Obituaries

Obituary: Ryan Douglas Francis

Ryan Douglas Francis, 18, of Westminster died Sunday, November 27, 2011.

Ryan was born in Fitchburg on May 17, 1993, son of Robert and Christine (David) Francis. He was a 2011 graduate of Oakmont High School.

Ryan was active in sports, starting with T-Ball to little league in Westminster and Babe Ruth in Fitchburg. He also played town Basketball and Soccer. Ryan played Pop Warner Football. During his Oakmont student career, Ryan was chosen to be a member of Peer Leaders, a select group of Oakmont High School students focused on designing activities to create a positive environment in school. He was also very giving of his time to many community charities.

Ryan was currently attending UMass Lowell, majoring in civil engineering. Ryan loved camping out especially on “Ryan’s Island” on Crocker Pond. His favorite activity besides sleeping till noon was hanging out and swimming with his friends on Sunset Lake in Ashburnham, then late night camp fires and playing pool. Ryan enjoyed many fine foods but especially enjoyed Chinese food and late night runs to Chaufs and Torries. He also enjoyed listening to music and was an avid skateboarder.

Ryan was employed by Wachusett Mountain as part of the Ski Watch, where he loved to ski as well as snowboard.

Ryan leaves his parents, Robert and Christine Francis of Westminster; his big brother, Matthew Francis of Westminster; maternal grandparents; Betty David of Fitchburg; paternal grandparents John J Francis Jr. of Fitchburg and Rita J Francis of Fitchburg. Aunts and Uncles: Paul F & Maura David of Maryland, Kenneth and Donna Tomassetti of Phillipston John and Sherry Francis of Fitchburg Douglas Francis and Merri-jo of Ashburnham and Jane M (Francis) Shriver of Cleveland, Ohio. He also leaves many cousins and his two dogs, Bella and Ziggy.

The funeral will be held in St. Edward the Confessor Church, 10 Church St., Westminster, on Saturday, December 3, 2011 with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in Whitmanville Cemetery, South Ashburnham Road, Westminster.

Calling hours will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 4 - 8pm.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial donations be made to Ryan Douglas Francis Memorial Trust in care of IC Federal Credit Union, 101 Main St. Westminster, MA 01473. All donations will be used toward suicide awareness.

 

Obituary: William H. Whiteman

William H. Whiteman, 103, died peacefully in his sleep at his home on November 7, 2011.

William will be joining his parents (William and Mary); his wife of almost 50 years, Sallie P.Whiteman; his sister, Elizabeth W. Schadel and his brother-in-law, Lees M. Schadel.

He leaves behind his daughter Susan W. Waers with whom he lived; one grandson William H. Key; one niece Betty Lee Steil; two nephews Lees and William Schadel; and many friends who knew and loved him.

William was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 17, 1908 the only son of the late William and Mary Whiteman. William worked as Plant Supervisor for Philco/Ford for over 40 years. He was a pioneer in the invention of Television and even acted in several early TV shows. During World War II, he headed a munitions plant that made walkie talkies, bazookas and other war related items.

After the war he traveled to England to help rebuild a Philco Plant. He also served for several years as Deputy Sheriff for Cook County during War II. After retiring he enjoyed golfing and for many years was an outdoorsman.

William's family knows he will always be the brightest star in their sky.

There will be a gathering to celebrate his life on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at his home at 8 Mossman Road, Westminster, MA 01473.

In lieu of flowers, William’s family ask for memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01707.

The Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 123 Main Street, Westminster, MA 01473 is assisting the family with Funeral Arrangements. For further info see www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net

 

Obituary: Corrine (Sullivan) VanVleck

Corinne Ann (Sullivan) VanVleck, 47, of Westminster, MA, died Wednesday, November 2, 2011 surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Corrine was born on July 20, 1964, the daughter of Robert Sullivan and Carole (Lamarche) Sullivan. She grew up in Princeton before moving to Ashburnham where she graduated from Oakmont R.H.S.

Corinne attended Keene State College before graduating from Quinsigamond Community College with an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene. While studying dental hygiene, Corinne was named “Who’s Who” in American Junior Colleges. Corinne practiced dental hygiene for many years and won awards for Clinical Excellence.

The love of her life was her daughter and she cherished being a mother. Corinne’s many friends will miss her sharp wit and the stories of her life which she loved to tell.  She had a special way with words and she shared her gift in cards and letters.  

Corinne leaves behind her husband of 17 years, Laurence VanVleck; a daughter, Olivia VanVleck; a stepson, Keith VanVleck; several uncles, aunts, and cousins; and many close lifelong friends. 

She was predeceased by her father, Robert, in 1981 and by her mother, Carole, and brother, Danny Marden in 1992.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11:00am at Old North Cemetery, Mirick Road in Princeton.

   

Obituary: Shelly J. Guyer

Shelly J. Guyer, 56, of Gardner, died at her home on October 29.
Ms. Guyer was born November 10, 1954 in Athol to Carroll and Virginia
Guyer.  At the age of 6, Shelly and her siblings moved to Westminster
with Virginia and Loring Barrett. Attending Westminster schools and
Oakmont Regional High School, Shelly was active in sports, and most
enjoyed her years as a softball player. The active lifestyle continued
throughout her life, and included camping trips, ball games, and days
at the beach with family and friends.
A lifelong local resident, Shelly married and raised her two children
in the Montachusett area. A dedicated caregiver, Shelly worked to
assist and enrich the lives of mentally challenged adults with North
Central Human Services in a career spanning over 20 years. Her caring
ways extended to a love of animals and the rescue of several pets
including her dogs Vegas and Lucy, and cat Booboo. Whether coloring
with the grandchildren, playing with her pets, or enjoying good
company on an ocean cruise, Shelly gave of herself and was loved by
all who knew her.
Ms. Guyer is survived by her daughter Jessie and husband Adam, son
Bruce Baczewski and wife Robbin of Gardner, stepfather Loring Barrett
of Westminster, sister Wendy (Guyer) Barus and husband Jeff of
Gardner, brother Steven Guyer and wife Deborah of Shirley, sister
Sharon (Barrett) Keefe and husband Brian of Westminster, brother David
Barrett and wife Patty of Leominster, brother Loring Barrett Jr. and
wife Unis of Hubbardston, and brother Michael Barrett of Boston. She
is also survived by four grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews.
Shelly was preceded in death by her mother Virginia Barrett of
Westminster (2007), and brother Bruce Guyer of Westminster (1971).
Family and Friends are welcome to Calling Hours on Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. in the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer - Miller - Masciarelli Funeral Home, 123 Main Street, Westminster, MA.
A Private Funeral and burial will be at a later date.
The family requests in lieu of Flowers that Memorial Contributions are made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20014 (800) 344-4823. for Further information see (www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net)

Shelly-Guyer

Shelly J. Guyer, 56, of Gardner, died at her home on October 29.

Ms. Guyer was born November 10, 1954 in Athol to Carroll and Virginia Guyer.

At the age of 6, Shelly and her siblings moved to Westminster with Virginia and Loring Barrett. Attending Westminster schools andOakmont Regional High School, Shelly was active in sports, and mostenjoyed her years as a softball player.

The active lifestyle continued throughout her life, and included camping trips, ball games, and daysat the beach with family and friends.

A lifelong local resident, Shelly married and raised her two children in the Montachusett area. A dedicated caregiver, Shelly worked to assist and enrich the lives of mentally challenged adults with North Central Human Services in a career spanning over 20 years. Her caring ways extended to a love of animals and the rescue of several pets including her dogs Vegas and Lucy, and cat Booboo.

Whether coloringwith the grandchildren, playing with her pets, or enjoying good company on an ocean cruise, Shelly gave of herself and was loved by all who knew her.Ms. Guyer is survived by her daughter Jessie and husband Adam, son Bruce Baczewski and wife Robbin of Gardner, stepfather Loring Barrettof Westminster, sister Wendy (Guyer) Barus and husband Jeff ofGardner, brother Steven Guyer and wife Deborah of Shirley, sisterS haron (Barrett) Keefe and husband Brian of Westminster, brother DavidBarrett and wife Patty of Leominster, brother Loring Barrett Jr. and wife Unis of Hubbardston, and brother Michael Barrett of Boston.

She is also survived by four grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews. Shelly was preceded in death by her mother Virginia Barrett ofWestminster (2007), and brother Bruce Guyer of Westminster (1971). 

Family and Friends are welcome to Calling Hours on Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. in the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer - Miller - Masciarelli Funeral Home, 123 Main Street, Westminster, MA.A Private Funeral and burial will be at a later date. The family requests in lieu of Flowers that Memorial Contributions are made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20014 (800) 344-4823. for Further information see (www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net)

 

 

Obituary: Loretta M. (Dumont) Lizotte Hitchcock

Hitchcock_Loretta

Loretta M. ( Dumont ) Lizotte Hitchcock, 93, died Thursday, October 20, 2011 at her home with her loving family and longtime caregiver Kelley at her side.

Loretta was the youngest child of the late Joseph and Yvonne (Legeault) Dumont and lived in Gardner for 46 years, married to the late Emile Lizotte who died in 1959 for 22 years. She also resided in Westminster for 47 years married to the late Edward Hitchcock who died in 2007.

Loretta graduated from Holy Rosary School in Gardner , and was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church for many years. She also was Past President of the Ladies French Club. She worked for several years at G & G, & Menne’s Cleaners.

Loretta played bridge for many years with her husband Edward and received several awards for photography while in the Gardner Photo Club.

Loretta enjoyed golf and was the Westminster Club Champion in 1976 & 1977. She was also the first woman at the Gardner Golf Course to have a hole in one; she also had another at the Winchendon Country Club.

Loretta also was a long time member of St. Edward the Confessor Church , and knitted mittens and hats for the Church Festivals. She also enjoyed working outside in the yard and took great pride and enjoyment in her work.

She will be sadly missed by her twin daughters, Priscilla Pouliot, wife of the late Donald who died in 2000. Their children Kim Richard and her husband Wayne of Phillipston, grandson Randall Pouliot and his wife Melanie of Gardner.

Daughter Paulette Alisauskas and her husband Daniel of Westminster, their children, Pamela Lavoie and her husband Peter of Fitchburg, Deborah Needham and her husband Mike of Winchendon, and Scott Alisauskas and his friend Lisa of Gardner.

Loretta also leaves a step-daughter Sue Throwbridge of NY, and her son John, a step-son Robert Hitchcock and his wife Connie of ME, along with their sons, Matthew and Chris.

She has several great-grandchildren who will also miss her, Alexandria , Graeme, Kaitlin, Sarah, Lindsay, Jonathan, Steven, Shawn, Joshua, Cori, Danny and Amber. Loretta also has four great-great-grandchildren, Carter, Catherine, Jaylin, and Kylee, and several nieces and nephews.
Loretta is predeceased by one brother Raymond Dumont, and six sisters Florence William, Lovey Conklin, Sr. Valentine Dumont , Valerie Racine, Grace Lozeau, and Elizabeth Houde.

The family would like to Thank all the Ladies of the French Connection, and the Gardner VNA for all the care given to our mom.

Loretta’s Funeral will be celebrated at the St. Edward the Confessor Church, 10 Church Street , Westminster , MA , on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 11:00 A.M.
Burial will follow in the Notre Dame Cemetery , West Street , (Rt.68) Gardner, MA .

Family and friends are to honor and celebrate Loretta’s life by gathering for a calling hour on Monday from 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. in the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 123 Main Street , Westminster , MA 01473

The Family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Gardner VNA Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane , Gardner , MA 01440 or the Charity of Choice.

   

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This day in history...

This Day in History
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  • Muhammad Ali Becomes of Egypt (1805)
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Word of the day

Word of the Day
  • infest
    Definition: (verb) To inhabit or overrun in numbers or quantities large enough to be harmful, threatening, or obnoxious.
    Synonyms: overrun.
    Usage: During the year that followed, Clayton was several times attacked by the great apes which now seemed to continually infest the vicinity of the cabin.
    Discuss

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