Obituaries

Mildred Viola Peterson

Mildred Viola Peterson

Jul 16, 2024

Mildred Viola Peterson, a loving beacon of resilience and loyalty, stepped into eternity on July 16, 2024, just shy of her 97th birthday. Born in Gardner, MA, on July 30, 1927, to Gottfried and Helen Anderson, Mildred was the epitome of a life well-lived. Her life was a testament to the quote, "The greatest gift you can give someone is...

Robert E. Fitzgerald

Robert E. Fitzgerald

Jul 16, 2024

Robert E. Fitzgerald was born on September 27, 1939, in Watertown, MA, USA, and passed away on July 16, 2024. He resided in Gardner, Massachusetts. He was a man of character, strength, and resolve, who served his country with honor and distinction, and will be fondly remembered by his loved ones.

Robert was a man of many talents. He graduated from...

Daniel Patrick Callahan

Daniel Patrick Callahan

Jul 13, 2024

Daniel Patrick Callahan, also affectionately known as Dan, passed into eternal peace on July 13, 2024. Born in Ashland, OH on September 29th, 1953, He spent his early years in Monson, MA and later moved to Winchendon, MA. 

Daniel's life was a rich tapestry of adventure, resilience, and humor. His wit sparkled like a beacon, drawing in everyone he met, and...

Joseph Charles Dwyer

Joseph Charles Dwyer

Jul 2, 2024

Joseph C. Dwyer passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. He was born in Fitchburg and was the son of Joseph C. Dwyer and Hazel T. (Whittemore) Dwyer.

Joe loved his family. He was predeceased by the two loves of his life. His wife Barbara M. (Efverman) Dwyer and, recently, his beloved partner Joan E. (LeBlanc) Billiter.

Joe is survived by his...

Barbara Lucas Diamond

Barbara Lucas Diamond

Jul 1, 2024

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Barbara Mae Lucas Diamond, who passed away on July 1, 2024, in Gardner, MA at the age of 94. 

She was born on April 7, 1930, in Gardner to Arnold and Edris Bryant Lucas. She graduated from Gardner High School in 1948 and later attended hairdressing school. In 1950, she married...

Michael M. Boucher

Michael M. Boucher

Jul 1, 2024

On July 1st, 2024, Michael Mark Boucher passed away in his Ashburnham home. Michael, born in Leominster, Massachusetts on December 8, 1962, was a beacon of strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication. His life was a masterclass in living with grace and humility, and he left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known...

Dennis G. Parenteau

Dennis G. Parenteau

Jun 24, 2024

It is with profound respect and love that we celebrate the life of Dennis Parenteau, born on September 27, 1952, a man whose spirit was as vibrant as the landscapes he so loved to nurture. A resident of Winchendon, Massachusetts, Dennis was a beacon of light whose impact was felt by all who had the honor of knowing him. His...

Susan E. LaFord

Susan E. LaFord

Jun 19, 2024

Susan Ellen (Farrar) LaFord died June 19 with Ed by her side.

She was born in Winchendon, MA, on July 27, 1946, to Albert Farrar, and Shirley (Boutelle) Farrar. She was raised by her mother and Grandparents Kenneth Boutelle and Hazel (Plummer) Boutelle.

She attended Winchendon Schools and graduated from Murdock High School, in 1964.

Susan married Edward A. LaFord on May 18,...

Bette "Lorraine" Skaife

Bette "Lorraine" Skaife

Jun 15, 2024

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Bette "Lorraine" Skaife, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, on June 15, 2024. Born on February 10, 1936, in Fitchburg, MA, Bette spent her entire life in the comfort of her hometown, Ashburnham, Massachusetts, where she thrived with the love of her family and friends. Bette, known by...

Thomas Joseph Hasselmann

Thomas Joseph Hasselmann

Jun 13, 2024

Thomas Joseph Hasselmann, 37, died Thursday, June 13, 2024, at UMass Medical Center in Worcester after a long illness.

He was born in Fitchburg on December 30, 1986, a son of Steven and Beverly Jo (Daughney) Hasselmann.

Thomas leaves his son Noah Hasselmann, two brothers, Cory Hasselmann, and his wife Rebecca, and Blaine Hasselmann; and two sisters, Alicia McKenzie, and Caitlynn Edden...

Dennis M. Jean

Dennis M. Jean

Jun 13, 2024

On the 13th of June, we bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Dennis M. Jean Sr., born November 12, 1951, in Medford, MA. A beloved family man, and a lifelong Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox. Dennis worked for Stop & Shop for 42 years, driving for Van Pool for 13 years, and selling real estate for several years,...

Beatrice Delma Bennett

Beatrice Delma Bennett

Jun 9, 2024

Beatrice D. Bennett, 89, died peacefully Sunday morning, June 9, 2024, at Gardner Rehabilitation & Nursing Center after a period of declining health.

She was born on February 2, 1935, the daughter of the late Jeffrey and Delma (Plouffe) LaPlante and was a resident of Winchendon for most of her life.



Beatrice spent her younger years as a homemaker and caring for...

Pauline H. Aiken

Pauline H. Aiken

May 31, 2024

Pauline H. Aiken, 84, died peacefully Friday, May 31, 2024, at Heywood Hospital after an illness.Born in Gardner on April 30, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Delphis and Lena (Lambert) Desmarais. Pauline was employed as a dietary aide at Heywood Hospital until leaving to raise her family.Pauline was a member of the Ladies Morning Bowling League at...

Lucille R. Corkum

Lucille R. Corkum

May 29, 2024

Lucille R. Corkum, a woman of strength, courage, and unwavering love, passed away on May 29, 2024. Born in Hudson, New Hampshire on July 25, 1940, Lucille was a beacon of resilience and a testament to the enduring spirit of the human heart. As Maya Angelou once said, “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse...

Dennis Leo Boudreau

Dennis Leo Boudreau

May 22, 2024

Dennis L. Boudreau, 74, died Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.He was born in Gardner, on January 30, 1950. a son of the late Leo and Arlene (Trueheart) Boudreau. He was a 1968 graduate of Athol High School. He was the youngest member to join the Carbs Club at the age of 15. He served...

John "Jack" Paul Bowler

John "Jack" Paul Bowler

May 20, 2024

John "Jack" Paul Bowler, a respected and much-loved member of the Winchendon, Massachusetts community, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024. Born in Gardner, Massachusetts on October 17, 1936, to the late Gordon A. Bowler, Sr. and Cecile A. (Sirard) Bowler, Jack was known for his adventurous spirit, loving nature, witty charm, and creative talents. As Helen Keller once said,...

Donna R Ronco

Donna R Ronco

May 19, 2024

Donna R. Ronco, an outstanding woman of determination and compassion, was born in Winchendon, MA, on March 23, 1945.  Donna was known for her exceptional work ethic. She began her career at Ray Plastic, continued on to Winchendon Savings Bank, and eventually moved on to the Winchendon Housing Authority, where she demonstrated her commitment to her community.  Donna's passion extended...

Diane Lea Chapman

Diane Lea Chapman

May 19, 2024

Diane Lea Chapman, aged 88, of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2024. Born on August 8, 1935, in Fitchburg, MA, Diane was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and a respected member of her community. Diane spent her working life serving the young minds of her community as a teacher's aide at the local...

Luis Ricardo González

Luis Ricardo González

May 14, 2024

 Luis Ricardo González 27 August 1954 – 14 May 2024 

It is with profound sadness that we publish the passing of Luis Ricardo Gonzalez, cherished brother, respected teacher, and talented musician. Luis created a life as a symphony of love, creativity, and dedication that left an indelible mark on all those who were fortunate to know him. As Maya Angelou once...

Joseph R. Lavenskie

Joseph R. Lavenskie

May 8, 2024

Joseph R. Lavenskie, born December 24, 1950 in Gardner MA died peacefully on May 8, 2024. He resided in Rindge, NH with his loving partner of many years Eileen, living off the land. He enjoyed working on race cars and was a talented mechanic. He could turn trash into treasures, a resourceful and inventive man that never met a stranger, especially in...