Author Archives: DSD

Pauline Cecile (Dube) Buckwald, 83, of Colchester, CT, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2015.  She was a loving mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She was a generous and selfless soul who always put her family before herself and touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Pauline was born on August 1, 1931 in Nashua, NH to Herve and Lillian Dube of 148 Canal St.  She graduated from Nashua High School in May of 1949.  She lived in Nashua most of her younger years and had many friends.

She worked at the Nashua Gum and Coated Paper Company (The “Card Shop”) where she met her future husband, Frederick Buckwald.  They were married on November 28, 1953, and moved to Connecticut soon after (Enfield and Manchester).  They celebrated almost 45 years of marriage.

Pauline will forever be remembered by her children, Sandra Tsokalas and David and Torri Buchwald, her beloved grandchildren Lindsey and Robert Devin, Jenifer Tsokalas,  Jeline, and Garret Buchwald, and her great grandchildren Cody and Isobel Devin, along with countless family and friends whom were blessed to know her.

Pauline played the piano beautifully, passing on her love for music to her children.  She worked for many years in the community holding positions at local banks, car dealerships, working with the Visiting Angels, and at small gift shops to ensure she always had a few extra dollars to spoil her children and grandchildren.  Her generosity knew no limits, and she would often go without in order to make sure her family was well taken care of and always happy. The family is very grateful to the staffs of Hartford Hospital, the Salmon Brook Center and Masonicare Hospice for their support of her and her family during her final days.

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, April 23^rd from 4 to 7 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home Friday morning at 11 o’clock. She will be laid to rest in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Nashua. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK  73123-1718 (or online at https://donate.cancer.org/); or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675 (or online at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org). Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

  George Ronald Gagnon, 77, of Hudson, a well-known barber, passed away early Tuesday morning, April 21, 2015 at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua after a brief illness.

      A resident of Nashua and Hudson for many years, Ron was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 23, 1937, the only child of the late Delia (Long) and George Maurice Gagnon. Educated in local schools, Ron was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1955.

      Mr. Gagnon began his career in barbering at the age of 16, working with his father at the New Mode Barber School on Chestnut Street in Nashua. He later purchased the barber school from his father and has owned and operated the Hudson Barbershop on Derry Street in Hudson for the past 20 years. Earlier in his life, Ron had studied to be a Chiropractor in Columbia, New York.

      Ron held membership in Nashua Lodge No. 720, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks for 57 years.

     In addition to his parents, Ron was predeceased by his wife of 32 years, Mary Ann (Crowe) Gagnon who died in Nashua on May 20, 2013.

      Members of his family include four sons, Anthony Gagnon of Nashua, Patrick Gagnon of North Charleston, SC, Peter Gagnon and Matthew Gagnon and his wife Jennifer all of Nashua; four step-children, Daniel Fahy of New Mexico, Elise Brassil and her husband Tom of Andover, MA, Darlene Tevnan and her husband Tom of South Boston and Kathleen Jack and her husband Roy of Litchfield; 14 grandchildren, Tylor, Krystal, Troy, Stephanie, Gillian, Alexis, Kellan, Kyle, Shannon, Gillian, Thomas, Tracy, Emma and Chelsea; and many great-grandchildren.

      Memorial Visitation will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday April 25^th from 2 to 6 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Lorraine O. (Brunelle) Buxton, 88, returned to her heavenly home on Friday, April 17, 2015 after a valiant battle with a brief illness. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

     A longtime resident of Hudson, Lorraine was born in Nashua on April 16, 1927 a daughter of the late Francis and Olivette (Gendron) Brunelle. Educated in local schools, Mrs. Buxton was a graduate of the former St. Louis de Gonzague High School Class of 1946.

    Lorraine was blessed with a large and loving family. She married her best friend Robert C. Buxton on September 26, 1949 and shared 47 wonderful years together until his death on October 21, 1996. Lorraine raised her four children with patience, discipline and humility. She was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small.

    Lorraine is survived by her four children and their spouses: Michael and Susan Buxton of Nashua, Deborah and Tim Reed of Tucson, Arizona, Mary Louise and Shawn McGuinness of Nashua and Timothy and Susan Buxton of Hudson; her sister, Sr. Regina (Lois) Brunelle (SJC); eleven grandchildren, Robert Buxton, Steve Buxton, Marie Buxton Kirk, Kimberly Buxton-Hamel, Katie Sciacca, Melissa Sciacca Smith, Robert Sciacca, James McGuinness, Laura McGuinness, Sarah Buxton and Michael Buxton; and sixteen great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Lorraine was predeceased by her infant daughter, Barbara, infant grandson, Michael Sciacca, brother and sister-in-law, Francis W. and Christine Brunelle, and son-in-law, William Sciacca.

      Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday, April 20^th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 50 West Hollis Street, Nashua on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. Lorraine will be laid to rest 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 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.farwellfuneral.com

William J. “Bill” Kipers, 89, of Nashua, New Hampshire, died peacefully on Sunday morning, April 12, 2015 at Aynsley Place in Nashua.  The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at both Courville at Nashua and Aynsley Place for their support and care during the past fourteen months. 

Bill was born in Whitesboro, New York on February 23, 1926, son of the late Henry and Nora (Sheehan) Kipers.  Educated in Whitesboro schools, Bill was a graduate of Whitesboro Central High School.  He married Gloria Girmonde in December 1949 in Utica, NY and they were married for 63 years until she died in September of 2013.  The family moved to Nashua in 1976.

Bill served with the 94^th and 9^th Infantry Divisions of the Army in Europe during World War II.  He then worked for many years as a civilian employee of the Air Force as a logistics specialist at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York and then Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts until his retirement at age 55.  Following his career as an Air Force civilian, he worked at Analytical Systems Engineering Corporation in Burlington, Massachusetts supporting various Air Force electronics systems for several years.  Starting in 1993, for enjoyment, he worked as a starter at Green Meadow Golf Course in Hudson, New Hampshire until 2011. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his brothers, Henry Kipers and Frank Kipers.  He is survived by his three daughters: Susan Kipers of La Jolla, CA, Linda Linscott and her husband Richard, and Karen Wolfe all of Nashua; three grandchildren, Jaime Leclerc of Corralitos, CA, Matthew Leclerc and Evan Wolfe, both of Nashua; three nephews, James Kipers and his wife Donna of Chester, VA, Robert Kipers and his wife Michelle of Marcy, NY and Kevin Kipers of Whitesboro, NY; and two sisters-in-law, Irma Currie and Rose Langdon of Las Vegas, NV.

Services: There are no calling hours.  A celebration of life followed by a luncheon will be held at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua on May 2, 2015 at 11:30 AM.   Family and friends are invited to attend.  At Bill’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Boys and Girls Club of Nashua, One Positive Place, Nashua, NH 03060 or http://www.bgcn.com/charitable-foundation/memorial-and-honorary-gifts/.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Lois Joanne Hanley, 53, of Chestnut Street, Nashua, passed away unexpectedly at her home, Saturday, April 11, 2015.

     A daughter of Florence (Ackerman) Grant Vinel and the late Philip Grant, she was born in Woburn, Massachusetts on October 7, 1961. During her youth, Lois resided in Penacook, New Hampshire and was a graduate of Merrimack Valley High School.

      Besides her mother, Lois is survived by twin sons, Benjamin Thomas Hanley and Brandon Michael Hanley; a brother, Philip Grant; a sister, Florence Bowers; and one grandchild. She was predeceased by her father Philip Grant and her sister, Robin Grant Darling who died in December 2014.

      There are no calling hours and no formal services. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Ronald Lee Magoon, 54, of Amherst, NH, husband of Arlene M. (Abrams) Magoon, passed away Wednesday afternoon, April 8, 2015 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack.

A resident of Amherst for the past 30 years, Ron was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 26, 1960, son of Judith (Hill) Magoon and the late Kenneth Magoon who died August 26, 2011. Ron resided in Newport, Vermont during his youth and was a graduate of Union High School, Class of 1978. He furthered his education in Ohio and was currently attending Southern New Hampshire University.

Ron has been employed as a supervisor and senior technician at Vectron International of Hudson, NH for the past fifteen years.

Members of his family include his wife Arlene, whom he married in 1985; his mother, Judith Magoon of Newport, VT; three children, Chrysann Magoon of Marlborough, MA, Marcel Chabot and his wife Dorothy of Amherst, NH and Caitlyn Folia and her husband Eric of Auburn, NH; four grandchildren, Alexa Rose, Travis Ronald, Ariana Matteline, and Charlotte Lee; a brother Barry Magoon and his wife Mary of North Carolina; a nephew and niece, Jordan Magoon and Bailey Magoon of North Carolina; an aunt Rachel Magoon of Waldorf, MD; and cousins Carol Moore of Vermont and Betty Nolin of Florida. In addition to his father, Ron was predeceased by an aunt, Lois Moore of Derby Line, VT.

A typical Saturday afternoon would find Ron in the garage tinkering with his latest invention and sharing ideas with his step son Marcel. Marcel moved his family back from MI when Ron was diagnosed with cancer. They reside just three miles from the family home. Ron’s shared interest in travel with step daughter Caitlyn inspired travel adventures to Canada, North Carolina, California and Oregon. Ron’s youngest daughter, Chrysann brought him great joy especially during football season where they became the Patriots biggest “couch coaches”. Steaks on the grill and their humorous banter made any score a winner.

Ron loved his motorcycle. He ventured on many trips with friends touring New England. A motorcycle trip to Nova Scotia with his wife and friends was one of his favorite adventures.

Another of Ron’s favorite vehicles was his Kubota tractor. Several holes in the yard and many rocks have been rearranged by his maneuvering skills. On one 4th of July, the Kubota was used to pull the family float in the Amherst Parade. The float won most colorful!

Cancer was a challenge to be met by Ron. After diagnosis he brought a retriever puppy and named him Shiloh. During experimental treatments, chemo, and declining health, Shiloh was his compassionate pal, sharing the best and the worse days remaining at his side defying the odds.

Ron’s final gift to this world came unexpectedly but is long lasting. On two occasions Ron was asked to speak to the medical community about palliative care from the patient point of view. Having never spoken in a public forum, Ron bravely stepped up and honestly spoke about cancer care. Ron made a difference.

Memorial visitation was held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday, April 18^th. Interment will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport, VT on Saturday July 18^th at 11 a.m. Donations may be made in his memory to Pediatric Cancer Foundation.  http://fastercure.org/  (Guide Star Exchange affirms that 90% of donations are used toward programs dedicated to ending childhood cancer.) Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

   Ferdinand Z. Eberhardt, 93, formerly of Whitehall, PA, a well-known retired automobile executive, passed away Thursday morning, April 2, 2015 at The Birches in Concord, NH. He was the husband of the late Olive (Drabic) Eberhardt.

    Born in Northampton, Pennsylvania on April 11, 1921, he was a son of the late Theodore F. and Florence (Crouthamel) Eberhardt. During World War II, he proudly served with the Army from December 1942 to March 1946 as a Technical Sergeant with 862^nd Ordinance Medium Maintenance Company and was stationed in France for a time. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

    Ferdinand was a partner with his father Theodore F. Eberhardt and his brother, Theodore G. Eberhardt at Eberhardt Motors in Whitehall. The firm was established in 1924 and sold Model T Fords, Star Durrant and Willys Overland cars. By 1933 they were selling DeSoto and Plymouths followed by Chrysler and today is an award winning pre-owned vehicle dealership run by his nephew, Eric Eberhardt.

    His love of horses was well-known in the Lehigh Valley and he was still riding at the age of 89 on his beloved Zeno.

    In addition to his parents, Ferdinand was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Olive Eberhardt who died October 27, 2013; a daughter, Tami Grim; son-in-law, Dr. Jack Crisp; his brother, Theodore G. Eberhardt and his wife Emma; sister, Adeline Kohler and husband Paul; and brothers-in-law, Robert Haas and Kenneth Stahley.

    Members of his family include a daughter, Colette M. Crisp of Nashua, NH; son-in-law, Dr. Mark Grim of Bethlehem, PA; grandson, Sean Grim of Bethlehem, PA; four sisters, Loretta Kupsky and husband William, Sarae Quinn and husband Joseph, Roma Haas and Eleanor Stahley; numerous nieces and nephews.

    A memorial luncheon for Ferdinand and his wife Olive will be held at the Barnhouse Village in Bath, Friday April 24^th at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

John W. “Jack” Fallon, 90, died suddenly on Friday, April 10, 2015 at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua NH, in the company of Peg, his beloved wife of 63 years, and his loving family. What greater gift!

A Lawrence (MA) native and 1943 graduate of Phillips Academy, Andover, he swam varsity all four years and captained the team as a senior. Immediately after graduation, Jack enrolled in the Army Air Corps Cadet Training Program. Mere days before receiving his wings, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1947 with the class of 1948. Assignments during World War II and Korea included Attack Cargo Transport U.S.S Vermilion (A.K.A. 107), Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB 42), Heavy Cruiser U.S.S Baltimore (CA 68), and the Naval Officers’ Training School in Newport, RI, where he was an Instructor of Engineering.

Jack earned a Master’s Degree in American Literature from Boston University, which he combined with his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Annapolis to fashion a career in the budding business of Technical Publications (managing, consulting, and lecturing for industrial, medical, healthcare, and educational institutions). For 15 years he was guest lecturer at M.I.T.’s summer seminar in Technical Publications.

During the following quarter century of very active retirement Jack travelled extensively (Ireland 22 times!) writing and researching two books and countless articles about his outdoor adventures. He received many regional, national, and international awards for his writing, photography, conservation, and illustrated talks, and served as President of the New England Outdoor Writers Association.

Jack is survived by his wife Peg, sons Jack and wife Jane, Dan, and Matthew, daughters Mary Beth Choquette and husband Bill, Julie Cotton and husband Dick, and Margaret Fallon, grandchildren Theresa, Patrick, and Nicholas Fallon,  Julie (Choquette) Hennigan and Danielle (Choquette) Mayo, great grandchildren Joseph and Abigail Mayo,  Maeve and Timothy Hennigan.

Visiting hours will be held at FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Tuesday, April 14th from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Wednesday afternoon, April 15th at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate Jack’s life. Interment at nearby St. Francis Xavier Cemetery will memorialize his death. Friends who wish, can make a donation in his memory to a charity of their choice. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

   Raymond J. Briere, 87, of Nashua, died Wednesday morning, April 1, 2015 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA after a brief illness.

      A resident of Nashua for many years, Raymond was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on July 1, 1927, a son of the late Alexander and Arthemise Briere. He was educated in Lowell schools and served with the Army as a Corporal during the Korean War from September 1950 to June 1952. Mr. Briere was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, 2 Overseas Bars and the United Nations Service Medal.

     Mr. Briere had been employed with the former Lochhead Millwork Company in Nashua for 25 years and also worked as a cabinet maker for Oak Design in Manchester.

     In his leisure time, Ray enjoyed fishing and was an avid woodworker who enjoyed building cabinets and furniture for his family.

     One of eight children, Ray was predeceased by his brothers Alex, Jerry and Henry Briere; and his sisters Ida Houle and Ruth Lombard.

     Members of his family include his wife of 62 years, Yolande D. (Soucy) Briere of Nashua; a son and daughter-in-law, Raymond M. and Maureen Briere of North Andover, MA; a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Bruce Watson of Manchester, NH; several grandchildren; two sisters, Julie Chandonnett of Lowell, MA and Cecile St. Onge of Chelmsford, MA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

      Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, April 7^th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Louis de Gonzague Church, 48 West Hollis Street, Nashua on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

  Isidora H. “Dora” Cote, 89, a longtime Nashua resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, March 26, 2015 at Fairview Nursing Home in Hudson.

    A daughter of the late Robert C. and Celedase (DesRocher) Cote, she was born in Sanbornville, New Hampshire on September 14, 1925. A resident of this city since early childhood, Dora attended Infant Jesus Parochial School and graduated from the former St. Louis High School for Girls Class of 1943.

    Dora had been employed as a customer service representative with the former Second National Bank and Bank of New Hampshire in Nashua for over twenty five years.

    She enjoyed crocheting, traveling and driving her car. Dora was a communicant of Infant Jesus Church.

    In addition to her parents, Dora was predeceased by three brothers, Maurice I. Cote, Richard A. Cote and Paul R. Cote; and two sisters, Monique Grondine and Rita Cote.

    Members of her family include three sisters, Lucille Shurkus of York, ME, Jeanne C. Kennedy and her husband Thomas of Manchester and Leonie A. “Lee” Dublow of Louisville, KY; a brother, Robert L. Cote and his wife Cessa of Pittsfield, MA; two sisters-in-law, Marianne Cote of Long Island, NY and Elizabeth “Betty” Cote of York, ME; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

    SERVICES: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John XXIII Parish at Infant Jesus Church, 121 Allds Street, Nashua, Tuesday, March 31^st at Noon. Family and friends are invited to call at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.  Interment will take place in St. Louis Cemetery.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

     Jane Melendy (Parker) Murray, 61, a native and lifelong Nashua resident, passed away in her home, Monday morning, March 23, 2015. She was born on March 31, 1953, a daughter of the late Charles M. and Barbara J. (Blodgett) Parker and sister of the late Gerry Flint Parker II.

    Jane is survived by her husband of 36 years, Dennis P. Murray, and children Ian P. Murray and Rebecca J. (Murray) Pichardo and her husband Jose Pichardo.

    Educated in local schools, Jane was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1971 and furthered her education at Plymouth State College, Lesley University, and Notre Dame College in Manchester, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education.

   She began her career in teaching in 1976 at Thornton’s Ferry School in Merrimack. She taught at Auburn Village School from 1979 to 1984, and was a Teacher at Litchfield Middle School from 1986 to 2000. She then worked for the Nashua School District as a Special Education Teacher from 2000 to 2008. Jane later worked as a Special Education Teacher for the Merrimack School District; was an Administrator for the Bedford School District, and as an instructor at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester.

     A lifelong member of The First Church of Nashua, Jane served on the Board of Directors from 1995 -2000 and 2002 -2008; was the recipient of the Kathryn Brigham Award in 2001; and was Chairperson of the Personnel Committee from 1996 -2005. 

   Jane was active in the Girl Scouts throughout her life, and was the recipient of the First Class Award, God and Community Award, and Girl Scouts Appreciation Award. She was involved in AIDS Education and Outreach, as well as a Peace Activism. She will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, and caring friend. Her enthusiasm for each day, and tireless efforts to spread joy to those around her will be greatly missed.

    Services will be held Wednesday morning, March 25, 2015 at The First Church of Nashua, One Concord Street. A period of visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and her funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations 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.farwellfuneral.com

    Samantha Nicole Mackey, age 23, of Nashua, passed away unexpectedly at her home, Saturday, March 21, 2015.

    A lifelong resident of Nashua, Samantha was born on September 25, 1991 a daughter of David J. and Lisa B. (Laford) Mackey. She graduated from Nashua High School North Class of 2008 and furthered her education at Plymouth State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2012.

   After graduation, Samantha worked for Allied Barton Security Services and also had been employed with FLIR Systems, Inc. of Nashua for the past two years.

   She loved live music, attending concerts, painting and animals. Samantha was a very loving and caring person who always thought of others, as demonstrated by her frequent blood donations with the American Red Cross and by being a registered bone marrow and organ donor.

   Members of her family include her mother, Lisa B. Mackey of Nashua; her father and step-mother, David and Kathy Mackey of Nashua; a sister, Kaitlyn Mackey; a step-sister, Kellie Cholette and step-brother, Jake Cholette; paternal grandmother, Gwendolyn Mackey of Nashua; maternal grandmother, Alice Laford of Arizona; maternal grandfather, Richard Laford and his wife Carmen Bosse of Florida; her significant other, Shawn Judd of Nashua; as well as many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. 

    A Celebration of Samantha’s Life will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday, March 28^th from 2 to 5 p.m. 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 from where she rescued her sweet kitty, Lucky. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

    Maurice Bonenfant, 79, of Nashua, passed away Friday morning, March 20, 2015 at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua after a period of declining health.

    Born in Nashua on December 14, 1935, he was a son of the late Hector and Carmella (LeBlanc) Bonenfant. Maurice was educated in local schools and served with the Air Force from December 1953 to March 1957.

    After completion of his military service, Mr. Bonenfant resided for a time in Arizona and then in Brattleboro, Vermont for several years. He later lived in Litchfield, NH from 2008 to 2009 before returning to Nashua. Maurice had been employed as a maintenance man at C & S Grocery in Brattleboro, VT for several years.

    In his leisure time, Maurice enjoyed dancing, boating, fishing and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

    Members of his family include his wife of 26 years, Mary M. (Eskra) Bonenfant of Nashua; a son, James Bonenfant of Smithville, MO; two step-daughters, Rebecca Higley of Guilford, VT and Christina Williams of Concord, NH; twelve grandchildren; two brothers, Norman Bonenfant of Chico, CA and Raymond Bonenfant of Nashua; a sister, Mona Zaker of Litchfield; nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Maurice was predeceased by two sons, Richard and Robert Bonenfant of Grayling, Michigan.

     SERVICES: There are no calling hours. A graveside service will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society.

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

Donald W. Keith, 91, of Nashua, passed away Sunday evening, March 15, 2015 at the Crestwood Center in Milford after a long battle with Parkinsons Disease.

     Born in Nashua on December 12, 1923, he was the son of the late Ralph L. and Diana A. (Fontaine) Keith. Don was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1941 and attended Northeastern University in Boston. During World War II, Mr. Keith served with the Army Air Corps as an airplane mechanic at Harding Field in Baton Rouge, Louisianna.

     While stationed in Baton Rouge, Don met Ida M. Frazee at a square dance. They married on July 10, 1946 and made their home in Merrimack, NH raising their family in the house that Donald built. 

     After completion of his military service, Don was employed as an automotive mechanic for a time and later worked for the Friden Company of Bedford, repairing typewriters and other office equipment around the New England area. 

     Don was a quiet man who enjoyed canoeing, brook trout fishing, bird watching, hiking and long walks. In the community, Don served as a Boy Scout leader for a few years and at one time was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Nashua. Family was most important to Donald and he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He had a generous heart and was always willing to help whenever he saw a need.

     Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ida M. Keith of Nashua; two daughters Kathleen K. Villeneuve and her husband, Thomas of West Chester, PA and formerly of Hancock, NH and Rebecca Diane Belonga of Nashua, four grandchildren, Claire Villeneuve, Mark Belonga, Nicole Belonga and Monique Belonga, and five great-grandchildren, Maelynn Karafelis, Mitchell Hassell, Christian Belonga, Desiree Belonga and Dennis Belonga. Don was predeceased by a son-in-law, Benjamin Belonga III, a granddaughter, Lauren Villeneuve and a great-granddaughter, Rylea Belonga.

      SERVICES: There will be no formal services at this time. Friends wishing to express their sympathy, may make donations in his memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 or to the Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Webster Council, 571 Holt Aveneue, Manchester, NH 03109.  Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

  Benjamin Marcum III, 49, of Nashua, died Thursday evening, March 12, 2015.

One of ten children of the late Catherine M. “Katy” (Russell) and Benjamin Marcum Jr., he was born in Ayer, Massachusetts on January 24, 1966. Ben grew up in Hollis and attended Hollis High School.

     A resident of Nashua for many years, Ben had been employed for a time at the former Estabrook Grill in Nashua and also worked for his brothers, Alan Marcum of Marc Electric and Joe Marcum of Marcum Mechanical. Ben was very proud to have served in the United States Navy and enjoyed spending time with his family and helping out anyone that needed a hand. He also enjoyed skiing, cars and auto racing at the Hudson Speedway.

     In addition to his parents, Ben was predeceased by two brothers, John P. Marcum in September 2013 and Daniel P. Marcum in October 2014.

      Members of his family include four brothers and their wives, Russell and Joan Marcum of Hollis, Alan and Elaine Marcum of Pelham, Joseph and Linda Marcum of Hollis and Steven and Melissa Marcum of Whitefield; three sisters, Mary F. Marcum and her husband Edward Hawkins of Lebanon, ME, Catherine R. Marcum and her wife Arlene Farr of Greenfield, MA and Donna Marcum Verville and her husband Robert of Litchfield; a sister-in-law, Diane (Lavoie) Marcum of Nashua; also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Memorial visitation will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday March 19^th from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph The Worker Church, 777 West Hollis Street, Nashua, Friday morning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Donations may be made in Ben’s memory to Opportunity Networks, Caldwell Road, Amherst, NH 03031. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com

Walter E. “Wally” Gamble, 49, a lifelong Nashua resident, passed away early Thursday morning, March 12, 2015 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a brief illness.

    Born in Nashua on May 31, 1965, he was the only child of Mary E. (Thompson) Gamble and the late Neil P. Gamble who died in 1981. Wally was educated in local schools and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1983.

    Wally has been employed with McLaughlin Transportation Systems since 1986, working in a number of capacities. In his leisure time, Wally loved bingo and was a baseball and football fan.

    Besides his mother, Mary E. Gamble of Nashua, he is survived by an uncle, Gerald J. Thompson and his wife Madeleine of Florida; and several cousins.

    Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday evening, March 18^th from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be private.

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