The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of September 30 to October 7, 2021

Obituaries

Robert G. Dufault Sr.

ROBERT G. DUFAULT SR.
June 16, 1940 ~ September 21, 2021 (Age 81)

Dracut - Robert G. Dufault, Sr. age 81, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at his home in Dracut surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Theresa N. (Perry) Dufault who passed away May 17, 2019.

He was born in Lowell on June 16, 1940, a son of the late Roland and Lillian (Drouin) Dufault. Bob was a resident of Dracut since 1970. He was devoted to his Catholic Faith and a communicant of St. Rita's Parish in Lowell where he was a member of the Adoration Society. He would enjoy meeting and praying with his friends at St. Joseph Shrine in Lowell.

Prior to his retirement, Bob was employed as an auto worker with General Motors in Framingham for 21 years and previously worked in the construction industry. Bob enjoyed going for walks, watching NASCAR, the Patriots and was a Friend of Bill W. Above all, he enjoyed being with his family and friends.

He is survived by his two children, Robert Dufault, Jr. and his wife, Michelle of Tyngsborough and Jo Anne Hamilton and her husband, Gary of Pepperell; his grandchildren, Collette Woodward and her husband, Donny of Ayer, Danielle Chiasson and her husband, Jonas of Winchendon, Derek Murphy and his wife, KayLee of Pepperell and Jacqueline Dufault and her fiancé Jacob LeVasseur of Dracut; one step grandchild Lindsey Hamilton and her son, James Dylan Livingston; great grandchildren, Lillian, Caleb, Zoie, Tristen, Lyrik, Autumn and Benjamin; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Pete Perry, William Perry and his wife Jane, Roland Cole and his wife Nancy and Claire Nutt, all of Dracut, Rita Gagnon and her husband Morris of Maine, Eileen Rousseau and her husband Armand, Patricia Perry and Lucille Perry, all of Dracut; also many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the hospice nurses from Merrimack Valley Hospice, his personal CNA, Collette Woodward, his personal barber, Donny Woodward and Eucharistic Ministers, Rose Paton and Therese Keoseian.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bob's life at the M. R. LAURIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 295 Pawtucket St., Lowell on Sunday, Sept. 26 from 1 to 4pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning at 11 o'clock at St. Rita Church, Lowell. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 To share your thoughts and memories of Bob, please visit www.laurinfuneralhome.com

Richard N. LaBrie

RICHARD N. LaBRIE
January 3, 1958 ~ September 27, 2021 (Age 63)

WINCHENDON - Richard N. LaBrie, 63, of Winchendon passed away at home Monday, September 27 2021, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born in Vicenza, Italy on January 3, 1958, son of the late Francis R. and Saveria (Vesciglia) LaBrie of Ayer.

At the age of 3 months Rick sailed to the United States when his father, then serving in the U.S. Army, was reassigned to Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He grew up in Ayer, graduating from Ayer High School in 1976. A deep interest in electronics led Rick to earn an A.S. in Electronic Technology from Mount Wachusett Community College. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves, graduating from the MOS 33S Electronics School at Fort Devens and serving his country for 15 years as a Reservist. He lived in Leominster for many years before moving to Winchendon with his family in 1995.

Over the span of his working career he worked at Whistler Corp., MA/Com, Neico Microwave, St. Gobain Norton Company, and Markem-Imaje in Keene, NH where he was employed when he retired.

Rick's life-long passions were hunting and fishing, electronics, and amateur radio. He proudly held an Extra license, the highest possible amateur radio license level. He was a long-time member of the Winchendon Rod & Gun Club. He also enjoyed cooking, woodworking, and playing cribbage with his family. He particularly enjoyed the cribbage battles with his brother-in-law.

He is survived by his wife Audrey (Hyde) LaBrie of Winchendon, two daughters, Jennifer Anderson and her husband Kevin of Winchendon, and Caroline LaBrie and her boyfriend Brandon McKowen of Ayer, a sister Carol LaBrie of Coeur D'alene, Idaho, a brother Roland Fortin and his wife Louise of Lewiston, Maine, two granddaughters Grace and Breelynn, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 5 to 8 P.M. and Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 1 to 3 P.M. with a funeral service Thursday at 3 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc., 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440.

Dr. John M. Croteau

DR. JOHN M. CROTEAU
December 9, 1934 ~ September 24, 2021 (Age 86)

Dr. John M. Croteau, 86, of Bedford, NH, formerly of Keene, NH, died September 24, 2021 after a short illness.

Born in Keene, NH on December 9, 1934, he was the son of the late Omer and Sybil (Harper) Croteau of East Swanzey, NH. Growing up during World War II, he admired his uncles who were fighting for our country. He was educated in the Keene, NH school system and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of NH. He earned his doctorate degree in Dental Medicine from Tufts Dental School. During his time in the US Navy, he was stationed in Boston, MA and following his active duty he remained in the reserves for several years.

Prior to retirement, Dr. Croteau owned and operated his own dental practice in Keene, NH for over 50 years and was a founding member of Delta Dental. He had been a long-standing member of the Keene, NH Lions Club. He volunteered his time to help the less fortunate by providing free dental care to local children.

He and his wife Suzanne enjoyed aviation, he piloting and she navigating their Cessna airplane, flying family and friends all over New England including the Cape and the Islands. An avid fisherman, he spent much of his time in the New Hampshire wilderness, teaching his children to respect nature and the love of fishing. He also liked hiking in the woods and skiing in the mountains with his loving family.

Dr. Croteau is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Suzanne (Vogeley) Croteau of Bedford, NH; his children Daniel L. Croteau and wife Miika Keerd of Hollis NH, Douglas M. Croteau and Diana Croteau of Winchester, NH, Nicolee L. Croteau of Winchendon, MA, Gabrielle (Croteau) Wiles of Gardner, MA, Andrew J. Croteau and Dana (Seehale) Croteau of Gloucester, MA, Marya L. Croteau of Concord, NH, Edward J. Croteau of Goffstown, NH, and Timothy J. Croteau of Gloucester, MA. And his grandchilderen Chantal Croteau, Alicia Ferreira, Johnny Croteau, Valerie Croteau, Victoria Croteau, Khyra Kelly, Cassie Hulecki, Luca Croteau, and many great grandchildren; brothers Scott L. Croteau of Winchester, NH, and Thomas M. Croteau of Rollingsford, NH; and many nephews and nieces.

Dr. Croteau was predeceased by his daughter Lynn M. Croteau, grandson Patrick Joseph Kelly, brother Gale H. Croteau of New Milford, CT and sister Kay E. Davis of Dover, NH.

Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, corner of North St, Manchester, NH will be Wednesday September 29th from 5 to 7 pm followed by a brief service in the funeral home chapel. Burial with military honors will be in the family lot at St. Joseph Cemetery, Keene, NH on Thursday September 30th, at 12:00 PM. Family requests that all attendees to wake and committal service where a mask.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.

ROBERT D. CLOUTIER
April 14, 1959 ~ September 25, 2021 (Age 62)

ROYALSTON, MA - Robert (Bob) D. Cloutier, 62, passed away on Saturday, September 25th, 2021 in Sebring, Florida.

He was born April 14, 1959 in Winchendon, MA to Wilfred and Virginia (Harris) Cloutier and grew up in South Royalston, MA. Bob graduated from Athol High School in 1977.

Bob worked as a carpenter in Massachusetts until about 1980 when he went west, working in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. He moved to Sebring, Florida about 1985 where he worked as an independent contractor until his death.

Bob leaves his mother, Virginia Cloutier of Waxhaw, NC; three sisters, Christine Taylor of Waxhaw, NC, Suzanne Strong and her husband, Kent, of Athol, MA Sandra Allard and her husband, Edward, of Ossipee, NH; two brothers, John Cloutier and his wife, Terry, of Royalston, MA and Gene Cloutier and his wife, Beth, of Orange, MA; many nieces and nephews; and also dear friends Becky and Chuck, Chrissy, Clara, Frank and Tom; and many more friends in Sebring, FL.

Bob was predeceased by his father, Wilfred (Bill) Cloutier.

There will be a memorial service in Sebring, FL and graveside services in Massachusetts will be private.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Elizabeth M. Leslie

ELIZABETH M. LESLIE
September 20, 2021 (Age 88)

Leslie, Elizabeth M. (Lips) Age 88, of Templeton, formerly of Concord and Lincoln, Sept. 20, 2021. Devoted wife for 62 years of the late Paul M. Leslie, Sr. She leaves her son Paul Leslie, Jr. and his partner Michelle Art of Winchendon, her daughter Cynthia Shaw of Templeton, her son Peter Leslie of North Carolina, her daughter Elizabeth Olivo and her husband Thomas of Leicester, her daughter Mary Leslie of Woburn; grandchildren: Valerie Ellison (Dwayne), Amy Fagan (Justin), Melissa Kearney (Nathan), Christopher Shaw (Laura), Amanda Shaw (Kristine), Joshua Leslie, Jacob Leslie, Morgan Leslie, Michael Olivo, Shawn Olivo; great-grandchildren Victoria and Gabriella Proctor, Emma and Justin Fagan, Kaleigh and Brayden Shaw, Alana Bonilla, Jack and Max Kearney; loving sister of the late Helen Pierce and grandmother to the late Julie Shaw, our little angel in heaven. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation on Monday, September 27th from 8:30 to 9:45 am in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, CONCORD CENTER. Funeral Mass at 10 am in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center. Burial at Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place, West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02455. For her full obituary and online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com Dee Funeral Home of Concord 978-369-2030 Caring for families since 1868

Danielle A. Deniso

DANIELLE A. DENISO
December 7, 1990 ~ September 20, 2021 (Age 30)

GARDNER - Danielle A. Deniso, 30, of 85 Ridgewood Lane, died Monday, September 20, 2021.

She was born in Boston on December 7, 1990, daughter of Judith (Brown) Deniso of Winchendon and the late Daniel Deniso.

Danielle had a very big heart and enjoyed helping people. She loved animals and enjoyed nature and outdoor activities, such as swimming and taking long walks. She also enjoyed crafting and writing.

In addition to her mother Judith, she leaves s sister, Charlene Deniso and her beloved cat Shadow.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon will be held Friday, October 1, 2021 from 5 to 7 P.M. with a funeral service at 7 P.M.

Irene E. Lambert

IRENE E. LAMBERT
April 20, 1935 ~ September 19, 2021 (Age 86)

Irene E. Lambert, 86, of Jaffrey, died peacefully at Langdon Place in Keene, while surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 19, 2021, after a period of failing health.

She was born on April 20, 1935, in Winchendon MA, the eldest daughter of the late Maurice and Laura (Rivard) LaBarge. Irene was raised and educated in Winchendon. She married the love of her life, Francis T. Lambert and enjoyed 50 years together.

In addition to raising her family, Irene held jobs at NHBB in Peterborough, Dyno Manufacturing in Jaffrey, and D.D. Beans in Jaffrey. She was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Parish, in Jaffrey.

Irene’s love of travel took her and her Francis to all 49 states on their Honda Goldwing, motorcycle. She was instrumental in getting the NH Chapter E, Honda Goldwing club formed, along with Francis and Ken Clark. Rallies were held all around New England, making many lifelong friends. Irene was New Hampshire’s first woman to do the 4 corners of the continental United States, on their motorcycle.

In 1997, the couple bought a motor home, and traveled extensively, enjoying the RV lifestyle. After selling their RV, in 2012, Irene and Francis purchased a home in Leesburg, FL and loved the Florida lifestyle, leaving behind the snowy NH winters.

Irene loved walking, knitting, country music concerts, her dachshunds, reading, and cooking for family. Her NY Style cheesecakes were a family favorite on the holidays. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, having so much fun with them, and teaching them many things.

Mrs. Lambert is survived by her husband, Francis T. Lambert of Jaffrey; her only daughter, Janice M. Hautanen and her husband Bruce of Jaffrey; her sons, James C. Pickford and his fiancé Cathy of Rindge, NH, David M. Pickford and his wife Lisa of Custer, SD and Stephen J. Pickford and his wife Suzanne of North Franklin, CT; her 3 siblings, Nancy R. Willcox of Winchendon, MA, Sherman E. LaBarge of Fryeburg, ME and Rita M. Carpenter of Milford, CT; 12 grandchildren, Stacie Baez, of Jaffrey, Julie Callahan of Chester NH, Andrew Hautanen of Jaffrey, Jennipher Pickford of Sprague, CT, Jeffrey Pickford of Griswold, CT, Kaylan Pickford of Burrillville, RI, Kylie Pickford of North Franklin, CT, Kelsey Mire, of Woodbridge, VA, Katie Roe, of Rapid City, SD, Anna Peachey of Piedmont, SD. In addition, she is survived by 12 great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, a brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her grandson, Thomas Pickford on November 29, 2011, brother Paul A. LaBarge on October 6, 2018, and brother-in-law Howard Carpenter on August 12, 2021.

There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Life will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Irene's name may be made to Make-A-Wish® New Hampshire, 814 Elm Street, Suite 300, Manchester, NH 03101-2230.

Ivan G. Wood

IVAN G. "SKIP" WOOD
June 16, 1943 ~ September 28, 2021 (Age 78)

WINCHENDON - Ivan G. "Skip" Wood, 78, of 334 Front Street, died peacefully Tuesday evening, September 28th in Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner.

He was born in Lancaster, NH on June 16, 1943, son of the late Ivan C. and Winonah (Balch) Wood and lived in Winchendon for most of his life. Skip was a 1963 graduate of Murdock High School.

Skip worked 17 years at the former National Seat Manufacturing. A member of Artisan Lodge of Masons, he was a former marshall, inside sentinel and custodian. An outdoor enthusiast, Skip enjoyed hunting, fishing as well as playing cribbage, his guitar, cooking and enjoying time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Skip entertained many friends and family by playing his harmonica. Skip was a member of the United Parish and had been a Sunday School teacher at the former First Baptist Church.

His wife of 56 years, June L. (Gauthier) Wood, died in 2018. He leaves his children Lee F. Wood and his wife Kim of Fitchburg, Gardner I. Wood and his wife Brandy of Winchendon, Ryan B. Wood and wife Becca of Winchendon, Crystal Wood of Gardner and Christina Moomaw and husband Brandon of Athol; brothers Larry Wood and wife Becky of Winchendon, Nathan Wood and wife Kelly of Winchendon and Roger K. Wood and his wife Kathy of AZ; twelve grandchildren; two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Skip was preceded in death by sons Darren C. Wood in 1999 and Casey Michael Wood, who died as an infant.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 3, 2021 at 2 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendoon.

Calling hours will precede the service from 1 to 2 P.M. Sunday.

Memorial contributions may be made to The United Parish, 39 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Ellen Rawding

ELLEN RAWDING
May 6, 1960 ~ September 18, 2021 (Age 61)

Ellen (Claffey) Rawding, 61, of Fort Wayne, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

Ellen was born on May 6, 1960, in Hartford, CT to Robert V. and Catherine (Russell) Claffey, and was raised in East Hartford, CT. Ellen graduated from George J. Penney High School in June 1978. On May 13, 1989, she married Brian Rawding in East Hartford, and they made their home in Middletown, CT until May 2001, when they relocated to Fort Wayne. Ellen worked for Lincoln Financial Group for the last 12 years. Ellen was a member and Past Exalted Ruler (President) of the Auburn Elks Lodge #1978. The Elks held a special place in Ellen's heart, and she gained many, many friends through the Elks – not only locally, but across Indiana and the country.

In addition to her loving husband, Brian, Ellen is survived by her father, Robert Claffey, Sr. of Glastonbury, CT; her father-in-law, Norman Rawding of South Paris, ME; her sisters Mary Priest of Sparks, MD, Ann (Bud) Bradley of East Hartford, CT, Kathleen (Robert) Dziedzic of Siloam Springs, AR; her brothers Robert (Lori) Claffey, Jr., of East Hartford, CT; Richard Claffey of Newington, CT; and Dennis (Patty) Claffey of Manchester, CT; her in-laws Larry Rawding of Winchendon, MA; Lynn (Dan) Reynolds of Oxford, ME; Randy (Rochelle) Rawding of Oxford, ME; and Melinda (Marc) Pontbriand of Lewiston, ME. Ellen also leaves her dear friend and "Indiana Sister", Patricia (Dorsey) Brown of Waterloo. Ellen was the most loving and devoted "Auntie" to all her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews: Melissa, Louie, Sara, Sean, Maelan, Vinnie, Belle, Seamus, Arieana, Ken (Anna), Kelly (Matt), Matthew (Julie), Faith (Steve), Randy, Israelle, Kristina, Carter, Lincoln, Ava, Ingrid, Reagan, Micah, Malachi, Matthias, and Titan.

Calling will be from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, with the Elks Memorial Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Rd., Fort Wayne, with additional calling one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. Everyone is asked to go directly to Church on Wednesday. A Memorial Service will be held in Connecticut at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen's memory are requested to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614. For online condolences please visit www.mccombandsons.com

Marie Pelletier

EDNA MARIE PELLETIER
February 2, 1944 ~ September 24, 2021 (Age 77)

Edna "Marie" Pelletier, 77 of Jaffrey, NH died in the comfort and love of her daughters home, in Jaffrey, on Friday, Sept 24, 2021, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on February 2, 1944, in Winchendon, Ma, the daughter of the late Felix A and Edna C (Parks) Lafond. Growing up in Winchendon, she was a 1962 graduate of Murdock High School.

She moved to Jaffrey in 1964 with her husband where she raised her family until moving to Oregon for about 9 years. She moved back to Jaffrey in 2000 and was a resident since.

She worked for NEBS for many years before taking a job at Millipore where she worked until her retirement in 2009.

She was a stubborn, sassy mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and coworker who absolutely loved spending time with her family. She loved them all, equally. She enjoyed reading, doing puzzles or going out on the hunt for the next great rock to add to her collection.

She is survived by her loving children: Theresa M Dupuis and her husband Anthony of Winchendon, Ma., Bert J Pelletier of Jaffrey, Lucien J Pelletier, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Sweet Home, Or., Correl A Gallagher and her husband Alex of Jaffrey and her God child: Garry Lafond of Dublin; her siblings: Felix E Lafond and his wife Doris of Sweet Home, Or., James Lafond of Scio, Or., and Anita Landgren and her husband Paul of Lacomb, Or.; as well as 6 grandchildren: April, Lisa, Michael, Caleb, Kyle and Lexi and 4 Great grandchildren: Natalia, Evelyn, Zoey and Logan. She was predeceased by her parents, and a sister: Judith Potter.

There will be no public calling hours, services will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marie Pelletier's name, to Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services (www.hcsservices.org), PO Box 564, 312 Marlboro St, Keene, NH 03431 or to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

Raymond B. Anderson

RAYMOND B. ANDERSON
September 13, 1935 ~ September 21, 2021 (Age 86)

ATHOL - Raymond B. Anderson, 86, of Athol, died Tuesday, September 21, 2021 in Backus Hospital, Norwich, CT.

He was born in Wilton, NH on September 13, 1935, son of the late Raymond B. and Irene (Perrault) Anderson and had lived in Athol for four years. Ray had previously lived in Connecticut, South Carolina, North Carolina and New Hampshire.

A proud veteran of the Korean war, Ray served as a paratrooper in the United States Army. An avid golfer, Ray was a member of Eugen M. Connor Post 193 American Legion, Winchendon. Ray had worked as a manager for Avco Lycoming Company in CT. In earlier years, he had worked for General Electric.

He leaves his wife of 60 years, Norma (Blake) Anderson; four sons, Matt Anderson and his wife Leslie of VT, Ronald Anderson and his wife Shelly of Athol, Donald Anderson of New Hampshire, and Ira Anderson and his wife Ann Marie of Malden, MA; two brothers, Donald Anderson of Lyndeborough, NH and Wayne Anderson of Michigan; a sister, Connie Livin of Wilton, NH and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private.

Burial will be in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon at a later date.

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

Maurice M. Fournier

MAURICE M. FOURNIER
May 10, 1942 ~ September 29, 2021 (Age 79)

EAST BRIDGEWATER - Maurice M. Fournier, 79, of East Bridgewater, died peacefully Wednesday, September 29, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Peterborough, NH on May 10, 1942, son of the late Richard and Adouilda (Bibeau) Fournier and grew up in Winchendon, where he graduated from Murdock High School. His beloved wife of 56 years, Carol A. (Carrier) Fournier, died last year. He was the devoted father of Scott Fournier, James Fournier and Derek Fournier; proud grandfather of Kristina Riley; Elizabeth, Zachary, Andrea, Joshua and Hannah and he had the pleasure to become a great grandfather of Adalynn Rose. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a brother, Robert Fournier.

Maurice proudly served as a sailor in the United States Navy, where he learned to weld. Maurice was retired, previously employed by Westinghouse as a welder. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite Boston teams. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. An avid woodworker, he enjoyed making toys for his grandchildren to enjoy.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 4, 2021 at 10 AM in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

A calling hour precede the funeral Monday from 9 to 10 A.M.

Burial, with military honors, will be in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.