Town of Winchendon
109 Front Street
Winchendon, Massachusetts 01475-1758
Zoning Board of Appeals
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 7:05pm to discuss the application for a Variance submitted by owner Dennis Rhodes for 116 Russell Farm Road (Also known as Assessor's Map 13, Parcel 265) Winchendon, MA 01475. Variance request to allow construction of a garage within 25' of the side setback per section 300-7.2 of the Winchendon Zoning Bylaws. Said property is located in a R80-Rural Residential Neighborhood. The hearing will be held in the Second Floor Auditorium at Town Hall - 109 Front St., Winchendon, MA 01475. All interested persons should plan to attend. Alternative translation and accommodation for disabled persons is available by advance request.
BY: Cynthia Carville, Chair
Winchendon Zoning Board of Appeals
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Trial Court
Probate and Family Court
Worcester Division
Docket No. WO25P3845EA
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE
Estate of Marie Elaine Hagie, also known as Marie E. Hagie
Date of Death: October 24, 2023
To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Stephanie A. Hagie of Athol, MA, a Will has been entered into informal probate. Stephanie A. Hagie of Athol, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.
The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to take notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.
Obituaries
HERBERT LEON FREGEAU, JR.
May 16, 1947 ~ November 26, 2025 (Age 42)
Herbert Leon Fregeau, Jr., passed away peacefully on November 26th, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Herbert was born May 16th, 1947, in Winchendon, MA, to the late Herbert and Alberta (Cole) Fregeau.
Herbert was predeceased by his beloved wife, Edith "Fern" Fregeau, whom he missed dearly, and his brother Steven Fregeau.
He leaves behind a family who adored him: his son Ryan Fregeau and wife Pamela of Omaha, Nebraska; his daughter Amanda Fregeau and her partner Katie Buckley of Holden, MA; his son Andrew Fregeau of Paxton, MA; his brother William Fregeau and his wife Janice of Athol, MA.
Becoming a grandfather to his only granddaughter, Lily, brought Herb tremendous joy and pride.
Herbert graduated from Athol High School in 1965, where he was an athlete participating in football, track, and gymnastics. After High School, he proudly served in the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam War veteran, a part of his life he carried with honor.
An electrician by trade, Herb built and ran his own business, earning a reputation in the community not only for his skill and dedication but also for the countless friendships he formed along the way.
Throughout his life, Herb loved to golf and could often be found on the course with friends. He was known for his quick wit, infectious humor, and the quirky sayings affectionately called "Herbie-isms," which will continue to bring smiles to those who knew and loved him.
Herb will be remembered for his warmth, humor, hard work, and the deep love he had for his family. His presence will be missed profoundly, but his spirit will live on in the stories, laughter, and memories he leaves behind.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:30 am at the Mack Family Funeral Home, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Road, Orange. Burial with military honors will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Mack Family Funeral Home, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Road, Orange.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Athol Boosters Association, c/o Mary Miarecki, 389 Cobb Road, Athol, MA 01331. To send an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.
Mack Family Funeral Home, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, is directing arrangements.
STUART RAY BETOURNEY
May 16, 1941 ~ November 23, 2025 (Age 84)
It is with great sadness that the family of Stuart "Stu" Ray Betourney announces his passing on November 23, 2025 at the age of 84 in Port Charlotte, FL. Born on May 16, 1941 in Winchendon, MA to parents Felix and Emma Betourney, Stu graduated from Murdock High School in 1960 and was a talented athlete. He worked for New England Wooden Ware for over 35 years and after retiring he worked part time for Hannaford in Rindge, NH for 7 years. He was a big sports fan of all the New England Teams. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball for many years and never missed a game his Children or Grandchildren were playing. He loved to fish and hunt. In his retirement years he loved to go to the casino to play the slot machines and sit on his porch in Florida and watch the wildlife, listen to the rain, and watch the storms.
Stu is survived by his Wife Janice Thompson Betourney, Daughter and Son In Law Sherry and Steve Common, Son and Daughter In Law Marc and Teresa Betourney, Grandaughter Katelyn Betourney, Grandaughter Tori and Husband Kenzie Brennan, Grandson Logan Common, Great Grandson Zander Abbott, Sister Elaine Peterson and several nieces and nephews.
Stu was predeceased in death by his Brothers Steven, Maurice and Roland Betourney.
Celebration of Life to be scheduled at a future date.
DOROTHY ANNE BECKNER
September 4, 1935 ~ November 27, 2025 (Age 90)
Dorothy Anne (Bushway) Beckner, 90, of Princeton, Mass., passed away peacefully on November 27. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she will be missed by all who knew her.
Born September 4, 1935, in South Newbury, New Hampshire, Dorothy was the youngest child of Leon and Bernice (Russell) Bushway and sister to Christina (Therian) Brooks, Harold Therian, Raymond Therian, Kenneth Bushway, Helen "Dolly" (Bushway) Matson, and Jane (Bushway) Willis.
Dorothy lived a very active and full life, and she took great pride in all she did--as a daughter, homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, caregiver, Christian, or volunteer.
Dorothy married George Beckner on September 12, 1953, and lived first in New Hampshire before moving into the house they built in Princeton, Mass. She was extremely thoughtful and selfless--especially when it came to her family. When family members needed care or a ride to school, appointments, or practices, she never hesitated to be there for them. Dorothy will always be remembered for her fierce devotion to her family and for putting the needs of others first. Outside of the home, she was a dedicated volunteer for schools, the church, and civic duties. Dorothy appreciated the opportunities she had to travel, which included the many road trips she and George took across the United States and into Canada, as well as trips to Puerto Rico and to Budapest.
The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Summit ElderCare in Leominster and the team of caregivers she had at home for their kindness, compassion, and care.
Dorothy is survived by her sons Russell (Sharlene), Timothy (Cindy), Alan (Christine), Kenneth, and Theodore (Lorine), as well as 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and her siblings.
A private service will be held at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home in Winchendon, MA, with burial at Flat Rock Road Cemetery in Petersham, MA.
The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA, has been entrusted with Dorothy's funeral arrangements.
KEVIN JOSEPH BYRER
July 26, 1952 ~ November 29, 2025 (Age 73)
Kevin Joseph Byrer, 73, of Springfield passed away on November 29, 2025, at home.
He was born in Canton, OH on July 26, 1952, to the late Donald Willis Byrer and Angeline Mary Byrer (Fierstos). He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Canton, OH and then went on to pursue his love of music at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Kevin was a Construction Supervisor for many years and retired from Thoughtforms Corporation in Acton, MA.
He is predeceased by his parents, he is survived by his wife, Jane Hankins of Titusville, FL, his son Liam Byrer of Jackson, NH, his daughter Kyle O'Brien and her Husband Evan of Wilbraham, MA, grandchildren Alden O'Brien and Etta O'Brien, brothers Greg Byrer and partner Gerri Pattison of Portland ME, Dave Byrer and his wife Young Soon of Canton OH, sister Mary Ann and her husband Robert Nash of Maryland, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Masses will be held in his honor at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Winchendon on December 8, 2025 at 6pm and Mary, Mother of Hope Church in Springfield, MA on July 24, 2026 at 9 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Beals Memorial Library in Winchendon, MA, Pack 193 Boy Scouts, Winchendon, and the National Park Foundation.
STEPHEN J. GORECKI
January 28, 1943 ~ November 27, 2025 (Age 82)
Stephen Joseph Gorecki, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at age 82.
Stephen was born on January 28, 1943, in Winchendon, MA, the eldest of eight children to the late Ignatius "Joe" and Gladys (Richards) Gorecki. He came from humble beginnings--their first home was a converted chicken coop--and was known throughout his life as a hard worker. He took many jobs to pay his way through Notre Dame High School in Fitchburg, MA, and Burdett College in Boston, and was even able to pay off his parents' mortgage for their home on North Vine Street in Winchendon. He also served proudly in the National Guard.
While in Boston, Steve met the love of his life, Carolyn, and they were married in 1967. He worked nearly his entire career for Travelers Insurance Company, where he was an underwriter and a well-loved manager. His work with Travelers brought him to La Cañada Flintridge, California, where he and Carolyn lived for over 20 years, making lasting friendships and raising their family. Later, in 1988, they drove back East in a big brown van (packed with kids and pets), settling in their home in West Simsbury, Connecticut, where they have lived since.
Steve was most proud of his large family. He and Carolyn raised six children over 22 years. He was an active and loving father, attending his children's many games, matches, and special events. He was very handy around the home. He built two-story tree houses, took the kids on many (shirtless) bike rides with a beer in hand. Steve was a Boy Scout leader and enjoyed taking camping trips with his family. And while he loved his boisterous boys, he had a special place in his heart for his two daughters (affectionately, "Pumpkin" and "Stinky"). He absolutely hated vegetables, especially peas, but he loved naps. He was also known for having great, majestic eyebrows.
Though Steve disliked crowds, he was a true people-person. He could strike up an easy conversation with anyone and enjoyed passing the time on the porch or at a barbecue, shooting the breeze with many neighbors, friends, and relatives over the years. He was an avid player of cribbage but wouldn't let getting skunked (frequently) ruin his fun. Although he would always grumble at the many and varied animals (wild and domestic) that his kids would bring home to adopt, he invariably went on to form deep bonds with these special family members.
Steve is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn; his children, Laura Crichton (Dan) of La Canada, CA; Tim Gorecki (Rachel) of West Simsbury, CT; Pete Gorecki (Kristen) of Granby, CT; John Gorecki (Su Kyoung) of NJ; Sarah McAllister (Ryan) of Simsbury; and 11 grandchildren, Joe, Lauren, and Alex; Matt and Mark; Gavin and Kip; Cassie and Julian; Cole and Callie; his brothers and sisters, Katie (Lenny), Mike (Michelle), Sue (Alan), Richard (Michelle), Billy (Joni), and Terry; in-laws Dr. Charles Kelley (Kathy) of Andover, MA. Steve was pre-deceased by his oldest son, Tom, his sister Barbara, and his sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Tony Bonavire.
Calling hours will be 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, at Vincent Funeral Home in Simsbury. A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Catherine of Siena in West Simsbury at 11:00 a.m. on December 10, with burial immediately following at Simsbury Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve's memory may be made to the National Wildlife Foundation (nwf.org).
Please visit Steve's Book of Memories at www.Vincentfuneralhome.com for tributes.
