GAIL C. WHITTLE
January 12, 1945 ~ April 3, 2020 (age 75)

WINCHENDON - Gail Catherine Whittle, age 75, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 3, 2020 due to complications from Covid-19.

Gail was born January 12, 1945, in Greenfield, Ma to Ed and Evelyn Landry. The family later moved to Baldwinville, Ma where she graduated from Narragansett Regional High School in 1962. She married her high school sweetheart, Glenn Whittle on October 27, 1962. They quickly started a family giving birth to four kids. Glenn started a lifelong career at Seaman Paper Company while Gail raised the 4 kids. After Cindy, the youngest, was born they moved from Gardner to Templeton Common to raise their family.

Gail had a passion for life, a gift for gab, and a flare for doing the impossible. While raising her family she participated in the high school fund raiser variety shows as many comedic characters on stage. She morphed into a different person each year with her many hair styles, and she constantly redesigned the rooms in the house honing her decorating skills. As her kids got older, she started working at a catering business, drove bus for disadvantaged kids, and created flower arrangements at a dried flower shop to stay busy.

In the early 80s, Gail with the backing of her husband Glenn, started her own business later known as “Country Mischief”, the name conceived by her because she was always into mischief. She started in a small room in the Templeton Store making dried flower arrangements then after purchasing the Elsa Stone building and later the Adams Printing building grew the business into a 37-room gift shop including a full restaurant, “Mischievous Chef”. They sold the business in 2018 to finally retire and spend more time with their family. Her desire to tackle new things never diminished through her 32 years of business.

Gail spent her short retirement doing what she loved: Boat rides with Glenn on Lake Monomonac, playing slots at the Casino, and caring for friends and family. She spent a lifetime searching for treasures and could be found on any Saturday hitting all the yard sales. She will surely be missed by the many people who were fortunate to cross her path.

Gail and Glenn made the perfect duo since meeting junior year in High School, Gail handling the front part of the business (creative, customer service, and purchasing) while Glenn kept everything operational, they were an unbeatable pair. Anyone who knows Gail witnessed her love and compassion for her customers, her can do attitude, and her love for her family and friends. Her pride and devotion to her town of Templeton was shown by her actions rather than words. She was instrumental in starting the Town-Wide Yard Sale, the Country Roads Christmas, and the Templeton 250th Celebration.

Gail joins her parents, Ed and Evelyn Landry; her mother-in-law Cynthia Whittle; and her son Stuart Whittle, in heaven. She is survived by her husband, Glenn Whittle of Winchendon; her 4 siblings: Cindy Labow, Susan Landry, Cheryl Doucet, and Chuck Landry; her son Scott Whittle and spouse Marla of Templeton; her son Sean Whittle and spouse Heidi from Templeton; her daughter Cindy Dow and Tom from Templeton; and her daughter-in-law Karen from Suffield, Ct. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Devan Dow, Austin Whittle, Michael Whittle, Brandon Dow, Zach Whittle, Amanda Whittle, Cameron Whittle, and Conner Whittle along with 4 great grandchildren.

At this time, due to the world we live in, the funeral service will be on hold until a later time.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Pompe AMDA foundation in memory of Stuart Whittle.

To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is assisting with arrangements.

WAYNE A. HEITMANN
December 4, 1952 ~ April 5, 2020 (age 67)

Athol--Wayne A. Heitmann, 67, of Arlington Street, died at home April 5, 2020, following a long and courageous battle with lung disease with his wife and step daughter at his side.

Born in Chelsea on December 4, 1952, he was a son of Frederick and Rosalie (Zahler) Heitmann and grew up around the country and graduated from Sharon (MA) High School and later graduated from Boston State College.

On November 20, 2004, Wayne married Robin (Hollister) and they have enjoyed 15 years together.

Wayne worked as the Director of Quality Control for Sepauton in Waltham.

He loved sports and was an avid Red Sox fan. Wayne also enjoyed reading, playing video games, puzzles and camping.

Survivors include his wife, Robin Heitmann of Athol; a son, Matthew Heitmann of Athol; daughters, Brooke Fishbein and Alexa Soll, both of Andover; a step daughter, Paula Stephens of Athol; step sons, Jarrod Borey of Winchendon, and George Lehto of Gilsum, NH; seven grandchildren; a brother, Michael Heitmann of Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Elayne Shamitz of Boston and Denise Heitmann of Charlestown, RI; his mother in law, Joyce Mason, of Orange; many nephews, nieces and cousins; and life-long friend, Jan Schatvet of Colorado.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents.

There are no calling hours or services.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

OTTMAR RAU
February 15, 1932 ~ April 7, 2020 (age 88)

WINCHENDON – Ottmar Rau, 88, of 480 Central Street, passed peacefully Tuesday morning, April 7, 2020 in UMASS Memorial Hospital, Belmont Street, Worcester, with his family at his side.

He was born in Württemberg, Germany on February 15, 1932, son of the late Karl and Lina (Philipp) Rau and came to the United States, settling in Philadelphia with his uncle, August Philipp at the age of 19. Ottmar proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, where he met his wife. Following his military service, he returned to Philadelphia and worked for his uncle. He later moved to Agawam, MA then found property in Phillipston, where he and his wife lived until moving to Winchendon in 1965.

Ottmar, along with his brothers, owned and operated National Seat Manufacturing, Ipswich Industries, and Rau Bros. At one time employing approximately 125 people. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Gardner, enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Ottmar also served on the boards of several New England banks including Shawmut Bank and Winchendon Savings. He worked very hard to make sure that those who looked to him for leadership were treated fairly and ethically. Winchendon was his home and her residents were important to him.

As a proud member of the Masons, Ottmar was raised in Artisan Lodge in 1965. He was Worshipful Master of Artisan Lodge in 1970 & 1980, Proxy in 1994, Tiler in 2006 and past High Priest of Gardner Chapter, currently serving as Scribe, past Illustrious Master of Harris Council, a three-time past Commander of Ivanhoe No. 46, past Patron Faith Chapter OES and member of Jessamine Chapter. He was a member of Mass Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters, the Mass Convention of High Priests, the Mayflower York Rite College, the Scottish Rite Valley of Boston, the Aleppo Shrine, and the Colonial Council Knight Masons. He was a member and Seneschal of King Philip York Rite College. He was District Deputy Grand Master in 1988 & 1989, Grand Captain of the Guard of the Grand Council in 1992, District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1993 & 1994, and Grand Principal Conductor of the work of the Grand Council in 1995. Ottmar received the Abraham A. Dame Award of the Grand Council. He was Prior of Mass Priory #52 Knights of New York Cross of Honor, Puissant Sovereign of St. Matthews of the Red Cross of Constantine, Grand Representative for the Grand Chapter of Germany and the Grand Council of Germany, and Grand Scribe 1996 of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts. He was the Holder of the Benjamin Hurd, Jr. Meritorious Service Medal, and the Grand Council Stained Glass Window Committee for the Masonic Home. He received the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal. In 2015 he received the Veteran's Medal and was most recently awarded Past Master 50 Year Award.

His wife, E. Louise (Caldwell) Rau, died April 6, 2007. He leaves five children, Philip O. Rau of Westminster, Heidi Rau Blouin and her husband, Bruce of Winchendon, Margretta E. Rau-Erickson and her husband, Alan of Gardner, Karl R. Rau and his wife, Laurel of Brownfield, ME and Erika S. Rau and her life partner, Carlos Pedroza of El Paso, TX; two sisters-in-law, Marliese Rau of Winchendon and Lore Rau of Lachweiler,Germany; fourteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. His three brothers, Manfred Rau, Erwin Rau and Herman Rau, preceded him in death.

This send off may seem a bit dry and bland, but our father was far from that. He was filled with kindness, wit, humor, and an innate curiosity about the world and those around him. We could always get him to laugh as we tried to master his accent. Of which we never did succeed!

He was an amazing man who could talk to anyone and always put family and friends before himself.

A memorial service will be held in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon at a future day and time to be announced. Burial will be in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114. Both Ottmar and his wife, Louise were actively involved in supporting them for their work with children.

MARIA J. (MORETTO) BATES
June 7, 1931 ~ March 30, 2020 (age 88)

Maria J. (Moretto) Bates, 88 years old, of Leominster, died peacefully Monday, March 30, 2020 in HealthAlliance-Leominster Hospital, surrounded by her loving children. She is survived by her 4 children, Thomas M. Bates and his life partner Grace Whest of Virginia Beach, VA, Catherine M. Bates LeBlanc and husband John of Brewster, Patricia A. Bates McKay and husband David of Winchendon and Teresa M. Bates Dumont and husband Michael of Ashburnham; a sister Florence Murphy; 3 grandchildren, Michael L. Dumont and wife Monica Lee, Skylar T. Bates and wife Angela, and Logan M. Bates Kinsley and husband Shane; 9 great-grandchildren, Jamison Bray, Lacie Bray, Benjamin Bray, Archer Bates, Everett Bates, Emerson Kinsley, John Thomas Kinsley, Sloan Kinsley and Harrison Dumont, as well as 13 nieces and nephews. Maria was predeceased by her husband Norman W. Bates, Jr. in 1999, 2 grandchildren Meghan M. Dumont Bray and Thomas M. Bates, Jr., 3 sisters Emily Moretto, Malvina Rush and Bianca Fava; and 4 brothers Paul Moretto, Alex Moretto, Albino Moretto and Enzo Moretto.

Maria was born in Fitchburg on June 7, 1931, daughter of John and Teresa (Botazzi) Moretto and graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1950 and won the Clarence M. Amiott Award for physical excellence. She had worked at R.C. Swan Company for Standard Tool Company, then in 1968 she started a 25 year career at Nypro Inc. First as an Office Manager, working her way to Assistant Controller, Benefits Manager, Director of Administrative Services, and retiring as the Corporate Director of Administration in 1993. During her working career she took courses at Duke University, Boston University, Levison Institute of Psychology, Limerick University of Ireland and Harvard University. She took many work related trips, including Albany, Georgia, Ashville and Burlington, NC, San Diego, CA, Carolina and Cayey, Puerto Rico, Bray Ireland and Leon, France.

After retirement, Maria formed the Nypro Retirement Club and was president of the Nypro Golden Service Club for 20 years. She was the first women to be appointed on the Board of Directors of Nypro. In 2015 she was quite deservedly voted into the prestigious "Nypro Hall of Fame".

Maria played basketball for Foster Grants, volleyball on the YMCA women's competitive team, tennis at the Fitchburg Tennis Club, golf at the Worcester Golf Club and was a voracious reader. With great pride and joy Maria planned incredible family trips and vacations around the world.

The burial will be private.There will be a Celebration of life gathering that will be announced at a later date. The Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster is assisting the family with arrangements.

FAY SMITH
August 10, 1915 ~ April 5, 2020 (age 104)

Barre - Fay (Chapman) Smith, 104, of Barre, Massachusetts passed away on April 5, 2020 in Athol Hospital from complications surrounding pneumonia.

Fay was born August 10, 1915 in Barre, the second of four daughters born to local dairy farmer Earl E. and Fern E. (Douglas) Chapman and was a lifelong resident of the town. She graduated from Barre High School in 1933.

In 1936 Fay married Robert F. Scott, father of her three daughters. There were many years of cribbage games, hard work on her family's farm on the weekends, followed by fabulous meals, laughter and card games with her sisters and their families. Bob passed away in 1965 suddenly and Fay, a young widow, returned to school and became a hairdresser. She was employed for 16 years as a hairdresser in Athol, retiring in 1982.

In 1971 Fay married Edward Vining. They spent 16 happy years ballroom dancing on Saturday nights, Scrabble every night after dinner, traveling to Maine and other places every summer. Ed passed away in 1987 leaving Fay a widow once again.

In 2000 Fay attended her annual high school class reunion and reconnected with her old classmate, Warner (Bill) Smith. After a lengthy courtship, they married at 87 and 88 in 2002. Bill and Fay spent 13 wonderful years together, spending winters in Bill's home in Avon Park Florida, and returning to Barre for the remainder of the year; they faithfully played a nightly game or two of Skip-Bo after watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Bill passed away in 2016 at 101.

Fay's greatest joy was spending time with her family and extended family. She loved family gatherings and celebrating her birthday and holidays with all her family members. She loved to cook, particularly bake. Her pies and Martha Washington chocolates were legendary. When she was younger, Fay enjoyed crocheting and knitting; many members of her family received a cozy afghan to curl up with on winter nights. She loved to dance, play cards and laugh along with her family.

Fay was a member of the Hubbardston Golden Age, the Barre Congregational Church and was a member of the Women's Fellowship. She served on the candy committee at their annual fair for more than 30 years, contributing those Martha Washington chocolates for most of them. She served at one point as deaconess of the church.

She was a member of the Barre Historical Society and was a proud New Englander; a descendent through her father of Mayflower passengers John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley. She is predeceased by husbands Bob, Ed and Bill.

In addition, she is predeceased by daughter Roberta (Scott) Lawrence and husband Stanley of Stamford, VT; daughter Shirley (Scott) Gariepy of Barre; grandson Scott B. Lawrence and 3 sisters, Dorothy Bingham, Merle Vaidulas and Ramona Flynn.

She is survived by her daughter Irene (Scott) Bergman and husband Dana of Worcester, son-in-law Richard Gariepy of Barre, 6 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, 7 great- grandsons, 3 great-granddaughters, 8 great-great grandsons, a nephew and nieces. In addition, she is survived by her extended family and their families: Wayne Smith and wife Shirley of Barre; Joyce Brown and husband Clarke of Barre, Ann Dilling and husband Jack of Hubbardston, and Paul Vining of Winchendon.

We celebrate a long and fulfilling life; you shared our successes, joined us in our sorrows and bumps along the way and lived with grace, dignity and love, as we love you in return. You will be sorely missed.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to all family and friends that continued to support Fay over the last several years, providing transportation, mail delivery, visiting, meals and many other caring acts, so that she could continue to live independently in her home. And lastly, thank you for the care and support provided to her in her final days by the staff at Athol Hospital.

Her funeral will be at the convenience of her family and a memorial service will be held at the Barre Congregational Church at a future date. Funeral arrangements are being administered through Miles Funeral Home, Holden, MA.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Barre Congregational Church, One Park Street, Barre, MA 01005.

www.milesfuneralhome.com

JOAN L. McCORQUODALE
May 26, 1935 ~ March 28, 2020 (age 84)

Joan Louise (Pickard) McCorquodale, (84) of New Salem, MA passed away peacefully March 28, 2020 with her family by her side.

She was born to the late Hobart Pickard, Sr. and Emma (Philbrick) Pickard, on May 26, 1935 in Littleton, MA.

She graduated from Pepperell High School in 1953.

Joan and her former spouse, the late Charles A. McCorquodale, were married in 1956.

Joan was a member of the Central Congregational Church of New Salem, MA.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey McCorquodale of Phillipston, MA; Sharen Roberts (Colin) of Penygroes, UK; Karen Baldyga (Wayne) of Great Bend, KS; Debra Parker (Ray) of Winchendon, MA; Sandra Freeman (Tim) of Fitchburg, MA; Rhonda Whitman (Kevin) of New Salem, MA; daughter-in-law, Pamela Gray of Royalston; brothers, John Pickard, Sr. (Dixie) of Pepperell, MA; Hobart Pickard, Jr. (Cynthia) of Paxton, MA; sister-in-law, Karen Pickard of Fonda, NY; many nieces, nephews and cousins; her Aunt Elizabeth (Philbrick) Parisi of FL; her friends Patricia Wallace and Bill Pavo; and 22 grandchildren and great 28 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William Pickard and Fred Pickard, Sr.; and her son, Michael McCorquodale.

Given the current Covid-19 social precautions, the family has decided to postpone a memorial at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Congregational Church, P.O. Box 55, New Salem, MA 01355-0055.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

BONNIE A. (VALITON) BRENNAN
April 4, 1949 ~ April 3, 2020 (age 70)

Bonnie A. (Valiton) Brennan, 70 passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020 at Leominster Hospital. She was surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on April 4, 1949 in Fitchburg a daughter of the late William and Joan (Downes) Valiton.

Bonnie is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Heywood Brennan of Leominster, children, Victor Wirkkala of Lancaster, Michael Wirkkala and his wife Persis of NH, Heather Lynn Leger and her husband Matthew of Leominster, Matthew Wirkkala and his wife Patricia of Fitchburg, James Brennan and his wife Angel Brennan of Leominster, Shawn Brennan of VT, grandchildren, Damien Montoya, Deliciana Montoya, Dominic Montoya, Xander Leger, Gunnar Holt Wirkkala, Stevie Durling, Kimmie Durling, Jimina Brennan, Jimiya Brennan, Julianna Brennan, Maicie Wirkkala, Nathan Cochran, Caleb Colburn, Selah Colburn, Gabriella Wirkkala, Savannah Wirkkala, Matthew Wirkkala Jr., siblings, William Valiton III of Ashburnham, Susan Greene of Winchendon, Sandy Hachey of Florida, Vicki Kennedy of Orange.

Bonnie was a former Assistant Manager at First Service Bank in Fitchburg. Her and her husband owned the former HP Brennan Antiques where they were the distributor of Boyds Bears.

Bonnie loved riding her Harley Davidson motorcycle, arranging flowers and spending time with her horse, "Wilbur". She was incredibly creative and would often make things for her children and grandchildren that displayed her love.

She had a dog named "Yorkie" that showed up one day on her porch and never left her side. They were inseparable and adored one another.

Bonnie lived life to the fullest and taught her children to strive for the same. No matter what the circumstance she always smiled, she always encouraged and she always gave of herself. She was truly one of a kind.

Bonnie loved her family, but most of all, she loved the Lord and looked forward to the day that she would depart and spend eternity with Him.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: https://www.saveayorkierescue.org/info/donate.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg is assisting the family.