Author Archives: Dana Farwell

   Henry R. “Hank” Christian, Jr., 65, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Thursday afternoon, December 31, 2020.          

   Born in Nashua on July 16, 1955, he is a son of Marie Theresa (Girouard) Christian and the late Henri R. Christian. Hank was educated in the Nashua School System and had been employed with F.W. Webb and Koppers Company for many years and later worked in the construction industry.

   In his leisure time, Hank was an avid Bingo player and was very generous to the American Veterans Association. He was a doting uncle, and especially loved spending time with his nieces and nephews.

    Members of his family include his mother, Marie Theresa Christian of Nashua; three brothers and four sisters, Dennis R. Christian and his wife Margot of Nashua, Susan Marie Poliquin and her husband Andrew of Nashua, Linda Ann Stowell and her husband William of Concord, Donna Lee Brigham of Merrimack, Laurie Jean Christian of Nashua, William K. Christian of Nashua, and the late Robert A. Christian who passed away in 1995; his nieces and nephews, Jessica and Jason Poliquin, Todd Brigham (his Godson), Hillary Marquardt, Gerard Christian and Victoria Stowell.

    There are no calling hours. A Graveside Service will take place in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, 32 Pine Hill Avenue, Nashua, Thursday afternoon, January 7^th at 1:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, 2 Wall Street, #104, Manchester, NH 03101. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date.     

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

   Margaret J. Dionne, 85, of Litchfield, widow of Albert M. Dionne Sr., passed away Tuesday morning, December 29, 2020 at Fairview Nursing Home after a period of declining health.          

   Mrs. Dionne was born in Franklin, Massachusetts on February 7, 1935, a daughter of the late Henry A. and Mildred F. (Stanley) Auclair. She grew up in Hillsboro, NH and was a graduate of Hillsboro High School where she played on the Girl’s basketball team.

    Margaret and her husband Albert were married on January 24, 1953 and made their home in Nashua, Litchfield and Bennington before returning to Litchfield in 1998. A homemaker to her family, she also was a talented seamstress and owned her own business.

    In her leisure time, Margaret enjoyed crocheting and gardening and was very creative in designing and making of artifacts.

    She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Albert who passed away March 14, 2007; her brothers, Joseph, George and Henry Auclair Jr.; and her sister, Irene Masterson.

     Members of her family include five children, Albert M. Dionne Jr. of Laconia, Robert P. Dionne and his wife Lianne of Center Harbor, Michael D. Dionne of Bennington, Deborah Dionne and her fiancé Ron Beaulieu of Merrimack, and Rose Marie Dunbar of Antrim; her former son-in-law, David Dunbar of Nashua; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Her family will receive relatives and friends at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday, January 16^th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A Graveside service will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Bennington, NH at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 South River Road, Suite 210, Bedford, NH 03110. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

Mary J. Theriault, 96, of Nashua, NH, passed away quietly on Friday evening, December 25, 2020 at Langdon Place of Nashua.  Born in Providence, RI on June 25, 1924, Mary was the daughter of the late Mary (McMurray) Swendeman.  Mary was also predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Carroll “Terry” Theriault.

Mary graduated from Winthrop High School in Winthrop, Massachusetts.  In high school, Mary was an excellent tennis player, winning many school and town tournaments.  After high school, Mary worked for several years in Boston at Aetna.  She met the love of her life, Terry Theriault, on a beach in Winthrop, and in 1955, she and Terry were married.  They went on to live a most wonderful and fulfilling life…a lifelong bond of love, commitment, friendship and children. Mary’s husband and three children were the center of her life.  The love and support she poured into her family was unending, and her zeal for life, infectious laugh and always smiling demeanor made her a joy to be around! Mary’s bright and cheery personality, her happy-go-lucky spirit and the encouragement and love she freely gave to those around her, will always be remembered by those who knew her.

Members of her family include her children, Peter Theriault, and his wife, Kathleen, of Merrimack, NH; Mary Meserve, and her husband, David, of Nashua, NH; Suzanne Korn, and her husband, Rich, of North Reading, MA.  Three grandchildren include, Diana Haile of Hampton, NH; Matt Theriault of Merrimack, NH; Ian Theriault of Goffstown, NH.  Stella May Haile, of Hampton, NH was Mary’s beloved great-granddaughter.

Mary enjoyed her summers with her family on Cow Island, Lake Winnipesaukee.  She and her husband were avid sailors, and they shared this passion with their family and friends for 40 years.  Nothing made Mary happier than to be with her husband and family doing the things that they loved…sailing, swimming, skiing, etc.  When Mary’s family was young they had many adventures traveling around New England and beyond with an Airstream travel trailer in tow.  So many incredible memories were made back then and throughout her full life.  Mary was always young at heart and her life always focused around family.  She was always generous, gracious, and kind, and she will be deeply missed by her family.  Mary was the salt of the earth and the heart and soul of it all.

Her family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the administrative staff and second floor nursing staff and healthcare professionals at Langdon Place.  The kindness, love, care and compassion they freely gave to Mary, every day, will never be forgotten.  Our mother loved all of you.  And during this year of Covid, thank you for keeping Mary healthy, happy, and safe.  We will always feel blessed and grateful for your loving support.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, NH on Wednesday, December 30 at 11am. Graveside services will be held following the mass at the NH Veteran’s Cemetery, Boscawen, NH, where Mary will be laid to rest beside her husband, Terry.  In lieu of flowers, the family thanks you in advance for your kind donation made to the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, a charity that Mary and Terry supported for many years.  Donations can be made via website at www.nsks.org or P.O. Box 3116, Nashua, NH  03061-3116. The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, is assisting the family with arrangements. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Wilfred O. Petrain, 84, of Hudson, NH, passed away from COVID Complications on Thursday, December 24, 2020.

Born on March 24, 1936 in Nashua NH, Willie was a son of the late Wilfred J. and Lillian (Marchand) Petrain. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of 64 years, his son James W Petrain, daughter Karen Brunelle and her husband Mark; two grandchildren, James W Petrain II and Jeremy Petrain and a lovely great granddaughter Angel Petrain. His surviving siblings are Theresa Henderson, Ronald Petrain, Paul Petrain, and Conrad Petrain.

Willie’s spirit, good humor, and generosity earned him family status in Shirley’s extended Guest family who tended to him and loved him greatly. His family will always love them all for their love and friendship over decades of fun and adventure.  Though no relation, Yvonne Taylor volunteered as his 2^nd daughter and loved him like he belonged to her.

An accomplished woodworker, Willie had a mechanical genius for fixing or making anything, he loved hunting with his late and beloved brother-in-law Fern Gauvin, and was a devotee of hot sauce.  Willie and his wife Shirley made their home and raised their children on Underhill St in Nashua for 61 years before moving to Hudson.

In consideration of safety during the pandemic, immediate services will be postponed until an appropriate time for social gatherings will enable a Celebration of Life to be held.

For anyone interested, contributions to the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter at www.nsks.org will help those struggling in our difficult times.

The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, is assisting the family with arrangements. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Sophie (Goy) Ouellette, 96, passed away on Wednesday evening, December 23, 2020 at home with her children.          

   Sophie was very skilled in all needle arts, crewel work, quilting, rug hooking, sewing and knitting, and encouraged her girls to love those things as well. She enjoyed her gardens and most of all, time with family. She will be missed so very much by all.

   She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 71 years, Herbert H. Ouellette; her parents, Sophia and Joseph Goy; and her sisters, Wanda Farland and Jenny Dows.

    Sophie leaves behind five children, Ann Mercier and her husband Normand of Nashua, Glenn H. Ouellette and his wife Martha of Nashua, Martha Cudd and her husband George of Tall Timbers, Maryland, Elizabeth Elwarner and her husband Charles of Merrimack, and John J. Ouellette of Nashua; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; several nieces and a nephew.

   The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Home Health & Hospice workers who helped us keep her at home during her final days. We are forever grateful for all you do.

    There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Saturday, January 2^nd at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Home Health & Hospice, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 or a charity of your choice.      

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

   Donald J. Jarest, 91, a longtime Nashua resident, passed away early Tuesday morning, December 22, 2020 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a period of declining health.       

   Born in Wilton on October 1, 1929, he was one of nine children of the late Elphege and Margaret (McNeil) Jarest. Don was a graduate of Wilton High School Class of 1947 and earned an Associate’s Degree from the former Nashua Business College.

   Don was employed as a buyer with Improved Machinery, Inc. and their successor Ingersoll Rand for 42 years.

   In his younger days, Don was an avid golfer and was a phenomenal pitcher in the Nashua Fast Pitch Softball League. In his leisure time, he enjoyed sports, especially the Patriots and Red Sox. Don was a longtime Sailor and Boater for over thirty years on Lake Winnipesaukee. Mr. Jarest was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Parish.

    Members of his family include his wife of 59 years, Lorraine F. (Ravenelle) Jarest; his children, David Jarest and his wife Mary, and Darlene Jarest Bouffard; five grandchildren, Christopher Jarest and his wife Michele, Matthew Jarest, Cameron Jarest, Meghan Bouffard and Emily Bouffard; a great-granddaughter, Sophia Jarest; a brother, Richard Jarest; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by four brothers, Vincent, John, Alfred and Edward Jarest; and three sisters, Elisabeth Dupelle, Marguerite Comella and Barbara Lavoie.

    There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, Tuesday, December 29^th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Home Health & Hospice, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 or Immaculate Conception Parish, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, NH 03062.

     The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Mine S. Dudley, 91, formerly of Hollis, NH and wife of Russell W. Dudley, passed away Monday morning, December 21, 2020 at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, after a brief illness.         

   Mrs. Dudley was born in Japan on February 8, 1929, a daughter of the late Ujie and Tokuno Shiroki. She was educated in Japanese schools and had been employed as a bookkeeper prior to her marriage.

   Mine immigrated to the United States in 1956 and made her home in Hollis for many years. In her leisure time, she enjoyed Tole painting and her work was displayed at many festivals in the area. She also enjoyed baking Wedding cakes, Holiday pies and cookies for her family and friends.

    Members of her family include her husband, Russell, whom she married on November 22, 1954 and shared 66 years together; her daughter, Rumi DeLuca and her husband Armand of Newbury, MA; two grandchildren, Kimberly Holman and her husband David, and Karah Spence; five great-grandchildren, Blake Goodwin, Madison Goodwin, Turner Goodwin, Takoda Spence and Brock Holman.

   In addition to her parents, Mine was predeceased a son and daughter, William Russell Dudley and Marian A. Dudley; three brothers and four sisters.

    There are no calling hours or services at this time. Donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

    The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert W. Dobens, 80, formerly of  Nashua and Northfield, NH, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 20, 2020 at the Riverside Rest Home in Dover, after a period of declining health.  He was born on November 12, 1940, son of the late Robert E. Dobens and Jeannette B. (Nadeau) Dobens Clark.

Bob was educated in local schools and had been employed by the Nashua Foundry. He was an attendant of the Jehovah Witnesses.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his son, Jason L. Dobens; and his former wife, Nancy M. (Cook) Dobens Lemire. Members of his family include a daughter, Lisa (Dobens) Groulx and her husband Paul of North Andover, MA; two grandchildren, Jamie T. Dobens and Joshua Dobens; two sisters, Arlene Estey and Louise Dobens; also nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no services. The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Katherine (Blackwood) Sherwood, 75, passed away at The Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH, on December 18, 2020 from complications related to covid-19.  Mary was born in Oak Ridge, TN, on July 7, 1945, to John C and Katherine (Jamison) Blackwood.

Mary grew up in Melrose, MA.  After she graduated from Melrose High School in 1963, she attended Boston College.  She graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Minor in Speech Communications.  Mary married her high school sweetheart, Don Sherwood, on June 22, 1968.  The two fell in love while going to church record hops and went on to be each other’s best friends and biggest cheerleaders throughout their marriage of 52 years. They resided in Nashua, NH.

Mary worked various jobs over the years and most enjoyed her work as a preschool teacher and teacher’s assistant at a local elementary school.  She took the grief and pain of losing her 10-year-old son, Scott, in a drunk driving accident and channeled it productively as a co-founder of the Nashua chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).  In this position she was instrumental in getting legislation passed to reduce the legal blood alcohol level in DUIs.

Mary participated in various charitable causes including the annual Cancer Fund Drive.  She teamed with the Nashua Animal Shelter and local nursing homes to bring comfort and joy to residents by providing pet therapy.  Mary’s favorite pastime was gardening and creating beautiful floral arrangements. She was a member of the Nashua Garden Club for many years.  Mary was a communicant of St. Christopher Church in Nashua.  Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family.

Mary is predeceased by her parents, John C and Katherine Blackwood and by her son, Scott.  Immediate family survivors include her husband and the love of her life, Don Sherwood; two daughters; Mary Beth Fleury of Swanzey, NH, and Katherine Ditolla and her husband Gerard Ditolla of Litchfield, NH, and four grandchildren; Henry Fleury, Haley Fleury, Robbie Ditolla and Rita Ditolla. She is also survived by her siblings and their families, Linda (Blackwood) Small and Barry Small of Naples, FL, and John J Blackwood and Marie (Cain) Blackwood of Naples, FL.  Mary’s extended family includes many nieces, nephews and cousins

The family is grateful to the dedicated staff at Carlyle Place, Bedford NH, for the care, comfort and support they provided to Mary during the last year of her life.  They would also like to thank the brave and compassionate staff at Elliot Hospital who are working with grit and grace during these extraordinarily difficult times.

Due to the current COVID-19 concerns and the desire to keep those we care about healthy and safe, there will be no calling hours and funeral services will be private.  A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date when conditions are safe to gather.  In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association in Mary’s memory.  The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Regina L. LeBlanc, 95, of Nashua, passed away Friday evening, December 18, 2020 at Greenbriar HealthCare.         

   A lifelong resident of this city, Regina was born on September 15, 1925, a daughter of the late Amedee and Corinne L. (Plante) LeBlanc. She resided on Lock Street in the French Hill neighborhood for most of her life and was educated in local schools. She was a communicant of the former St. Francis Xavier Church.

   Regina began her career as a beautician and owned and operated Jean-Kay’s Beauty Lounge on Chandler Street and was later employed at Nashua Corporation for many years.

    In addition to her parents, Regina was predeceased by a sister, Irene M. LeBlanc; and her brother and sister-in-law, Robert R. and Janet (Couturier) LeBlanc. She is survived by nieces and nephews.

    There are no calling hours or services at this time. Regina will be laid to rest with her family at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.       

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

   Linda Ruth Harrington, 67, of Windham, wife of The Rev. James R. Harrington, passed away Wednesday morning, December 16, 2020 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA after a brief illness.       

   Mrs. Harrington was born in Troy, New York on March 18, 1953, a daughter of the late Louis and Elsie (Lorenzo) Palmer. She grew up in Mechanicsville, NY and graduated from Mechanicsville High School Class of 1971. Linda furthered her education at Kings College in New York where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  

   Members of her family include her husband Jim, whom she married on July 10, 1976 at the Northway Bible Church in Clifton, NY and shared over 44 years together; her three daughters, Amy Lynn Smith and her husband Erik, Alicia Willis and her husband Michael, and Ashley Barbara Campbell and her husband Tim; seven grandchildren, Stella Violet Smith, twins Opal Rose Smith and Harper James Smith, Isla Willis, Camden Willis, Brynn Willis and Eleanor Campbell; a sister, Judy Ceremuga and her husband Jack; and a brother, Gary Palmer and his wife Celia.

   A longtime educator, Linda taught special needs students in Hooksett, NH for several years.

   Linda was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hudson, where her husband Jim served as pastor for 17 years. She was active with the Ladies church circle and the music team. She enjoyed square dancing and traveling with her husband on a trip she won to Spain.  

    Due to the current pandemic, a graveside service will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at a later date.

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

   Richard Arthur ‘Dick’ Holt, 88, of Nashua, passed away Monday afternoon, December 14, 2020 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center after a short illness.       

   A native and lifelong resident of this city, he was born on November 14, 1932, son of the Arthur and Bernice H. (Raby) Holt. Educated in Nashua schools, Dick was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1950. A Navy veteran, Mr. Holt served with Sea-Bees for four years and was stationed in North Africa and Cuba.

   Dick had been employed as a machinist and foreman with the former Improved Machinery, Inc. and its successor Ingersoll Rand for many years. He was later self-employed in the construction business.

   Fraternally, Mr. Holt was a member of Rising Sun Lodge #39, F & AM. In his leisure time, Dick enjoyed golfing and candlepin bowling with both the IMPCO and Senior League’s at Leda Lanes.

   On June 15, 1956, Dick married Helen A. Hardy in Lowell, MA. The couple shared over 61 wonderful years together until her passing in March 2018.

   Members of his family include his children, William Holt of Lancaster, OH, Richard H. Holt and his wife Jodi of Milford, NH, Douglas S. Holt and his wife June of Davenport, FL and Cathy A. Holt of Nashua; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Dick  was predeceased by his daughter, Linda A. Holt, who passed away in September 2008; and his grandson, Eric Holt. 

  There are no calling hours or services at this time. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com  

   Richard D. “Dick” Chassé, 96, of Nashua, retired Deputy Fire Chief and longtime Nashua firefighter, passed away Sunday morning, December 13, 2020 after a brief illness.       

   A lifelong resident of this city, he was born on September 21, 1924, one of nine children of the late Jean Baptiste and Marie (Bourbeau) Chassé. Dick grew up in the French Hill neighborhood and attended the former St. Francis Xavier Parochial School and Nashua public schools. A Navy veteran, he served during World War II in the South Pacific aboard the USS Franklin from 1943 to 1946 and held the rank of Machinist’s Mate 2^nd Class.

    Dick joined the Nashua Fire Department in 1947 as a call man and was appointed to permanent status in April 1952. During his long career, he was promoted to Private, Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief, retiring in 1983. Dick continued his career as a licensed plumber for many years.

He served on the Board of Fire Commissioners and also served in the New Hampshire Legislature for two years.

    In his leisure time, Dick was an avid reader, especially of history and enjoyed the challenge of solving cross-word puzzles. He was a Boston Bruins and New York Yankees fan.

     He was a member of Nashua Lodge 720, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks for over 50 years and held membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 483.

    Dick was predeceased by his wife, Isabelle Mary (Desmarais) Chassé, who passed in June 1994; and his eight siblings, Romeo, Adelard, Philip, Paul and Robert Chassé, and Lucille Francoeur, Rita Chassé and Aurore Dionne.

     Members of his family include his loving companion of 26 1/2 years, Mary Isabell (Stanley) Batchelder; five step-children, Irving Stanley and his wife Vashti, Henry Stanley and his wife Ashley, Robert Batchelder and his wife Betsy, Stephen Batchelder and his wife Josephine, and Stephanie Baker and her husband Jerome; twenty five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Theresa Chassé; brother-in-law, Edmond Dionne; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

      Due to the current pandemic, services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Catherine Y. (Gauthier) Richard, 71, of New Boston and formerly of Nashua, passed away Sunday morning, December 13, 2020 at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, after a brief illness. Her husband Michael S. Richard, passed away on Thursday, December 10^th.     

   Born in Chicago, Illinois on June 25, 1949, she was a daughter of the late Raymond Ernest and Lucille Pauline (Gaudette) Gauthier. Cathy grew up in Nashua and attended Sacred Heart School of St. Patrick Church, Mount St. Mary’s High School and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1967. She furthered her education at Southern New Hampshire University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

   Cathy began her career at Sanders Associates in Nashua and then worked as a secretary in the Goffstown School District and later in the main office of the Hooksett School District.

    In her leisure time, she enjoyed gardening, crocheting and cross-stitch. Cathy and Mike were married June 24, 1971 and had made their home in New Boston since 1981. She loved and cared for her family and friends deeply, and will be missed by many.

    Members of her family include her daughter, Sarah B. Cooper and her significant other, Gene Kalaw; grandson, Dayton Cooper; brother, Richard Gauthier and his wife Valeria; sister, Amy Bailey; also nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, Cathy was predeceased by a brother, Philip Gauthier.

     There are no calling hours. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church on Monday, December 21^st . Donations may be made in Cathy’s memory to: The New Hampshire Food Bank, 700 East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester, NH 03109. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Michael Seaman Richard, 71, of New Boston, passed away Thursday evening, December 10, 2020 at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, after a period of declining health.       

   A resident of New Boston since 1981, Michael was born in Nashua on May 13, 1949, a son of the late Paul Edmond and Agnes Mary (Seaman) Richard. He attended Sacred Heart School of St. Patrick Church and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1967. After his graduation, Michael served in the Army during the Vietnam War from August 1967 to August 1970. He then furthered his education at the Nashua Vocational -Technical College, graduating with an associate’s degree.  

    Michael began his career working for Sprague Electric Company during his high school years; and continued at Nashua Waste Water and the Allenstown Waste Water, Sanders Associates, in their hazardous waste department, and later as a custodian at the Dunbarton elementary schools.

    He will be remembered as a comedian and man of many talents. Michael was an advocate for sustainability and educating children as a school volunteer. He was a man of honor who loved and had a great respect for people and will be deeply missed.

   Members of his family include his wife, Catherine Y. (Gauthier) Richard, whom he married June 24, 1971 and shared over 49 years together; his daughter, Sarah B. Cooper and her significant other Gene Kalaw of Medford, MA; grandson, Dayton Cooper; a brother, Timothy P. Richard and his Halley of North Carolina; two sisters, Alison M. Hameline and her husband James of Allenstown, and Jessica A. Spirito of Merrimack; a brother-in-law,  Raymond Delude of Hampton, NH. Michael was predeceased by two sisters, Karleen Delude and Paula E. Cloutier. Also nieces and nephews, Timothy Richard, Jillian Richard, Joseph Richard, Melinda Towne and her husband Travis and their children, Delia and Julia; Siobhan Hameline and her son Eithan Sanzo; Jacob Delude, Christopher Spirito, Nicholas Spirito and his wife Sabrina  and their children, Kaiden Asigri and Amelia Spirito; Angela Bruce and her children, Jamie and Jason; and Robert Cloutier and his daughter, Aly Cloutier.

     There are no calling hours. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church on Monday, December 21^st . Interment and Army honors will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.  Donations may be made in Michael’s memory to: Support.WoundedWarriorProject.org.   Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Alice H. (LeBlanc) McCann, 94, a longtime resident of Merrimack, widow of Albert E. McCann, passed away Wednesday morning, December 9, 2020 at Nashua Crossings, after a period of declining health.       

   Mrs. McCann was born in Concord, Massachusetts on February 17, 1926, a daughter of the late Armand and Lena (Fournier) LeBlanc. Alice moved to Tinker Road, Merrimack as a young woman and attended schools in Merrimack. She was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1944.

    Alice had been employed as a cashier and bookkeeper at the former Gordon’s Market on Bridge Street in Nashua and then was the office manager of Nashua School Department for many years.

     In her leisure time, she enjoyed traveling, trips to Foxwoods, camping at Mayo’s in Meredith for over 30 years, going to Old Orchard Beach, Maine and snowmobiling in her younger years.

     Alice and Albert were married on September 2, 1946 and shared over 71 years together until his passing on March 3, 2017.

     Members of her family include her three sons and daughters-in-law,  Arthur and Susan McCann of Hudson; Edward and Sandra McCann and Michael and Pam McCann all of Merrimack; three grandchildren, Arthur “JJ” McCann II, Amanda McCann, Shannon (McCann) Gagnon and her husband Matthew; two great-grandchildren, Kaelyn Gagnon and Kayson Gagnon; three brothers, Armand LeBlanc, Robert LeBlanc and Raymond LeBlanc and his wife Suzanne; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     There are no calling hours. A private funeral service will be held in the Farwell Funeral Home on Saturday, December 12^th. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Donations may be made in her memory to: Compassionate Care Hospice, 18 Orchard View Drive, Unit 4, Londonderry, NH 03053. The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, is assisting to the family with arrangements.