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Mack Family Funeral Homes, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA (2026)

05/06/2026

William F. "Bill" Walsh, Sr.

It’s with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William F. "Bill" Walsh, Sr. He died peacefully on Monday, May 4 th, surrounded by his beloved wife of 62 years and his three beloved children.

Bill was born on January 19, 1945, in Boca Raton, FL, to John and Dorothy Walsh. After his father served in WWII, they moved back to Fitchburg, MA. He was the eldest of twelve children, all of whom, together with his parents, held a special place in his heart. He graduated with a Master's in Public Administration from Fitchburg State after enjoying his time playing football, basketball, and baseball at St. Bernard's High School. Bill had a distinguished 35-year career in education and retired as the Vice Principal and Athletic Director of Westborough High School.

Bill was a faithful servant who supported his family and community with unyielding devotion and dedication. In each capacity … as a son, brother, husband, father, and mindful community member, Bill gave of himself, left an impression, and touched many lives. He was the first baseball coach at Franklin Pierce University and spent 15 years as a Babe Ruth League baseball coach in Fitchburg. Bill volunteered his time as a member of the Fitchburg School Committee and served as Chairman. He volunteered countless hours as a member of the Fitchburg East Rotary, was a two-time President, and received the Paul Harris Award. Similarly, he was the President of the Fitchburg Senior Center. He was also the President of the Board of Montachusett Home Health Care. Bill was a founding member of the Fitchburg Waste Water Treatment Facility Commission, a member of the Planning Committee for Elderly Housing, and a Board Member of the Goodrich Alternative School. In 1981, he was awarded the honor of being recognized within the Outstanding Young Men of America Program.

Most importantly, Bill was a good man whose life was guided by his unwavering ethics and principles, which he also applied in the unofficial service to his family and community. Over the years, Bill was involved in the planning and ex*****on of countless community events, fundraisers, and initiatives. He was well-loved by his family and friends and returned that love in equal measure ... almost equal to his love of all things sport-related.

Bill is survived by his wife Diane (Doucette), daughter Karen Howard and her husband Ed, son Bill and his wife Christen, and son Sean and his wife Melissa. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Andrew Warren and his wife Renee, Brad Warren, Ryan Walsh and his wife Lindsay, Shane Walsh and Hanna, Aiden, and Liam Walsh. Bill also enjoyed his great-grandchildren, Abigail and Emma Warren. In his extended family, he is survived by his brother John and wife Pam, sisters Mary and her husband Bill Gaa, Carol and her husband Dennis Isabel, Dottie, and Kathy.

He was predeceased by his sister Norma Meehan and brothers Joey, Michael, TJ, Frankie, and David.

The Rotary Club has chosen to honor Bill with a scholarship fund in his name. The family would ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Fitchburg Rotary East Club.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 4 – 7 pm at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 9 am at St. Bernard Parish on Mechanic Street in Fitchburg.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, is directing arrangements.

View William F. "Bill" Walsh, Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/06/2026

Ella M. Blake

Ella M. Blake, 81, of Athol, Massachusetts passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026. Born on November 8, 1944, the daughter of the late Charles and Helen (Bosworth) Blake.

Ella Leaves behind her sister, June Gonzales and her brother, Dennis Blake.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Pine Grove Cemetery, Patriots Rd., Templeton, MA.

Mack Family Funeral Homes, Athol-Orange Chapel is assisting with Ella's arrangements.

View Ella M. Blake's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/06/2026

Robert DiPerri

Robert DiPerri was born on May 30, 1954, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Robert's journey on earth ended peacefully on April 29, 2026.

Affectionately known to all that knew him, Bobby made the most of the gifts that God gave to him. Even though developmentally challenged, Bobby had the gift of making all that met him feel his kind and gentle spirit. He had a determination about him always to attempt to accomplish things for himself that others believed would be difficult or impossible for him. Bobby had a knack for being able to figure out how to operate any electronic device on the spot. He had a deep love for people and adapted comfortably to the many giving people that cared for him throughout his life.

Robert was a beloved brother of Paul J. DiPerri Jr. and his wife Maria of Greensboro, NC, James J. DiPerri and his wife Paula of Durham, NC, Thomas S. DiPerri and his wife Debra of Lunenburg, sister, JoEllen M. Hamlin and her husband Jay of Santa Cruz, CA, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Jennie (Ingandela) DiPerri.

Despite the adversities life presented him, Robert's spirited nature and unwavering courage remained a beacon of hope for all who knew him, a testament to his strength and resilience.

The family would like to offer thanks to the entire staff at The Arc of Opportunity, The Doctors and nurses at St. Joseph’s hospital and the the caregivers at Ayer Valley Rehab who were so kind to Bobby.

View Robert DiPerri's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/06/2026

Elisena Celme

It is with a profound sense of honor and reverence that we celebrate the life of Elisena Celme, a remarkable woman whose life story is a testament to resilience, determination, and unyielding love. Born in the beautiful town of Arcahaie, Haiti on January 18, 1938, Elisena carried the vibrant spirit of her homeland throughout her life. Her boundless charisma and relentlessly kind heart touched everyone who had the good fortune of crossing paths with her. Elisena's light dimmed on April 30, 2026, but her legacy continues to inspire and spread warmth.

Elisena was an exemplar of the entrepreneurial spirit, a self-made woman who built her life on her terms. She was the proud owner of a local grocery in Arcahaie, Haiti where she made her home. Her store was not merely a place of commerce but a hub of community and a beacon of her generosity. She practiced the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Indeed, her dedication to her community was a part of her identity, her store a testament to her commitment to serve and uplift those around her.

Elisena was never married but found her true joy in the love of her family. She is survived by her only daughter Bibiane Fleurimon her little sister Maccula ocean, her eight neice’s and four nephew’s. She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren Witson Selme, Luc-herne Selme, Valerie Hilaire, Anthony Hilaire and her four great grandchildren Marcus Youte, Ellena Youte, Jan-Luic Marquez Selme and Kylee Hilaire whom she adored immeasurably. They were her pride and joy, her beacon of hope, and the carriers of her legacy. Even in her absence, their lives continue to reflect her teachings of love, resilience, and community service. Elisena was preceded in death by her parents, Constant Celme and Menaise Romelus, who instilled in her the values that shaped her exceptional life.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Elisena Celme made us feel loved, appreciated, and valued. Her memory will forever be a guiding light in our lives.

Please feel free to share your memories, stories, and photos of Elisena on the memorial page. Her life was a tapestry of love and community, and your contributions help keep her memory vivid and alive.

Calling hours will be held at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd, Fitchburg, on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM at First Congregational Church, 34 Walnut St, Clinton, MA.

View Elisena Celme's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/04/2026

Evelyn M Young

Evelyn M. (Bullock) Young, 96, died Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Sterling Village after an illness.

She was the wife of the late Harold Young. She was born on October 16, 1929, a daughter of the late Charles and Viola (Ball) Bullock. She worked for Digital as a secretary.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Her funeral services will be private.

View Evelyn M Young's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/02/2026

Denise Marie Ouellette

Denise Marie (Cormier) Ouellette passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on April 30, 2026. Born in Gardner, MA, on September 19, 1955, Denise was the youngest of six children. She was the daughter of the late Rose (Richard) and Ovila Cormier.

Denise had a rebellious spirit, a great sense of humor, and a love of laughter. Her greatest passion was supporting her grandchildren, whether watching a match on the field, a game on the court, or a musical production on stage; she loved each of them and was always their greatest (and often their loudest) cheerleader. Denise had artistic talent, and over the years she enjoyed painting, cross-stitch, woodburning, and airbrushing. She shared many special memories doing art projects with her grandchildren throughout the years.

Denise was a friend to many and made an impact on people wherever she went. She was a friendly face at Forum Video in Gardner for many years, connecting with customers of all ages. She also worked for many years at Woods Ambulance - initially as an EMT, then later as a dispatcher, and medi-van driver. Denise cared deeply about the people she worked with, the patients she treated, and the families she served throughout the years.

Denise is survived by her husband of 44 years, Chris Ouellette of Gardner; two daughters, Shannon Ouellette and her husband Marc Kibort of Westminster, and Erin Gamache and her husband Pete of Gardner; four beloved grandchildren, Eden Ouellette, Vivian Kibort, and Camden and Kendall Gamache; a brother, Raymond Cormier of Gardner; brother-in-law, Joe Foley of Gardner; sister-in-law, Kathy Ouellette and her partner Keith Price, of Phillipston; and mother and father-in-law, Ann and Vernon Ouellette of Gardner. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Denise was predeceased by four siblings, Simonne, Gerard, Francis, and Paul Cormier. Family was always important to her, and she stayed connected to extended family members throughout her life.

Denise enjoyed the sound of windchimes, the mystical spirit of wizards, the flutter of butterflies, the breeze of the ocean, and the beauty of the moon, stars, and night sky. She was known to find a heart in almost any setting - clouds, leaves, rocks, even food - and always shared the images with those she loved. She appreciated the power of nature and enjoyed watching (and sometimes chasing) New England storms in all seasons.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 15th, at Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA, with calling hours from 10 am - 12 pm, with a brief funeral service to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to Care Central VNA Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440, in memory of Denise Ouellette.

View Denise Marie Ouellette's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/01/2026

Wayne N. Gates

Wayne N. Gates of Fitchburg passed away on April 30th. He was born June 6, 1940, to George E. Gates Jr. and Brynhilda (Larson) Gates. He attended Edgerly Elementary School and graduated from Fitchburg High School, class of 1958.

During High School, he worked at Dempsey Drug Store. In 1959, he joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in Albany, Georgia. and Iwakuni, Japan. After he finished his 4-year enlistment, he returned to Fitchburg, where he worked at Fitchburg Paper Co., David Holmes Construction, and Honkala Construction. He was later a self-employed property manager.

He was predeceased by his parents, his twin brother, Wallace Gates, and his sister, Geraldine Gates Proctor.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy (Plummer) Gates, two daughters, Christina Gates and Angela Gates Godin (Michael), two grandchildren, Lauren Godin Nott (David) and Tyler Godin (Olivia), and a great-granddaughter, Penelope Nott.

We would like to thank the exceptional staff at both the Highlands and at the Holden Rehabilitation Center.

A calling hour will be held on May 5, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:00 am in the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA. His funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. His burial with military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Wayne's name to Clear Path, 84 Antietam Street, Devens, MA 01434, or the charity of your choice.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com

View Wayne N Gates's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/01/2026

Gail Patria

Gail A. Patria, born on September 23, 1953, in Winchendon, MA, USA, was a woman who lived life fully and passionately. Her love for crafts was only surpassed by her love for going on outings, which she used to explore the world around her and create lasting memories. Her adventurous spirit and creative mind were evident in every aspect of her life, from her professional career to her personal hobbies. Gail was a graduate of Murdock High School and worked as a secretary, first at George Bent Furniture Company and then at Digital-Hewlett-Packard in Salem, NH, showcasing her dedication and commitment in each role. She lived in Athol before finally settling in Holden.

Remembered for her vibrant spirit and warm heart, Gail lived a life that was as varied and intricate as the crafts she loved so much. Her journey led her to many places, each one leaving a lasting mark on her life and personality. Her brothers, Richard and David Vaillancourt, and her cousin, Joni LaPlante, survive her. She was predeceased by her father, Wilfred Vaillancourt, her mother, Anita Vaillancourt, and her fiancé, Frederick Lepkowski. Each relationship was a testament to Gail's capacity for love and her ability to touch the lives of those around her.

Gail will have a calling hour from 9:00 - 10:45 am with her funeral at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in the Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, MA, with a burial following at Calvary Cemetery.

In memory of Gail, we encourage you to leave your fond memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Her spirit continues to live on through the stories we share and the memories we cherish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Jewish Healthcare Center Hospice, 629 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609

View Gail Patria's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/01/2026

Thomas E. Blanchette

Thomas Ernest Blanchette, son of Catherine (Calamare) Blanchette and Ernest W. Blanchette, passed away on April 24, 2026, suddenly.

Tom graduated from Fitchburg High School, Class of 1965, and later earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from Western New England College in 1996. He proudly served in the United States Army as a Sergeant in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star Medal. Following his service, he was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he served as a drill instructor.

Tom dedicated 14 years of service as a Sergeant with the Fitchburg Police Department (1974–2002). In retirement, he continued his commitment to others by volunteering in hospice care at many centers in the area, where he brought joy and levity to more than 100 fellow veterans.

Tom will be fondly remembered by family and friends for his love of Mustangs, playful sense of humor, quick wit, and the many stories he loved to share.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Elaine (Blanchette) Hupfeld; and his daughter, Natalie Blanchette. He is survived by his daughter, Marloe Swenson and her husband, Keith Swenson; his son, Thomas A. Blanchette; his brother, Wayne Blanchette; his sister, Katie (Blanchette) Civin and her husband, Todd; and his best friend for 17 years, his dog Roscoe P. Coltrain. He also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11th, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, Massachusetts. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM in the funeral home. a burial at the Winchendon Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

View Thomas E. Blanchette's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/30/2026

Matthew David Nadeau

Matthew David Nadeau, or "Nadeau" as he was affectionately known by friends, has left the building. Born in the bustling town of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, on June 6th, 1979, Matthew was a charismatic and generous man with a wit as sharp as a tack and a sense of humor that could make a rock chuckle. He lived a vibrant life until April 18th, 2026. Now, don't worry, we're not here to mourn Matthew; rather, we're here to celebrate a life well lived, well laughed, and well loved.

Matthew had this unique ability to transform any dull moment into a scene straight out of a comedy movie. As the owner of a successful liquor store for 28 years, he was the king of his domain - an empire of spirits, if you will. But Matthew was more than just a businessman. He was also an avid collector, curating treasures and trinkets that reflected his generous spirit and funny bone. As Mark Twain once said, "The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter." Matthew took these words to heart and became a master at deploying this weapon at every opportunity. His charm and quick wit made his store not just a place to buy a bottle of whiskey, but a hub of community and laughter.

Matthew was a man who believed in the power of family and friendships. He was never married, but his love story was far from incomplete. He leaves behind his devoted mother, Stephanie, and sister Amanda - both of whom he regarded as the greatest awards of his life. They and many others will miss him dearly.

Matthew was preceded in death by his father, David Nadeau, who was probably waiting with a well-deserved beer on the other side.

As we say our goodbyes to Matthew, let's remember to keep his spirit alive. Let's remember to laugh more, love more, and live a little more like Matthew did.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA, encourages you to share your favorite memories and upload photos of Matthew to the memorial page. After all, as Matthew would have said, "We're all just stories in the end. Make it a good one."

View Matthew David Nadeau's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/29/2026

Andrew M. Bonnallie II

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our father, Andrew M. Bonnallie II, 92, on April 14, 2026, after a prolonged illness. His mind was as sharp as a tack until the very end.

Drew was born in Fitchburg on August 15, 1933, the son of Andrew M. Sr. and Dorothy (Roberts) Bonnallie. He graduated from Lunenburg High School in 1951 and from UMass Amherst in 1956. Soon after graduation, “Andy”, as he was known at work, began his career as a salesman at what was originally Fitchburg Paper Company, and retired 43 years later in 1999.

Our father lived in Lunenburg for nearly his entire life. He grew up on Sunnyhill Road, and by the age of ten was grading eggs and driving tractors for his neighbors, Chester Mossman and Dr. Drumm. In 1958, Drew was introduced to our mother, Betty, by close friends Maricia and Ken. Our parents were married in 1960 and purchased the family home that same year on Brown Avenue, where our father lived for the next 66 years. Betty died in 2012. Together, our parents lived out their faith in that home, where they shared everything they had with family, friends, and neighbors. Over the years, more people lived in that home than just our nuclear family, including a student from Venezuela and those who needed a loving embrace.

Drew was a member of both Rollstone Congregational Church and Christ Episcopal Church. As a youth, he was active with DeMolay, part of the Masonic fraternity, and as an adult became a Freemason. He was active in Boy Scouts in the 1950s and 60s. Drew served as a member of the Lunenburg Music Aiders, helping the group to rewrite its bylaws. He also served on the Christ Church Vestry and applied his attention to detail on the property committee. For decades, Drew was heavily involved in Christian camping, serving on several camp committees, including Camps Wellville, Monomonac, and Bement. As a family, we enjoyed camping with travel trailers, sometimes with bikes placed upside-down on a rack on top of the car. Oh what fun we had!

For our father, six degrees of separation were only three. He loved to tell stories of how life used to be, but especially enjoyed the histories of people. His mind was a vast network that connected people by their family home, parents, siblings, children, neighbors, school, church, place of employment, and more. His encyclopedic memory could connect you with others across the decades. And if he couldn’t remember a name during a story, you were likely to receive a call a few hours later after the name popped into his head.

Left to carry on Drew’s legacy are:

His daughter Robin Fisher and her husband Eric of Midlothian, VA, and their children Danielle (Brent Bourgeois) of Salt Lake City, Brian of Midlothian, and their grandson Blaise Bourgeois.

And his son Paul Bonnallie and his wife Rosa Cruz of Shirley, MA, and their children Nestor Velazquez (Stephanie Newell) of Tennessee and Karla Cruz of Shirley, and their grandchildren Keilani Velazquez, Enzo Perez, Alaia Reeth, Samuel and Sophie Montemayor-Newell, and Gabriel Velazquez-Newell.

Drew also leaves two sisters, Judith Ahearn of Portland, ME, and Jane Starr (Thomas Trainor) of Grimesland, NC; his Godson, John Beardmore; several nieces and nephews; and his caregiver of many years, Kirsten DeFelice. He was predeceased by his Goddaughter, Linda Frazer.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 569 Main St., Fitchburg, MA. Calling hours will be held at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd, Fitchburg, on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Those desiring may make contributions to the Christ Church Memorial Fund.

Give to the departed eternal rest; Let light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.

View Andrew M. Bonnallie II's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/29/2026

Evelyn M. Anderson

Evelyn M. Anderson, lovingly known as Evelyn, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026. She was born in Templeton, MA, on May 24, 1938, and after marrying, lived her whole life in Gardner, MA.

She graduated from Templeton High School in 1956. While her children were young, Evelyn was an aide at the Prospect Street School and later became the office manager at both Modern Contract Furniture and the Institute of Professional Practice until her retirement.

She was an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Gardner, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and President of the Church Council for many years. She was a member of the Gardner Museum.

Following her retirement, Evelyn enjoyed travelling with her husband Richard to many locations throughout the country and Canada. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and knitting, making many pairs of mittens for friends, relatives, and donations to the Church fairs.

Evelyn is survived by her sons, Keith(Amy), Scott(Tammy), and Mark(Susan), five grandchildren, one great-grandson, and her sister, Doris Brooks. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Pearl Robinson, and her beloved husband, Richard Anderson. Her memory will forever be engraved in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Evelyn spent her final years at the Heywood Wakefield Commons Assisted Living facility in Gardner, where she received amazing care, made many new friends, and was loved by all.

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:00 am with funeral service to follow at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.org

View Evelyn M. Anderson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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