Obituaries

Jan 11, 2025

The Most Reverend Jose John Lagares, a native of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico and a long-term resident of Worcester, MA passed away on January 11, 2024, of natural causes at the age of 89. 

 

A member of the United Brothers in Christ Church since 1953, and his wife since 1957 when they were married, led to his lifelong dedication to...

Jan 8, 2025

Worcester – Li Yu (Wang) Chen, 74, died peacefully at home on Wednesday,

January 8, 2025. She was born in Taipei, Taiwan, the beloved daughter of the late Wan-Yuan and Ho A-Ho (Her) Wang.

 

Li Yu completed her bachelor’s in foreign languages at Taiwan Jingyi College of Arts and Sciences, and emigrated to the United States, settling in Worcester where she...

Jan 7, 2025

ACTON - Michael C. Diaz, 61, currently of Acton, MA but always a Brooklyn boy through and through, passed away unexpectedly on January 7, 2025. 

 

Michael wore many hats, literally and figuratively, throughout his life. Proud of being a Union brother, he served for many years as a carpenter for NYC Local 2287, along with his own brother Matthew,...

Dec 30, 2024

WORCESTER - Mary J. Kramek, age 73, passed away peacefully at home in Worcester on Monday, December 30, 2024.  Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late James and Anna (Zahahra) Pagonis.

 

Mary was raised in Worcester and graduated from Doherty Memorial High School, class of 1969.  She went on to work at Worcester County Institute for Savings...

Dec 28, 2024

On December 28, 2024, Richard “Dick” Wallace passed peacefully at UMASS Memorial Hospital in Worcester.

 

Dick grew up in Connecticut, graduated college in Pennsylvania and enjoyed a long career at IBM before retiring.    

 

A lifelong athlete, Dick was Captain of his college swim team, a Masters’ swimmer, and a dedicated member of “Fred’s Team”, spending many days swimming in...

Dec 28, 2024

     Bui Thi Be’s life was a remarkable testament to perseverance and selfless dedication. Through her tireless efforts to support and assist those in need, she embodied the highest ideals of compassion and generosity. An unwavering advocate for animal welfare and a devoted vegan for over 32 years, Thi Be’s life was guided by her profound faith as a devoted follower...

Dec 27, 2024

Kenneth Lee Flinkstrom, affectionately known as Ken, Kenny, and Flinky, passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 70.

 

Son of the late Norman and Lillian (Aho) Flinkstrom of Ashby, MA.  Ken was born on October 2, 1954, in Fitchburg, MA and grew up in Ashby, MA; however, he resided with his wife Denise in Templeton, MA for...

Dec 24, 2024

Joshua Lee Sawyer

 

January 13, 1985 - December 24, 2024

 

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Joshua Lee Sawyer, 39 yrs old. He was a devoted and loving father, son, and partner who left this world suddenly on December 24, 2024.  Josh was deeply loved by his family and he will live...

Dec 15, 2024

Samantha K. Gonyea (Shepard)April 15,1994 - December 15, 2024

 

Samantha was born and raised in Fitchburg Ma. She was a beautiful soul who loved her family more than anything else in the world. What some people would call a heart of gold. She loved adventure, and was not a stand still person. Anyone who knew Sam, knows she was a...

Dec 11, 2024

SHREWSBURY - Irina (Ira) Mechikow, an amazing mother and a beacon of joy and laughter, passed away on December 11, 2024, in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, at the age of 51. Born on August 17, 1973, in Konotop, Ukraine, Irina's zest for life, ambitious nature, and boundless energy touched everyone she met. 

 

A brilliant medical doctor and clinical researcher, Irina earned...

Nov 20, 2024

Melinda “Bootsie” Jurgelewicz, 57, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Born on August 28, 1967, Melinda was a kind and caring soul who devoted her life to her family and those she loved.

 

As a mother, she did her best in raising her children—Nathan Jurgelewicz, Robert Mitchell, and Jason Mitchell—ensuring they had a better life than her own....

Nov 16, 2024

HUBBARDSTON – Diane M. (Begnoche) Brennan, 71, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at UMass Memorial HealthAlliance Hospital-Leominster Campus. Born and raised in Fitchburg, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Jeanette (Leblanc) Begnoche.

Diane enjoyed a long career as a Registered Nurse and retired after nearly 40 years of dedicated service. Diane...

Nov 1, 2024

Claire Jean Vacherot, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, departed her loving family on November 1, 2024 at the age of 92.   Claire was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on February 20, 1932 to Arthur Gignac and Rose Boisvert.   Claire, first born to Arthur and Rose, had three loving siblings, Arthur Gignac, Pauline Marynowski, and William Gignac. 

 

As the...

Oct 21, 2024

Until we meet againWe think about you always,We talk about you still you have never been forgotten and never will be.We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remainTo walk and guide us through our lives until we meet again

Oct 20, 2024

Oct 15, 2024

Chris was born in Worcester parents were Mary Dio and Donald Eck. He was the twin brother of Jeffrey who passed before him in May of 2020. He is survived by his sisters Dawn Marie Torres of Ocala Florida, Judith Anne Rajotte of Worcester and Martha Elizabeth Eck of Brookfield also his 5 children Christopher Sanders, Seth Liljestrand, Christine Eck,...

Oct 14, 2024

Oct 13, 2024

WORCESTER- Sandra Jeanne (Rioux) O’Brien, 64, passed away comfortably in her home surrounded by her loving family on October 13, 2024. She was born in Killeen, Texas, but her family migrated to Massachusetts shortly after that. 

Sandra was the second daughter of Wilbrod and Lorraine Rioux and one of Six sisters. Sandra was a North High School Alumni and Dabbled...

Oct 12, 2024

Oct 10, 2024

Mathew “Matt” James Ellis, 64 of North Adams, MA passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, on Thursday October 10, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Matt was born on March 15, 1960 in Rutland, VT to Benjamin and Eva (Fowler) Ellis. Matt was a 1978 graduate of Glens Falls High School in Glens Falls, NY, and...