Author Archives: Dana Farwell

Karon J. Dirubbo, 67, of Nashua, wife of Michael K. Dirubbo, passed away Saturday evening, September 30, 2017 at Lahey Clinic Hospital in Burlington, MA after a period of declining health.
A resident of Nashua for many years, Karon was born in Bangor, Maine on July 4, 1950 a daughter of Jesse and Margaret I. (Caron) Stanley. She was educated in local schools and was a graduate of Nashua High School. Karon had been employed with the Nashua School Department as a cook at the Amherst Street Elementary School.
Karon and her husband Michael were married on June 26, 1987 and shared the past 30 years together. Besides her husband, Karon is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Wright; four grandchildren; her mother-in-law, Mary Dirubbo; and sister-in-law, Kathy Cronin and her husband Dan.

Private services will be held for her family. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

James B. Crawford, III, 59, of East Lempster, NH, husband of Susan M. (Haight) Crawford, passed away at his home, Saturday evening, September 30, 2017.
A resident of East Lempster for the past ten years, he was born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 20, 1958, a son of Barbara and James B. Crawford, Jr. “Jim” grew up in Sandown, NH and was a graduate of Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, Class of 1976.
Jim has been employed with Textron Systems in Wilmington, Massachusetts for several years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed cars, motorcycles and playing hockey and lacrosse.
Members of his family include his wife Susan, whom he married on May 24, 1986 and shared the past 31 years together; his son, James B. Crawford IV of Manchester; his three siblings, Richard, Leslie and Nancy Crawford; sister-in-law, Sandra Dillon and her husband Kerry; brother-in-law, Stephen C. Haight and his wife Anne all of Nashua; also nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday evening, October 6th from 6 to 8 p.m. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in his memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 (for research of Merkel Cell Cancer). Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Ruth Mary Bryant, 89, of Nashua, widow of Robert H. Bryant, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, September 25, 2017, after a brief illness.
A resident of Nashua for the past 59 years, Mrs. Bryant was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on October 6, 1927, a daughter of the late James and Maize (Knickle) Barnes. Ruth grew up in Cambridge and was a graduate of Boston & Latin High School Class of 1945.
Ruth and her husband Bob were married on September 8, 1950, and made their home in Reading and Newton, MA before moving to Nashua in 1958. In addition to raising her three children, she was a licensed real estate agent and had been associated with Cardinal Century 21 Realty for several years.
In her leisure time, Ruth enjoyed summers at Merrymeeting Lake and winter vacations in Aruba. She was a member of the Nashua Senior Activity Center, where she enjoyed playing Bridge. Most of all, Ruth loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and her beloved dog “Ginger”. She held membership in the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua.
Besides her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her husband Bob, who passed away May 14, 1998; and her brother, James Barnes.
Members of her family include her children and their spouses, Jeffrey F. and Paula Bryant of Amherst, Sandra L. and Mark Naylor of Nashua, and Alan P. and Cheryl Bryant of Manchester; eight grandchildren, Kaitlin, Korey and Karissa Bryant; Michael, Justin and Jennifer Naylor; and Jeremy and Brandon Bryant.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, September 29th from 4 to 8 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in her memory 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

Thomas S. Rudinsky, 56, of Hollis, NH, passed away Thursday evening, September 21, 2017 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a brief period of declining health.
A lifelong resident of Hollis, Tom was born in Exeter on August 3, 1961, a son of the late Louis S. and Elizabeth A. (Cross) Rudinsky. Educated in local schools, he was a graduate of Hollis High School Class of 1979. Prior to his illness, Tom had been employed with Continental Paving, Inc., as a Grader operator for several years.
In his leisure time, Tom enjoyed many activities including Trapshooting with his father Louis; and twice won the State of New Hampshire Two in family with high scores. Tom was the State Champion in 1993 with a score of 386 out of 400; that was his father’s proudest moment. Tom also enjoyed snowmobiling with his son Matt, and was an avid New England Patriots fan.
Members of his family include his son and his best accomplishment, Matthew T. Rudinsky of Lowell, MA; a niece, Sheala Pendleton of Brookline, NH; lifelong friends, Scott Pendleton and Dana Livingston; and cousins, Betty Hope Tate of Old Orchard Beach, ME and Susan Godbout of Texas.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, September 27th from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held in The Congregational Church of Hollis, U.C.C., 3 Monument Square, Hollis, NH, Thursday morning at 10 o’clock. The Rev. Tanya Rasmussen, will officiate. Friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Nashua Children’s Home, 125 Amherst Street, Nashua, NH 03064. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Jeannette Mary Grigas, 93, a resident of Londonderry and a native of Hudson, widow of Frank J. Grigas, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, September 21, 2017, at Parkland Medical Center in Derry.
Mrs. Grigas was born in Nashua on August 6, 1924, the daughter of the late Adelarde and Yvonne (Ricard) St. Laurent. She was raised in Hudson, NH, and graduated from the former St. Louis High School in Nashua, Class of 1941. Prior to her retirement, Jeannette worked at Sears Roebuck & Company, 20th Century Grocery Store, Grand Union Champagne’s Grocery Store and Alexander’s supermarket as a manager and bookkeeper.
Growing up in the 1930s, Jeannette spent her time working on the family farm and garden. In her younger years, she loved taking long bicycle trips, baking, cooking, and movies. In her free time, Jeannette was an avid Red Sox van, reader, and long-time member of the Hudson Seniors, where she volunteered many hours at various organizations. She adored and cherished spending time with family. In addition, she was a passionate knitter who spent hours crafting mittens and hats for thousands of under privileged children.
In addition to her parents, Jeannette was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Frank J. Grigas, who passed away in January of 1998; her sister, Theresa St. Laurent-Elliot; and her brother, Gerard St. Laurent.
Jeannette will be lovingly remembered by her son, Gerard & his wife, Cindy; her grandson, Greg Grigas & his wife, Christine; her granddaughter, Lindsay Grigas & her finance, Ryan O’Donnell; and her four great grandchildren, Hayden, Lillian, Julian, and Andrew Grigas; her brother, Roger St. Laurent; her life- long friend, Gertrude Jalbert; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jeannette will always be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother. She will be missed dearly.
There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John XXIII Parish at St. John The Evangelist Church, 25 Library Street, Hudson, Friday morning, September 29TH at 11 o’clock. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Patrick T. Flahive, 54, of Nashua, NH, passed away on Friday evening, September 15, 2017.
He was an absolute joy to know, had a great sense of humor, and was loved by everyone.
Patrick was born on June 22, 1963 in Nashua, NH to Felicia J. (Piterak) and the late Clarence T. Flahive. He was raised in Nashua and attended the Mount Hope School until the age of twenty-one. He loved working for Cirtronics through the PLUS Company and enjoyed interacting with all of his peers and supervisors. He was very active with the PLUS Company. Patrick was a major fan of the New England Patriots and the Hulk. He also enjoyed chocolate ice cream, traveling, trips to the beach, bowling, attending Merrimack Friar socials, and participating in the Special Olympics.
Members of his family include his mother, Felicia J. Flahive of Nashua; his brother, Michael Flahive of Nashua; his aunt, Dolly Piterak of California; and his cousins, Lynne Piterak and Lisa Boyd along with their families.
SERVICES: Calling hours will take place on Tuesday evening, September 19th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the PLUS Company, Inc., 19 Chestnut Street, Nashua, NH 03060, the Merrimack Friars, P.O. Box 72, Merrimack, NH 03054, or the Visiting Nurse Association, 1070 Holt Ave, Suite 1400, Manchester, NH 03109. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Elaine Marion Koskela of Nashua, wife of Kenneth L. Koskela, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2017 with her family by her side.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 4, 1937, Elaine was a daughter of the late Joseph F. and Alma (Dundon) Reardon. She grew up in Keene, NH and was a graduate of Keene High School Class of 1955. Elaine was a member of the KHS Woman’s basketball team and was also a color guard for the marching band.
Elaine began her career with Peerless Insurance Company followed by Massachusetts Indemnity & Life and continued with Continental Insurance Company in Nashua until her retirement.
She enjoyed spending time on the shores of Maine and the White Mountains of New Hampshire but most of all loved spending time with her family.
Members of her family include her husband of 58 years, Kenneth L. Koskela; her daughter Lynne of Nashua; her three sons, Scott and his wife Pamela (Gotham) of Merrimack, Bruce and wife Michaelene (Gaudet) and John and wife Elaine (Wormstead) all of Nashua. Elaine’s grandchildren were the light of her life: Amber and husband Beau, Brent and fiancé Erin, Amanda and finace Gary, Cole, Jake, Brooke; and great-granddaughter Hannah; her beloved sisters, Patricia Lilly and husband Luke of North Carolina, Carol Reardon of Maine and Judy Newcombe of Florida; also many loved nieces, nephews and her friends. In addition to her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her brother Charles Reardon of California.
Family and friends are invited to her calling hours at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, September 20th from 4 to 7 p.m. Private interment will take place at Mountainview Cemetery in Troy, NH. Donations may be made in her memory to the American Red Cross, 28 Concord Street, Nashua, NH 03064. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Rita Gloria (Gagnon) Roy, 90, a lifelong Nashua resident, widow of Victor J. Roy, Jr., passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, September 13, 2017.

A native of this city, Rita was born on July 6, 1927, a daughter of the late Ernest P. and Albertine (Bellavance) Gagnon. Educated in Nashua schools, Mrs. Roy had been employed with the former Gregg & Son Cabinet Corporation as a payroll clerk for a number of years.

Rita and her husband “Vic” were married on September 6, 1948 and shared over 60 years together until his passing on June 24, 2009.

This kind and gentle lady will be greatly missed by her two daughters and a son-in-law, Catherine and David Porusta of Laconia and Suzanne Foley of Nashua; five grandchildren and their spouses, Eric and Kerri Porusta and Brian and Stephanie Porusta all of Moultonboro, NH, Amy and Matt Rollins of Tuftonboro, NH, Sarah and Michael Halliday of Hancock, NH and Katelyn Foley of Boston, MA; eleven great-grandchildren; a brother and three sisters-in-law, Louis E. and Jane Gagnon, Doris P. Gagnon, and Carol Boucher and her husband Benoit; also several nieces, nephews and cousins. Rita has resided for the past seven years at The Mary Sweeney Home where she made many great friends who became part of her family. They enjoyed several bus trips throughout New England and Rita could be spotted almost every morning enjoying breakfast with her friends at Crosby’s Bakery, located across the street from the Mary Sweeney Home. In addition to her husband and parents, Rita was predeceased by a brother, E. Paul Gagnon; and a nephew, Edward P. Gagnon.

Rita’s family meant everything to her. She loved spending time with her grand and great-grandchildren; and loved to arrange parties and get-togethers for her family and friends. Rita enjoy music of the 1940s and would always sing or hum along with the songs. She also loved vacations to Lake Winnipesaukee, Florida and the sea shore.

SERVICES: Her family will receive relatives and friends at St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Tuesday, September 19th beginning at 8:45 a.m. followed by A Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Old St. Louis Cemetery. Donations may be made in her 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. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Lucille (Axelson) Dickelman of Woburn, MA, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Sept. 9, 2017, at her son’s house in Hollis, NH. After an 8 year courageous struggle with the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease, Lucille was, through it all, an inspiration to many. Lucille was born on May 31, 1930 in Hallock, MN, the daughter of the late Olof and Rena Axelson.
Upon high school graduation, Lucille got a scholarship to study Laboratory Technology and Phlebotomy at the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis. After becoming a certified lab technician, she accepted a position at the Neuropathology Dept. at the University of MN. Once she married and moved out east to Massachusetts she worked at Children’s Hospital in Boston where she proudly worked under Dr. Harry Shwachman who was a pioneer for cystic fibrosis treatment and who also developed the Sweat Test to help in diagnosing the disease. She also worked at Holy Ghost Hospital in Cambridge and the Veteran’s Hospital in Boston.
After having children and raising them as a single mother, Lucille briefly worked in the real estate business. She later found a full-time a job as a nanny where she enjoyed helping out with seven children and being able to bring her own two children to work as well. Once her children got older, Lucille returned to histology lab work at the Choate-Symmes Hospital for many years. Thereafter, she went into Marketing and Sales with a number of different companies and was always enthusiastic about her job until her retirement at 79 years old.
Lucille loved to travel to Minnesota to see her many relatives and their growing families. She loved the ocean on occasion but mostly enjoyed traveling to her cottage in Fryeburg, Maine. She was able to spend one summer at the cottage in 2010 with her son David while working on a good amount of repair, remodeling, and installing a point well for the water supply. That summer was absolutely perfect weather and she could still enjoy her walk to the lake with its lovely mountainous views.
Lucille deeply loved her family and is survived by the following family members: her son David Dickelman, of Hollis, NH, and her daughter Elizabeth Cianci and her husband David Robinson of Mont Vernon, NH; her six grandchildren and six great grandchildren: Mark (Nichole) Cianci and their children Toryn, Jovan, Caed, and Kielle; Andrea (Casey) Conway and their daughter Aria; David Cianci; Danielle (Matthew) Ezzo and their son Nolan; Michelle Cianci; and Rachael Cianci. She is also survived by her sister, Evangeline Gunderson from Carver, Minnesota and by many beloved nephews and nieces and their families. She was predeceased by her brothers David Axelson and James Axelson, and her sisters Bernice Lee, Martha Walker, and Ruth Hansen.
The celebration of Lucille’s life and funeral service will be on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Merrimack Valley Baptist Church (in the Chapel) which is located at 517 Boston Post Road, Merrimack, New Hampshire.
Interment will follow at the North Cemetery in Hollis, New Hampshire.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully and gratefully recommends a donation in Lucille’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org
Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Rita (Colarusso) Tremblay, 90, of Nashua, passed away Thursday morning, September 7, 2017 in Manchester, NH.

Rita was born in Nashua to the late Marie (LePage) & Carmeno R. Colarusso. She was raised in Nashua and attended local schools. Rita worked for many years as a waitress at the Polish American Club. She enjoyed dancing, shopping, the Christmas season, and spending time with her great-grandchildren.

Members of her family include her sons Tom Tremblay and Jackie Charest and Bill Tremblay; her daughter and son-in-law, Claire & Mike Richotte; her grandchildren, Matt Tremblay and Christina Potter, Chris Tremblay, Keith and Dawn Tremblay, and Jessica and Spencer Jean; and her great-grandchildren, Ava, Travis, Alexis, Evan, and Dylan. In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her siblings Dorothy Mills and Harold Colarusso.

SERVICES: Calling hours will take place on Friday September 15th from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

William Sperry Kimball, 89, passed away Wednesday afternoon, August 30, 2017 at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH.

Bill was born on November 26, 1927 in Augusta Maine to the late Elsie (Sperry) and Raymond L. Kimball. He attended Augusta schools before going on to Boston University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree. It was there that he met his wife, Doris M. Jones. The couple then moved to Stanford, CT where Bill worked as a Salesman for Liggett Rexall Drug. They later moved to Nashua, NH, where Bill spent a majority of his career working as a Housing Inspector for the City of Nashua. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed playing Bingo and computer games.

In addition to his parents, Bill was also predeceased by his wife Doris and his brother, Ashley Kimball. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Dawn Kimball; his two granddaughters, Amy and Allyson Kimball; his sister-in-law, Della Kimball; two nieces, Anne and Susan; his very close friends, Theresa Leduc and her children Danielle and Allan.

SERVICES: Calling hours will take place on Tuesday, September 5th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. Interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Nashua, NH. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Muriel Labrie passed into the arms of Our Lord on Wednesday, August 23 after a period of declining health.  Muriel was born in Nashua on February 24, 1928 the youngest child of Alfred and Gracieuse (Gariepy) Brodeur.  She married Joseph Philippe Labrie on October 25, 1947.  Together they raised a family of 12 children. Joseph passed on May 14, 1983 at the age of 57.   In addition to her parents and husband, Muriel was pre-deceased by her siblings Gerard, Paul and Laurien Brodeur, and her sister Georgette (Brodeur) Morrissette; her children Alfred and Catherine, and her son-in-law Michael Lavoie.

Muriel was an amazing mother and friend to her children, and took such pleasure in meeting each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She sewed clothing for her children, and knitted hundreds of pairs of mittens which she donated to local schools for distribution to needy children.  In addition to knitting, she was an avid reader and loved to tend her flower garden.  She also enjoyed (and sometimes cheated at) playing rummy.  For several years she worked at FW Woolworth on Main Street in Nashua.

Muriel is survived by two sons, Robert and Joseph (Susan) Labrie, daughter-in-law Cecile Labrie, and eight daughters: Alice (Paul) Roy, Anne (James) Jasper, Marguerite (James) Hinkle, Louise Lavoie, Jeannette (Matthew) Erickson with whom she lived for many years, Suzanne (Robert) Linehan, Elizabeth (Russell) Paradis, and Mary (Brian) Crogan.  She also leaves her sister-in-law and best friend Marguerite Caron.  Muriel’s legacy includes 30 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren (so far).  She was well loved and will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at the Courville at Nashua who took exceptional care of Muriel in her final days.

At Muriel’s request, there will be no visiting hours.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. John XXIII Parish at Infant Jesus Church, 121 Allds Street, Nashua, Saturday morning, August 26th at 9:30 a.m.  Interment will follow at the Old St. Louis Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to attend and are asked to gather at the church.  Notes of condolence are welcome at www.farwellfuneralservice.com.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591.

Gabrielle B. (Simard) Gauthier, 94, of Nashua, NH, passed away Thursday morning, August 17, 2017 at Laurel Place in Hudson.

Gabrielle was born in Nashua to the late Eugenie (Dionne) & Edouard Simard. She attended St. Francis Xavier Parochial School and graduated from Nashua High in the class of 1940. Gabrielle married her husband, Herve E. Gauthier on November 22, 1945. The couple spent 52 years together before his passing on December 24, 1997.

Members of her family include her two sons, Ronald E. and his wife Dorothy A. Gauthier and Norman R. Gauthier and his wife Jane Piwowarski; three grandchildren, Michele A. (Gauthier) Hope of Nashua, Karyn M. (Gauthier) Meagher of Nashua, and James R. Gauthier and his wife Emily of Wheaton, MD; four great-grandchildren, Madeleine Hope, Nathan Hope, Jenna Meagher, and Ryan Meagher. In addition to her parents and husband, Gabrielle was predeceased by her sister Beatrice Simard.

SERVICES: A private funeral service will be held. Memorial donations may be made in Gabrielle’s name to Home Health and Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.
Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Elizabeth “Bette” Williams, 91, longtime resident of Windham, NH, died in Nashua on August 15, 2017 from complications of a stroke.
Mrs. Williams was born in Peabody, MA on January 30, 1926, a daughter of the late John and Annie (Hilchuk) Rubchinook. She grew up in Middleton, MA and attended local schools and continued her education at Essex Agricultural School in Hawthorne, MA where she met her husband, Marvin T. Williams of Lynn, MA.
They were married for forty-nine years until his death in 1992.
Bette and Marvin and their eldest son, Russ, moved to Windham in 1946 where they owned and operated a farm on Mammoth Road for nearly twenty years.
She was employed at Sprague Electric Company and Teledyne in Nashua for over thirty years.
Bette was well-known for her gardening and culinary skills. Her greatest enjoyment was moving and caring for her extensive lawn, until health issues no longer permitted. She also enjoyed seven trips to her ancestral homeland of Russia.
She was a member of the Windham Presbyterian Church, The Ladies’ Benevolent Society, The Red Hat Society, and The Windham Senior Citizens where she served as Treasurer for eleven years.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her youngest son, Donald P. Williams, who died in 2012. She was also predeceased by her six sisters and five brothers.
Bette is survived by her son, Russ Williams of Windham, NH with whom she made her home for the past twenty-five years. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
At her request, there were no services. Donations in her memory may be made to The Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064. Arrangements were in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

– Donald Edward Johansen, 85, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Langdon Place in Nashua, NH. Donald was born on March 20, 1932 at Hollywood Hospital in Hollywood, California, to Grace L. Johansen (Sandstrom) and Oliver J. Johansen. He graduated from Palo Alto High School in 1949 and the University of California, Berkeley in 1953 with an A.B. in Physics, earning his Masters (1962) and Ph.D. (1964) from Harvard University with his thesis on the Application of Digital Computers to Automatic Control. He was a caring and loving husband, father, brother and son, and will be forever missed. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts.

While in high school, Donald operated the family drayage business after school. From an early age, Donald showed a love for science and mathematics; first, by obtaining an amateur radio operator’s license, and then by building his own transmitter. In his senior year of high school, Donald won a $500 scholarship to Stanford University in the statewide fourth annual Stanford University competitive examination in mathematics and received an Honorable Mention in the annual Westinghouse nationwide science talent search. While at the University of California, Berkeley, Donald joined Kappa Delta Rho. He was a talented student and was always thoughtful and analytical in his approach to any challenge. As a true engineer, he always believed that problems were for solving.

After graduating from college, Donald served in the Army, stationed at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah during the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge from the Army and moved to Boston where he met his future wife, Barbara Janetos Stanley, at a MIT dance. They became engaged after 11 days of courtship and married a year later on June 9, 1957 in Dover, New Hampshire. The couple lived and raised their family in Reading, Massachusetts, before moving to Langdon Place in Nashua in 2005.

Donald’s career in electrical and computer engineering spanned four decades. He worked at Sylvania and Signatron and rose to the position of Vice President of Engineering at CSP, Inc., until his retirement in the 1990s. He published over 10 articles in refereed professional literature. He served as a reviewer for the IEEE Transactions on Information Theory and the Transactions on Automatic Control journals. He owned and operated Johansen Engineering and was a co-owner of The Computer Store in Lexington, Mass, which sold and repaired Altair kit computers in the mid-70s at the start of the PC revolution. He purchased one of the first commercially available calculators from Hewlett-Packard, replacing his trusty slide ruler, and bought his daughters each a Compaq PC in the early 80s, believing that computers were the future. In 1986, Donald and his son-in-law Joseph Roberts partnered to purchase their first rental property in Nashua, NH. They started Linbar Property Management in 1992, with 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments in the Southern NH area.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Grace L. Johansen (Sandstrom) and Oliver J. Johansen and his beloved wife of 57 years, Barbara J. Johansen (Janetos). He was predeceased by his sister Marjorie Johansen, his sister-in-laws Mary Bandouveres, Angeline Janetos, Anna Matyas Laws, Marjorie S. Janetos and Christina Janetos and brother-in-laws Andrew E. Janetos, George E. Janetos, George Bandouveres, Andrew Matyas, and Walter Laws,. He is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Ellen and GC Morris of Richmond, VT, and Linda and Joseph Roberts of Merrimack, NH; four grandchildren, Galloway and Elizabeth Morris, and Christopher and Laura Roberts; brother Raymond Johansen and his wife Karen, brothers-in-laws Lewis Janetos and his wife Eleanore, and Paul Janetos and his wife Robin, his sister-in-law Eleanor Janetos and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He always felt a part of the Janetos family and visited his mother-in-law and the extended family every other Sunday for decades.

SERVICES: Memorial Visitation will take place at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH on Friday August 18, 2017 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 11am. There will also be a Memorial Service held in his honor in October at his final resting place in New Town Cemetery in Rollinsford, NH with his beloved wife, Barbara J. Johansen. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request Memorial Donations be made in the name of Donald E. Johansen to the Brain Injury Association of America, Inc., PO Box 7416, Merrifield, VA 22116. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Thelma Elizabeth (McCoy) Carroll, 92, a longtime resident of Nashua, passed away Saturday evening, August 12, 2017 after a sudden illness at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Carroll was born in Hudson, NH, a daughter of the late Herman R. and Ethel (Woodward) McCoy. Thelma has made her home in Nashua for over 45 years and worked for Burlington Coat Factory at the Nashua Mall for the past 30 years.
Thelma had a love for crossword puzzles, reading, watching game shows and traveling with her daughter and family.

She was predeceased by her husband Al Carroll; her sister, Mildred Connors; and her brother, Robert McCoy.

Members of her family include her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Robert Larose of Clermont, FL; her son and daughter-in-law, James and Karen Ives of Hudson, NH; five grandchildren and their spouses, Melissa and Jason Lucas of Winter Garden, FL, Kimberly and Jonathan Riel of Hooksett, NH, Amanda and Matthew Nourse of Nashua, NH, Jennifer and Malcolm Blackwood of Bedford, NH, and Michael and Heather Ives of Manchester, NH; as well as eight great-grandchildren, Christopher, Sydney, Alyssa, Avery, Jonas, Ryan, Kaelynn and Timothy.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday evening, August 16th from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be private. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/support. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com