Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Chapel

05/10/2026

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04/30/2026

Greta Johanna Wold

Greta Johanna Wold, 34, of Lisbon, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Born on December 7, 1991, in Keene, NH, she was the loving daughter of Barbara Johnson and Pierre Wold.

Greta spent her childhood in Dublin and Lisbon, NH, and in 2010, she graduated from Lisbon Regional High School with high honors, a reflection of her dedication and love of learning. Her achievements were recognized through awards for the annual state calendar and her contributions to the recycling program, accomplishments that spoke to both her creativity and her care for the world around her.

She had a deep love for writing music lyrics, a passion that inspired her to journey across the country to California in pursuit of the music she cherished. Along the way, she found joy in photographing the beauty of nature, quiet comfort in reading and cooking, and a sense of wonder in exploring astronomy-interests that reflected her thoughtful spirit and creative soul.

She is survived by her parents Barbara Johnson and Pierre Wold; and brothers William Wold and Peter Cline. She is predeceased by her maternal grandparents Alfred and Frances (Wright) Johnson; paternal grandparents Ivor and Eunice "Eunie" Wold; and cousins Ola "Oli" Alteaga and Peter Johnson.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Monadnock View Cemetery, 499 Park Ave, Keene, NH.

Services under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Greta Johanna Wold's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/27/2026

Eliza Catherine Kovarik

Eliza Catherine Kovarik, 3 months old, passed away while surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, April 23, 2026, after complications from her courageous battle with a congenital heart defect. Born on January 1, 2026, in Boston, MA, she was the precious daughter of Mitchel and Megan (Thomas) Kovarik.

At only five days old, Eliza underwent emergency open-heart surgery, and after just three weeks, she returned home to her family, earning the loving nickname “Little Heart Warrior.” Though her time on earth was brief, she was deeply loved and brought immense joy and radiant light to all who knew her, with her infectious smile and bubbly spirit. Full of life and love, Eliza left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She adored her big brother, loved to smile, and was affectionately known by her parents as their “Little Wiggle Worm.”

She is survived by her loving parents Mitchel and Megan (Thomas) Kovarik; brother Aaron James Kovarik; maternal grandparents John and Catherine Thomas; paternal grandfather Jason Kovarik; uncles Jason Thomas, and Matt Kovarik and wife Alyssa.

All are welcomed to celebrate Eliza on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave, Keene, NH with a Memorial Service to begin at 6:30PM.

Just as Eliza had brought joy and happiness into this world, the family has asked all to wear colors of joy and happiness to services.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories.www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Eliza Catherine Kovarik's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/24/2026

Norma C. Thibodeau

Norma C. (Grasing) Thibodeau, 90, a resident of Richmond passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026, in the comfort of her home after a period of declining health.

She was born on December 5, 1935, to the late Marguerite (Zeller) and Robert Grasing in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. She was educated at Lakewood High School in New Jersey. She attended Lake Erie College for Women in Painesville, Ohio earning her degree in Bachelor of Science in Education in 1957.

In 1972, Norma exchanged vows with Joseph "Graham" Thibodeau. They had a simple ceremony in Troy. They were married for 48 years until Joesph passed away on May 2, 2020.

Norma enjoyed bringing up her family in rural New England, raising much of her own food through gardening, preserving and raising livestock. She sold eggs and wool blankets to others locally. Prior to children she worked at a blood bank in a research hospital and taught high school in Virginia.

Norma was deeply devoted to her community and took great pride in preserving its local history. She was a town historian and helped establish the Richmond Archives in 1976. She was most proud of acquiring the towns weights and measures and saving the towns theatrical drapes which have recently been restored. A passionate student of history and genealogy, these interests were not only hobbies but a meaningful part of her life and legacy.

Norma also contributed many years to the planning board and served as a select board member, always working to better the community. She was actively involved in the Friends of the Library and various town committees, generously giving her time and knowledge.

Later in life she enjoyed reading historical novels and histories of people of the South. She spent several winters vacationing in Saint Augustine, Florida exploring its history. She also became involved in the Wi******er Historical Society.

Mrs. Thibodeau is survived by her children, Robert Thibodeau of Keene, and Katie Brunk of Richmond. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joshua, Latoshia, Robert, and Daniel Brunk, along with nephews, extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother, Robert Grasing, and her daughter, Wendie Thibodeau who passed in February of 2022.

There will be a one hour calling hours at 9:30am on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH.03431. With a burial to follow at 11:00 AM in the family lot in the Earl Howard Cemetery in Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wi******er Historical Society or the Richmond Historical Society would be appreciated.

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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

04/21/2026

Elton W. Blood Jr.

Elton (Buddy) Wilfred Blood Jr., 69 of 60 Activity Rd. Richmond passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, April 17, 2026. Born on August 27, 1956, in Keene NH, he was the son of the late Elton W. Blood Sr. and Jean (Sturtevant) Blood.

He was raised in Swanzey and grew up on the family farm (Debulin Farm). As a child he enjoyed riding his horse Beatle, exploring the woods, and participating in 4H shows and pony club. He graduated from Monadnock Regional High School in 1975.

Buddy took great pride in the years he spent working side by side with his father, helping operate E.W. Blood Construction. He was widely recognized as a highly skilled equipment operator. In 1985 he took over E.W. Blood Construction and ran the business for thirty years.

In recent years Buddy served as the Road Agent for the town of Richmond. He helped expand the town shed (aka, The Place) with a new garage, loader and recently added furnace (one winter too late - his own words). He took great pride in giving the town people of Richmond the most well-maintained roads in Cheshire County.

He enjoyed the outdoors, his Native heritage and his hobbies included going "on tour" through backroads, hunting, fishing, trapping shiners and growing corn. He loved to tell stories about times with his friends that always involved them partaking in a few beverages. Many years were spent shooting darts, playing the spoons, two card, s**t, and sharing jokes in the E.W. Blood garage.

Survivors include his two children, Justin Blood and his wife, Hannah, of Swanzey, Melissa Lamoureux and her husband, Steven, of Stoddard; 4 grandchildren, Jackson Blood, Harper Blood, Gannon Lamoureux, and Emersyn Lamoureux. His sister Deb Crowder and bother in- law Larry, of Swanzey. Several nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Elton Blood Sr., mother, Jean Blood, and sister, Lynda Blood.

A graveside service will be held Friday April 24th at 1:00 PM in the family lot at Montain View Cemetery, Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Buddy's memory to the Norris Cotton Center for Cancer Research, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03766.

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Elton W. Blood Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/17/2026

Arlene Merrill

Arlene Frances Merrill, 72, of Keene, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on July 10, 1953, in Keene, NH, she was the daughter of the late Richard Crosby Sr. and Janice (Wilder) Crosby.

Arlene was raised in Swanzey and graduated from Monadnock High School in 1971. She spent many years working at Whelen Engineering in Charlestown before retiring. Family was everything to Arlene, especially her grandchildren who lit up her life and were her littles, she was the best Nana ever! She loved spending time with her children, no matter what they were doing. In her free time, she enjoyed diamond art, crocheting, horseback riding, singing in a band in her younger years, and attending weekly services at Into the Word Ministry in Swanzey.

She is survived by her children Michelle Gosnell and husband Jonah, Billie Sanders and partner Jeremy Rowe, Kevin Russell and wife Jessica, Denise Croteau and husband Bobby, Miranda Watts and partner Scott Flick, Julie Courtemanche and husband Wayne; step-daughter Melissa Waite and husband John; sister Janice Whitestone; brothers Ray Crosby and wife Theresa, David Crosby and partner Angie Stowell; 25 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and close friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Stanley "Teddy" Merrill; sister Kathy Damon; brothers Richard Crosby Jr., Gary Town, Neil Town; and Son-in-law Roger Sanders.

A celebration of life will be held from 12PM to 4PM on Saturday, July 11 at the American Legion Post #4, 797 Court St, Keene, NH. A burial will be held privately for the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Arlene Merrill's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/12/2026

Ann Lawrence

Ann Cathrine Lawrence, 83, of Troy, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Born on July 28, 1942, in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Ethel (Small) Johnston.

Ann was raised in Somerville, MA and graduated from Somerville High School. She was a homemaker while raising her children and later worked as a waitress and cleaner in town before her retirement. A woman of deep faith, she was a parishioner of the Trinitarian Congregational Church and First Baptist Church of Troy, and choir singer for over 40 years. In her free time, she loved making floral arrangements for the churches, cooking and talking recipes, and hosting family and friends at her house for pool parties.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years Richard Lawrence; children Wayne Kelly and wife Michelle, Brian Kelly, Colleen Santino and husband Dan, Jason Lawrence and girlfriend Janee; sister Cheryl Connearney and husband Rick; many grandchildren, and one great-grandchild with another on the way. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother David Johnston.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 11 S. Main St, Troy, NH.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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

04/11/2026

Cathie Anne Beam

Cathie Anne Beam, 69, of Keene, passed away at home on Friday, April 3, 2026. Born on March 31, 1957, in Keene, NH, she was the daughter of the late Leonard E. and Lorraine (Frappier) Paire.

Cathie grew up in Keene and graduated from Keene High School in 1975. She went on to complete her studies at the Thompson School of Practical Nursing in 1977. Driven by her dedication to nursing and caregiving, she later returned to school and earned her RN degree from Vermont Technical College in 2000.

In her free time, she loved gardening, cooking, going for long walks and spending time with her cat Coalie. As a woman of faith, Cathie found joy in each day and embraced spontaneity. Throughout her lifetime she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her son Jason J. Blad of Anderson, SC; her sisters Linda M. Tolman of Keene, NH and Jen Rudgers and husband Bryan of North Swanzey, NH; nephews include Uriah R. Paire, Zach Knutsen, Isaiah Knutsen; and nieces Amy G. Fitzpatrick and Jessica L. Powell. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Ronald L. Beam; brothers Robert L. Paire, Steven J. Pair; and brother-in-law Seth W. Tolman.

Services will be held privately for the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Cathie Anne Beam's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/10/2026

Carolynn Patenaude

Heaven just became a little more fun.

Carolynn Cate Patenaude passed away surrounded by her loved ones on April 6, 2026, at her home in Spofford.

She was a lover of all animals, with an extra soft spot for dogs and her horse, Austin. Her soul dog, Remi, died just a couple weeks before Carolynn.

Carolynn was made in Japan and was born on May 4, 1991. She spent the first decade of her life in Okinawa before moving to New Hampshire. She graduated from Keene High School with the Class of 2009. Carolynn loved working at Anthony Toepfer Jewelers, Wilson Orthodontics, and with her co-workers at the New England Wound Clinic.

Carolynn leaves behind a multitude of people who will forever be missing a piece of their hearts, especially the love of her life, Todd Bassett, who she met in her early 20s, and with whom she shared the fullest life possible for the last 10 years. She is survived by her mom, Dianne Patenaude, of Spofford; her sister, Michayla Morton, and her husband, Mike; her brother, Ben McCarthy, and his wife, Sylvie; her brother, Jason McCarthy; her nephews, Gavin Morton and Damian McCarthy, all of Keene; her niece, Marissa Bergin, and her husband, Myles, of Marlow; Todd's parents, Deb and Doug Bassett, of Erving, Mass.; and her best friend, Lacey Royce, of Swanzey.

Carolynn was predeceased by her dad, Forrest Patenaude.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene. The event may be viewed on live stream at https://ucckeene.org/worship-care/live/.

In keeping with Carolynn's love of animals, donations in her name will be appreciated to the animal rescue organization of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Carolynn Patenaude's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/10/2026

Margaret Castor

Margaret "Maggie" Evelyn Castor, 87, of Keene, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2025, while at home. Born on May 7, 1938, in Keene, NH, she was the daughter of the late Fred Russell and Evelyn Lucetta (Hadley) Judd.

Maggie was a lifelong resident of Keene and a graduate of Keene High School. Following her education, she worked at the Douglas Toy Factory on West Street before continuing her career in an administrative role at MPB/Timken, where she remained until retiring in 2000. Following the passing of her husband, William Castor, she returned to work with Promotional Marketing, traveling throughout New Hampshire to Hannaford supermarkets, where she became widely known as "the Sample Lady" wherever she went.

Committed to her community, Maggie enjoyed knitting scarves for those in need and was known for baking pies for the annual Thanksgiving dinner benefit at the Eagles Club. She also contributed baked goods to fundraising events, especially during the holiday to support the Community Kitchen and the Hundred Nights Shelter.

She is survived by her children Gail Davis-Hale and husband Fred Hale of Swanzey, NH., Karen Grossi of Daytona, FL., Cindy Bergeron and husband Bob of Surry, NH., Terry Clough and husband Bob of Keene, NH., Debra Budd and husband Rick of Franklin, NH., Tammy Cole and husband Dan of Franklin, NH.; sisters Cricket Hamelin, Barbara Maher, Shirley Whitman, Beverly Moderit, and Marilyn Lagerberg; grandchildren Paul Poisson, Charlie Poisson Jermiah Poisson, Robert Davis, Jennifer Grossi, April Grossi, Michael Hudson, Stefanie Ramsay, Donald Class JR., Robert Clough, Amanda Clough, Kim Clough, Bobbie-Jo Clough, Justin Budd, William Blood, Scott Blood, Kevin Blood, Nevaeh Cole, and Julia Cole; and several great and great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband William R. Castor, and brothers Fred Judd, Robert Judd, Donald Judd, Stanley Judd, Albert Judd, and Richard Judd.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Margaret may be offered to the Community Kitchen, www.thecommunitykitchen.org/donations/ , and 100 Nights Shelter, www.hundrednightsinc.org/help-us/

A heartfelt thank you to Maggie's great-grandson, Bradon Grossi, for the care and support he provided over the past year, allowing her to remain in her home.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Margaret Castor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/10/2026

Peter Randall Cole

Peter Randall Cole, 77, of Swanzey, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, while surrounded by his family. Born in Plymouth, NH on March 7, 1949, he was the son of the late Howard and Elizabeth (Rak) Cole.

Peter grew up in Westport and attended Monadnock Regional High School. Following his schooling, he joined the Job Corps, which took him to New Mexico. During his childhood summers, he worked on his Aunt and Uncle's farm in Massachusetts-an experience that shaped his strong work ethic and sparked his lifelong career as a logger. The wild animals he saw while working in the woods brought him joy. Eating his lunch, tossing a "chippie" or squirrel a piece of his sandwich.

He enjoyed being outdoors, exploring the woods, and teaching his daughters about the natural remedies' nature provides as they grew up. Showing them what was safe and not safe to consume. He liked building things, whether it was with wood or metal, as he was a good welder and a jack of all trades. A kind-hearted person who was always there for others, Pete was always willing to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn (Willard) Cole; daughters Cheryl Bagster and partner Walter Smith; Debra Cole and partner Robert Winkler; brother Calvin Cole and wife Marta; grandchildren Nick Bagster and wife Katie; Jennifer Bagster and partner Jon; Amber Bagster and partner Joe; great-grandchildren Anderson, Aiden, Arianna, Austin, Avianna, Oakley, Haezlynn, Everleigh, Haven; Many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Cheryl Cole.

A celebration of life will be at the Whitcomb Hall, 17 Main St, Swanzey, NH on Saturday, May 23, 2026, beginning at 12:00PM.

Any donations can be made to Monadnock Kitty Rescue, P.O. Box 468, 11 Plantation Drive, Jaffrey, NH, 03452, or https://kittyrescuenh.org/donate/

Arrangements are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Peter Randall Cole's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.