The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of January 13 to January 20, 2022

Obituaries

Linda and Frank J. Skawski

LINDA SKAWSKI
FRANK J. SKAWSKI, JR.
January 4, 2022

HATFIELD, MA - Frank J. Skawski, Jr. and Linda Skawski both passed away on January 4, 2022, marking 60 years of marriage. Frank Jr. was born on May 10, 1939 to Frank and Julia Skawski of South Deerfield, MA. Linda was born on September 22, 1943 to Andrew and Sophie Rup of Whately, MA. Frank Jr. graduated from Smith Vocational High School and Linda graduated from Frontier Regional High School. The two were married on October 7, 1961. Frank Jr. then served in the Army for two years before going to work at Center Millwork in Northampton, MA as a finish Carpenter. Linda became a mother and later went to work at Bradlees in Northampton.

Originally settling in Easthampton, MA, the two moved their family to Hatfield in 1978. Shortly after, Frank Jr. lost his job when Center Millwork closed, so he went to work at the University of Massachusetts. It was during this time that Frank and Linda started Skawski Farms. Although the family has become well-known over the years for selling their flowers and vegetable plants, the couple also raised cucumbers and cabbage in the early years before focusing on the greenhouses with their eldest son, Frank, who became a full time employee and manager of the business with his brother Michael. Frank Jr. can best be remembered for his polka music blasting in the greenhouse by his seeding bench, while customers chatted with Linda at the front register about their plants, families, and local happenings. Both had been less active in recent years as other family members slowly took over the responsibilities of the greenhouses.

Family was important to Frank Jr. and Linda. The family gathered once a month for birthdays, celebrated family milestones and holidays, and took deep sea fishing trips to stay in touch.

The couple leave children: Cathleen Reed and her partner Jonathan Roach of Hadley, MA; Frank A. Skawski and his partner Laurie Sinon of Whately, MA; Joseph Skawski and his wife Otilia of Winchendon, MA; Dianne Skawski-Pride and her husband Jeffrey Pride of Stetson, ME; and Michael Skawski and his wife Melani of Hatfield, MA. Frank and Linda also leave grandchildren: Miguel Gonzalez and his fiancee Vikki Makkiya; Jennifer Neuman and her husband Taylor; Jacqueline Skawski, Andrew Reed and his fiancée Courtney Ferguson; Anthony Reed and his wife Heather; Robert Reed, Madeline Skawski, Vanessa Skawski, Nina Skawski, Katelyn Phelps, and Hunter Skawski-Pride. Great-grandchildren include Kennedy and Theodore Neuman.

There will be a private service for immediate family only. Burial will take place at a later date along with a celebration of life. Arrangements are under the direction of Wrisley Funeral Home of South Deerfield.

Isaac Timothy Tatro

ISAAC TIMOTHY TATRO
December 21, 1980 ~ January 1, 2022 (Age 41)

Winchendon, MA - Isaac Timothy Tatro "Tate", 41, passed away unexpectedly on January 1st, 2022 at his home in Winchendon MA. Isaac was born in Gardner MA at Heywood Hospital on December 21st, 1980, to Timothy and Deirdre Tatro. Isaac attended Murdock High School in Winchendon, MA.

He leaves behind his mother Deirdre Tatro of Gardner, MA, his son Dominic Tatro of Haverhill, MA, his brother Ian Tatro and his wife Raven of Ashburnham, MA, and two sisters Sara Tatro and Rachel Strait both of Baldwinville, MA. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends. He was predeceased by his father Timothy Tatro in June 2021.

Isaac was known for his big heart. He loved his family and friends, and was a very proud father of his son Dominic. He enjoyed riding his bike, fishing, spending time with family and friends, especially his brother Ian with whom he had a close relationship and was his best friend, and his greatest pride and joy, his son Dominic. He had many friends that loved him. He will be greatly missed by all.

A GoFundMe in his name has been created to help cover costs of services and a celebration of life. Any remaining funds from donations will be given to his son Dominic Tatro. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, February 19th from 1-5 at the American Legion in Winchendon, MA.

Michael G. Mansfield

MICHAEL G. MANSFIELD
December 23, 1952 ~ January 7, 2022 (Age 69)

WINCHENDON - Michael G. Mansfield, 69, of Winchendon, died peacefully Friday night, January 7, 2022 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, with his family at his side.

He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 23, 1952, son of the late Paul E. and Barbara (Earls) Mansfield. Mike was a graduate of Framingham South High School and had lived in Winchendon for 31 years.

Mike had worked as a supervisor at PHEOP in Waltham for 15 years and later worked as facilities manager for Park Lodge Hotel in Waltham. In earlier years, Mike had worked as a welder, carpenter and machine operator.

An avid outdoorsman and hunter, Mike was a member of Winchendon Rod and Gun Club, National Rifle Association and National American Hunting Club. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Winchendon and St. Vincent de Paul Church, Baldwinville, and was a former member of the Sons of the American Legion. In addition to hunting and fishing, Mike enjoyed old coin collecting, following New England professional sports teams, barbecuing, reading, watching old western movies and history. He and his wife enjoyed trips around New England and spending time with family and friends. He especially loved his annual Game Dinners with all of his hunting buddies to share hunting stories and wild game.

He leaves his wife of 30 years, Mary Ellen (Chisholm) Mansfield; children, Paul Mansfield and wife Nan of Norwood, Connor Mansfield and partner Chris Smith of Leominster and Kelly Mansfield of Athol; nieces, nephews and two grandnieces, Remy and Rory. A son, Sean Mansfield; two sisters, Paula Miller and Therese Arvin and a nephew, Matthew Poyner preceded him in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made to Matthew Vernon Poyner Foundation, PO Box 308, Great Falls, VA 22066, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Restoration Fund, Winchendon or St. Vincent de Paul Church, Baldwinville.

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

Carol Ann Dube

CAROL ANN DUBE
January 5, 2022 (Age 83)

Carol Ann (Jacques) Dube, beloved wife of Richard Joseph Dube for 62 years, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2022, surrounded by family, at age 83. She was born in Gardner, MA, and graduated from Gardner High School in 1956. Through a nearly lifelong struggle with multiple sclerosis, Carol always maintained a compassionate and positive attitude and was loved by those who knew her.

Carol was the daughter of the late Wilfred E. and Dorothea (Cardinal) Jacques. From 1967 to the present, she has been a resident of Billerica, MA.

After graduating from high school, she was secretary to the Superintendent of Schools of Gardner, MA. Following her marriage to Richard Dube on December 26, 1959, she moved from Gardner to Amherst, MA. She then worked at The University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst, in the Dairy and Animal Science Dept. while her husband attended Engineering School at UMass, Amherst.

Carol and her husband left Amherst in 1962 and after several moves settled in Billerica, MA, in 1967. She became an active communicant of St. Theresa Church and was Director of Religious Education at St. Theresa from 1978 to 1987. One of her greatest loves was St. Theresa's Giving Tree Project that she directed for 17 years.

Carol sang with various groups at St. Theresa Church services from 1980 to 2006, including harmonizing with her daughter Dawn-Marie. She also was active with the St. Theresa Women's Sodality (now St. Theresa Women's Club) at the Church for about 10 years as a Lifetime Member.

Outside of church activities, Carol enjoyed attending concerts, spending time on the computer, reading extensively, doing jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, cross-stitch, and traveling. Her most special trip was up the Pacific coast with a stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a place she had always wanted to visit.

In addition to the love of her life, Richard (originally from Winchendon, MA), she leaves her daughter and her daughter's husband, Dawn-Marie (Dube) Sutton and Jeffrey A. Sutton of Westford, MA; her two sisters Linda Stewart and Suzanne Reynolds both of Leominster, MA. Beloved friends who enriched her life with their compassion: the late Patricia Kent of Burlington, MA; Louise Lavigne of Billerica, MA; Ruthie Elliott of Billerica, MA; and Debra Anderson of Melrose, MA.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Theresa Church, Billerica on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 10am. A mask mandate is in effect. The family asks that attendees refrain from hugging, kissing, and shaking hands during the ceremony. A simple smile and nod of expressed sympathy will be all that is required. Due to COVID-19, there will be no post-funeral reception. Burial will be private. No visiting hours. Burns Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Carol's memory to Easter Seals (http://www.easterseals.com/ways-to-give/) or Covenant House (https://www.covenanthouse.org/donation-options/donate-now).