STEPHEN MESSIER
April 29, 2020 (age 66)

WINCHENDON/WEST BOYLSTON - Stephen R. Messier, 66, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington, MA from complications with Covid-19. Born in Worcester, Steve was the son of Richard and Pauline J. (Turcotte) Messier, was raised in West Boylston and was a graduate of West Boylston High School.

He was gifted at mechanics and used his skills to fix anything when it came to auto and machinery. Steve enlisted in the U.S. Army during the tail end of the Vietnam Era and served his country before being honorably discharged in 1974. The armed services had many lasting effects on Steve, resulting in him spending the rest of his adult life in a VA Home in Winchendon and the Bedford VA Hospital.

Steve will be forever remembered for his passion for sport cars, music, and helping others.

Steve is survived by his mother, Pauline Messier; a brother, Mark R. Messier and his wife, Josephine of Medway; a sister, Cynthia R. Bradbury and her husband, Matthew of Springfield, VA; and many nieces and nephews. Steve is predeceased by his father, Richard D. Messier and his brother, Gary R. Messier.

A Graveside Service in celebration of Steve's life will be held privately at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in West Boylston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.

www.milesfuneralhome.com

RITA T. DUMONT
July 2, 1925 ~ April 25, 2020 (age 94)

Lancaster: Rita Dumont, age 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Dodge Park Rest Home in Worcester, MA. Rita was born July 2, 1925, the first of 4 children to the late Albert F. and Emma Cossette. Rita was predeceased by her loving husband Louis A. Dumont in 2011. They celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Rita and Louis enjoyed spending time with their 11 grandchildren: Kevin, Keith and Ryan; Amy & Christopher; Michel, Robin, Mathew & Melissa; Michael & Meghan.

Left to cherish her memory are her 4 daughters and 1 son; Diane & Robert Bates of Lancaster MA, Jane & Steven DesJardins of Fitchburg, MA; Joyce & Mathew Cocuzza of Winchendon, MA; Debra Dumont of Florida; Michael & Teresa Dumont of Ashburnham, MA. Rita always said, lovingly, the sun rises and sets on her son Michael. Rita also leaves 2 step grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 7 step great grandchildren. Also she leaves many nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Barbara Cossette.

Rita was predeceased by her beloved granddaughter, Meghan Dumont Bray. She was also predeceased by sisters, Doris (Dot) Blanchette and husband Chester; Cecile (Sis) Maxfield and husband Edgar (Maxie); and brother Albert Cossette.

Rita was a loving wife, mother and Memere. Her children were her joy and she cherished many and all good times spent with them, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rita's strong faith was evident by all her children and all who knew her. Rita was a kindred spirit. She loved to dance, which is why Louis took dance lessons. Something Louis and Rita enjoyed throughout their lives together. They both enjoyed walking, biking, cards and time spent along the Cape Cod Canal, winters in Florida and summers at their home in Lancaster. Rita loved golf, bowling, swimming, reading, Bingo as well as whist, cribbage, scrabble and yard sales. She was a member of the Leominster Senior Center.

In her younger years she worked at N.E. Telephone Co., Cluettes and Elana Dress. Rita was a member of the St. Jeans Drill Team. Rita was a life-long communicant of St. Cecilia's church where Louis and Rita were married. Rita was a member of the 1944 class of Leominster High School. Rita and Louis enjoyed travel to Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Manitoba Canada and throughout much of Florida. Rita also enjoyed many excursions with her two sisters, Sis and Dot. Rita often said she had a wonderful and full life. We already miss you Mom. Rest in the Peace of the Lord.

A special thank you to Dodge Park Rest Home in Worcester where Rita resided for almost 10 years. Thank you to Patty, Renee, Merlin and all of the wonderful staff for such kind, compassionate and loving care given to our Mom. We are truly grateful.

Rita will be interred in St. Cecilia's Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Funeral arrangements will be directed by Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc., 109 West St., Leominster, MA. To send on-line condolences please visit: https://www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Rita's memory to St Cecilia Restoration Fund., 170 Mechanic St., Leominster, MA.

SCOTT RISING
May 24, 1968 ~ May 1, 2020 (age 51)

Scott Alan Rising passed away May 1. He was 51.

Scott was born on May 24, 1968 in Westfield and graduated from Westfield High School in 1986. Scott worked for Whalley Computer Associates for the past 15 years, most recently as the company’s Operations Manager.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, Alan Rising, his son, Justin Rising and niece, Danielle Trueman. He will be forever remembered by his sons Kyle Rising, West Springfield, and Alec Rising, West Springfield; grandson Landon Rising; mother Marilyn Rising, Charlotte, N.C.; sister Karyn Walker (Scott Trueman), West Springfield; brother Kurt Rising (Addie), Charlotte, N.C; aunt Susan Derrick, Athens, Ga.; former spouse Natalie Rising, West Springfield; partner Trish Bulger, Winchendon; nieces Rachael Trueman, Avery and Ella Rising; nephew Joseph Rising; numerous cousins, many dear friends and his beloved dog Brownie.

Scott’s life was met with challenges that he worked daily to overcome. He spent his life striving to be the best father he could for his sons, the best friend he could be for his loved ones and the best person he could to anyone and everyone he met. He will always be remembered for his kind and compassionate heart, his smile, and his quick wit. He shared his deep passion for fishing with his sons, was an avid cook and enjoyed spending time outdoors.

Funeral services will be conducted in private. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date. Donations in Scott’s memory may be made to the Food Bank at St Joseph’s National Catholic Church, 73 Main Street, Westfield, MA 01085. For more information and to make online condolences please go to curranjones.com.

BRUCE A. HARRINGTON
December 28, 1957 ~ April 24, 2020 (age 62)

WINCHENDON – Bruce A. “Goose” Harrington, 62, of 13 Mill Glen Road, died Friday, April 24, 2020 in UMASS Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Gardner on December 28, 1957, son of the late Roger and Helen (Moore) Harrington Sr. and grew up in Fitchburg. Bruce had lived in Winchendon for one year after previously living in Royalston for several years.

Goose worked at Modern Dispersion in Leominster and most recently worked at James River Paper Mill in Fitchburg. He enjoyed buying and selling cars and listening to “oldies” music.

He leaves three children, Heidi Fredette of CA, Jessica Harrington of AZ and Shawn Harrington of Templeton; three grandchildren, Chloe, Ashton and Harper; a brother, Brian Harrington of Leominster; a sister, Doreen Harrington of Winchendon; his significant other, Cindy Gaudet of Winchendon; his ex-wife Cindy Harrington of Winchendon, nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Howard Harrington and Roger Harrington Jr., preceded him in death.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to his close friend William Lafrennie of Winchendon.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

JOHN P. MONETTE
November 13, 1936 ~ April 17, 2020 (age 83)

ASHBURNHAM – John P. Monette, 83, of 104 Dunn Road, died peacefully Friday, April 17, 2020 in UMASS Memorial Hospital, Belmont Street Campus, Worcester. Due to the Corona-19 pandemic, his family was able to say their final goodbye via a video call.

He was born in Winchendon on November 13, 1936, son of the late Albert and Marguerite (McDonald) Monette and was a graduate of Ashland High School. He had been a resident of Ashburnham since 2001.

John had worked as an engineer for many years until his retirement. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, serving on a Texas Tower near Nantucket. John was a wonderful family man and loved animals of all kinds (wild or tame). He was a “fixer-upper” and if someone needed something to be fixed, he was the person to call. John was a die-hard Patriots fan, long before it became fashionable, avidly following the team since its founding in 1960. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. John would light up the room, whether it was a big party or a small get together.

He leaves his wife of 52 years, Alice L. (Desmond) Monette; their children, Jennifer Monette of Ashburnham, Sean Monette of Ashburnham, Kathleen Romanowski and her husband Chad and their daughter Emma of Texas, John Monette and his wife Rebecca of Canton, MA; three sisters, Victoria Marien and Paul Desmond (Alice’s brother) of Georgia, Jan Setliff and family of Indiana, Michelle Neal and husband Scott of Colorado and a brother, David Monette and his son Dave of N.H. John was preceded in death by sisters, Joanne Rowe and Norma Berndt and brothers, Albert Monette and Ronald Monette.

Millitary funeral services will be held at a later date in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.

Memorial donations may be made to MSPCA, 350 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130.

MATTHEW A. BERRY
October 5, 1972 ~ April 28, 2020 (age 47)

Matthew A. “Matt” Berry, 47, of Winchendon, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, MA.

Born in Bremerhaven, Bremen, Germany, on October 5, 1972, he was the son of the late Charles Berry and Cindy (Foley) Berry Post. He graduated with the Class of 1991 from Keene High School in Keene, NH, and received his Associate’s Degree from Granite State College. For several years Matt was a dedicated employee as a Field Service Planner for Markem-Imaje of Keene, NH.

Matt was a proud father to his son Cameron and his daughter Hanna. Together with his fiancé Traci, they were planning a future filled with love, family & friends, and lots of laughs. He cherished the time he spent with his children, family, and his friends.

Like all self-respecting New Englanders, Matt was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan who loved to watch the games with an ice-cold Coors Light in his hand. He also coached youth football for many years, and that brought him so much joy. Though some may say he already had the “gift of gab,” he dreamed of visiting Ireland and kissing the blarney stone. Matt loved the warm summer months and made it a point to see the ocean as often as he could. He had a love of music with Mötley Crüe and the Dixie Chicks being among his favorites. He enjoyed cooking and always had numerous requests for his world-famous beef ball. Matt was also a talented painter and would always make sure you knew about his “cutting in” talent.

Matt is survived by his two children, Cameron C. Berry of Japan and Keene, NH, and Hanna M. Berry of Keene, NH; his fiancé Traci Doiron of Winchendon; two step-children, Jamieson and Mackenzie Rushia both of Winchendon; his step-mother, Susan Berry of Ohio; one brother, Charles Berry Jr. and his wife Angelica of Arizona; a sister, Shannon Collins of Manchester, NH; two step-brothers Ronald Prichard of Hampton, NH, and Michael Prichard and his wife Lorraine of Indiana, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Until we meet again, May the Road Rise Up to Meet You ...

A celebration of Matt’s life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Keene Knights, P.O. Box 248, Keene, NH 03431. Please reference in memory of Matthew A. Berry.

Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440, is handling the arrangements.

DOROTHY J. LEGREE
April 16, 1942 ~ May 5, 2020 (age 78)

WINCHENDON – Dorothy J. Legree, 78, formerly of 127 Ipswich Drive, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, May 5, 2020 in Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, with her family at her side.

She was born in Shirley on April 16, 1942, daughter of the late John and Marie (Lamore) Bulger and grew up in Shirley. She later moved to Fitchburg and Leominster before residing in Winchendon. Dorothy had lived in Gardner for the past few years.

Dorothy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who loved spending time with her family. An avid coffee drinker, Dorothy loved watching candlepin bowling, dancing and following the Boston Bruins. She was a member of Amvets Post #29 Ladies Auxiliary of Fitchburg.

She leaves her husband of 61 years, Roger N. Legree of Baldwinville; five children, Roger N. Legree Jr and his wife Claire of Winchendon, Robert W. Legree Sr and his wife Jessica of Winchendon, Irene Young and her significant other Chris Teeter of Baldwinville, Donna Scesny and her husband Donald of Fitchburg and Tina Pelletier and her significant other Dan Sweet of Winchendon; two brothers, Michael Bulger of Shirley and John Bulger of ME; 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at a later date in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

JOANNE M. HAJKOWSKI
July 2, 1933 ~ April 30, 2020 (age 86)

WINCHENDON – Joanne M. Hajkowski, 86, of 66 Hyde Park Drive, died peacefully Thursday, April 30, 2020 in her residence, with her family at her side.

She was born in Bridgewater, Maine on July 2, 1933, daughter of the late Donald and Maxine (Brewer) Hartley and had lived in Winchendon since 1982.

Joanne had worked as a residential counselor in a mental health home. She was a member of the Winchendon Golden Age Club and the Church of God.

Her husband, Bitold A. Hajkowski, died in 1990 and her brother, Donald E. Hartley died in 2011. She leaves a sister, Barbara L. McCall of Portsmouth, NH, nieces, nephews and a close friend, Elizabeth Stewart of Winchendon and her family, who acted as her caregivers.

Funeral services will be private.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner.

Memorial donations may be made Church of God Building Fund, 30 Beech Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

BARBARA E. (NADEAU) LAFRENNIE
July 20, 1949 ~ May 3, 2020 (age 70)

WINCHENDON - Barbara E. (Nadeau) Lafrennie, 70, of 51 Baldwinville State Rd Winchendon, died Sunday, May 3rd, at Health Alliance Hospital, Leominster.

She was born in Winchendon, MA. on July 20, 1949, daughter of the late Russell C. and Eleanor L (Monette) Nadeau and was a graduate of Murdock High School and Mt. Wachusett Community College with an Associate Degree in Accounting.

Barbara worked as Assistant Town Accountant at Town of Winchendon for over twenty years until her retirement in 2011. She worked many years ago at Fitchburg Paper Co and Heywood Hospital. Barbara also worked as the Assistant Librarian at Beals Memorial Library, and also at Amelia's, the once clothing store turned quilt shop on Central St.

She was a member of the Board of Directors for the Winchendon History and Cultural Center where she served at the 2nd Vice President. Barbara was also a board member of the Friends of Beals Memorial Library and served as the Treasurer. Her hobbies were quilting, reading, and walking. Barbara was the former Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Department and was also a founder of the PTO in Winchendon. She was honored with two Awards from Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce.

She leaves behind her husband Allen J Lafrennie, III. of Winchendon, whom she married April 19, 1969 and a daughter, Erika Lafrennie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Lois J. Gilbert of Ashburnham.

Private funeral services and burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ahimsa Haven.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

MARY F. JULIAN
January 6, 1950 ~ May 3, 2020 (age 70)

GARDNER – Mary F. (Macomber) Julian, 70, formerly of Winchendon and Gardner, died peacefully Sunday morning, May 3, 2020 in Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Athol.

She was born in Gardner on January 6, 1950, daughter of the late Clarence and Claire (Bailey) Macomber and grew up in Winchendon. Mary was a 1968 graduate of Murdock High School and a 1971 graduate of Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Worcester.

Mary had worked as a registered nurse and worked the night shift for Worcester area nursing homes. She lived at one time in New Jersey and then returned to Gardner, where she lived for several years until moving to Athol five years ago. Her hobbies were knitting, crocheting and reading.

She leaves a son Alexander R. Julian of Lincoln, Nebraska; two grandsons Jimmy and Andrew; three brothers, Robert Macomber of FL, Philip Macomber of ME and Brian Macomber of TX and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Macomber and Katherine Macomber.

Funeral services will be private.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

ROLAND O. MARTINEAU
April 22, 1924 ~ May 5, 2020 (age 96)

WINCHENDON – Roland O. Martineau, 96, formerly of Fitchburg, Harvard, Winchendon and Westminster, died peacefully Tuesday evening, May 5, 2020 in Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner.

He was born in Leominster on April 22, 1924, son of the late Leon and Blandine (Beland) Martineau and lived in Fitchburg for many years, where he raised his family. In recent years, he had lived in Harvard until moving to Winchendon and then Westminster.

Roland had worked as a welder at Fitchburg Welding for 28 years until his retirement at the age of 62. He later worked part time for another ten years. Roland proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy during World War Two. He enjoyed flying model airplanes and was an avid golfer. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Winchendon and was a former member of St. Theresa’s Church in Harvard.

His wife, Lucille (Leger) Martineau, died in 2012. He leaves four sons, Ronald Martineau and his wife Carol of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Peter Martineau and his wife Linda of Westminster, Jeffrey Martineau and his wife Lynn of Spencer and James Martineau and his wife Mary of Winchendon; twelve grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great great grandson.

Private funeral services will be held in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. A live webcast can be viewed by providing the funeral home with one’s email address.

Burial will be in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

Memorial donations may be made to Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472.