Author Archives: Dana Farwell

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce that Royce A. “Lefty” Fowler, 75, of Nashua, NH passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, September 12, 2021. Lefty was predeceased by his loving wife, Sheila M. (Gilpatrick) Fowler with whom he shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage.

Lefty was a longtime resident of Nashua, NH and was born in Franklin on May 29, 1946.  He was a graduate of Nashua Senior High School and served our Country in the US Navy for a short time. For 40 years, Lefty worked as a machinist at W.H. Bagshaw until his retirement.

An avid candlepin bowler at Leda Lanes Bowling Alley, Lefty was a member of several leagues until the recent years when he no longer had the physical strength to play but you would still find him attending and cheering on his friends that were like family to him. Lefty is known and loved by many for his little league and basketball coaching which lasted long after his sons were grown. His passions other than being a great role model was his love of New England sports teams. He could roll off all the stats about many players and loved to have a good argument with anyone who didn’t agree with these stats.

Lefty is survived by his four sons, Shawn Fowler and his wife Jennifer, Eric Fowler and his companion Melissa Simard, Marc Fowler and his wife Tina, all of Nashua, and Bruce Gora of Washington State; seven grandchildren, Travis, Shad, Bayleigh, Brittney, Eli, MacKenzie and Christian; two sisters, Dolly Mailloux and Betty Dubois; as well as several nieces, nephews and countless “adopted children”.

Besides his wife Sheila, who passed away in February 2020; he was predeceased by his parents, Arthur R. and Frances (Emerson) Fowler; his firstborn child, Royce Fowler, Jr.; and his brother, Ralph Fowler.

Calling hours will be held at FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, to do an act of kindness for your loved ones. To send an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service.

    Olivette A. “Ollie” Lefebvre, 94, of Nashua, widow of Roland Lefebvre, passed away Saturday morning, April 10, 2021 at Fairview Nursing Home in Hudson, after a period of declining health.

    A lifelong resident of this city, Mrs. Lefebvre was born on July 15, 1926, a daughter of the late Joseph H. and Marie Louise (Levesque) Levesque. She was educated in local schools and was a graduate of the former St. Louis de Gonzague High School for Girls.

    “Ollie” had been employed at Doehla Greeting Card Company for several years and later worked at Cellu Plastics until her retirement.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Roland, who passed away October 1, 2002. They were married on September 4, 1948 and shared 54 years together. Ollie was also predeceased by her son, Donald W. Lefebvre on June 7, 2018; three brothers, Armand, Noel and Joseph Levesque; and two sisters, Rachel Laliberte and Alice Despres.

     Members of her family include her son, Roland E. Lefebvre and his wife, Mary; six grandchildren, Roland Thomas, Nicole Elizabeth, Keith, Donna, Michelle and Julie; eight great-grandchildren; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

    Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Saturday, September 18th from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a Graveside service at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. The Rev. Deacon John J. Martin, will officiate. Family and friends are invited to attend. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Eleanor Mary (Montagna) DiRusso, 92, or as many of her friends and family knew her affectionately as “Ma”, lifelong resident of Somerville, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2021 at home surrounded by the love and compassion of her family.  She was born on July 1, 1929 in Cambridge, MA to her hardworking parents, the late Thomas and Florence (Siccone) Montagna.

Ma was a woman who was small in stature but was always larger than life.  She was the beloved matriarch of her family and was a true inspiration to all.  Ma was a proud woman that stood fast to her convictions.  During an age and time when women didn’t usually work outside of the home, Ma flourished working as a personal care assistant for the elderly.  Always a selfless woman, she would put the needs of others before herself.  Ma enjoyed many of life’s simple pleasures; spending time with family, sharing a meal, trying her hand of luck at Vegas and the local casinos, collecting dolls and shopping.

Ma was a spontaneous person with a great sense of humor that lived her life on her terms.  She had no qualms about literally dancing in the street or in the aisle of the supermarket.  Ma, as her social media fame has risen over the past couple of years, would offer advice drawn from her decades of experience on love, relationships and marriage.  Often this advice was given with a sarcastic delivery that only the easily unoffended person could appreciate.   Ma will truly be loved, cherished and missed by all.

Ma’s love will continue to live through her beloved children; her daughter Marie Almas and her husband Carlos “Charlie” of Somerville, her daughter Josephine Balcius and her husband Ron of Holbrook, her late son Frank S. DiRusso, her son Anthony DiRusso and his wife Judith of Chelsea, and her son Thomas DiRusso and his wife Elizabeth of Natick.  She was the ever-cherished grandmother to Ella Dion, Angela Smith, Cynthia Mizen, Josephine Rubino, Michelle Gorman, Ashley Wilichoski, Jessica DiRusso, Steven DiRusso, Tylor Dirusso and Michael DiRusso.  Ma was the proud great-grandmother to her eleven great-grandchildren and great-great grandmother of two.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to her parents and son, Ma was preceded in death by her four siblings; her brother Joseph Montagna, and her sisters Flora Luongo, Isabel Conti and Marie Dinitto.

Visitation for Ma will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 11 AM – 2PM at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH.  Friends and family are cordially invited to attend.  A funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours.  Interment will be privately held.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to either the Merrimack Valley Hospice, Home Health Foundation, Attn: Community Engagement ,360 Merrimack Street, Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01843 (online at https://www.homehealthfoundation.org/donate/donate-online/) or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 (online at https://www.alz.org/ )  Arrangements under the direction of FARWELL Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH 03064.

    It is with deepest sorrow we announce the passing of John Greenwood of Nashua, NH, with his wife, Sonia Ascher, and his older son, Jeremy, at his side. He was 83.    

     Born in Bradford, England, May 25, 1938 to Wright and Lucy (Robertshaw) Greenwood, John spent his youth in Keighley, England. An exceptional student, he attended Manchester University earning an M.Sc. in Mathematics. He then worked at Lucas Engineering and for British Aerospace on the Concord airplane.

     In 1965, John married Florence Margaret Naylor and moved to Guisborough to start a family fathering two sons, Jeremy and Alastair. He became a college lecturer and then head of the science department at the technical college in Redcar, England.

An avid cricket player, he had trials for Yorkshire county cricket club and played regularly for Guisborough cricket club. He supported Guisborough FC and enjoyed following the sports for the rest of his life.

      After Margaret died from complications arising from Multiple Sclerosis in 2001, John began traveling extensively all over the world. In 2011 whilst on a Road Scholar circumnavigation of South America, he met Sonia Claire Ascher of Nashua. Sonia and John were married in 2012 and John moved permanently to the US. John became step-father to Barry, Nathan and Matthew Sanel and four step grandchildren.

       His life was filled with adventure and a great love of travel. He was a true gentleman, kind, soft-spoken, and exceptionally intelligent. His droll sense of humour often caught people by surprise. He was universally liked and made friends wherever he went.

       John will be deeply missed by his family and many others who loved him so much. We all carry a hole in our heart from his passing.

       The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Funeral services will be private. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. 

     Fred Edward Turner, 69, of Lowell, MA, passed away Friday afternoon, September 3, 2021 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, after being stricken ill on Tuesday, August 31st.

     Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on September 9, 1951, he was a son of the late John and Barbara (Clark) Turner. Fred grew up in Dracut, MA and was a graduate of Dracut High School, Class of 1970. He furthered his education, studying culinary arts and electronics.

     Fred was employed in the men’s department of the Target department store at the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua.

      He will be remembered as a friendly and fun-loving person. Some of his favorite pastimes were frequent trips and shopping in Salem, MA; going to amusement parks, riding roller coasters, flea markets and celebrating Halloween.     

     Members of his family include his brother, Mark R. Turner of St. Petersburg, FL; and close friends, Kim and Becky; and his cat, “Salem”.

     In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his brother, Daniel Robert Turner, a Vietnam War veteran, who passed away in 1969.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, September 8^th from 5 to 7 p.m. Friends are invited to attend.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

The Honorable Kenneth Francis McLaughlin, 92, of Nashua, New Hampshire and Cloghane, Ireland, died peacefully at his home Saturday morning, Aug. 28, 2021, with his loving family at his side.

Kenneth, or “Judge,” as he was called by many, was born on September 3, 1928, the son of the late John W. McLaughlin and Alice G. Martin, both of Nashua, New Hampshire. He married the former Mary Elizabeth Barry in 1953 after meeting and falling in love in the 6^th grade at St. Patrick Church Sacred Heart School in Nashua. They raised a family of four children together, sharing 57 years of marriage before her death in 2010. Kenneth was educated at Sacred Heart and Nashua public schools, and graduated Nashua High School with the class of 1946.

At age 15, he became an Eagle Scout as a member of the B’nai Brith Troop 256, headed by Scoutmaster Max F. Silber. He was awarded the status of Distinguished Eagle Scout in 1996.

Throughout high school and college Kenneth worked for McLaughlin Moving and Storage Co., as a driver and helped to manage the family business established by his mother and father in 1936.

As an undergraduate, he attended St. Anselm’s College and the University of New Hampshire. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School in 1950. At twenty-one he became the youngest person in New Hampshire admitted to the practice of Law.

At twenty-nine years old, he was appointed Associate Justice of the Nashua District Court. During his tenure, he served on the Governor’s Commission on Crime and Delinquency. He was a steadfast advocate for young people. His belief in the promise of each individual would be a prominent theme in court and throughout his life. He retired from the judgeship in 1973. He authored a two-volume work of legal analysis, Color Me Justice, exploring for general readers and students alike the positive impact of progressive Supreme Court decisions expanding and protecting the civil rights of individuals implied in the US Constitution.

After Law School, Kenneth began flying lessons at the Nashua Airport and become a licensed Private Pilot. He became Wing Commander of the New Hampshire Civil Air Patrol and flew numerous search and rescue missions, retiring from the CAP as a full Colonel. An avid aviator, in 1961 he founded Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim, NH, realizing a personal dream of offering a liberal arts or business education to students with a flight training curriculum. He served as president until 1981.

In 1973 Kenneth founded the K.M. Ranch, Inc., in Leon, Iowa fulfilling the dream of owning a land and cattle company raising Black Angus cattle. He and his family shared many summers there over the years.

Civic distinctions include former President of the Nashua Bar Association, service as military aide to Governor Walter Peterson and as Chairman of the New Hampshire Partners for the Alliance for Progress, sponsored by President John F. Kennedy. He served as Ambassador for the Alliance from the State of New Hampshire to the State of Ceará, Brazil. In 1963 he was chosen Outstanding Young Man of New Hampshire by the NH Junior Chamber of Commerce. He received the Outstanding Service Award from the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, the International Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Award, and the FAA Master Pilot Award.

He was a lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, a generous contributor to the Daniel Webster Council of Scouting, a supporter and lifetime member of the National Eagle Scout Association, and for several years an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

He has been an integral member of the Nashua Airport community and its development, recognizing its importance as a driver of industry, commerce and recreation to the greater Nashua community.

In 1980, Kenneth and Mary built a family home in Ireland on the Dingle Peninsula enjoying summers with children and grandchildren. He became a naturalized Irish citizen in 2019, sharing dual US-Irish citizenship. He had a passion for music, and loved playing the Bodhran with his musician friends in the local village of Cloghane.

Kenneth will be remembered as a true Renaissance man, a person whose creative vision and zest for life led him to many unique experiences and accomplishments. He fostered a life-long love of aviation, traveling, restoration of vintage cars and aircraft, hunting and sportsmanship, painting, reading, history, and current affairs. He could converse on almost any subject, both sharing his knowledge and asking questions with insatiable curiosity.

He was beloved by his dear friends and family who appreciated his loyalty, wit, and storytelling. He cherished his grandchildren who will remember him for idyllic trips to Ireland, where each learned to drive a stick shift at an early age on the wild and empty beaches; learning to waltz, restoring an old Volkswagen van, making pine bough wreaths, hunting, and time at the ranch.

Kenneth is predeceased by his beloved wife Mary B. McLaughlin and brothers John H. Mclaughlin and Robert M. McLaughlin.

He is survived by Lillye Ramos Spooner, beloved friend, partner, traveling companion, and later caregiver, sharing many years of life together, making his later years rich and meaningful.

He is survived by his four children, Atty. Shane A. McLaughlin and his wife Christine, Diane M. Whittemore and former spouse David, Sara M. McGee and her husband Jack, K. Brian McLaughlin and his wife Linda; grandchildren Mary Kathleen (Katie) Whittemore and her husband Alvaro Reig, Kyle D. Whittemore and his wife Alexis Hahalis, Brendan W. McGee, Jillian G. McGee, Hunter D. McLaughlin and Tanner B. McLaughlin; great grandchildren, Diego Reig-Whittemore, Silvia I. Reig-Whittemore, Dessa Mae Whittemore, sister-in-law Sheila McLaughlin; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a funeral service at St. Patrick’s Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, NH on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021 at 9:00 am, preceded by calling hours at the church from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. In light of the Covid virus, masks for the unvaccinated are encouraged. Interment will be private, following the service.

Donations in lieu flowers may be made in his memory to Veterans Count, a program of Easter Seals, at vetscount.org; and Home Health and Hospice Care, at hhhc.org. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Patrick Francis McAndrew, 41, of Nashua, NH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Worcester Memorial Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts after awaiting and receiving a Liver Transplant. He passed away after complications due to surgery and cardiac arrest.

    Born in Chicago, Illinois on March 12, 1980, Patrick is the son of Patricia A. (Field) and Donald F. McAndrew of Nashua, NH. He was predeceased by his brother Dan in 2004; as well as his grandparents and several aunts and uncles. Patrick is survived by his parents, Patricia and Donald; many cousins, and many wonderful friends and his cat Posey.

    Patrick was a kind and sincere man who lived life on his own terms with a cheeky irreverence for normality. Pat graduated from Nashua High School, Class of 1998, and was a self-taught computer genius and electronic musician. He worked for Sun Microsystems right out of high school and went on to develop many complex systems for many companies in Boston and Manhattan.

    Patrick was serious about electronic music. His knowledge of structure and the emotional response provoked by sound was worthy of a textbook for electronic music. Pat stood out as someone with a rare perspective and knowledge beyond his years; showing compassion, empathy, and always humor. He was truly loved and respected by his family, friends and coworkers. His love of life was infectious to everyone. Those who knew and loved him will never forget him. Rest in peace our dear son and friend as you join your brother in heaven along with all those who have gone before you.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday evening, September 1^st from 6 to 8 p.m. Those attending are asked to kindly wear a face mask and practice social distancing. A Graveside service will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Main Street, Nashua, Thursday morning at 10:15 a.m. Friends are asked to kindly meet at the cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, (Liver Transplant Department), 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655. Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

Mary F. Holland, 79, was born on May 1, 1942 to Helen and Stephen Ford of Nashua, NH and passed away peacefully on August 26, 2021. She graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Nashua, NH with the Class of 1959.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in elementary education at Rivier University, Class of 1963.  Mary earned her Master’s Degree from Rivier University in 1978 with a concentration in Learning Disabilities and Special Education. Teaching was her passion, especially Special Education, where most of her career was spent. Mary taught for over 40 years until her retirement in 2012, spending the majority of those years in Nashua, Hudson, and Wilton-Lyndeborough school districts.

Prior to having children, Mary and her husband, Bill, lived abroad in Toronto, Canada, and Brussels, Belgium from 1968 – 1972 traveling to over seventeen countries. Her time living and traveling across Europe was always a very fond memory. In 1973, Mary was included in “Outstanding Young Women of America”, which recognizes individuals with outstanding abilities, accomplishments and service to the community.

Having three daughters was the greatest joy of Mary’s life. She took great pride in all of their many accomplishments. She especially enjoyed spending time with them and cherished her time with her grandchildren; Caleb, Jacob, Ashley and Gabriel. Mary is predeceased by her husband, William (Bill); her parents Helen and Stephen Ford; and cousins, Nancy and Richard Corson. Mary is survived by her three daughters; Maureen Lemay and her husband, Justin, and their children, Caleb and Jacob, of Merrimack, NH; Megan Moon and her husband, Jarrod, and their children, Ashley and Gabriel of Stoneham, MH; Melissa Holland of Watertown, MA: and four sisters-in-law, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Mary will be held on Friday, September 3, 2021 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Farwell Funeral Home, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 9 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 E Dunstable Rd, Nashua. Interment to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Rt 102, Hudson. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Mary’s memory to either Bridges by Epoch of Nashua, 575 Amherst St, Nashua, NH 03063 or to Merrimack Home Health and Hospice, 7 Executive Park Dr, Merrimack, NH 03054. Due to the current global pandemic, the family of Mary requests that all guests to please kindly wear a mask at all events. Arrangements under the direction of FARWELL Funeral Service.

Frank Rivera, 58, longtime resident of Peabody, MA, formerly of East Boston, passed away unexpectedly on August, 24, 2021 in Lynn.  He was born in New York City on February 27, 1963 and attended Brandeis University.  As he was affectionately known by many family and friends, Frank was self-described as a “Jack of all Trades, Master of None.”  He worked for many years as a sales representative in the service sector.  Frank was the selfless patriarch of his family and an endearing role model to his children.  He enjoyed many of life’s simple pleasures; listening to music, cooking, and dancing in the kitchen with his beloved bride.  Frank touched many lives in many different circles and will fondly be loved, cherished and missed by all.

Frank is survived by his dear wife, Grenda (Heredia) Rivera, also of Peabody, MA, with whom he celebrated over 20 years of marriage together and his two cherished sons, Benny and Liam.  He was the dear father to his daughter, Ashley Rivera, and the proud grandfather to her two children.  Frank is also survived by his sister, Carmen Rosado of New York and his niece, Renee Jones of Arizona.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Rivera and his sister, Diana Erazo.

To honor Frank’s wishes all services will be privately held.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Frank’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Arrangements under the direction of FARWELL Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH 03064.

     Luetta M. “Lue” Kaminski, 89, of Nashua, passed away Friday morning, August 20, 2021 at Fairview Nursing Home in Hudson, following a short period of declining health.

     Lue was born on October 14, 1931, one of six children of the late Joseph and Rose Lang. She and her five younger siblings were raised on the family farm outside of Haverhill, Iowa. A graduate of Van Cleve High School in 1949, Lue joked that she was in the top ten of her class (there were only 8 other graduates that year). In 1955, she married a young US Air Force lieutenant, Paul P. Kaminski, Sr., and together they raised four children while living the military life in states from Massachusetts to California. In the late 1960s during the tumult of the Vietnam War, she appeared twice as a guest on the Phil Donahue Show representing military families. During one show, she garnered attention by reaching across the national divide to invite an antiwar activist to dinner at her home. Lue remained active in politics and was featured with the family dog in People magazine (March 1984) as she hosted Joan Mondale in her home.

     While her husband was stationed in Southeast Asia, Lue managed to raise four children while actively volunteering in church, schools and as a leader for Camp Fire Girls and Cub Scouts. Upon her husband’s retirement from the USAF in 1973, they settled in Nashua, where she volunteered for many community organizations, including the Nashua Soup Kitchen, where Lue served on the Board of Directors, and for their parish, St. Patrick Church.  Former NH Governor Judd Gregg appointed Lue to the NH Council of Aging, a position she held for many years. Her compassion for the elderly continued during her service on the Board of Directors for the Nashua Senior Center and as a caregiver for several Nashua area families. In 2016, she was awarded the Golden Deeds Award from the Nashua Exchange Club for her years of volunteer work.

     Lue had many hobbies including oil painting, crafts and gardening. She was a ferocious card player and was a member of several bridge groups, playing well into her final years. She enjoyed hosting lively dinner parties, especially for friends and family, where she always had stories to tell. Her needlework talents led to a home business in alterations, upholstery and window treatments. Following her husband’s death in 1986, Lue worked in the furniture department of Jordan Marsh, later Macy’s, retiring in the late 1990s.

      Survivors include her four children, Paul P. Kaminski, Jr. (Marilyn) of Tehachapi, California, Rep. Rosemarie Rung (John) of Merrimack, Patricia Nilsson (Mark) of Boise, Idaho and Thomas W. Kaminski (Holly) of Manchester; eight grandchildren, Joseph Kaminski, Jennifer Guerra, Alexandra LaSala, Jonathan Rung, Christopher Rung, Joel Nilsson, Chad Kaminski and Taryn Kaminski; four great-grandchildren, Tommy LaSala, Tyler LaSala, Aubree Guerra and Kaylee Guerra; two sisters, Evelyn Hennis of Marshalltown, Iowa and JoAnn Lanz of Stockton, California; and several nieces and nephews.

     Lue will always be remembered for her hearty laugh, generosity, and dedication to her family.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, August 31^st from 4 to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Wednesday, September 1^st at 9 a.m. Lue will be laid to rest alongside her late husband at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Thursday. Donations may be made in her memory to the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, 2 Quincy Street, Nashua, NH 03060 or Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

Edna Pearl (Connell) Brigham, 93, longtime resident of Nashua, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2021 at the Greenbriar Rehab and Healthcare.  She was born in Hudson, NH on May 27, 1928 to her late parents Otis and Lucy (Longard) Connell and attended Hudson schools.  Edna, who as a devout Christian was a longtime member of Trinity Baptist Church and had a love for many of life’s quiet activities.  She worked for many years at the J.F. McElwain Shoe Company until her retirement.  In addition to her parents, Edna was preceded in death by her two brothers Frederick and Maurice Connell.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 10 AM at the Westview Cemetery, Burnham Road, Hudson, NH.  All are cordially invited to attend.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to a charity of your own choice.  Arrangements under the direction of FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.

     Neil R. Doiron, 41, of Hudson, passed away Friday, August 13, 2021 in Nashua.

     Born in Nashua on October 4, 1979, he was a son of Gale (Clark) Doiron and Arthur Doiron. A lifelong resident of Hudson, Neil attended Hudson schools and was a landscaper for more than twenty years.

     Neil’s greatest accomplishment was his daughter, Hailey. He always said, she was the best thing he ever had. He enjoyed all sports, but anything with wheels was the best.

     Members of his family include his mother, Gale; his father, Arthur; his daughter, Hailey Doiron; brother, Artie; great aunt, Rachel Theriault; nephew, Lyric Floyd; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Sadly, Neil will be dearly missed by his family and many, many great friends.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, August 26^th from 6 to 8 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. The family has requested  that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hailey Doiron College Fund, 3 Plamondon Drive, Hudson, NH 03051. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

     Rose M. LaFreniere, 94, of Nashua, widow of Robert A. LaFreniere, passed away Thursday morning, August 12, 2021 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack.

     A resident of Nashua since the mid 1960s, Rose was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 6, 1926, a daughter of the late Herman and Lillian (Dornhoffer) Klinzing. She was educated in Pittsburgh schools and graduated from high school in 1944.

      Rose was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Some of her favorite pastimes were crocheting, making Christmas ornaments and working at craft fairs. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

       In addition to her parents, Rose was predeceased by her husband Bob, who passed away July 5, 2014. They were married on March 24, 1956 and shared over 58 years together. She was also predeceased by her son, Alan Wayne LaFreniere in September of 2020; her son-in-law, Arthur Heald Jr.; and two sisters.

       Members of her family include four children, Mark LaFreniere and his wife Jean, Gail Heald, Lori Porter, and Gary LaFreniere and his wife Michelle; also many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

      A Graveside service will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, 107 Amherst Street, Nashua, Monday afternoon, August 16^th at 1:00 p.m. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in her memory to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Patrick Louis Trudel Jr, 77, lifelong resident of Nashua, passed away on August 9, 2021 at the Hillsborough County Nursing Center in Goffstown, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on January 22, 1944 to his late parents, Patrick L and Charlotte M (Fredette) Trudel Sr.  Patrick was raised and educated in Nashua, attending Nashua City Schools.

Patrick who was known throughout the community, worked as a foreman for the Nashua Department of Public Works for 31 years and then transferred to the school department.  He worked for the remainder of his career as the custodian at New Searles Elementary School, where the young children brought immense joy to his heart.  Patrick was known for his big personality, his kind heart, and he loved to make people laugh.

Patrick had many friends from different walks of life. Some remember him fondly as “Coach” especially his daughter’s softball and basketball teams, while others remember him as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and wildlife. He was the beloved patriarch to his family, had a contagious smile that touched many souls and will be fondly be remembered, loved and cherished.

Patrick is survived by his loving wife, Louise A. (Caron) Trudel with whom he shared 49 years of marriage.  They were to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on September 4th, 2021.  He is also survived by his cherished daughter, Tammy (Trudel) Gilmore of Portsmouth, NH, his brother Robert Trudel and his wife Connie of Penobscot, ME as well as several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Patrick was preceded in death by his daughter Amy Blanchard, wife of son-in-law Gerald Blanchard and his nephew Robert Trudel Jr whom he loved very much.

Visitation for Patrick will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 6 – 8 PM at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  Friends and family are cordially invited to attend.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11 AM at Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad St, Nashua, NH.  Guests are kindly asked to meet directly at church.  To honor Patrick’s wishes, interment will be privately held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Patrick’s memory to either the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 S River Rd #210, Bedford, NH 03110 or to the Hillsborough County Nursing Center, 400 Mast Road, Goffstown, NH 03045.  To leave an online condolence, please visit www.Farwellfuneralservice.com.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.

Joan D. Boulard, 84, passed away peacefully at home with family on February 11, 2021. Joan was born in Providence, RI on February 28, 1936, to her parents the late Michael and Dorothy (Humes) DeRensis.

She loved to have great conversations and make people laugh with her keen sense of humor. In her early years, she was a Nurse’s Aide, a stay-at-home Mom and a volunteer at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina. She also volunteered at the Nashua Adult Learning Center as a Foster Grandmother and liked nothing more than to sit down and read a good book.

She was predeceased by her husband Armand (Mike) Boulard of 29 years and her sister Marilyn (DeRensis) Kelly.

She leaves behind her children, Michael (Andrea) Boulard of Manchester, NH. Deborah (Steve) Pelletier of Hillsborough, NC.  Kevin (Diane) Boulard of Hudson, NH. Linda McCabe of Cambridge, Ohio and Terrie (Sal) Boulard of Nashua, NH. Also, her brother, Michael DeRensis of Providence, RI. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Joan adored her grandchildren, Jessica Leblanc, Scott Boulard, Mark McCabe and Shayla Boulard.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday August 28, 2021, at 10:00 AM in Saint Christopher’s Church, 62 Manchester, Street, Nashua. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Rita Bernadette Santry, 87, of Nashua, and former longtime resident of Lowell and Tyngsboro, passed away on August 3, 2021 peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side.   As one of the youngest of thirteen children, she was born on August 13, 1933 in Tewksbury, MA to her late parents Elisce and Bernadette (Heroux) Ouellette and educated in Wrentham Public Schools.  Rita worked as a nurse at the Glenwood Care and Rehabilitation Center in Lowell until her retirement.

As a woman who touched many lives, Rita’s selfless devotion to others began in her youth.  She was raised in the foster system and wholeheartedly embraced the love of many foster children throughout the years.  Rita enjoyed many of life’s simple pleasures; gardening, shopping, knitting, playing bingo and the company of animals, especially her dog.  She was the beloved matriarch of her family who loved spending time with family and friends.  Rita touched many lives in many different circles and she will fondly be loved and missed by all.

Rita is survived by her four dear sons, Raymond Santry and his wife Elena of Nashua, Paul Santry Sr. and his wife Nicole of Lowell, MA, Nolyn Surprenant and his wife, and Jason Surprenant.  She was the proud grandmother to her five grandchildren; Mackenzie, Erica, Paul Jr., Stephen and Emma.  She is also survived by her two sisters; Theresa Skillings of Hollis, NH and Beatrice Wedlock of Missouri and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by ten of her siblings.

Visitation for Rita will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021 from 4 – 7 PM at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  Friends and family are cordially invited to attend.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 10 AM at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, 96 Riverneck Rd, Chelmsford, MA.  The family kindly requests that those who will be attending at the cemetery to meet directly there.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rita’s memory to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380 or online at  https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/donate/.  Arrangements under the direction of FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com