The Winchendon Courier - Obituaries (2024)

Joyce Ann (Ares) Hicks of Crystal Lake, IL passed away on October 29, 2023. Joyce was married to Donal A. Hicks for 50 years until his passing in 2003. She was predeceased by her parents, Oliva E. Ares and Eleanor G. (Lashua) Ares and her brothers, Donald O. (Estrella) Ares of Kittery, ME and George E. (Henrietta) Ares of Winchendon, MA. She is survived by her daughters, Debra (Steven) Pratt of Camden, DE and Jennifer Ladeau of Crystal Lake, IL, and her son Robert (Laura Potter) Hicks of Matthews, NC. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Joyce was born in Gardner, MA and raised in Winchendon, MA. She worked at Winchendon Savings Bank, Wilmington Bank, and Franklin County Hospital in Greenfield MA as a medical secretary in Radiology. After a hiatus to raise her children, Joyce worked for Ray Playstics in Winchendon, MA from which she retired in 1998. She visited all but four states, and traveled to Mexico, Canada and Germany. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, whodunits, audio books, and playing card games, especially bridge. Lunch at Benedict's was a highlight.

Our mother was born during the Great Depression. She lived through World War ll, the Korean War (of which our father was a veteran), Vietnam, 9-11, Covid 19, and much more. Mom was a hard-worker, never wanting to be fussed over. She wanted to take charge and take care of everyone. She faced many personal health struggles, but did not complain. She was tough as nails, always showing grit and determination. Although her body may have finally failed her, she was always sharp as a tack and tough as could be.

At her request, there will be no funeral or public service. Contributions may be made in her memory to Shriners' Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Gardner-Viola M. (Lashua) Brochu, 90, died Friday, November 3, 2023, at Alliance at Baldwinville after an illness.

Viola was born in Gardner on May 2, 1933, a daughter of the late Walter J. Lashua and Gladys V. (Columbia) "Lashua" "Goodwin" "Johnson". She graduated from the Old Templeton High School in 1951. During her senior year, she worked at the Five and Dime Store and the American Red Cross in Gardner. After graduation from high school, she traveled to Germany, France, Holland, Austria, Luxemburg and Switzerland. Upon her return, she resided in Gardner.

Viola enjoyed traveling, dancing, camping, bingo, going to the ocean and casinos. She also helped to organize the New England Country Two Steppers Club. She made floral arrangements and cakes. She enjoyed watching NASCAR and the Red Sox.

She worked at the former Lil Peach, Bettez, La Roche Upholstery Co, J's Service Station, Ray Plastic's, First Safety Fund National Bank, Rich's Dept. Store, New Hampshire Ball Bearing, and TRW.

Viola leaves her two sons, Robert J. Brochu and his wife Theresa of Gardner, and Kevin J. Brochu of South Carolina; one sister, Pauline St. Martin; one brother, Leston Goodrich and his wife, Rosemarie of Winchendon; one step-sister, Betty Boutell of Templeton; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and many cousins.

She is predeceased by her longtime companion of many years, Robert E. Sears, a step-sister, Betty Boutell, a brother, John Walter Lashua, and a step-brother, Ernest Johnson.A graveside service will be held at a later date.

To leave an online condolence please visit, www.stone-ladeau.com

The Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 has been entrusted with Viola's care.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.

2Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith

Winchendon, Michael P. Connor passed peacefully in the early morning of November 3, 2023, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. He was the son of Edith Gray (Eisenhauer) Connor and Malcolm Michael Connor. Michael was a devoted family man and committed Catholic having served the Lord and his community in the role of Deacon in Massachusetts and South Carolina. He graduated from Murdock High School, Boston College, and achieved his graduate studies at the University of Maine. Mike served in the US Marines. His career was primarily in education, having long time served as Guidance Director at Athol High School.

Over 63 years ago Michael married the love of his life and soulmate, Lorraine (LaRochelle) Connor.

Together they raised their five children in Winchendon.

Growing up near the Toy Town Tavern and Winchendon Golf Course, loving to caddy, he learned to become a skilled golfer by watching others golf. As a young boy he loved riding his beloved horse Pal down the streets of Winchendon with his good friend Jack Murray. Michael enjoyed skiing, golfing, visits to Maine, along with other crafty pursuits earning the nick name crafty Mike. He was known for his fort building adventures in the woods of Winchendon using little more than fallen trees and telephone wire.

Beyond his family, his passion was for the Lord, and he demonstrated his faith in his role as a deacon, counselor of married couples, confirmation instructor, and CCD teacher as examples.

He will be remembered for his faith, kindness, compassion, and service to others. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He leaves his wife Lorraine; five children, and their spouses, Ann Marie Connor and her wife Melanie (Kennedy) Connor, Patricia (Connor) Sheldon and her husband, Dennis Sheldon, Eric Connor and his wife Michelle (Manning) Connor, Renee (Connor) Greenly and her husband Adam Greenly, Michael Connor and his wife Heather (Michaud) Connor, 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; one sister, Margaret (Connor) Bartlett; a number of in-laws; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Michael is predeceased in death by his parents; brother, Malcolm, a number of in-laws; a nephews, and a grandniece.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon, MA 01475. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Glennallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org visit www.stone-ladeau.com

To leave an online condolence please visit www.stone-ladeau.com

Stone Ladeau Funeral home, 343 Central St., Winchendon has been entrusted with his funeral arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor Melissa A. McQuaid Funeral Directors

Barbara J. Tourigny died peacefully on November 7, 2023 after a life well lived. She was 93.

Barbara was born in Savoy, MA in 1930 to Katherine and Volney Tefft. She lived in Gardner, MA for most of her life, and graduated from Gardner High School in 1948. In 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard L. "Trig" Tourigny, and together they raised their family of four children.

Barbara was deeply proud of her children. She was a loving mom who taught them many life essentials such as how to double-knot their shoelaces, the importance of good table manners, and how fresh picked blueberries could make any pancake taste better. She loved fixing the many old houses they lived in and was an expert in painting doors and hanging wallpaper – all while managing sore throats and scraped knees.

Her love of old houses led her to a career in real estate. She earned her real estate agent's license in the early 1970s, entering what was then a field dominated by men, and built a reputation as a competent and trustworthy advisor for both homeowners and buyers. In 1990, she and Trig formed Trigg Realty, and for nearly two decades their office was a prominent feature in downtown Garder at the corner of Central and West Lynde Streets.

Barbara had a love of life. She loved to drive sports cars and was known to run errands in her convertible with the top down, windows up, and heater blasting on sunny winter days. She skied with Trig in the Alps, the Rockies, and throughout New England, and they backpacked the Greek countryside when they were in their late sixties. Her favorite things included spending time at Lake Monomonac, her ladies' golf group, and ice cold Manhattans. She was an expert seamstress and had a passion for crafting beautifully constructed quilts.

Barbara, we love you and we know you're offering gentle support as you always have. You will be dearly missed until we all meet again.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Richard L. "Trig" Tourigny. She is survived by four children, Suzanne L. Tourigny of Cheshire, MA, Jay S. Tourigny and his wife Patricia of Canton, CT, Barry K. Tourigny and his wife Debra of Pensacola, FL, and Ross R. Tourigny and his wife Kathy of Rindge, NH, and ten grandchildren, Daniel Carmel, Ivy Carmel, Katherine Hemler, Andrew Tourigny, Cheryl Tourigny, Seth Tourigny, Levi Tourigny, Sage Tourigny, Danielle Story, and Nicole Wilson, as well as several great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Stone LaDeau Funeral Home in Winchendon, MA. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon, MA.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.stone-ladeau.com.

Stone Ladeau Funeral home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, Ma has been entrusted with her care.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.