Author Archives: Dana Farwell

   Peter F. Desautels, 80 years of age, passed away on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020 at his home in the loving presence of family. A Nashua native, he was born on February 20, 1940 to parents Francis Theodore “Frank” Desautels and Dorothy Mae (Gleason) Desautels.        

   Graduate of Nashua High School class of 1958, Peter served in the United States  Air Force as an early warning radar operator during the Cold War and Vietnam era. Following military service, he graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and then earned his Master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, Durham. Peter was a life-long educator and mentor, specializing in electronics and graphic arts. In the 1980’s he was Dean of Community Education at Nashua Community College.

    Upon retirement he became extensively engaged in volunteer activities. He was a member of AARP/NH Executive Council and past president of AARP local chapter 622. Peter served on the Board of Directors for Corpus Christi Food Pantry and the Mary Sweeney Home. Active in the Nashua Senior Activity Center, Peter volunteered in their library for over ten years. He received the Andrus Award for Outstanding N.H. Retired Educator. He was also a member and officer of both the Nashua and New Hampshire State Retired Educators Associations.

   Members of his family include his wife of 56 years, Pauline (Gosselin) Desautels; son Daniel, daughter-in-law Gayle, and granddaughters, Kelsey and Hannah. He is also survived by his brother, David A. Desautels and wife Carol of Gainesville, Florida, and sister, Donna Desautels Pease and husband David of Durham, NH; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

   Peter was an active long-time member of the Parish of the Resurrection in Nashua. There will be no immediate services due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus. A Mass for the Dearly Departed will be celebrated by his priest cousin, Father Donald Jeffery at LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro, Massachusetts. Burial in the family lot in St. Louis de Gonzague Cemetery in Nashua will be private. A family celebration of Peter’s life and achievements will take place at a later date.

    Memorial donations in his name may be made to Corpus Christi Food Pantry and Assistance, 3 Crown Street, Nashua, NH 03060. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Home Health and Hospice for their professional attention, care and support. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Lawrence A. “Larry” Hodge, 92, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away Wednesday morning, April 1, 2020, after a brief illness.        

   A son of the late Lawrence Alfred and Gertrude (Mooney) Hodge, he was born in Nashua on October 2, 1927. Larry was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1946 and served with 195^th Regional Combat Team of the National Guard for nine years.  

   Larry had been employed as project coordinator with AVCO Corporation in Wilmington, Lowell and Lawrence, MA for 20 years. He later worked at the former Sanders Associates in Nashua now BAE Systems until he retired.

    He was an active communicant of the former St. Francis Xavier Church and served on the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery committee. Larry held membership in the Nashua Senior Activity Center. Larry’s favorite pastime was watching any kind of sports he enjoyed with his great friends, Bob Bates and Bill Neverett.

    On June 22, 1957, Larry married Doris R. Ledoux of Nashua and shared 45 years together until her passing on January 25, 2003.

     Members of his family include three sons, Lawrence Hodge and his wife Elaine, Steven Hodge and his wife Melissa, and Frank D. Hodge and partner, Michael Nest; three grandchildren, Nevin and his wife Ashley, Mikaela and Brian; two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Brayden; brother-in-law, Roger Chaput of Arizona;  sister-in-law, Del Hodge of Nashua; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry was also predeceased by his three brothers, Alfred H. Hodge, William L. Hodge and Lester C. Hodge; and his sister, Martha Jane Chaput.

     Private services will be arranged at a later time. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

Georgia Elaine (Gregory) Black, 92, of Amherst, NH passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior, Monday, March 30. Georgia was born in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas on April 4, 1927 to George W. Gregory and Vaudie Belle (Murphy) Gregory.

After graduating high school, she went on to secretarial school before securing a job with Bell South Telephone. Her legacy to her community was as a foster grandparent to area public schools and her church. She spent many hours reading to children in their classrooms. An avid knitter, she was known for her homemade mittens which warmed the hands and hearts of her beloved students and grandchildren.

The greatest accomplishment of her life was her four children: Nancy; Gregory and his wife, Deborah; Jeff and his partner, Ellen; and Christopher (deceased). She is survived by grandchildren: Christine and her husband, David; Elisabeth and her husband, David; Nicole and her husband, Andre; Daniel, and his partner, Teresa; Christopher and his partner, Lydia; and Karen. She joined one little great-grandson, Zypher, in heaven and is survived by an additional twenty-one little ones who have fond memories of their Grandma B: Collin, Jon, Josh, Abby, Maddie, Andy, Chloe, Joey, Ella, Katie, Jubilee, Adin, Michaela, Ethan, Anna, Matthew, Loki, Noella, Hannah, Felix, and Nathan.

Private services will be held for her family. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

  Elizabeth H. “Betty” (Trow) Comolli, 99, a longtime Nashua resident, widow of Domenic “Finnie” Comolli, passed away early Sunday morning, March 29, 2020 at The Elm’s in Milford, after a brief illness. She was and will always be surrounded by the love of her family.       

   Mrs. Comolli was born in Hollis on October 16, 1920, a daughter of the late Norman H. and Anne (Leaor) Trow. Her family moved to Nashua in 1930 where she attended Nashua schools and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1938. During World War II, Betty worked at Beebe Rubber Company then Grand Union Champagne’s supermarket and several restaurants including what is now the Riverhouse Café on the oval in Milford where she met her husband.

   Betty was an 89-year member of The First Baptist Church of Nashua and had been active in many church affairs. She was a member of the Nashaway Women’s Club, Red Hat Society, Community Concert Association and Republican City Committee.  Betty enjoyed crocheting, scenic car rides, attending parades, listening to music and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

    In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her husband Finnie, whom she married on July 14, 1945 and shared 57 years together until his passing on August 17, 2002. She was also predeceased by her son, Ronald Comolli in 1965; her brothers, William “Bill” Benjamin and wife Grace (Godin), Chester “Chet” Benjamin, Robert E. Trow and wife Madeline (Slein), Paul F. Trow and wife Nora (Winford), and baby brother John Trow; her sisters, Lillian (Benjamin) Cables and husband Stephen, and Beverly Edith ”Dee Dee” Raiche and husband Donald; son-in-law, John T. Hogan; daughter-in-law, Gloria (Caron) Comolli and son-in-law Robert Desautels.

    Members of her family include three daughters, Edith “Dee” Hogan, Dorothy Lawruk  and husband John of Nashua, and Barbara Desautels of Bangor, ME; three sons, Stephen Comolli and wife Joanne of Merrimack, Michael Comolli and his significant other, Tammy Goddard of Massachusetts and Richard Comolli of Jupiter Farms, FL; eleven grandchildren, Deanna and Chris “Buddy” Lawruk, Breanna (Comolli) Kirk and husband Chris, Alicen Hogan, Kathryn Hogan Bouchie and husband Terry, Domenique Elizabeth Hogan Riedel and husband Christopher, Jesse Comolli, Megan Comolli her partner Mercedes Culliton, Brian Comolli and wife Emily, David Comolli and wife Katie, and Jason Desautels and wife Shelly; fifteen great-grandchildren, Sean Hogan, Ethan and Alora Bouchie, Grace, Holly, Joseph and Anna Comolli, Garrett, Celia and Leo Kirk, Christopher and Emily Lawruk, Bobby, Samantha, Joey and Mazie Desautels; also many nieces, nephews and their families, and many dear friends.

    May the memory of “Betty” bring a smile to your face, and may you honor her memory by remembering to “Love One Another!”

     There are no calling hours. A private service will be held for her immediate family. Interment will take place in Edgewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to Camp Sentinel, 29 Sentinel Lodge Road, Center Tuftonboro, NH 03816, Attention: Scholarships. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Dorothy M. (Foisie) Haskell Boucher, 92, a longtime Nashua resident, passed away at her home, Wednesday morning, March 25, 2020 after a period of declining health.  Dot was the widow of William E. Haskell and Roger M. Boucher.       

   Mrs. Boucher was born in Swampscott, Massachusetts on February 16, 1928, a daughter of the late A. Antoinette Foisie. During her early years, she resided in Hudson, was educated in local schools and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1946. 

   Dot was a homemaker and enjoyed genealogy and studying astrology charts.

   She and her first husband Bill Haskell were married in 1949 and shared 41 years together until his passing on January 12, 1991. Her second husband Roger Boucher, passed away December 14, 2011. Dot was also predeceased by her step-father, Wayne R. Dearborn; her brother, Donald R. Foisie; a half-sister, Lillian Consigny; and her granddaughter, Vanessa Jackson Landry.

    Members of her family include her daughter, Sharyn Lee Jackson Jung and her husband, Fritz Jung, of Nashua; her former son-in-law, Leonard O. Jackson of Nashua; a sister, Shirley Messier of Nashua; sister-in-law, Rita Foisie of Humble, TX; several Boucher and Dearborn Family in-laws; and also many nieces, nephews and cousins.   

   There are no calling hours. A private graveside service will take place in the Old St. Louis Cemetery in Nashua. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Austin M. Parkhurst, 100, a lifelong Hollis resident, passed away at his home, early Tuesday morning, March 24, 2020 after a period of declining health.       

   Born in Hollis, New Hampshire on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1920, he was one of four sons of the late Nelson N. and Hazel O. (Marshall) Parkhurst. Austin was educated in Hollis schools and graduated from Hollis High School. He also attended the Conservatory of Music in Indianapolis, IN. An Army veteran, he served his country during World War II from 1941 to 1945.  

   Austin was a self-employed contractor and surveyor for a number of years. He married Anna M. Clarke on October 28, 1950 in Cambridge, MA. The couple shared over 54 years together until her passing on August 17, 2005.

    Members of his family include his two daughters and sons-in-law, Carol Ann and Donald Studley and Martha “Marty” and Richard Lancourt all of Hollis; two grandchildren, Keith Studley and his wife Erika of Simi Valley, CA and Elizabeth (Studley) Heiberg and her husband Bryan of Lomita, CA; two great-grandchildren, Ella Grace Studley and Mackenzie Hope Studley; a brother, Arthur Parkhurst of Indiana; also many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Austin was predeceased by two brothers, Howard and Winston Parkhurst.    

   Due to the Coronavirus and safety concerns, there are no calling hours. A celebration of his life is being planned and will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Austin’s 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 

   Donald E. Jennings, Sr., 61, of Nashua, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 23, 2020.        

   Born in Nashua on August 14, 1958, he was a son of the late Richard A. Jennings and Helen M. (Gladson) Jennings Paquin. Educated in the Nashua School System, Don enlisted in the Army in 1976 and served for twenty years until his honorable discharge in 1996 and held the rank of Sergeant. After his military career, Don owned and operated Nashua Yellow Line.   

   Don enjoyed photography, bowling, shooting pool, karaoke, listening to music and going to concerts with friends and family. Don was a loving father, grandfather, brother and good friend to many.

   Members of his family include a daughter, Sheena Gilcreast and her husband Brandon of Hudson; two sons, Donald E. Jennings II of Merrimack and Rigel Garrett Jennings of Clarksville, TN; three grandchildren, Mikayla, Khloe and Kylee Gilcreast; three sisters, Patricia A. Jennings of Nashua, Diane M. Trombly and Maryann Paquin; five brothers, (his twin) Ronald W. Jennings and his wife Linda of Nashua, David J. Jennings and Douglas E. Jennings both of Brookline, Derick Jennings of Manchester, and Edward J. Paquin of Nashua; also numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by two brothers, William Jennings and Richard A. Jennings, Jr.; a sister, Barbara R. Lachance; step-father, Edward J. Paquin; step-mother, Nancy J. (Farland) Jennings; and nephews, Michael and Nicholas Jennings.    

   Due to health and safety concerns, his calling hours and interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

  Ronald John DiGesse, Jr., 50, of Nashua, NH, passed away suddenly from a heart condition on Saturday, March 21, 2020.        

   A resident of Nashua for the past twenty years and formerly of Somerville and Malden, MA, Ron was well known in the community for his involvement as a football coach for the (PAL) Police Athletic League and also coaching baseball. Whether he was watching his daughter Sam cheer for PAL or coach his son Nick, he was known and loved by all on the field.  

   Ron was employed as a Project Manager at Team Mechanical. He thrived in his role and had the reputation as a hardworking and dedicated employee. He was known as the heart of the company.

   Ron is survived by his wife and childhood sweetheart, Lianne M. (Abell) DiGesse; his daughter, Samantha Madly DiGesse and son, Nicholas Ronald DiGesse; his sisters, Tina DiGesse of Lexington, MA, Katherine Troiano and her husband (his Buddy-in-law) Joseph and their son, Christian of Tewksbury, MA; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Yvette and Kevin Abell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tracy (Abell) and Robert O’Neill; and many nieces, nephews and friends that adored him. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Ronald John Sr. and Katherine Theresa (Kinney) DiGesse.

    Ron walked into any room and made friends with everyone there. He touched the hearts of every person he met with his bright smile, big hugs, and bellowing laugh. He loved fixing up his yard or house, laughing away with friends and family, but most of all he loved being with Lianne, Sam and Nick. One thing about Ron not being here is that he doesn’t have to witness Tom Brady leaving the Patriots. Super Bowl Sunday will not be the same without him sitting front and center yelling at the screen. We’ll all miss him dearly.

   A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

  Charles H. Farwell, Jr., 93, a longtime Nashua Funeral Director, passed away peacefully, Thursday evening, March 19, 2020 at his home at Laurel Place in Hudson. Born in Nashua on August 5, 1926, he was the son of the late Charles H. and Genevieve (Charbonneau) Farwell.        

    A graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1945, Charlie played the Trumpet with the high school band. He furthered his education at the University of New Hampshire, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1949. He was also a graduate of New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Sciences, Embalming and Funeral Directing in Boston, Class of 1950. A second-generation funeral director, Charlie joined his father in the operation of the Farwell Funeral Service in the summer of 1949 and served as the executive director of funeral home for over 50 years.

   Charlie was a longtime member and past president of the Nashua Exchange Club; served on the Board of the Nashua Children’s Association; and was a founding member of Home Health & Hospice Care. Fraternally, he was a member of Rising Sun Lodge #39 F & AM, all Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Nashua and the New Hampshire Consistory 32^nd degree; and longtime member of Granite Lodge #1 Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

   An active member of the First Baptist Church, Charlie served on the Board of Deacons, served on the 1980 church building committee, and was honored by the Men’s Fellowship as Man of the Year in 1981. Mr. Farwell held membership the National Funeral Directors Association and the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association and was a trustee of Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashua for over 50 years.  

   On June 16, 1951, Charlie married his high school sweet heart and love of his life, Blanche A. “Bianca” Soucy. They enjoyed many winters at Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, playing cards, especially bridge and cribbage with their family and friends, attending theater productions, pops and band concerts and Nashua Senior trips. Charlie enjoyed watching his favorite Boston teams the Celtics, Bruins and Patriots and the New York Yankees.

    Members of his family include his wife Bianca, with whom he shared over 68 years together; his four children, Kevin C. Farwell, Dana J. Farwell, Judith A. McDonald and her husband Richard, and Holly E. Kaminski and her husband Thomas; three grandchildren, Chad M. Kaminski, Taryn E. Kaminski and Emily C. McDonald; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Charlie was predeceased by his sister, Marjorie M. Crawford of Clarksville, MD and his half-sister, Mildred L. Farwell.

    The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staffs of Laurel Place, The Inn at Fairview and Home Health & Hospice for their loving care and support.

    Due to the Coronavirus and health concerns, a private funeral was held in the Farwell Funeral Home on Saturday for his immediate family. Interment took place in Edgewood Cemetery.

    Dorothy B. “Dolly” Noftle, 91, of Nashua, widow of John M. Noftle, passed away Sunday afternoon, March 15, 2020 after a brief illness.        

   A resident of Nashua since 1967, Dolly was born in Everett, Massachusetts on August 19, 1928, the eldest of six children of the late William M. and Jane S. Best.  

   Dolly graduated from Everett High School, Everett, MA in 1946. Dolly furthered her education at the University of New Hampshire, earning an Associate in Arts degree and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from New Hampshire College.  

    Dolly had been employed as a librarian at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua for many years.

    In addition to her husband and parents, Dolly was also predeceased by her daughter, Nancy E. Noftle of Portland, ME who passed away in 2005; a sister, Vera E. Best of Antioch, TN; and a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Jean Best of Nashville, TN.

    Members of her family include a daughter, Linda G. Noftle of Geyserville, CA; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert D. and Janice P. Noftle of Gloucester, MA; a granddaughter and husband, Elizabeth L. and Paul J. Lovasco of Chicago, IL; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard G. and Hildah P. Best of Franklin, TN; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary A. Wright and the late Robert S. Wright of Eureka, MO, and Jane A. and Joseph L. Mitchell of Murfreesboro, TN; and many nieces and nephews.     

    There are no calling hours. A service for Dolly is being planned and will be held at a later date.

     Dolly’s family is very appreciative of the excellent care that she received at the Southern NH Medical Center. Donations may be made in her memory online at  https://legacytrustnh.org/  or via check made payable to Southern NH Medical Center and mailed to Betsy Houde, Southern NH Health, 8 Prospect Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.  www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

Catherine Benson (Nolan) Hussey passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, March 13, 2020.  She was 81 years old and living in Nashua, NH.

Catherine “Cathy” was born on June 30^th 1938 in Albany, New York, the oldest of six children of the late Eleanor Benson Nolan and  Cornelius “Joe” Nolan. Cathy attended Catholic schools her whole life and graduated with a B.S. in Nursing from the College of St. Rose in Albany.

When you think of Cathy one word comes to mind: Devotion. She was devoted to her husband Robert E. Hussey whom she married in 1960. They were married over 50 years.  They loved to go out to eat, hike, and cross- country ski. He predeceased her in February of 2011. She was also a devoted mother of six children. Even though she worked all of her life, she was always there for her children when they needed her. She was predeceased by two of her sons, Sean M. Hussey who died in 1961 and John G. Hussey who died in 2013. She was devoted in her work and was a nurse at Greenbriar Healthcare Nursing home for over 25 years and retired as a Director of Nursing.  And last but certainly not least, she was a very devout Catholic. She went to church often and found solace in her faith after her husband and sons passed away. She even became an Eucharistic Minister so she could give her son John communion when he was home bound. Cathy was also a fabulous cook and baker and was known for her pies, Crazy Cake and Chocolate Chip cookies.

Catherine is survived by her daughter-in-law, Michelle Hussey; and her loving children, Theresa McLaren and her husband William, Timothy Hussey and his wife Melissa, Daniel Hussey and his wife Angela, Annamae Logan and her husband Matt. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Brendan Hussey, Shannon Hussey, Myles McLaren, Cameron McLaren, Owen McLaren, Nolan Hussey, Mae Catherine Logan and Abigail Logan; her three sisters, Anna May Hawkins, Mary Losito and Patty Audi; her brother, Frank Nolan and was predeceased by her brother Neil Nolan; also many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and special thanks to the Visiting Angels for their kindness and care of Catherine.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, March 17^th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson.  Friends are invited to attend and are asked to gather at the church. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Stephen M. Levine, died Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in Nashua, NH. Stephen was born on May 10, 1942 in Portland, Maine, son of Arthur and Madeline (Brickman) Levine of Lewiston-Auburn, Maine.        

   Stephen is survived by his wife, Mary; and his six children, Anne and her three children, Thomas, Elizabeth and Matthew; Matthew Levine; John Levine and his wife Shannon and their daughter, Madeline; Catherine Levine; Andrew Levine and his fiancée Sonia Ramos and daughters Hannah, Lily and Rosalie; and Mary Garces and her husband Alexander and their children, William and Joseph.

   A graduate of the Maine Maritime Academy and the University of Southern Maine, Stephen served in the US Coast Guard as a decorated Lieutenant on the USCG Taney during the Vietnam War. Upon completing his active duty, he went on to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve stationed in Boston for more than two decades where he retired with the rank of Commander. He was employed by The Travelers and AIG in the safety engineering divisions.

   Stephen will be remembered for his enthusiastic coaching of youth soccer, being an avid reader, his appreciable enjoyment of military history, a lifelong learner as evidenced by his active participation in the RISE program at Rivier University, his involvement with MOAA, his culinary creativity, and his innate ability to find stethoscopes, wallets and keys at a moment’s notice. He will be best remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, cousin, classmate and friend.

   The family expresses our sincere gratitude to Rich Debrecini, RN HBPC and the VA Healthcare System, St. Joseph Hospital physicians and staff and Home Health & Hospice Care for their compassionate care.     

   There are no calling hours and burial will be private per the request of the family.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

   Rose Marie Boucher, 86, of Nashua, wife of Paul O. Boucher, passed away at her home, Saturday evening, March 7, 2020 after a period of declining health.        

   A lifelong resident of this city, she was born on March 16, 1933, a daughter of the late Alfred and Cecelia (Levesque) Francoeur. Educated in Nashua schools, Rose was a graduate of the former St. Louis High School for Girls, Class of 1951 and attended St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a licensed practical nurse. Rose was a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital for 34 years.

   Rose was a communicant of Infant Jesus Church for many years. In her leisure time, she enjoyed Candlepin bowling and crocheting and making blankets for her family.

    Members of her family include her husband Paul, whom she married on July 11, 1951 and shared 68 years together; her five children and their spouses, Alfred and Donna Boucher, Dennis and Sally Boucher, Robert and Tracy Boucher, Carol Roy, and Brian Boucher; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert J. Francoeur; and nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by four brothers, Roger, Romeo, Rene and Roland Francoeur.      

   Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Thursday evening, March 12^th from 6 to 8 p.m. A Graveside Service will take place in St. Louis Cemetery, 752 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Friday morning at 11 o’clock. Family and friends are invited to gather at the cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 South River Road, Bedford, NH 03110. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Gerard N. Jean, 99, of Merrimack Meadows, Merrimack, died Sunday, March 1, 2020 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Mr. Jean was born on July 27, 1920 in Nashua. Son of the late Thomas and Elise (Archambault) Jean, he grew up in Nashua and moved to Keene in 1946 after serving as a radio service man in the US Navy during World War II. Jerry owned and operated  Noel’s Music Store on Washington Street in Keene. He enjoyed singing and playing in his family band, known as the Jerry Jean Combo as well as many clubs in the central New England area from the 1950s until the 1980s.

Upon his retirement, and after moving to Merrimack in 1988 he continued sharing his musical talents as Jerry Jean and his Bluegrass Picking Buddies entertaining in senior centers and nursing homes in the greater Nashua and Manchester areas.

Jerry was predeceased by his wife Ruby C. (Naylor) Jean, and siblings Robert Jean, Rev. Romeo Jean CSC, Rita Jean, Lionel Jean, Claude Jean, and Claudette Jean.

He is survived by His two sons and daughter in law’s Gerard Jean Jr. and Linda (Thomas) Jean of York Maine and Peter and Christine (Picazio) Jean of Hudson 14 grandchildren Gerard Jean III, James, Jonathan, Justin, Jesse, Karen Dabney, Bryan Jean, Shannon Rojee, Michael Heikkinen, John Conley, Gina Ambrosino, Joey Giniusz, Nickolas and Dominique Bernabeo, 12 great-grandchildren and one brother, Rev. Sylvio Jean CSC of Canada.

In Lieu of a traditional wake and funeral, A Celebration of Life will be held this summer at the home of Peter and Christine Jean on Saturday, July 25th to commemorate his life. A Graveside service will take place on Monday, July27th at St. Louis Cemetery in Nashua. Family and friends planning to attend the celebration of life are asked to contact his son Peter at coachpeterjean@gmail.com Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

  Joshua Randy Guilmette, 25, of Hudson, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Wednesday, February 26, 2020.        

   “Josh” was born in Nashua on June 21, 1994, a son of Randy Guilmette of Hollis and Kelly A. (LaRose) Kierstead of Hudson. Educated in local schools, Josh attended Nashua High School South. Since then, Josh has been a roofer by trade and also worked as a landscaper.  

   Josh loved being a dad and in his leisure time, enjoyed playing with his son, Karson, and spending time with his girlfriend, Janita, as well as his family and friends. Some of his favorite past times involved camping, fishing, shooting and being outdoors in general.  

   Members of his family include his mother and stepfather, Kelly and Kevin Kierstead; his father, Randy Guilmette and his companion, Hollie Briggs; his son, Karson J. Guilmette; his significant other, Janita Ledoux; a brother, Jacob MacKinnon; a sister, Emily Veilleux;  grandparents, Kim (Shumsky) Frisbie; Paul and Lucinda LaRose; and Virginia Guilmette; aunts and uncles, Robert  Guilmette, Brenda Guilmette and Dan Jamieson, Pamela Guilmette, Todd Guilmette, Darren and Jennifer Guilmette, Ricky Guilmette; Justin and Courtney LaRose, Kelsey LaRose, Andrew LaRose and Lorri Dupont; and many cousins.

    Josh was predeceased by his sister, Allison Rose Guilmette; and his uncle, Douglas J. Guilmette.    

   Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Thursday, March 5^th from 5 to 7 p.m. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

Irene Julia (née Ledoux) Fitzpatrick, 93, formerly of Nashua, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 23, at the home of her son, Robert, in Holderness, NH, where she has lived for the past three years.  She was born in Nashua, Jan. 6, 1927, at Saint Joseph Hospital.  Irene was the daughter of Earl Arthur Ledoux and Bertha (Ducharme), and she enjoyed a particular affection for her loving sister, Stella Ledoux, all of Nashua.  She is survived by her daughter Jane Fitzpatrick of Nashua, NH; her son James and his wife, Beth (Gallo) Fitzpatrick, of Kennebunkport, ME; and her son, Robert Fitzpatrick of Holderness, NH.  She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Kelly (Fitzpatrick) and her husband Brian Dinneen of Dunstable, NH, Stacey (Fitzpatrick) and her husband Michael Corsie, of Kennebunkport, ME; Michael James Roy of Nashua, NH; and Master Sergeant Jeffrey Roy and his wife, Aly (Booher) of Arlington, VA.  She would want this notice to mention her deep love for her six great-grandchildren. Irene was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, James Leonard Fitzpatrick, Sr. whom she first met while attending Sacred Heart Grammar School.  She graduated from Nashua High School at the beginning of WWII.

Irene lived nearly her entire life within walking distance of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a center of lifelong importance in the lives of both her and her husband’s families.  Irene was an avid quilter and gardener, but above all, Irene enjoyed and loved people.  Before moving to Holderness, she took special pleasure in her involvement in the lives and friendships she made while living in the Sweeney Home on E. Pearl St., the former convent of the Sisters of Mercy.

Irene worked for many years at J. F. McElwin Shoe Company where her father was a founding organizer of the Nashua Chapter of the Boot and Shoe Workers’ Union.  His union involvement and his service as a New Hampshire State Legislator inspired Irene with a lifelong sense of political responsibility, a subject in which she was well informed.

Just twelve days before her death, despite her rapidly declining health, and despite the miserable weather, she informed her son she wanted to vote.  While he tried to talk her out of it, she informed him, “I’ve voted in every election since Truman, and I’m voting in this one.”  She voted, and her nearly ever-present smile was more than adequate proof of her joy and pride in her effort.  We will feel her loss.

Relatives and friends are invited to Irene’s visitation on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 from 4-7 at FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 at 9:30 AM in ST PATRICK’S CHURCH, Spring Street, Nashua, NH.  Interment will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to thank those who cared for her in her final weeks.  Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in Irene’s memory to PEMI-BAKER COMMUNITY HEALTH AND HOSPICE, 101 BOULDER.DRIVE, SUITE 3, PLYMOUTH, NH 03264 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com