on August 5, 1960, she is a daughter of Jack E. Greenleaf and the late Betty Jane (Whittier) Greenleaf who passed away in 2006. Doreen was educated in local schools and had been employed at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center in Bedford, NH.

    Doreen loved her cats and feeding animals. She also enjoyed collecting Gnomes.

Besides her father, members of her family include her significant other, Patrick Rashkin; her children, Shelly Denault and her significant other Thomas Bowman, and Jesse Denault; three grandchildren, Arianna Bowman, Noah Denault and Riley Denault; three brothers, Jeffrey Nicosia and his wife Ann Marie, Gregory Greenleaf and his significant other Jo Ann Routhier, and Bruce Greenleaf; a sister, Sherlyn McIver and her husband William; two nieces, Brittany Greenleaf and Brianna Greenleaf; and two nephews, Ryan McIver and Tyler McIver.

    Her family is planning to have a Celebration of Life at a later date. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joseph Morqos Gindi was born in Aswan, Egypt on March 6, 1942 and later moved to Alexandria, Egypt. Joseph served in the Egyptian Army before moving to Malden, MA in 1971 and finally Nashua, NH. He was married to Barbara Rieper in Staten Island, NY. He became a US citizen October 11, 1979. He was employed at Montgomery Ward as an appliance repair technician for many years and later opened and operated his own small business, Joe’s Appliance Repair. He was a member of the Amherst Lions Club and enjoyed serving the community. He couldn’t have been prouder to be an American and of his children. Love of God, family and country was central to him. He is pre deceased by his parents, Morqos Gindi and Tafida Shanuda, brothers Roshde, Fowzy, Samir, Philip, Albert and sister Suad. Joseph is survived by his brother, Mossad, sisters Esther and Ruth, his three children Christopher Marcus Gindi (Cari), Joseph Lawrence Gindi (Courtney) and Alexandra Erica Gindi and four grandchildren Stella, Preston, Natalie, and Blake, also his sister-in-law Zouzou (Albert) and two nieces Mary Mortimer and Anne Gindi, great nephews and niece Jack, Sam and Ava, and more family in Egypt and Lebanon. Joseph passed away peacefully at his home in Nashua, New Hampshire December 22, 2023. He will be deeply missed by his family.

Family and friends are invited to Saint Mary and Archangel Michael Church for Joseph’s funeral service, Friday December 29^th at 11am. 39 Chandler Street, Nashua, NH 03064. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Eleanor B. “Ellie” Ingraham, 94, of Nashua, widow of Lloyd G. Ingraham, passed away peacefully at her home, Friday morning, December 22, 2023.       

    Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on March 30, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Simas) Pacheco. Ellie grew up in Cambridge and Somerville, MA and was educated in Cambridge schools. She later made her home in Burlington, MA for twenty-five years before moving to Nashua in 1986.

    Ellie had been employed as a supervisor at MA Com in Burlington, MA for twenty years.

    An active communicant of the Parish of the Resurrection, Ellie was a Eucharistic Minister, was a member of the Women’s Club and volunteer at many church affairs. She was a former member of Catholic Daughters of The Americas, Court Bishop Molloy 1441. In her leisure time, Ellie enjoyed gardening, and arts and crafts.

    Ellie was predeceased by her husband Lloyd, who passed away April 9, 2011; and her sister, Lorraine Fabiszewski.

    Members of her family include her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara Ann (Barbosa) and Mark Brash of Moultonborough, NH; her son, David Barbosa of Nashua, with whom she made her home for many years; two step-daughters, Annette Mercier and her husband Paul, and Lorna Ingraham all of Townsend, MA; her grandchildren, Marlena (Brash) Kenneally and her husband Robert of Nashua, Dr. Breanna (Brash) Hurm and her husband Matthew of Richland, IN, Traci-Lyn Mercier, Michael Mercier and Patrick Mercier all of Townsend, MA; her great-grandchildren, Barrett, Gabriel, Caleb, Claire and Cora; her brother, Richard Pacheco of Pensacola, FL; also nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday evening, December 27^th from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Thursday, December 28^th at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in her memory to the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, NH 03063. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com