Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center

05/06/2026

James R. Kowalsky, Sr.

James R. Kowalsky, Sr., age 80, longtime resident of Fitzwilliam, NH, passed away on Friday, May 1st, 2026, in the comfort of his home, with his family by his side.

James was born in Revere, MA, on February 5, 1946, a son to the late William J. Kowalsky and Sarah A. (Newhook) Kowalsky.

He was a proud graduate of Everett High School, Class of 1964, and went on to attend Northeastern University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. A devoted patriot, he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably, achieving the distinguished rank of Master Sergeant (MSG–E8), a title he carried with immense pride throughout his life.

Outside of his service and career, he found great joy in working with his hands and mind—whether building and flying RC model airplanes, tending to his garden, crafting in his workshop, or tinkering with electronics and computers. He also held a special place in his heart for his beloved cats. Above all, he cherished his wife of 58 years, Ruth E. Kowalsky, whom he first met while working at Friendly’s and, with characteristic courage, asked out on their very first date—a moment that began a lifetime of love and partnership

In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his brother, William J. Kowalsky.

He will be forever remembered by his beloved wife, Ruth E. Kowalsky of Fitzwilliam, his daughter, Rachel Kowalsky of Jaffrey; his son, James R. Kowalsky Jr. wife, Kathleen, and their daughter Helena of Plymouth, MA; a sister, Catherine Eno of Mesa, AZ; and a brother, John Kowalsky of Carmel, IN. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

In keeping with James’ wishes, all services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks for memorial contributions be made to the wonderful people who helped at Home Healthcare Hospice and Community of Keene, 312 Marlboro St., Keene, NH 03431.

View James R. Kowalsky, Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/04/2026

05/01/2026

Jacqueline C. Taylor

Jacqueline C. Taylor, 81, passed away at the Cheshire Medical Center on Friday, March 20, 2026, after a period of illness.

She was born on June 21, 1944, in El Paso, TX, a beloved daughter of Vincent and Mary (Harvey) Crane. She was a 1962 graduate of Bunker Hill High School in Bunker Hill, IN.

She was the winner of the Miss Bellevue, Nebraska, contest, after which she proudly represented her community in the Miss Nebraska competition, carrying herself with elegance and pride.

It was through her career at the Old Forge Restaurant in Rindge where she met the love of her life, Oliver. The two were married and built a life together rooted in love, family, and community. She eventually joined him in working at the West Rindge Basket Shop, where she became a familiar and welcoming presence to all who visited.

In her spare time, Jacqueline dearly loved to garden. She was especially proud of her large vegetable garden, which she tended with great care and dedication. Each season, she shared the fruits of her labor by selling fresh vegetables from her driveway.

In addition to her parents, Jacqueline was predeceased by her husband, Oliver ‘Babe’ Taylor, and her brother-in-law Jay C. Lafalam.

She is survived by her sister, Celinda C. Lafalam of Rindge, NH, and her friend Mary Salmi of Rindge, NH.

Per her request, services will be private.

View Jacqueline C. Taylor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/01/2026

When you lose a loved one, you may experience changes in your behavior. Read this article to learn about some behavioral shifts you might face and practical ways to navigate them.

After the loss of a loved one, it is normal to experience behavioral changes. In this article, learn about common changes you can expect and positive ways to overcome them.

04/28/2026

Shirley R. Fryklund

Shirley R. Fryklund, 102, passed away in the comfort of her home on Thursday, April 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving children.

She was born on December 14, 1923, a beloved daughter of Irving L. and Harriet M. (Treat) Kimpton. Shirley grew up in Malden, MA and was a graduate of Malden High School. Not long after, she married the love of her life, Carl, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family.

She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children, creating a warm and welcoming home that became the heart of countless family memories. Later in life, once her children were grown, she enjoyed working as an administrative assistant for a local optometrist.

Known as the ‘Queen of the Jigsaw Puzzle,” Shirley always kept one on her table, ready to assemble. Her favorite hobbies included knitting, sewing, reading, crossword puzzles, and gardening. Her hands were rarely still, and her creations were always made with love and care.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She was known for knitting a special afghan blanket for each grandchild at birth, and upon her retirement would knit washcloths for everyone. She dearly loved her yearly gatherings with family, which spread across four generations: children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Carl R. Fryklund, and her beloved oldest grandson, Danny Gibbons.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Glynn (Greg) of Rowley, MA, Carole Stashefski (Stan) of Randolph, KS, Richard Fryklund of Santa Barbara, CA, Robert Fryklund (Pat) of Wellfleet, MA, and Russell Fryklund of Jaffrey, NH. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind a family who will forever hold her memory close, honoring her life through the love they continue to share with one another.

Services are to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s name to Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services, located at 312 Marlboro St, Keene, NH 03431.

View Shirley R. Fryklund's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/27/2026

Sally Ann Jarest

Sally Ann Jarest, age 91, of Colebrook, NH, died peacefully on April 20, 2026, at Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook, NH with her daughter by her side.

Sally was born in Jaffrey, NH, on November 23, 1934, a daughter to the late Clarence Leo and Alice Emma (Naylor) Beauvais. She was raised and educated in Jaffrey and babysat for many area families in addition to working at the local laundromat on Saturdays.

She married Clayton E. Jarest on November 23, 1950, which coincided with her birthday as well as Thanksgiving that year. Together they enjoyed more than 62 years of marriage.

At the age of 24, Sally proudly earned her GED and was able to begin working at New Hampshire Ball Bearing in Peterborough. She enjoyed working there for over 37 years, and always felt everyone there were great people to work alongside. After retirement, she and her husband continued living in Peterborough until moving to Colebrook in 1999.

From a young age, Sally was always active in the communities she resided in and was remembered for volunteering at the Blood Drives in Peterborough and Colebrook throughout the years. She also belonged to the VFW Auxiliary Post 5613, and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 11, both in her hometown of Jaffrey.

She was predeceased by her husband, Clayton E. Jarest, on February 27, 2013, and by her sister, Marlene Davis on January 19, 2024.

Sally is survived by her son, Terry C. Jarest of Port Charlotte, FL; daughter Deborah Roy and her husband André of Canaan, VT; grandson Jamie Jarest and his wife Chris of Peterborough; two great-granddaughters, Justine and her husband Derrik Hanson, and Taylor Jarest, and her fiancé Michael Beneke, her great-great grandchildren, Gracie, Paisley, and Wesley, her sister, Bette Ascani of Jaffrey, her brother, Leo Beauvais of Dennisport, MA and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Family and friends are warmly invited to a Graveside Service, in Pine Hill Cemetery on Sand Hill Road in Peterborough at 1:00PM on Friday, May 1st, 2026.

View Sally Ann Jarest's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/27/2026

Beth Ann Somero

Beth Ann Somero, 53, of Harvard, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, in the comfort of her home after a short period of declining health.

She was born in Fitchburg, MA, on January 17, 1973, to George William and Sharon Nelson Somero.

Beth was a loving mother, aunt, sister, daughter, grandma, and friend who touched the lives of everyone she met. She had many roles throughout her life, but the ones that made her most proud were Mom and Grandma. She was kind, selfless, and resilient, someone who could make people feel instantly comfortable and cared for, while also making them laugh when they needed it most. Even through her health struggles, she carried quiet strength and loved those around her endlessly.

Her van was always filled with kids, off to new adventures (only three of them being her own). Leading youth groups and bringing people to experience Jesus was her passion. She loved corny jokes and pulling pranks on her kids. You were blessed if you ever got to experience any of her baking or cooking. Her monster cookies, brownie trifle, and buffalo chicken dip were staples at get-togethers.

Beth was preceded in death by her father, George “Billum” Somero, and her sister, Amanda Somero Mims.

She is survived by her mother, Sharon Somero; her children, Nicole Holmes (Roger); Jenna Holmes (Orrin); Marcus (Liz) Holmes; and her beloved grandchildren, Jackson and Addison.

She is also survived by her siblings: Michael Somero; Glen (Lynette) Somero; Jon (Camie) Somero; Jess (Candi) Somero; Amy (Darin) Warnke; Nick (Heidi) Somero; Donna (Carl) Wirkkala; Sara (Greg) Lang; Holly Somero; and Ben (Eliisa) Somero. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who always knew they had a big piece of Beth's heart. She will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to her services on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at Christian Outreach Church, 199 North Street, Rindge, NH. Calling hours will begin at 10:00 AM with her funeral service starting at 11:00 AM.

View Beth Ann Somero's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/24/2026

Visiting a grief support group can help you in your grief journey, but what should you expect when you go? Read the article below to learn what your experience at a grief support group might look like.

Visiting a grief support group for the first time can be intimidating. Learn what to expect by reading this article!

04/23/2026

Anna B. Wall

Anna B. (Ouellette) Wall, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Covenant Living in Keene, NH, after a brief period of failing health.

She was born on September 27, 1935, in her maternal grandparent’s home in Jaffrey, NH. Anna graduated from Conant High School with the Class of 1953. She then attended St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in Brighton, MA and graduated with the Class of 1956. She married her husband, Thomas J. Wall, on April 22, 1961, in Brookline, MA. They lived briefly in Brookline before moving to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. In 1964, they relocated to Salem, NH and called it home for 57 years. Anna returned to Jaffrey following the death of her husband in 2021 to live with her children in the second of two houses her parents had built in town.

Anna was a Registered Nurse for 41 years. She had worked at the Lahey Clinic in Boston for 5 years before the move to NC, and later at the Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA for 33 years, retiring in 1997. In the late 1970s she discovered natural/alternative medicine and took to it like a fish to water. She became friends with the owner of Natural Marketplace in Salem, NH, and enjoyed working there off and on for 37 years. She was an avid supporter of these modalities and shared her knowledge with all interested parties. She read copious papers and books on the subject, and sampled dozens of techniques. Anna swore by these methods to the end, giving in to allopathic medicine only as the last resort.

Anna’s hobbies included knitting, cross stitch, and sewing, antiquing and craft shows. By far her favorite activity was the many day or weekend trips she took with friends all over New England. Her favorite walk was the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, ME and she loved Vermont in general. She liked to go out to eat, a glass of wine with dinner and a brandy before bed. She was a strong independent woman with a great sense of humor and quite the stubborn streak (some family heirlooms are more fun than others!).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie L. & Charles E. Ouellette, her brother, Gerald J. Ouellette, and by her husband, Thomas J. Wall.

Anna is survived by her two children, Dianne M. Wall and Michael T. Wall, and 13 nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00am in Saint Patrick Cemetery, on Hillcrest Road in Jaffrey.

A reception and celebration of Anna’s life will immediately follow in the chapel at Cournoyer Funeral Home, 33 River Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452.

04/21/2026

When a loved one is facing a terminal illness, a little extra help goes a long way.

Hospice provides many services that benefit both patients and caregivers. These benefits include: medical care, supplies and equipment, therapy and nutrition, at-home assistance, social work services, counseling, and respite care.

Each service is designed to meet specific needs that arise when a loved one’s health is declining. By qualifying for hospice care, you get more helping hands and caring hearts by your side.

To learn more, check out this blog: www.funeralbasics.org/understanding-basic-hospice-services.

04/20/2026

Richard 'Rick' J. LaRue

Dr. Richard “Rick” James LaRue, age 73, passed away peacefully after a period of declining health due to dementia on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Scott-Farrar in Peterborough, NH.

He was born in Monet, Missouri, on May 14, 1952, the son of James “Jim” Parker LaRue, and Nancy Lilian LaRue (Ashton). He graduated high school from The University of Northern Iowa Laboratory School in Cedar Falls, IA in 1970. He attended the University of Northern Iowa for his undergraduate studies in Education, taking time off to be one of the first 100 people to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from South to North, he graduated in 1974. He continued his education at Springfield College in Springfield, MA, graduating with a Masters in Movement Sciences in 1980, and Doctorate of Physical Education in 1988.

Richard was an Associate Professor of Physical Education at Bradford College, in Bradford, MA, for almost 8 years and was an Associate Professor of Exercise and Sport Sciences at Colby Sawyer College in New London, NH for 7 years. Following a short stint at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN, he taught Sport and Recreation Management at the University of New England in Biddeford, ME for almost 20 years, retiring in 2018. During this time, he traveled extensively, teaching and lecturing across the globe. Throughout his career he was a staunch supporter of higher education, and an advocate for all his students.

Richard loved to hike and summited many mountains over the years taking trips with family and friends alike. In 2005 he revisited the Appalachian Trail, logging some substantial mileage during his second thru-hike attempt. Along with hiking, Richard spent a significant amount of time restoring his well-loved 1830’s Federal home in S**o, ME. He enjoyed working on its renovation especially with close friends and with a (what he liked to call a “high-density lipoprotein”) beverage in hand. Richard was always willing to help a friend or family-member who needed him.

Richard is survived by his two children, Aimee LaRue of Peterborough, NH and Michael (Claire) LaRue of Albany, NY; one grandchild, Henry; and three siblings, Linda (Gary) Johanningmeier of Waukon, IA, David LaRue of Orange, MA, and Kathryn Gronberg of North Branch, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews, close friends, and chosen family. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Nancy, Father, Jim, and Brother-in-Law, William Gronberg.

The family is planning a private memorial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the following non-profit organizations in his name:

Appalachian Mountain Club: https://www.outdoors.org/donate/donate-form/

Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services: https://www.hcsservices.org/donate/

View Richard 'Rick' J. LaRue's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.