Author Archives: Dana Farwell

   Clare Bernadette Spurlock (nee Butler), 88, of Nashua, wife of Donald T. Spurlock, passed away at her home Wednesday afternoon, March 15, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

    A native of Currahill, Kilmoganny, County Kilkenny, Ireland, she was born on June 1, 1934, daughter of the late James and Mary (Dunne) Butler. Clare was the youngest of five wild Butler sisters, Margaret (Greta), Brigid (Linda), Sister Ellen Theresa (Eily), and Mary.

    Clare grew up in a farming community, crossing the fields to school and to church and to dances. She and her friends played in the ruins of a castle that stood on her father’s land, setting tea parties for the neighbor children.

   Clare received her nurse’s training in Manchester, England. She worked in England and Ireland before traveling to the United States to work at Fort Hamilton Hospital in Hamilton, Ohio. After her marriage in 1961, Clare left the medical profession to raise her family, returning to nursing after she arrived in Nashua, where she was employed at the Hunt Community. Following her retirement, Clare continued to volunteer with the residents.

     In her leisure time, Clare enjoyed knitting sweaters and scarves for her family and made prayer shawls for the sick with the knitting circle at St. Christopher Church in Nashua. Clare enjoyed travelling to Ireland and England to visit her sisters and their children and made several trips visiting her own children and grandchildren around the USA. In later years, she enjoyed a cruise through the Caribbean and a driving trip to California.

      Members of her family include her husband of 61 years, Donald T. Spurlock, whom she married on November 3, 1961 in Hamilton, OH; her children, Donna Spurlock, Linda Spurlock, Brian Spurlock and his spouse Chris, and John Spurlock  and his spouse Sandra Reed; and two grandchildren, Michael Spurlock and Rachel Spurlock; also many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Clare was also predeceased by her sisters.

      Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday evening, March 21^st from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Wednesday, March 22^nd at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and asked to kindly meet at the church. Donations may be made in her memory to St. Christopher Parish, the Salesian Missions or Mary Knoll. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com   

Loving friend and local printer “Lynn” Evelyn Mae Berry, died March 13, 2023 at Saint Joseph Hospital in Nashua after a brief illness, aged 91 years. Lynn was born in Barre, Vermont on December 25, 1931, daughter of the late Ruth Amelia (Eldred) and Edmond Berry. After her mother passed away when Lynn was three years old, she was raised by her aunt and uncle Elmira and Dona Guillotte in North Oxford, Massachusetts. During World War Two, the family moved to Worcester where they lived near Kelly Square.

While in school in the 1940’s, Lynn decided she wanted to enter the printing trade but the only program available was at the Worcester Boys Trade High School which prohibited girls. Refusing to accept no for an answer, she continued to appeal to school officials until they finally admitted her as the first female student where she graduated in 1949. Her first job out of high school was working for the Lithuanian newspaper in Worcester where she honed her printing skills in the pre-digital linotype process. Always staying busy, Lynn also worked in a number of other male-dominated positions over the years including at a car wash in Worcester, running a filling station in Lowell, and assisting researchers at the Charles River Laboratories in Wilmington.

Early on in her life, Lynn was very open with her alternative orientation and over the years discovered kindred spirits in the LGBTQ communities of Worcester and Lowell. She found her real “home” at the Moody Gardens club in Lowell where during the 1950s and ‘60s she and others created a safe place to just be themselves and find friendship and love. After dating a few people, when Lynn met Harvard-educated Joan Andrea they became a long term couple and the two ran their own business, Tri Flag Press on Main Street in Nashua for several years. After Joan passed away in 2004, Lynn continued the operation out of her home and was known as a perfectionist.

Despite opposition from some against same-sex relationships, the Catholic Church openly welcomed her to participate in Mass where she cherished the highest level of spirituality, always attending weekly services and the Rosary group prayer gatherings. Never one to “take it easy” Lynn could be found keeping busy fixing things around the house, growing a garden, fishing in her back yard along the Nashua River, and learning new ways to use the computer. While Lynn will be remembered as often being determined in her bearing with others, she was also quick to forgive and to ask for forgiveness.

She is survived by many dear friends including Theresa Cummins, Maria DiCiccio, Barbara Uran, Thomas and Theresa Richard, John and Mary Mann, Scott Crowell, Father John Grace and the staff of the Parish of the Resurrection in Nashua, her neighbors at the River Pines community, and Sivmouy Chhiv and Mehmed Ali of Montgomery, Alabama. The community is invited to her funeral services on Monday, March 27^th at 10:00 am at the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street in Nashua. She will be buried next to her partner Joan at the Saint Louis De Gonzague Cemetery on West Hollis Road in 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.

   Robert Richard Genest, 70, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Saturday, March 11, 2023.         

    Born in Nashua on March 25, 1952, he was the son of the late Leo D. and Fleurette B. (Garant) Genest. Educated in local schools, Bob was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1970.

    Bob began his career working with his father at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery and St. Francis Xavier Church. He then was employed by the City of Nashua as a foreman of the Parks & Recreation Department for 38 years. Bob later worked as a maintenance man at Davidson Landing in Nashua.

    In his leisure time, Bob enjoyed woodworking. He also was a talented musician,  song writer and at one time had his own band “The Runaways” and recently played at his high school reunion.   

   Members of his family include his wife, Veronica J. (Imperiale) Genest; his sons and daughters-in-law, Aaron and Cheryl Genest and Martin and Debbie Genest; his step-son, Kenneth Russell; four grandchildren, Jacob Genest, Leanna Genest, Linley Genest and Taylor Giguere; his sister and brother-in-law, Rita and Gunter Anger; and many cousins.

   Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, March 16^th from 5 to 8 p.m. Friends are invited to attend. A private graveside service will take place in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Joanne Yanco, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Friday evening, March 10, 2023 at the age of 76. She was born at the Chelsea Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Massachusetts on January 31, 1947 to the late Paul and Angelina Luongo-Kelley of Revere, Massachusetts.         

    Growing up in Revere, Joanne enjoyed many summers at the beach. She graduated from Revere High School in 1964 and was part of the cheerleading and tumbling teams.

     Joanne was a devoted wife to her husband of 55 years, Richard Yanco. Together they raised their four children: Eric, Joseph, Sarah and Peter, who were the light of her life. Joanne deeply missed her grandson Nicholas Yanco who passed away in 2011. Joanne adored her grandchildren: Matthew, Alyssa and Ricky, and loved nothing more than spending time with them.

     Joanne was a pillar of her community. She enjoyed working at St. Kathryn Church in Hudson, where she found great joy in serving the parishioners. She was also a dedicated eye care professional who cared deeply for the patients of Dr. Elvin B. Haynes, Jr. and Dr. Thomas Scadova of Nashua Eye Care Center.

     In her free time, Joanne enjoyed hunting for treasures at yard sales and antique shops. She had an eye for beauty and found joy in discovering unique pieces to add to her collection. Joanne attend local art classes and was a very good amateur artist. In addition, she also had a lifelong love of fine fashion and jewelry.

   Joanne will be remembered as a kind, generous, and loving woman who touched the lives of all those around her. Her warm and gentle spirit will be deeply missed.

   Family and friends are invited to her calling hours at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, March 17^th from 4 to 7 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the Farwell Funeral Home, Saturday, March 18^th at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

James A. Sullivan, M.D., 88, of 10 Allds Street, Nashua, N.H., died peacefully at The Hunt on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

Dr. Sullivan was born on June 18, 1934, in Manchester, N.H., to John and Lillian (Dionne) Sullivan. He attended Bishop Brady High School in Manchester and graduated from Manhattan College in Manhattan, NY. On September 7, 1959, he married his wife Muriel (Toutain) Sullivan in Manchester, and in 1960, he graduated with a medical degree from Tufts University in Boston, MA.

Dr. Sullivan completed his medical internship at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army where for the next several years he traveled with his wife across the United States living in Dugway, Utah; Fort Lewis, Washington; and Fort Rucker, Alabama. Between 1960 and 1966, he completed his pediatric residency, and he and his wife welcomed four children.

In September 1966, Dr. Sullivan and his family relocated to Nashua where he and his wife raised their children. He co-founded Nashua Pediatrics Association and for nearly 40 years cared for the children of Nashua.

Dr. Sullivan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to so many. He is survived by his sisters Diane (Sullivan) Flynn and husband Brendan, Patricia (Sullivan) Straffin, and Eileen (Sullivan) Denoncourt and husband George; daughter Joanne (Sullivan) Richardson and husband Kevin Richardson; daughter Catherine (Sullivan) Stockman and husband Stephen Stockman; son Timothy J. Sullivan and wife Lynn (Matton) Sullivan; daughter Laurie (Sullivan) Tannenbaum and husband Keith Tannenbaum; grandchildren James Cathcart, Keith Richardson, Jeff Stockman, Jennifer Stockman, Adam Matton, John Sullivan, Zachary Tannenbaum, and Dillon Tannenbaum; and 10 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years Muriel (Toutain) Sullivan, his parents John and Lillian Sullivan and his sister Joan Sullivan.

Visiting hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, N.H., Friday, March 10, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, N.H., Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hunt Community Scholarship Fund, 10 Allds Street, Nashua, N.H., 03060, or the Home Health and Hospice Care Center, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, N.H., 03054. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Therese D. (Lavoie) Goulet, 90, of Nashua, widow of Joseph A. Goulet, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, March 5, 2023 at the Courville at Nashua.

    A native and lifelong resident of Nashua, she was born on February 24, 1933, a daughter of the late Thomas O. and Irene (Rossignol) Lavoie. Therese was educated in local schools and graduated from the former St. Louis High School Class of 1951.

     In addition to raising her family, she assisted her husband in the operation of the former Joe & Red’s Market at the corner of Lock and Chandler Streets of which she was a co-owner. Therese later worked in the Deli at Purity Supreme at the Royal Ridge Mall. She also was a volunteer with the Foster Grandparent program at the Broad Street Elementary School.

     Therese and Joe were married on November 26, 1953 and made their home on Lessard Street for a number of years and then resided at the senior residence on Coliseum Avenue for 23 years. The couple shared over 54 years together until Joe’s passing on May 28, 2008.

     Members of her family include her four children and their spouses, Denise I. and Kenneth Vallancourt of Merrimack, Ronald J. and Debbie Goulet of Nashua, Janet M. and Mark Scott of Haverhill, MA and the late Richard A. “Ricky” Goulet, who passed away in September 1994; two granddaughters, Nichole and Heidi Oram; six great-grandchildren, Felicia Cooney, Cayley Poulin, Doug Cooney, Dylan Gagnon, Dakota Fay and Bebo Cruz; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. One of five children, Therese was predeceased by three brothers, Albert, Maurice and Leo Lavoie; and a sister, Priscilla LaBrecque.

      There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 48 West Hollis Street, Nashua on Friday, March 10^th at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Kindly meet at the church. Donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Suite 301, Waltham, MA 02452. 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. 

DUE TO THE SNOWSTORM, THE MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15th at 1:00 PM at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME.

John F. Lyons, 78, died Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Bridges by EPOCH Memory Care Facility, Nashua, NH.  At his peaceful passing, he was comforted by the love of his life, his wife, Patricia (Yamello) Lyons.

John was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts May 18, 1944, the son of William and Florence.  He graduated from Haverhill High School in 1962 and later graduated from Northern Essex Community College and Merrimack College in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

While attending a CYO National Convention in November 1963, John met the woman of his dreams, Patty from Everett, Massachusetts.  The two would go on to marry at the Immaculate Conception Church in Everett in December 1966.

John began his impressive career as an electrical engineer for Sanders Associates in Nashua, New Hampshire, June 1967.  In 1968, he joined Raytheon Company as an electrical engineer in their Missiles & Defense Systems.  He remained at Raytheon for the duration of his esteemed career until he retired in 2011.  While at Raytheon, John was regarded as a talented expert in his field and had the opportunity to work on some of the most prestigious projects including working on both the Hawk and Patriot Missiles.  He often traveled to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico where he had the unique opportunity of testing missiles he helped design.  John and his family moved to Tehran, Iran, where John continued his work for Raytheon.  Upon returning to the United States, John worked at several of the Massachusetts and Nashua Raytheon facilities.

John was most devoted to his family.  He was the proud father of four children, John, Bryan, Elizabeth, and Mark.  For their benefit, he helped establish the City of Nashua soccer league (Soccer is a Kick in the Grass) and coached their teams often to championships.  John was also a proud Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.  Additionally, he served on the Board of Trustees of Northern Essex Community College for many years.  He enjoyed running, taught Sunday School, regularly gave back to his community, and always offered a helping hand to anyone in need.

John was always the quintessential handyman and even created his own bug zapper, which was so effective and popular they were eventually sold in local hardware stores and boat marinas.  John’s pride and joy was maintaining his lawn to professional golf ready perfection, and tending to his sparkling, clean swimming pool while sipping on his ever present can of Budweiser.  John (aka Budman) also loved to travel with his family.  John was best known for his relaxed and kindly temperament and for always being a gracious gentleman.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pat, his children, John of Nashua, Serena (Bergeron) Lyons, of Nashua, Beth and Robert Schneider of Merrimack, and Mark and Jennifer (Giaimo) Lyons of Phoenix, AZ, his five beloved grandchildren, Kathleen Lyons Johnson (and husband Dylan), Christopher, Nicholas, Christina, and Vincent, and his brothers William (and wife Shirley) of Lancaster, PA, David (and wife Betsy) of Hill City, SD, Gerard of Atkinson, NH, sister-in-law Beverly (Johnson) Lyons of Chelmsford, MA.  He is also survived by cherished cousins, Jean and Arthur Towne of South Hamilton, MA, Marge and Peter Gajeski of Wenhem, MA, and Jack and Christy Scott of Hamilton, MA.  John is also leaving behind many other family and friends, 40+ nephews and nieces, some of whom have preceded him in death.  John is being welcomed into heaven by his adored son, Bryan, who also preceded him in death in 2020.

Calling hours will be Monday, March 13, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A memorial service will be held on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15th at 1:00 PM  at the Farwell Funeral Home. A celebration of life reception will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Nashua following the memorial service.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Alzheimer’s Support Group – Attn: Kevin Flynn, 172 Kinsley Street, Nashua, NH 03060 or a charity of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Emily Jane Martin de Guzman, 44, of Amherst, NH passed away unexpectedly on February 27, 2023. Emily was born on January 20, 1979 in Providence, RI to parents George and Nancy Martin. She was raised in North Attleboro, MA where she attended North Attleboro schools and was a 1997 graduate of North Attleboro High School.  Emily was a member of Grace Episcopal Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married her true soulmate, Jerome.

Emily received her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Dean College in Franklin, MA followed by her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Wheelock College in Boston. She was currently employed as a Social Worker.

Emily’s passion was to help those in need and her kind heart and compassion for others was beautiful to witness. Emily was the first person anyone would call when they needed a friend to lean on or a shoulder to cry on. She greatly enjoyed volunteering her time within her children’s schools and to those who needed her within her parish, The Church of the Good Shepherd, for rides or simply companionship.

Emily was a devoted wife, adoring mother, loving daughter, loyal sister, dear niece and true friend. She was loved deeply and will be greatly missed by those who were blessed enough to know and love her.

She leaves behind her most precious and cherished gifts, her children Teresa (11) and James (6), her husband Jerome de Guzman, parents George and Nancy (Duckworth) Martin, sisters Amy (Brian) Mahoney, Holly (Stefan) Martin, father-in-law Vitali de Guzman MD, brother-in-law Jordan (Fannie) de Guzman, sister-in-law Johanna (Andre) Levie, brother-in-law Joel (Laura) de Guzman as well as her treasured nephews Kevin and Sean Mahoney, Ryan and Brendan Bauschard, Xavier Levie, and beautiful niece Remy de Guzman. She also leaves her aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. Throughout her life, Emily had a touching love for animals. The recent adoption of her rescue dog Roxy provided Emily with constant affection and support.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Eileen and Elton Duckworth, George and Marian Martin, and her mother-in-law, Teresita de Guzman.

A private mass of Christian burial was held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Nashua, NH.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emily’s name to the Church of the Good Shepherd Book of Remembrance at https://onrealm.org/cgsnashua/-/form/give/bor To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

    Elizabeth Ann “Lizann” Cormier, passed away from congestive heart failure on February 22, 2023. She was 65 years old.         

    Lizann was born in Nashua on October 16, 1957, the daughter of Natalie Cormier and the late Vincent Cormier. In addition to her mother, Lizann is survived by her sister Mary Jane of Londonderry; her brother Timothy and sister-in-law Maria of San Antonio, Texas;  her brother Mark and sister-in-law Betsey of Hudson; her brother Jay and sister-in-law Ann of Londonderry. She is also survived by two nephews, Brad Cormier of Revere, Massachusetts, and Ben Cormier and his wife Ashley Koen of Glasgow, Scotland, and a niece Natalie Martinez and her husband Zachary of Bellevue, Washington.

    The family wishes to express their gratitude to the many caregivers who enabled Lizann to live a happy and fulfilling life, especially Jennifer Salisbury, who was Lizann’s caregiver for 27 years.

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Lizann on Thursday, March 30^th at 10 a.m. at Saint Jude Church, 435 Mammoth Road in Londonderry. Burial at Saint Louis de Gonzague Cemetery in Nashua will be private.

      In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Lizann’s memory to Gateways Community Services, 144 Canal Street, Nashua, NH 03064. (gatewayscs.org). To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   James Carl Dempsey, 77, of Brookline, NH, went to his heavenly home Sunday morning, February 19, 2023 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack. 

   Born in Chester, Pennsylvania on March 14, 1945, he was the son of the late Carl W. and Margaret (Kaelber) Dempsey. Jim grew up in Newtown Square, PA and was a graduate of Delaware County Christian School. He furthered his education at Lehigh University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and earned his E.E. Master’s degree from the University of Maryland.  

    A resident of Brookline for the past 27 years, Jim was employed with BAE as an electrical engineer for several years.

    Jim was an active member of the Nashua Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, teacher and was an integral part of the music ministry. He was also active with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and a volunteer at the Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission.

    In his leisure time, Jim was an avid Ham Radio Operator and member of the ARRL. He also enjoyed his collection of Lionel Trains.  He loved traveling with his family and friends.  He enjoyed photography, fishing, boating and was the handyman extraordinaire. 

     Members of his family include his wife of 55 years, Patricia A. (Towle) Dempsey, whom he married on June 17, 1967; his daughters and their husbands, Sharon and Eddy Volmer of Jacksonville, FL and Heather and James Craig of Phoenixville, PA; three grandchildren, Leah Johns, Daniel Johns and Joshua Craig; two sisters, Judy Eyer of Media, PA and Jody Puckett and her husband Joe of Locust Grove, VA.

      A celebration of his life will be held in the Nashua Baptist Church, 555 Broad Street, Route 130, Nashua, NH Saturday, February 25^th at 2 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date. The family has requested that due to floral allergies, in lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Nashua Baptist Church, 555 Broad Street, Nashua, NH 03063 or the Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission, PO Box 1024, Nashua, NH 03061. 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.  

    John Joseph Dupay, 60, a longtime Nashua resident, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 18, 2023 after a brief illness.         

    Born in Revere, Massachusetts on February 23, 1962, he was the son of Jacqueline O. (Morin) Dupay and the late Robert L. Dupay. Educated in local schools, John attended Nashua High School. He has been employed as a maintenance worker for Harbor Care in Nashua. In his leisure time, John enjoyed playing his guitar.

   Members of his family include his mother, Jacqueline O. Dupay; his sisters and their husbands, Michelle and Adrian Fitzgerald and Lynne and Jeffrey Heyliger;Nieces and nephews, Andrea, Joseph, Alex and Luke Fitzgerald, and Hannah and Benjamin Heyliger.

    A Graveside service will take place in Edgewood Cemetery, Wednesday afternoon, February 22^nd at 1 o’clock. The Rev. David Harris, Pastor of St. Christopher Church will officiate. 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.

    Sylvia Marie (Rioux) Carroll, 83, of Hudson, wife of Roy Carroll, passed away Thursday evening, February 16. 2023 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a period of declining health.       

    Born in the French Hill neighborhood of Nashua on September 10, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Alphonse C. and Marie Ann (Cassista) Rioux. Sylvia was educated in local schools and graduated from Nashua High School with the Class of 1957. 

   During her high school years, she had worked at the former Edgecomb Steel in Nashua and later in her life, Sylvia enjoyed working as a nurses aide at Fairview Nursing Home in Hudson from 1982 to 1990.

    Sylvia was a warm, kind and generous person, who loved to spend time visiting with family and friends.

    In her leisure time, Sylvia loved to crochet, making afghans and baby blankets for her family and friends. She also was a sports fan of the New England teams, especially the Red Sox. She had a green thumb and enjoyed working on the landscaping and flower beds with her husband at their homes.

     Sylvia and Roy were married on July 15, 1961 and have made their home in Hudson for over 57 years. They also enjoyed many winters at their Florida home, surrounded by many wonderful friends.

     Members of her family include her husband Roy, with whom she shared over 61 years together; her three children, Timothy Carroll, Lisa Marino and her husband Edward, and Cindy Carroll; five grandchildren, Mitra Carroll, Tara Carroll, Justin Marino, Nathan Marino, and Mack Carroll and his wife Katie; a great-grandson, Owen Carroll; two brothers and two sisters, Pauline Lambert, Paul Rioux and his wife Anita, Anita Beaulieu and her husband Ron, and Richard Rioux and his wife Laura; brother-in-law Jon Carroll and his wife Kathleen; sister-in-law Susan Cobb and her husband Jim; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Sylvia was also predeceased by a brother, Alphonse Rioux Jr; and two sisters and three brothers-in-law, Mary Jane and Donald Girouard and Lucille and Lionel Bedard, and Donald Lambert; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Loretta Carroll; and sisters-in-law, Joyce Fuller and Barbara Michaud.

    The family will receive relatives and friends at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday, February 27^th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by a brief prayer service. Interment will take place at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or 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.

Alvin Henry Rodgers, 91, of Nashua, NH, a native of Hudson, NH, formerly of Windham, NH, and Fort Myers, FL, died peacefully after a great life.  “I don’t think I would change anything,” said Al in his final days.

He was the son of George H. and Ella M. Rodgers and was born on August 30, 1931, in Hudson, New Hampshire.  The family lived at the .5 Cent Stop at Stuarts Corner where together they ran a country store and filling station.  The second of five brothers, Al was predeceased by his youngest brother Ronald and his oldest brother Phil.  “Being the biggest, there was never any fighting among us when we were kids growing up. I would have won, and, besides, it was not allowed!”  His roots were buried deep in the Catholic faith and a strong work ethic.  The family left St. Pats in Nashua when St. Johns the Evangelist opened in Hudson in the early 1950s, where he held the title of Grand Knight.

Each summer Al’s dad would buy a house lot in town, and, being a Jack-of-all-Trades, he and his boys would build a house and put it up for sale.  “Dad never ran out of work for us to do,” said Al on a sunny afternoon chat.  Learning all those skills from his dad would secure his future success.

Al graduated from Nashua High in 1951 and joined the Air Force.  He married a Hudson girl, Mary Reilly, and together they set off to begin life in the Service.  While stationed in Texas, their first child, Michael was born, and Kathryn followed once they moved to Illinois.  After serving four years in the Air Force, Al and Mary returned to Hudson for a three-month leave.  The couple used this time to build a house.  When Al realized he could make more money in those 90 days than he could have in an entire year in the Service, a life-changing decision was made.  Al was an electrical engineer and with his brother Phil, Rodgers Brothers Builders was formed.  Al was 25 years old.

At the height of Rodgers Brothers, the company built 2,500 single-family homes, 450 apartment units, 600 mini storage units, and the Nashua Tennis Center.  Al was also responsible for starting several construction businesses, such as plumbing, cabinets, concrete, and trucking.  The list goes on.  Rodgers Brothers never used sub-contractors.  They employed thirty-two full-time specialists from bulldozer operators to finish carpenters.

Al and Mary had three more children, Gary, Keith, and Lisa.  Lisa died in infancy.  In 1962 Mary tragically lost her life to a form of Sleeping Sickness.  “She said she had a headache and she passed out.  She never woke up again,” Al said with glassy blue eyes.  Left with four children and a business to run, his mother came to live with the family.

Having a driving work ethic, Al also took civic responsibilities very seriously.  As a Life Member of the Hudson Lions Club, his contributions were numerous.  He served as President and District Governor and chaired many committees which included the building of the Rec Center on Oakwood Street, the Lions Hall (now the Hudson Community Building), the Lions baseball field, and a swimming pool.

Al was involved in many community activities.  He never ran for political office because “he was just too darn busy!”  He was president of the Home Builders Association of New Hampshire and was the Citizen of the Year for the Hudson Chamber of Commerce.  Al also held a seat on the Building Board of Appeals.  His biggest contribution to the community was when Alvin along with his brother Phil donated $4 million dollars to the town of Hudson, New Hampshire, for the purpose of building the George H. and Ella M. Rodgers Memorial Library.

Al loved “all things that go” and bought his first motorized vehicle at age 13.  It was a motorcycle that came in a box, and he had to put it together.  Over his lifetime, he would always have the latest car, boat, and even an airplane!  Al loved his cars.

In 1963, lifelong friends Bob and Connie Plamondon introduced him to Betty Morse.  He “courted” her for a year and a half before she became his bride and very best friend.  “She got me to dance.”  When Sinatra sang ‘New York, New York’ the dance floor would clear so everyone could watch Al and Betty create magic!

Al always said, “She became my best friend and still is to this day.”  During their 58 years together, Al and Betty had two daughters, Pam and Linda.  They lost Kathy to cancer when she was only 16.  Their marriage/love affair/friendship was a true example for their children and grandchildren to emulate.

They enjoyed traveling and went on at least 20 cruises.  Having traveled all over the United States, England, and Ireland, they made a cross-country motor home trip with all the children.  It was a trip of a lifetime!

When they were not traveling, Al and Betty resided on Cobbetts Pond, in Windham, New Hampshire, where Al was the ski boat driver for ski competitions.  During the winter months, they resided in Florida – first in Cape Coral, where Al was a member of a boating club, and then in Fort Myers, where he enjoyed the golf club.  He was also a member of Nashua Country Club for 38 years.

Family always came first with Al.  His greatest wish was that his children and grandchildren would know as happy a life as he did.  “I am so lucky to have had Betty in my life and so lucky to have had Phil.  He was the greatest guy in the world to work with.  I worked a lifetime with him, and I enjoyed every minute!  Of course, finding Betty was my greatest achievement.”

Al is survived by his loving wife Betty Ann (Morse) Rodgers, his sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Diane Rodgers, Gary and Robin Rodgers, Keith and Alessandra Rodgers, his daughters and sons-in-law Pam and Jeff Lalmond and Linda and Robb Clemons, grandchildren Aaron Rodgers and Elise Do, Nessa, and Chris Regan, Jeff and Kathleen Rodgers, Kate and Bob Dufour, Rose, Lily, Iris, and Miles Clemons, Emily, and Bridget Lalmond, and great-grandchildren Lyla, Adria, Stella, and Zoe.

This was a man impressed by kindness, integrity, humility, and generosity, not by money, degrees, and titles.  The world lost a great one in Alvin Henry Rodgers.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday, February 20^th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Kathryn Church, 4 Dracut Road, Hudson, Tuesday, February 21^st 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

     Janet Louise Rourke of Nashua, passed away the evening of Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at the age of 84.

   Janet was born on October 17, 1938 in Herrin, Illinois to Eleanor (Burke) and Harvey Hillman. While studying biology at Sioux Falls College in Sioux Falls, SD, she met her husband of 64 years, Bernard “Barry” Rourke. She and Barry lived in Minnesota, Massachusetts, New York City, Long Island and finally Nashua, NH where they resided for 55 years.

    Beyond being a loving wife, homemaker and proud mother and grandmother, Janet cared for others working in hospitals and dialysis centers. She volunteered with the Junior Women of Nashua and at Nashua area food Co-Ops.

    Janet loved nature and animals, particularly the birds she saw visiting the ocean, the lizards at her frequently-visited campground in Loxahatchee, Florida, and the many dogs she cared for throughout her life.

     Janet was predeceased by her daughter Lenore and son-in-law Ken Relihan; her sister Harriet Lewis; and her brothers-in-law Olaf Jacobsen, Jim Halvey and Fred Dovidio. Janet is survived by her husband Barry; children Susan and David; daughter-in-law Susan; beloved grandchildren Shawn, Terry and his wife Kristina, Ian and Emma; sisters Donna Jacobsen and Merilyn Hillman; sister-in-law Florence Dovidio; brother-in-law Doug Lewis; and several nieces and nephews.

     In lieu of flowers, donations in Janet’s name can be sent to the American Kidney Fund. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. 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. 

   Catherine Elizabeth (Smith) Partridge, age 84 of 33 Vieckis Drive, Nashua, died on Monday evening, February 13, 2023 at Premier Rehab and Healthcare, surrounded by her loving family.    

 Catherine was born September 25, 1938 in The Bronx, New York, daughter of the late Eugene and Mary (Traynor) Smith of New York City.

    She was the loving wife of George Henry Partridge, Jr., whom she married on July 31, 1971. They shared 51 years of marriage.  Catherine was predeceased by her amazing three brothers, Matthew, Eugene and Richard Smith.

      Besides her husband, survivors include her best friend and daughter, Michelle Ann (Partridge) Oro and son-in-law, Jonathan William Oro; her sister-in-law, Anne Smith of Copperas Cove, TX; her loving niece Kathy Guaragna and her husband Andrew; and two amazing nephews, Pat Smith, Matthew Smith and his wife Michelle Smith. She has many great nieces and nephews. Her most cherished loved ones are her granddaughters, Catherine Judith Oro and Elizabelle Ann Oro. She lived her life for them.

      Catherine served the Lord as a Felician nun in Enfield, Connecticut for 10 years. Her chosen name was Sister Mary Marcia. At that time she became a teacher and Principal. When she left the convent, she continued to pursue her love of education and students and taught a few years in Bedford, NH.

       She finally landed in Nashua, where she met George, and started her family. She continued teaching at Main Dunstable School for over 20 years. Catherine transferred to Ledge Street School in Nashua to work along side her daughter as a Title I teacher. She finished out her teaching career as a paraprofessional and after more than 50 years in education, she retired.

        Cathy kept busy as an officer for the Auxiliary Post Unit 3 of the James E. Coffey Post 3, American Legion in Nashua. She eventually became President and her passion for helping Veterans and their families shone through. In her spare time, Cathy spoiled her grandchildren, kept the Christmas Dream alive. She loved going to Foxwoods and you could always find a cosmopolitan in hand. She had an infectious smile and Irish eyes that showed loved to anyone that she met.

       Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, February 16^th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, Friday, February 17^th at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and are asked to kindly meet at the church. Immediately following the burial, everyone is invited to a luncheon at the American Legion James E. Coffey Post 3, 11 Court Street, Nashua from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

“Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend”

Joanna L. Toohig, 82, of Nashua passed away on Sunday morning, February 12, 2023 after a brief illness. Born in Revere, MA, the daughter of the late Jennie (DeMattia) and Louis D. Zollo.

She grew up in Revere, MA and attended Revere High School. Thereafter, she graduated from Salem State College in 1962 with a degree in education. Salem State College was where she met her devoted husband    of 57 years, Warren J. Toohig.

Joanna began her teaching career in Revere, MA where she taught second grade. She also taught in Nashua, NH for 27 years. During this time, she was a Title I kindergarten teacher and a Title I reading teacher. After retiring from teaching, she worked for Dr. George E. Prevost Jr. at Prevost, Helfman & Lasky Eye Associates.

In her free time, Joanna enjoyed attending her grandsons’ hockey and lacrosse games, especially their tournaments where she traveled from Canada to Florida to cheer them on.

No one ever uttered a negative word about Joanna. She  was a generous woman, an avid reader, a skilled knitter, exceptional baker and a lucky gambler. She loved the beach and traveling to far away places such as Europe, Morocco, and the Caribbean. She especially looked forward to her annual trip to Aruba with her close group of friends.

Joanna leaves behind her husband Warren; children Christine Vandenberg and her husband John of Green Township, NJ, and Patricia Toohig Nardone and her husband Mark of Natick, MA; and her beloved grandchildren Ryan and Kyle Vandenberg, her pride and joy. She was the older sister of Louis E. Zollo and his wife Michele (Ft. Myers, FL), Julianne Carrozzella and her husband Michael (Port St. Lucie, FL). She was the beloved aunt of Michael and John Carrozzella, and Louis, Christopher, and J. Michael Zollo.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Friday, February 17^th from 3 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Saturday, February 18^th at Noon. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com