Author Archives: DSD

Francis H. “Stretch” Burnham, 89, a native and lifelong Nashua resident, passed away peacefully at his home at the Hunt Community, Friday evening, February 19, 2016.   

      Born in Nashua on January 2, 1927, he was a son of the late Roy F. and Florence G. (Bobick) Burnham. A graduate of the Nashua High School Class of 1944, Frank enlisted in the Navy in July 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater as a Seaman First Class during World War II. After his honorable discharge in July 1946, Frank continued his education at Colby College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History.    

      Mr. Burnham worked as an Administration’s Manager for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Boston, MA; East Orange, NJ; and Portsmouth, NH from 1950 to 1992.

   Frank was a former member of the Nashua Planning Board and served on the Capital Improvements Committee during the late 1970s and early 1980s. A lifelong communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, he was a lector and served on the Parish Council for many years. He also held memberships in the USS Antietam C.V. Association, the Disabled American Veterans, the Nashua Historical Society, RISE and AARP.

    On September 11, 1954, Frank married Jacquelyn T. Downey, also a native of this city. They enjoyed traveling throughout the USA, including Alaska and Europe and their vacation home in Chatham, MA. Frank also loved spending time with his family and friends and especially enjoyed going to The Little Lobster Boat with his lifelong buddies, John Nolan; Arthur Comolli, DDM; Armand Duclos; and Charlie Farwell. 

    Frank was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Jacquelyn, who passed away March 22, 2011; and his sister-in-law, Mary M. Downey, on January 15, 2016.   

     Members of his family include his six children and their spouses, Debra Mackey of Sudbury, MA; Margaret and Steve Thornton of Keene; Susan and Anthony Diggins of Nashua; Martha Drukker of Nottingham; John and Susan Burnham of Nashua; and Mary Ellen Burnham of Tacoma, WA; as well as six grandchildren, Sarah and Emily Diggins of Nashua; Meghan and Abbey Thornton of Keene; and Jack and Dow Drukker of Nottingham; a great-grandson, Carter Anthony Vegas; his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Esther Burnham of Deansboro, NY; and a niece and three nephews.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Friday, February 26^th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson at a later date. Donations may be made to the Hunt Community Scholarship Fund, 10 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060; or to RISE, care of Rivier University, 420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com 

  Ella Mary (Trombly) Sullivan, 87, of Nashua, widow of Richard D. Sullivan Sr., passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, February 18, 2016.

    Mrs. Sullivan was born in Milford, NH on May 25, 1928, one of eight children of the late E.J. and Josephine (Bisson) Trombly. Ella grew up in Amherst and Milford; was educated in local schools and graduated from Milford High School as Salutatorian of her class of 1946. Ella and her husband were married on January 8, 1949 and made their home in Hollis. Together, they raised seven children.

     Ella owned and operated the Pine Street Market in Nashua for several years and later worked for Lamerand Enterprises. Earlier in her career she did social work for Operation Help of Milford.

    Known for her outgoing personality and a heart full of joy, Ella was an advocate for helping underprivileged people and was active in politics, serving as the Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee for Hillsborough County. Her main focus in life was something that came naturally to her: loving, guiding and caring for her large family no matter what the challenge. She was an eternal optimist who will be greatly missed.

    In addition to her parents, Ella was predeceased by her husband of 27 years, Richard D. Sullivan Sr. who passed away January 31, 1976; an infant daughter, Kathleen Sullivan; a grandson, David F. Cheries II; five brothers, Weston E., Russell N., Corlis F., Stanley and Paul Trombly; and her sisters, Hazel E. Johnson and Shirley E. Grant.

     Members of her family include her seven children, Wendy Sullivan of Savannah, GA, Richard D. Sullivan Jr. and his wife Becky of Hollis, John M. Sullivan and his wife Marie of Temple, Susan Sullivan Bouley and her husband George Bouley of Hudson, Heidi M. Wilson of Newburyport, MA, Holly Sullivan and her wife, Karla Cellupica of Hudson and Sarah M. Sullivan Newsam and her husband David of Cape Elizabeth, ME; seven grandchildren, Katy Sullivan of New York, NY, Patrick Sullivan of Portsmouth, Jeremiah Cheries of New London, Misty Quail and her husband Marc of Clifton Park, NY, Pamela Cheries of Nashua, Abigail Ella Wilson of Nahant and Newburyport, MA and Colin S. Lamerand of Raymond; four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Tiara, Josiah and Addison; two sisters-in-law, Hope Trombly of Banning, CA and Molly Trombly of Milford; and many nieces and nephews.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, February 23^rd 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 morning at 10 o’clock. Encryptment will follow in the Mausoleum of Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in Ella’s memory to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

     Arden A. “Winky” Post, 80, of Hollis, NH, husband of Mary E. (Blood) Post, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Wednesday morning, February 17, 2016.

     A resident of Hollis for the past 50 years, Mr. Post was born in Presque Isle, Maine on October 12, 1935, a son of the late John and Vertie E. (Taylor) Post. After moving to Nashua, Winky attended local schools, was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1955 and continued his education at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. He served for a time in the Navy Reserves and later with the Marine Corps during the late 1950s.

     Mr. Post had been employed with General Electric and Sanders Associates, Inc. and then worked as a printer with The Telegraph Publishing Company for over twenty five years until his retirement.

  One of nine children, Winky was predeceased by five brothers, Maynard, Arnold, Morillo, Medville and Willard Post; and three sisters, Arlene Harding, Marion Parker and Lurena Gorman.

     Members of his family include his wife Mary, with whom he shared 52 years together; his three children, Steven A. Post and his wife Ileana of Goffstown, Leslie S. Post of Mesa, AZ and J. Daniel Post and his wife Denise of North Carolina; three grandchildren, Bradley, Caitlin and Alexandru Post; and many nieces and nephews.

    There will be no formal services at this time. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

Elsie Georgianna (MacDonald) Zink, 98, of Nashua, widow of Albert Zink, passed away Tuesday morning, February 16, 2016 at Greenbriar Terrace Healthcare after a period of declining health.

    A resident of Nashua for the past 35 years, “Ellie” was born in Canada on September 12, 1917. Educated in Canadian schools, she served with the United States Navy during World War II.

    Ellie and her husband resided in Chelmsford, Massachusetts for several years before moving in Nashua in the early 1980s. In addition to raising her children, Mrs. Zink had been employed for a time at Masi Plumbing and Heating and Splash Bath Showroom both in Nashua.

     A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Ellie loved spending time with her family and friends.

     In addition to her husband and parents, Ellie was predeceased by her brother, Donald MacDonald; and her grandson, Richard F. Greaves Jr.

     Members of her family include her daughters, Judith A. Mulvey and her husband James; and Patricia Chartrand all of Nashua; two grandchildren, Courtney Stewart and her husband Robert of Nashua and Philip Chartrand of Chelsea, MA; four great-grandchildren, Cody Austin, Emma Stewart, Chloe Stewart and R.J. Stewart; nieces and nephews, Joan P. Zinkawich, MD of Hudson, Richard Glispin and his wife Margie of Londonderry and Ginger Hovey and her husband David of Louisiana; and many friends.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, February 18^th from 5 to 7 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home, Monday, February 22^nd at 11 a.m. Friends are invited to attend. Interment will be private. Donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 South River Road, #210, Bedford, NH 03110. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. farwellfuneralservice.com

Rita Desrosiers Labombarde (née Willette) passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the age of 92, at Kindred Healthcare’s Greenbriar Facility in Nashua, New Hampshire.

  Rita was a Crown Hill gal and raised her two children, Doris and David, with her husband and soulmate Gilbert “Gilly” Desrosiers on Allds St. in Nashua, NH. Rita was a vibrant member of her community, as a communicant at Infant Jesus Catholic Church and a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 483. Rita and Gilly spent summers at their home on Silver Lake in Hollis, NH, where they were known for always having a stocked bar, delicious treats, and cutthroat games of cards, cribbage, and Scrabble.

  Following Gilly’s death in 1985, Rita became a snowbird, spending winters in Northridge Citrus Hills in Hernando, FL and summers on Silver Lake. While in Florida, she became an active parishioner at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Beverly Hills, volunteered at the Ted Williams Museum, and enjoyed spending time with her wide circle of friends.

  After a long widowhood, Rita again found love and companionship with her old friend Elie J Labombarde, whom she married in 2001. Rita and Elie had many great adventures together, often setting out for weekend trips to destinations throughout New England and beyond. They continued to split the year between New Hampshire and Florida, where they visited regularly with many friends and family members from near and far.

  Rita loved country music, a good cocktail, sitting in the sun and watching her family and friends play in the lake. She was a doting grandmother to her three grandchildren, delighting in teaching them her favorite games. She had a soft spot for small dogs and she was always up for getting together and having fun. She had an uncanny luck when it came to games and always seemed to get the cut she needed. Her door was always open, and she made all her visitors feel welcome. She was always the life of the party, and she will be missed.

   Rita is survived by her son, David Desrosiers, Sr., two grandsons, David Desrosiers, Jr., and Jeffrey Desrosiers, granddaughter Cerissa Desrosiers and her wife Jessica Hannon, and her great-granddaughter Phoebe Desrosiers. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Amy and Ernest (Babe) Willette, her husbands Gilbert (Gilly) Desrosiers and Elie J. Labombarde, her sister, Claire Willette Pugh, and her daughter, Doris R. Desrosiers.

     SERVICES: There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John XXIII Parish at Infant Jesus Church, 121 Allds Street, Nashua, Saturday morning, February 20^th at 10:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Interment will take place in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made 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

     Richard A. Horn, 78, of Amherst, NH, passed away Sunday, February 7, 2016.

     Dick was born in The Bronx, New York. He was a graduate of Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY and a graduate of Villanova University B.S.E.E. He received a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University. 

     He was employed by Sanders Associates of Nashua and Mitre Corporation of Burlington, MA. In later years, Dick and his wife developed a Property Management business.        

     Dick leaves his wife of 55 years, Mary (Lockard) Horn; four children, Kathleen Horn, Lorraine Katz and her husband Stuart, Patricia Dion and her husband Patrick, and Jeffrey Horn; three grandchildren, Eric, Brian and Daniel Katz; his brother, Kenneth W. Horn and his wife Carol; his sister, Catherine Chin and her husband William; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday afternoon, February 11th from 2 to 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, (Route 101-A) in Merrimack, Friday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Nashua. Everyone is invited to gather at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s name to The Aposolates of Opus Dei. Checks payable to Woodlawn Foundation, Inc., 56 Harrison Street, Suite 401, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Donations may also be made to, St. John Neumann Parish, 708 Milford Road, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Mary J (Racicot) Laliberte, 71, of Nashua, NH left this earth and returned to her heavenly home on February 5, 2016 after a valiant battle with a long illness. Her devotion to her family and her belief in our Lord supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. Mary was born to Azaire and Emalda Racicot, in Newport Center, VT on March 20, 1944. Mary was blessed with loving family and friends. She married the love of her life, Maurice B Laliberte, in June 1981 in Manchester, NH. Mary helped raise a son with patience, discipline and a little laughter. She was kind, soft-spoken, and always had a way of making people laugh and enjoyed life. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her creator.

Mary is survived by her husband, Maurice; her son Victor Laliberte and his wife Jill of Haslet, TX; her grandchildren Ryan, Nathaniel and Rebecka Laliberte; and her brothers, Norman and John Racicot of Milford, NH, as well as, Lionel Racicot of Franklin, NH, several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother Hector Racicot and a sister Rita Flood. Mary enjoyed walks, dancing, music and bowling with her husband and friends.

Mary was a member of the Association of the Blind of NH and the Federation of the Blind. She worked for Bemis Corp in Nashua for many years, and retired from Tobin Tri-Star after working in dining services.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at the Lighthouse Calvary Chapel, 273 South River Rd Bedford, NH Tuesday, February 9^th at 5:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. Pastor George Smith and Senior Pastor Dean Braham will officiate at the service. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice.  Prayers, condolences and memories will gladly be accepted.

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

Anouch N. Manoukian, 90, of Nashua, widow of Nazareth M. Manoukian, passed away, Tuesday afternoon, February 2, 2016 at St. Joseph Hospital.

   Mrs. Manoukian was born in Beirut, Lebanon on December 28, 1925, a daughter of the late Manoog and Nellie Haytayan. A well-educated woman, she earned a Bachelor’s degree and spoke five languages fluently and played both the piano and the violin.

     Anouch began her career as a French teacher in Lebanon and was an accomplished theater costume designer. She and her family immigrated to the United States in 1977 and has resided in Nashua for the past 39 years. Mrs. Manoukian was a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital for over twenty five years and also the American Red Cross.

   Very dedicated to her life and community to God, Anouch was a parishioner and volunteer of St. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and served as the Chairman of Women’s Guild. She was honored as “Woman of the Year” for her tireless work on behalf of others a few years ago. She will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who dedicated her entire life to her family, to God, and to helping others. She believed that the God given talents are precious gifts that should never be neglected or ignored but used to help people who are in need.                    

  In addition to her parents, Anouch was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Nazareth M. Manoukian who died in August 2002; and a grandson, Michael Manoukian.

     Members of her family include two sons, Vatche Manoukian of Hollis and Vahrij Manoukian, R.PH. ScD and Town of Hollis Selectman ; two daughters, Vani of Nashua, and Vera of Manhattan, NY; and five grandchildren, Christine, Jessica, Annie, L.V. and Bella.

     Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 6^th from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road in Chelmsford, MA. Her funeral service will be held in St. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Monday morning at 11 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place at East Cemetery in Hollis.

   The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Richard P. “Rick” Labrie, 55, of Litchfield, husband of Brenda A. (Mondoux) Labrie, passed away Saturday evening, January 30, 2016.

    A resident of Litchfield for the past 30 years, Rick was born in Manchester on March 24, 1960, a son of Viviane (Lavoie) Labrie and the late Normand J. Labrie. After moving to Nashua with his family in the early 1970s, he attended local schools and was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1978. Shortly after his graduation, Rick served with the Marine Corps from 1978 to 1982.

    Rick has been employed with Toyota of Nashua for the past 30 years and had been actively involved in the Nashua community.

     A devoted husband and father, Rick loved his boats, all named “Lucky” and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at Lake Winnipesaukee.

    Members of his family include his wife, Brenda whom he married on October 13, 1984 and shared the past 31 years; his mother, Vivian Labrie of Nashua; three sons,

Chad Labrie and his wife, Lauren of Manchester, Brett Labrie of Boston, MA and Drew Labrie of Litchfield; a grandson, Connor Labrie; the birth of a second grandchild is expected in May; a brother, Dennis Labrie and his wife Cheryl of Nashua; two sisters, Suzanne Luthi and her husband Peter of Hudson and Lisa Labrie of Nashua; his Godmother, Pauline Lavoie of Manchester; also nieces, nephews and many close friends.

     Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, Thursday morning at 10 a.m. Encryptment will take place in the Mausoleum of Mount Calvary Cemetery in Manchester. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nashua Soup Kitchen, 2 Quincy Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Ernest R. “Ernie” Briand, 80, of Nashua, a well-known retired funeral director and embalmer, passed away Saturday morning, January 30, 2016 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, after a brief period of declining health.

    A lifelong resident of this city, Ernie was born in Nashua on July 6, 1935, one of twelve children of the late Victor J. and Delia Blanche (Nault) Briand. He attended Infant Jesus Parochial School and Nashua public schools. He later furthered his education at New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science, Embalming and Funeral Directing in Boston, graduating in 1974.

    Ernie was employed as an upholsterer with the former Indian Head Casket Company in Nashua for 14 years. In April 1962, he began working part-time at the Farwell Funeral Service, Inc. and then full time from January 1967 until his retirement in December 2014. In his 52 years at Farwell’s, Ernie felt privileged to serve the residents of Nashua and the surrounding communities. His loyalty and dedication to the many families in their time of need was well known. 

    A communicant of St. Christopher Church for many years, Ernie served as a Eucharistic Minister for over twenty years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 11907. He also held memberships in Saint Anthony’s Fraternity Secular Franciscan Order for over 50 years; and the National Funeral Directors Association. 

     In addition to his parents, Ernie was predeceased by a brother, George V. Briand; and three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Rita N. Briand, Mary Anne and Fernand A. Cloutier and Doris S. and Normand S. Gagnon; brother-in-law, Arthur C. Faria Jr.; and sister-in-law, Judith H. Briand.

     Members of his family include four brothers, Robert A. Briand and his wife Janet of Nashua, Edward T. Briand and his wife Beverly of Bow, Raymond M. Briand of Nashua and Paul D. Briand of Merrimack; three sisters, Antoinette D. “Toni” Faria of Hollis, Eva A. and Leon Mack of Culpeper, VA, and Dorothy G. Laderoute of Virginia Beach, VA; a sister-in-law, Muriel “Joey” Briand widow of George of Melbourne, FL; also many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins.

      Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Friday morning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in his memory to Corpus Christi Food Pantry, 43 Franklin Street, Nashua, NH 03064; New Hampshire Food Bank, 700 E. Industrial Park Drive, Manchester, NH 03109 or the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Carol E. (Cowling) Rae, formerly of Nashua, NH, Concord and West Acton, MA, passed away Monday afternoon, January 25, 2016 at the Westford House in Westford, MA. Carol was the widow of Attorney Leonard E. Rae, who died November 19, 1991.

    She was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on August 1, 1921, a daughter of the late Harold and Alice (Hadfield) Cowling. Educated in Concord, MA schools, Mrs. Rae was a homemaker and later worked as a secretary for the MacRae Insurance Agency in West Acton, MA for several years.

   A very athletic woman, Carol enjoyed Skiing, Golf, Tennis and Candlepin bowling. She was a talented artist; enjoyed hooking rugs; loved playing Scrabble and took a cruise to Alaska.

   In addition to her husband Leonard, Carol was predeceased by a daughter, Sandra E. Rae; and her brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Charlotte Cowling.   

   Members of her family include a son, Stuart C. Rae and his wife Ellen of Jefferson, MA; two daughters, Suzanne E. Carroll and her husband Dennis of Milford, MA and Meredith E. Rae and her friend Gary Quintal of Salem, NH; five grandchildren, Steve Higaonna and his wife Sarah, Rebecca E. Rae, Kenneth Higaonna and his wife Alicia, Cynthia Higaonna and Heather Higaonna; eleven great-grandchildren, Emily Rose, Kenneth, Alexander, Hiro, Amelia, April and Chelsea Higaonna, Chase Pletti, Mark, Joshua and Danny Sidro; also five great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

    SERVICES: There are no calling hours. A Graveside Service will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashua in the spring. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Ellen A. Loranger, 88, a longtime Nashua resident, widow of Normand P. Loranger, passed away Saturday evening, January 23, 2016 at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, MA after a brief illness.

     Mrs. Loranger was born in Saranac Lake, New York on September 1, 1927, a daughter of the late Nathaniel and Annie (McLeod) Oddy. She was a graduate of Saranac Lake High School Class of 1944. After moving to Nashua in the early 1950s, Ellen continued her education at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse in 1953. She was employed with St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua for 46 years until her retirement in 1999. Earlier in her career, Ellen had worked for a dentist in New York.

     Ellen and her husband Normand were married on April 24, 1954 and shared 55 years together until his death on December 18, 2009. She was also predeceased by a son, Christopher Loranger in 1997; two brothers, Mac M. Oddy and Robert W. Oddy; and a sister, Edith Foster.

     In her leisure time, she enjoyed traveling with her husband to Washington, DC, New York City, London, England and Paris, France. Ellen also enjoyed participating in a bowling league for many years, playing bingo and playing cards at the Nashua Senior Center.

    Members of her family include two sons, Jeffrey Loranger and Douglas Loranger both of Nashua; four daughters, Deborah Loranger of Milford, Judith McLean of New Boston, Carolyn Loranger of Hampstead and Jennifer Bartlett and her husband Russell of Nashua; ten grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; two brothers, John Duncan Oddy of Arizona and Thomas Oddy of Saranac Lake, NY; a sister, Margaret “Peg” Oddy of California; a sister-in-law, Alice Loranger of Nashua; also many nieces and nephews.

     There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph The Worker Church, 777 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Everyone is invited to gather at the church.

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

      Raymond E. Michaud, 95,  longtime Nashua resident and well known Trumpeter, more recently of Epsom, NH, passed away suddenly on Friday morning, January 22, 2016 at Concord Hospital.

     He was born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada on December 27, 1920, son of the late Wilfred and Esther (Cyr) Michaud. After graduating from high school, Ray joined the Carleton York Regiment Army Band in Canada for one year and then toured Canada with the Ken Walker Orchestra, Canada’s King of Swing for the following year before moving to the United States

   While in the United States, Ray joined the famous Mal Hallett Jazz Orchestra and Rudy Wallace Orchestra, comprised of members from the Mal Hallett Jazz Orchestra.

   Mr. Michaud joined the United States Coast Guard Band, serving three years in both the US and European War Zone during World War II, selling war bonds and entertaining the troops. Members of his band included Sid Caesar (sax and comic), Frank Fontaine (comic), Victor Mature (actor), and Caesar Romero (actor), all of which remained close friends.

   Upon his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard and having turned down Director of Music at The US Coast Guard Academy in CT, Ray played with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, who had Frank Sinatra on vocals and Buddy Rich on drums. He joined a number of jazz orchestra’s, including Sam Donahue, Ralph Materie, etc.

    He filled in many times at the Cape for his friend, legendary Cornet player, Bobby Hackett and Trumpet player, Lou Columbo. Ray played in Florida in the 80s with the Jackie Gleason Orchestra in Miami Beach.

   Ray held lifetime memberships in the American Federation of Musicians as well as The Disabled American Veterans. Famous Trumpet Players, such as Chet Baker, Donny Fagerquist, Joe Gordon, Herb Pomeroy, Jack Sheldon, to name a few would come to his home in Nashua for lessons.

   On June 12, 1942, Ray married Barbara P. Dobens of Nashua. The couple made their home in Nashua and shared 56 years together until her death in August 1998.

   In addition to his wife and parents, Ray was also predeceased by brothers, Wilfred Michaud, Clement Michaud of NH, Canada, Teddy Michaud, Olympic high jump champion of Lake Placid, NY, and Louis Michaud of Hartford, CT; sisters, Vivian Michaud, Dean of Admissions at the University of Maine in Orono, Cecile Barnum of Hartford, CT and Louise Hogan of Sterling, MA.

     Members of his family include his son, Dr. Rev. Michael R. Michaud and his wife Stephanie of Nashua; four grandchildren, Michelle Wheeler and her husband James of Milford, NH, Rev. Stephen Michaud and his wife Sheryl of Hudson, Jasmine Allen, and   Artie Glenn Jr. and his wife Andrea all of Nashua; five  great-grandchildren, Shelby Wheeler of Milford, John and James Michaud of Hudson X’zeyvier Allen and  Jalen Glenn of Nashua; a brother, The Rev. Monsignor Neil Michaud of New Brunswick, Canada; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Ann Pelletier of Fayetteville, GA and Joy Webster and her husband Harold of Holderness; three nephews, David Dobens of Holderness,  Raymond Dobens of Beaufort, SC and Marc Pelletier of Fayetteville, GA; three  nieces, Leslie Thurber of Merrimack, Kimberly Pelletier and her husband Tony Giovanni of Fayetteville, GA and Liz Harding of Newton, MA; also numerous other nephews and nieces as well as grandnephews and grandnieces om Canada and the United States. 

     SERVICES: Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, February 12th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. Interment will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Barbara Janetos Johansen, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at Langdon Place in Nashua, NH.  She was born on April 27, 1930 at the family home in Rollinsford, NH, to Ellen A. Janetos (Wentworth) and Evangelos A. Janetos.  She attended the Pear Yard School and Rollinsford Grade School in Rollinsford, NH, and graduated from Dover High School in 1948.  Barbara attended the University of New Hampshire and graduated with a degree in Dietetics in 1952, interning and then working at the Beth Israel and New England Deaconess Hospitals.  She continued her career as a Dietitian for more than 17 years at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford, MA.  She was a loving wife, mother, sister and daughter, and will be missed enormously.

During her youth, Barbara worked on the family farm in Rollinsford.  She often told stories of cooking dinner for the family and a variety of farmhands, doing laundry, weeding the potato fields and driving Tom, the uncooperative horse.  Barbara and Donald Johansen were married on June 9, 1957.  The couple lived and raised their family in Reading, Massachusetts, before moving to Langdon Place in Nashua in 2006. 

Barbara loved to read and instilled a love of reading in her daughters and grandchildren.   She was a strong believer in education and was proud of her college degree and being a Registered Dietitian.  She loved cooking, having dinner parties, and crafting, particularly hand sewing, beaded feltwork and beaded sequin forms.  In her later years, she enjoyed knitting and made afghans with the help of her daughter Linda Roberts.   

Barbara’s family was the world to her.  She was predeceased by her parents, Ellen Janetos (Wentworth) and Evangelos Janetos; her first husband, John “Jack” Stanley; her sisters Mary Bandouveres, Angeline Janetos, and Anna Matyas Laws; her brother Andrew E. Janetos; her sisters-in-law Marjorie Janetos and Christina Janetos; and brothers-in-law George Bandouveres, Andrew Matyas and Walter Laws, and nephew William Janetos.  She is survived by her husband Donald E. Johansen of Nashua, NH; 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; brothers George Janetos, Lewis and his wife Eleanore Janetos, Paul and his wife Robin Janetos; sister-in-law Eleanor Janetos; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. 

SERVICES: Memorial Visitation will take place at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH on Friday January 29^th from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 30^th at 11am. There will also be a Memorial Service held in her honor at her burial in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request Memorial Donations be made in the name of Barbara Johansen to the Brain Injury Association of America, Inc., PO Box 7416, Merrifield, VA 22116.  Arrangements are in the care of FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE.  (603)882-0591.  www.farwellfuneral.com

   James Edward Gibson, Jr., 92, longtime resident of Nashua, NH, passed away on Wednesday evening, January 20, 2016. Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen (Ruiter) Gibson. Born in Rochester New Hampshire on February 16, 1923, he was the son of the late James and Jennie (Hamilton) Gibson.

   In addition to his wife Helen, members of his family include two sons, James M. Gibson of Litchfield, NH and Shawn Gibson of Nashua; three daughters, Linda Willett and her husband Henry of Nashua; Kathleen Owen and her husband William of Reston, VA; and Luanne Nadeau and her husband Mark of Ft. Meyers, FL; as well as 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Mr. Gibson was predeceased by his daughter, Patricia Ann Bedard of Hollis, NH.

    Jim served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Seaman First Class on the USS Lardner in the South Pacific. He was employed by McLaughlin Mayflower Moving and Storage Company for many years and later by Sanders Associates. Following his retirement, he enjoyed working for Toyota of Nashua.

   An avid reader, Jim enjoyed foreign travel and automobiles. He was known for his dry sense of humor.

   In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Gibson will be buried at sea. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may make a memorial donation in his name 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.farwellfuneral.com

    Mary Margaret Downey, 88, of Nashua, passed away Friday afternoon, January 15, 2016 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center after a brief illness.

     A native of this city, Mary was born on April 7, 1927, a daughter of the late John F. and Alice M. (Welch) Downey. Educated in local schools, she was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1944. Miss Downey received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont in 1948 and did graduate work at Boston University and Northeastern University.

    Mary began her career as a computer programmer with the New England Telephone Company in the early 1950s and continued to work for its successor companies NYNEX and Verizon, as a project manager in Boston, MA and White Plains, NY until her retirement in 1992. Mary grew up in the Crown Hill section of Nashua and was a resident of The Huntington at Nashua at the time of her death. Mary also enjoyed her vacation home in Chatham, MA for many years.

     She was a member of the American Association of University Women; The Telephone Pioneers of America; The Nashua Historical Society; and RISE. In her leisure time, Mary enjoyed traveling, playing duplicate bridge, theatre, reading, and gardening, and loved spending time with family and friends. Miss Downey was a communicant of St. Patrick Church in Nashua.

     Members of her family include five nieces and a nephew, Debra Mackey of Sudbury, MA, Margaret Thornton and her husband Steven of Keene, Susan Diggins and her husband Anthony of Nashua, Martha Drukker of Nottingham, John Burnham and his wife Susan of Nashua and Mary Burnham of Tacoma, WA; four grandnieces and two grandnephews, Sarah Diggins and Emily Diggins of Nashua, Jack Drukker and Dow Drukker of Nottingham, Meghan Thornton and Abigail Thornton of Keene; a great-grandnephew, Carter Anthony Vegas; and her brother-in-law, Francis H. Burnham of Nashua. She was predeceased by her sister, Jacqueline T. Burnham, who died in March 2011.

    There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29, Spring Street, Nashua, Saturday morning, January 23^rd at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in her memory to The Huntington at Nashua, Attn. Scholarship Fund, 55 Kent Lane, Nashua, NH 03062 or to The Nashua Historical Society, 5 Abbott Street, Nashua, NH 03064. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com