The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of January 6 to January 13, 2022

Obituaries

Paul Lefebvre

PAUL LEFEBVRE
December 29, 1952 ~ December 14, 2021 (Age 68)

Jaffrey, NH - Paul U. Lefebvre, 68, of Jaffrey, NH died Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Cheshire Medical Center, Keene, NH.

Paul was a friend to all who knew him. A gentle, caring man, he was always extending a hand to anyone in need. He had a love of music and enjoyed playing music. He collected comic books, enjoyed kayaking and being in nature. He loved trips to Maine, always stopping at his favorite lighthouse (Nubble Light in York) and walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit.

Paul was born to Roland and Rachel (Dodier) Lefebvre in Winchendon, MA on December 29, 1952. He was the third of seven siblings; Robert Lefebvre of Amherst, MA, Loretta Stewart (deceased), Marie Szymcik of Swanzey, NH, Ann Perley of Winchendon, MA, Jeanne Cote of Spring Branch, TX, and Theresa Paciencia of Allen, TX. Paul grew up in Winchendon, MA, and graduated from Murdock High School in Winchendon, MA later earning his Associates degree in Science from Mount Wachusett Community College.

Paul married Joyce Goodyear (Wilson) in 1981. They spent 10 years together, building a home in Wendell, MA and raising their two children, Matthew Lefebvre of Orange, MA and Elizabeth Billings of Hawley, MA. During his time in Wendell he enjoyed volunteering at the Full Moon Coffee House, and playing Hammered Dulcimer and Banjo with his band Medicinal String Band.

In 1994, Paul met his best friend and his soul mate, Anna Geraci of Jaffrey, NH. They along with Ed Boland (deceased) formed the band Calico Harmony. In the early 2000's Paul moved to Jaffrey, NH to live with Anna and they spent the remainder of his life together.

Paul also leaves behind his two grandchildren Lucas Lefebvre and Rachel Billings.

He worked as a Department of Mental Health Case Manager, Program Manager, and IT Technician at Chesco in Keene, NH and previously worked for D.M.H. in Fitchburg, MA. He planned to retire at the end of 2021.

The Memorial will be on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Whitcomb Hall 17-23 Main St, Swanzey, NH 03446 from 1pm-4pm.

Finding a solution to Alzheimer's was a passion for him. Up until COVID-19 he participated in the Walk for Alzheimer's fundraisers. Because of this we ask that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 www.alz.org instead of flowers.

To share memories and condolences with Paul's family, please visit www.cournoyerfh.com

Ava Marie Woodard

AVA MARIE WOODARD
December 17, 2021 (Age 11)

Greer SC - On the evening of Friday, December 17, 2021, Ava went from her Daddy and Mommy's arms to the arms of Jesus surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Greer, South Carolina, Ava was a daughter of Jeffery Dean and Rhoda Ketola Woodard.

Ava battled Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG), an aggressive brain cancer. Ava's Army was a group that was created for Ava, as she had so many prayer warriors that prayed for her daily. The love and support she received from her school, Holly Springs Motlow Elementary District One and the from the Holly Springs Community will forever be cherished by all of us.

In the eleven years Ava was on this earth she loved God, her family, and others. She had a big personality, she was witty and opinionated, and had the best laugh. She had a way with babies, and loved them with all of her heart.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her parents, Jeffrey and Rhoda Woodard; her nine loving siblings, Azriel Woodard and wife, Annie, Aubrie Justice and husband, Ethan Justice, Spencer, Saber, Sofia, Sylas, Isabella Woodard; Bentley, and Memphis Woodard; paternal grandfather, Charles Woodard of Winchendon, MA, maternal grandparents, Walter and Elvi Ketola; nieces, Thea and Lilli Woodard, Cecily Justice; nephew, Jace Justice; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Jean Woodard.

A visitation will be held Monday, December 27, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Eastside Apostolic Lutheran Church. A service to celebrate Ava's life will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. weather permitting at 30 North Barton Road, Taylors, SC, 29687. If rain is being called for, the funeral service will be held at Eastside Apostolic Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery, 303 North Ave. Greer, SC, 29650.

We love you precious Ava. We will try our best to carry on and love like Jesus. We will meet you in the morning. Sweet Jesus, thank you for our Ava. Thank you for our many blessings. Please give us strength, peace, joy and endurance. -Amen

Samuel 12:23: "But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me."

Timothy 4:7-8
7. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"
8."Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Condolences and your favorite memories of Ava may be shared with the family by visiting https://thomasmcafee.com/obituary/ava-marie-woodard/

Kendall D. Rice

KENDALL D. RICE
March 29, 1939 ~ January 4, 2022 (Age 82)

SPRINGFIELD - Kendall D. (Coach) Rice, 82, of Springfield and a former longtime resident of Winchendon, died peacefully at his residence Tuesday morning, January 4, 2022, with his family at his side.

He was born in Winchendon on March 29, 1939, son of the late Rupert A. and Althea R. (Davis) Rice and had lived in Springfield since 2014, returning to this area from Bradenton, FL.

Ken was born into the Rice Family and deeply valued his historical roots in Winchendon. Ken followed his elder sister, Althea, to Georgia to attend high school at Baker High School and college at Piedmont University. As a driven athlete, he was a member of championship teams both at the high school and collegiate level. Ken spent his life helping others through teaching and through his long standing role as storied coach and athletic director. Ken began his career in Georgia and returned to his hometown of Winchendon Massachusetts, teaching and coaching two years at Oakmont Regional High School. He then spent 27 years at Narragansett Regional High School as an athletic director, teacher and coach. He led many successful teams including baseball, football and basketball; and as an athletic director he helped to greatly expand the Narragansett sports program. Ken cared deeply for others and his life work was supporting student achievement and community involvement through athletics.

Following his coaching and educational career, he founded Rice Services in Winchendon, which now is led by his son Kendall (Skip) Rice Jr. Ken was an accomplished golfer and was a member at Athol Country Club for many years. An avid sports fan, Ken followed many teams, especially New England Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics and supported local college and high school teams. He was also a member of Artisan Lodge of Masons.

Ken loved his family deeply and enjoyed raising his two children with his wife Marilyn. He adored his extended family and especially loved his role in guiding the grandchildren and younger generations in their endeavors. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Marilyn (Hoffman) Rice; two children, Kendall (Skip) Rice Jr and his wife Chris of Winchendon and Kristine D. Rice of Longmeadow; five grandchildren, Cory Rice and wife Ashley, Kayla Landry and husband Chad, Hayleigh LaCroix and partner Keenan Williams, Ari Vazquez and Kendall Vazquez; six great grandchildren, Lillian Roberts, Cole Landry, Charlotte Landry, Teagan Rice, Camden Rice and Evelyn Williams; as well as nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by brothers Norman Rice, John (Jack) Rice and sister Althea Waters (Peg Rice).

Due to the COVID pandemic, funeral services will be private for the family. All memories and thoughts are welcome to be shared on the facebook page for his wife Marilyn Rice https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.rice.355. Ken loved his community of players, coaches, parents and friends. His family is very eager to welcome anyone who wishes to honor him and will be hosting a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date, (likely in late Spring or early Summer). Please look for details on his family member’s social media.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be used to establish an athletic scholarship in his honor and donations can be directed to the Coach Ken Rice Memorial Scholarship Fund, Athol Savings Bank, 388 Main Street, Athol, Ma 01331.

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