Obituaries

Dean Strait

Dean Strait

Aug 21, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lowell Dean Strait, known to us as Dean, on August 21, 2025. Born in Connersville, IN, on June 11, 1948, Dean was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, a steadfast friend, and an unwavering source of strength and support to all who knew him.

In the words of Ralph Waldo...

Bradley Sanborn

Bradley Sanborn

Aug 18, 2025

Bradley A. Sanborn

June 14, 1944 – August 18, 2025

HUBBARDSTON – Bradley A. Sanborn, 81, of Hubbardston, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday morning, August 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Worcester on June 14, 1944, he was the son of the late Marvin and Goldie (Wilson) Sanborn and was raised in Shrewsbury. A graduate of Shrewsbury...

George Barclay Beckner

George Barclay Beckner

Aug 16, 2025

George B. Beckner, 93, of Princeton, Mass., passed away peacefully on August 16. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, he will be missed by all who knew him.

Born on October 11, 1931, in Bolton, Mass., George was the oldest son of Royce Otis and Winifred Ellenora (Thrush) Beckner and brother to Theodore, Joseph, and Rose.

George...

Ann A. Dunton

Ann A. Dunton

Aug 14, 2025

Ann A Dunton, 87, died Thursday, August 14, 2025, after an illness.

She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (Borey) Dunton. She was born in Fitzwilliam, NH, on July 26, 1938.

Ann leaves six children, Arlene Tessier, Pauline Nicholas, William Gravelle, and Thelma, Cheryl Blouin, and Jeremy, Brenda Cortinas, and Daniel, and Amy Dunton; many grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and...

Gail M. Johnson

Gail M. Johnson

Aug 14, 2025

Gail M. (Wilson ) Johnson, born October 13, 1955 passed away peacefully at home on Aug 14, 2025 after a battle with cancer. 

She was the daughter of the late Ruel and Doris Wilson a long-time resident of Fitchburg.  She was the wife to the late Allan J. Johnson of Fitchburg who died July 8, 2020. 

Gail leaves two children, Tessie A....

Lorraine Vaine

Lorraine Vaine

Aug 6, 2025

Lorraine A (Gamache) Vaine, born Sept. 27, 1928, passed away peacefully on Aug 6, 2025, after a short illness. She was the daughter of the late Maurice & Anna (Chapolonis) Gamache and a long-time resident of Winchendon.

She leaves her husband of 75 years Adelard J. Vaine, four children, Susan Martin-Scott, Richard M Vaine and his wife Gail, David G Vaine...

Stephen Lawrence Marsh

Stephen Lawrence Marsh

Aug 3, 2025

Stephen Lawrence Marsh, 66, of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, following a brief illness. Born and raised in Fitchburg, Steve was the son of the late Sidney Marsh Jr. and Claire Marsh (Lomme). He cherished his upbringing in the city and carried many fond memories of his time there...

Judith Ann Roberts

Judith Ann Roberts

Aug 3, 2025

Judith Ann (Charland) Roberts, 76, died Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Ayer Valley Rehab in Ayer.

Judith was born in Gardner on September 18, 1948, a daughter of the late Louis and Rita (Moison) Charland

She was the wife of the late Leon A. Roberts, who died August 6, 2020.

Judith leaves her five children, Michelle Davidson, Gregg Roberts and his wife Kathleen,...

Davis H. Burbank

Davis H. Burbank

Aug 2, 2025

Fernandina Beach, FL - Davis Harold Burbank passed away at his home in Fernandina Beach, FL on August 2nd. He was 77 years old and just five days before his 78th birthday.Born August 7, 1947 to Frances M. Burbank and Ray Clyde Burbank Jr., he grew up in Winchendon, MA. Davis was an Eagle Scout and an accomplished swimmer throughout...

Jill R. Macarelli

Jill R. Macarelli

Jul 30, 2025

Jill Renee Macarelli, born September 10, 1963, in Winchendon, Massachusetts, graced this world with her unwavering strength, sparkling humor, and the depth of her love for those who were fortunate to know her. She lived her life with a vivacity that was inspiring, making her a source of comfort in the lives of many. Jill led a life that was...

Francis X. Pavlosky

Francis X. Pavlosky

Jul 22, 2025

Francis Xavier Pavlosky, known affectionately as Frank, was born on June 7, 1941, in Gardner, Massachusetts. Francis passed away on July 22, 2025, in his residence in Ennis, Texas. 

He lived a meaningful and fulfilling life, interspersed with love, laughter, and warm memories. A devout Catholic, Francis lived his life in accordance with the teachings of the Church, guided by the...

John Tate

John Tate

Jul 19, 2025

John Tate, 63, died Saturday, July 19, 2025, at his home after an illness.

He was born on April 8, 1962, a son of the late Lester Judson and Leona E. (Buman) Tate.

He is survived by three brothers, Doug J. Tate and his wife Cynthia, Robert Tate, and Stephen Tate; and one niece, Amber Leblanc.

He loved watching baseball and old movies....

Laura Martston Moore

Laura Martston Moore

Jul 18, 2025

Laura Marston Moore Hardy, born November 27, 1953, in Washington D.C., passed away on July 18, 2025 Laura Died peacefully in her Husbands arms, in the privacy of her own home.

Laura Known for her infectious laughter, Laura was a beacon of light in a sometimes dark world. Her generous spirit, loving nature, and quick wit made her a joy to...

Shelly Newton

Shelly Newton

Jul 15, 2025

Shelly (Stowell) Newton, a beloved nana, mother, wife, coach, and spirited hockey fan, passed away peacefully in her home. Born in Keene, New Hampshire to William and Nancy (Florence) Stowell, Shelly grew up with a zest for life that never dimmed. She graduated from Murdock High School, Class of 1983, and went on to build a life rooted in love,...

Mary Lou Young

Mary Lou Young

Jul 12, 2025

Mary Lou Young, 77, of Royalston MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones the evening of July 12 th , 2025, in her home after a long battle with cancer. Mary was born August 10th, 1947, in Barton, Vermont to Helen and Herbert Rollins. She was the youngest of five children.

Mary grew up on a small milking farm...

Alfred J. Daneault

Alfred J. Daneault

Jul 7, 2025

Alfred J. Daneault, born on February 21, 1942, in Gardner, Massachusetts, died on July 7, 2025. A longtime resident of Winchendon, Alfred was a dedicated worker for Foundry Winchendon.

Alfred was known for his love of the outdoors. He was often found fishing, a pastime that brought him immense joy and tranquility. He also had a passion for picnics and playing...

Saul Mire

Saul Mire

Jun 28, 2025

Saul Mire, a loving, generous, spirited, and remarkably resilient soul, passed away on June 28, 2025, in Winchendon, Massachusetts, where he resided—born in Erath, LA, on June 19, 1936.

Saul was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his country with honor and dignity—a little-known fact: Saul boxed in the United States Army. After retiring from the military, he continued...

Elizabeth L. Swenson

Elizabeth L. Swenson

Jun 26, 2025

Elizabeth Louise (Shimkus) Swenson, born in Gardner on July 22, 1940, a daughter of the late, Steven and Charlotte (Feltman) Shimkus. She graduated from Gardner High School in 1959 and attended classes at MWCC. In her younger years, she worked several secretarial positions in Gardner and Worcester. She also apprenticed at Whalom Playhouse and was Imogene Coca's dresser. She left...

Leda Gladys Lafrennie

Leda Gladys Lafrennie

Jun 24, 2025

Leda Gladys Lafrennie (Lafreniere), 98, passed away peacefully at her home in Rindge, NH on the 24th of June, 2025.Leda was born and raised in Winchendon, MA to Leo and Priscilla (Tetro) Lafreniere. Her school years began with a language barrier, speaking only French Leda learned the English language by ear. Like many others, Leda left school early to work...

Robert W. Salo

Robert W. Salo

Jun 17, 2025

Robert “Bob” Wesley Salo

Son of Harvey and Avis (Walcott) Salo.

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather “Papa” passed unexpectedly on June 17th 2025.

Bob was a dedicated public servant, serving his hometown of Ashburnham as a Firefighter/Emt for 35 years, retiring at the rank of Battalion Chief. Bob spent many years teaching about safety and fire prevention to many students in the school...