Mrs. Joyce (Coughlin) Karpinski, 67, of Manchester, NH died Tuesday, December 8th at her home. Born in Methuen to Walter and Frances (Magoon) Coughlin, Mrs. Karpinski had been an area resident most of her life. She was an active member of the Forest Street Union Church in Methuen. She enjoyed listening to Elvis, reading and watching movies about real crimes. Most of all she loved to spend time with her family. Mrs. Karpinski is survived by her loving husband Raymond Karpinski of Manchester, NH, one daughter; Frances and her husband Blake Tasker of Manchester, NH, three sons; John Furneaux and his wife Katherine of N. Andover, Thomas Vallante and his wife Lenore of Derry, NH, and Nathan Karpinski and his wife Amy of Salem, NH. One brother; Gary Coughlin of Danville, NH, five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Karpinski’s memory to the Forest Street Union Church, 15 Forest Street, Methuen, MA 01844. Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, December 14th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Edgar J. Racicot Inc. Funeral Home, 1400 Broadway Rd. Dracut, 978-683-2706. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, December 15th at ????? am at the Forest Street Union Church. Online condolences can be submitted at www.racicotfuneralhome.com

View Full Notice → Joyce (Coughlin) Karpinski 12/8/2015 Manchester, NH / Methuen, MA / Lawrence, MA / Dracut, MA / Lowell, MA

DRACUT- Ralph A. Garon, Sr., 73, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Linda (DiRocco) Garon, with whom he spent many loving years of marriage. Born in Lawrence on June 8, 1942 , he was a son of the late James and Anna (Ventrillo) Garon. Ralph was a graduate of Lawrence High School, and then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, until he was honorably discharged in 1967. Prior to his retirement, Ralph worked as a self employed painter. He also spent many years working in the maintenance department in various Nursing Homes. Ralph loved to watch boxing on television. He also enjoyed watching horse racing, and sports, particularly football. Ralph loved dogs, especially his old dog Jake. In addition to his wife, he is survived and will be deeply missed by his two sons, Ralph Garon, Jr., and his longtime companion, Julie Pinard, and James Garon and his former wife Jayne, all of Dracut; two siblings, Fred Garon and his wife Glenda of Bryan, TX, and Judith LaRosa and her husband Salvatore “Butch” of North Andover; five grandchildren, Matthew and Julia, and Becky, Elizabeth, and Freddy; and one great granddaughter, Madison; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two children, Joseph A. Garon, and Jennifer Garon-Keenan. ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 4-7 p.m. on MONDAY, December 14th at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Ave., Dracut. His funeral service will be held TUESDAY, December 15th at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Military Honors to follow. Burial will take place in the spring. For directions, or to leave an online condolence, story, or message, please visit us on Facebook under “Dracut Funeral Home.”

View Full Notice → Ralph Garon

LOWELL — Richard A. Lecuyer, 57, died peacefully, December 7th at Lowell General Hospital. Born in Lowell on December 1, 1958, he was the son of the late Roger E. and Alice J. (Stemporzewski) Lecuyer. Ricky was a happy man and his smile could light up a room. He was under the watchful eye of the Department of Developmental Services and Adult Foster Care of the North Shore for the last few years. He attended Home Away from Home program six days a week. He was a loving guy who was all about family and friends. He was an avid sports fan. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his aunt Rita A. Stemporzewski of Dracut; his cousins Sheila Francoeur and her husband Ron of Hampton, NH, Susan Stemporzewski and her husband Samuel Thomas of Pelham, NH, Frank Stemporzewski and his wife Tara of Salem, NH, Linda Hogan of Dracut, Karen Brennan of Salem, NH, Stephanie Halko and her husband Jeff of Londonderry, NH, Joe Stemporzewski of Lowell, Daniel Turcotte of Lowell, Sandra Wroblewski of Lowell; as well as many other cousins, family members, and friends. ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10-11 a.m. with his service to follow at 11 a.m. in the Funeral Home on MONDAY, December 14th at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME 2159 Lakeview Ave., DRACUT, MA. Interment to follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lowell.

View Full Notice → Richard Lecuyer

It is with heavy hearts that Adam and Stacey Vignault of Nashua, NH announce the loss of their infant child Riley Vignault. Riely past away December 10, 2015 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Riley is survived by parents Adam and Stacey (Gallagher) Vignault of Nashua, NH, one brother; Reneau Vignault, of Nashua, NH, Paternal grandparents Michael Vignault of Kensington, NH and Linda Vignault of Lowell. Maternal grand parents James and Anne Gallagher of Hampton, NH.

View Full Notice → Riley Vignault 12/10/2015 Methuen, MA / Lawrence, MA / Dracut, MA / Lowell, MA / Nashua, NH

Nashua, NH- Pamela Rachel (Castellano) Sargent, 47, died peacefully on December 15, 2015 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous and brave battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of 17 years to Roy W. Sargent. Pamela was born in Nashua, NH on November 24, 1968, daughter of Simonne (Bergeron) Castellano of Chelmsford and the late Edward Castellano. She was a graduate of Tyngsboro High School, as well as Middlesex Community College, where she earned an associates degree. For many years, Pamela was employed as a chef at Corporate Chefs of Burlington, until she became ill. Pamela loved to scrapbook; she will always be remembered for the vividly creative pages she enjoyed putting together. In her spare time, she also enjoyed reading and camping with her family, particularly in the mountains. In addition to her husband and mother, Pamela is survived and will be deeply missed by her son, whom she loved and cherished dearly, Nicholas Sargent of Nashua; two brothers Thomas Castellano of Chelmsford and Edward Castellano and his wife Sheryl of Hudson, NH; her sister Sandra Castellano of Chelmsford; as well as many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at DRACUT FUNERAL HOME 2159 Lakeview Avenue, Dracut on SUNDAY, December 20th from 12 until 4 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home on MONDAY, December 21st at 11 a.m. followed by interment in Tyngsboro Memorial Cemetery, Tyngsboro.

View Full Notice → Pamela Sargent

Eric A. Jacobson, the world’s most extraordinary father, husband and human being on the planet, died on December 20, 2015, after a long battle with kidney and heart disease. Eric was born on April 4, 1964, in Malden, MA. After graduating Dracut High School in 1982, he devoted himself to caring for those with physical and developmental disabilities. He excelled in this career and proved himself a fierce advocate and an impassioned friend of those with mental and physical challenges. He is perhaps best remembered for escorting the clients of Peabody Road House on a trip to a gentleman’s entertainment club, armed with a stack of one dollar bills, a huge grin, and several happy, infirm gentlemen who got to experience a night out like any other All-American guy. Eric was a quick wit, brilliant mind, rapacious reader and merciless debater who won any polemic he engaged in (and often incited). Despite multiple health challenges during the last five years of his life, he was filled with humor and hope, and saw every day as a gift. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 20 years, Jerilynn Jacobson, his nine-year-old son, Kevin Jacobson, whom he adored, his mother, Leah Jacobson (nee Chase), his sister Beth Jacobson King, his brother Steven Jacobson and his wife Laurie Jacobson, his nephews Scott and Danny Jacobson, and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his father, Harold M. Jacobson II and his brother, Harold Jacobson III. He is also survived by countless friends, including those who work at DaVita Dialysis in Burlington, MA. A remembrance of Eric’s beautiful life will be held at Christ Church United, 10 Arlington Street, Dracut, MA on Monday, December 28, 2015, at 10:00 AM. Please wear green, as this is the color of Organ Donation and Kidney Disease Awareness. In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to do one of the following acts in remembrance of Eric’s spirit: 1. Let everyone know you love them because today is all you have. 2. Buy someone a coffee. Help a homeless person. Talk to a stranger on a park bench. 3. Take care of your elder neighbors. Eric loved the elderly and he respected the history and insight they imbued in this world. 4. Consider becoming an organ donor. Encourage others to do so. Despite his health, Eric was able to make several donations; these represent parts of his indomitable spirit that now live on in others. Unfortunately, Eric did not get the organ we all desperately wished him to have, but someone else can! Give someone that chance! 5. Embrace your messy, wonderful, beautiful life. To leave an online condolence, story, or message please visit www.dracutfuneralhome.com or find us on Facebook under “Dracut Funeral Home.”

View Full Notice → Eric Jacobson

View Full Notice → Pauline Carpenter

Wanda Rurak Loving Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Polish World War II Veteran Wanda Rurak a well-respected member of the Polish Community in Lowell, passed away on December 26, 2015. She was the beloved wife of Tadeusz Rurak for 65 years before his passing in 2009. Mrs. Rurak was born in Miory, Poland on September 29, 1923, and was the daughter of the late Jozef and Eugenia (Doboszynski) Rodziewicz. She resided in Miory along with her parents and two brothers (Henryk and Olgierd) until the September 1939 invasions of Poland by the Germans and Russians triggering World War II. Her father who was the mayor of Miory was arrested, and killed by the Soviets. Mrs. Rurak was sixteen years old when she and her family were deported to a camp in Russia and subsequently transferred to Barnaul Siberia. She spent the next three years in the concentration camp in Siberia working as a laborer carrying buckets of cement for bricklayers while living in deplorable conditions and receiving minimal food rations. During this difficult period of time she took on the responsibility of taking care of her brothers and mother who became ill and later died in Siberia. After the agreement signed (in 1942) between the Polish government- in-exile and the Soviet Union to liberate Polish prisoners-of-war Mrs. Rurak and her brothers were released and transported from Siberia to Iran. Prior to arriving in Iran while in a military staging camp in Asia, Mrs. Rurak met her husband to-be Tadeusz who was an officer in the Polish Army. While in Iran Mrs. Rurak volunteered as a nurse’s assistant and was assigned to a Polish orphanage. Shortly afterwards, she enlisted in the Polish Army to be closer to her brothers and future husband. Her tour of duty included stays in Iraq, Palestine, Egypt and Italy where she and Captain Tadeusz Rurak were married with full military regalia. After the conclusion of the war her husband’s regiment was sent to England where her first son (Zbigniew) was born. For her service during World War II, England awarded her the Italy Star, Defense Medal and War Medal, and from her native Poland she received the Polish War Medal. In 1948, Mrs. Rurak and her family moved to the United States and settled in Lowell where her second son (Tadeusz) was born. As her sons grew older Mrs. Rurak went to work at Robert Leonard dress factory in Lowell and later was employed at Raytheon Corporation in South Lowell until her retirement. She was an active communicant of the Holy Trinity Polish Roman Catholic Church, a member of the Holy Trinity Senior Citizens Organization, Polish Cultural Committee, Polish National Alliance and the Dom Polski. For many years she volunteered to help make “pierogi and golabki” for the Lowell Folk Festival or to support her parish. She enjoyed gardening, blueberry and strawberry picking and meeting her friends for lunch. Mrs. Rurak and her husband enjoyed traveling, dancing, entertaining their friends and observing Polish traditions. She savored the opportunity of cooking traditional Polish foods, and no one could leave her dining room table without having seconds, or multiple servings. Most importantly she cherished and loved spending time with her family and was extremely proud of her grandchildren and great-grandsons. For those that knew her, she was a very special lady, warm, generous, caring, loving, and selfless. We were blessed to have her be part of our lives for all these years. Mrs. Rurak is survived by two sons, Zbigniew T Rurak and his wife Elizabeth of London, England, Tadeusz H Rurak and his wife Jean of Lowell Ma. three grandchildren Mark Rurak and his wife Katie of Lowell, Ma. Stefan Rurak of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Ania Rurak, of Manhattan N.Y. three great-grandsons Ryan, Luke and Matthew Rurak all of Lowell Ma, one niece, Cherry Underwood and one nephew Christopher Underwood. She also leaves behind her dear friend Janina Stopyra of Lowell. Mrs. Rurak was predeceased by her loving husband Tadeusz, two brothers Olgierd and Henryk Rodziewicz, two sisters in-law Emilia Zelwinder and Valerie Underwood, and nephew Paul Underwood. The Rurak family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Peter Bradshaw and the Staff of Wingate at Belvidere of Lowell who took such tender care of Mrs. Rurak. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at DRACUT FUNERAL HOME 2159 Lakeview Avenue, Dracut, on Saturday, January 2nd from 8:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Her Funeral mass will follow in the Polish Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity at 11 a.m. Interment to follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Rurak’s name to the Holy Trinity Parish Fund, 340 High Street, Lowell, MA 01852.

View Full Notice → Wanda Rurak

Miss Irene F. Delage, 91, died December 28th 2015 at the Berkeley Retirement Home in Lawrence. Born in Lowell she lived most of her life in Lawrence. She was the daughter of Joseph and Clara (Adam) Delage and was predeceased in death by her siblings; one sister Ruth Slimily an two brothers Roger and Victor Delage. She was a graduate of the former Sacred Heart Grammar and High School and also recieved a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Merrimack College. During her business career, Irene also obtained the coveted professional CLU designation from the American College of Life Underwriters, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvani. Her diploma was presented at the Harvard Club in Boston where she was the only woman in the group. During World War II, Irene served in the Navy WAVES Corps. After basic and specialist training, she served her tour of duty in the Port Director’s Office in Boston. During her service she was given a special assignment which gave her the distinction of being the first woman to act as an interpreter in the United States Attorney’s Court. She was discharged from the WAVES with the rating of Yeoman First Class. After her seperation from the service, she took a temporary position with the Prudential Insurance Company, which turned into 37 years. During her time with Prudential she held several assignments in a field office, and became the office manager. She was later promoted to Field Office Consultant, anassignment which required working with the clerical staff in several offices throughout the New England area. She was transferred in the Northeast Home Office as a System Analyst and later became the first woman to be appointed to a management and administrative position in the Northeast Home Office. In 1975 she had the honor of being named to receive the Northeast Home Office “Century Community Service Award” a monetary amount which was to be presented to her favorite charity. Irene was involved with various community and service organizations. She was Past President and Secretary of the Ladies Philharmonic Guild, Past Vice President and Secretary and Life Member of the Bon Secure (currently Holy Family) hospital Ladies Auxiliary; also a member of the Board of Directors of Bon Secure and a member of the Joint Hospital Board; a former member of the Quota Club; one of the originators of the Ladies of Merrimack; second Vice President of the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce which was later incorporated into the regular Chamber; a member of the Third Order of Mary in the former Sacred Heart Church and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish; a member of Our Ladies Sodality of St. Patrick Parish, and also a member of the Lawrence Elks Lodge. Irene also served on the board of the former First Essex Savings Bank as a Director and Trustee. She is survived by nieces Dorothy Viens and her husband Warren, Kathleen Sportum and her husband Greg, Nephew Joseph Simili, grandnieces Elixabeth, Kathy and Gladys Roeger, Diana Pellitier; Grandnephews Peter and Robert Viens, Jason Sportum, and several great grandnieces and great grandnephews. Family and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass on Friday, January 15th, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Church, burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edgar J. Racicot Inc. Funeral Home, 1400 Broadway Rd. Dracut, MA 978-683-2706. Online condolences can be shared at www.racicotfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Irene F. Delage 12/28/2015 Methuen, MA / Lawrence, MA / Dracut, MA / Lowell, MA

DRACUT, MA- Thomas “Tom” Babaletos, 59, passed away on December 31, 2015 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous two year battle with Laryngeal cancer. Born in Lowell on December 6, 1956, he was a son of the late George T. and Jeanette A. (Bishop) Babaletos. A lifelong resident of Dracut, Tom was educated in the Dracut school system and was a graduate of Dracut High School with the class of 1974. He held an Associates degree from Mount Wachusett Community College, and was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at UMass Lowell. For over 30 years, Tom worked in the Information Technology field. He worked his way up from a Computer Operator at Fallon Health Systems, to the position of IT Director at Genzyme Corporation; a position he held from 2004, until illness forced his retirement last year. Tom took pride in watching his sons play sports, and for many years, was a coach for several of their basketball and baseball teams. One of his most cherished and beloved memories was the trip he took to Cooperstown in 2010 with Thomas, Justin, and the Dracut Dirt Dogs travel baseball team. Tom was an avid golfer, and he enjoyed watching all sports, particularly the Patriots and Red Sox. He will always be remembered by his family and friends for the songs he would sing and play on the guitar, especially those by The Beatles, James Taylor, and Cat Stevens. Above all, his most cherished time was spent with his family at their beach house in Hampton, NH. In addition to his wife, he is survived and will be deeply missed by his three sons, Thomas, Alex, and Justin, all of Dracut; a sister, Deboarah Smith and her husband Edward of Dracut; a sister-in-law, Suzanne Sundstrom and her husband, Peter of Horse Shoe, NC; a brother-in-law, Dr. Roy W. Clark, of Palm Springs, CA; two neices, Jillian Gorman and her husband Bryan of Dracut, and Jenna Smith of Arlington, VA; two nephews, Eric Sundstrom of Altamonte Springs, FL, and Dana Sundstrom of Horse shoe, NC; two great-nieces, Ava Gorman of Dracut, Taylor Sundstrom of Wendell, MA; a great-great niece, Adeline, who was born December 9, 2015; as well as many cousins. He also leaves behind his best friend since childhood, Dr. Alan Frechette of Chandler, AZ. He will be sorely missed by his devoted dogs, Maya, Gracie, Roxy, Hannah, and Keno. Tom’s family would like to thank the medical staff at Lowell General Hospital on D4, ICU, and DCU, as well as the medical staff in The Cancer Center at Lowell General, especially Dr. Anamur, Dr. Ardman, Dr. Hunter, and Nancy Bettez, NP; the medical staff at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, ER, MICU, and Proger 7; the first responders from the Dracut Fire Department, Patriot Ambulance, Trinity Ambulance, LGH Paramedics, and Pride Star Ambulance for your outstanding response and and treatment of Tom each time he was transported; a special thank you to Dr. Bjorn Bie, of Mass ENT, for his compassion and dedication to Tom from the moment he was diagnosed; lastly, they would like to thank the staff at the Merrimack valley Hospice House, for the care, love, and dignity they showed Tom as he prepared to leave this life. ARRANGEMENTS: To be announced…

View Full Notice → Thomas Babaletos

CHELMSFORD, MA- Herbert L. Simpson, 81, formerly of Tewksbury, died peacefully on Saturday, January 1, 2016 at Palm Center Nursing Home in Chelmsford. He was the husband of Marion F. (Richardson) Simpson for 36 years until her passing in 1990. Born in Wakefield on April 10, 1934, he was a son of the late Harold and Marguerite (Pierce) Simpson. Herbert was a long time employee of the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. in Lowell. He enjoyed vacationing in Maine where he loved to fish. He also made annual visits to many County fairs around New England. He is survived by his children- Gary M. Simpson of Lighthouse Point, FL, Karen Looney and her husband James of Dracut and Son-in-Law David Kearney of Burlington; five grandchildren, David Kearney, Jr., Ryan Kearney, Allison Straker, Matthew Looney, and Katlin Simpson; as well as three great grandchildren, Cameron and Vivian Straker, and Lilliana Kearney. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his daughter, Diane Kearney; grandson, Kevin Kearney; and his brother, Charles A. Simpson. ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on WEDNESDAY, January 6th, from 9 to 11:00 a.m. at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Ave., Dracut. His funeral service will take place directly following calling hours at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be held in Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a tribute gift in honor of Diane Kearney, R.N., may be made to: Philanthropy Office, Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854. For directions, or to leave an online condolence, story, or message, please visit www.dracutfuneralhome.com, or find us on Facebook under “Dracut Funeral Home.”

View Full Notice → Herbert Simpson

View Full Notice → Dennis Pratt

DRACUT- BettyJo (Haislip) Baroni, 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at her home in Dracut, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Betty is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, William P. Baroni. She was born in Trenton, New Jersey on November 29, 1931 and was the daughter of the late Samuel and Myrtle E. (Drew) Haislip. Betty was a well-known artist of historic paintings. Her artwork is on display in many town buildings including the Dracut Historical Society and in many homes across the country and internationally. She is best known for her paintings of the historic D.C. Mueller Carousel located in Lakeview Park, which now hangs in the Dracut library as well as The Historic Lakeview Park Ballroom which hangs at the Dracut Historical Society. Old Iron Side’s commissioned by a member of the Old Iron Sides committee and many other historic paintings of Dracut. She received several grants and awards for her paintings. Betty was on the Board of Directors at the Dracut Historical Society, President of The Dracut Women’s Friendship Luncheon, and member of the Dracut Arts Council and was instrumental in bringing clean water to Broadway Road. In addition to her husband, Betty is also survived by her daughter, L. Susan Decker Stone and her husband Douglas, three grandchildren, Heather D. Cook and her husband Steve Cook; Heidi J. Warnes and her husband Rob; and Bruce “JD” H. Decker Jr. and his wife Brittani Erin; two great-grandsons, Tucker R. and Emmett B. Cook; and one great-granddaughter Madilyn Anne Warnes. Betty also is survived by her brother and sister-in-law John and Mary Ann Donahue, and their two daughters; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Bob and Joann Dalziel, Bettyann Baroni, Dotty Bourassa, Lorraine Baroni, and Leah Baroni; as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by her stepfather John S. Donahue; her daughter Kim, her brother and sister-in-law Lawrence and Marie Haislip, and brothers-in-law Harold “Buddy” Baroni Jr., Robert Baroni, and Thomas Chagnon and sister-in-law June L. Chagnon. The family would like to extend a public thank you to Betty’s caregivers: Commonwealth Nursing Services and with a special heartfelt thank you to Leonore Anza and Phear who cared for Betty during her time of need. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Betty and Bill’s daughter Kim Baroni, donations may be made to: Boston Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, 755 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02116; 617-636-6033 (Information Desk) and Https://www.floatinghospital.org for online donations.

View Full Notice → BettyJo Baroni

Dracut, MA – Richard Lafontaine, 68, died unexpectedly at his home on Monday, January 4, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Pauline J. (Swerchesky) Lafontaine, with whom he spent 43 years of a loving marriage. Born in Lowell April 27, 1947, he was the son of the late Omer and Madeline (Lambert) Lafontaine. Dick was a graduate of the Lowell Trade School, and then went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War until he was honorably discharged. Prior to his retirement, Dick was a member of the Merrimack Valley Carpenters Union 111 for 50 years during which time he proudly worked in the buildings of Boston. Dick loved to spend time at his “home away from home” in Killington Vermont, where he was a ski instructor for 17 years and where he shared his passion for skiing with family and friends from beginners to experts. He also greatly enjoyed taking care of his yard, caring for his fish pond, and hosting his Friday night bonfires. Dick gave generously of his time and skills to all who needed a helping hand. Above all, his most cherished time was spent surrounded by family and friends he loved and will always be remembered as the consummant family man. In addition to his wife, he is survived and will be deeply missed by his two children, Richard Lafontaine , Jr. , and Suzanne L. Lafontaine-Bean and her husband Todd, all of Dracut, Ma. He is also survived by his nine siblings, Janine Lafontaine and her companion Philip Lepine, Denise Tetrault and her husband Robert, Ronald Lafontaine and his wife Carol, Charlene Cohan and her husband Richard ,Carolyn Lafontaine and her husband William Kotopoulis, Russell Lafontaine and his wife Cyndie, Marie Wasylak, Michelle Fearon and husband Dennis, and Rene Lafontaine; a sister-in-law, Carol Lafontaine; and two brother-in-laws, Stanley Swerchesky and his wife Jeannine, and Thomas Swerchesky and his wife Donna, as well as many nieces, nephews cousins, and friends and his beloved grand dogs Gary and Teddy. He was predeceased by his brothers , Roger Lafontaine and Raynard Lafontaine; and a brother-in-law, Richard Wasylak. ARRANGEMENTS: At the request of the family, calling hours have been omitted. His Funeral Mass will be held at 10a.m. on SATURDAY, January 9th in St. Francis Church, Dracut. Those who wish to attend may meet directly at the church. Burial will be held privately. Donations may be made in Dick’s memory c/o New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, Ma.02108. To leave an online condolence, story, or message, visit www.dracutfuneralhome.com or find us on Facebook under “Dracut Funeral Home.”

View Full Notice → Richard Lafontaine

View Full Notice → Philip Cote

LOWELL, MA- Vaia (Kanavas) Veroulis, 70, died peacefully on Thursday, January 14, 2015 at Lowell General Hospital Saints Campus, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Michael Veroulis, with whom she shared many loving years of marriage. Born in Lefkopigi, Kozani, Greece, on March 19, 1945, she was a daughter of the late Constantinos and Paraskevi (Draggogias) Kanavas. For many years, Vaia worked as a Seamstress for both Robert Leonard, Inc., and Lark Dress. Prior to her retirement, she owned and operated a Deli and Convenience Store with her husband, Michael. Vaia’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren whom she truly adored. She will always be remembered for her kind and loving nature, and the way she always put others before herself. In addition to her husband, she is survived and will be deeply missed by her daughter, Kathy Gendron and her husband Dan of Dracut; her son, George Veroulis and his wife Christine of Nashua, NH; six siblings, Demetrios Kanavas and his wife Nikki of Lowell, Peter Kanavas and his wife Anastasia of Chelmsford, Vasillios Kanavas of Chelmsford, and Anne Ermilios and her husband Arthur of Greece; four grandchildren, Jason and Alex Gendron, and Adrian and Sophia Veroulis of as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Stella Gavana. ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 4 to 8 p.m. on TUESDAY, January 19th at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Ave., Dracut. Her funeral will take place from the funeral home on WEDNESDAY, January 20th at 9 a.m. with her Funeral Mass following at 10 a.m. in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Lowell. Burial will take place following the Mass at Westlawn II Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in Vaia’s memory to the Palm Manor Rehabilitation, c/o Rehab Department, 40 Parkhurst Rd., Chelmsford, MA, 01824.

View Full Notice → Vaia Veroulis

Lowell- Benjamin Edward Stangroom, four month old infant, son of James and Alanna (Thivierge) Stangroom, died Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Children’s Hospital in Boston. Ben enjoyed reading stories with mom and watching football with dad. He loved, and was loved by many. He had numerous friends on staff at Boston Children’s, that his parents will be forever thankful to. Benjamin was the baby brother of Annalise, Keira, and Jacqueline Stangroom. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents Alan Thivierge and Donna Wholey-Thivierge of Dracut; his paternal grandparents James A. and Catherine Stangroom of Dracut; his paternal great-grandmother Janet Stangroom of Tyngsboro; his aunt Amanda McLaughlin and her husband Jonathan, of Dracut; his aunt Samantha White and her husband Shane, of Pelham. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at DRACUT FUNERAL HOME 2159 Lakeview Ave, Dracut on SUNDAY, January 18th from 2 until 6 p.m. His funeral will be held at the funeral home on MONDAY, January 19th at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Magdalen Church, Tyngsboro. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ben’s name to Sisters By Heart, www.sistersbyheart.org, an organization that helps families of children with HLHS.

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DRACUT, MA- Victoria (Starsiak) Gucwa, 100, died peacefully on Friday, January 15, 2016 at Lowell General Hospital surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. Born in Utica, NY on August 8, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Balbina (Glac) Starsiak, who were Polish immigrants. Before Victoria was born, her father was bitten by a rabid dog and died. Her mother moved back to Poland where Victoria and her brother, Joseph, endured a hard life living and working on a farm. In 1934, nineteen year old Victoria, not speaking English, returned to the US and found work first as a silk worker and then as a resident housekeeper. With money she saved, she enabled her older brother, Joseph, to return to the US in 1936. In that year she married John Gucwa, and they built a house in Dracut where they raised five children. Victoria’s strength and independence were admirable and will be remembered by all who knew her. She enjoyed working in her garden well into her nineties, and she lived at home by herself until two weeks ago when a brief illness took her at age 100. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her five children, Kenneth Gucwa and his wife Sara of Sandwich, John Gucwa and his wife Halina of Chelmsford, Robert Gucwa and his wife Ann of Daytona Beach, FL, Diane Stevens and her husband Ron of Laguna Niguel, CA, and William Gucwa and his wife Diane of Intervale, NH; as well as six grandchildren, Emily Duff and her husband Austin Duff, David Gucwa, Peter Gucwa, Marilla Gucwa, Elliott Baribeault, and Brittany Gucwa. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Starsiak, and her grandson, Jason Gucwa. ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on THURSDAY, January 21st at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Ave., Dracut. Her funeral service will be held inside the funeral home directly following calling hours. Burial will be held in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lowell immediately afterwards. For directions, or to leave an online condolence, story, or message, please visit us on Facebook under Dracut Funeral Home.

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LOWELL, MA- Rita (Efstathiou) Martakos, 92, died peacefully, Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Lowell General Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Nicholas Martakos, with whom she shared many loving years of marriage until his passing in 2003. Born in Lowell on April 15, 1923, she was a daughter of the late Leonidas and Evangeline (Tsikouris) Efstathiou. Rita was a graduate of Lowell High School with the Class of 1941. Upon graduating, she spent the span of her career working for Lowell Lingerie, Co. Rita was an avid reader, and enjoyed sitting down with a good book in her spare time. She also enjoyed watching television, especially Red Sox games. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her two sisters Alice Martakos of Salem, NH and Olympia Silcox and her husband Joseph of Orlando, FL; her brother Christie Efstathiou and his wife June of Portsmouth, NH; her sister-in-law Niki Efstathiou of Lowell; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her three sisters, Georgia Barjokas, and Helen Efstathiou and Dorothea Martakos as well as her brother Apostolos Efstathiou. ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 9 to 10 a.m. on FRIDAY, January 22nd, at the HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 62 Lewis St., Lowell, with her Funeral Service directly following at 10 a.m. in the church. Burial will take place in Westlawn Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s name c/o Holy Trinity Greek Church, 62 Lewis St., Lowell, MA 01851.

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DRACUT, MA- Elizabeth (O’Rourke) Craggy, 88, died peacefully, Friday, January 22nd, at D’Youville Manor Senior Care Center, Lowell, with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Clarence Craggy. Elizabeth was born in Norwich, CT on March 26, 1927, a daughter of the late Katherine (Sullivan) and John O’Rourke. She was educated in Lawrence, MA and a graduate of Lawrence High School. She received her bachelors degree from Regis College and her Masters from Fitchburg State University. For many years, Mrs. Craggy was an elementary teacher for the Dracut Public Schools. She was dedicated to her students and loved being a teacher. Over anything, Elizabeth loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed reading, knitting and sewing and was also a proud and devoted Catholic, most recently attending Ste. Marguerite D’Youville Parish in Dracut. Elizabeth is survived and will be deeply missed by her 3 children, Althea Burrier and her husband Bob of Wisconsin, John Craggy and his wife Angela of Brookline, NH and Mary Charnley and her husband Hal of Concord, MA; 6 grandchildren, Steven, Ethan, William, Emmett, Rosemary and Peter. ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects from 4-7 p.m. on MONDAY, January 25th at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME 2159 Lakeview Ave., DRACUT.  Her funeral will take place from the funeral home on TUESDAY, January 26th at 10 a.m. with her funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m. at Ste. Marguerite D’Youville Parish. Burial will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Lowell.

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