Obituaries

Carol A. Ovaska

Carol A. Ovaska

Jan 10, 2025

Carol A. Ovaska, born on July 19, 1948, in Gardner, was a beacon of love and compassion in the lives of many. For those fortunate enough to cross her path, Carol was a woman who nurtured, cared for, and loved without limits. Her radiant smile was a source of warmth and comfort, and her hearty laugh was a contagious melody...

Marie E. Wharton

Marie E. Wharton

Jan 9, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marie Elaine Wharton on January 9, 2025. Born on December 19, 1941, in Arlington, MA, Marie's vivacious spirit and love for life touched everyone she knew. A woman of many talents and passions, Marie's legacy is not just in the lives she touched but in the vibrant memories she leaves behind.Marie was...

Donna M. Briggs

Donna M. Briggs

Jan 7, 2025

Donna M. Briggs passed away peacefully January 7, 2025 from a rare form of dementia. 

Born August 13, 1945 in England to Donald and Margaret Hawkins. 

She was raised in Athol and graduated from Athol High School.

She worked for the Athol-Royalston School district for over 30 years. Donna, loved being a para-professional at Riverbend School with many different teachers and working with...

Rachel Blais

Rachel Blais

Jan 6, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rachel I. Blais, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, on January 6th, 2025 at the age of 83 who has gone to be with the Lord. 

Rachel was born in Gardner, Ma on June 20th, 1941, the daughter of the late Phillip and Amelia Poirier. She graduated from Gardner High School...

Joseph Young

Joseph Young

Jan 6, 2025

Joseph Young, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle & friend, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Born on December 19, 1946, in Newark, New Jersey, he lived a full life and touched the hearts of all who knew him. Joe is survived by his devoted wife of fifty years, Donna Young; his sister Kathleen Welsh;...

Leo A. Rameau

Leo A. Rameau

Jan 5, 2025

Leo A. Rameau (T-Boy, Sonny) 90, of Westminster died unexpectedly after a short illness on Sunday, January 5, 2025. His longtime companion, Anna (Arcangeli) Mailloux died December 2013.

Leo was born in Fitchburg on April 21, 1934, the son of William and Lourana (Lussier) Rameau. A lifelong resident of Westminster. 

He attended Upton Elementary School in Westminster and attended Fitchburg High Class...

Opal E. Clark

Opal E. Clark

Jan 4, 2025

Opal E. (Stewart) Clark of Phillipston, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away on January 4, 2025 with family by her side. 

Born in Muncie, IN on April 10, 1930 to Jonathan P. and Alta (Miller) Stewart, she was one of 10 children. She is survived by daughters Rita E. Knower and husband Allan of Templeton and Rose Marie Clark...

George Wilford II

George Wilford II

Jan 3, 2025

George Wilford II, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and son, passed away on January 3, 2025. Born on June 19, 1965, George lived a full and adventurous life, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew him. His compassionate spirit, generous heart and intelligent mind were his defining qualities, making him a beacon of light in the...

Mary Rose Trainque

Mary Rose Trainque

Dec 30, 2024

Mary Rose (Proietti) Trainque, a truly loving soul, was born on March 6, 1932, in Leominster, MA, USA, and lived in Westminster, MA, a place she would call home for most of her life. Mary's life was an extraordinary tapestry of deep love, fervent faith, unwavering dedication, and heartfelt service. Her radiance illuminated the lives of those around her, and...

Constance M. Thompson

Constance M. Thompson

Dec 26, 2024

Constance Thompson passed away December 26, 2024 at St. Vincent’s hospital, Worcester, MA after a period of declining health.

Born Constance Marie Bowen in Plaistow, NH in 1943, her parents were Mildred (Colgan) Bowen and Cornelius William Bowen. Connie attended high school in in Haverhill, MA where she sang in the select state chorus and achieved the highest ranking in Girl...

Robert J. Smith

Robert J. Smith

Dec 23, 2024

Robert J. Smith, affectionately known as "Jimmy" to those who held him dear, passed away on December 23, 2024. Born to William and Eileen Smith on August 21, 1946, in Plattsburgh, NY, Robert's life was characterized by an unwavering devotion to his family and a deep-rooted commitment to his community. His journey from birth to a fulfilling life in Templeton,...

Claire M. Twine

Claire M. Twine

Dec 21, 2024

Claire M. Twine, 97, of Gardner, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Born on September 8, 1927, in Brockton, MA, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Walsh. Claire graduated from Brockton high school with the class of 1945 and received her associate’s degree in business in 1946. In 1947...

William F Ruksnaitis

William F Ruksnaitis

Dec 21, 2024

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of William "Rocky" Ruksnaitis, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all whose lives he touched, on December 21, 2024, after an illness. Born on August 9, 1951, in Worcester, MA, William was a beacon of strength and joy, a testament to living life to the fullest. He graduated from...

Dorothy E. Wheeler

Dorothy E. Wheeler

Dec 20, 2024

Dorothy E. (Dodge) Wheeler, 84 of Athol, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Dorothy was born on August 4, 1940, in Dover, NH, a daughter of Dorothy E. Marcus. She was employed by the J.F. McElwain Shoe shop for 10 years. She then went on to work at L.S. Starrett Company for over...

Laura Holm

Laura Holm

Dec 16, 2024

Laura Holm died peacefully on Dec 16th 2024 at Applewood Home For Elders.

Born in St Norbit Canada on Oct 19th 1932. She was the daughter of the late Alfred Caissie and Laudia (LeBlanc) Caissie.

Laura came to the United States in her 20s where she resided in Fitchburg MA and then moved to Gardner MA where she lived for many years. 

Laura...

Kathy R. Jackson

Kathy R. Jackson

Dec 14, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Kathy R. Jackson, Loving Mother, Nani, Sister, and Friend, on Saturday, December 14, at her home.

Kathy grew up in Hartland VT. Daughter of the late Dorothy (Hood) Hull and Guy Hull.

She leaves behind her beloved son David Jackson and his wife Missi of Northfield, her grandchildren Breanna, Britney,...

Ann J. Percifull

Ann J. Percifull

Dec 14, 2024

Ann Josephine (Rainen) Percifull passed peacefully on December 14, 2024. She was born March 20, 1936 in Braintree, MA but grew up in Lunenburg and lived for many years in the Gardner area. After high school she moved to New York to study art at Parson School of Design, where she met the love of her life and married Fred...

Paul Trembley

Paul Trembley

Dec 12, 2024

Paul Trembley, 68, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2024. Born on May 24, 1956 in Gardner, MA to Leo and Leana (Girouard) Trembley.

Paul loved history and the Gardner Museum. He leaves behind many family member and friends.

There will be no services.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Daniel Serina, Funeral Directors.

Frances Jean Boucher

Frances Jean Boucher

Dec 12, 2024

Frances Jean Boucher passed away on December 12th surrounded by her loving family.

Frances, fondly known as Peanut, was born on May 26, 1935 to the late Stanley Henry Gordon Anderson and Ethel Elizabeth (Stone) in the Ashburnham home where she lived until her passing. She attended school at Emeline Jewel Whitney in Ashburnham and graduated from Fitchburg High School in...

Mauri Gunnari Auvinen

Mauri Gunnari Auvinen

Dec 11, 2024

Mauri Gunnari Auvinen, 82, of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, passed away on December 11, 2024 after a short illness. Mauri was born on June 2, 1942, in Kurenpolvi, Finland. He emigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen for the opportunity to continue his education at the collegiate level. Mauri was naturalized as a US Citizen in 1985 in Worcester,...