Author Archives: Dana Farwell

   Robert D. Dionne, Jr., 52, of Londonderry and formerly of Nashua, passed away at his home on Friday, December 28, 2018.

Born in Nashua on December 4, 1966, he is a son of Cynthia (Gott) Merrifield and the late Robert D. Dionne, Sr., who passed away in October 2014. Educated in local schools, Robert furthered his education at a Culinary school in Houston, Texas.

A resident of San Antonio, Texas for nine years, Robert also made his home in Florida for many years before moving back to Nashua. He has been employed as a Chef at Rig A Tony’s in Derry, NH.

Robert was always smiling, happy and loved being a chef. During his youth, he enjoyed ice skating, biking and going to the beach. He also enjoyed going to the movies, spending money and talking to his mother and stepfather. Robert loved his children, Dylan and Nikki dearly and was very proud of both of them.

Members of his family include his mother and step-father, Cynthia and Warren H. Merrifield of Nashua; his son, Dylan Dionne of Manchester; his daughter, Nikki Dionne of Nashua; his brother, Anthony Dionne of Bedford; his sisters, Tracy Couture and her husband Gerald of Hudson and Angela Carbone and her husband John of Nashua; his step-brother, Kenneth Merrifield of Franklin, NH; also many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

There are no calling hours. A Prayer Service will be held in the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Tuesday morning, January 8^th at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.  (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Barbara A. Arnott, age 80, of Nashua, passed away at her home on December 21, 2018, after a brief illness and surrounded by her loving family.  She leaves behind her devoted husband, James H. Arnott, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage and commitment.

Members of her family also include two daughters, Dixie Garner and her husband Chris and Pennie Reitano, widow of Thomas J. Reitano; grandchildren Amanda Schneck and her husband Kyle; Katie Hackett and her husband Eric; Nathan Garner and his significant other Allie Briggs; Alyse Reitano; Nicole Reitano-Urquhart and her husband Steven; and her great grandchildren Alexa and Austin Schneck who she adored and cared for when they were young children.
Barbara was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on March 12, 1938, a daughter of the late Everett and Doris (Ellis) Vient. She grew up in California and moved back to New England in 1968 relocating to Nashua. Barbara and her husband “Jimmy” owned and operated the Topiary at the Nashua Mall for many years. Barbara was caring, thoughtful and elegant in her appearance and demeanor. She was the matriarch and soul of her extended family, loved having events at her home and in particular enjoyed family time during the summer season at their pool on Dublin Avenue. She loved to decorate, entertain, cook and provide for everyone in her life. She and Jimmy enjoyed dancing and gardening.  Barbara was known to make gourmet lunches and snacks for Jimmy and his fishing buddy Armand on their weekly saltwater fishing excursions to the coast. Alexa and Austin would tell you that her broccoli soup was the best! Barbara would literally give you the shirt off her back or her brand new purse if you liked it. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her and in particular her husband, children and grandchildren.
Her family will receive relatives and friends at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Sunday, January 6th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanks to Home Health and Hospice for their kind and supportive care.  Donations may be made in her memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, N.H. 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Adella “Bunny” Stulgis, 100, a native and former Nashua resident, widow of Bruno Stulgis, passed away at her home at Bentley Commons in Bedford on Thursday afternoon, December 20, 2018.

Mrs. Stulgis was born in Nashua on March 3, 1918, a daughter of the late Edward and Katherine Jazukiavich. She was educated in the Nashua School System and was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1936. For many years, Bunny owned and operated the New Method Laundry in Nashua. She later worked as a secretarial aide at New Searles Elementary School and also served as a substitute monitor for the Nashua School District.

A communicant of the former St. Casimir Church, Bunny was a member of the St. Joseph Society and a Past President of the St. Casmir Ladies Guild. For twenty- five years, she was a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital. In her leisure time, she enjoyed crocheting and cross word puzzles.

Bunny was predeceased by her husband Bruno, who passed away in March of 1981 and her brother, Veto Jazel in April 1996.

Members of her family include nieces, Lisa Jazel and Karen Merluzzi; a nephew, Steve Jazel; and several cousins.

A Graveside Service will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Ledge Road in Hudson, Wednesday morning, January 2^nd at 11 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Gloria G. (Labrie) McIlveen, 84, a longtime Hudson resident and widow of William S. McIlveen, passed away peacefully Monday evening, December 17, 2018 at the Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen, after a period of declining health.

Mrs. McIlveen was born in Nashua on October 6, 1934, a daughter of the late Edward F. and Laureanne (Fortin) Labrie. Educated in local schools, she was graduate of the former St. Louis High School and attended Rivier College. In addition to raising her family, Gloria managed Anton’s Cleaners and also worked as a sales lady at the former Miller’s clothing store and Ruth’s dress shop.

She was a member of the Lions Club and enjoyed ceramics, knitting, loved the beach and taught and played piano. Always a very loving person, Gloria loved children and always helped and cared for others. Mrs. McIlveen was a communicant of St. John The Evangelist Church in Hudson.

Gloria and her husband Bill were married on October 25, 1952 and resided in Nashua for ten years before moving to A Street in Hudson where they made their home for many years. The couple shared 59 years together until his passing on Valentines Day in 2012. She was also predeceased by her son, William E. McIlveen; her granddaughter, Amy Beth (Stone) Deuso; two brothers, George J. Labrie and Paul Burns; and her sister, Marie Hancock.

Members of her family include two daughters, Donna M. Stone of Bristol and Catherine M. Sargent and her husband Duane of Bow; a son, John M. McIlveen and his wife, Roberta Colasanti of Haverhill, MA; nine grandchildren, Angela Stone, Andrea Stone, David Reynolds Jr, William Reynolds, Heidi, Heather, Kayleigh, Kyrie and Lara McIlveen; five great-grandchildren, Christian Thompson, Leo and Logan Reynolds, Isabelle and Julian; a sister-in-law, Armande Labrie of Bedford; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday evening, December 21^st from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John XXIII Parish at St. John The Evangelist church, 25 Library Street, Hudson, Saturday morning at 9 o’clock. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Nashua. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Cystic Fibrosis or the Leukemia Foundation.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.  (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Joseph Bishop, 90, of Nashua, passed away at his home, Sunday afternoon, December 16, 2018, after a period of declining health.

A native of Chelsea, Massachusetts, he was born on October 7, 1928, a son of the late John and Helen Bishop. “Joe” was a graduate of Chelsea High School and played on the varsity football and basketball teams. An Army veteran, Mr. Bishop served during the Korean War from January 1951 to January 1953.

Joe was employed with the United States Postal Service in Arlington, MA for several years.

In his leisure time, Joe enjoyed dancing, card games, fishing, watching football and baseball, playing cribbage and solving puzzles. He also enjoyed traveling, visiting Hawaii, The Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Mr. Bishop held membership in the Loyal Order of Moose.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, M. Jean LeShana) McQuinn Bishop, whom he married in Nashua on October 20, 1984 and shared 27 years together until her passing in 2011.

Members of his family include four children, Deborah Follansbee and her husband Wayne of Cape Coral, FL, Maureen Russo of Lowell, MA, John Bishop of Land O’ Lakes, FL and Helena Bishop of Lowell, MA; four step-children, Sharon Blekitas and her husband David of Merrimack, Richard McQuinn and his wife Deborah of Jensen Beach, FL, Robert McQuinn and his wife Patricia of Salem, NH, and Brian McQuinn and his wife Lisa of Wilmington, MA; his very loving and caring companion, Yvonne Murphy of Nashua; 21 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; a brother, Edward Bishop and his wife Marilyn of Billerica, MA; a sister, Lynne “Nina” Jackson and her husband Tom of Seaford, VA;  also many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Joe was predeceased by a son, Rudolph Ludemann; a sister, Anne; and three brothers, John and Michael Bishop and Walter “Bill” Cherbitsky.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to his Hospice nurse, Kristen Goodwin, and his Social worker, Susan Coveno.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Wednesday evening, December 19^th from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Road in Salem, NH, Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lynn, MA. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in his memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

John R. Stansfield (January 15, 1947 – December 16, 2018)

Retired National Weather Service Meteorologist John Stansfield of Nashua passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital on Sunday, December 16.  He was 71 years old.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on January 15, 1947, son of the late Nancy Milne and Alfred J. Stansfield, John worked as a meteorologist for the majority of his life.

John’s parents moved from Chicago to Massapequa Park, New York when he was very young, and this is where he and his sister, Lori, lived and attended school throughout their childhood years.  After graduating from high school in 1965, John attended Belknap College, a now defunct institution, in Center Harbor, New Hampshire where he acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Meteorology.

Immediately following his graduation from college, John joined the Air Force as a weather officer where he spent a year at the Thule Air Base in Greenland.  During his time in the service, John earned the rank of Captain, and, while in Thule, John wrote an article about the second highest wind (207 mph) ever recorded on Earth.  The article appeared in the October 1972 issue of WeatherWise magazine.  In 1973, John was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service as a weather officer at the Thule Air Base.

After his time in the Air Force, John moved back to New Hampshire where he formed a partnership with Bill Hovey, his former college professor from Meredith.  For several years, John and Bill successfully provided weather forecasts to many radio stations from New England Weather Service, Inc., their co-owned business located in Center Harbor, New Hampshire.

John met his wife, Patricia, better known as Trish, in 1976.  The couple was married in September 1977 and lived in Meredith for a year until John decided to leave his business to pursue a career with the National Weather Service (NWS), an agency under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) branch of the Department of Commerce.  To that end, John and Trish moved to Long Island to live with John’s parents for a year in order for John to be closer to the NWS Eastern Region Headquarters.  In the spring of 1979, John was offered a position at the Severe Storms Forecast Center in Kansas City Missouri.  The couple lived there until September 1980 when John was given an opportunity to move back to New Hampshire and take a position at the FAA Center in Nashua as an aviation forecaster in a Center Weather Service Unit (CWSU).  Nashua quickly became home for John and Trish where they have resided for the past 38 years.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s, there were many attempts to privatize the CWSU’s, the units located inside each of the Federal Aviation Administration’s 22 Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC).  John’s efforts to thwart these misguided attempts were instrumental in keeping the CWSU’s under governmental control, and, in turn, ensuring the safety of the flying public.  He received two awards from the NWS Employees Organization (NWSEO) for his tireless work in this endeavor.

John received several certificates of outstanding performance while working for the NWS, a career that spanned over 40 years.  He was also a member of several clubs and organizations including the American Meteorological Society, The Astronomical League, and the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston.

Aside from John’s work history, he was an avid amateur astronomer and had a particular interest in astrophotography.  He took many pictures of celestial objects through one of his telescopes.  John also shared his knowledge by teaching enrichment classes in meteorology and astronomy to young elementary students while his daughter, Jill, attended school.

He was very proud of his home and all of the work he did to improve his property.  John loved working in the yard planting flowers and taking care of the shrubbery and lawn.  Many friends and family members would comment about how John had the greenest and best looking lawn in the neighborhood.

Family was extremely important to John.  He was a very loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  More recently, he loved taking his granddaughters to Fun World and watching them play games and frolic in the giant playground.  John was lovingly called P-pa, a name given to him by his granddaughter, Amy, when she was very young.

John is predeceased by his son, Brad Richard Stansfield, who passed away in March 1982, his parents, Alfred and Nancy Stansfield, who passed in 2006 and 2007 respectively, his father in law, Philip Hobbs who passed in 2013, and his mother-in-law Mildred Hobbs, who passed away in October of this year.

Surviving family members include his wife, Trish, of 41 years, his son, Adam, his daughter, Jill and her fiancé Todd Patti, his two granddaughters, Amy and Emily, his sister Lori Scoones and her husband, Warren, and his brother-in-law Brian Hobbs and his partner Robert Monteleone.

Calling hours will take place at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, in Nashua on Thursday, December 27 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a tribute to John between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.   A private burial will take place at the Edgewood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718 or online at http://mda.org/ in memory of John and his late son Brad Richard Stansfield.

To leave a note of condolence  go to www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Eulalie (Fellows) Cogswell of Nashua, N.H., passed away at her home on December 16, 2018.  She was 93 years old. Beloved wife of the late Walter C. Cogswell, to whom she was married for 64 years, she was the devoted mother of Martha (Cogswell) LaMontagne and her husband, Henry, of Reading, MA, Laura Cogswell and her husband, John Thorson, of Croydon, NH, and W. Cleveland Cogswell and his wife, Baysie Wightman, of Boston, MA. Grandmother of Christine (LaMontagne) and her husband,  David Carosella, Brian LaMontagne and his wife, Rebecca Kelley, Kathryn (Thorson) and her husband, Ryan Flatley, Jill Thorson and her husband, Paul Robertson, James Cogswell and his wife, Danielle Castrechini, and Joshua Cogswell.  Great- grandmother of Madeleine and Phillip Carosella, Spencer and Mabel Flatley, Nathan and Addison Cogswell, and Alexis Sheehan.  Also survived by a dear sister, Priscilla (Fellows) Carpenter, of Manchester, N.H. and many nieces and nephews.

Daughter of the late Carroll E. and Ruth (Kane) Fellows, she grew up in Dover, N.H., and was one of seven daughters. She was predeceased by her sisters, Velma Richards, Ellen Pinkham, Genevieve Taylor, Ione Cogswell, and Marilyn Coffey.  Eulalie graduated from Dover High School and Keene State College. She was an elementary school teacher in Nashua, Brookline, and Hudson, N.H. , for many years.

Eulalie was a long time member of Main Street United Methodist Church in Nashua. In earlier years, she served as President of the United Methodist Women, Chairperson of the Religious Education Board, and was a Sunday School teacher. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Nashua Y.W.C.A.  and was a past member of the Nashua Women’s Club, the Nashua College Club, the Nashua Retired Teachers Association, and volunteered in the coffee shop at the N.H. Southern Medical Center. She and Walter were long time members of the Nashua Country Club.  Eulalie was proud to have been one of the founders of the former Greater Nashua Child Care Center and served on its board for many years.

In their retirement years, Eulalie and Walter enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Clearwater Beach, Florida, attending auctions and flea markets, and spending time with family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, January 5^th, 2019 from 11am to 1pm, with a service beginning at 1pm. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.  A luncheon will follow at the Nashua Country Club.  Private burial services will take place in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Salvation Army, 1 Montgomery St., Nashua, N.H. 03060.  For directions, obituary, and online condolences visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

    Michael K. Dirubbo, 66, of Nashua, passed away early Tuesday morning, December 11, 2018 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a period of declining health.

Born in Nashua on June 16, 1952, he was the son of Mary E. (Colletta) Dirubbo and the late Ralph T. Dirubbo, who passed away on December 3, 2012. Michael attended St. Christopher School and graduated from Bishop Guertin High School Class of 1970. He furthered his education at Merrimack College of North Andover, MA where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. Michael had been employed as a property appraiser for several years.

Michael was a Boston sports fan, who enjoyed following the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox.

One June 27, 1987, Michael married Karon J. Stanley of Bangor, Maine. The couple shared over 30 years together until her passing on September 30, 2017.

Members of his family include his mother, Mary E. Dirubbo of Nashua; his sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen B. and Daniel Cronin of Nashua; a niece, Kaitlin E. Cronin; a nephew, Ryan D. Cronin; his Godfather and uncle, Charles T. Colletta of Nashua; his uncle, John Dulgarian of Tewksbury, MA; and cousins.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff and nurses of Greenbriar Healthcare for their kindness and care of Michael.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Thursday evening, December 13^th from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Milford. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made to Corpus Christi Food Pantry, 3 Crown Street, Nashua, NH 03060 or to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Alfred Leo Poulin, 91, a longtime Hollis resident, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 11, 2018 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, after a brief illness.

Born in Nashua on September 25, 1927, he was a son of the late Alfred and Mae T. (Milliken) Poulin. Educated in local schools, “Leo” was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1945. A machinist by trade, he began his career at the former International Paper Box Machine Company and then worked at the former Sanders Associates, Inc. and its successor BAE Systems for many years.

An avid skier, Leo was a member of the Wamesit Ski Club of Nashua and was a Ham Radio operator with call letters K1SKW.

Members of his family include his wife, Marcia (Boulton) Poulin, whom he married in January of 1966 and would have celebrated their 53^rd anniversary next month; his son, Robert R. Poulin and his wife Zina; his daughter, Bethany M. Poulin; two grandchildren, Madison and Garrett Poulin; a brother, Robert J. Poulin of Bayfield, CO; also nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Thursday morning, December 20^th at 11 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place at East Cemetery in Hollis in the Spring of 2019. Donations may be made in his memory to a Charity of One’s Choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Ronald Leo Cote, 90, of Townsend, MA and formerly of Peach Drive in Nashua, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, December 9, 2018 at his home.

Born in Nashua on September 9, 1928, he was a son of the late Adelard and Irma Marie (Grandmaison) Cote. Educated in local schools, Ron was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1947 and served with the Navy during the Korean War.

Ron was a component engineer with the former Sanders Associates, Inc. for many years and later worked for Kollsman Instruments in Merrimack. He also worked as a part-time driver and funeral assistant for the Farwell Funeral Service, Inc. in Nashua for over thirty years.

In his leisure time, Ron enjoyed watching football and golf and spending time with his family.

Members of his family include his three children and their spouses, Kevin N. and Janet Cote, Sharon and John Araujo, and Sandra and Darin Ouellette; six grandchildren, Deven and Corey Ouellette, Ian and Shayne Araujo, Nina Cote, and Benjamin Cote and his wife Alicia, who are the parents of his great-grandchildren, Samuel and Jaxson Cote; his sister, Claudette Warrington (widow of John) of Maryland; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Alvin N. and Francine Cote of Nashua and Norbert and Deborah Cote of Merrimack; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Ron’s wishes, there will be no formal services at this time.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Jannette T. (Belair) Poulin, 90, of Nashua, widow of Alfred J. Poulin, passed away Wednesday morning, December 5, 2018 at the Courville at Nashua, after a period of declining health.

Mrs. Poulin was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on December 22, 1927, a daughter of the late William G. and Rose S. (LaBelle) Belair. She was educated in Lowell schools and had been employed as a secretary at Macom in Burlington, MA for twenty- seven years.

A resident of the Crown Hill section of Nashua for many years, Jannette was a communicant of Infant Jesus Church.  She enjoyed Golf and Bingo and was a member of the Hudson Senior Center.

Jannette and her husband Alfred were married on November 24, 1978 and shared almost 26 years together. She was also predeceased by three sisters, Dorothy Therrien, Pauline Iverson, Sister Mary Belair, O.S.F.; her brother, George Belair; two stepdaughters, Elizabeth Seger and Janet Latham; and a stepson, Ray Poulin.

Members of her family include two step-children, Jeanne Boucher of Nashua, and Robert Poulin of Concord; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a sister, Pearl Benoit of Corpus Christi, TX; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Kopka of Hudson and Evelyn Poulin of Nashua; also many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday evening, December 10^th from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John III Parish (St. John The Evangelist Church) 25 Library Street, Hudson, Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery in Nashua. Friends are invited to attend.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

John Patrick “Skip” Ryan, Jr., 70, of Nashua, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 4, 2018 at Care One of Lexington, MA, after a period of declining health with his loving family by side.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 22, 1948, he was a son of the late John Patrick and Sue (Page) Ryan.  Members of his family include his wife of 49 years, Cheryl A. (Welch) Ryan of Nashua, whom he married on July 12, 1969 at St. Catherine’s Church in Somerville, MA; his son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Kerrie A. Ryan of Hull, MA; his daughter, Kelly A. Ryan of Nashua; his grandchildren, Caitlin, Fallon, twins Avery and Faith, and  Rory; and predeceased by a granddaughter, Emma in October 2016; his siblings, Suzanne Marks of Somerville, MA, Linda Taylor of Billerica, MA, Angel Ryan of Somerville, MA  Richard Ryan of Hudson, MA, Patricia Jacome of Revere, MA and Sharon Ryan of Barrington, NH; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

On March 30, 1966, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was a 19 year- old Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division.  He served with the Leathernecks on a little piece of hell called ConThien (“Hill of Angels”) Quang Tri Province, RVN. Mr. Ryan was seriously wounded defending his fellow Marines and awarded the Purple Heart.

John would struggle with these injuries for the rest of his days and succumb to them over 50 years later.  Despite these limitations, like any Marine, he persevered. He married the love of his life and raised a wonderful family that he was very proud of.  He was funny, kind, tough, opinionated, loyal and someone you could really talk to about anything.  John treasured spending time with his grandchildren, playing catch and sharing hugs.  He enjoyed reading and considered himself a self-taught expert of American history and the history of the Marine Corps.

He loved everything about Boston, especially the history and sports teams.  A passionate Boston Sports enthusiast, he was quick too remind everyone that Boston didn’t always win championships every year.  His only regret with the Red Sox was that his father wasn’t alive to see them finally win the World Series.  He also, loved high school sports and continued to follow them long after his children graduated.  A devoted fan to any team his children or grandchildren played on, John supported them any way he could.  Even when he couldn’t make it because of his condition, it seemed like he was always there.

John was a member of several veteran’s organizations including the Old Veterans of Foreign Wars Pointer Post of Somerville, MA and the Disabled American Veterans. He fought for change in the Veterans Administration and believed it was heading in the right direction.  He always had a kind and generous heart and was faithful to his family, his Corps, and his Lord.  His presence will be missed.  May he forever rest in peace.  SEMPER FIDELIS.

A graveside service with full Marine Corps honors will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Route 3 in Boscawen, Wednesday, December 12^th at 11:30 a.m.  Family and friends are invited to attend.   Those wishing to be part of the funeral procession are asked to gather at the Farwell Funeral Home, 18 Lock St., Nashua at 9:30 a.m.  Donations may be made in his memory to The Emma Ryan Memorial Fund, c/o Jinnie Walsh, Hingham Savings Bank, 401 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA 02045.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Linda C. Hauser, 77, of Nashua, formerly of Lexington, MA, passed away Monday evening, December 3, 2018 at the Courville at Nashua, after a long illness.

One of three children of the late Willard H. and Ann M. (Rasquin) Hauser, she was born in Newton Center, Massachusetts on February 27, 1941. Linda grew up in Lexington, MA and was a graduate of Lexington High School, Class of 1959. She then attended Lesley University in Cambridge, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1963 and later obtained her Master’s degree in Education from Boston State College.

Linda was a teacher in the Chelmsford (MA) School District for many years and then was employed with the United States Department of Defense.

A resident of Nashua since 1970, Linda was a faithful member of The First Church, U.C.C. of Nashua for many years and was an enthusiastic writing student of “RISE” at Rivier University. While there she wrote numerous short stories. Linda was an animal lover and adopted many cats.

Members of her family include her sister, The Honorable Mary H. Smith, Supreme Court Justice of New York; two nephews, Evan D. Smith and his wife Vanessa of Metuchen, NJ and Derek Smith Keyser and his wife Cathleen of Chapel Hill, NC; a grandniece, Elsa; and a grandnephew, Toby. In addition to her parents, Linda was predeceased by her brother, Stephen T. Hauser.

A memorial service will be held in Shaw Chapel of The First Church, UCC, One Concord Street, Nashua, Saturday afternoon, December 15^th at 2 o’clock. Family and friends are most welcome to attend.  Linda will be laid to rest at Manomet Cemetery in Plymouth, MA at a later date. Donations may be sent in her memory to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064 or to The First Church, UCC, One Concord Street, Nashua, NH 03064.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Raymonde M. Thomas, 76, of Nashua, wife of William R. Thomas, passed away unexpectedly at her home, Monday morning, December 3, 2018.

A longtime resident of Nashua, Mrs. Thomas was born in Somersworth on March 10, 1942, a daughter of the late Oliver and Blanche (Thibeault) Dusseault. She was educated in catholic schools in Somersworth.

Raymonde was a homemaker and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, members of her family include her three children, William R. Thomas, Jr., Kelley Lepicier and her husband David, and Kathy Thomas all of Nashua; five grandchildren, Brandon and Amanda Thomas, Sunayana, Zackari and Samantha Lepicier; three great-grandchildren, Mason, Jackson and Maddison Thomas; a brother, Marcel Dusseault and his wife Chris of Somersworth; a sister, Rolande Andrews and her husband Donald of Somersworth; nieces and nephews; and her dogs, Zoey and Marshall. In addition to her parents, Raymonde was predeceased by a granddaughter, Sarah Rae Thomas in 2016.

There are no calling hours. A Service of Remembrance will be held on Monday afternoon, December 10^th at 1:00 o’clock in Community Chapel, 5 St. Laurent Street, Nashua. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Those wishing to express their sympathy, may send a donation in her memory to the Salvation Army, One Montgomery Avenue, Nashua, NH 03060.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Carmelle Dona (Theriault) Sage, 89, of Deltona, Florida, formerly of Hudson, New Hampshire passed away, Sunday, December 2, 2018 at her daughter’s home in Preston, Maryland with her family by her side, after a lengthy illness. Born in Nashua, New Hampshire on December 21, 1928, Carmelle was the daughter of the late Henry Theriault and Eva Mary (Neverett) Theriault both of Nashua.  She was married to Walter Sage Sr. in 1950, who pre-deceased her in 2009 after 59 years of marriage.

A graduate of the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, Carmelle was a Registered Nurse for forty years.  She worked at Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua and Fairview Nursing Home in Hudson.  Carmelle lived in Hudson for 26 years where raised her family and was an active member of the St. John the Evangelist Church community, the Catholic Daughters of America and Girl Scouts. She held membership in the Red Hat Society.

In 1983, Carmelle moved to Deltona, Florida, where she was employed by West Volusia County Hospital and subsequently worked as a Home Health Care Nurse and Nurse supervisor at Orange City Nursing and Rehab Center until she was 81.  She was an active member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Deltona, Florida.

As a devout Catholic, family was most important to her; Carmelle spent much of her time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She was surrounded by family and friends who supported and cared for her through illness including Compass Regional Hospice nurses.

Members of her family include her son, Walter C. Sage, Jr.; her four daughters and sons-in-law, Wanda and Lee Sanford, Waneta and Gerard Gagne, Wynne and Majid Aroom, and Eva Marie Sage and Richard Hatch; ten grandchildren: Kevin Aroom and his wife Jean, Kameron and Kendal Aroom; Justin Sanford and his wife Kim; Curtis Hatch and his wife Laura; Alexis, Savannah, and Douglas Hatch; Jeaneva and Hali Gagne; and five great-grandchildren, Alex,  Ethan, and Lillie Sanford, Mason Aroom , and Ada Aroom, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Godchildren.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Sunday afternoon, December 9^th from 2 to 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua on Monday morning at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Flowers are welcome or donations can be made to Compass Regional Hospice 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD. 21617. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591 www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Alice M. (Boggis) Gabriel, 88, of Nashua, widow of Robert L. “Gabe” Gabriel, passed away early Tuesday morning, November 27, 2018 at her home that she truly loved at the Hunt Community, after a short battle with cancer.

A lifelong Nashua resident, Mrs. Gabriel was born on August 14, 1930, a daughter of the late Edward J. and Dorris H. (Nichols) Boggis. Educated in local schools, Alice was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1948.

In addition to raising her family, Alice also worked at Fortin-Gage, Ltd in Nashua for nine years.

Alice and her husband Gabe were married on June 24, 1950 and shared over 55 wonderful years together until his passing on February 4, 2006.

Members of her family include her five children and their spouses, Dorris A. “Dot” and Loren Blair of Abbeville, SC, Robert L. Jr. and Brenda Gabriel of Nashua, Scott L. and Christine Gabriel of Bedford, Bruce C. and Melanie Gabriel of Amherst and Paul J. and Janine Gabriel of Bedford; eleven grandchildren, Garett and Griffin York, Shannon (Gabriel) Disla, Amanda (Gabriel) Matera, Brett Gabriel, Jennifer (Gabriel) Billadeau, Ariana, Alexis and Jasmine Gabriel, Noelle and Paige Gabriel; eight great-grandchildren, Alivia, Autumn, Liam, and Kenza York, Violet and Gabriel Matera, Lucas Billadeau and Vincent Disla; a sister, Helen Jesse of Keene; a beloved brother and sister-in-law, Donald E. and Pauline Boggis of Milford; two special nieces, Patricia Ledoux and Deborah Constant; also many wonderful nieces and nephews. One of eight children, Alice was predeceased by three brothers, Earl, Edward Jr. and Robert Boggis; and two sisters, Dorris “Sister” Boggis and Marion Madigan.

There are no calling hours. The family is planning a Celebration of Her Life that will be held in May of 2019. The date and location will be announced later. Donations may be made in her memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054; Tolles Street Missions, 52 Whitney Street, Nashua, NH 03064; and The Hunt Community Scholarship Fund, 10 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060.

Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com