Author Archives: Dana Farwell

     June I. (Baldwin) Kamieniecki, age 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 16, 2023 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH after a short illness.         

    A lifelong resident of Nashua, June was born on December 26, 1927, daughter of the late Harold S. and Carlotta I. (Crockett) Baldwin. After graduating from Nashua High School with the class of 1945, she worked at the New England Telephone Company. From 1963-1983, June worked in the records department of the Nashua Police Department.

    June enjoyed vacations at Wells Beach, Maine and later at Ashuelot Pond in Washington, NH. June was an avid Patriots fan and loved watching golf, as long as Tiger Woods was playing.

     In addition to her parents, June was predeceased by husband of 54 years, Romeo Kamieniecki who passed away on January 29, 2004; and her brother, Harold L. “Sonny” Baldwin.

     June is survived by her daughter, Krista Brouillard; her son, Barry Kamieniecki and his wife Lisa; four grandchildren, Kami Friday and her husband Kris, Lia Brouillard and her partner Lloyd Mallison, Luke Kamieniecki, and Jesse Kamieniecki and his partner Sarah Lyon; three great-grandchildren, Maya and Max Friday, and Roman Rose Kamieniecki.

      A special thank you for the great care she received at Langdon Place of Nashua.

A small private service will be held at a later time. If you wish to make a donation in June’s memory, please make it to the Community Hospice House, 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.

Janet Martha (Foucher) Boulia, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, dear friend, passed in peace on Monday, June 12, 2023 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua, NH at the age of 86 after a short illness.

Janet was a resident for the past year at Bridges by Epoch in Nashua, where she was always ready with a big smile for the caring staff and was visited regularly by her children, grandchildren, and other close relatives and friends.

She was born May 5, 1937, in Lawrence, MA and was raised and lived in Nashua for most of her life, graduating from Nashua High School in 1954. As an attractive freshman at Nashua High she caught the eye of a spirited senior, Donald Boulia, who became the love of her life. They married not long after she graduated and Don was discharged from his US Army tour of duty in Germany, and remained together until Don’s death parted them on December 27, 2019, after 64 years of marriage.

Always surrounded by good friends, they resided and raised their family on Wood Street in Nashua and wintered in Bonita Springs, Florida until they later made their lake house in Moultonborough, NH their permanent home.

Janet is survived by her son Steve Boulia and his partner Tammy, her daughter Catherine Boulia, her son Bill Boulia and his wife Anne, her brother Bill Foucher and his wife Diana Jackson, five grandchildren: Meghan, Nick, Taylor, Hailey, and Blake, five great grandsons: Aiden, Connor, Lucas, Deagan & Beau, her beloved dog Natalie, and many nephews and nieces and countless good friends.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of the Bridges by Epoch for their excellent care.

A short and casual dress memorial service will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

    John E. Ackerman, III, age 71, of Amherst, died on Wednesday June 7^th at Catholic Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

    Mr. Ackerman was born in Lockport, NY and attended Nashua High School as well as NHTI and New Hampshire College. He is the son of the late John E. Ackerman, Jr.

    John was the husband of Joanne (Tiedeman) Ackerman. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, John E. Ackerman IV; his daughter-in-law Margaret Ackerman and their three children. Additional survivors include his mother Betty Ackerman; his brothers Charles and Thomas; and his sisters Lisa Tibando and Sallie Mercer as well as many nieces and nephews.

    He was a retired software engineer most recently at Concord Group Insurance. John was a food critic, political commentator and tomato/fruit tree cultivator in his retirement years.

   Services will be private. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com   

David J. Walsh, Sr. of Nashua, NH, previously of Chelmsford, MA and Chatham, MA, died peacefully on June 7, 2023. David was born on July 10, 1935 in Concord, NH to Robert, Sr. and Helen (Quinn) Walsh. He graduated from St. John’s High School in Concord, NH in 1953. He was married in 1959. David proudly served his country for six years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

While working for the New England Telephone Company, David also earned his B.S. in General Business from Boston College in 1965. While working for the MITRE Corporation in Bedford, MA, he earned his Masters of Education in Reading from Fitchburg State College in 1975. He then worked for 22 years as an educator teaching reading at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in Billerica, MA, retiring in 1997.

David always enjoyed his time on Cape Cod, traveling, savoring delicious meals and spending time with his partner of 25 years, Barbara Dunn. He moved to Nashua, NH in 2019 where he was able to spend time with his family and also enjoyed his home state of New Hampshire.

David will be deeply missed by his loving family: sons David Walsh, Jr. (Jean), Michael Walsh (Amy) and Peter Walsh (Amie); daughter Ann Irwin (David); sister Linda Crisafi (Christopher); sister-in-law Marcia Walsh; grandchildren Samuel (Laura), Benjamin and Maxwell Irwin, Virginia and Sarah Walsh, Bryan Walsh (Samantha) and William Pojunas; great-grandchildren Bryce, Jacoby and Sienna Walsh; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his  three brothers, Robert, Jack and Mark Walsh.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Christ the King Parish, 72 South Main Street, Concord, Friday, September 1st at 10 a.m. Interment and Air Force Honors will take place at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at Noon followed by a mercy meal at the Puritan Backroom Restaurant, Pappas Room, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester at 1:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

    Haruko I. Brown, 85, of Nashua, wife of Jeffrey Brown, passed away at her home, Tuesday evening, June 6, 2023, after a period of declining health.

    A daughter of the late Seirin and Yoshiko (Nakamatsu) Iju, she was born on April 2, 1938 in Okinawa, Japan where she was raised and educated.

    Haruko began her career in Japan as a cash management specialist for government, banking and retail entities – namely Bank of America and Filene’s.

    Members of her family include her beloved husband of 60 years, Jeffrey Brown; loving mother of four; Jeffrey Scott Brown of Watertown, MA, Nanci Kim Brown of Bedford, NH, Gary Curt Brown of South Plainfield, NJ and The Honorable Tracie Lynne Brown of San Francisco, CA; seven grandchildren, Zachary, Olivia, William, Matthew, Jayden, Tenley and Molly; a sister, Toshiko of Japan. She will be lovingly remembered by family members, friends and acquaintances here and abroad.

    Family and friends are invited to her calling hours at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH, Saturday, June 10^th from 3 to 5 p.m. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com    

   Pauline Anne “Chip” Davidson, 81, of Nashua, passed away Friday morning, June 2, 2023, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. Chip is the widow of Donald C. Davidson, former Mayor of Nashua, Airline Captain and local businessman.

    A lifelong Nashua resident, she was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on July 4, 1941, a daughter of the late Gilbert and Agnes (Boska) Denault. Chip was educated in local schools and graduated from Nashua High School with the Class of 1959.

    Chip worked as a legal secretary prior to her marriage, then was a homemaker to her children.  Later she was involved in their many family businesses, including, The Captains Corner, Davidson Flight Service and President of Davidson Travel Service.

     Chip was happiest when spending time with her family as her family was always most important to her. Vacations with her children and grandchildren to Disney World in Florida, the “Camp” on Lake Winnesquam and weekends on the patio were Chip’s favorite.

      Chip was also an avid golfer and was a longtime member of the Nashua Country Club. She enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong and was a devoted Boston sports fan.

     She and Don were married on November 17, 1962 and shared over 58 wonderful years together until his passing on May 28, 2021.

     Members of her family include her three children and their spouses, Donald C. Jr. and MeLinda Davidson, Donna C. and Christopher Clarkson all of Nashua, and Daniel C. and Susan Davidson of Merrimack; her seven grandchildren, C.J. Clarkson, Max Davidson, Matty Clarkson, Deanna Davidson, Rebecca Davidson, Carina Davidson and Austin Martel; her sisters, Valerie Denault, Wendy Bourbeau and the late Pamela Fariz; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

      A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 48 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Wednesday, June 7^th at 10 a.m. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Chip will be laid to rest next to her husband at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Community Hospice House, 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.  

Francisco Molina, de 57 años, de Nashua, falleció en su casa la madrugada del viernes, 2 de junio de 2023, rodeado de su amada familia después de un período de deterioro de la salud.

Francisco nació en Tecomán, Colima, México el 26 de diciembre de 1965 y residió en Nashua, NH desde el 1987. Hijo de Arturo Molina Rolón y Rosa Sevilla Gutiérrez, Francisco estudió en México y trabajó en construcción con la compañía Legacy Wall Systems, Inc.

Francisco fue un amante del fútbol y era aficionado a los Pumas de la Selección Mexicana de Fútbol.

Le sobreviven su amada esposa Eva (Rosas) Molina, con quien estuvo casado por 34 años; sus hijos Eduardo Molina y su esposa Lizette, e Iván Francisco; dos nietos, Briseida y Emilia; cuatro hermanos, Martín, Jorge, Adelaido y Gabriel; y una hermana, Obdulia.

El velatorio se llevará a cabo en FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH el lunes, 5 de junio de 5:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. Se celebrará una Misa fúnebre en la iglesia St. Louis de Gonzague, 48 West Hollis Street, Nashua, NH el martes a las 10:00 a.m. seguida del entierro en el cementerio St. Francis Xavier.

Para dejar un mensaje de condolencias en línea, visite www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Charles “Les” Adie, 86, of Nashua NH, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023 after a long illness.

Les was born on December 25^th, 1936 to the late Charles L. and Anna (Michalik) Adie of Lowell, MA.  He graduated from Keith Academy in 1954 and went on to Notre Dame University where he received his degree in Bio-Chemistry.  He later earned his Master’s degree in Mathematics from Boston College.

His first teaching job was at Wilmington High School in Wilmington MA, which began a long career in education and mathematics.  He taught at Nashua High School and Moody Junior High in Lowell MA. before  settling in as a Math Professor at Northern Essex Community College, where he mentored and inspired  students for the next 30 years.  During his tenure, he also served as Chairman of the Math Department.  He retired from Northern Essex in 1997 and was awarded Professor Emeritus in 2005.  Once retired, Les continued to teach as an adjunct Professor of Mathematics at Southern New Hampshire University for several years.

Les was a member of many professional organizations, including the Association of Two-Year Colleges, American Mathematical Society, Chairman of the Massachusetts Advisory Board, Treasurer of NECC Faculty Association, and served on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Teachers Association. 

Les enjoyed traveling with his wife and extended family members, wintering the snowy months in Florida, and spending time in his workshop where he passed on his love of woodworking and tinkering to his children and grandchildren.  He was a devoted Notre Dame alumnus, serving as President and Treasurer of the Notre Dame Club of NH, and was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football.  He ran his own handyman business, Adie Associates, for many years, and was always willing to help with a building project or fix anything that was broken.  He will be remembered for his 4^th of July bonfires, smooth jitter-bugging, and spirited polka dancing.  He left a lasting and loving impression on family, friends, and neighbors.

Les is predeceased by his parents and his sister Carol.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne, three children and their spouses:  John and Anjie Adie of Nashua NH, Jean Adie and Tom Dwane of Bethlehem, NH, and Judy and Shannon Surdam of Franklin NH;  eight grandchildren: Amanda, Kimberly, John, Rebecca, Benjamin, Oliver, Emma, and Andrew;  and five great-grandchildren: Ayden, Matthew, Rory, Isabella, and Addalyn.  He is also survived by his sister, Paula Carroll, and her husband Bill of Bridgewater NJ, as well as several nieces, nephews, and many loving extended family members.

All who knew and loved Les are invited to celebrate this lovable man at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, June 9^th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Saturday, June 10^th at 10 a.m. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church. Interment will take place in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery at a later date. 

Donations may be made in Les’ memory to Corpus Christi Food Pantry, 3 Crown Street Nashua NH 03060 or to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Holly G. (Storer) Potter, 75, of Dunedin, Florida and formerly of Nashua, wife of Richard I. “Dick” Potter, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the Kensington Gardens Rehab and Nursing Center in Clearwater, FL, after a period of declining health. .        

    Born in Nashua on May 4, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Reginald C. and Barbara E. (Buswell) Storer. Educated in local schools, Holly was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1965. She furthered her education at Keene State College and graduated from Nashua Business College.

    Holly worked as a secretary for several businesses in the Nashua area until her retirement in 2012. She and her husband moved to Dunedin, Florida, where they enjoyed the beach and warmer weather for the past ten years.

   While residing in Nashua, Holly was a longtime member of the Arlington Street United Methodist Church.

   Members of her family include her husband, Dick, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage; and her children, Aaron Ross Potter of Kentwood, MI and Amy Barbara Potter of Clearwater, FL.

    Her family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Holly’s caregivers and staff of Kensington Gardens Rehab and Nursing Center and Sun Coast Hospice Team both of Clearwater, FL for their care, kindness and support.

   A Graveside service will take place in Edgewood Cemetery, 107 Amherst Street, Nashua, Wednesday, June 7th at 11 a.m. The Rev. Sharon Sargent will officiate. Friends are invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Local arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

   Mary Jane Veiga, 84, of Hollis, NH, widow of Arthur F. Veiga, passed away peacefully at her home, Thursday evening, May 25, 2023, after a period of declining health.      

   A resident of Hollis since 1966, Mrs. Veiga was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on June 26, 1938, a daughter of the late Manuel and Beatrice (Burgess) Emerald. Mary Jane grew up in East Falmouth, MA and was a graduate of Lawrence High School Class of 1956.

   Mary Jane and Arthur were married in September of 1956 and shared 34 years together until his passing on May 10, 1991. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Michele Ann Chartier in 1985 and her grandson, Jonathan Michael Gagnon in 2018.

    Members of her family include her daughter, Laurie J. Gagnon; grandson, Peter F. Gagnon; a special son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Judith Chartier; a sister and brother-in-law, Constance and Bela Kiss of East Falmouth, MA; and two nieces, Candace Kiss and Amy Woodward. Mary Jane was a God mother of Brandon and Cameron Mercer and their parents, Hugh and Doreen Mercer.

     Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, June 8^th from 10 a.m. to Noon followed by a graveside service at East Cemetery in Hollis at 12:30 p.m. Donations may be made in her memory to the Hollis Fire Department, 10 Glenice Drive, Hollis, NH 03049. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Arline M. Smith, died on May 24, 2023 at the age of 88. She was born in Nashua on July 16, 1934, the only child of Bernard A. Mason and Marion V. Mason. She was predeceased by her first husband, William D. Shinn, III, and her second husband, Attorney Harrison E. Smith.         

   Arline graduated from Alvirne High School in 1952 and attended the University of New Hampshire, Durham. She married William on November 6, 1954 and together they had four children, Susan, Lisa, Jeffrey and Lesley. They lived in Texas for a time and after William’s death, Arline and her children moved home to Nashua.

    Arline married Harrison on June 20, 1968 and together they had their daughter, Jennifer. Harrison had five children by his previous marriage. The family lived for many years on Fulton Street in Hudson.

     She was a full-time mother for her entire life although she found time to volunteer in the Hudson school system, Hudson Community Church, and Bridges (formerly known as Rape and Assault Committee for the Nashua area).

     She loved her giant, noisy family, all babies, reading, doing crosswords, gardening, sewing, trips to England (she was a lifelong anglophile) and trips to France. She loved entertaining friends and relatives and did a house swap with a family in England that led to lifelong friendships.

    Arline is survived by her sister-in-law, Martha Smith; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Sherry Shinn; and her children, Susan Shinn Raiola and her husband Edward, Lisa Saperstein and her husband Jeffrey, Jeffrey Shinn and his wife Dr. Jerrilyn Sullivan, Lesley Mattson and her husband Kevin, Jennifer Dionne and her husband Duane, Eugene Smith, Larry Smith and his wife Priscilla, Peter Smith and his wife Gaila, Attorney Brenda Smith-Weiss and her husband Donald, Patricia Druckman and her husband Michael. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nathan Smith, Aidan Smith, Jeremy Smith, Sarah Metzler, Kyla Druckman, Daniel Weiss, Erin Libby, Jacob and Jennie Saperstein, William and Matthew Shinn, Hannah and Samuel Mattson, and Demi and Lauren Dionne; ten great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and friends.

      Arline’s family would like to thank the staff of the Hunt Community for their kindness in caring for Arline over the past four years. A memorial service to celebrate Arline’s life will be held at The First Church, Nashua, One Concord Street, on Saturday, June 17^th at 10:00 A.M. The family respectfully asks that attendees wear bright colored clothing in celebration of Arline’s wonderful life. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 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.

   William D. Chilton, Sr., affectionately known as “Red”, peacefully passed away on May 17, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and cherished memories. Beloved husband of 49 years to the late Katherine (Hart).         

   Red’s greatest source of pride and joy resided in his role as a loving father. Devoted father of William “Bill” Chilton, Jr. and his late wife Brigitte of Hollis, Kathy Rogers and her husband Scott of Weare, and Jim Chilton and his wife Rachel Simone of Hollis. Cherished grandfather of Alexis Chilton, Allison McLain and her husband Jon, Cody Chilton and Tawny Lasco and her husband Michael. Adored great-grandfather of Olivia and Spencer McLain and Hendrex Lasco.

    Red’s unwavering love, guidance and support shaped the lives of his children, instilling in them the values of family, compassion, and perseverance.

    Born and raised in the charming town of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. Red’s life was marked by service, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors. His passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

      Red’s adventurous spirit led him to serve his country in the US Navy, where he proudly served aboard the USS Mitcher. His time in the Navy instilled in him values of honor, discipline, and camaraderie that he carried throughout his life.

     Red dedicated himself to his work at Johnson’s Electric in Nashua, New Hampshire, for nearly four decades. His commitment and work ethic were admired by colleagues and friends alike. Red’s contributions to his profession were matched only by his integrity and kindness, making him a beloved member of the Johnson’s Electric family.

      Red’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of his family and friends. He leaves behind a tapestry of cherished memories, the embodiment of a life well-lived. May we find solace in the knowledge that he is at peace, forever watching over us with love and pride.

      A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23^rd from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, followed by a Funeral Mass at the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua at 11 o’clock.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Red’s name to the National Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice, as a tribute in his generous spirit and commitment to helping others.

 We invite all who knew and loved Red to join us in honoring his memory and celebrating the remarkable life he lived. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

Nate passed suddenly on May 16. He was a loving friend, son, nephew, grandson and uncle. Nate was born December 20, 1998 to Eric and Renee (Carbonneau) Levesque of Nashua.

Nate was a lifelong Nashua resident and 2017 graduate of Nashua North High School. He was recently employed by Baird Home Solutions, UniCast and Global Pritchard Industries.

His passions were heavy metal music, playing guitar and singing, and going to Slipknot, Breaking Benjamin, Incubus and Lamb of God concerts.; and was a huge Boston Celtics and AEW wrestling fan. Most of all, he loved visits from his nephew Marcel.

Nathan was a Cub Scout in pack 253, and Boy Scout in troop 272. He played all through his youth in Nashua Little League baseball and Nashua Park Rec basketball. He played freshman football for Nashua North in 2013.

Nate had one of the biggest hearts, and was incredibly caring; usually putting others before himself. He was predeceased by an uncle David Levesque, will be forever missed by his parents, his brother Nolan, sister-in-law Haley and nephew Marcel David Levesque, brother Calvin, and soon-to-be sister-in-law Michelle Palmeiri, all of Nashua. His grandparents, Gerry and Linda Levesque of Nashua, Norman and Lorraine Carbonneau of Pelham, NH, his uncles Norman Carbonneau and Kevin Carbonneau, Jeff and Kathy Levesque, and his cousins Hannah and Matthew Levesque.

Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, May 24^th from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Paul George Pothier, 78, of Nashua, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, May 15, 2023 at Premier Nursing & Rehab Center, after a period of declining health.         

    Born in Lynn, Massachusetts on June 14, 1944, he was the son of the late George and Eleanor (Robichaud) Pothier. Paul was educated in Lynn schools and graduated from Lynn High School. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps on December 5, 1961 and during his three years in the Marine Corps, Paul was a tracked vehicle mechanic and held the rank of Lance Corporal.

     After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Paul furthered his education at Salem State College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and his Master’s degree in Education from Boston University.

     Paul had been employed with United States Government as a census taker and also as a residential appraiser for many years.

Members of his family include his wife, Audrey E. (Doucet) Pothier; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Tanya Pothier; three step-daughters and their husbands, Wendy and Gregory Amirault, Dawn and William Cardin and Cherie and Alan Muise; grandchildren, Jack Pothier and Autumn Gray.

      A period of visitation will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday, May 22^nd from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. followed by a Graveside service and Marine Corps Honors at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at 1:00 p.m. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

In the spring of 1927 Leona Josephine was born to parents Alfred and Nellie Quimby Carr. She and her older brother Earl rounded out and completed the young family.  Growing up in rural Claremont NH the family had very little in regards to money.  However, they did have a life rooted in faith, music and family.

Leona did not have any sisters, but her older brother, Earl, was her protector through all the days of his life.  In addition to a particularly close relationship with her mother, Leona also  had wonderfully loving aunts in Nettie Bascom, Grace Bruce and Hattie Hall.  She also enjoyed a lifelong sistership with her cousins; Christine Ellsworth and Elsa Tierney.

Leona was shy and caring as a child.  She was inquisitive and developed a love of reading that filled her heart and soul up until the last weeks of her life.  She did not see herself to be “good” at school, but no one gave better advice.  As a mother, wife and friend she listened and spoke from her heart.

She enjoyed working at a local music store, Bonneaus and it was there she got to know her future husband, Bill “Buddy” Wilson.  Throughout their marriage he lovingly referred to her as “Chief” or “Boss Lady”.  In fact, she was his boss at Bonneaus.  Bud made it very clear he was  smitten by Leona, but when time continued to pass, she phoned him and subtly initiated their first date.

The newly married couple moved to Nashua where they started a family. They welcomed William (Bill), Stephen, Linda and Sharon.

Leona was a homemaker who frugally managed their finances, saving pennies and change to buy a paring knife which she used for the rest of her days when she made her incomparable apple pie.  With patient care, she meticulously peeled and sliced the apples lining them up with surgical precision.  Decades later, Bud (always the engineer) purchased her an apple peeler.  He used it once.  She never did.

In addition to apple pie, Leona’s spaghetti sauce was unforgettable.  Her doughnuts made her children salivate and no Christmas was complete without her mint cookies.  She loved to cook and bake almost as much as her family loved her cooking and baking.

She had strong relationships with each of her children.  She knew them as individuals and loved them as such.  She always ensured their home was filled with the fiercest unconditional love.  For all their lives she celebrated their birthdays by cooking and baking a special meal.  Holidays were intimate and joyful family celebrations and every Christmas tree was draped in a blinding blanket of tinsel which she painstakingly removed before the tree was discarded.

She was their forever cheerleader and lovingly devoted herself to ensuring their childhood years were safe, nurturing and always filled with love.  She was one of the “neighborhood moms” whose home and pool was open to the neighborhood children.

Leona loved animals and was mother to many.  She saved three stray kittens and brought them to the Humane Society.  But, her heart and head were slightly out of sync that day, so she returned and paid to adopt the cats she brought there! Rusty, Cindy, Rusty, Ginger, Emma and Livvie were the dogs that filled her heart. Princess, Snowball, Tabitha, Cuddles, Rambo, Tiga, Missy and Mickey the cats who filled it.

Faith and Family were the two constant devotions in her life.  Once her children were older she found hours of enjoyment, inspiration and fellowship in Disciple Bible School classes at her local church.  She read the Bible daily and lived her life as a devoted Christian.

When Bud retired he and Leona traveled cross country in an RV, but returned every summer, as long as they were able, to Belfast Maine.  Belfast brought them a peace and joy they savored.  They filled their summers with friends and photography while savoring the beauty of Maine often enjoying baked haddock and Lemon Lust pie.  She began every day with a hot cup of coffee and she savored the smell as much as every sip.

For ninety-six years and fifteen days, this earth was a warmer and kinder place because Leona Wilson was here.   She lived a quiet life and would be embarrassed that anyone made a fuss at her passing. She is pre-deceased by her parents, husband, brother, cousins and beloved daughter-in-law Cathy.  She is survived by her pets, Livvie and Missy.

She leaves behind four children Bill, Steve, Linda and Sharon who loved her as unconditionally as she them.

Friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday May 19^th beginning at 10 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 11 o’clock. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Claremont. Donations may be made in her memory to a favorite charity of one’s choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Ruth L. Bedinger, 96, of Nashua, widow of John F. “Hank” Bedinger, passed away on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14, 2023 at Pleasant Valley Nursing Center in Derry, after a period of declining health.

    Mrs. Bedinger was born in The Bronx, New York on December 19, 1926, a daughter of the late Paul A. and Mabel (Kennedy) Lynch. She grew up in Queens Village, NY and was a graduate of Hempstead High School Class of 1944. She furthered her education at William & Mary College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree.

     Ruth began her career as an administrator with Sears, Roebuck & Company in Framingham, MA and then was the assistant to the superintendent of schools in Framingham for several years. She had also been a volunteer educator, teaching English to immigrants of the United States and also volunteered at Charlotte Avenue School, when her grandchildren attended there.

     A resident of Nashua since the late 1990s, Ruth was an active member of the Unitarian-Universalist Church. In her leisure time, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with her beloved grandchildren.

     Ruth and her husband Hank were married on March 3, 1951 in Queens Village, NY and shared over 67 years together until his passing on February 4, 2019.

     Members of her family include her sons and daugthers-in-law, John and Francine Bedinger of Charlton, MA and Paul and Patty Bedinger of Nashua; four grandchildren, Bonnie Calnan and her husband Brian, Keegan (Bedinger) Browne and her husband Pearson, Kate Bedinger and the late Kyle Bedinger; and her great-granddaughter, Breanne. Ruth was predeceased by her sister, Harriet Creighton.

     There are no calling hours or formal services at this time. Ruth will be laid to rest along side her husband in the Mausoleum of Woodlawn Cemetery. The family has requested that donations may be made to her grandson’s memorial trust: The Kyle Bedinger Memorial Trust, NBT Bank, 221 Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060. 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.