Author Archives: Dana Farwell

   Patricia Isabella (Haire) Jenkins, of Nashua, NH, formerly of Melrose, MA, passed away Wednesday evening, January 27, 2021 at her home at Aynsley Place.

   One of five children of the late Dr. Paul G. and Irene V. (Eaton) Haire, she was born on February 10, 1930.  She grew up in Malden, MA and was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy in Tyngsboro, MA, Class of 1947, where she resided for four years and was President of her Senior Class. Pat furthered her education at Emmanuel College in Boston, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Education.

   Pat met the Love of her life, Robert J. “Bob” Jenkins at Wells Beach, Maine, at age 14 and were married on Valentine’s Day in 1953. The couple made their home in Melrose, MA where they raised their family and spent 32 wonderful years. Pat and Bob moved to Nashua in 1987.

    A longtime educator, Pat began her teaching career at an elementary school in Malden. Once her four children were in school, she returned to teaching at their school, Horace Mann Elementary School in Melrose, MA. She taught there for more than twenty years, retiring in 1987.

     She spent time with many crafts. Her summers were full of knitting and quilting baby blankets for her nine grandchildren and later afghans for their college dorms and first homes. Pat loved her New England travels with her husband and attended The Highland Games in the fall at Loon Mountain for many years.

     Pat’s favorite memories were her summers at Wells Beach, where she was “Nana” to nine grandchildren born within eight years. She could calm an infant, hush a cry, rock a baby to sleep and read to a toddler without a fluster. She could serve grilled cheese sandwiches to wet sandy kids on the beach and her special chocolate chip cookies and ice cream Hoodsie’s on the porch after all were bathed and shined up, at the end of the day. Her greatest joy were her children and grandchildren. She took great pride in guiding them throughout their school years and watching them achieve their own goals. She taught them all her great love of books, reading to them from birth. Pat taught them the true value of family. Her home was always full of love and comfort, a place they would all gather, sharing laughs and great joy. She will be so deeply missed and will live forever in their hearts.

     The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Aynsley Place and The Courville of Nashua for all the care and compassion they gave to Pat and her family.

     Members of her family include her husband Bob, with whom she shared 68 wonderful years together; her four children and their spouses, Bob and Janet Jenkins of Southbridge, MA, Paula and Don Humen of Nashua, NH, Greg and Cindi Jenkins of Ashland, NH and Andrea and Mark Drugan of Salem, NH; nine grandchildren, Gregory Jenkins and his wife Natali, Julie Jenkins, Aubrey Rice, Daniel Jenkins and his wife Stephanie, Molly Corbett and her husband Gary, Michael Jenkins and his wife Allison, Laura Humen, Bobby Humen and his wife Lilly, and Phoebe Jenkins; great-grandchildren, Griffin, Avery and Nora; and two on the way; a sister, Reenie Alie of Hampton, NH; sister-in-law, Gail Jenkins of Nashua, NH; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Pat was predeceased by three siblings, Joan Quinn and her husband Don, Paul Haire, and Paula Perry and her husband Bob; brother-in-law, Andy Jenkins and his wife Franny.

    Donations may be made in her memory to the Marginal Way Preservation Fund, PO Box 1455, Ogunquit, ME 03907 or the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 cst.dav.org. A private funeral and burial will be held for her family.

   Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Richard P. “Dick” Diggins, 77, of Bedford, known for his thoughtfulness and quick wit, passed away at his home, Monday, January 25, 2021.            

   A Nashua native, Dick was born on November 8, 1943, one of ten children of the late Albert and Delima (Levesque) Diggins. Educated in local schools, he was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1962. Nicknamed the “Rocket” in high school, he was an outstanding track star and was honored as Nashua High’s Athlete of the Year and was inducted into the Nashua Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997. Dick was awarded a full four-year track and field scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. He was the first student from Nashua High School to receive a scholarship as a result of track and field.

   Dick enjoyed a long career with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. as a manager for 30 years.

   A perfect day for Dick would be good food, an ice-cold Budweiser, and a lineup of NFL games. He also loved a good party and to be surrounded by friends and family.

   He was a loving husband to Ellen M. (Dion) Diggins, whom he married in 1968; caring father of Scott Diggins of Portsmouth and Todd Diggins and his partner Krystin Ward of Dover; three sisters, Doris Dupont and her husband Wilfred of Nashua, Gloria Savage of Goffstown and Patricia Rodgers and her husband Kenneth of Stuart, FL; two brothers, Roger Diggins and his wife Treva, and Roland Diggins and his wife Bernice all of Nashua; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

    In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by a sister, Lucille G. Clark; and three brothers, Albert Diggins, Jr., Daniel Diggins and Thomas Diggins.

    There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Friday, February 5^th at 9:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.    

   Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Roger E. Gagnon, 91, a native and lifelong Nashua resident, passed away, Sunday afternoon, January 24, 2021 at the Courville at Nashua, after a brief period of declining health.            

   One of thirteen children, Roger was born on January 14, 1930, a son of the late Alphonse and Maria (Gendron) Gagnon. He grew up in the French Hill neighborhood and attended the former St. Francis Xavier School. An Army veteran, Mr. Gagnon served during the Korean War and held the rank of Staff Sergeant.

  After his military service, Roger was employed as a millwright at Nashua Corporation for 38 years, retiring in 1992.

   He was devoted to his family, loved cruising to the Caribbean and vacationing at Lake Winnipesaukee. Roger enjoyed watching Westerns on television, gardening and woodworking where he built birdhouses and wishing wells.

   Roger married Joan B. Desclos of Nashua in May of 1955 and they shared 58 years together until her passing on September 22, 2013.

   Members of his family include his five children and their spouses, Steven and Theresa Gagnon, James and Mary Ellen Gagnon all of Nashua, William and Tracey Gagnon of Merrimack, Daniel and Brenda Gagnon of Nashua, and Lisa (Gagnon)  and Matthew Willauer of Colchester, CT; 20 grandchildren, Erik Gagnon and his wife Martha of Merrimack, Matthew Gagnon and his wife Kerrie of Nashua, Jenalee Gagnon and her significant other Christopher Fraulo of Middletown, CT, Kali Roy and her husband Ryan of Concord, NH, Steffanie Timpson and her significant other Brendan Sullivan of Nashua, Sara Hoagland and her husband Joshua of Nashua, Scott Burns and his wife Elizabeth of Bunnlevel, NC,  Kyle Gagnon of Great Falls, MT, Joel Gagnon and his wife Natasha of Nashua, Nicholas and Holly Gagnon of Merrimack, Jesse and Alicia Gagnon of Nashua, Jaclyn, Tom, Rachel and Cassidy LaSaracina, and Timothy, Abigail and Samantha Willauer all of Colchester, CT; fifteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeannine Michaud of Hudson; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, Roger was predeceased by eleven brothers and sisters.

     There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Monday, February 1^st at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Family and friends will gather at the church. Donations may be made in his memory to Home, Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.   

  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Edwyn L. Dye, 88, a longtime Nashua resident, passed away Saturday afternoon, January 23, 2021 at St. Joseph Hospital, after a period of declining health.       

   A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, he was born on October 5, 1932, a son of the late Wilbur Albert and Fannie Sue (Walker) Dye. Ed was a graduate of Chattanooga High School Class of 1950 and served with the Army during the Korean War. During his tour of duty, Mr. Dye was stationed at Fort Devens in Ayer, MA.   

   Ed had been employed with the former Improved Paper Machinery in Nashua and their successor Ingersoll Rand for 35 years.

   On May 31, 1954, Ed married Lauretta E. Murphy of Pepperell, MA. They made their home in Pepperell and later moved to Nashua in the mid-1960s. The couple shared 54 years together until her passing on June 15, 2008.

    In his leisure time, Ed loved spending time with his family and traveling to the beach and throughout the USA to visit many historical places. He also was a coin collector.

    Members of his family include his three children, Dory Davies and her late husband Chris, Brenda and Dennis, and Tom Dye; seven grandchildren, Nicholas Plante and his wife Candace, Ryan Plante and his wife Rachel, Lindsey Hirschhaut and her husband Jacob, Craig Tremblay, Zach Tremblay, Sean Doyle and Krystopher Doyle; five great-grandchildren, Keller Plante, Isaac Hirschhaut, Ethan Hirschhaut, Evan Plante and Ari Plante; a sister-in-law, Barbara Dye of Ooltewah, TN; also nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Ed was predeceased by his brother, Frank Kenneth Dye.

    Due to the COVID 19 pandemic and safety concerns, a private graveside service will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Pepperell, MA.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

Margaret Ann “Peggy” Sullivan, 89, long time Nashua resident, passed away January 19, 2021 at Fairview Senior Living in Hudson. Born June 20th, 1931 in Dorchester, MA, the eldest daughter of William D. Gillis and Margaret M. (Lynch) Gillis, she graduated from Belmont (MA) High School in 1948. She was inseparable from husband of nearly 53 years, Daniel J. “Jerry” Sullivan, Jr., who predeceased her in 2006.

Survivors include children Kathleen of New York City and Daniel, Brian, Diane Lamb and Michael, all of Nashua; and grandchildren Christopher and Allison Lamb and Shane and Noah Sullivan. Peggy is survived also by her sister Mary L. Zeiders, brothers in law Glenn Zeiders and John G. Power and several nieces and nephews. Sister Patricia G. Power predeceased her.

Peggy was a faithful communicant of the Parish of the Resurrection in Nashua, active in the parish’s Women’s Guild and choir. A pretty decent bowler in her younger years, she participated in local recreational leagues. A few more of her favorite things, in no particular order: the New England Patriots, lap cats, dining out, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Brigham’s ice cream. But dearest to her was her family, to whom she gave all and whom she loved unconditionally. A full house, congregated around the kitchen table over which she presided, was her great joy in her later years.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Fairview for their caring support, particularly during this past difficult year; and to extend special thanks to Heidi, Surina and Kristina, without whose gentle care our mother would have been unable to remain in her own home as long as she did.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Peggy’s memory to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Due to the current pandemic conditions, interment will be private. The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Leona M (Wronski) Graboski of Nashua NH passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021 at the age of 83.  She was born on October 10, 1937 and raised in Chelsea MA to William and Mary (Urbaniak)Wronski.  On June 2, 1957, she married Francis (Frank) E Graboski and lived in Burlington MA raising their 4 daughters.

After a brief move to Westport CT, they settled in the Hudson/Nashua NH area where Leona worked as a Real Estate appraiser for several years.
Leona was preceded in death by her husband Frank of 60 years and her brother John (Skippy) Wronski.
She is survived by her brother Richard and his wife Carol Wronski of Stoneham MA, her daughters, Patty and her husband Greg DeFrancesco of Marina Del Rey CA, Linda and her husband Richard Heath of Loudon NH, Maryjane Quimby of Manchester NH, Pamela and her husband Bob Forcier of Nashua NH. Her grandchildren Kristen Ellspermann and her husband Vince, Andrew Quimby, Brian Quimby, William Shinn, Matthew Shinn, Ryan Forcier and Owen Forcier.  Two great grandchildren Scarlett and Victoria Ellspermann and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday evening, January 22^nd from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Family and friends will meet at the church. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Patricia Ann Grenier, 76, of Nashua, wife of Donald E. Grenier, passed away Thursday afternoon, January 14, 2021 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a period of declining health.

    Mrs. Grenier was born in Portland, Maine on May 15, 1944, a daughter of the late Charles H. and Virginia (Kelley) Fifield. “Pat” grew up on Kellog Street in the Eastern Promenade of Portland where she attended elementary school at Cathedral. After moving to Nashua, she attended junior high school and graduated from Nashua Senior High School, Class of 1962. She furthered her education at Keene State College, graduating in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.

    Pat began her career as a physical education teacher in Jaffrey, NH from 1967 -1968 and then at Nashua High School from 1968-1978. While at Nashua High, she also coached field hockey, basketball and softball. She later worked at Digital Equipment Corporation for eighteen years in production control and also worked at Hadco in Londonderry, NH and Decision One in Marlborough, MA.

    She held memberships in the Nashua Teachers Union, Nashua Senior Activity Center and numerous athletic and officiating groups. Pat was honored by the New Hampshire Sportswriters and Sportscasters as Softball Coach of the Year in 1975-1976. She was the youngest member of the committee to help select officials for the U.S. Olympics. Pat also served as a basketball referee and official for high schools and colleges.

     Pat and her husband Don enjoyed travelling to England, Ireland, France, Italy and Spain. In her leisure time, Pat enjoyed attending sporting events and followed the progress of the Boston teams on television. She enjoyed antiquing and flea markets; and spending time at her cottage in Kennebunk, ME with family and friends.

     Members of her family include her husband Don, whom she married on June 27, 1970 at St. Patrick Church in Nashua and shared over 50 years together; a brother, Eugene Fifield and his wife Elaine of Barnstead, NH; sisters-in-law, Eileen Fifield of Chesapeake, VA and Rita Fifield of Columbia, SC; brother-in-law, Malcolm Grass of Chesapeake, VA; also numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Pat was also predeceased by her sister, Irene Grass of Chesapeake, VA; and her brothers, Charles Fifield and his wife Nancy, and John Fifield.  

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Thursday, January 21^st at 9:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, ME. Donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064 or 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 

   Mary Frances (nee McLaughlin) Heinle of Nashua, beloved wife of the late Gerald F. Heinle, passed away in peace and love at the Hunt Community on Wednesday morning, January 13, 2021.          

   Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Mary was a daughter of the late Harold and Lucille (Moran) McLaughlin. She was predeceased by her sisters, Jeanne Freeman, Lucille Jackson and Bernice Schneider.

   Mary is the loving mother of Margaret Ann and Jim Milnes, Mary Susan and David Orpin and James F. Heinle. Devoted grandmother to Jackie Coraine and her husband Chip, Michael Orpin and his wife Joy, Ashley and Brad Milnes, Jessica and Matthew Heinle. Loving great-grandmother to Trey, Luke and Serafina Coraine and Colin, Madelyn and Garrett Orpin.

   She was a longstanding and loyal member of the Nashua Country Club where she honed her golfing, bridge and (occasionally) curling skills. A cherished and blessed friend to many. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, on Tuesday, January 19^th at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, 3450 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104.         

  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Catherine Anne Lewis, RN, 74, of Nashua, passed away Wednesday evening, January 13, 2021 after a brief illness.          

   Mrs. Lewis was born in Omaha, Nebraska on September 16, 1946, a daughter of the late John D. and Helen (Gibson) Wilke. “Cathie” grew up in Woburn, Massachusetts and was a graduate of Woburn Memorial High School Class of 1964. She furthered her education at Mount Auburn Hospital School of Nursing in Cambridge, graduating as a registered nurse in 1967.

   A resident of Nashua since 1972, Cathie worked as a nurse at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center for many years and later at Northeast Rehabilitation Center.

   Cathie loved spending time with her family, especially for her yearly family reunion in Rockport. She was an avid reader and crafter.

   Members of her family include her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Tim Casey of Hudson; her son, Scott Verney of Nashua; five grandchildren, Michael St. Onge, Brynn Casey, Logan Casey, Adam Verney and Marissa Verney; a great-granddaughter, Sophie St. Onge; a brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Cindy Wilke of Ware, MA; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara and John Hawthorne of Pine Harbor, GA and Susan and Bob Hobbs of Haverhill, MA; also nieces, nephews and cousins. 

   The family has requested that donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064. Due to the current COVID 19 pandemic and safety concerns, no services will be held at this time.       

  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Donald A. Clark, 74, of Nashua, passed away peacefully and went home to the Lord on Tuesday afternoon, January 12, 2021.           

   Born in The Bronx, New York on January 22, 1946, he was the only child of the late Clarence and Mary Clark. Don grew up in Anson, Maine, attended local schools and was a high school graduate. A resident of Nashua for many years, Don was a sales representative with TCC Marketing and was currently working at Savers. Earlier in his career, he had been employed in the shoe industry in Maine.  

   Don enjoyed meeting his friends for coffee at Wendy’s on Saturday nights and enjoyed riding with his father in his Studebaker truck. He was a Red Sox fan and enjoyed Peanut M & M’s.

   He is survived by close friends, Michael Fuller, John Gilman and Dave; and his cat “Sasha”.       

   Following cremation, Don will be laid to rest with his parents at Sunset Cemetery in North Anson, Maine. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Michael J. Mattia, 31, of Nashua, NH, the beloved son of Charles and Donna-Jean (Vallee) Mattia, passed away suddenly due to illness on Saturday, January 9, 2021.         

  Born on August 23, 1989, he attended the Nashua School System graduating as a very proud Panther in 2007. He went on to graduate with a degree in Marketing from the University of New Hampshire in 2011. Michael was greatly admired for his work ethic and skillset by his colleagues at FinancialForce.

   Michael’s infectious smile spoke volumes to those who were on the receiving end of it. He had a passion for life and poured his soul into whatever he invested in. Mike would give everything for the people he cared about and never expected or desired anything in return. More than anything, other than his devoted dog Rambo, Michael loved his workouts. He was passionate and outspoken as it relates to healthy living and extremely proud of his accomplishments. He was an avid sports fan who loved playing soccer, basketball and baseball (especially catch with his dad); he was known to all coaches and teammates as “Bulldog” which speaks to his true personality.

   Michael was predeceased by his grandparents, Joseph and Dorothy Mattia, uncle Kevin Clark and cousin Angela Adams.

    In addition to his parents, he is survived by his stepmother Iris Papakostas Mattia; stepfather Daniel Magni; brothers Jason Mattia and fiancé Rose Smith, Benjamin Borromeo and wife Debi, and Jacob Magni; and stepsister, Natalie Magni. He is also survived by his grandparents Joan and Jerome Seligman, Roger and Christine Vallee and Arthur and Penny Papakostas; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Michael’s extended family throughout this community is clear and is survived by countless friends that meant the most to him.

     Lastly, we would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses in the ICU at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center for all their heroic efforts in their attempt to save his life.

    His WALK-THROUGH VISITATION will be held at FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday, January 18^th from 4 to 7 p.m. Those planning to attend are asked to practice social distancing and wear face coverings.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Michael’s name to Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine or the Celtics Shamrock Foundation.          

  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Jacqueline L. Langlois, 88, a longtime Nashua resident, widow of Wilson A. Langlois, passed away Wednesday afternoon, January 6, 2021 at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, after a brief illness.          

   Mrs. Langlois was born in Shawinigan-Sud, Quebec, Canada on March 27, 1932, a daughter of the late Zoel and Blanche Huard. “Jackie” made her home in Canada for many years and was a high school graduate.  

    After moving to Nashua in 1967, Jacqueline was employed as a sewer at Hampshire Manufacturing Company for many years until she retired.

   Jackie was a friendly person who loved talking on the telephone with her family and friends. She enjoyed going to flee markets, yard sales and loved cooking many French-Canadian dishes. She was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed.

    In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Wilson, who passed away May 10, 2004. They were married on July 3, 1954 and shared nearly 50 years together.

    Members of her family include her three children, Yves Y. Langlois and his wife Eileen, Sylvie C. Evans and her husband David, and Julie Schultz and her husband Michael; eight grandchildren, Eric Langlois, Jason Langlois, Amber Langlois, Julie Reilly and her husband Josh, Danielle Evans, Matthew Evans and his fiancee Corey Lynn Banville, Aimee Valcourt and B.J. Valcourt; five great-grandchildren, Lillian Langlois, Jack, Griffin and Ruby Reilly, and Aidan; also many nieces, nephews and cousin. Jackie, was also predeceased by her brothers and sisters.

    There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 50 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Thursday, January 14^th. at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Friends are invited to gather at the church.     

   Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Kevin Charles Farwell, 68, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 5, 2021 at St. Joseph Hospital after a period of declining health.          

   Born in Nashua on November 11, 1952, he is a son of Blanche A. (Soucy) Farwell and the late Charles H. Farwell, Jr. Kevin attended St. Christopher School, Spring Street Junior High School and graduated from Nashua High School, Class of 1970.

He continued his education at Northeast School of Broadcasting in Boston, graduating in 1971.

    Kevin began his career in radio broadcasting while in high school at WOTW AM & FM in Nashua. In 1972, he worked fulltime for WKNE in Keene and returned to Nashua in 1974 to work at WSMN with his local childhood idols including, Frank Teas, Ed Lecius, Al Rock, Ed Lecius Jr., Gerry Wood and Maury Parent. Kevin also worked for radio stations in Manchester, Concord, Exeter and Portsmouth.

    He was a sports fan of the Boston teams and enjoyed travelling to visit some of the new Major League baseball parks. Kevin loved a variety of music, attending band concerts and parades, and watching comedy, travel, variety and game shows. Kevin was always friendly, talked with everyone he encountered and was consistent in sending greeting cards.  He especially loved family gatherings and trips to the beach.  Kevin will be greatly missed.

    Members of his family include his mother, Blanche A. “Bianca” Farwell; his three siblings, Dana J. Farwell, Judith A. McDonald and her husband Richard, and Holly E. Kaminski and her husband Thomas; a nephew, Chad M. Kaminski; nieces, Taryn E. Kaminski and Emily C. McDonald; and several cousins.

    The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staffs of Greenbriar Healthcare and St. Joseph Hospital for their care, kindness and support.

    Due to the current COVID 19 pandemic and safety concerns, a private funeral service will be held for his immediate family. Kevin will be laid to rest at Edgewood Cemetery.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com  

Helen Ruiter Gibson, 96, of Nashua, died on January 4, 2021, at Fairview Senior Living, in Hudson, from complications of the Covid virus.

Helen was born in Nashua in 1924, daughter of Miles and Helen Sweeney Ruiter. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, James E. Gibson, in 2016, and her daughter Patricia Bedard, in 2013. Her siblings, Catherine Tate King, Esther McGraw, and Miles Ruiter, all predeceased her, as did her close circle of life-long friends.

Helen’s survivors include three daughters, Linda Willett and her husband Henry, of Nashua, Kathleen Owen and her husband William, of Reston, VA, Luanne Nadeau and her husband Mark, of Fairfax, Virginia; two sons, James Gibson, of Litchfield, and Shawn Gibson, of Hudson; 14 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

She lived in Hudson, then Nashua, throughout her life. She attended St. Patrick’s School and was a graduate of Nashua High School, Class of 1943. Helen worked at Nashua Corporation during World War II, St. Joseph’s Hospital when her children were young, and retired from Sanders Associates.

Helen is remembered for her vivid personality and commitment to her family and friends. She loved to travel and saw a great deal of the world in her 96 years. Helen truly enjoyed people and remembered everyone she met all through her life. She will be greatly missed.

Family and friends will gather in better times. The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Thomas Joseph Hadfield, 85, of Nashua and formerly of Somerville, MA, passed away Saturday morning, January 2, 2021 at Nashua Crossings after a period of declining health.          

   Born in Somerville, Massachusetts on February 20, 1935, he was the son of the late Thomas and Grace (Selfridge) Hadfield. Tom was educated in Somerville schools and graduated from St. John The Evangelist High School in Cambridge, Class of 1953.

    Mr. Hadfield had been employed as a clerk with the Boston Edison Company for many years.

    A resident of Nashua since the mid-1990s, Tom was a communicant of the Parish of the Resurrection and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #11573.

He also held memberships in the Men of St. Joseph and the Legion of Mary. Tom was also involved with Boy Scout Troop 21, Union Square in Somerville. He was an avid reader, enjoyed cross-word puzzles and woodworking in his leisure time.

    Tom will be remembered for his good humor, positive outlook on life and for the smile he always had on his face. He was fondly known as “Papa Trouble” to his grandchildren.

    Members of his family include his wife, Mary M. (Driscoll) Hadfield, whom he married on September 1, 1956 and shared over 64 years together; a son, Daniel J. Hadfield of Nashua; a daughter and son-n-law, Mary F. and Kevin T. Sullivan of Nashua; and three grandchildren, Joseph Hadfield, Brigid and Sean Sullivan.

    The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Nashua Crossings for all their care, kindness and support.

    There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Thursday, January 7^th at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to St. Gianna’s Place, Inc., st.giannasplace.org         

  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Nancy Eleanor (Pike) LaQuerre, 87, of Merrimack NH and formerly of Nashua, died Thursday evening, December 31^st, 2020 at the Maple Leaf HealthCare Center in Manchester.  Born in Nashua on May 6^th 1933, Nancy was the daughter of the late Percy E. Pike and Eleanor (Marquis) Pike.

A resident of Nashua in her youth, Nancy was raised in the Crown Hill area.  She attended Infant Jesus and Nashua public schools and was a graduate of Nashua High School, class of 1950.

In High School she met and fell in love with her future husband, Bob LaQuerre. The two married on April 19^th, 1952 and celebrated 57 anniversaries together until Bob’s death in 2009.  The two resided in Nashua for a few years until moving into the home they built in South Merrimack in the mid-1950’s where they began raising their family.

Nancy held many roles throughout her life.  She was first, and foremost, a mother to her four children.  A role she cherished.  As a mother of four, she shuttled kids to Boy Scout meetings, music lessons and band practice, basketball, football and soccer practices and games – even coaching girls’ recreational basketball for the Merrimack Youth Association.

Mrs. LaQuerre obtained her commercial driving license and drove a school bus for the Merrimack school district for a number of years in the 1970’s. Her driving exploits also included charter routes to Boston for Celtics games, Ice Follies, and ski trips to the mountains.

Also in the mid-1970s, Nancy helped her husband grow his private masonry business by serving as bookkeeper and payroll specialist.  The two of them also owned, maintained and rented beach property at Hampton Beach, NH until their retirement in 1996.

Nancy and Bob loved travelling and enjoyed wintering in Arizona and Hawaii for many years in their retirement.

Members of her family include her four children and their spouses; Robert J. LaQuerre of Manchester, Valerie E. and Tom Elfreth of Manchester, Matthew J. and Linda LaQuerre of Merrimack, and Timothy P LaQuerre and Anna Miller of Broken Arrow, OK; eight grandchildren, Travis and his wife Allie, Cody, Matthew, Logan, Caroline, Erin, Jane, and Sara; one great-grandchild, Dawson; and many nieces and nephews.  Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Bob, and her sister Dolores LaRocque.

SERVICES: A private, graveside burial will be held Friday, January 8^th, 2021 at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. John Neumann Church 708 Milford Rd, Rte 101A, in Merrimack, at a future date to be determined.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. (www.farwellfuneral.com)