Miles Funeral Home

09/03/2025

Jean Albanese

PLYMOUTH - Jean Leslie Albanese, 80, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025 with her family by her side. She is the loving wife of Arthur R. Albanese with whom she has shared the past 59 years.

Jean was born in Ipswich, the daughter of the late Robert and Rosamond Weaver. Jean graduated from Salem State College and had a long career caring for children in her home in Plymouth, MA. The kids called her Jean, and she was their friend and trusted caretaker. Jean loved learning, reading, and traveling. She loved her home and made everyone feel welcome to stop by for a cup of coffee anytime. Jean loved coming to Sterling to see her grand dogs!

Along with her husband Arthur, Jean leaves behind her daughter, Christene Binger and her partner Walter Bowles of Sterling, MA; her daughter Jennifer Albanese of Florida; her sister Anne Schofield; and her niece Amy Schofield and her wife Erin Kelley.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral Home & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling.

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09/02/2025

Pauline F. Debatis

Holden – Pauline F. (Lamoureux) Debatis, 93, died peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Oakdale Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born and raised in Woonsocket, RI, the beloved daughter of the late Antoine and Lea (Desjardins) Lamoureux.

Pauline was married to the love of her life, the late Andre D. Debatis, Sr. Together, they began their life in Bellingham before settling in Holden in 1960, where they raised their family and created a warm and welcoming home. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Pauline dedicated her life to nurturing those she loved. Her unwavering faith and generous spirit guided her daily, and she was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson.

Known for her kind heart and joyful nature, Pauline never missed an opportunity to gather her family for celebrations, holidays, or simple moments together. Her home was a place of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Pauline was predeceased by her beloved husband of 51 years, Andre D. Debatis, Sr. in 2004. She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her daughters, Jeanne M. Depasse and her husband, Kevin of Jefferson, Lucie A. Morrill of Oakham and Marie-Anne Debatis Lavallee and her husband, Michael of Holden; her son, Andre D. Debatis, Jr. and his wife, Michelle of Grafton; her sister, Georgette Dumas of Rhode Island; her grandchildren, Stephen, Christopher, Melissa, Kenneth, Nicole, Kimberly, Jeremy, Traci and Jennifer; as well as her great-grandchildren, Lovelle, Kenton, Hudson, Keegan, Ava, Stella, Sutton, Arlo, Theodore, Penelope and Isabelle. She was predeceased by her daughter, Rachel B. Debatis, with whom she is being laid to rest, in 2023; and her son-in-law, Richard H. Morrill in 2023.

The Debatis family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Oakdale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and JHC Hospice for the compassionate and exceptional care provided to Pauline during her final days.

Funeral arrangements are private and under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakdale Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Patient Activities Fund, 76 North Main Street, West Boylston, MA 01583 or to St. Mary’s Building Fund, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson, MA 01522-0190

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09/02/2025

We invite you to join us for our upcoming Sharing Hope Bereavement Seminar, a gathering of care, comfort, and connection. This signature program of Miles Funeral Home offers gentle guidance, compassionate listening, and space for your heart to rest among others who understand.

Whether you are early in your grief or further along the path, you are welcome just as you are. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and there is no timeline you must follow. Our bereavement series offers encouragement, tools for healing, and the reminder that you do not walk this road alone. Please join us for Grief: Becoming Strong in the Broken Places.

To learn more about the topic and to register click here:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fxnyt22/lp/71ae5cdf-4620-4978-ab16-2d57508465e6

08/31/2025

Thomas P. Rinaldi

Thomas P. Rinaldi formerly of Worcester and Tarpon Springs, FL died in his home at The Residence at Orchard Grove, Shrewsbury, on Friday, August 29, 2025.

He was born in Worcester, the son of Luigi and Marie (Babastefano) Rinaldi on May 14, 1931. Tom was predeceased by his wife of 50 years Marie (DeGaetano) Rinaldi; his brothers, Patsy and Frank; and Stepdaughter, Ellen (DiGregorio) Carlberg. He is survived by his Stepson, Joseph DiGregorio, his wife CarolAnn; Grandson, Jake DiGregorio and his wife, Katie; Great Grandson, Jack and Great Granddaughter, Grace. Tom also leaves his three nephews, Richard, Louis, and Paul Rinaldi and his niece, Patricia Nemeth.

The family is grateful for the excellent care provided by Orchard Grove, Gentiva Hospice, Worcester Home Care Inc, and especially his beloved Nancy.

Funeral arrangements are private and under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.

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08/30/2025

Gail Peterson

WORCESTER - Gail L. Peterson, 89, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025. She is the loving wife of the late Ronald G. Peterson who predeceased her in 2019.

Gail was born in Worcester the daughter of Francis and Martha Shroeder. She worked as the office manager for a local Podiatrist for over 32 years until her retirement.

Gail leaves behind her loving children, Joy Cirba and her husband Robert of Spencer, Sue O'Connor of Worcester, Jon Peterson of Fort Worth, TX, and Kris Fitch and her husband Jonathan of Kennebunk, ME; sister Donna Parks of Webster, NY; her beloved grandchildren, Nicole, Jessica, Chelsea, Casey, Cameron, Joshua, and Abigail; and great grandchildren, Grayson, Lainey, Nora, and Alexander.

There will be no services scheduled at this time.

Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, 26 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA 01609

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden.

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08/30/2025

💙 August 30 – National Grief Awareness Day 💙
Grief touches every life. Today, let’s honor our loved ones, support one another, and remind ourselves: no one should walk through grief alone.

Light a candle, share a memory, reach out to a friend.
Your compassion can bring comfort and hope. 🌿

08/29/2025

Pamela A Richards

PAXTON - Pamela A. (White) Richards, 65, beloved wife of Gary Richards, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Born and raised in Leicester, she was the daughter of the late William and Virginia (Bajorin) White.

Pam was a graduate of Leicester High School, Class of 1977. She went on to further her education at Worcester State College where she earned her nursing degree. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a registered nurse at UMass Memorial Medical Center for 33 years, then Metro West Medical Center where she spent the last 4 years of her career. She will be remembered for her compassion and her willingness to help others.

Pam was blessed with a loyal husband Gary who always showed her unconditional love throughout the years. A true example of a patriarch who values family above all else.

In her spare time she enjoyed the outdoors. Pam could often be found sunbathing on her deck, hiking Wachusett Mtn. or riding her bike on the Rail Trail in Rutland and on Cape Cod. She loved her annual vacations to the Cape with her children and siblings and loved kayaking, paddle boarding and walking the Provincetown Jetty to Race Point. She also loved going to the many beautiful beaches of the outer cape during the day and having fires and laughs at the same beaches at night.

In the winter she enjoyed downhill skiing and watching her kids develop their skills in snowboarding. However recently she put away the skis and bought a new snowmobile from her son Brandon’s persuasion and discovered a newfound love for the hundreds of miles of trails in Jackman, Maine.

When it came to home remodeling projects there was no challenge to big and somehow her creativity and hard work always persevered. She could always find the beauty in the mundane. Whether it was a dilapitated property with good bones or a conceptual idea, her input was always well thought out and came from a place of experience and research but most importantly, love.

Pam was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness and attended the Kingdom Hall in Leicester. She always dreamed of the peace and beauty in the afterlife and we know her warm spirit is shining down on us.

Pam readily accepted the challenges she faced through the years and was a good example for her children. Above all else, it was her role as a dedicated mother that meant the most to her and brought her endless joy throughout her life.

Pam will be lovingly missed and remembered by her husband of 34 years, Gary Richards; three sons, Michael Birkbeck and his wife, Mary of Worcester, Christopher Birkbeck of Webster and Brandon Richards of Paxton; three brothers, Robert White and his wife, Kim of Uxbridge, David White of Uxbridge and William White of Ithaca, NY; a sister, Jane White of Worcester; a nephew, Adam White of Worcester; and a niece, Rommia White of Rosendale, NY. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Deborah White.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 4 in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A private burial at Mooreland Cemetery in Paxton will be held at the convenience of the family. In keeping with Pam’s love of all animals, especially dogs and her cat, Smoke, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Second Chance Animal Services, 372 N. Main Street, North Brookfield, MA 01535.

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08/29/2025

Wayne L. Armstrong

WORCESTER – Wayne L. Armstrong, 89, of Worcester, MA, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

He leaves his wife, Jean Armstrong, his daughter Dawn Erickson and her husband, Gary, his daughter Kathy Jo O’Leary, as well as his grandchildren, Jamieson O’Leary, Kayla Erickson, Andrew Erickson and his wife, Emily, and great-grandchildren, Logan and Zoey Erickson.

A private graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 3rd, at 11:00 am at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton.

To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit his guestbook.

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08/29/2025

David S. Hedlund

David S. Hedlund, 76, of Dunedin, Fla., passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. David was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, veteran and well-respected professional who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

David was born in Worcester, Mass., on Feb. 21, 1948, son of Harold and Frances Hedlund. David was raised in a loving household in Holden, Mass., with his sister Patricia. David graduated from Wachusett Regional High School (WRHS) in 1966. He was vice president of his class and excelled at athletics, particularly baseball and basketball; he was later inducted into the WRHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Also at WRHS, he met the love of his life, Paula, of Rutland, Mass., who he married in 1971.

David attended Nichols College in Dudley, and later earned an associate degree from Worcester Junior College. David voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1969, spending time at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune before serving as a Marine Corp Reserve. His service was a testament to his character and patriotism.

David was employed by Paragon Plumbing & Heating before working for himself as a sales representative in the law-enforcement industry. David ran D.S. Hedlund Inc. for almost five decades, continuing to work in the industry until his untimely death. He was one of the most well-respected salesmen in the industry and was honored as salesman of the year multiple times by Safariland. He was a hard worker.

David and Paula had two children, Steven and Ellen, who they raised in Oakdale, and Sterling, both graduating from Wachusett Regional High School and the University of Maine. David was the quintessential family man, always putting his wife and children before himself. His love and commitment to his family were the pillars of his life, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his family, especially his beloved granddaughters, Annie and Madison, who loved him dearly.

David and Paula resided in Sterling until semi-retiring to South Portland, ME, and Dunedin, Fla., 13 years ago. In semi-retirement, David remained as on the go and active as ever, golfing, playing blackjack, going to the horse track, walking on the beach and in the neighborhood, running errands, and doing projects around the house and yard for himself and his neighbors.

David was personable and inquisitive, always making friends. He highly valued his relationships with his family and friends. David was even keeled and lighthearted, never taking himself too seriously. He was always smiling. David was kind, compassionate and unselfish, always quick to help others.

David is survived by his wife of 53 years, Paula J. (Quaranta) Hedlund of Dunedin, Fla.; son Steven D. Hedlund, daughter-in-law Stephanie (Wendel) Hedlund and granddaughter Annie of S**o, ME; daughter Ellen L. (Hedlund) Monteith, son-in-law Allen Monteith and granddaughter Madison of Gorham, ME; and eight nieces and nephews.

David is predeceased by his father Harold A. Hedlund, mother Frances M. (Youngstrom) Hedlund and sister Patricia E. (Hedlund) Givan.

A memorial service for David is being held on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a reception at The Manor in West Boylston. To share a memory or offer an online condolence visit www.milesfuneralhome.com

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08/29/2025

William Holmes

Holden - William George Holmes, II - age 97 died on August 17, 2025 resting comfortably at his home in Holden, Massachusetts.

William was married for 61 years to Grace Stansbury (deceased, 2013) and had four sons - William of Sante Fe, NM, Stephen and Patricia Creen of Auburn, David and Nan (deceased, 2020), David's fiancé - Judy Briggs of Sutton, and Robert and Diane of Charlton; five grandchildren - Ryan, Alexander, Eric, Mark, and Nicolas; two great grandchildren, Trent and Kinsley Grace. He was predeceased by his sister Helen and brother Donald.

Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on June 22, 1928, he was the son of the late William Holmes and Jennie Watts and has lived in Holden since 1972, previously living in Millbury, and the metro Boston area. He graduated from Boston University with a B. S. in Accounting in 1950 and married the love of his life Grace Stansbury on September 15, 1951. He worked tirelessly as a Certified public Accountant at the Paul Revere Life Insurance Company for 35 years, and rose to the level of Senior Vice President and Treasurer. After retirement from Paul Revere Life Insurance, he maintained a CPA practice specializing in Tax Consulting.

William was dedicated family man who played tennis his entire life and followed the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. William also enjoyed classical music and boating on Narragansett Bay and Lake Winnipesaukee. William was known as "Papa Bill" and was adored by his five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A private service will be held for immediate family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Project New Hope, Inc. 70 James Street, Suite 129A , Worcester, Mass 01603.

Arrangements under the care of Miles Funeral Home in Holden.

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08/29/2025

Violet E. (Lambert) Laska

WORCESTER - Violet E. (Lambert) Laska, 99, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Worcester, Violet was the daughter of Albanian immigrants, Thomas and Catherine (Ligor) Lambert. She lived for several years in Holden before returning to Worcester in 2024. Her beloved husband of 56 years, Peter Laska, predeceased her in 2006.

She is survived by her son, Stephen P. Laska and his wife, Kimberly, of Holden; her daughter, Sandra M. Jackson of Holden; her son in law, Richard Matys of Holden; her sister, Dorothy Lambert of Worcester; five grandchildren, Michelle Sereti and her husband, Kevin Mitchell, Luke, Brandon, Nicholas, and Sarah Matys; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Violet was predeceased by her daughter, Susan Matys, and her brothers, Christy and Theodore Lambert.

A graduate of Commerce High School, Violet went on to attend New England School of Accounting. She worked as a bookkeeper for the City of Worcester for several years before retirement. She also supported her husband in operating his lunch counter business, Slater Spa, in the Slater Building in Worcester.

Violet was a devoted and active member of St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, where she participated in the Daughters of St. Mary's and served as past president of the Women's Guild.

As the matriarch of her family, Violet cherished hosting holiday gatherings, where her warmth, generosity, and wonderful cooking brought everyone together. She will be remembered always for her gentle spirit, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Violet's family from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A procession will then follow to St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL

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08/29/2025

Albert R. "Al" Bourget

HOLDEN – Albert R. “Al” Bourget, age 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 25, 2025. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Thomas Sr. and Katherine (Vassar) Bourget.

Al is survived by his twin daughters, Jennifer L. Bourget and her husband, Joseph Yaskis, of West Boylston; Janet L. Bourget of Holden; and his son, Jonathan A. Bourget of Holden. He also leaves behind a brother, Thomas Bourget Jr. of North Carolina; a sister, Rose Direnzo, and her husband, John, of Millbury; as well as two grandchildren, Julia Gale and Jett Joseph Yaskis, who affectionately called him “Bumpa”. Many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends also mourn his loss.

He was predeceased by his wife, Gale A. (Downing) Bourget; and four brothers, Philip, Lawrence, George, and Richard Bourget.

Al graduated from Commerce High School in 1963, where he also played baseball. After high school, he proudly served his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Al worked as a mechanic and tow truck operator for his brothers, Tommy and Richie. He later earned his degree from Quinsigamond Community College, where he met Gale, the love of his life. They married in August 1977, and together they raised their family in Holden, actively engaging in their community.

Al and Gale owned and operated Mrs. B's Family Daycare, serving local families and fostering a sense of community. In 1974, Al began his career with the Holden Police Department, where he served diligently as a detective until his retirement in 2011. Over 37 years, he took great pride in mentoring his children, Janet and Jonathan, who worked alongside him in law enforcement. He was the founder of the Worcester County Breaking and Entering Task Force and co-founded the Worcester County Fraudulent Check Association. An active member of the Massachusetts Police Association and the New England State Police Information Network, Al dedicated his life to public service.

Beyond his professional achievements, Al was a passionate supporter of youth sports. He coached Holden Youth Soccer, founded the girls’ soccer program at Mountview Middle School, and mentored young athletes at Wachusett Regional High School.

In retirement, Al enjoyed working traffic details across Worcester County and working as a limousine driver for Joey’s Limousine Service. He was an avid New England sports fan, especially of the Boston Bruins. He loved trips to Wells, Maine, and often vacationed there, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Known for his storytelling, sense of humor, quick wit, and unforgettable smile, Al will be dearly missed.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5th, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 6th, at 11:00 a.m. in Holden Chapel, 279 Reservoir Street, Holden, followed by burial at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Care Development Fund, 100 Trade Center, Suite G-500, Woburn, MA 01801, Attn: Hospice Program.

To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit his guestbook.

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