Author Archives: Dana Farwell

   Frank Paul Cortez, 69, of Nashua and formerly of Lowell, MA, passed away at his home, Thursday evening, January 13, 2022 after a courageous battle from Muscular Dystrophy.              

   A resident of Nashua for the past 38 years, Frank was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on February 16, 1952, a son of the late Frank Paul and Rita (Morrison) Cortez. Educated in local schools, Frank was a graduate of Lowell High School Class of 1969 and earned an Associates Degree from Middlesex College. During the Vietnam War, Mr. Cortez served with the Air Force Reserves.  

   Frank began his career as a welder with BTU Engineering of Billerica, MA and later worked as Director for Catholic Charities Food Pantry in Lowell. Frank provided help to many families of the Lowell Community, which was so very gratifying to him.

   In his leisure time, he enjoyed golf, watching all sports and especially loved spending time with his family.

  Members of his family include his wife, Pamela (Oliver) Cortez, whom he married on October 13, 1973 and shared 48 years together; his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Keith Girouard of Nashua; two grandchildren, Isabella and Gavin Girouard; sister and brother-in-law, Corrinne and Ted Jabczanka of Londonderry, NH; brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Anne Cortez of Tewksbury, MA; an aunt, Alice Beaulieu of Nashua; three uncles, James Morrison of Florida, Robert Morrison and his wife Happy of Dover, NH and Arthur Morrison of Florida; and his beloved dog, Gracie Rose. Frank will be missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

  Family and friends are invited to his calling hours at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday, January 22^nd beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a Prayer Service at 12 Noon. Frank will be laid to rest in the Mausoleum of Woodlawn Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com.   Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.   

   Robert Harold Foster, 80, of Nashua, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at St. Joseph Hospital, after a period of declining health. His immediate family was by his side.            

   Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on April 17, 1941, he was a son of the late George and Ida E. (Barron) Foster. During his youth, Bob grew up in Ellsworth, Maine and was a graduate of The Ellsworth High School Senior Class of 1959, where he participated in many clubs including Band, Chorus and Drama. He served faithfully his entire life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was an elder with the congregation since 1972.  

   Bob was a man of many talents who worked a variety of occupations including being an EMT and radio announcer, working at radio stations in Maine and later in Peterborough, NH. He also was employed at Teradyne, Inc. of Nashua for several years. Bob also coordinated training and videography for the State of New Hampshire Office of Emergency Management.

    In his leisure time, Bob was active with the Nashua Theater Guild, where he directed Shakespeare in the Park, as well as composed musical scores for several plays. He had a keen love for music, playing in several bands, and had a knack for teaching those around him to develop an appreciation for all things music as well. Bob was a classic film buff and had an intense love of travel, poetry, and the beauty of nature. Bob was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the games with his good friend Tim. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a listening ear, and an open heart.

    Members of his family include his beloved wife and light of his life of 56 years, Faithe N. (Turner) Foster; a son, Michael A. Foster of Biddeford, ME; a daughter, Melodie L. Busche and her husband Jake of Largo, FL; three grandchildren, Dylan, Wyatt and Abigail Foster; three step-grandchildren, Taylor, Kylie and Kassidy Busche; a brother, Rick Foster and his wife Rebecca of Ellsworth, ME; and cousins Tait and Helen of Phoenix, AZ.

     There will be no formal in-person services. A virtual memorial is being planned for Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2 p.m., with additional details forthcoming. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Albert A. Nadeau, 96, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away peacefully at his home, Sunday evening, January 9, 2022, after a period of declining health.            

   Born in Nashua on June 1, 1925, he was one of seven children of the late Alfred and Louise (Renaud) Nadeau. “Al” attended St. Louis de Gonzague parochial school and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1944. An Army veteran, Mr. Nadeau served during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952.

    Al was employed with Nashua Corporation in it’s traffic department for 46 years.

In his leisure time, Uncle Al, as he was known to most was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He enjoyed playing cribbage and other card games and watching Westerns on television.

    On September 14, 1968, Al married Jeanne T. Morin of Nashua, and they shared 46 years together until her passing on May 11, 2015.

   Members of his family include a special niece, Paula M. (Nadeau) Reynolds and her husband Wayne; extended family, Carol and Michael Mullan and their sons, Michael Jr. and James; special cousins, Priscilla Morin and Tom Morin; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, Al was also predeceased by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond and Mary Nadeau, Roland and Andrea Nadeau; and four sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and Winston Carter, Ida and William Rodonis, Irene and Pat Goyait and Cecile and Gerard Paice.

     There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Infant Jesus Church (St. John III Parish) 121 Allds Street, Nashua, Friday, January 21^st at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in his memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 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.

   Douglas Edward Jennings, 61, of Brookline, NH, passed away early Thursday morning, January 6, 2022 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, after a brief illness.           

   One of twelve children, he was born in Nashua on August 12, 1960, a son of the late Richard A. and Nancy J. (Farland) Jennings. Raised and educated in Nashua, Doug owned and operated Jennings Drywall in Nashua for many years.  

   His favorite hobbies and interests include hunting, fishing, four wheeling, riding his motorcycle and playing pool.  According to many who knew him, Doug was a selfless man who had a great heart and would do anything for others who less fortunate than himself.

   Members of his family include his three children, Tony D. Jennings, Shane R. Jennings, and Katilynn Anderson; two grandsons,  Mason J. Jennings and Hayden C. Jennings; four brothers, Ronald W. Jennings and his wife Linda, David J. Jennings, Derick Jennings and Edward J. Paquin; two sisters, Patricia A. Jennings and Maryann Paquin; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Doug was also predeceased by three brothers, William Jennings, Richard A. Jennings Jr. and Donald E. Jennings Sr, two sisters, Barbara R. Lachance and Diane M. Trombly; two nephews, Michael and Nicholas Jennings; and his step-parents, Helen M. (Gladson) Jennings and Edward Paquin.

    Doug through various long term relationships has also claimed many step-children (7) and grandchildren. This includes his special little buddy Jaiden Johnson.

   There will be no formal services at this time. The family is planning a celebration of his life in the summer of this year. 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.

Barbara A. (Wojtowicz) Whitmore, 80, longtime resident of Nashua, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2022 at the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center.  She was born in Lowell, MA on March 6, 1941 to the late Andrew and Libby (Panagopoulos) Wojtowicz.  Raised and educated in Billerica, MA, Barbara graduated from Billerica High School with the Class of 1958.  After her graduation, she attended Salem State University graduating with the Class of 1962 earning her bachelor’s degree in education.

Barbara married the love of her life in a simple ceremony in 1962 and settled in Nashua with her husband to raise their family.  She had a career that lasted nearly 4 decades teaching in the business program at Nashua High School.  Barbara was not only a teacher but she was many other things as well; daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. 

Barbara was the beloved matriarch of her family where she enjoyed spending time with them, reading, travelling, gardening and watching western classics.  She continued her service to the community as the board secretary for the Board of Trustees of Woodlawn and Pinewood Cemeteries.  Barbara was also the first woman president of the Nashua Lions Club.  She touched countless lives over the years and she will fondly be remembered, cherished and missed by all.

Barbara is survived by her dear daughter, Deborah Lynch and her husband Kevin, and her daughter-in-law, Sandra L. (Horne) Whitmore, all of Nashua.  She was the proud grandmother to her three grandchildren; Taylor Whitmore of Nashua, Adam Lee and his wife Crystal of Salem, NH and Kevin Lynch and his wife Maureen of Greer, SC, and great grandmother to Grace Helen Lee.  Barbara is also survived by her brother, Francis Wojtowicz and his wife Susan of Dracut, MA and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl E. Whitmore Sr., with whom she shared 33 years of marriage together before his passing in 1995, her son Carl E. Whitmore Jr, in 2018 and several siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 10 AM, at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Rd, Nashua.  Friends and family are cordially invited to meet directly at the church.  Encryptment to follow in the Mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery, 101 Kinsley St, Nashua.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara’s memory to either the American Cancer Society, PO Box 10538, Bedford, NH 03110 or to the St. Benedict Abbey, PO Box 778, Harvard, MA 01451.  To send an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

Barbara A. Rood, 85, of Nashua, NH, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH, on January 3, 2022.  Born on July 27, 1936, she was the daughter of the late William Treynowich and Eva (Mellon) Caron.  Barbara was raised and educated in Hudson, NH, having graduated from Alvirne High School.

Barbara lived in Nashua throughout her entire life, eventually retiring from Matthew Thornton Health where she was an orthopedic surgeon’s assistant.  She loved to travel, enjoyed her time with her grandchildren, animals and as a bell ringer with the Red Hat Society.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Herman Rood, who she shared 45 years of marriage with and is survived by her sister Joan Chaput of Twin Mountain, NH, Michael and Danielle Mansfield of Londonderry, NH; William Mansfield and his fiancé, Kendra Peterson, of Nashua, NH; Nicholas Rood and his significant other, Sally Lewis, of Easton, PA; Aggie and Alexander Vlahos of Merrimack, NH and her grandchildren; Wesley Mansfield, Kelsey Mansfield, Ashlyn Mansfield, and Emily Elliott.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Nurses, LNAs’, and volunteers at Home, Health and Hospice for the care they have provided to Barbara over the past seven months and especially to those that assisted her during her final days at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack.

Family and friends are invited to attend graveside services that will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, 107 Amherst Street, Nashua, NH, on Saturday, January 15^th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Road, Merrimack, NH 03054.

   Courtney Haynes (Popik) Way, 52, of Palm Harbor, FL, wife of John P. Way, passed away, Monday, January 3, 2022. Heaven has gained another Angel. Though this particular Angel is a feisty one! Courtney will definitely keep St. Peter and everyone else on their toes!              

   Born in Columbus, Georgia on March 4, 1969, she was a daughter of Ret. CW-4 John and Shirley (Arsenault) Popik.   

   Courtney made her home in Florida for a very long time, she never shook off the Yankee accent and her love of anything New England. You could be certain she’d be sporting her favorite team whether by t-shirt or hat or some other apparel. As she was a huge fan of David Bowie and Frank Langella, I’m pretty sure she’ll be hanging out looking for them!

    Her friends from junior and senior high school remember her as the “trend setter”. They said she was quite the funny and endearing friend anyone could ever have. And from the amount of condolence messages her family has received there was well over 100 people Courtney has touched in some fantastic way. Her friends from today have agreed with what was said from years ago. She had “something” that people just wanted to be with her. Courtney will be missed dearly by those friends, as well as her family.

    She leaves behind her husband John P. Way; daughters, Kristine Harvey and Mary Ellen Popik; her son, John P. “JP” Way, Jr.; her grandson Bentley, (whom she doted on like any cool nana ever could); her sister, Joan (Popik) Hussey of Massachusetts; her brothers, John J. Popik of Pennsylvania and Andrew Popik of Florida; her nieces, Jessica Purtz and Megan Popik; and nephews, Logan and Kelan Popik.

    A Graveside service will take place in Edgewood Cemetery, 107 Amherst Street, Nashua, Monday afternoon, Janaury 31^st at one o’clock. Family and friends are invited to attend. A donation in Courtney’s honor to a favorite charity, will be greatly appreciated. To send 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, NH.

   William M. Christensen, Jr., 84, of Bedford and formerly of Nashua, passed away Sunday evening, January 2, 2022 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, after a period of declining health.          

   Born in Nashua on September 12, 1937, he was a son of the late William M. and Elizabeth (Monahan) Christensen. Educated in local schools, Bill was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1955.  

   Bill was employed as a buyer and furniture salesman with the former C.H. Avery Company of Nashua for many years and later worked for the Nashua School District as a cafeteria monitor.

    A communicant of St. Patrick Church for many years, Bill had also coached CYO Basketball.

     In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his twin brother, Warren M. Christensen and his sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and John Dennen.

    Members of his family include two nieces, Elizabeth Dennen and Ann Kelly and her husband Jim; a nephew, John Dennen, Jr.; and a grandniece, Kara Gallagher and her husband Kode.

     A period of visitation will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, January 7^th beginning at 9:30 a.m. followed by his funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bedford, NH. Friends are invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, Nashua.

  Ronald H. Couturier, 64, of Milford and formerly of Nashua, passed away peacefully at his home, Friday evening, December 31, 2021 surrounded by family and friends.             

   Born in Nashua on January 22, 1957, he was a son of the late Alfred G. and Lucille E. (Lusignan) Couturier.

  A beloved son, partner, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, Ron is survived by his longtime partner, Joanne Gallagher and constant companion Royce of Milford; his daughter, Melissa Sereda and her husband Scott of Dunnellon, Florida; his brothers and sisters, Jeannine Ayer of Nashua, David Couturier of Nashua, Marc Couturier and his partner Nancy of Goffstown, Elaine Wesson and her husband Kevin of Manchester, and Phillip Couturier and his wife Robin of Nashua. His bonus children, Meaghan and Alex Pratt of Nashua, Ali Maynard of Boston and Morgan Maynard of Hollis; much loved grandfather to Mason, Megan and Madi; wonderful uncle to Simon and Ethan; and his many cousins and countless friends. In addition to his parents, Ron was predeceased by his dog “Spike”.

    He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love.

    Ron enjoyed long motorcycle rides on his Harley Davidson, tinkering with cars, tailgating at Patriots games, Three Stooges Marathons and visiting and vacationing with Joanne, Melissa, Scott and his grandchildren. He loved spending time with family and friends and certainly would never miss a homecooked meal. Ron was quick to lend a hand to anyone who needed help and was always just a phone call away. He was a longtime collector of “stuff” and if there ever was anything you needed, Ron was sure to have one “somewhere”.

   A longtime employee of Bellavance Beverage Company in Nashua, Ron later worked for the Department of Public Works for the City of Nashua.

    Children and dogs flocked to Ron which is a testament to his kind and gentle soul. He touched so many hearts.

    Always remember Ron’s not gone, he’s just not here. 

   Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday, January 15^th from 1 to 3 p.m. In celebration of Ron’s life, Harley Davidson, Patriots and Three Stooges clothing are welcome at his service.

  A gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following the service at Bistro 603, 345 Amherst Street, Nashua.

 In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064 in Ron’s memory. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, Nashua.

   Jeffrey Gerald Wilkins, 61, of Nashua, passed away at his home, Friday evening, December 31, 2021, after a period of declining health.    

   A resident of Nashua for many years, Jeff was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on December 3, 1960, son of Bonnie (Campbell) Wilkins and the late Gerald Ward Wilkins. Educated in local schools, Jeff was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1979.

   Jeff was employed with Newport Construction in Nashua as a construction superintendent for the past fifteen years.

    In his leisure time, Jeff was a NASCAR and New Hampshire Racing Association fan and enjoyed going to the Epping Speedway. He took great pride and love of his family, his home and work.

    Members of his family his wife, Marcia R. (Brown) Wilkins, whom he married on June 7, 1986 and shared 35 wonderful years together; his daughter, Nichole T. Wilkins and her partner Brandon Dobbins; his son, Jeffrey M. Wilkins and his wife Ashley; four grandchildren, Lindsay Dobbins, Michael Wilkins, Jon Wilkins and Brody Wilkins; his mother, Bonnie Wilkins; two sisters, Kim Wilkins and Wendy Wilkins; an his uncle, Richard Wilkins.

    Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, January 5^th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A Graveside service will be held in Edgewood Cemetery, 107 Amherst Street, Nashua, Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. Friends are invited to gather at the cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory 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, Nashua. 

Anthony L. “Tony” Woodman, 64, peacefully passed away on December 28, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.  Formerly of Ogdensburg, NY, Tony lived in Nashua, NH for many years.  He is the son of Marie (Goodberry) Woodman and the late Berwyn Woodman.

Tony enjoyed boating, riding his motorcycle, hunting, and especially his family.  He worked for Hewlett Packard Enterprises for 35 years as a High-Performance Computing/AI Solution Architect.  Tony has been recognized for his work with multiple awards. 

Tony’s sense of humor, joy of life, willingness to lend a hand, and his giving spirit will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Tony is survived by his loving wife Carol, his step-children, many grandchildren and a great-grandchild.  He is also survived by his older siblings; Mary, Richard and Richard’s wife, Kathleen.  Tony was predeceased by his father and older brother Charles.

To honor Tony’s wishes, a celebration of life is planned for Tony in April, 2022.  Carol and the family want to thank the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua, especially the nurses and doctors of the ICU for their excellent care of Tony and loving help to the family.  To leave an online condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com.  Arrangements are under the direction and care of FARWELL Funeral Service. 

   Natalie (Malouin) Bibeau, 95, of Nashua, widow of Roger H. Bibeau, passed away Monday morning, December 27, 2021, after a period of declining health.         

    A native of this city, she was born on June 29, 1926, a daughter of the late Leon F. Malouin and Barbara (Gardner) Malouin. Educated in local schools, Natalie attended the former Arlington Street Elementary School and was a graduate of St. Louis de Gonzague High School for Girls, Class of 1944.

    After her graduation, Natalie was employed at J.F. McElwain Shoe Company where she met her future husband Roger. They married on June 25, 1949 at St. Patrick’s Church and made their home on Newbury Street for over 50 years. They shared 51 years together until his death on November 2. 2000.

    Natalie was later employed at W.T. Grants, J.C. Penney and Almy’s in the drapery department of each store. She enjoyed customer service and people might remember her dedication and accuracy in making their shades for their home. She retired from J.C. Penney around 1998.

    She was a communicant of St. Patrick Parish, enjoyed gardening and up until age 89 had a vegetable garden that she tended. She canned her tomatoes, beans and made a mean batch of relish as well. Natalie loved to bake, and will be remembered for her cream puffs, whoopie pies, and chocolate fudge. She also loved quilting and made numerous guilts for family members that are cherished. She loved vacationing and making memories at North Beach, NH and Ogunquit, ME in the summer. Natalie also practiced the art of rug making, braiding and hooking numerous beautiful rugs throughout her lifetime.

     In addition to her husband and parents, Natalie was predeceased by her brothers and their wives, Leon and Lena Malouin, Richard and Mary Malouin; her sister and her husband, Barbara and Roger Dionne; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ernest Cutting, Roland and Lauretta Bibeau, Ernest and Juliette Bibeau, Lionel and Rachel Bibeau, and Anita and John Campbell.

     Members of her family include her daughters and sons-in-law, Suzanne Bibeau of Barnstead, Barbara and David Weaver of Nashua, and Donna and Peter Davis of Concord; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Weaver and his wife Melissa of Concord, Timothy Weaver and his wife Gina of New Ipswich, Matthew Davis of Long Island, NY, and Brad Davis of Concord; two great-grandchildren, Gage Weaver stationed in California and Xander Weaver of Nashua; two step-great-grandchildren, Zackary and Curtis Jenks; her brother, Jan Malouin and his wife Virginia; her sister Justine Cutting; also several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Fairview Nursing Home for their compassionate care.

    A period of visitation will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Saturday, January 8^th from 1 to 3 p.m. followed by a Prayer Service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Foundation for Service Dogs Support, Inc. www.servicedogsupport.org or Dementia Society Association. To send an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.

Albena Champagne, 98, of Nashua, NH, peacefully passed away at her on home on  Christmas Day 2021.  Born on November 10, 1923, Albena was the eighth daughter of Anne (Hurbonevich) and Alexander Draskawich, and was extremely proud of her Lithuanian heritage.  She was a lifelong resident of Nashua and a graduate of Nashua High School, class of 1942.

Albena was the widow of Albert Champagne who passed away in 1981.  She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marlene and Richard Jones, of Merrimack, NH. Her son and daughter-in-law, Scott Champagne and MaryBeth Pierog of Arlington, Ma, as well as her dearest and most precious grandchildren, Ashley Jones Robbins and her husband Travis Robbins of Mebane, NC, Sarah Jones, of Lancaster, NH and her grandson Austin Champagne of Boston, MA. Albena is also survived by her sister, Agnes Mary Gureckis of West Springfield, MA and several dear nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, December 30^th from 9:30 AM-10:30 a.m. A mass will be held at the Parish of the Resurrection at 11:00 AM, with burial to follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Hudson, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital. To send an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service.

Anita L. Chouinard, 85, died on Christmas Eve after a long period of failing health. Anita was well known for her extravagant holiday decorating, her meticulously made quilts, her exuberant gardens, and her years of dedicated service to the community, particularly children and disadvantaged people. Anita was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts to Louise (Kreysig) and Bruno Stulgis on May 21, 1936. She lived most of her life in Nashua and Wilton.,

After graduating from Wheelock College in 1957, Anita dedicated the first thirty-five years of her career to teaching, most of it as a first-grade teacher, but later – after completing her Master of Arts in education at Rivier College – as a special education and testing specialist. We cannot begin to count the number of students, both young children and adults, she taught to read. She had a magic touch for teaching reading: she succeeded where others had failed and where students despaired of ever getting the knack. Part of her success derived from her creative mnemonics and clever little sayings, such as “when two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking”!

Anita’s fabulously decorated first-grade bulletin boards, changed monthly, transitioned to elaborate decoration at home. As a young mother, she thrilled us with beautifully decorated cakes with seasonal or personal themes. Every holiday was greeted with a fresh round of enthusiastic “decking the halls.” At Christmas, she delighted her friends and especially her grandchildren with two Christmas trees, a magical village complete with a train set, and more than three hundred snowmen made of everything from wood to glass to yarn. Even the ceilings were festooned with greenery. Anita had an extraordinary eye for color and pattern, and made a great number of gorgeous quilts. If a seam was not perfectly straight, she would spend hours taking everything apart to make it perfect. Everything had to be just so; she could not abide a crooked picture frame, a single tiny mistake in her knitting, or a wrinkled tablecloth.

Anita loved to entertain and bring joy and community to those around her. She hosted a fabulous Easter-egg hunt annually for seventeen years, and many events related to her community service work. She was a founder of the Wilton After School Program, president of the Lioness Club, co-founder of Wilton/Lyndeborough Teens, Inc., a treasurer of the Friends of the Wilton Library, and served on the board of the Nashua Children’s Home. In retirement, she continued teaching reading to private clients, and found new outlets for her charity work. She knitted about fifty hats for the homeless each year (none with a mistake!).

Anita married Paul M. Bruneau in 1957; after twenty-three years and six children, their marriage ended in divorce. She later married Robert A. Chouinard, who fully indulged her passions and was often seen on a ladder hanging decorations or digging holes in the garden. Anita was very happy with “Pepere” until his death in 2012. She is survived by her children Wendy Bruneau, married to Rick Swanson; Joseph Bruneau; Judith Bruneau; Paula Nickerson; Jonathan Bruneau, married to Ruth Middleton Bruneau; and Todd Bruneau; and nine grandchildren, Elise Faucher; Indigo, Lillie, Oliver and Grace Durnan; Cole and Chase Nickerson; and Henry and Samuel Bruneau.

We want to thank the staff at the Hunt Community for their years of attentive care. In lieu of flowers, we encourage gifts to Marguerite’s Place or the Front Door Agency in Nashua. To leave a message of condolence on line, please visit  www.farwellfuneralservice.com. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

Joann Dolores O’Brien, 87, of Goffstown and formerly of Nashua, entered the gates of heaven on Friday, December 17, 2021, after a brief illness. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Joann was born in Roslindale, Massachusetts on April 16, 1934.  The daughter of James Ciampa and Rose Ciampa Sansone. Joann was educated in Roslindale schools. In her youth and early years as an adult, Joann was an active member in her church and was passionate about dance. She married William T. O’Brien and the couple resided in West Roxbury, MA.  She was a homemaker and raised her six children. While living in West Roxbury, Joann was an active member of the Dedham Mother of Twins Club. In the late 1970s her family moved to Nashua NH.  For the past 16 years, Joann has made her home in Goffstown.

She was employed at the phone company and other various jobs, but her happiest moments were spending time with her family.  Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and dogs were her greatest pride and joy.

Joann was a woman of such strong faith. She was talented in so many aspects of her life. She was a genius with needlepoint, knitting and ceramics, leaving us with treasured keepsakes she created. She was an amazing cook and avid reader. Being a cancer survivor was an important part of her identity later in life. Joann will always be remembered by her big heart, her sweet ways and her infectious laugh.  She loved to laugh.

Joann is predeceased by her parents, her former husband, William and her beloved son, Michael J. O’Brien. She is survived by her children, Mark S. O’Brien, Louise Norway (David); Joanne O’Brien, Suzanne O’Brien, William O’Brien (Ericca); nine grandchildren, Adam, Britanny, Sadie, Edward, Elizabeth, William, Isabelle, Jillian and Abigail; one great-grandchild, Annaliese; her siblings Roberta Dodge (Frank), Joyce Belanger, James Ciampa and her lifelong friend, Joanie Foley.

Due to COVID 19, a Funeral Mass and celebration of her life, will be held in Spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made by a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 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.

     Memorial Mass:  Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022  at 11 am

Immaculate Conception Church   216 East Dunstable Road   Nashua,NH  

Luncheon to follow in Parish Center

Family and friends are welcome to attend

Livestreamed at https://www.iccnashuanh.org/

    Joseph P. Strob, 85, a Nashua resident for the past 50 years, passed away Sunday afternoon, November 14, 2021 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center after a period of declining health.         

   Born in Everett, Massachusetts on October 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Joseph C. and Agnes (Silliker) Strob. Joe grew up on a farm in Raymond, NH and graduated from Raymond High School with the Class of 1954. He furthered his education at the University of New Hampshire and was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Mr. Strob was an Army veteran and served a tour of duty during the late 1950s.

    A longtime employee of the former New England Telephone Company, Joe worked as Director of rates and tariffs for Massachusetts and worked in the Manchester and Boston offices during his 30 years there. During his time with the phone company, Joe was active in fundraising for the United Way. He later was employed as a cashier at Home Depot at the Nashua Mall, work that he enjoyed for 14 years. Joe enjoyed his time on the Board of Directors for the Village of Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH as well as the Colliston Yard Board. Joe was a true leader and enjoyed serving these communities and having a positive impact. In addition, Mr. Strob held memberships in Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs.

    Fondly referred to as Bubba by many, Joe was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  

    Joe was privileged to have 30 years of retirement. During this period of time he and Suzanne enjoyed many memorable trips throughout the world. In addition, he was an avid golfer and passionate Boston sports fan. In his last few years you might have found him enjoying episodes of his favorite shows on MeTV. Above all, his world was complete when he was taking care of his wife and family. His favorite job, pastime and enjoyment was truly serving them.  

     Members of his family include his beloved wife of 58 years, Suzanne A. (Collins) Strob, whom he married in October of 1963; his three children and their spouses, Kimberly and John Kane of Nashua, Robert and Dee Strob of Evans, GA, and Julie and Peter Dufour of Goffstown; six grandchildren, Kailey Kane, Jack Kane, Nicholaus Strob and his wife Kathryn, Bryan Dufour, Jason Dufour and Maria Dufour; two great-grandchildren, Josiah and Lily Strob. In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by a grandchild, Colby Dufour; and his beloved aunt and uncle, Mary and Henry Strob.  

    Private interment took place in Edgewood Cemetery.  Donations may be made in his memory to Immaculate Conception Parish, 216 East Dunstable Rd, Nashua, NH 03062 or the Pine Haven Boys Center, 133 River Road, P.O. Box 162, Allenstown, NH 03275.  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.