Author Archives: Dana Farwell

    Richard G. “Dick” Petzold, 88, of Nashua, passed away peacefully, Friday morning, May 17, 2024, after a brief illness, with his family at his bedside.         

    A resident of Nashua for the past 41 years, he was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on June 18, 1935, the eldest son of the late Richard W. and Aline (Dion) Petzold. During his youth, Dick was raised in St. Albans, NY and was a graduate of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, class of 1953. Shortly after his graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served his country for four years. At the time of his honorable discharge in 1957, he had achieved the rank of Aviation Technician Petty Officer First Class. In 1956, while stationed in Derry, Northern Ireland, Dick met his future wife, Agnes Mitchell. It was love at first sight. They were married on October 5, 1957 in Wantagh, NY and were blessed with four daughters. In 1966 the family moved to England, then Germany in 1968. They later returned to the United States and made their home in Pennsylvania, then Virginia, before finally settling in Nashua in 1983.    

    He began his career in the computer industry with Sperry Univac and continued with Wang Laboratories and EMC Corporation, where he was affectionately referred to as “Mad Dog Petzold” and “The Big Kahuna” respectively. Dick worked in customer service for his entire career, retiring as a vice president in 2000.

   In his leisure time, Dick enjoyed fishing and gardening. He took pride in maintaining his impeccable yard. He was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking, watching tennis, the Red Sox and the Patriots. Dick and Agnes enjoyed traveling, especially to Ireland. He was a communicant of the Parish of the Resurrection and held membership in the Horse Pond Fish & Game Club of Nashua.

   He had a tough exterior, but a heart of gold. He was a wonderful husband and father, was extremely generous to family and friends, and always wanted to help those in need, especially children.

   Dick was predeceased by Agnes, his wife of 54 years, and his brother, Gerard “Butch” Petzold.

   He is survived by his partner, Nancy Christie; four loving daughters, Patricia Petzold and her husband Garrett Moore of Bridgewater, NJ, Janice Petzold of Reston, VA, Kathleen Petzold and her partner James Tryhubczak of Cumberland, RI and Geraldine Murphy and her husband Gregg of Hopkinton, MA; seven grandchildren, Kevin Moore and his wife Victoria Steel, Ian Moore and his wife Falon McLaughlin, Victoria Petzold, Kyle Murphy, Hannah Murphy, Dylan Murphy and Keira Murphy; a sister, Charlotte Jayne of Sayville, NY; and nieces and nephews.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, May 28^th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Wednesday, May 29^th at 11 a.m., followed immediately by interment and Navy Funeral Honors in Edgewood Cemetery. All are invited to join us for Dick’s Celebration of Life at Luk’s Bar and Grill, 142 Lowell Road in Hudson, NH directly following the burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Nashua Children’s Home, 123 Amherst Street, Nashua, NH 03064. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralserivce.com 

Margaret Anne (Peggy) Carlon’s soul took flight on May 13 at the Ledgewood Bay Assisted Living home in Milford, N.H.

Peggy was born on December 3, 1936 in New Rochelle, N.Y. to Margaret and Daniel Cahill, growing up in a three story home shared with her maternal grandparents. She fondly recalled many hours spentat the home of her dear friend, Zelda Abele, playing board games and “just being creative.”

Her creative streak was no doubt fostered by her beloved father Daniel. “He made life fun. We’d take walks through City Park and he’d Little Red Riding Hood?’ My dad could change a simple walk in the park into a fun adventure.”

After graduating from St. Gabriel’s High School, where she was senior class treasurer, Peggy worked as a secretary at CBS in Manhattan. She often said that the older men at CBS did not act like the gents in the television show Mad Men.

On Election Day 1956, Peggy met her future husband, George Carlon, at a church social; using skills learned in the Navy, George then followed her to the College Diner on North Avenue in New Rochelle. Finding out that she had a boyfriend, George snuck into Peggy’s heart with his devilish charm (and My Fair Lady tickets). The couple were married on April 26, 1958 at Holy Family Church in New Rochelle.

The couple had three children: Michael, Susan, and Daniel. Each would say that his/her childhood was filled with love, endless caring, and humor.

Due to George’s career at American Express, Peggy moved to Nashua, N.H. in 1963. Here she met her life-long friends, Eileen Inamorati, Evelyn Hoffman, Carolyn Root, Cathy Shea, Loretta Coffey, Roe Alter, the Friday Night Dinner Group, and her monthly ladies lunch group.

Along with her kind, vivacious personality, Peggy possessed a soul of steel. When her husband fell ill with emphysema, it was she who nursed her George, honoring his wishes to pass away at home. After his death in 1993, Peggy, although a young widow, did not swallow in self pity. Instead she joined the RISE Program at Rivier University in Nashua, enjoying treks overseas with her children, and with dear friends. And when her seven granddaughters and one grandson entered the world, Peggy became the “GPeg” of legend, hosting wonderful leaf raking parties, birthday parties, and renting a house in West Hyannisport in the summers for all to visit. When her daughter Susan gave birth to three precious little ladies in 1997, Peg temporarily moved into her daughter’s home to help with the beautiful challenge of triplets.

A parishioner of Nashua’s Parish of the Resurrection, Peggy was a person who truly lived her faith. Her acts of charity were endless. For instance, several times a month she would shop for new children’s clothes, immediately donating them to Nashua’s Salvation Army. After Hospice provided vital assistance at the end of George’s life, Peggy volunteered for several years in Hospice’s office to show her gratitude.

Nothing was ever too much for Peggy’s children and grandchildren. A gifted writer, Peggy kept a journal of each of her grandchildren’s childhoods. Her three children were often surprised with tickets to a show, to a trip to Cooperstown–or County Wicklow, Ireland. In short, Peggy Carlon was a gem.

She is survived by her sister Kathleen Cahill of Nashua; her daughter Susan and son-in-law Brad Giles of Hollis; her son Daniel and daughter-in-law Nancy of Plymouth, Massachusetts; her son Michael and daughter-in-law Lisa of Centerville, Massachusetts; and her beloved grandchildren: Hannah and Sarah Carlon; Georgia, Bridget and Anna Giles; and Nicholas, Haylie, and Nathalie Carlon. Peggy is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Arlene Carlon and their children, Mia, Michael and James and their families. In addition to her husband George, she was predeceased by her nephew Gregory Carlon and survived by Greg’s wife, Carolyn and the couple’s two daughters.

Peggy’s children would like to thank the dedicated staffs at  Ledgewood Bay, The Courville in Nashua, and her Hospice nurses for their superb and loving care. There are so many good people in this world. In Peggy’s honor, feel free to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation; the Salvation Army; or to your local Hospice Care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Peggy at the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Wednesday, June 26th at 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Anne (Leonard) Hostage, 94, of Nashua, widow of John B. A. Hostage, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, May 10, 2024 at the Hunt Community.         

    Born in Meriden, Connecticut on July 22, 1929, she was a daughter of the late John and Eileen (Gaffney) Leonard. During her youth, Anne resided in Meriden and West Hartford, CT and was a graduate of Mount Saint Joseph Academy with the Class of 1947.

    A resident of Nashua since 1959, Anne and her family resided on Lee Street for more than thirty years. After raising her four children, Anne furthered her education at Rivier University where she earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in English.

    In the fall of 1972, Anne began her career as an English teacher at Nashua High School on Elm Street and continued at the new Nashua High School South until her retirement in 1992.

     Anne was a founding member of RISE at Rivier University, active in state and local organizations for retired educators and a member of the League of Women’s Voters. She was an avid reader and loved vacations on Cape Cod. She was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church and a former communicant of St. Christopher Parish.

    In addition to her parents, Anne was predeceased by husband John, who passed away on March 2^nd of this year. They were married on September 8, 1951 and shared over 72 years together.

    Members of her family include four children, John B. Hostage, Jr., Mary Kretzmann and her husband Kent White, Peter G. Hostage and his wife Maria, and the late Thomas R. Hostage who passed away June 18, 2023 and his wife Rebecca T. Clarke; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a sister, Eileen Cormier; a brother, the late Jack Leonard; and nieces and nephews.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, Thursday, May 16^th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in her memory to the Scholarship Fund at The Hunt Community, 10 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com  Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

  Beverly Joanne Jasalavich, 69, of Hudson, wife of Thomas A. Jasalavich, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, May 10, 2024.         

   Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on January 29, 1955, she was a daughter of the late Arthur F. and Lorraine (Fortin) Smith. Beverly grew up in North Chelmsford, MA and was a graduate of Chelmsford High School Class of 1973. She furthered her education at the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College where she earned her associate degree.

    Beverly worked as a para-professional for the Nashua School District for twenty- six years. She previously was employed at Nashua Corporation for a time and then in customer service at Burque Jewelers.

    A resident of Hudson for the past seven years, Beverly had also made her home in Nashua for 47 years. She had a passion for jewelry and in her free time enjoyed arts and crafts. Beverly was a communicant of the Parish of the Resurrection.  

   Members of her family include her husband Tom, whom she married on October 26, 1986 and shared over 37 years together; her son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Sarah Jasalavich; a brother and sister-in-law, Arthur F. Jr. and Ann Smith; a sister, Cynthia Bruttaniti; brother-in-law, Marc Dube; as well as many sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws of the Jasalavich family; nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to her parents, Beverly was predeceased by a sister, Cheryl Dube; and brother-in-law, Bill Bruttaniti.

    Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday, May 20^th from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Tuesday, May 21^st at 11 a.m. There will be a mercy meal after services at Sparkling River Condo Associations Community Center, 14 Doveton Lane, Hudson NH. Family and 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. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com   

   John T. O’Shea, 82, of Nashua, passed away peacefully at his home, Wednesday morning, May 8, 2024, after a brief illness.         

   A resident of Nashua since 1978, he was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on July 10, 1941, the only son of the late Patrick and Ellen (O’Connor) O’Shea. John grew up in Somerville, MA and was a graduate of Boston College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in economics.

    John enjoyed a long career with Liberty Mutual in Boston, where he worked in many capacities during his 35 years there.

    An avid sports enthusiast, John was a lifelong fan of the Boston College Eagles and followed the Boston sports teams. John and his wife Susan, enjoyed traveling to Ireland and to the beach. He also loved to read; was interested in the news and loved his dogs.

    Members of his family include his wife, Susan (Huk) O’Shea, whom he married on May 3, 1969 and shared 55 years together; his three children, Jessica O’Shea, Julie O’Shea Burke and her husband Jamie, and James O’Shea and his wife, Meredith; and his three grandchildren, Maggie, Liam and Patrick O’Shea.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Thursday, May 16^th at 11:30 a.m. His family will receive friends at the church beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will take place in St. Stanislaus Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. To leave an online message of condolence, please www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. 

   Pauline Yolande Jennings, 94, of Nashua, widow of Robert D. Jennings, passed away Saturday afternoon, May 4, 2024 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH, after a brief illness.         

   A native and lifelong resident of this city, Pauline was a third generation of her family from Nashua and the first member of both sides of her family to live into her 90s. She was born on November 29, 1929, to the late Henry and Agnes (Pinard) Lambert. Educated in local schools, she began her career with the former J. F. McElwain Shoe Company and Bemis Bag Company. Pauline continued working as a waitress at Roland’s Variety Store and Restaurant; Blake’s Restaurant; and was a hostess and waitress for over 27 years at the former Greenridge Turkey Farm Restaurant until it’s closing. She later worked as a cashier and new employee trainer for McDonald’s for 7 years and then worked in the dining room at Wendy’s for 12 years.

    Pauline was an active member of the Nashua Emblem Club # 170 and held membership in the Columbiettes, Nashua Council # 122. She enjoyed candlepin bowling with the J.F. McElwain Bowling Team and the Gate City Bowling Team “Stars League”. Pauline also bowled with the Greenridge Turkey Farm Restaurant Ten Pin Bowling Team.

   Pauline and her husband Bob were married on August 26, 1950 and shared 51 years together until his passing on September 25, 2001.

  Members of her family include her daughter and son-in-law, Linda V. and Philip R. Lavoie of Nashua; her son, Carl W. Jennings of Nashua; three grandchildren, Blake C. Lavoie and his wife Karen, Tamara L. “Tami” Alcombright and her husband Don “DJ”, and Eric S. Lavoie and his wife Casey Alcombright; five great-grandchildren, Rebecca Lavoie, (twins) Olivia “Livy” Alcombright and Connor Alcombright, Joshua Lavoie and Helen Lavoie; a sister, Cecile St. Armand, sister-in-law, Pauline Lambert; brother-in-law, Bruce “Smoky” Jennings; godsons, Brian St. Armand and Blake C. Lavoie; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends.

   In addition to her husband and parents, Pauline was also predeceased by her brother, Donald Lambert; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pearl G. (Perley) “Buster” Jennings and Pearl E. (Murray) Jennings; and her second mother-in-law, Marion B. (Gregory) Jennings.  

   Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, May 14^th from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, Wednesday, May 15^th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. The family has requested to please consider donations in Pauline’s memory to the Community Hospice House, 210 Naticock Road, Merrimack, NH 03054 or the Nashua Emblem Club #170, P.O. Box 113, Nashua, NH 03061. Please make the check payable to: The Nashua Emblem Club #170 and write “Scholarship Fund” in the memo. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com  

    Charles A. Bechard, 105, Nashua native and former Alderman, passed away peacefully Friday evening, May 3, 2024.    

    Born in Nashua on December 10, 1918, he was a son of the late Joseph T. and Laura (Gilbert) Bechard. Educated in local schools, Charles was a member of the Nashua High School Class of 1934.  He was a compassionate and devout man with a strong sense of duty to God, family and country. Charles served in the United States Army, 126^th Army Airways Communication System Squadron from 1942 to 1946. Mr. Bechard was deployed to the Pacific Theatre (China, Burma (Myanmar), and India (Pakistan). He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant on February 19, 1946. In the Army Air Corps, he was assigned to a team tasked with training allied pilots to fly US warplanes in defense of their country. He served as the team air traffic control, radio communications and meteorology specialist.

   Charles and his three brothers (Albert, Arthur and Robert) proudly and honorably served their country in US Military overseas deployments during World War II. All four returned home safely. A banner honoring their service will be displayed on the Veterans Memorial Parkway in Nashua this summer. His Army training and experience sparked a life-long interest in meteorology and astronomy – he would sometimes use his training and experience to develop weather forecasts for anticipated major weather events (snowstorms, thunderstorm outbreaks, etc.) comparing his predicted outcomes to those of professional meteorologists.

    An avid follower of local, national and world events, Charles often would offer deep insights based on his long experience of life. After all, he had personally experienced many events which were only available to the rest of us in history books. He enjoyed walking outdoors for exercise and to provide the opportunity to meet people.

    His long experience as a United States Postal Service Letter Carrier in Nashua from 1956 to 1985 had accustomed him to long days walking outdoors in the service of others. In his retirement, he often walked several miles per day all over Nashua, greeting people and exchanging a few kind words along the way. Prior to working for the postal service, Charles was employed with Nashua Wholesale Fruit, Inc. (1946-54) where he met his future wife. Annette. He also worked at Champagne’s Super Market (1954-56).

    Charles served the City of Nashua as Alderman from Ward Six (1970-74) for two terms. He was a communicant of St. Louis de Gonzague Parish from 1918-1977 and Immaculate Conception Parish from 1977 -2024.

   Members of his family include his wife of 73 years, Annette L. (Perrault) Bechard, whom he married on May 21, 1951; a son, Maurice J. Bechard and his wife, Diane M. (Coutu) of Nashua; sister-in-law, Angele Bechard of Nashua; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased by his son, Paul A. Bechard; three brothers, five sisters and their spouses, Arthur Bechard, Robert and Gertrude Bechard, Albert and Jeanne d’Arc Bechard, Lea and Roland Jean, Irene and Wilfred Bois, Theresa and Rene Tremblay, Rita and Laurent Noel and Rachel and Rene Othot.

    A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, Tuesday, May 14^th at 11 a.m. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church beginning at 10 o’clock. Interment and Army Honors will take place in the Old St. Louis Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralserivce.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

   Joseph Francis “Jay” Gallagher, III, 64, of Merrimack, NH, passed away Monday evening, April 29, 2024 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA after a brief illness.   

    Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on January 15, 1960, he is a son of Joseph F. Gallagher, Jr. and Pamela E. (Freeman) Wright. Jay grew up in Nashua and graduated from Nashua High School. His passion growing up was hockey, which continued throughout his life. Jay was widely admired for his humor and his kind and gentle soul. After high school, Jay enlisted in the Army where he met his wife, Wanda. Jay was a Control Tower Operator assigned to the 245^th Air Traffic Control Unit until his honorable discharge on February 8, 1985.

   Following his military service, Jay returned to New Hampshire where he raised his family. An avid sports enthusiast, Jay was a Boston Bruins and New England Patriots fan his entire life. He also enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR and golf. Above all Jay cherished his family and grandchildren.

    Members of his family include his wife of 41 years, Wanda (Kamiko) Gallagher; his sons, Joseph “Jake” Gallagher, IV and Joshua D. Gallagher; grandchildren, Hannah Grace and Elliot Isaac Gallagher; two sisters, Joanne and Jacqui Gallagher; an uncle, Richie Gallagher; niece, Meaghan Pratt and her husband Alex Pratt; grandnephew, Harrison Pratt; niece, Ali Maynard; and nephew, Morgan Maynard. Jay leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love. 

     Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Sunday, May 19^th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of His Life from 4 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post #98, 43 Baboosic Lake Road in Merrimack NH. Jay will be laid to rest at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. Donations may be made in his memory to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Despina “Tess” Kopka, of Nashua and formerly of Salem, MA, passed away Thursday morning, April 25, 2024 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. She was the wife of William Kopka, to whom she had been married for 49 years.        

    A resident of Nashua since 1965, Tess was born in 1932 in Peabody, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Supronovich) Rafael.

    She worked as a Production Control Planner for Harris Corporation in Nashua, an Electronic Assembler and Inspector for Sprague Electric in Nashua, was an Office Clerk for Ackley Associates in Nashua, and a Data Entry Clerk for Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Nashua.

    Tess was very active at Christmas Fairs and well known for her Christmas Tree Creations, etc.  She was a member of the former St. Casimir Church and past Secretary of the St. Casimir Couples Club. Tess was most recently a communicant of St. Christopher Church in Nashua following the closing of St. Casimir’s Church.

    From 1987 to the present, she and her husband William, owned and operated Kopka Tax Service that provided tax and electronic filing services.

    Tess was predeceased by her first husband, Robert J. Walker, Sr. of Nashua, to whom she had been married for 25 years; her son, Robert J. Walker, Jr. of Nashua; a sister, Ethel Kirrane of Beverly, MA; her brothers, George Rafeal of Beverly, MA and Nicholas Rapheal of Hendersonville, TN; and a grandson, Travis Levesque.

     Besides her husband, survivors include three sons and a daughter-in-law, Clinton J. and Sheryl Walker of Amherst, NH, Richard J. Walker and Joseph J. Walker of Nashua; two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Leslie Berry of Keene, NH, and Debra and Dean Parks of Nashua; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews who she dearly loved.

     A private burial service will be held at the convenience of the family. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. 

   Eugenia Bielawski, 98, of Nashua, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Kazimierz Bielawski with whom she shared 62 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2014.

    Born in Warsaw, Poland, on January 5, 1926, to Aleksander and Emma Slowik. She lived her early years in Poland until she was displaced to Germany after World War II. Eugenia immigrated to the United States in 1951 and settled in Nashua, NH, where she has been a lifelong resident. Eugenia worked in several of the mills in Nashua including Sprague Electric and Horton & Hubbard.

    Eugenia enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and spending quality time with her family whom she loved deeply. She was a communicant of St. Kathryn Parish in Hudson, NH and the former St. Stanislaus Church in Nashua, NH.

    Members of her family include her sons, Richard Bielawski and his wife Cindy, and Stefan Bielawski; daughters, Elizabeth Smith, Danuta Clarke and Barbara Bielawski; five grandsons, Timothy Smith and his wife Michelle, David Smith and his wife Season, Derek Bielawski and his wife Suzanne, Thomas Clarke and his wife Angie, and Michael Clarke; six great-grandchildren, Ally Smith, Brady Smith, Jenna Clarke, Gabby Clarke, Izzy Clarke and Kennedy Smith; two nieces, Jadzia Davie and Halina Lukaszewicz. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Julia Lukaszewicz.

    The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff on Rose Lane at All American Assisted Living in Londonderry, NH as well as Brookhaven Hospice for the care and loved shown to their mom.

    Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, April 25^th from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Kathryn Church, 4 Dracut Road, Hudson, NH, Friday morning, April 26^th at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Pine Hill Road in Nashua. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Scott G. Grandmaison, 63, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center after a brief illness.         

   Born in Nashua on July 1, 1960, he was a son of the late Gerald L. Grandmaison and Barbara H. (Barr) Grandmaison. Educated in local schools, Scott was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1978.

   Scott had been employed as a foreman with the Iron Workers Union, Local #7 for twenty-five years.

    An avid golfer, Scott also enjoyed fishing, hunting, motorcycling and cooking in his leisure time. He held membership in both the Club National of Nashua and the Nashua Fish and Game Club.

    Scott leaves behind Kathleen M. Martin-Grandmaison; his stepson, Dillon Martin and his wife Megan; three grandchildren, Landon, Layne and Layla; his brothers, Thomas A. Grandmaison and his wife Lauren and their son, Andrew, and Michael Lacombe and his sons, Cody and Adam, and Adam’s son Lincoln; also three brothers-in-law and their wives, Edward and Margaret Larkin, John and Patricia Larkin and Stephen and Marilynn Larkin; and twelve nieces and nephews.

     Family and friends are invited to the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, April 19^th from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. followed by a prayer service. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Scott’s memory to the Nashua Children’s Home Association, 125 Amherst Street, Nashua, NH 03064. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

A graveside service will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Nashua Street, in Milford, NH for David Crane Miller, 73,  who passed away in Parsippany, NJ after a lengthy illness.

Born in New York City, NY in 1949, he was the son of the late John Hamilton Miller II and Harriet Crane Miller of Rumson, NJ.  David was also predeceased by his older brother, John Hamilton Miller III of Little Compton, RI.  Educated in NJ schools, David attended Rumson Country Day School as a child and graduated from the local high school.  After graduating from Paul Smith’s College, David attended technical school where he trained in computer science.

A member of the Rumson Country Club in Rumson, NJ, David enjoyed skeet shooting on the grounds of the club. Close to his family members throughout his life, David enjoyed many evenings at the home of his older brother John and his wife Lora  spending time with his niece Hope and nephews Rhoads and Ned at their NJ home. In his later years, David was a welcome guest at his younger brother Toby’s home in Charlestown, MA where he instructed his young niece on space travel and his nephew on building with construction blocks.

After retiring, David pursued his interest in scuba diving, underwater photography and the great outdoors.  Travel to national parks allowed David to pursue his lifelong interest in the natural world.  He was fond of recalling trips taken as a child with his family throughout the southwest and Yosemite, riding in the back seat with his brother.

Throughout his life, David contributed to food banks and wildlife and conservation causes.  Giving back to the wider community was important to David.

Members of his family include his brother Talbott (Toby) Miller and his wife Mary Jo Dahlbloom, his sister-in-law Lora MacFall and her husband Douglas MacFall; his niece Hope Miller Burchard and her husband Jason F. Burchard and their daughters; his nephew Rhoads Elkington Miller and his son and daughter; his nephew Edward Crane Miller and his wife Sarah L. Miller and their daughters and son; a niece Marina Miller; a nephew Alex Miller and several cousins.

There are no calling hours.  Donations may be made to his memory to World Central Kitchen at wck.org or your local food bank .  Arrangements are in care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH.

   Inda E. Farrell, 96, wife of the late Robert J. Farrell, passed away at her home, Sunday, April 7, 2024.         

   She was born in Groton, Massachusetts, daughter of the late Lovell and Ida Souther. Inda attended nurses training school at Memorial Hospital in Nashua now known as Southern New Hampshire Medical Center.  

    Inda was a member of the New Hampshire Nurses Association and certified as a Psychiatric Nurse. She was a member of the James E. Coffey Post Ladies Auxiliary and was a life member of the 101^st Airborne Association.

    She and her late husband enjoyed traveling throughout the states and several countries abroad.

    Inda is survived by her five children, Catherine Cogswell, Kristen Farrell-Dabilis and her husband Tom, Kirk Farrell and his wife Kathy, Shaun Farrell and his wife Maggie, and Shannon Goodrich and her husband Mike; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

   As per her request, there are no calling hours and burial will be private. Inda will be laid to rest next to her husband at Edgewood Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.

Tom Dufresne, Hollis, New Hampshire, died on April 6 after a 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on October 24, 1950, in Lowell, Mass, Tom was the beloved son of the late Robert and Claire (Mailloux) Dufresne. He lived his formative years in Tewksbury, Mass, and graduated from Tewksbury High School and UMass Lowell. He was a member of the Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity while at UMass and kept in touch with his fraternity brothers throughout his life. Most of his professional career was spent in beverage sales.

Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman, both warm water and ice fishing. He and his brothers spent a lot of time together, fishing in Lake Michigan, Lake Winnipesaukee, and sometimes even Flint’s Pond in Hollis. His favorite hunting spots were in northern New Hampshire and New Brunswick, Canada.

Tom had two real passions. The first was cycling. He took this sport up initially to ride in the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) to raise money for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Center. He rode with his team, Nashua Rides for Hope, the first weekend in August every year. The course was 192 miles over 2 days. There were many good stories about the team and their shenanigans at the Monkey Bar in Provincetown and on the Party Boat ride back into Boston. The irony, of course, is that Tom succumbed to this dreadful disease himself. Over the course of 16 years, Tom raised over $131,000, 100% of which went directly to cancer research.

His second passion was conservation. As a member, and later Chair, of the Hollis Conservation Commission, Tom was responsible for preserving thousands of acres around Hollis from development, a remarkable and enduring legacy.

On August 10, 1974, Tom married Martha Bassett. They spent their early years in Nashua, before settling in Hollis in 1983. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this August. In addition to his wife, Martha, Tom will also be greatly missed by his two daughters, Caitlin and Margaret, and his two beloved granddaughters, Lilyth and Evelyn, who knew him as Pepere.

He is also survived by his brothers John (Claudia), Hollis, NH, and Bobby (Vicky), Nashua, NH; sisters Roberta Gasco (Stephen) Meredith, NH, Elaine Dunn (John), Merrimack, NH, and Mary Leen (Kevin), Key West, FL. In addition, Tom leaves behind his brothers-in-law Bob Bassett (Marilyn Ray), Caribou, ME, and Tom Bassett (Carol Spindel), Urbana, IL, as well as his sisters-in-law Mary Bassett (Art Giacomarra), Northborough, MA, and Annie Bienvenue (Rick) Lowell, MA. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins. His youngest sister, Annette, predeceased him.

Friends may call on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 4-7 at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock St., Nashua, NH. There will be a mass in his honor on Friday, April 12, 11 AM, at the Parish of the Resurrection, Broad Street, Nashua. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Center or the Jimmy Fund. Please donate online at www.pmc.org/BD0267 or mail to Bob Dufresne, 17 Settlement Way, Nashua, NH 03063. Condolences/directions at www.farwellfuneralservice.com.

Patricia “Patti” Helen Chilton, a beloved woman known for her warm heart, vivacious spirit, and unwavering commitment to her family, passed away on April 5th, 2024.

Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Patricia’s early years were spent absorbing the rich tapestry of life in a small town, which laid the foundation for her nurturing and compassionate nature. She was raised in Townsend, Massachusetts, where she blossomed into a remarkable woman admired by all who knew her.

Patti’s life was a testament to her profound love for her family. She was a devoted mother to Tawny (Chilton) Lasco, husband Michael Lasco, Cody Chilton, and Alexis Chilton, cherishing every moment spent with them and guiding them with her wisdom and grace. She cherished being a Nana to Hendrex Lasco, who she embraced with joy and enthusiasm, showering him with love and affection that knew no bounds.

She also held a special place in her heart for her siblings, Eugene Currier, Brian Dailey Jr., and Misty (Dailey) Bergeron. The bond they shared was fortified by shared experiences and love. Patti’s presence brought light, laughter and direction to their lives, and she will be deeply missed.

Patti was predeceased by her mother, Margaret (Woodside) Dailey and survived by her father, Jerry Currier, and her loving step father, Brian Dailey. Patti was the loving aunt to many nieces and nephews, who always looked to her for love, guidance and support.

She exemplified the characteristics of someone with the love for caretaking those around her. This was a part of her from a young age working at nursing homes and a local health food store in Groton, MA. As she grew her capabilities through raising her children, Patti became a licensed barber in the small town of Hollis, NH. She worked at a local barber shop, and soon became a small business owner. After her success creating many relationships with those she served and creating a welcoming environment to all, she went back to caretaking others in different ways. She worked at a variety of home, health, and hospice, along with assisted living for those with memory disabilities. Patti stayed connected with many coworkers and clients from all of her work experience as she adjusted to her lifestyle.

As we bid farewell to Patricia Helen Chilton, we reflect on the indelible mark she has left on our lives. Her journey on this earth may have ended too early, but her story continues through the lives of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. In her memory, let us cherish our loved ones a little more closely and strive to live with the same generosity and love that she exemplified.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 12th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Patti’s name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, American Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice, as a tribute in her generous spirit and commitment to helping others. We invite all who knew and loved Patti to join us in honoring her memory and celebrating the remarkable life she lived. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

   Joann E. Breen, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the age of 94.

   She was born August 18, 1929 in Augusta, Ga, the daughter of the late Clarence Cheeks and Johanna Elizabeth “Bessie” (McKnight) Cheeks. Joann was the eighth of nine children. She had been a longtime resident of Nashua, since 1968.

    After hearing Happy Birthday sung in Sunday school, she went home and using two fingers played Happy Birthday for her brother, she was four years old. At a later time she heard Roll Out the Barrel on the radio and played it on the piano.  In the 1^st grade she changed her name from Johanna to Joann, she didn’t like Johanna.

    At 7 years old, she took piano instruction and played in her first recital. The teacher had her play middle c with the right hand, then the left, which was the 1^st piano lesson. Joann was humiliated and showed everyone her real ability with both hands she broke out with God Bless America. At the age of 12 she was playing in church.

    Joann was attending the Barrett school of nursing at the University hospital in Augusta when she was a senior, and married Michael T. Breen on June 2, 1950, and later graduated. While at Barrett, she was a member of the glee club. For the next two years, she practiced nursing at the university hospital while Michael served in the Army in Germany.

    After Michael’s return to Augusta, they moved to Alexandria, VA where they started a family. In 1963, the couple moved the family to Hyattsville, Md where they purchased their 1^st home.

   Joann practiced nursing again at Prince George’s General Hospital in Prince Georges, Md for 5 years. She also worked private duty in a home for one year, preferred the hospital.

    In 1968, the family moved to Nashua where she joined Nashua Baptist Church and became pianist shortly thereafter. Joann was a junior girl scout leader for 3 years and very active in her church. Every week she would buy flowers and make a floral arrangement for the front of the church. She would then look for someone troubled and send the arrangement home with them.

     In 1969 she was hired by Greenbriar Nursing Home. Shortly after she started a weekly workshop service for points. In 1975 she was promoted to In Service Director, and was teaching students to become nurses aides.  In 1976, Joann earned her certification in Geriatrics, but resigned from nursing months later due to a back injury. A number of years later, she served as co-president of the Nashua Garden Club.  She served as secretary of the Nashua Soup Kitchen where she spearheaded a rummage sale to bring in funds.

    Joann remained very active in her church. Twice she won the culinary delights competition with The Telegraph. She placed entries in the Deerfield Fair for many years, walking away with 27 ribbons the first year.

     In her senior years, she worked in the nursery while Mom’s attended bible study. She worked at three churches, she continued to play keyboard for over 40 years at Greenbriar for their worship services, until she fell and broke her leg.

    Joann is predeceased by son, John E. Breen and her husband of 71+ years, Michael T. Breen. She is survived by a son, Michael P. Breen of Nashua and a daughter, Marie E. Pierce of Nashua; three granddaughters, Michelle Breen of Maine, Joann Breen Merrill of Maine and Heather (Pierce) Blasnek of Colorado; three adopted grandsons, Taylor Bulluck of Nashua, Drew Bulluck of Concord, NH and Nathan Bulluck of Nashua; and eight granddaughters.

     If you would like to give a donation in her memory, please send a check to: Northeastern Baptist College, P.O. Box 4600, Bennington, VT 05201. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com The Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, assisted the family with arrangements.