The Winchendon Courier
Serving the community since 1878 ~ A By Light Unseen Media publication
Week of October 10 to October 17, 2019

Obituaries

Gertrude J. Forcier

Gertrude J. (Lavinski) Forcier
November 13, 1925 ~ October 7, 2019 (Age 93)


WINCHENDON – Gertrude J. (Lavinski) Forcier, 93, of 138 Spruce Street, died peacefully Monday afternoon, October 7, 2019 in her home, with her family at her side.
She was born in Winchester, NH on November 13, 1925, daughter of the late Adam and Upronia (Sorel) Lavinski, and was a resident of Winchendon for most of her life.
Gertrude was a loving, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Her husband Leo J. Forcier Sr., died in 1975. She leaves three children, David J. Forcier of Swanzey, NH, Kathleen M. Young of Winchendon and Patricia A. St. Pierre of Orange; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four sons, Leo J. Forcier Jr. in 2016, Daniel J. Forcier in 2014, Robert J. Forcier in 2012 and John P. Forcier in 2002, as well as a daughter, Juliette Rose Forcier in 1948.
Graveside services will be held Friday, October 11, 2019 at 11 A.M. in Calvary Cemetery, Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

Leona Lefebvre

Leona L. Lefebvre
March 12, 1916 ~ October 9, 2019 (Age 103)


WINCHENDON – Leona L. (Couture) Lefebvre, 103, formerly of 77 Hyde Park Drive, died peacefully Wednesday morning, October 9, 2019 in Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Gardner.
A lifelong resident of Winchendon, Leona was born on March 12, 1916, daughter of the late Louis and Lydia (Gamache) Couture.
Leona worked for many years as an inspector at the former Nichols and Stone Furniture Company, Gardner. In earlier years, she had worked at the former White Brothers Castle. She had been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Ovila Case Post #905 VFW and Eugene M. Connor Post #193 American Legion. She will be remembered as a loving and caring lady, who also took in foster children.
Her husband of 32 years, Ulric F. Lefebvre, died in 1973. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Anita M. Harrison and a sister, Rita M. Duhaime. She leaves two grandsons, Paul Pineault and Carl Pineault of Winchendon; a sister, Hilda I. Fish of Westmoreland, NH as well as nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 11 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
There are no calling hours.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

Jessica Goodale

Jessica Goodale
March 7, 1987 ~ October 2, 2019 (Age 32)


Jessica Goodale, 32, of Winchendon, passed away on Wednesday, October 2 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton after a prolonged illness.
Jessica was born on March 7, 1987 in Aurora, Colorado.
She is survived by her parent, Gwen Meunier of Leominster and step mom, Carol Brigley and her husband, James of Fitchburg, one son, Gunnar Goodale of Fitchburg, one daughter, Kaelyn Goodale of Fitchburg, two brothers, Nathaniel Gaines of North Brookfield, Lucas Meunier of Leominster, one sister, Annemarie Gaines of Panama City, Florida, her partner, Kevin Michaud of Winchendon and her former husband, Dustin Goodale of Fitchburg.
She is predeceased by her mother, Maryanne (McNamara) Gaines.
Jessica was a generous soul and loving Mother to her two beautiful children. She attended Saint Bernard's High School in Fitchburg where she was loved by all. She was a bright light within the campus ministry and was active with the school's drama club where she loved performing in their annual theater productions. Jessica earned the starring role of Rizzo in Grease her junior year, and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes her senior year. After graduation, she performed vocals on commercial productions. She continued to share her passion for singing through karaoke and local music competitions.
Jessica also studied business administration and marketing at Mount Wachusett Community College and Nichols College. Jessica had a successful career in sales where she consistently placed among the top performers.
Jessica was also a talented artist. She'd had her original art displayed in local galleries and enjoyed creating art for the people she loved. Jessica's artistic side extended into cooking and crafting, where she instilled creativity in her two children.
A brief memorial service will be held at 12:00 (noon) on Wednesday Ocotber 9th, at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg with a visitation period from 9:00AM to 12:00 noon prior to the service.
Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Father's House, P.O. Box 7251, Fitchburg, MA 01420, ofhshelter.com.

James Byrne

James P. Byrne
May 6, 1930 ~ October 9, 2019 (Age 89)


WINCHENDON – James P. Byrne, 89, of 20 Harris Road, died Wednesday morning, October 9, 2019 in his home with his family at his side.
He was born in Cambridge, MA on May 6, 1930, son of the late Frank J. and Lenore (James) Byrne and attended Rindge Technical School in Cambridge. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from high school and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. A resident of Carlisle for 35 years, he moved to Winchendon in 1999.
Jim worked as a master tool and die instrument maker at MIT for 37 years until his retirement. Jim loved the outdoors and had enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an avid farmer. He also enjoyed time with his horse Jake.
He leaves his wife of 67 years, Marguerite P. (Mossey) Byrne; three sons, Robert W. Byrne and his wife Kathleen of Templeton, Frank J. Byrne and his wife Myra of Carlisle and James M. Byrne and his wife Marie of Johnson City, NY; five grandchildren, Frank J. Byrne Jr, Michael R. Byrne, Shane R. Byrne, Brandon S. Byrne and Maya Johnson, as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank J. Byrne and Robert Byrne and a sister, Margaret Byrne.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 11 A.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.
A calling hour will be held Saturday from 10 to 11 A.M. preceding the funeral.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Center, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.