Author Archives: Dana Farwell

   Irene T. (Seyer) Arsenault, 90, a Nashua native, widow of Joseph L. Arsenault, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the home of her sister, Rolande Jalbert, with whom she recently resided with.          

  A daughter of the late Ernest J. and Albertine (Thibodeau) Seyer, Irene was born in Nashua on September 5, 1934. She grew up in the French Hill neighborhood and attended the former St. Francis Xavier Parochial School.  

   Irene had been employed with Triangle Pacific Cabinet Corporation for many years and later worked for Delta Education.

   In her leisure time, Irene loved traveling, going to the beach and was a talented cook. She was a member of the Ladies of the Loyal Order of Moose Club of Nashua and was a volunteer for the Nashua Senior Companion program.

    Irene and her husband Joe, were married on September 21, 1963 and made their home in Merrimack. After her husband’s passing in October 1999, Irene moved to Rochester, NH to be closer to her son and his family.

   Members of her family include her son and daughter-in-law, Lucien G. and Jessica Arsenault of Rochester; three grandchildren, Ashley Rutkowski, Delilah Rutkowski and William Rutkowski; four great-grandchildren, Holly, Jordan, Madeleine and Jackson; her sister, Rolande R. Jalbert of Merrimack; also many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Irene was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert E. and Rita Seyer and Roland E. and Joyce Seyer; and her brother-in-law, Gerald “Jerry” Jalbert.

   Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday, February 15^th from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 50 West Hollis Street, Nashua at 10 o’clock. Donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com  

   Rita C. (Allaire) McAllister, 82, of Concord and formerly of Nashua, widow of Robert C. McAllister, passed away Tuesday morning, January 28, 2025 at the Granite VNA Hospice in Concord, after a period of declining health.

   A resident of Concord for many years, she was born in Nashua on April 30, 1942, a daughter of the late Antonio J. and Emilienne G. (Raymond) Allaire. Rita was educated in local schools and attended Nashua High School.

    Rita worked as a sales lady at the former Miller’s clothing store in downtown Nashua for seventeen years. After moving to West Milan, NH, Rita worked at the West Milan Grocery Store and later at McDonald’s restaurant and Irving Gas Station & Store both in Concord.

    In her leisure time, Rita loved decorating her home for all the holidays; was an avid card player and loved Norman Rockwell paintings. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

    Rita was predeceased by her husband Bob, who passed away April 22, 2004.

   Members of her family include her son, Gary W. McAllister; ten grandchildren, Michelle Beale, Scott, Shawn, Mike, Rita and Zachary McAllister, Samantha Vaillancourt, Colton McAllister, H.R. Droge and Michelle Cote; eight great-grandchildren, Scott McAllister, Jr, Dillon McAllister, Rhiannon McAllister-Beale, Marco McAllister, Maverick McAllister, Dean Vaillancourt, Avery McAllister and Kieran McAllister; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, Rita was also predeceased by her brothers, Antonio Allaire Jr. and his wife Clare, Rudolph Allaire and his wife Marguerite and T. Sgt Leo R.J. Allaire; a sister, Jeannine L. Chestmolowicz and her husband Frank.    

   Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday, February 8^th from 2 to 4 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 p.m. Interment will take place in Edgewood Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the New Hampshire Food Bank or the Salvation Army. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com  

Thomas Michael O’Brien was born July 6, 1958, in Lynn, MA. He was gently called home by our Lord on January 26, 2025, surrounded by love and family at Community Hospice House in Merrimack.

Tom lived in Billerica and Tewksbury, MA, and moved to Nashua, NH in 1994 to start our life together.  He quickly fell in love with Hollis where we spent much of our outdoor time.

Tom graduated from Billerica Memorial High in 1976 and attended Middlesex Community College.

Tom fought a courageous battle with an aggressive metastatic colon cancer. He was so blessed to have spent his final days in such a peaceful, nurturing home where he was offered music therapy, dog therapy and tasty home-cooked comfort food.  He had a beautiful, forested view through wide and tall windows and had a five-star private room.

Tom fought like a grizzly bear to battle the monster, but it took a firm hold and never let go.  It was a battle no one could have won.  While cancer stole his body, dignity, ability to walk, voice, ability to enjoy food and drink and independence, it did not take his sense of humor, kindness, love of family and friends, courage, faith in God or zest for life.  He never once asked “Why me?” or showed any anger toward God.  His caregivers all loved him for his fighting spirit and his cheerful attitude, even in spite of the excruciating pain he endured.  One LNA remarked to him “Tom, you look so cute” (in his bright yellow) shirt.  He remarked, with the quietest of voices, “I’m ADORABLE”.  It was nice to have a moment of laughter.  As his soulmate, I never stopped trying to save him. I went to most every medical appointment.  I read every doctor note and article I could find.  I managed appointments and so much medication.  I oversaw as many procedures as I could.  I yelled; I screamed for better care when needed.  I was his voice when his was gone. I strongly advocated for him among medical professionals.  I spent endless quiet hours by his bedside, as did his childhood friend, Jim Lavoie.  When Tom asked me to “stay overnight”, that was my first indication that his journey to Heaven had begun in earnest.  Tom also had the strong support of a loving extended family (and their cheerful dogs) which surely lifted everyone’s spirits.

Tom loved working as a Composite Technician at BAE Systems, Merrimack, NH, where he received many special awards.  He worked extremely hard but still had fun working with his team.  Even after Tom had received a terminal diagnosis, he still hoped to return to work.  He rarely missed work except for illness.  We had hoped to retire to a warmer climate.

Tom enjoyed travelling to Vegas, Hawaii, Northeast Kingdom, Vermont, Colorado, Texas, Maine, Star Island and Nashville.  He had always hoped to get back to his “Mother” land – Hawaii. He was not a fan of winter but would willingly trudge through the new fallen snow to  track wild animals, take the dogs out, or care for the horses, all to be by my side.

Tom loved rock music (Murder Dolls, Alice in Chains, and Rolling Stones).  However, he reluctantly at first, accompanied me to Chris Young and Kane Brown concerts and made the best of it.  He and I met Chris several times and Tom always talked football with him.  We travelled to many states to see Chris Young.  He did this for me.  In fact, I was injured at CMA Fest and he had to cart me around in a wheelchair in 90-degree humid heat. That is love. Tom even attended one concert with a broken rib and was getting tossed about and in a lot of pain…for me.

Our favorite television shows were Game of Thrones, Sopranos, Tulsa, Sons of Anarchy, Dexter and our #1 Friends.  We had a game to guess what the next line of Friends would be.  We also loved playing Jeopardy. We loved horror movies, comedies, true crime, travel show, HGTV, history and documentaries.

We loved just hanging with the horses.  They brought us peace, hope and serenity.  He loved to see me with horses because it made me so happy.  Even when he could barely walk, he wanted me to set him up in the pasture so he could watch me groom them as he was too weak to do so.  His favorite horse is a beautiful chestnut named JJ.  He enjoyed helping me groom and caring for horses over the years-having no fear of them because he trusted I would never put him in harm’s way.  He watched me ride for hours and helped get the horses ready for me.  He even rode once or twice.  When a horse took off on him after being spooked, somehow he managed to stay on.  He was not a dog trainer when we first met, but I surely turned him into a knowledgeable, compassionate trainer.  Tom was my cheerleader at many dog competitions with our beloved Borita. He helped care for and train hundreds of dogs through the years, saving many lives that may have been lost.  He volunteered to do kennel duty and walk as many dogs as he could.  We had made several trips to save baby squirrels, baby birds, bunnies, etc.  He would always stop for turtles and get them to safety. Tom came to know that if I wanted to stop to make sure an animal in the road was actually dead, there was no sense in arguing with me. Tom was great at catching dogs that were in harm’s way. He had no fear, which is one reason even the toughest animals took to him.  Tom was part of the protest against Michael Vick and spoke in front of various committees to save wildlife habitat. He was in a documentary about saving New Hampshire’s bobcats from trapping. He helped fight against puppy mills.  Tom was dedicated to animal rescue and advocacy, especially for Rottweilers and bully breeds. He volunteered for Paisley’s Place, a non-profit that saves equines from slaughter.  These equines were huge and nervous around new people, but Tom instantly became a part of their herd.

We loved spending time at Greeley Park, Bensons, Beaver Brook and Monson Center.  We enjoyed peaceful drives in Hollis and Temple to spot deer, coyote, fox or bobcat.  We have had several sightings of Moose when we travelled up north, as well as many black bear.  We used to drive for hours listening to Dean Koontz and Stephen King audio books. I was his ride or die, always.

He cherished family time every Sunday to watch football and eat home cooked food. His favorite food was eggplant parmigiana made by his sister, Julie and shepherd’s pie from his other sister, Tracey. He was thrilled to have been able to attend two Patriots Superbowl Parades, games and practices during TB12 glory days!  We both stood out in large crowds, 100-degree weather shoulder-to-shoulder just to get a glimpse of the great ones doing their thing.  Even with today’s current team, Tom never gave up on them. I remember one night though it looked like the Pats would lose the Superbowl against the Eagles and Tom finally went to bed.  Then Tom Brady got the ball and, I screamed “Get up Tom, Brady’s got the ball with a minute to go!” Tom got to try on Super Bowl ring replicas at the Patriots experience and stand next to a statue of the team. We had so much fun at Gillette stadium.  He loved to talk football with his brother, Corey, and his friend Dennis Brodeur.

He was happy to see that Trump had won!

Tom taught Kung-Fu and women’s self-defense courses at Michael Macaris Kung- Fu Academy in Billerica, MA for many years.  He also competed in Martial Arts as a 2^nd degree black belt.

Tom had a big, courageous heart.  He once intervened at a Boston park when a gang of people were attacking a park goer. He was able to get the person to safety but the police thought Tom was the one that beat up the man at first so he was handcuffed.  Another time, Tom pulled a person out of rolled over car that was leaking gasoline.  He was kind and I know that he will have a good seat at the Lord’s table because of it.

Recently baptized, Tom was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church.  We prayed faithfully and asked for a miracle or at least comfort from the pain and mental anguish.  While we were not honored with a miracle to save his life, instead we were blessed to have him pass in a wonderful home setting surrounded by those he loved the most. THAT was the miracle. Though our hearts will always have a piece missing, it was not right for any of us to ask him to stay.  He had to go because his suffering was beyond measure.  Ironically, Tom woke up with eyes wide as he was receiving prayer from an Immaculate Conception Church volunteer, his heart slowly beat for the last time. I ran over to him and he was still breathing with his eyes half open. I comforted him and was grateful for those last seconds as we looked into each other’s eyes for the last time in the 30 beautiful years we shared.  I only hoped he would see me and hear me as I laid one final kiss on him.  Shortly after, the winter sun came through the window surrounding Tom’s face in love and welcoming warmth.  So, I was wrong. We did actually get that miracle because we saw his suffering end and saw him being welcomed by Angels and loved ones that were waiting for him.  He had a smile and peaceful look of relief upon his face. His grimace of pain was no more.

Tom was predeceased by his loving father, Allen Thain.  Survivors include his longtime “lobster” and soulmate, Denise Muccioli, Mother Patricia Thain (DeCecca), Sisters: Julie Ramalho and husband Arthur Ramalho, Jr., Tracey Greenwood and husband Joseph Greenwood, Rhonda Thain-Sweet and boyfriend William Paskiewicz, Brother Corey Thain and wife Jessica Thain, dear friends James Lavoie, Laurie Lavoie, Diane Muccioli, Paula Ledoux, Cousins Rick Jones and Kim Tobey, many nieces and nephews and “his” beloved dog, Luna.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated: Paisley’s Place and the Home of the Unadoptables, 148 Pulpit Road, Bedford, NH, 03110.  PayPal: @unadoptables

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Sunday afternoon, February 2^nd from 3 to 5 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 3^rd at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, both in Nashua. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Victor Armand Grenier, 87, of Nashua, passed away Saturday afternoon, January 25, 2025 at St. Joseph Hospital, after a brief period of declining health.          

   A resident of Nashua since the mid 1990s, he was born in Berlin, New Hampshire on August 1, 1937, a son of the late Simeon T. and Rose Lina (Couture) Grenier. Educated in Berlin, Victor was a graduate of Notre Dame High School. While attending Boston College and the University of New Hampshire, he enlisted in the Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his military service, Victor was assigned with Army Intelligence and held the rank of Staff Sergeant.   

   Following his honorable discharge in January 1964, Victor furthered his education at the University of Maryland where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He also studied Chinese at the Presidio School in California.  

    Victor was employed as a civil service worker for the federal government. During his career, he worked in several countries in Europe and Asia.

     He was a member of The Nashua Richelieu Club.

   Members of his family include a brother, Donald E. Grenier of Nashua; a sister, Jeannine Coulombe of Berlin; also numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Victor was predeceased by two brothers, Maurice and Raymond Grenier; and two sisters, Theresa DiPesa and Lorraine Lettre.

   A prayer service will be held at the Bryant Funeral Home, 1 Promenade Street in Gorham, NH, Tuesday, February 4^th at 1:00 p.m. followed by interment at Holy Family Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, is assisting the family with local arrangements.

   Kevin W. Smith, 72, of Nashua, passed away very peacefully at his home, on Friday evening January 24, 2025, with his loving wife, dog Kimmy and family by  his side.          

   A resident of Nashua for the greater part of his life, Kevin was born in Orange, California on July 2, 1952, a son of the late Walter J. and Mary C. (Johnson) Smith. Educated in local schools, he attended Bishop Guertin High School and graduated from Nashua High School.

   Kevin had been employed in the carpet and flooring business for many years and had been associated with Shattuck Rug & Flooring.

   Kevin was a beloved and devoted husband to his wife Deborah and he never passed up a chance to tell someone how lucky he was. Kevin was also an incredibly proud father and grandfather and his most happy times were spent with his family.

    So many have looked up to Kevin as a father figure, especially his brother-in-law Fred Lilley who he treated as a son and Nina Raymond who he considered a daughter. Kevin was an honest hard-working man that many respected and he always shared his words of wisdom and life experiences with anyone willing to listen. Kevin was the most dependable person to his family’s life. He was always there for them anytime anywhere. Kevin will always be known for his love of fishing, smoking burgers on the grill from dawn to dusk, and he will always be remembered for his incredible love for great music as he loved dancing with his wife and family. Kevin was so very deeply loved and admired by his family and his memory will live on forever through them.

   In addition to his parents, Kevin was predeceased by two sisters, Amy F. Smith and Mary Eileen Tinker; and two brothers, Steven J. Smith and Brian E. Smith.

   Members of his family include his beloved wife, Deborah J. (Lilley) Smith, whom he married in 1978 and shared over 46 years together; his three children, Christopher Smith, Holly Duchesne and her husband Jeffrey, and Corey Smith and his partner Nina Raymond; five grandchildren, Jacob, Brady and Isabella Duchesne, Amelia and Oliver Smith; two brothers, Matthew P. Smith and Daniel J. Smith; two sisters, Cathlin L. Smith and Melissa E. Hall and her husband Nathaniel; also many nieces and nephews.

    Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, February 13^th beginning at 12 noon followed by a service at 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Roberta Louise Von Hagel (nee Haase) passed away Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a long-fought battle with dementia.

She was born May 22, 1939 in Baltimore, Maryland to parents Louis Robert Haase and Amelia May (Love) Haase. As a child, Roberta, known to most as Bobbie, lived in Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Illinois as the family followed her father’s career with the B&O railroad.

In addition to being an exemplary student, Bobbie also took many years of tap, gymnastic and ballet lessons.

She received her degree in mathematics from the University of Maryland in 1961, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Plymouth State University in 1991. For most of her career, Bobbie worked as an accountant.

Bobbie was married in Baltimore on December 23, 1961, to Robert Von Hagel and had 3 daughters. She moved to Nashua, New Hampshire from Baltimore with her family in 1966 and became involved in many local civic organizations including the League of Women Voters, and also ran for Nashua Ward Alderman in the late 1960’s.

Bobbie had a generous heart when it came to animals and had many pet dogs and cats in her lifetime. She was an expert knitter and crocheter, winning many awards at state fairs. She also enjoyed crafting and painting. Bobbie’s daughters were the beneficiaries of her talents, not only by being the recipients of her beautifully made creations, but of the patient teaching of those skills that encouraged a lifetime love of creativity which inspired her children to become accomplished artisans. She also had a strong interest in genealogy, reading, and colonial-era history, to the extent that she bought and lived in a home built in 1766.

For the last 30 years Bobbie lived in various states across the country and resided in North Carolina for the last 13 years, until returning to Nashua in 2022.

Survivors include her daughters Susan (Timothy) Fabian, Sandra (Scott) Silva, and Sharon West, and grandchildren Allison Silva and Jackson West, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Jane Wingrove, brother, George Haase, both her parents and her former husband, Robert Von Hagel.

The funeral and burial will be private.  Memorial donations may be made to The Humane Society for Greater Nashua at https://www.hsfn.org/donate-now/

The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Bernadette Lherisson Jean-Louis, 87, of Vermont, passed away on January 16, 2025, at the White River Inn and Suites after a 17-year struggle with declining health.

Born on January 6, 1938, in Jeremie, Haiti, she was the child of Eugen and Esther Lherisson. She married Dulorin Jean-Louis on September 8, 1959, and they had several children: Jean-Claude Lherisson, Greger Jean-Louis and his wife Marie Cilotte, Luc Jean-Louis, Carline Jean-Louis, and Wildade Jean-Louis. Her family includes grandchildren Martine Lherisson, Carine Lherisson Jean-Baptiste and her husband Guy-Claude, grandson Greger Farell Jean-Louis II, Chrissy Joel, Carlens Pierre, Claudy Florences, Cedric, and Mathieu Lherisson, along with their great-grandchildren, Christian Dominick, Sarrah Charlotte, Jean-Baptiste, Maurine Pierre, and Neissa Lherisson. She had several nieces, nephews, and cousins Her niece, Marie Narold Duvignaud, Marie Nirva Lherisson Louis-Paul, and her husband Rodolphe Louis-Paul, Marvin and Ralph Louis-Paul, and her nephew Hansy Lherisson, Jacques Duvignaud Jr., first Gerald Duvignaud. And her cousin Jean-Camy, Georges, Mirtha, Josue, and Sabine Lherisson and Jean-Alixe, Jean-Erick, Nicole, Roselyne Damus Additionally, she has family in Laval, Quebec, Canada, including Marie Carline Germeil and her husband Adler Alisma, along with their children Arline and Adler Alisma.

Bernadette immigrated to the United States on November 1, 2008, up until her death on January 16^th 2025. She faced numerous health challenges, beginning with heart attack on February 6^th 2009, requiring emergency pacemaker.. In the months following, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy, followed by many severe pulmonary embolisms. From that, she developed thyroid cancer and underwent thyroidectomy surgeries a month later. Approximately two years later, she developed dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Her complicated decline in health required multiple hospital stays within a two-year span and numerous procedures. Despite her struggles, Bernadette fought and held on until the very end, where she passed peacefully at home. During the decline of her health her health, Bernadette regularly maintained a joyful mood and even could be heard singing or humming at times in her hospital room. Though Bernadette may be gone from our sights, she will never be gone from our hearts. We will honor the memories, stories, and unconditionally love that she taught us. Her life was marked by resilience, love for family, and enduring faith despite her struggles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, NH, Saturday, February 1^st at 10 a.m. Her family will receive relatives and friends at the church beginning at 9 a.m. Bernadette will be laid to rest in the Mausoleum of Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashua immediately following the Mass. 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.

Bruno Alexander Boudreau passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 16^th at his home after a period of declining health.

Born on August 3^rd, 1929 to the late Wilfred and Laura (Dumont) Boudreau, Bruno spent most of his life in Nashua, attending local schools to prepare him for a job that he loved working as a loom fixer in the textile mills.  In 1955, Bruno joined the Nashua Police Department and retired as captain after 25 years of service to his community. Bruno moved on to work at Anheuser Busch in Merrimack in both bottling and brewing before retiring after 15 years. Bruno was a Jack of all trades having remodeled much of his own home, and using his carpentry skills to build furniture and complete many projects for himself and his family over the years.

The patriarch of the Boudreau family, Bruno was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. In addition to his parents, Bruno is pre-deceased by a daughter, Theresa Pauline Boudreau who died on May 3^rd, 1999; his sisters and their husbands, Gertrude and Roland Bernard and Fleurette and Normand Laquerre; and his loving wife and sweetheart, Therese Marie Boudreau who died on November 23^rd, 2013.

Bruno and Therese met at Duncan Beach in Windham, New Hampshire in 1948 and they were married on October 15^th, 1949. They shared 64 wonderful years together and were an example of true love, faith and devotion to all who had the pleasure of knowing them. In their sorrow, Bruno’s  family is overjoyed to know that Bruno and Therese are together again for eternity.

Together they shared 9 children: Denis and Lynn Boudreau of Winchester, NH; Celine and Oliver McCadden of Orlando, FL; Paul and Pauline Boudreau of Nashua, NH; Daniel and Radha Boudreau of Corona, CA; Lucie and Curtis Doble of Lenoir City, TN; Marc O. Boudreau of Nashua, NH; Theresa Boudreau of Hudson, NH; Christine and Robert Murphy of Goffstown, NH; Anne-Marie and Joseph Ryan of Hickory, NC; 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Other surviving members of his family include two sisters and their husbands, Rolande and Harold Goldman(deceased) of Winterhaven, FL and Mona and Carl Ricard of Leesburg, FL.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation towards the exceptional care and support provided to Bruno during his illness and final days by his son and his wife, Paul and Pauline Boudreau.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, January 23^rd from 5 to 7 p.m. A Requiem Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Stanislaus Church, 43 Franklin Street, Nashua, Friday, January 24^th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and asked to kindly meet at church. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Fleurette D. “Flo” Duval, 78, a native and lifelong Nashua resident, passed away early Friday morning, January 10, 2025 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA after a brief illness.          

   Born in Nashua on New Year’s Day of 1947, she was a daughter of the late Henri J. and Fleurange M. (Forcier) Duval. Educated in local schools, Flo was a graduate of the former St. Louis High School for Girls Class of 1965.

   Flo was employed with Kollsman Instruments and their successor Elbit Systems in Merrimack for forty-three years.

   Members of her family include five siblings, Estelle McInnis, Dolores “Dolly” Dutton, Noella Laferriere and her husband Al, Eugene Duval and his wife Lucille and Lucien Duval and his wife Dianne; also many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. In addition to her parents, Flo was predeceased by four siblings, Lorraine Knight, Paul Duval, Henri Duval Jr., Roland Duval.

   There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 50 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Tuesday, January 21^st at 10 a.m. Friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place in St. Louis Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association. 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. 

Judith Alice Fussell Dionne, 75, of Nashua, NH, passed away at home by her daughter’s side, Thursday, January 9, 2025. She was born in Nashua on March 13, 1949, the daughter of Marcelline and Roscoe Fussell.
Judi was a proud entrepreneur of Smart Paving and Bippity Boppity Baby. Between owning these two businesses, Judi dedicated over 20 years to Brox Industries, where her hard work earned her the prestigious Employee of the Year award. After retiring, Judi followed her passion for helping children and worked as a paraprofessional, supporting students with learning disabilities.
Judi’s many passions included cooking, quilting, sewing, and creating beautiful memories for her family. She loved preparing large meals, hosting her family on holidays, and cooking elaborate Sunday dinners, always making far too much food—just the way she liked it.
Judi’s talent for sewing and quilting began at a young age, creating cherished quilts and intricate Halloween costumes for her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Above all, she will be remembered for her compassion, kindness, and unwavering dedication to helping others.
Judi is predeceased by her parents, Roscoe and Marcelline Fussell; her son, Dana Smart; her husband, Robert Dionne; and her brother, Dennis Fussell.
She is survived by her brother, Russell Fussell and his wife Dawn; her daughter, Jillian Smart Benoit, and her husband, Steven; as well as her ex-husband and close friend, Scott Smart. Judi leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, who were her heart and soul: Aaron Smart and his significant other, Tara LaFlamme; Katie Smart, Ashley Miles, Julia Prince, Dylan Dionne, Nikki Dionne, Brady Benoit, Bryson Smart, and Teegan Benoit; she also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Judi was overjoyed to recently welcome her newest great-granddaughter, Amelia, born just three months ago.
Judi’s legacy of love, generosity, and devotion to her family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Tuesday, January 21^st from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Wednesday, January 22^nd at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Family and friends are invited to meet at the church. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralserivce.com

David William Giles, son of the late Harold and Elizabeth Goddeau Giles died January 9, 2025 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire.  Mr. Giles was born July 28, 1947 at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua,.  He was educated in Nashua schools and attended Nashua High School.

Upon finishing his education in Nashua, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was a proud American and a proud Marine.  When Mr. Giles served in the Marines he was stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict.  He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with one star.  He was honorably discharged in 1972 with the rank of Corporal.

When Mr. Giles returned from serving his country with the Marines he worked for CalComp in Hudson, NH for a number of years. He then worked for the International Paper Box Machine Company in Nashua as a field service technician traveling to many states in the US, Canada, and Europe.  He ended his working career with Sanders Associates in Nashua. Upon retiring he made his home in The Villages, Florida, for many years and recently returned to Nashua. Mr. Giles was a member of the American Legion Post 347 while in Florida. He was a lifetime member of the National Club in Nashua.

Mr. Giles is survived by one son, Jason D. Guilmain of Addison, Maine. His second son, Brian D. Giles, predeceased David on June 5, 2023. Mr. Giles has two grandchildren, Landon and Abigail Giles of Raymond, NH.  He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Wayne H. and Virginia M. Sweeney Giles of The Villages, Florida, a sister and brother-in-law, Cathy E. and Michael W. Pelletier of Fruitland Park, Florida; four nieces, Elizabeth  (Joshua) Zellers of Nashua, Katherine (Carsten) Van Vuren of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Drs. Mary (Nicholas) Roy of Laurel Springs, New Jersey, Amy (Chad) Lavoie of Amherst, NH and one nephew, Gregory (Kate) Pelletier of Barrington, RI. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Erin Whittaker Giles of Raymond, NH and several grandnieces and grandnephews, many cousins and friends.

Following cremation, Mr. Giles will be buried with military honors at the convenience of the family, in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Nashua. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Bertha Carol Ashford, 78, of Hudson, NH, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

   Born on August 29, 1946, Bertha was a daughter of the late Anthony J. and Bertha (Aksten) Skliutas. She was a lifelong resident of Hudson and cherished her community deeply. Bertha was a graduate of Alvirne High School Class of 1964 and earned an associate’s degree from Nashua Business College.

   For many years, Bertha worked at Sweatheart Plastics in Manchester, NH, where she was a dedicated and valued employee until the facility closed in 2001. Her work ethic and commitment left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside her.

   Bertha is lovingly remembered by her family. She is survived by her brother, Anthony J. “Tony” Skliutas, Jr.; her son and his wife, Richard and Nicole Ashford; her daughter, Christine Ashford and James Noury; four grandchildren, Ryleigh Ashford and Emily Ashford, Jessica Verfaillie and Nicholas Verfaillie; two great-grandchildren, Maverick Hutchinson and Malcom Hutchinson. Her family brought immense joy to her life, and she treasured the time spent with them.

   Bertha’s  memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May her legacy bring comfort to her loved ones during this time of loss.

   Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Tuesday, January 14^th from 6 to 8 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the First Baptist Church, 236 Central Street in Hudson, Wednesday, January 15^th at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com  

   Kevin R. Griffin, 69, of Nashua and formerly of Merrimack, passed away Monday morning, January 6, 2025 at Premier Rehab and Healthcare after a period of declining health.          

   Born in Nashua on July 6, 1955, he was a son of the late Owen F. and Lillian P. (Mireault) Griffin Worrell, and stepson of the late James Worrell.  

   Members of his family include his son, Scott Griffin, a brother, Steven Worrell and his wife Justine Leary; two sisters, Maureen A. (Griffin) Croteau and her husband Russell, and Debra Merrill and her companion Kevin Drouin; also nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Kevin was also predeceased by his brothers, Christopher Worrell and Robert James Griffin.

     His family will receive relatives and friends at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday, January 11^th from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a service at 10:30 a.m. Private burial will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

On Sunday January 5, 2025, John Robert Scoggins, 84,  faithful servant of God went home to join his parents William Albert and Sadie Mae Scoggins, his brother Victor Scoggins and sisters Helen Hill, Barbara Hudgens, daughter Brenda Kay Fauls and son John Eric Scoggins.

John had many passions fueled by his avid interest in etymology which led to his thorough analysis and research of bats, building fly rods and tying flies. John attended courses in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Christopher Newport College in Newport News, Virginia.  John’s brilliant mind channeled his keen observations into many classified projects and developments for the Air Force where he served for 21 yrs and achieved the rank of Senior Master Sargent, followed by a career in Engineering Management for over 20 years before retiring from BAE Systems.

John developed a special fondness for Thai food after spending a year in Thailand. He loved sharing this culinary craft with family and friends. Military life afforded John the chance to hunt, fly fish and trap all over North America. He also enjoyed skeet shooting and fly fishing.

However, the talent most treasured by those who loved John was his teaching and service. John was always teaching us to love God, serve, show mercy, and love those in need. He led his church through example by his years of leadership to church deacons, Sunday school teacher and most notably his service and mentorship with his wife Anne as a Mission Service Corp Coordinators. What many people do not know about is John’s tireless work educating, training and serving the Baptist Convention of New England Disaster Relief Program for over 20 years. His efforts helped so many lives devastated by disaster including those affected by 911, hurricane Katrina and countless towns all over New England. All of this work earned John and Anne the Northeast Impact Soldier Award. John was recently awarded the 2025 Robert E Dixon Disaster Relief Award through the North American Mission Board.

John passed away while surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Anne; daughter Cheryl, her husband Tommy Rowe and grandsons: Daniel Rowe and Brian Rowe; daughter Donna Wargo, her husband Chris Wargo and grandchildren: Christopher Wargo, Margaret Wargo, Sarah Ross and husband Fred and great-grand-daughter Adaline; Daughter-in-law Sheila Scoggins, grandchildren Stephen Scoggins, Tyla England, her husband Jason England and great-granddaughter Teslie.  His family will cherish his memory and pass on all that he taught us.

We invite those who knew and loved John to his Celebration of Life Wednesday January 8,2025, visitation at 10am followed by a service at 11 am Nashua Baptist Church 555 Broad Street, Nashua, NH. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in John’s name to the Baptist Convention of New England Disaster Relief Program: BCNE Foundation Disaster Relief

The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   John Vincent Kasper, 91, a native and longtime Nashua resident and more recently of Billerica, MA, passed away Thursday morning, January 2, 2025 at Billerica Crossings after a period of declining health.          

   Born in Nashua on Christmas, December 25, 1933, he was the son of the late John W. and Mary H. (Gumbus) Kasper. Educated in local schools, John was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1951. During the Korean War, Mr. Kasper served in the Air Force reserves.

   John began his career in the electronics industry at the former Sanders Associates in Nashua and continued as an Administrator with Raytheon for many years at several locations in Massachusetts.

    In his leisure time, John enjoyed working in his yard, swimming, fishing and was a New England Patriots fan.

    Members of his family include his wife of 61 years, Beverly A. (Grigas) Kasper, whom he married on June 1, 1963; his son and daughter-in-law, Lance M. and Marilyn Kasper; two granddaughters, Michelle A. Kasper and Kristen M. Vartabedian and her husband Tyler; also nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Alice C. Burke.

    In honoring John’s wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Hudson. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, assisted the family with arrangements.

David Allen Stevens, 91 of Powder Springs, GA passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025. He was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, November 28, 1933 to the late Mervin Stevens, Sr. and the late Evelyn Haskell Stevens.

Mr. Stevens was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force having served in Japan from 1951-1954. He loved to tinker with cars and do his own home repairs. He loved being outside, working in the yard & gardening. He grilled out most weekends and would picnic in the backyard. He loved camping & the white mountains. He has a family camp in Harrisville N. H. where he spent every summer after retirement.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Barbara Katsiaficas, Marilyn Schofield and Carol L. Dunn; and two brothers, Henry Stevens and Donald Stevens.

He is survived by four daughters, Pamela (Robin) Broyles, Lori Harrison (Sven Aunapu), Melissa Barnes and Cathy Collins; two sons, David (Dena) Stevens, Jr. and Craig (Cindy) Stevens; brother, Mervin Stevens, Jr.; 25 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was always so proud of his large family!

Funeral services for Mr. Stevens will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 3:00 pm in the Sam Clark Chapel with Rev. Darin Cochran officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are his grandsons, Kevin Broyles, Jake Stevens, Chase Stevens, Joshua Harrison, Tyler Collins and Andrew Barnes.

He moved his family to the south in 1968, but his home and his heart was always in New Hampshire, which will be his final resting place. Mr. Stevens will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery of Nashua, New Hampshire. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Trinity Hospice Care of Georgia, 3660 Cedarcrest Rd., Ste 120, Acworth, GA 30101 in memory of Mr. Stevens.

The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH is assisting the family with local arrangements. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com