The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of April 4 to April 11, 2024

Obituaries

SUSAN LaBARGE
January 22, 1948 ~ March 27, 2024 (Age 76)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of Susan LaBarge, a beloved mother and grandmother, who left us on March 27, 2024. Born on January 22, 1948 in Gardner, MA, Susan spent her 76 years living a life full of love, warmth, and creativity. She was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and will be deeply missed.

Susan was a lifelong resident of Winchendon, Massachusetts, and a proud graduate of Murdock High School. She was a devoted housewife and mother, always putting her family first. Her love for her home was evident in her hobbies. She was an avid baker, gardener, and craftswoman, infusing her passion into everything she created. Susan's skills in sewing, baking, and arts and crafts brought joy and comfort to her family and friends, making every moment spent with her memorable.

She is survived by her sons, Todd and Trevor LaBarge, and her cherished grandchildren, Emily Romano, Timothy Romano, and David Sullivan. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Clark Sr. and Cynthia (Tuttle), her brother Kenneth Jr., and sisters Ann Clark, Nancy Thurlow, Jean Clark, and Polly Clark.

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

Funeral services will be private.

The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors.

Robert Edward Cutting

ROBERT EDWARD CUTTING
September 30, 1949 ~ March 27, 2024 (Age 74)

On March 27, 2024, the world said goodbye to a true original, Robert E. Cutting, fondly known as Bob to his friends and family.

On September 30, 1949, Robert embarked on a journey that would span 74 incredible years. As a young man, Robert proudly served his country in the US Army, where he spent the majority of his time in Vietnam.

In the years following, Robert continued to show love for his country by serving as an active member & past commander of the V.F.W. He also participated as a color guard member of the American Legion. A resident of Gardner, Massachusetts, he etched vivid and lasting impressions on the hearts of all who had the good fortune to know him. As Mark Twain put it, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started," and Robert "got started" in numerous fields, bringing his unique flair to each one.

Robert's professional life was as diverse as it was remarkable. From truck & cab driving to stone masonry, he was a man of many talents, never confined by the boundaries of a single profession. His last employment before retiring was with Smiley's Taxi in Gardner, MA, where his affable personality and zest for life were cherished by colleagues and customers alike. In retirement, Robert continued to infuse every day with enthusiasm, enjoying time with his brothers and friends. He also enjoyed baking & most often would give his baked goods away to neighbors and local first responders.

He raised his two daughters in Winchendon, MA & made beautiful memories along the way. From bike rides at Lake Dennison & road trips to Vermont,, to roller skating at Roll-On America & sledding at the Winchendon school, Bob was also known to many as "Uncle Bob" and was always up for a fun adventure with his girls & their cousins. Robert had a very strong bond with his brothers and sisters and would do anything for them with all the love in his heart.

Robert treated all his neices and nephews as if they were his own children and in doing so created a very strong family bond between them all. Bob was also famous for playing a great Santa at many annual Christmas parties.

Robert's time spent with family was what he cherished most. Robert leaves behind his daughter, Missina Cutting & her son, Elliott. He leaves four brothers, Richard, Randall, Ronald & Rodney Cutting, and one sister, Marilyn Mercier, all of whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind two granddaughters, Bella & Mikayla, who he referred to as his "Princess."

Robert also had several nieces & nephews that he loved so very much. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marion, Cutting, his daughter Angela, grandson Tristan, two siblings Roger and Marlene, and two brothers-in-law, Richard Adams and Robert Mercier. Robert was a strong believer & follower of Christ & shared his love of God with anyone who would listen, quoting bible verses & singing worship songs wherever he could. The pain of his physical absence is alleviated by the knowledge that his spirit lives on in the stories, laughter, and love that he shared with those he held dear.

Calling hours for Robert will be held in the Mack Funeral Home,105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440 on April 9, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors.

Anthony L. Accurso

ANTHONY L. ACCURSO
August 10, 1939 ~ March 30, 2024 (Age 84)

Anthony Leonard Accurso, born on August 10, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away on March 30, 2024.

A man of honor, commitment, and discipline, Anthony lived a life filled with significant achievements and touched the lives of many around him. A resident of Winchendon, Massachusetts, he will be deeply missed by his community and all who knew him. Anthony was a devoted husband to Virginia Accurso and a loving father to his sons, Anthony and Peter Accurso; step-sons, Robert Calhoun, Jackson Calhoun (Aylissa), and Adam Sterling (Sandra), four grandchildren, Evelyn, Samantha, Christoper, and Braden, and two sisters, Kitty of TNJeannette of MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rose Accurso, two sisters, Marie and Vivian, and his brother Joseph.

Anthony was also a respected US Army veteran of the Vietnam War and later served as an Inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His professional journey spanned various cities and included roles as a safety mechanic in Alaska, a helicopter mechanic in Los Angeles and Edison, NJ, and engagements with Freeport Mack and Moran and Era Hill Helicopters. His commitment to his professional duties was only surpassed by his dedication to his family and friends. The graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01475.

We invite all those who were touched by Anthony's life to join in honoring his memory. The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home 343 Central Street, Winchednon, MA has been entrusted with Anthony's funeral arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors

Nancy A. Lillie

NANCY A. LILLIE
September 29, 1936 ~ April 2, 2024 (Age 87)

Nancy A (Tenney) Lillie passed away quietly at home on the morning of April 2, 2024 after a long illness. Her beloved family were with her as she stepped into Glory.

Nancy was born on Sept. 29, 1936, in Winchendon MA to Elme Sophia Nelson Tenney and her husband Reginald Kennett Tenney. A lifelong resident of Winchendon, Nancy attended and graduated from Murdock High School in 1954 and went on to graduate nursing school at Mt. Auburn School of nursing in Cambridge MA in 1961.

She met and married Joseph E Lillie Jr. (Jack) in 1966 and gave birth to a son Joseph E Lillie (J) and a daughter Brenda J. Lillie in 1967 and 1969 respectively.

Throughout her long career as a nurse, she worked for Burbank hospital, the Winchendon Health Clinic, Open Arms Nursing Home, and the Templeton Development Center. She also was a substitute school nurse for the Winchendon school system for many years and worked as a private duty nurse for several local families. She truly enjoyed nursing and worked at it long passed the point of possible retirement finally retiring fully at the age of 75.

Nancy enjoyed years of volunteerism in town working with the Winchendon Women’s Club, The Girl Scouts Association, the Winchendon Soccer Association and the Murdock Music Boosters.

Nancy traveled extensively as a younger woman visiting Maine, California, Florida, Puerto Rico, many locations in the Midwest and Germany always with family. She enjoyed her crosswords, coloring (She had a keen sense of style and color usage.), the daily newspaper, watching every episode of Murder She Wrote (Which she lovingly called “Jessica” after the title character.) and scratch tickets, but her most treasured activity was time spent with friends and family.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband Jack, her brothers Robert, Richard and Frederick Tenney their wives Josie, Lore and Mary as well as by three sisters Ruth Tenney who died in childhood, Elizabeth Duval, and Gloria Moylan and their husbands Lawrence and John. She leaves behind one sister Carol Murphy and her husband Tom of Winchendon, several nieces and nephews her son Joseph Lillie of Winchendon, her daughter Brenda J. Lillie of Zaandam, The Netherlands, three Grandchildren Joseph E Lillie VI (Joe) his wife Kristine Barrameda Lillie of Winchendon, Amanda Lillie of Winchendon and Melanie Franklin and her husband James Franklin of Winchendon, and three great-grandchildren: Joseph Elon Lillie VII(Sevy), Daniella Franklin and Abigail Franklin all of Winchendon.

A grave side memorial service held at 11am on April 27th In Athol at the Silver Lake St. Cemetery. Followed by a celebration of life luncheon at Cornerstone Church.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors

SALLY J. PAUL
May 16, 1957 ~ March 29, 2024 (Age 66)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sally Jo Paul, who was born on May 16, 1957, in Winchendon, Massachusetts. Sally, as she was affectionately known, lived a fulfilling life that touched many others. Her departure from this world occurred on March 29, 2024, in her residence in Gardner, Massachusetts. Having never married, Sally devoted her life to her career and her passion for her various hobbies.

Sally was a graduate of Monty Tech and Mt. Wachusett Community College. She initially worked for Simplex before dedicating many years to Social Services, where she assisted special needs adults. She was an avid wood carver, a master in carpentry, and a collector of various items. Her love for decorating during Halloween and Christmas was unmatched, as was her special fascination with pirates. Sally was known for her generosity and the joy she derived from spending time with her family and close friends.

She is survived by her niece, Shannon Stickney, her brother, Bruce Paul, and her sisters, Judy Whittaker and Tammy Gough. She is predeceased by her father, Leo Paul, her mother, Jeannette Paul, her brother, Ronald Paul, and her sister, Sharon Harvey.

We encourage those who knew Sally to visit her memorial page. We invite you to share your memories of her and to upload any photos that capture the beautiful moments you shared. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. A private celebration of Sally's life will be held for family and close friends to honor her memory.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors

Cecile Rose Marie May

CECILE ROSE MARIE MAY
March 11, 1933 ~ April 1, 2024 (Age 91)

Cecilia Rosemarie May, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and generosity. Born in Winchendon, Massachusetts on March 11, 1933, Cecilia lived a full and vibrant life, touching the lives of everyone who had the privilege to know her. Her life was a testament to the words of Maya Angelou: "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

Cecilia was a talented woman who had a passion for the arts. She was a creative person, expressing her love for life through her hobbies which included cooking, sewing, and various arts & crafts. Her creativity was not limited to her hobbies; it also shone brightly in her professional life. Cecilia was a retired shipping manager, a role she served with dedication and skill at a packaging company.

Her faith was an important aspect of her life; as a devoted member of St. Mary's Church, Cecilia gave generously of her time and talents. However, what mattered most to Cecilia were her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter Linda May, three grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, her brothers George Jean and Maurice Shirley, and her sister Theresa Richard, many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Maximum and Coranna Rocheleau, and her dear husband Leslie May, siblings Roland, Joseph, Alfred, Arthur, Anna and Rita.

As we remember Cecilia, we are reminded of the words of Helen Keller: "What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Cecilia's love, creativity, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of those she left behind. We invite you to share your memories of Cecilia and upload photos to her memorial page as we celebrate her remarkable life.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors