The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of January 18 to January 25, 2024

Obituaries

Karen Enright

KAREN ENRIGHT
September 21, 1964 ~ January 3, 2024 (Age 59)

Karen Marie (Scott) Enwright, 59, of 127B Ipswich Drive, Winchendon, died at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester on January 3, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

Karen was born in Bangor, Maine on September 21, 1964. Daughter of George R. Scott and the late Jeannine (Cormier) Scott, she lived in Fitchburg for many years before moving to Winchendon. She married her beloved husband, Timothy J. Enwright, on May 2, 1999.

Before becoming ill, Karen worked at C&S Wholesale Grocers for many years, as well as Victory Supermarket in their billing department. Family was most important to Karen. She enjoyed every moment she spent with her children and grandchildren. She loved cooking, baking, and watching her favorite shows on the Cooking channel and the Cozy network. Those who knew Karen would agree she was always willing to help others in the name of friendship and love.

Aside from her husband, Karen is survived by her Father, George R. Scott of Winchendon; two daughters, Nicole M. Lucier of Gardner, and Cassandra M. Enwright and her boyfriend Matthew Laliberte of Gardner; one son, Timothy F. Enwright and his wife Kaitlin of Leominster; two grandsons, Collin and Isaiah; one granddaughter, Althea, soon to be born in April of this year; three brothers, Ted W. Scott of Winchendon, Russell R. Scott of Winchendon, and Richard L. Scott of Winchendon; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Brunell of Fitchburg and Andrea Eyles of Westminster; two brothers-in-law, Francis Enwright and his wife Katherine of Windham, NH, and Michael Enwright and his wife Patricia of Chelmsford; and many nieces and nephews. Karen was predeceased by her mother, Jeannine (Cormier) Scott.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the American Heart Association.

Adam Messier

ADAM J. MESSIER
August 23, 1978 ~ September, 2017 (Age 39)

We are heartbroken to announce that Adam J. Messier was taken from us in September of 2017. After more than six long years, we finally will be able to put Adam to rest.

Adam was born on August 23, 1978 in Springfield, MA. He graduated from Murdock High School in Winchendon, MA in 1996 and in 1998, he followed in his father's footsteps by enlisting in the US Navy.

Adam had an accomplished military career and was a highly specialized Petty Officer. He was an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman First Class, an Aviation Warfare Specialist, and a Naval Parachutist. Adam could do things only a few others could do. His achievements include becoming a Static-Line Jumpmaster, a Military Free-Fall Parachute Jumpmaster, a Helicopter Rope Suspension Technician Master, and a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) Jumpmaster.

While stationed in Guam, Adam was assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit FIVE. Navy EOD Technicians undergo specialized training and are members of the Naval Special Operations community. Adam's unit, EODMU-5, provides mine countermeasures as well as joint expeditionary and special operations forces for missions within the Western Pacific.

Adam was deployed overseas during the Iraq War, earning the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the National Defense Service medal. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal three times, awarded for outstanding professional leadership or acheivement. He earned the esteemed Gold Parachutist Badge, commonly referred to as "Jump Wings." Because of his skill level, Adam was selected to train others and became a certified Naval Parachutist Instructor. He took great pride in his ability to train others.

Adam greatly enjoyed visiting his mom Patti's middle school class, showing off his gear, teaching students about the military, and telling stories about jumping out of planes. He even took his mom tandem sky diving!

Adam served on the USS Wasp and eventually moved to Guam where he was stationed. It was there that he met his wife Joanne and his stepdaughters Stephanie and Rhiannon. Adam and Joanne married in 2004, and in 2006, welcomed their son Jesse, named after Adam's late maternal grandfather to whom he was especially close.

Adam loved being a father more than anything. He was a proud and involved father to his children. Adam and Jesse enjoyed playing video games together and shared a love of Star Wars. To quote their favorite movies, "No one's ever really gone."

Adam leaves behind parents Jim and Patti Messier of Winchendon, MA; wife Joanne and son Jacintho "Jesse" Messier of Inalahan, GU; step-daughter USAF Staff Sergeant Stephanie Vitkovitsky of San Antonio, TX; step-daughter Rhiannon Bartlett of Inalahan, GU; sister Nicole Doak and her husband Kevin of Framingham, MA; brother Matthew Messier and his wife Hanna of Sandy, OR; and sister Danielle Pineo and her husband Andy of Winchendon, MA. Adam was an uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Adam was predeceased by paternal grandparents Walter and Freda Messier of Feeding Hills, MA and maternal grandparents Jacintho "Jesse" and Jean Henriques of Ludlow, MA.

Adam's life will be honored and celebrated on Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475. Visiting hours will start at 11am with a 1pm funeral service.

Burial will be at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

All are invited to attend.

Because flowers are not allowed at the Veteran's Cemetery, Adam's family asks that donations be made to the Friends of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, PO Box 264, Winchendon, MA 01475. Adam was always willing to help others however he could. So, in lieu of flowers, please honor Adam's memory by helping other veterans.

To leave a message of condolence or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.stone-ladeau.com.

Judith R. Janssens

JUDITH R. JANSSENS
November 7, 1940 ~ January 9, 2024 (Age 83)

Judith R. Janssens, age 83, of Gardner, MA, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024 at Heywood Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the devoted wife of Neil W. Janssens.

Judith was born on November 7, 1940, in Winchendon, MA, to the late Frederick and Ruth (Sarkin) Spaulding. She graduated from Murdock High School, Winchendon, in 1958. She spent the rest of her life in Gardner. Judith met Neil, became inseparable, and got married in 1959. They moved to Gardner after getting married, beginning their family by welcoming their first child on May 10, 1960. She took on her most important role, being an attentive and loving stay-at-home mom. Her four children were her life, and she enjoyed every moment with them. Judith was the assistant manager of Book Corner from 1979 until 1985. After that, she went to work at the Registry of Motor Vehicles from 1985 until retiring in 1997.

Judith was an avid reader, often knitting to pass the time, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time taking care of her grandchildren. You could find her tending to her garden and trying to teach her passion for gardening to her family as well. She never once missed a sporting event that her children and grandchildren had. Judith was a member of The Retired State County and Municipal Employee Association and was also a Notary Public.

Judith is predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Ruth (Sarkin) Spaulding, her oldest child Deborah Ann Janssens, her brother Robert Spaulding, and her sister Dorothy Dahl. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years Neil W. Janssens, her children Scott Janssens and wife Cynthia, Robin Gravel and significant other Gary Duprey, and Barry Janssens and wife Colleen. She also leaves behind her seven grandchildren Jessica Dupuis, Meghan Mclaughlin, Christina Morse, Adam Gravel, Jillian Gravel, Amanda Janssens, and Sarah Janssens, along with her 6 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Jude Hospital, www.stjude.org/give

A private graveside will take place at a later date in the spring.

Arrangements are under the care of Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St. Gardner, MA 01440.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.

Frances G. Mills

FRANCES G. MILLS
January 2, 1954 ~ January 13, 2024 (Age 70)

Frances Georgia Mills, born on January 2, 1954, in Lowell, Massachusetts, danced into the arms of eternity on January 13, 2024, leaving a legacy of love and warmth behind. Known for her delightful spirit and enduring kindness, Frances, fondly known as the heart of her family, was a beacon of light to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She spent her years in Rindge, New Hampshire, where she nurtured her home with the same dedication and love she offered to her family.

Frances worked as a bank teller at the former Guarantee Bank in Winchendon, where she was known for her proficiency and dedication. Beyond her professional life, Frances had a passion for cooking and creating ceramics, a testament to her creativity and love for nurturing others. She was a woman of many talents, but her greatest joy came from being at home with her beloved family.

Frances is survived by her loving husband, Gerald Mills, and her children, Michael (Shamim) II and Rebecca (Carlos Carrasquilo) Caruso, and a stepson, Gerald H. Mills. Her legacy is also carried on by her six beloved grandchildren, Michael III, Emma, Allison, Hala, Yousaf Caruso, and Lanthe Caruso-Carrasquilo. She is also remembered by her siblings, William Kotsonas and Elaine Molleur. Frances was greeted in eternity by her parents, James and Georgia Kotsonas, and her brother, Nicholas Kotsonas.

Calling hours for Frances will be held, Friday, January 19, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1319 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Frances' name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, at nationalmssociety.org/site/Donation

To leave an online condolence please visit, www.stone-ladeau.com.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors