Obituaries
Joyce Austin Lafontaine
Aug 23, 2023
Joyce Austin Lafontaine, 89, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday August 23, 2023. Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Lafontaine, sister, Sandra Austin and brother Robert.She leaves daughters, Susan Markow, Lyn Burke and Katie Mellecker along with 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Born to parents Thad and Delva Austin in Maine she was raised in Athol and attend nursing...
Robert Robar
Aug 20, 2023
Gardner-Robert Robar, 88, died Sunday, August 20, 2023 at his residence, after an illness.
He was born in Boston, MA on January 9, 1935. He lived in Gardner for many years and worked for the Colonial Bed and Breakfast for several years. Robert was a member of Holy Rosary Church in Gardner.
Robert enjoyed dancing, bowling and spending...
Susan M. Frometa
Aug 19, 2023
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Susan M. (Crovetti) Frometa, who left us peacefully on August 19, 2023.
Born on December 28, 1957, in Amesbury, MA, Susan spent many years in Lawrence, MA, before moving to Orange, Massachusetts.
She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like reading a good romance novel or listening to music, her...
Robert E. Antil
Aug 18, 2023
Robert Edmund Antil "Bob", 76, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2023 after a short illness. He was born in Gardner, Massachusetts on January 23, 1947 and was the son of the late Edmund and Gertrude (Ducharme) Antil.
Bob was known for his zest for life and sense of humor. His adventurous spirit was the guiding force of his...
Edgar J Lavoie
Aug 18, 2023
Edgar J Lavoie, a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away in the company of friends and family on August 18, 2023. Edgar, or "Baba" as he was known to family, was born on November 18, 1939, in Gardner and resided for over 50 years in the Town of Westminster where he was known and befriended by so many. He was...
Rita M. O'Brien
Aug 15, 2023
Baldwinville-Rita M. (Fournier) O'Brien, 99, died peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Heywood Hospital. She is predeceased by her husband Donald F. O'Brien Sr. who died in 2005, son Donald F. O'Brien Jr., and brothers Alfred. Edward, and Edmond. Rita is survived by one son Paul O'Brien and wife Cheryl of Gardner; daughter, Sharon...
Timothy E. Hamel
Aug 14, 2023
Timothy E. Hamel, 68, died with his wife and daughters by his side on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston after an illness.
He leaves his loving wife of 30 years Helena F. (Foley) Hamel; three daughters, Tonya Hamel and her significant other, Jason Lupaczyk of Athol, Beth A. Hamel-Wiita and her husband Joey of Ashburnham,...
Eva M. Bartlett
Aug 14, 2023
Eva M. Bartlett, a resilient soul whose heart was a beacon of generosity and love, passed away peacefully on the 14th of August, 2023. Born on the 22nd of November, 1930, in East Deerfield, Massachusetts, Eva spent her life imbuing every moment with kindness, support, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Her spirit was a testament to the verse from...
Ida M. Waslaske
Aug 12, 2023
Ida Waslaske, 102, died in Quabbin Valley Healthcare on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
She was born at home in the farmhouse in which she lived all her life. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Martha (Baskaitis) Waslaske.
She attended Athol schools and worked at the Union Twist Drill Corporation and retired early to pursue a life as...
Courtney R. Harkins
Aug 10, 2023
ATHOL- Courtney R. Harkins, 28, formerly of Templeton passed away August 10, 2023. Courtney was born in Gardner, MA on June 1, 1995; to be exact, 6/01 at 6:01. She is the daughter of Jeffrey Harkins and the late Lisa (Stanley) Harkins. She graduated from Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical school in 2013, with a concentration in dental assisting. She went on...
Mary L. Cook
Aug 6, 2023
Mary L. (Gleason) Cook, 73, died Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Quabbin Valley Healthcare after an illness. She was the wife of the late Douglas B, "Cookie" Cook, who died in 2008. She leaves four godchildren, Timothy King, Terry Brodeur, Tommy King, and Jenika King; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She is predeceased by three brothers, Theodore Gleason,...
Ernie Joseph Richard
Aug 5, 2023
Ernie Joseph Richard, a man of many “hats”, touched the lives of countless people during his lifetime. Born on August 17, 1939, in Gardner, he proudly served as a Medic in the United States Air Force from 1957-1961, alongside his future brother-in-law Raymond Girouard. Ernie's dedication to and love of his country reflected the values he held dear.
After his...
Steven Donald Bernard
Jul 31, 2023
Steven Donald Bernard, was born on June 15, 1963, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and was a resident of Gardner, Massachusetts man of many passions, Steven found joy in the simple things in life, like his love for Marvel Comics, coin collecting, Pokémon Cards, and playing games. Known for his funny demeanor, Steven treasured making people around him laugh. His dedication...
Marlou Rickan
Jul 31, 2023
Marlou (Berry) Rickan, 75, died Monday, July 31, 2023, at Alliance at Baldwinville, after a short illness.
She leaves her two sons, Shawn Rickan of Phillipston and Chad Berry of Athol, and four grandsons, Jakob Rickan, Jameson Rickan, Caleb Berry, and Dominic Berry.
She is predeceased by one brother, Roger Berry.
Marlou was born in Portland, Maine on March 26,...
Karen M. Smith
Jul 24, 2023
Karen M. Smith, 70, of Orange, MA passed away on Monday, July 24th after a courageous battle with cancer.
Karen is predeceased by her parents Norma E (Nylander ) Smith, and Harry T. Smith of Athol.
Karen is survived by her loving and devoted husband Clayton Qualters of Orange; her daughter Angela Deveneau, and granddaughter Chelsea Deveneau;...
Pauline Y. Mallet
Jul 24, 2023
ATHOL - With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Pauline Yvonne Mallet, a dedicated mother and longtime resident of Athol, Massachusetts. Born on May 17, 1921, in St. Guillaume, Quebec, Pauline lived a life steeped in love, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to her community. Her journey came to a peaceful end on July 24, 2023, at Quabbin Valley...
Sandra Ann Rocheleau
Jul 24, 2023
Sandra Ann RocheleauIt is with great sadness that our family shares the news of our mother, Sandra (Remal) Rocheleau, who died Monday, July 24, 2023, at UMass Hospital in Worcester due to complications during heart surgery.Sandie was born December 20, 1943, the youngest child of Rey Remal and Rose Marie (Leblanc) Remal.Sandie’s childhood in Leominster was full of love, music,...
Phyllis Theresa Carbone
Jul 23, 2023
EAST LONGMEADOW- The world lost a bright, generous spirit when Phyllis Theresa Carbone passed away on July 23, 2023. Born on June 25, 1932, in Gardner, MA, Phyllis lived a compassionate and thoughtful life, rooted in her devotion to her family, friends, and faith. A long-time resident of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, she was a pillar of her community and...
Edward Joseph Markofsky Jr.
Jul 18, 2023
Westminster, MA- It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a deeply cherished man and a beacon of light to his family, Edward J. Markofsky Jr., on July 18, 2023. Born in Athol, MA, on February 19, 1942, Edward was renowned for his generous heart, supportive nature, humble demeanor, and his reliability that made him...
Peter R. Maynard
Jul 16, 2023
Gardner-Peter Russell Maynard died on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Alliance Health at Baldwinville after an illness.
He was predeceased by his mother Ruby M (Hicks) Maynard and leaves his father, Ernest Russell Maynard; sister Michelle Maynard and her husband David Chase of Westminster; and many extended family members.
He was born in Gardner, on November 8, 1954, and graduated...
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