The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of November 14 to November 21, 2019

Obituaries

Virginia M. O'Malley

Virginia M. O'malley
MAY 23, 1924 ~ NOVEMBER 8, 2019 (AGE 95)


WINCHENDON – Virginia M. (LaFalam) O’Malley, 95, formerly of 122 Ipswich Drive, died peacefully Friday morning, November 8, 2019 in Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner, with her family at her side.
She was born in Attawaugan, CT on May 23, 1924, daughter of the late Frank and Virginia (Rosbury) LaFalam and lived in Winchendon for most of her life.
Virginia worked many years ago as an inspector at New Hampshire Ball Bearings in Peterborough and also worked in the rectory at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. She enjoyed playing bingo and cooking for her family and friends.
Her husband, Francis J. O’Malley, died in 1966. She leaves her children, Theresa M. O’Dea and her husband Robert of Winchendon, Dennis O. O’Malley and his wife Michelle of Worcester, Michael A. O’Malley and his wife Debbie of York Beach, ME, Daniel B. O’Malley and his wife Carla of Rindge, NH, Charles A. O’Malley and his wife Sharon of Winchendon, Robert N. O’Malley of PA and Virginia A. Parkhurst and her significant other Bernard Feldman of Winchendon, 37 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren as well as many niece and nephews. She also leaves daughters in law, Tawnee O’Malley, Blanca O’Malley, Gail O’Malley and Phyllis O’Malley.
Four sons, Donald M. O’Malley, Joseph O’Malley, Timothy O’Malley and Francis J. O’Malley Jr; a daughter, Margaret O’Malley; her siblings, Janet Austin, Henry LaFalam, Harvey LaFalam, Charlie LaFalam, Coranna Marquis, Priscilla Monahan, Caroline Morlock, Delia Trombly, Albina Smith and Curley Johnson, predeceased her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 10 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Tuesday, November 12, 2019 from 5 to 7 P.M.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or to Shriners Hospital, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA. 02114.

Eric F. Schulz

Eric F. Schulz
APRIL 21, 1958 ~ NOVEMBER 8, 2019 (AGE 61)


WINCHENDON – Eric F. Schulz, 61, of 514 Brown Street, died Friday afternoon, November 8, 2019 in Westminster from injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident.
He was born in Norwood on April 21, 1958, son of the late Carl Frank and Marie Frances (Grundy) Schulz. He grew up in Dedham and in Ashburnham, where he graduated from Oakmont Regional High School. Eric later attended Mount Wachusett Community College.
Eric worked for General Electric for 18 years until its plant closing and then worked at Abbott Laboratories in Worcester. He enjoyed fishing, attending Fireman’s Musters and spending time with his granddaughters. He lived in Westminster for several years until moving to Winchendon three years ago.
He leaves two sons, Nathan C. Schulz and his wife Kelci of Winchendon and Erik Schulz and his significant other Lily of Peterborough, NH; two stepdaughters, Karin Barber and Amy Annese and her husband Vin of Westford; seven grandchildren, Madison, Morgan, Evianna, Celia, Kaelyn, James and Gabriel; brothers, Kurt Schulz and his wife Paula of Manchester, NH, Steven Schulz and his wife Dawn of Winchendon and Andrew Schulz of FL, and his former wife, Kay Wellman of Westminster. A brother Carl Schulz predeceased him.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 15, 2019 at 10 AM in Stone-Ladeau Funeral home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. Burial will be in Woodside Cemetery, Westminster.
Calling hours in the funeral home are Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 5 to 7 P.M.
Memorial donations may be made to Winchendon Fire Department, 405 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

Taylor O'Brien

Taylor Ahlstrom O'Brien
1991 ~ NOVEMBER 3, 2019 (AGE 28)


Taylor Ahlstrom O'Brien, aged 28, daughter of Lisa Ahlstrom and mother to Quinton Diaz, passed away on November 3rd, after years of struggle with the disease of addiction. Taylor was a strong and loving woman who had many successes in her battle along the way. Her absence leaves a huge gap in our lives. She loved her son Quinton, as she often put it, "to the moon and back." Taylor cared more about other people's pain than her own, and friends often knew her to put her own concerns aside to help them. She took strength from writing in her journal, and loved listening to music. We are so grateful to have had her among us for 28 years. In addition to her mother Lisa and son Quinton and too many loving relatives and friends to name, Taylor leaves her brothers, Elijah Ahlstrom and Matthew O'Brien, fiance Scott Hagelberg, grandparents Ron Ahlstrom and Sue Charland, as well as uncles and aunts Brett and Eowyn Ahlstrom and Garret and Deb Ahlstrom. Services will be held at the First Congregational Parish, Unitarian Church in Petersham on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11:00 am. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Mack Family- Higgins O'Connor Funeral Home is directing arrangements.

Shireen A. Michaud

Shireen A. (Stepton) Michaud
JANUARY 30, 1948 ~ NOVEMBER 5, 2019 (AGE 71)


Fitchburg -- Shireen A. (Stepton) Michaud, 71, passed away peacefully in Leominster Hospital on November 5, 2019 with her family by her side.
Shireen was born in Fitchburg on January 30, 1948, a daughter of the late Mary A. (Hill) Walsh, wife of Paul D. Walsh of Winchendon and Tucson, AZ.
Shireen graduated from Fitchburg High School. Furthering her education, she graduated with her LPN from Leominster Hospital School of Nursing.
Shireen worked as an LPN at the former Mount Elam Nursing Home in Fitchburg as well as Keystone Nursing Home in Leominster, retiring from Keystone after over twenty five years.
Shireen enjoyed spending time with her family, celebrating the holidays, going on family camping trips and shopping. Most of all she enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren. Shireen was an avid reader who also enjoyed crossword puzzles.
She is survived by her three children Shaun Fontaine, Todd Michaud, Melissa Michaud and fiance Craig Saladini, all of Fitchburg; two grandsons Travis Michaud and Michael Saladini, both of Fitchburg; father Paul Walsh of Winchendon and Tucson AZ; siblings, Michelle LeBlanc of Fitchburg, Barry Walsh and wife Heather of Leominster, Lisa Smith and husband Keith of Tucson, AZ, and David Walsh and wife Dianna of Winchendon; many nieces and nephews.
Shireen was predeceased by her husband of 29 years, Michael Michaud in 2006.
Calling hours will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Sunday, November 10, from 2-5pm. Shireen's funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 11 in Saint Joseph Church, 49 Woodland St., Fitchburg at 10:00am. Burial will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250 Framingham, MA 01701.

Lucien B. Belletete

Lucien B. Belletete
APRIL 23, 1930 ~ NOVEMBER 7, 2019 (AGE 89)


KENLY, NC - Lucien B. Belletete, 89, formerly of 73 Michaels Lane, Baldwinville, MA, died peacefully on Thursday morning, November 7, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Lucien (Bernard) was born in Winchendon, MA on April 12, 1930, the eldest son of the late Charles and Marie (Roy) Belletete. He lived in Winchendon most of his life before retiring and moving to Baldwinville, MA in 1995, where he resided until January of 2019, then moved to Kenly, NC to enjoy the tranquility of southern living. He was the co-owner of Bellecraft Woodworking in Waterville with his brother, Andre, where he used his natural talent working as a master craftsman and woodworker. Lucien was a very quiet, kind, and gentle man, had an impeccable work ethic, and his children couldn't have asked for a better father and role model. He was also a "jack of all trades." He owned a camp on Lake Watatic in Ashburnham, MA for many years, which he shared with his family and friends. He loved boating and water skiing and created countless memories for all who had the pleasure of sharing a moment with him throughout the years. He served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He also served on the board of the Marquette Community Federal Credit Union. He immensely enjoyed traveling and visited Hawaii many times amongst his extensive travels. He also loved being outdoors, soaking up the sun, actively participating on social media, and playing games.
He is survived by his wife, Therese (Butler) Belletete and his children, Linda Lamb and her husband, Todd, of Englewood, Florida, Dana Belletete and his significant other, Anita, of Lochmere, NH, Ralph Belletete and his significant other, Donna, of Baldwinville, MA, and Sheila Oliver and her significant other, Jim, of Kenly, NC. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Michael, Rebecca, David, Eric, Craig, Julie, Gregory, and Danielle, several great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his sisters, Lucienne, Theresa, Rita, Pauline, and Madeline and his brothers, Roland, Pierre, and Leo.
He was predeceased by his brother, Andre, and sisters, Lilleanne, Anne, and Bernadette.
Military funeral services will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 2 P.M. in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

Kenneth Lewis Howard

Kenneth Lewis Howard
AUGUST 17, 1962 ~ NOVEMBER 8, 2019 (AGE 57)


Kenneth (Kenny) Lewis Howard, 57 of Conroe, TX, formerly of Ayer, Lunenburg, Fitchburg and Winchendon, MA died November 8th, 2019 after a hard-fought battle against cancer.
Kenny was born August 17th, 1962 at Fort Devens, MA to David M. Howard and Hannelore M. Hand (Goepfrich). He grew up in Ayer, MA attended Ayer High School. After High school, Kenny served in the United States Marine Corps. Later in life he worked a lot of jobs, but was most often a Painter by trade.
Kenny loved Nascar, they didn't call him "Ken the Race Nut" for nothing. He was a big fan of New England sports, especially the Patriots and the Bruins, but had recently warmed up to the Houston Texans as well. He also loved fishing, and was known to enjoy a beer or three. The fish will be safer, but the world is going to miss a great guy with a zest for life.
Kenny leaves his parents David M. Howard of Rome, NY and Hannelore M. Hand of Winchendon, MA, a son Timothy L. Howard of Wausau, Wisconsin, a brother David M. Howard, Jr. of Westminster, MA, a sister Crystal A. Duchesne (Howard) and her husband Rob of Winchendon, MA, a sister Lindsey Howard and her husband Chris Keating of Fitchburg, MA as well as his partner and care-taker Sandy Moore of Conroe, TX. He also leaves nieces, nephews, a great-niece and 2 great- nephews, and a bunch of great friends. A brother Mark J. Howard preceded him in death.
Information on services are incomplete at this time.

Mildred O. Noftle

Mildred O. Noftle
NOVEMBER 4, 1929 ~ NOVEMBER 13, 2019 (AGE 89)


RINDGE, NH – Mildred O. (Gates) Noftle, 90, of 34 Sears Road, died peacefully in her home Wednesday morning, November 13, 2019, with her daughter at her side.
She was born in Saugus on November 4, 1929, the youngest of ten children of the late Elder C. and Mildred (Campbell) Gates and was a graduate of Saugus High School. Millie later attended Eastern Nazarene College. Millie lived in Londonderry, NH for many years and had lived in Rindge, NH for the last ten years.
Millie worked as a licensed nursing assistant for 40 years. She worked for several nursing homes in the Londonderry, NH area as well as Sisters of Mercy in Windham, NH. A pastor’s wife, she loved to sing and spend time with her family. She is a member of the Keene Church of the Nazarene and attended the United Parish in Winchendon, MA.
Her husband of 59 years, Rev. John S. Noftle, died in 2011. She leaves three children, Deborah Scortico and her husband Robert of Winchendon, James Noftle of Long Beach, CA and Stephen Noftle and his wife Linda of Ft. Edward, NY; five grandchildren, Kelli Anne, Jared, Joshua Jon, Joshua Stephen and Benjamin and thirteen great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 18, 2019 at 11:30 A.M. in the United Parish, 39 Front Street, Winchendon. A calling hour will be held in church Monday from 10:30 to 11 :30 A.M. preceding the service.
Burial will be in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.