Obituaries
JUDITH E. BENEDETTO
July 29, 1950 ~ October 28, 2020 (Age 70)
Judith E. (Miles) Benedetto, 70, of Jaffrey, NH, died October 28, 2020 at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH after a brief illness.
She was born in Lynn, MA on July 29, 1950 to Roger and Muriel (LeBlanc) Miles.
Judy always enjoyed her time at Borders Book Store in Peabody, MA and had worked at a variety of convenient stores in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She was also very involved as a parent volunteer at Beeman Memorial School in Gloucester, MA.
She enjoyed reading, singing and dancing to Broadway Show tunes, Barbra Streisand and The Beatles.
She was predeceased by her parents; her step-mother, Marie Miles and a brother, David Miles.
Judy is survived by her daughter, Anna Benedetto of Gloucester, MA; a sister, Sandra Raymond of Winchendon, MA and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who she loved all very dearly.
Services will be held at a later date by her family.
Memorial donations may be made to the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, Massachusetts.
Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester, NH is assisting the family with arrangements.
A. ROGER DUCHESNE
September 1, 1933 ~ November 1, 2020 (Age 87)
WINCHENDON - A. Roger Duchesne, 87, formerly of 99 Ipswich Drive, died peacefully Sunday morning, November 1, 2020 in Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner.
He was born in Salem, MA on September 1, 1933, son of the late Joseph R. and Antoinette (Laliberte) Duchesne. Roger lived in Salem for many years until moving to Winchendon in 2004. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War.
Roger worked for many years at Flynn's Tannery in Salem. He was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox.
He leaves his wife of 28 years, Cecile (Begin) Duchesne; two children, Robert R. Duchesne and his wife Crystal of Winchendon and Lori Ann Duchesne of Lynn; three grandchildren, Dianna Patricia Duchesne, Samantha Nicole Duchesne and Nicholas Robert Duchesne; three step grandchildren, Christopher Mascharka of Gardner, Bradley Geslak of Winchendon and Kaitlin Johnson of Fitchburg and two sisters. A daughter, Dianna Duchesne, preceded him in death.
Military funeral services will be held Friday, November 6, 2020 at 1 P.M. in Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimers' Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.
MARILYN GAUTHIER
November 25, 1927 ~ November 3, 2020 (Age 92)
WINCHENDON - Marilyn (Brow) Gauthier, 92, of 128 Ipswich Drive, died peacefully Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at her residence with her family at her side.
A lifelong resident of Winchendon, she was born on November 25, 1927, daughter of the late Leon and Grace (Bartlett) Brow and was a graduate of Murdock High School.
Marilyn worked as an assembler at the former Ray Plastics for 17 years until her retirement. She previously worked at White Brothers and Clapp Novelty. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and enjoyed reading, playing bingo and cards and trips to all casinos, especially Foxwoods. She also treasured spending vacations for 55 years at York Beach with her family.
Her husband, Norman A. Gauthier, died in 1991. She leaves two children, Michael S. Gauthier of Rochester, NY and Carol M. Betourney and her husband Scott of Winchendon; two grandchildren, Christopher Betourney and his wife Amber and Tricia Betourney and her significant other Ross L'Etoile. She was predeceased by a sister, Helen, who died as an infant, a half-sister, Lillian Clapp and a half-brother Leon "Sonny" Brow Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 11 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon. The mass will be streamed and may be viewed on the church Facebook page. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. preceding the mass.
At the family's request, entrance will be denied without a face mask and social distancing.
Memorial donations may be made to St Jude Childrens' Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
The family wishes to extend its gratitude to Rev. Francis A. Roberge for providing last rites and Dr. John Harrington for his years of devoted care.
MARY A. HORTON
April 13, 1921 ~ October 29, 2020 (Age 99)
Westminster- Mary A. (Sullivan) Horton, 99, of Westminster, MA, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2020, at Alliance Health, in Baldwinville, MA.
Born on April 13, 1921, in Winchendon, MA, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Mary Ann (Hickey) Sullivan. Mary grew up in Gardner, MA and resided there for most of her life, moving to Portsmouth, NH for a brief period and Westminster, MA for ten years.
Mary was a 1938 graduate of Gardner High School. Before raising her family, she was secretary to Curtis Watkins, President of Simplex Time Recorder and always spoke highly of her time there. She also enjoyed the energy of being surrounded by students and staff when she was secretary at Gardner High School as well as her years working in the business office at Mount Wachusett Community College.
She was a former member of the Gardner Women’s Club, the Gardner Chapter of the AARP, the Westminster Friendship Club, Sacred Heart Church and St. Edward the Confessor Church. Mary was known for her quick "Irish" wit, loved a good laugh and often shared her favorite quotes and expressions, both the famous and those of family members and friends. Reading was her favorite pastime as well as listening to the latest stories about her family. She enjoyed needlework and crossword puzzles and was masterful at both. A woman of faith, Mary always put others first. She was kind to all and dearly loved by her family.
Mary was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, A. Henry Horton, in 1997.
She leaves three daughters, Ann Weiss and husband Ted of Kingston, WA, Margaret "Peggy" Richardson and husband Bruce of Windham, NH and Elizabeth "Beth" Foster and husband Don of Westminster.
She leaves eight grandchildren, Amy (Foster) Irizarry of St. Augustine, FL, Donald "Jay" Foster II and wife, Nicole, of Westminster, Julie (Foster) Mastromatteo and husband Mitch of Merrimack, NH and Christopher Foster of Sarasota, FL, Kristin (Weiss) Gann and husband Matthew of Bremerton, WA and Alison (Weiss) Christman and husband Tony of Silverdale, WA, Kate (Novakowski) Davis and husband Wes of Luxembourg and Timothy Novakowski and wife Julie of Germany. She leaves twelve great-grandchildren, Emily (Irizarry) Geoghagan and husband Shane, Emma and Aiden Foster, Benjamin Mastromatteo, Christopher and Kathryn Gann, Ashley, Anthony, Aubrey and Zachary Christman, Julia and Landon Davis, and two great-great-grandchildren, Katherine and Ethan Geoghagan.
Funeral services with a Christian burial at Calvary Cemetery, Winchendon, MA, will be private.
In lieu of flowers and with thanks for Hospice care, memorial donations may be made in Mary's name to The Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.
The Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 123 Main St., Westminster, has been entrusted with Mary’s funeral arrangements.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net
SUSAN CHRISTINE TAYLOR
October 7, 1956 ~ October 12, 2020 (Age 64)
WINDSOR, Conn. — Susan Christine Taylor, 64, of Palmer, Massachusetts, passed away on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, with her daughters by her side.
Susan was born on Oct. 7, 1956, in Hartford, daughter of the late Paul A. and Janet M. (Keller) Taylor. She graduated in 1974 from East Hartford's Penney High School before earning degrees in education from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1978, and Eastern Connecticut State University in 1990. Susan had a very rewarding and successful career, which spanned more than four decades as a special education teacher. She retired after 10 years of service from the Coventry Public School System.
Susan's life was spent with ties to the Masonic family. She is a former supreme deputy for the state of Connecticut, IORG, and was a member of Good Intent Chapter, OES, until her death. In addition to her Masonic service, she volunteered her time in her community's garden club and local food bank.
Susan was an avid tea drinker, gardener and all-around nature lover. She was an enthusiastic baseball fan who loved the New York Yankees (all rise!). She is remembered by her family, friends and former students as an exceptionally kind and empathetic person who encouraged generosity, compassion, humor and individualism. She was a defender of social equality and advancement, and a believer in the potential of humankind. Her family is proud that her last legal act in this life was casting her 2020 ballot against this administration.
Susan leaves behind her partner, Michael Korzec of Palmer, Massacchusetts; her beloved daughters, Jessica Lemus and her partner, Robbie, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lauren Thomas and her partner, Chris, of Winchendon, Massachusetts; her four siblings, Deborah Savaria and her husband, Ron, of Broad Brook, Richard Taylor and his wife, Andrea, of Port Orange, Florida, Stephen Taylor of Manchester and Jennifer O'Connor of Inglis, Florida; as well as an aunt and uncle; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
A small memorial for Susan will be held next spring with family and close friends to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Susan's name to Food Share, 39 Walnut St., Palmer, MA 01069, or to Heifer International at heifer.org.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory with her family, please visit carmonfuneralhome.com.
DAVID A. ZIBKOWSKI
May 16, 1943 ~ November 1, 2020 (Age 77)
WINCHENDON - David A. Zibkowski, 77, of 7 Brown Avenue, died peacefully Sunday morning, November 1, 2020 at his residence, with his longtime companion at his side.
He was born in Gardner on May 16, 1943, son of the late Edward and Martha (Reinikainen) Zibkowski and was a 1962 graduate of Gardner High School. He had lived in Winchendon for the last 30 years.
Dave had worked many years ago at Simplex Time Recorder Co. He later worked for many years as a machinist at General Electric Co in Fitchburg and retired from the former Cathy's Central Cafe in Gardner. His hobbies were fixing things and listening to music while enjoying a few beers.
He leaves two sons, Derek Zibkowski and Robin Cartee of Southbridge and Aaron Zibkowski and Roxanne Schindler of Winchendon; his longtime companion of 35 years, Cathy Milan of Winchendon; a sister, June Nichols of Athol; two grandsons, Steven and Justin Zibkowski; three great grandchildren, Andrea, Cade and Sebastian Zibkowski and his beloved dog Anna Banana. A brother, Edward Zibkowski Jr., died in March of this year.
Calling hours will be held Friday, November 6, 2020 from 5 to 7 P.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon with a funeral service to be held at 7 P.M.
Masks and social distancing are required.
Memorial donations may be made to Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue, 381R Baldwinville Rd, Templeton, MA 01468.
Funeral services will be streamed and may be viewed on the funeral home website.
FREDERICK J. SUNDERLAND
October 29, 2020 (Age 89)
Frederick J. Sunderlund, 89, of Chesapeake, VA, passed away on October 29, 2020.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, he was the son of the late Matthew and Alice Sunderland. He was a member of the Catholic Church of Saint Mark, an avid golfer, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Frederick was preceded in death by a daughter, Rosemary Sunderland. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Rose Sunderland; three sons, Gerard Sunderland and wife Jane of North Carolina, John M. Sunderland and wife, Helene, of Winchendon, MA, and James P. Sunderland and wife, Michelle, of Virginia Beach; daughter, Nuala G. Hedrick and husband, Michael, of Dayton, VA; six grandchildren, Michael and Kerry Sunderland, Bailee and Brooke Sunderland, Gillian and Leah Hedrick; two sisters; and two brothers.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Medi Hospice ladies for their compassion and excellent care their have provided.
The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Catholic Church of Saint Mark on Friday, Nov.6, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Committal to follow in Columbarium. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
GEORGE BLASKO
September 4, 1950 ~ October 28, 2020 (Age 70)
George Blasko, 70, of Collinsville, CT, beloved husband of Jane Manna, died Wednesday, October 28th, 2020, at UConn Hospital in Farmington, CT.
He was born on September 4th, 1950, in Salzburg, Austria, the son of the late Frank and Priscilla Blasko. He was a veteran of the US Army stationed in Izmir, Turkey, and specialized in Tactical Microwave System Repair. He attended US Army Signal School in Ft. Monmouth, NJ, as well as studying accounting, graduating with A.A. & A.S degrees from Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Class of 1974. He continued his studies with a focus on Economics and Psychology, and graduated with a B.A. from Central Connecticut State University, Class of 1983.
George's parents fled communist Hungary in 1948, and spent two years living in a displaced persons camp in post-World War II Austria, awaiting approval to immigrate to America. George was born in the refugee camp in Salzburg, and at the young age of 9 months, he travelled a long and rough voyage to the United States aboard the USS General M.B. Stewart, entering through Ellis Island.
He spent his younger years living in Winchendon, MA, Cleveland, OH, and Buffalo, NY. He moved to Collinsville, CT, his junior year of high school. He was a strong and loving person, proud of both his Hungarian heritage and his American identity.
George always stuck up for his beliefs, and he didn't back down from anyone or anything. He was smart, witty, and certainly never dull. He was quick to laugh, he loved his wife and family, and he was truly an original man. George, an avid collector of comic books, was interested in cars, and extremely passionate about politics.
In addition to his wife Jane, he is survived by two sons, Justin Blasko of West Palm Beach, FL, and Timothy Blasko of Nantucket, MA; two step daughters Alexandra Manna and Gabrielle Manna both from Stamford, CT; three sisters, Maria Dalstrom and her husband Bruce of Greenland, NH, Victoria Chenard and her husband Peter of Boca Raton, FL, and Priscilla Blasko of Southern Pines, NC; one grandson Levon Blasko of Nantucket, MA; two nieces, Melissa Phoenix of Hampton, NH, and Erica Chenard of Baltimore, MD; two nephews, Matthew Grzywinski of New York, NY, and Kristofer Chenard of Fort Lauderdale, FL. George was also fortunate to have several amazing life-long friends who knew they could count on each other's support and friendship for nearly 50 years.
A private graveside service with military honors will be held in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Burlington. The Vincent Funeral Home of Canton is caring for the arrangements. Please visit George's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
BETTY-ANNE LAMBERT TEMPLETON - Betty-Anne (Lovewell) Lambert, 82. of 2 Williams Street, Baldwinville, died peacefully Monday evening, November 2, 2020 at her residence, with her family at her side. ERNEST J. CODERRE WINCHENDON - Ernest J. Coderre, 82, of 29 Joslin Road, died Tuesday afternoon, November 3, 2020 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.
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She was born in Gardner on March 2, 1938, daughter of the late Herman and Gladys (Johnson) Lovewell and was a graduate of Gardner High School. Betty-Anne had lived in Baldwinville for 57 years.
Betty-Anne had worked as a nurses' aide at the former Gardner Manor Nursing Home. She had also worked several years ago at Winchendon Bowling Alley snack bar. She enjoyed collecting dolls, playing bingo and crocheting. Betty-Anne enjoyed bowling and had been a member of bowling leagues in Gardner and Winchendon. She had also been a clogger. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she treasured spending time with her family.
Her husband of 55 years, Billy G. Lambert Sr., died in 2013. She leaves three children, Stephen Lambert of Lindsay, OK, Rhonda Barsamian of Gardner and Billy G. Lambert Jr and his wife Brigid of Gardner; six grandchildren, Stephen Lambert III and his wife Ashley, Tiffany Barsamian, Alysse Bendel and her husband Jason, Jordan Barsamian, Devon Barsamian and Shannan Lambert; seven great grandchildren, Kole Lambert, Brooklyn Lambert, Laila Barsamian, Lilyana Barsamian, Leigha Barsamian, Leviticus Rocheleau and Lincoln Rocheleau, as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, George Lovewell, Richard Lovewell, Bunny Lovewell and Jim Lovewell.
Private graveside services will be held in Greenlawn Cemetery, Baldwinville. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Care Central VNA and Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.
November 10, 1937 ~ November 3, 2020 (Age 82)
He was born in Winchendon on November 10, 1937, son of the late Ernest P. and Florence (St. Pierre) Coderre and was a lifelong Winchendon resident.
Ernie had served as a member of the United States Navy Reserves, serving on the USS Sherman. He was a self-employed truck driver for many years and had also worked for Van Dyke Construction. In earlier years, he worked as a volunteer firefighter and member of the police force. He known as a jack of all trades.
Ernie enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Disney World. He was a member of the American Legion in Jaffrey, VFW of Jaffrey, Turnpike Rod and Gun Club and Winchendon Rod and Gun Club. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family.
His wife, Patricia E. (Hanson) Coderre, died in 2009. He leaves three children, Ernest J. Coderre Jr and his wife Maryann of Jaffrey, Kathleen F. Forrest of Winchendon and Suzanne M. Roberts of Winchendon; seven grandchildren, Shaunna Mason, Lindsay Grant, Edward Roberts, Matthew Roberts, Jason Roberts, Joshua LeBlanc and Loran Coderre; nine great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A son, Edward J. Coderre, and two sisters, Marie Hill and Evelyn Morlock, predeceased him.
Private graveside services will be held in Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Winchendon Fire Department, 405 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.