ESTHER JANE RICHARDSON
September 20, 1931 ~ September 1, 2021 (Age 89)

Esther Jane (Lawrence) Richardson died at Leland of Laurel Run, Waynesboro, PA on September 1, 2021, 19 days before her 90th birthday.

She was born in Winchendon, MA on September 20, 1931 to Rodney W. Lawrence and Pauline (Rogstad) Lawrence. She was married to the late Roy Vernon Richardson, Sr. She graduated from Murdock High School and lived most of her life in Winchendon and Westminster, MA moving to Maryland and Pennsylvania in her later years.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Richardson and son-law, Ed Briggs of Waynesboro, PA; grandson Joshua Richardson and family, Kimberly, Kalel, and Brayden; grandson Daniel and Amii Richardson and family, Reece, Hayden and Landon. Two sisters-in-law, Elmina and Joyce Lawrence, plus many nieces, nephews and their children also survive her. In addition to her husband, her son Roy V. Richardson, Jr. and his wife Kathleen and her three sisters and four brothers predecease her.

Esther was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She enjoyed sending and receiving birthday, holiday, and "just because" cards, notes and photos to keep in close touch with a big family and many friends. She loved people, parties, traveling, painting, writing, fishing, rainbows, the ocean, Christmas, the Patriots and Celtics, and music. Most of all, she treasured time with family and friends and sharing her joy in life with her broad smile and ready laugh. She was actively involved in 4-H when she was young and later started a highly successful 4-H program in Westminster, MA.

Esther was also involved with various church activities throughout her life. She was especially proud of her Norwegian heritage and traveled to Norway with her daughter to visit the old country relatives and the Rogstad family farm there.

An outdoor memorial service will be held at the Old Centre Church, 10 Old Centre, Winchendon, MA on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 2:00 PM. Please bring a chair, wear a mask and if older than 21 and not vaccinated, send your greetings and condolences remotely. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Esther's name to the Richardson/Lawrence Family Scholarship Fund would be appreciated. Contributions should be made payable to Karen Richardson, 514 Hollengreen Drive, Waynesboro, PA 17268.

DAVID A. BEERS
April 14, 1936 ~ October 3, 2021 (Age 85)

WINCHENDON - David A. Beers, 85, of Winchendon, died peacefully Sunday evening, October 3, 2021 in Alliance Health at Baldwinville.

He was born in Fitchburg on April 14, 1936, son of the late Charles A. and Laura E. (Downing) Beers and lived in Rindge, NH before moving to Winchendon.

David had worked as a material handler for Nielson and Bainbridge Co. in Townsend until his retirement in 2001. He proudly served his country for twenty years as a member of the United States Army. Dave was a member and former Sergeant of Arms of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion and was a member of Winchendon Golden Age Club. He was also a member and usher for many years at Fitzwilliam Community Church. Dave was an avid bingo player.

He leaves a son, Richard Beers; a brother, Charles A. Beers and his wife Catherine of Winchendon; many nephews, great nieces, great nephews; great great nieces and great great nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 8, 2021 at 10 A.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. Burial will follow in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.

Calling hours in the funeral home are Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 5 to 7 P.M.

JAMES BYRNE
December 17, 1922 ~ September 16, 2021 (Age 98)

Boise, Idaho - In this moment of profound loss let us not just recall the memories of the man, James Byrne, but the values he shared with all who knew him: spirituality, generosity, humor and the joy of a loving family.

Jim Byrne passed away on September 16, 2021. He was 98. Born December 17, 1922, at home on his parents' farm in Richfield, Idaho, and christened James Andrew, he lived a long and honorable life dedicated to his family, buoyed by a steadfast faith in God's love and forgiveness.

Jim was the second of five children born to Patrick Byrne, an Irish immigrant, and Alpha Peterson. He grew up during the Depression working with the livestock on the family farm. His childhood experiences taught him the value of hard work and perseverance. Upon graduation from Richfield High School in 1941, Jim accepted a job with Morrison-Knudson Construction Company and set sail for the territory of Hawaii. He was put to work as a rigger in Honolulu Harbor.

Just ten days before his eighteenth birthday, Jim witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor and assisted the military with the aftermath. This experience had a profound effect on him. He joined the Navy, learned Morse Code, and served as a radioman on the USS Grimes, an attack transport for the Marines. Jim experienced Kamikaze attacks and saw action in the Pacific landing with the Marines on an LST at Iwo Jima. He was training for the invasion of Japan when they surrendered. In September of 1945, Jim was among those who went ashore in Nagasaki and observed the aftermath of the atomic bomb. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946.

James then settled in Boise, Idaho and went to work at the VA hospital where he met Lucille Catherine Wander, whom he married on September 7, 1946. Using the G.I. Bill, he attended Boise Junior College majoring in pre-med. He graduated in 1948. Jim then went to the University of Idaho in Moscow where the ROTC supplied him with 2 shirts, 2 gabardine pants, 2 pairs of shoes and a stipend of $27 a month. The death of his father, and the needs of his growing family forced him to leave the University of Idaho after one year. Later, he completed a Bachelors Degree in Engineering from Phoenix College in Encanto, Phoenix, AZ.

Initially, Jim worked as a lineman for the AT&T telephone company in Boise, Idaho. In 1954, Jim, Lucille, and their five children moved to Phoenix, AZ where he trained as a telephone engineer. While in Phoenix, Jim and Lucille added three more children to the family. Practicing Catholics, they sent their children to parochial school, and made daily prayer a part of their lives. Jim joined Toastmasters and worked to become a confident public speaker. In 1963 he happily returned the family to Idaho when he was offered a position in the Engineering Department in Twin Falls. Two years later the family moved to Idaho Falls where he served as District Engineer for 13 years. He then worked as a staff engineer in Boise until his retirement in 1984.

Jim and Lucille enjoyed golfing and playing bridge during the winter at Lake Havasu, AZ and at Terrace Lakes, Idaho during the summer. Later in her life, Lucille was afflicted with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis, and Jim lovingly cared for her at home until her death in 1995. With his children's blessing he found love again and married Elizabeth Henshaw. They had 15 wonderful years together. She predeceased him in 2012.

Jim valued physical fitness and exercised daily. He was an avid golfer and practiced the game into his 90's. He believed in public service, and regularly volunteered his time with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the St. Mary's Food Bank. He was an active member of St. Mary's Parish in Boise.

Jim Byrne is survived by all eight of his children, Patricia McGrath (Tom) of Boise, Jimmette England of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Christina Fontana (Dominic) of Saranac Lake, NY, Nicol Wander of Winchendon, MA, Michael Byrne (Jill Evans) of Whitney, TX, Loreen Byrne of Meridian, ID, Geralyn Pasta (Rick) of Boise, ID and John Byrne (Claudia) of Lewis Center, OH. James Byrne leaves 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Fred Byrne (Heather) of Nampa, and a cousin, Thomas Byrne of Boise. He was predeceased by two brothers, Patrick and John and one sister, Jeanne Bluemer.

Grandchildren: Tim, Joey, Shenee, Cortney, Joseph, Clara, Mary, Angela, Isaac, Jason, DJ (Dustin James), Rachel, Renae, Jake. 14

Great grandchildren: Brielle, Shane, Taylor, Ryan, Samantha, Savannah, Brody, Brea, Jack, Noelle, Jordan, Aaron, Logan, Tracer, Everly 15

James Andrew Byrne was dedicated to his family. He had a reputation for honesty, gentlemanly manners and a wonderful sense of humor. His life made the world a better place. He was a beautiful person in every sense of the word. He will be missed.

Special thanks to Jim's brother, Fred Byrne and his wife Heather for their devoted weekly visits that buoyed James' spirit until he passed; Natalie English who lovingly cared for James for the last 10 years of his life; The staff at Edgewood Castle Hills for their dedicated care and attentiveness; Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care and tenderness that allowed James to pass in comfort and peace.

A Life Celebration is to be planned for Summer 2022. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested any donations to be made to the St. Mary's Food Bank, (208) 345-2734, 3890 W State St, Boise, ID 83703, https://www.stmarysfoodbankboise.com/

JOHN A. MIZHIR
October 2, 1941 ~ September 30, 2021 (Age 79)

WINCHENDON - It is with great sadness that the family of John A. Mizhir announces his death on September 30, 2021 at the age of 79 years.

He was born to George and Adele Nassif Mizhir in Winchendon where he grew up and lived most of his life.

John leaves his wife of 55 years, Judith (Kut) Mizhir, a daughter Cassandra Mizhir and her partner Ernest Johnson, a son John predeceased him; three grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Joseph and George, and one sister Lorraine predeceased him.

John graduated from Murdock High School in the class of ‘59, Worcester Junior College, Boston University with an MBA and Suffolk University School of Law.

After completing law school John returned to his home town of Winchendon and established a thriving law practice and was a respected attorney in the area. His care and concern for his clients was a priority in his practice. He retired in 2007.

He served on the Board of Directors at the Colonial Cooperative Bank for 30 years. He was awarded a commendation from the Gardner Chamber of Commerce for the improvements he made to his property on Central St. in Winchendon. He was a longtime member of the Northern Worcester County Bar Association.

John enjoyed golfing, skiing, hunting with his dog Blacker and riding his lawn tractor. He also enjoyed good times at his vacation home in Jackson, NH and even climbed Mt. Washington under duress.

John loved his family and friends with his whole heart There was never a dull moment when he was around. There is much about his life to be remembered with a smile.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.

A calling hour will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 P.M. preceding the service. Following funeral services, a get together will be held at Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion, 295 School Street, Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Building Fund, 72 Spruce Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.