Author Archives: Dana Farwell

Kimberly M. Fawcett

Fawcett, Kimberly

    Kimberly M. Fawcett, 51, of Goffstown, NH and formerly of Nashua, passed away Tuesday evening, May 9, 2017 at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester after a brief illness.

    Kimberly was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 31, 1965, daughter of Harold John and Anita (Urbanick) Fawcett. She was a high school graduate and loved music.

    She is survived by four sons, Christopher Tucker, Corey Fawcett, Benjamin Tucker and Nicholas Tucker; and a brother, Michael Fawcett. 

    There are no calling hours or formal services at this time. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591.                                  

 

Donald C. Lester

Lester, Donald C.

   Donald C. Lester, 88, of Nashua, NH, passed away early Sunday morning, May 7, 2017 at the Bedford Hills Nursing Center after a long battle with dementia.

   A native of Manchester, NH, Donald was born on October 30, 1928, a son of the late Warren and Elizabeth (Bresnahan) Lester. He graduated from Manchester Center High School in 1946 and served with the US Army from 1948 to 1952. Mr. Lester worked as a warehouseman for most of his life.

   Don enjoyed square dancing and playing cards with his wife and friends; following the Red Sox and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He was a longtime active communicant of the former St. Francis Xavier Church in Nashua.

   Donald was predeceased by his first wife, Theresa (Constant) Lester in 1979; and his two brothers, George Tustin and Paul Lester.

   Members of his family include Raejean, his loving wife of 32 years; his two children, Brian and his wife Andrea Lester and Laurie Lester all of Nashua; three step-children, Randy, Barry, and Wendy LeBlanc; seven grandchildren, Brandi, Jessica, Aaron, Eric, Michelle, Whitney and Morgan; a great-granddaughter, Karin; and several nieces and nephews.

   Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday evening, May 10th from 5 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, Route 101A in Merrimack, Thursday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Nashua. Family and friends are invited to attend will gather at the church. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

David J. Joyce

Joyce, David J

    David J. Joyce, 87, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away at his home, Wednesday morning, May 3, 2017.

    Born in Nashua on January 25, 1930, he was a son of the late Dr. Roland and Mary (Curtin) Joyce. His early education was in the Nashua Public School System; and attended The Tilton School, Proctor Academy and was a graduate of Keith Academy in Lowell, MA. After graduating from Saint Anselm’s College in Manchester, Mr. Joyce served two years in the US Army, stationed in Bordeaux, France, as a member of the Special Police Force.

    Returning from France, he launched his career in sales, originally with Whitman Publishing Company and later with Saalfield Publishing Company. Changing industries after many years, Mr. Joyce became a salesman for Carolina Motor Freight Company, Watkins Freight Company and retired from Nashua Motor Express.

    An original member of Hampshire Hills in Milford, NH, David took great pleasure in playing tennis, the Detroit Tigers baseball team, win or lose; a very dry Beefeater Martini; summer vacations in Boothbay Harbor, Maine and winter months on Marco Island, Florida. Memories of summers at Rye Beach, NH and the Lake at Camp Kabeyun, Alton, NH, remained with him throughout his life.

   David was predeceased by his wife, Mary E. (Herlihy) Joyce, who passed away on May 2nd of this year. They were married on November 27, 1968 and shared the past 48 years together.

    Members of his family include his brother, Roland Joyce of Falmouth, MA four brothers-in-law, William Wiese of Burlington, VT, Lt. Col. Horace Herlihy USMC and his wife Karen of Guam, Gerald Herlihy and his wife Betty of Old Town, ME, and Thomas Herlihy and his wife Thomae of Nashua; also many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, David was also predeceased by two sisters, Patricia Wiese and Helen Murray; and a sister-in-law, Catherine Joyce.

     Per David’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 360 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03101. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Mary E. Joyce

Joyce, David & Mary

    Mary E. (Herlihy) Joyce, 74, of Nashua, wife of David Joyce, passed away Tuesday morning, May 2, 2017 at St. Joseph Hospital after a period of declining health.

    Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on October 13, 1942, she was a daughter of the late Mary (McMorrow) and Horace Herlihy. Mary’s early education was in the Nashua public school system: was a graduate of the former Mount Saint Mary Seminary, Class of 1960; and continued her education at Rivier College now Rivier University.

    Mrs. Joyce was employed by The Slawsby Insurance Agency for nearly 30 years, as a licensed broker and claims adjuster. With her husband David, she enjoyed summer vacations in Booth Bay Harbor, Maine and winters on Marco Island, Florida.

     In addition to her husband David, whom she shared the past 48 years; Mary is survived by three brothers, Lt. Col. Horace Herlihy USMC and his wife Karen of Guam, Gerald Herlihy and his wife Betty of Old Town, ME and Thomas Herlihy and his wife Thomae of Nashua; her brothers-in-law, William Wiese of Burlington, VT and Roland Joyce of Falmouth, MA; also several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Mary was also predeceased by her sisters-in-law, Patricia Wiese, Catherine Joyce and Helen Murray.

     Per Joyce’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be held in St. Patrick Church, Spring Street, Nashua at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Joyce’s memory, may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Robert A. Decoteau

DECOTEAU, ROBERT A.

   Robert A. “Bobby” Decoteau, 74, a former resident of Nashua, NH and most recently a patient at the Crestwood Rehabilitation and Care facility in Milford, NH, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, April 27, 2017 at St. Joseph Hospital, following several years of declining health.

    Born in Nashua on September 5, 1942, he was a son of the late Henry J. Sr. and Mary (Cloutier) Decoteau. Robert attended Nashua High School and graduated near the top of his class of 1960. Following graduation, he served in the US Army for four years until he was honorably discharged.

    Robert became an Associate Engineer and worked at Sanders Associates, Inc. for a few years, and thereafter worked at Microwave Associates in Burlington, MA. He later worked at MA/COM in Lowell, MA until his retirement.

    For many years, Robert delved in the family history, researching and documenting ancestors from as far back as France and Trois-Rivieres, P.Q., Canada. He enjoyed traveling to Canada to do his research, and he also traveled to the Southwest to learn more about the early Native Americans. After his retirement he went back to art class and took up pastels and became an accomplished artist. He produced many colorful pieces of artwork.

    Robert is survived by three brothers and their spouses, Henry J.  Decoteau, Jr. and wife Eileen of Summerfield, FL, Donald Decoteau and wife Linda of Hudson, NH, Dennis Decoteau and wife Christina of Port Matilda, PA; and two sisters, Priscilla and husband Roger Berube of Sudbury, VT and Carol Decoteau of Nashua, NH; as well as aunts, nieces, nephews and several cousins.

    SERVICES: There are no calling hours. There will be a private service for family members and interment will take place in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.

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

Joseph H. “Whiz” Dufoe

Dufoe, Joseph H 20170429_16421745

   Joseph H. “Whiz” Dufoe, 90, of Hudson and formerly of Nashua, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, April 27, 2017 at the Willow Manor nursing home in Lowell, MA after a period of declining health.

   Born in Nashua on April 30, 1926, he was the eldest of eight children of the late  Henry Joseph and Irene (Robbins) Dufoe. Educated in local schools, Joe attended Nashua High School and enlisted in the US Navy on July 22, 1943 at the age of 18. He served aboard the USS LST 511 (Landing Ship Tank) during World War II and participated in several allied war engagements including the disastrous Operation Tiger and the storming of Omaha Beach at Normandy, France (D-Day) June 6, 1944. Mr. Dufoe was honorably discharged on December 2, 1945 and held the rank of Seaman First Class.

    After the war, Joe worked as a sales representative for Nashua Corporation and then with AT& T (American Telephone & Telegraph) in California for a short time.

He returned to Nashua and established a sew and vacuum business and later founded Mr. Steam Carpet Cleaning Company, that he owned and operated for many years.   

    Mr. Dufoe was a life member of Nashua Lodge #720, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks; Club National of Nashua; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5791 of Hudson. He was an avid golfer and passionate fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

 Joe was predeceased by his wife, Doris L. (Bowden) Dufoe, who passed away on May 4, 1995. They were married on July 10, 1948 and shared nearly 47 years together.

  Members of his family include his beloved son, Jonathan Bowden Dufoe of Hudson; his sister, Norma Porter of Bradenton, FL, his five brothers and three sisters-in-law, Charles Dufoe, Earl and Pauline Dufoe, David Dufoe, William and Margaret Dufoe and James and Stephanie Dufoe all of Nashua; a brother-in-law, Warren Rollins of Nashua; many nieces and nephews including Kathy Barlow of Londonderry; and several cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, Joe was also predeceased by his brother, Donald Dufoe.                           

    SERVICES: There are no calling hours. His funeral service will be held in the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Tuesday, May 9th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to The Plus Company, 19 Chestnut Street, Nashua, NH 03060.   Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Jennifer Elizabeth Gureckis

GURECKIS, JENNIFER E.

On April 23rd, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Jennifer Elizabeth Gureckis, 28, received her angel wings after a courageous battle with recurring brain cancer.  She was surrounded by her loving parents, brother, sister and their families.  After beating brain cancer 5 years ago, she never took a day, hour or second for granted.  Jen never let cancer define her.  She had the happiest smile and the brightest eyes through it all.  Her compassion for the well-being of others always exceeded any discomfort for herself.

Jennifer was born on December 16, 1988 in Nashua, NH to John (Pops) and Sandi Gureckis.  She is preceded in Heaven by her paternal grandparents, Adam and Evelyn Gureckis.

She is survived by her brother, John and his wife Emily Gureckis, and her sister, Heather and her husband Justin Mucci.  Jen was cherished by her nieces and nephews, Giavanna and Nico Mucci and Jackson and Evelyn Gureckis.  Jen has two surviving maternal grandparents, Robert and Pauline Palmer in Satellite Beach, FL.  Jennifer’s extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins were always able to provide comfort and support.  Lastly, her beloved dog, Lance, was always by her side.

Jen completed her degree from St. Anselm College in 2011 with a Bachelor’s in Biology even after her diagnosis.  Prior to St. Anselm College, Jennifer attended New Hampton Prep School.  Jen’s love for basketball followed her throughout her life, playing on multiple teams, which is how she met some of her closest, dearest friends that became part of her family.  Her dedicated support system of friends continually raised her spirits with their love and rambunctious comradery.

She enjoyed sharing her passion for interior design while working at Pier One Imports.  Her fun and creative personality found a perfect home connecting with people throughout her day.

Her family instilled a deep-rooted work ethic through sports and life that carried itself into her passion for working out.  Throughout her victories and setbacks, her iron will and fierce determination always found the way to get to the gym.  You could see her beaming smile grow and the twinkle in her eye shine as she picked up a ball or finished a tough run because she knew today was a good day.

Jen was especially proud of her brother and sister.  John was recently promoted to Major in the US Air Force, helping students realize their dream to serve and attend the Air Force Academy.  Jen followed in Heather’s footsteps, working toward her RN.  She always admired Heather for her selfless care to others.  Heather is currently an assistant manager for St. Joseph’s Hospital surgical oncology unit.

Jennifer’s compassion for others was unmatched.  Jen sought out clinical trials for her treatment with the hope that her contribution would advance research toward finding a cure.  Her family will continue to carry her compassion with support through the National Brain Tumor Society Walk in Boston with her Strength in Stride team.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Jenny Fund GoFundMe page.  The donations will support her Mass General Hospital cancer team as they push for a cure through the Translational Brain Tumor Immunology Laboratory and other progressive outreach programs.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock St, Nashua, NH on Friday April 28th from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Patrick’s Church, Spring St. Nashua, NH on Saturday April 29th at 10am.  All are invited to attend and are asked to gather at the Church.  Interment will follow at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Hudson, NH. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Robert T. Ravenelle

Ravenelle, robert

     Robert Theodore “Bob” Ravenelle passed away peacefully Sunday April 23, 2017 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a three year battle with cancer.

     A Nashua native, Bob was born on March 9, 1940 to the late Raymond & Yvonne (Rondeau) Ravenelle.

     In the mid-1950s he attended Nashua High School and was part of the offensive line that won the state football championship under coach and local legend Charles “Buzz” Harvey.

     After graduating in 1958, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and in 1960 enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served both in the U.S. and in Europe before being discharged in 1962.

    In 1965, Bob became a Nashua Police Officer and after a 20 year career with many assignments, including being part of Nashua’s first SRT/SWAT Team in 1974, Bob retired as a Lieutenant in 1985. He then spent over two decades as the Director of Public Safety at Daniel Webster College.

   In his leisure time and later years, Bob loved watching and complaining about all the local professional sports teams. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and vacationing at the seacoast. His love for bagpipe music was exceeded only by his love for his only grandchild, whom he doted on every chance that he could.

   Bob is survived by his two sons, Robert T. II and Stephen, both of Nashua; his granddaughter Jacqueline Ravenelle and her fiancé Steven Ploetz, both of Topsham, ME. He is also survived by many loving cousins, both locally and in several other states, including Ted Ravenelle and his wife Pat of Burke, Virginia and Madeleine Lesondak of California.

   The Ravenelle family wishes to thank the many members of the various departments of the local law enforcement community, especially the Nashua Police Department, who came and visited with a member of the “Old Guard” during his final days. It is a fitting testament to “Ravy’s” legacy, and to the bonds of professionalism and brotherhood that exist between those who “Protect and Serve”. We will be forever touched.

Calling hours will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 27th at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day, Friday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church in Nashua. Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that memorial donations be made to the Nashua Police Relief Association, at P.O. Box 3011, Nashua, NH 03061, the Nashua Police Athletic League at 52 Ash Street, Nashua, NH 03060, or Home Health & Hospice Care at 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.farwellfuneral.com

David Timothy Smith

Smith, Daivd T 20170420_17262812

   David Timothy Smith, 53, of Nashua, passed away Thursday morning, April 20, 2017 at St. Joseph Hospital after a period of declining health.

    A resident of Nashua for many years, David was born in Westburg, Germany on October 17, 1963, a son of Donald R. Smith and Lena M. (Nelson) Smith Boucher. Following his education in the Nashua School System, David served with the Army during the early 1980s.

   After his military service, David moved to Orlando, Florida and worked in the roofing business for several years.

   In his leisure time, David enjoyed Rock & Roll music, playing pool, cribbage, fishing and was an avid Miami Dolphins fan.

   Members of his family include his mother, Lena M. Boucher; his father and step-mother, Donald R. and Linda R. Smith all of Nashua; two brothers, Fred C. Smith and Jamie Smith and his fiancée, Pamela Lee; a sister, Laurie Smith; two nieces and a nephew, Karen Johnson and her husband Greg; Jordan Smith and Jessica Smith; a grandnephew, Evan Johnson; also aunts, uncles and cousins.

   David was predeceased by a brother, Philip D. Smith and his wife Karen; a sister, Jessica Smith; and his step-father, Joseph G. E. Boucher.

  There are no calling hours. A Graveside Service will take place in Edgewood Cemetery, 107 Amherst Street, Tuesday afternoon, April 25th at 2:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend and are asked to gather at the cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Liver Foundation, New England Division, 188 Needham Street, Suite 240, Newton, MA 02464. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Gloria C. Plourde

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   Gloria C. (Brodeur) Plourde, 91, of Nashua, widow of Raymond P. Plourde, passed away peacefully in her sleep, Wednesday morning, April 19, 2017 at the Courville at Nashua.

    A lifelong resident of this city, Gloria was born on March 26, 1926, a daughter of the late C.J. Henri and Rebecca (Ravenelle) Brodeur. She was educated in Nashua schools and was a graduate of Presentation of Mary Academy in Hudson.  Mrs. Plourde worked as an operator at the Telephone Company and later as a Crossing Guard and Monitor at Charlotte Avenue Elementary School for many years.

   Gloria and her husband Ray were married on Columbus Day in 1949 and made their home on Terry Street in Nashua 50 years and then resided on Bowes Circle in Hudson. The couple shared 62 wonderful years together until Ray’s passing on July 14, 2012. Being with her family was her greatest joy as she raised her son and as a loving grandmother.

   Gloria was a woman of deep faith who served as a Eucharistic minister, together with her husband, and as a compassionate volunteer at local nursing homes. She enjoyed preparing family dinners, sewing, and every minute she could spend at the beach, especially their many summers at Wells Beach in Maine.

    Members of her family include her son and daughter-in-law, Richard L. and Donna V. Plourde of Nashua; three grandchildren, Joshua Plourde of San Francisco, CA, Christopher Plourde of Dallas, TX, and Rachel Smith of Nashua; a brother, Robert Brodeur of Amherst; also nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, Gloria was also predeceased by a brother, Luc Brodeur and a sister, Henrietta Y. LaFlotte.

    Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, Monday, May 1st from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 50 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Tuesday, May 2nd at 11 a.m. Her nephew, The Rev. Scott Brodeur, will be the celebrant. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Marguerite’s Place, 87 Palm St, Nashua, NH 03060 Interment will take place in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Henry E. Svendbye

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   Henry E. Svendbye, 73, of Nashua, passed away on March 30, 2017.

   Henry was born on October 8, 1943 to the late Ruth (Andersen) and Henry G. Svendbye. He received his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and was self-employed for the majority of his career. Henry also worked in construction and property management.

   He is survived by his wife Cecilia (de la Rosa) Svendbye; his children, Mark E. Svendbye of Framingham and Lori Svendbye of Watertown; and grandchildren, Ashley Svendbye, Erik Svendbye, and Jeffrey Svendbye of Framingham, MA.

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

Angel A. Abelleira

Abelleira, Angel A.

Angel Abelleira, 86, of Merrimack died peacefully on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.  Angel, known as Yeyo to most, began his life as a first generation Cuban in Havana, Cuba, the son of the late Josefa Díaz and Angel Abelleira.  Angel was educated at a military academy in Cuba, where he studied to become an electrician.  In 1967 Angel and his wife Silvia decided to leave Cuba with their two children and come to the United States.  At the time, the entire family could not leave Cuba, so    Angel selflessly stayed behind, but was eventually reunited with his family.  This is but one example of the love, devotion and generosity that Angel showered upon his family throughout his life.  Angel was always there when needed, caring for those both older than him (Tata Fina) and younger.  Angel loved travelling to Cancún Mexico with his wife and grandchildren every summer, tirelessly working in the yard to achieve the perfect lawn, playing Dominoes, Cubilete and PIG, reading, keeping up on current events and most of all spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  Angel retired from Hampshire Manufacturing Company after 25 years of service.

Surviving him are his wife of 61 years, Silvia of Merrimack, NH; son Angel and wife Susan of Nashua, NH; son Alberto and wife Mary of Merrimack, NH; four grandchildren, Brandon Abelleira and wife Evelyn of Merrimack, NH, Andrew Abelleira of Newton, Audrey Abelleira and husband Paul Maes of Manchester, NH, and Dennis Abelleira of Nashua, NH; two great-granddaughters, Sara and Sophia Abelleira; loving and devoted brother-in-law, Sergio Hebra, Sr. of Merrimack, NH; and dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, including Ana (Hebra) Flaster, Andrew Flaster, Natalia and Samuel Flaster; Sergio Hebra, Jr., Jada Keye Hebra, Dante, Diego and Mia Hebra; Diane (Hebra) Merchant, David Merchant, Lily and Nickolas Merchant.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours Sunday, April 9th from 2-5 pm at Farwell Funeral Home, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH.  The funeral will be held the following day at 9:30 a.m at St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, Merrimack, NH. Interment will follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashua.  Those wishing to honor Angel by helping others, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Parkinson Foundation at National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131 or the Nashua Children’s Home at 125 Amherst Street, Nashua, NH 03064. For more information or to leave a message of condolence, please visit farwellfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591.

Irene M. Constant

Constant, Irene 20170402_13521345

   Irene M. (Niquette) Constant, 84, of Nashua, wife of Robert H. Constant, passed away Saturday evening, April 1, 2017 at St. Joseph Hospital, after a period of declining health.

   A lifelong resident this city, Irene was born on June 28, 1932, the youngest of eleven children of the late Alphonse and Valida (Berthiaume) Niquette. She attended the former St. Francis Xavier Parochial School and graduated from the former St. Louis High School for Girls, Class of 1950.

    In addition to raising her family, Mrs. Constant had been employed with Nashua Corporation for over twenty- five years.

   Irene was a communicant of St. Louis de Gonzague Church and the former St. Francis Xavier Church; and was a member of the Columbiette’s of the Knights of Columbus. She was a devoted wife and mother, who especially loved spending time with her family and enjoyed sewing.

   She was predeceased by her seven brothers, Lucien, Adelard, Aristide, George, Leo Paul, Henry and Irenee Niquette; and three sisters, Angeline Breault, Cecile Charest and Rose Niquette.

   Members of her family include her husband Robert “Bob” Constant, whom she married on June 28, 1958 and would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this summer; her three children, Daniel R. Constant of Nashua, Elizabeth “Liz” Bartlett of Milford and Jane Constant of Wilton; a grandson, Aaron Bartlett; a sister-in-law, Jacqueline C. Niquette of Nashua; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

   Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday evening, April 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 50 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Thursday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and are asked to gather at the church. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Mildred L. Durant

Durant, Mildred 20170330_12485495

   Mildred Louise (Charest) Durant, 72, passed away on Wednesday March 29th, 2017 at her home in Nashua after a long illness.

   A longtime resident of Nashua, she was born on April 25, 1944 in New London, NH to the late Emelienne F. (Lambert) and Robert E. Frost. She was educated in local schools and went on to work at Leo Kesling Shoe, American Security and Sprague Electric for many years. Millie also worked with her husband Dan, managing apartment buildings for Ken Blanchard and Chang Tang Zhao. In her spare time, Millie enjoyed playing Bingo and taking trips to the casino. She was a very kind and giving person who would help anyone in a time of need.

   Members of her family include her husband Daniel Durant of Nashua; four sons, Jason Allen Durant and his girlfriend Diane DiPoto of Pittsfield, Bruce Charest and his wife Tammy of Plymouth, Daniel Tomolonis of Nashua, and Robert Tomolonis of Nashua; five daughters, Paula Goldfuss and her husband James of Milford, Darlene Lambert and her husband Norman of Dalton, Donna March and her husband Michael of Texas, and Amy Miller and her husband Brian of Hudson; nineteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; eight sisters, Cecile Maker and her husband Wallace of Windham, Florence Kortz and her husband Richard of Owensboro, KY, Lorraine Dukette of Nashua, Linda Chamber of Swans Isle, ME, Beverly Stewart and her husband Brent of Dexter, ME, Charlene Mack and her husband Daniel of Londonderry, and Brenda Frost of Nashua; two brothers, Wilfred Dukette of Hudson, and Robert Frost and his wife Susan of Merrimack; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. In addition to her parents, Millie is predeceased by her son Michael Charest; two brothers, George Dukette and Frank Dukette; and her sister, Theresa Hair.

   Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday evening, April 4th from 5 to 8 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home, Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery in Nashua. Family and friends are invited to attend. The family would like to request that any memorial donations be made to the Lucky Dog, Tails to Freedom, Inc., 23 Elm Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Gloria A. Chess

Chess, Gloria A 20170329_14370019

Gloria A. (Kondrat) Chess, 90, of Nashua, passed away in her sleep Wednesday morning, March 29, 2017 after a long period of declining health.
Mrs. Chess was born in Nashua on August 9, 1926, the daughter of Russian immigrants Simeon Kondrat and Mary (Andrews) Kondrat Malette. She grew up in Hudson before marrying Frank G. Chess and moving to Nashua, where the couple spent their more than 50 year marriage.
While both attended the James P. Crowley School on Lake Street as children, they actually met as teenagers at a picnic for the Lithuanian community in Nashua. The couple married at St. Casimir Church in Nashua on August 18, 1945, days after the end of World War II. They raised three children, Cynthia, Steve and Kevin in Nashua. Mrs. Chess worked for Sprague Electric Company in Nashua before spending the remainder of her career working in administration with the Nashua Police Department.
Despite suffering with severe arthritis since the age of 25, Mrs. Chess enjoyed life and her family. She made ceramic objects for her family members and was an avid reader. Later in her life, she served as a patient educator to medical students and doctors about her arthritis and the medications that helped. Mrs. Chess remained in her family home until a year and half ago before moving to Fairview Nursing Home in Hudson.
Members of her family include her three children, Cynthia A. Mowry and her husband Steve of Maine; Steve Chess and his wife Bernice of Hudson and Kevin Chess and his wife Rosanne of New York; four grandchildren, Matthew Mowry and his wife Lisa of Rochester, Kara Mowry of Concord, Caleb Chess and his wife Jennifer of New York and Joshua Chess of Nebraska; eight great-grandchildren, Piper, Cooper, Cacidy, Daniel, Pandora, Zoe, Ayla and Edyn; a brother, Ray “Sonny” Malette of Merrimack; a sister, Victoria “Vicki” Torres of South Carolina; also nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Gloria was predeceased by husband Frank who passed away in January 2001; her sister, Constance Duscheneau; and her step-father, Raymond Malette.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Sunday afternoon, April 2nd from 3 to 6 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home, Monday morning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, 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. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Carol P. Miller

Miller, Carol 20170329_15311491

Carol P. (Haug) Miller, 88, a lifelong Nashua resident, widow of LeRoy C. Miller,
passed away peacefully at her home, Tuesday evening, March 28, 2017 with the company of her loving family.
Mrs. Miller was born in Nashua on October 1, 1928, one of seven children of the late Anton J. and Charlotte (McDuffie) Haug. Educated in local schools, Carol was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1946 and served as the Class Secretary.
A longtime waitress, Carol had been employed with the former Howard Johnson’s Restaurant & Motor Lodge in Nashua for many years.
In her leisure time, Carol was an artist, craftsperson and gardener. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Carol was predeceased by her husband Roy who died July 16, 1985. They were married in 1950 and shared 35 years together.
Members of her family include five children, Mark S. Miller, Diane Allard, Linda Miller, Karen Martel and Marie C. Glover and her husband Gerald C. Glover; four grandchildren, Shannon Marie Ricard, Jennifer Siobhan Neidig, Nicole Martel and Joshua Martel; three great-grandchildren, Gregory Ricard, Lena Neidig and Ava Martel; two brothers and their wives, Chuck and Doris Haug and John and Beverly Haug; four sisters, Betty French (widow of Gordon French), Marie Doyle and her husband Stewart, Anne M. Howorth and her husband, The Honorable H. Philip Howorth, and Connie Wilson and her husband Frank; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, March 31st from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. DUE TO THE SNOW STORM, her Funeral Mass has been rescheduled for TUESDAY, APRIL 4TH at 9:30 A.M. in ST. PATRICK CHURCH, 29 Spring Street, Nashua. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend and are asked to gather at the church. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com