Sharon A. Bayard
Leaves sisters in Hollis and Brookline
Sharon A. (Falcone) Bayard, 43, of Billerica, Mass., and formerly of Chelmsford, Mass., died Dec. 28, 2002, at Children s Hospital in Boston following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Bayard was born Sept. 8, 1959, in Somerville, Mass., daughter of Matthew J. and Annette (Verrier) Falcone of Bonita Springs, Fla. She was the wife of Henry A. Bayard.
Mrs. Bayard was employed as an engineer at the MITRE Corp. in Bedford, Mass., in support of the Air Force, for the past 10 years. She was a communicant of St. Theresa s Church in Billerica, and was a former CCD teacher. Mrs. Bayard graduated from Chelmsford High School in 1977 and recently graduated with a bachelor s degree in information science from Daniel Webster in Nashua. Besides her husband and parents, survivors include four sons, Marc Colangelo of Billerica, Peter Bayard of New York, David Bayard of San Francisco and John Bayard of Waltham, Mass.; two daughters, Jennie McCarthy of Dennis, Mass., and Marianne Bayard of Somerville; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Matthew and Lisa Falcone of Litchfield and Robert and Nancy Falcone of Sutton, Mass.; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Michelle and Steven Ettelson of Hollis, Debra and Ted Syzlvian of Townsend, Mass., Donna and Mike Hutchins of King, N.C., and Dianne and Ron Ahlquist of Brookline; and a granddaughter, Skylar McCarthy. A funeral service was held Dec. 31 from The Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, Billerica. A funeral Mass was in St. Theresa s Church. Burial is in St. Joseph s Cemetery, Chelmsford.

Elizabeth M. Bowman
Avid skier and world traveler
Elizabeth M. Bowman, 91, of Gilford, died Dec. 21, 2002, at the Goldenview Health Care Center in Meredith. Mrs. Bowman was born April 1, 1911, in Beaver, Pa., the daughter of Charles A. and Mary (Loring) Meserve. She was a secretary for former Governor Walter Peterson and former Governor Hugh Gregg. She lived in Lyndeborough for many years and worked for David L. Babson for 20 years. Mrs. Bowman was a member of the Mayflower Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Heritage Foundation, the Huguenot Society and the Order of the Eastern Star, and was a member of the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Auxiliary. She was an avid skier and world traveler, and especially enjoyed time in the Caribbean and out West. She loved the outdoors, animals and gardening. Mrs. Bowman was predeceased by her husband, Charles W. Bowman, in 1954; a son, Robert Bowman, in 1957; a brother, Charles Meserve; and a great-granddaughter, Wendy Carrigan. Survivors include a son, Ronald Bowman of Peterborough; a daughter, Linda Livingston of Gilford; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one nephew and one niece. There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003, at 11 a.m., in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer s Association, N.H. Chapter, 10 Ferry St., Suite 419, Concord, NH 03301.

John J. Buss
Worked for Meggit Avionics
John J. Buss, 75, of Merrimack, died Dec. 24, 2002, at his home following an illness. Mr. Buss was born May 14, 1927, in Greenpoint, N.Y., son of the late George and Margaret (Wilkeyson) Buss. He was the husband of Muriel (Millheiser) Buss of Merrimack, his wife of 46 years. Mr. Buss was employed by Meggit Avionics Inc. until his retirement in 1992. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Mr. Buss graduated from Brooklyn Polytech with a mechanical engineering degree. Besides his wife, survivors include three sons, Robert Buss of Hooksett, James Buss of Merrimack and Gerard Buss of Bedford; a daughter, Patricia Meinweiser of Coventry Conn.; a sister, Margaret Lipp of Hicksville, N.Y.; a sister in-law, Eleanor Dillon of Fairfield, Ohio; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Dec. 30 in the chapel of The George R. Rivet Funeral Home in Merrimack. Burial followed in the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.

Geraldine D. Coletta
Resident of Nashua for 19 years; devoted wife
Geraldine D. (Crossman) Coletta, 84, of Nashua, died Dec. 20, 2002, at St. Joseph Hospital. Mrs. Coletta was born Aug. 26, 1918, in New Brunswick, Canada, daughter of the late William and Mary (Steeves) Crossman. She moved to Nashua 19 years ago from Lawrence, Mass., and had lived in Amesbury, Mass., before moving to Lawrence. She was the wife of Albert A. Coletta Sr. Mrs. Coletta was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was predeceased by two grandchildren, Deborah and Michael; and a great-grandson, Matthew. Besides her husband, survivors include a son, Albert A. Coletta Jr. of Staten Island, N.Y.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Doris Comeau-Poulin and Richard Poulin of Londonderry, Joyce and John Matatall of Hampstead and Carolyn and John Vinsel of Mont Vernon; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service was celebrated Dec. 24 in the Merrimack Valley Baptist Church, Merrimack. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Donations may be made in memory of Matthew Curran to St. Margaret Center for Women at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Neo-Natal Unit, 736 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02139. The Anctil-Rochette & Son Funeral Home in Nashua was in charge of arrangements. To view an online memorial, send a condolence or for more information, go to www.anctil-rochette.com.

Donna R. Cox
Mastricola School library, classroom volunteer
Donna R. (Baxley) Cox, 72, of Hooksett, died Dec. 23, 2002, at a local hospital. Mrs. Cox was born in Elizabeth, Ind., daughter of the late Carl E. and Martha I. (Parker) Baxley. She resided in Indianapolis from 1945 to 1966, moving to Richmond, Ind. In October 1970, she moved to Merrimack and lived there until January 2001, when she moved to Hooksett, where she resided since. She was the wife of David J. Cox of Hooksett. Mrs. Cox was employed as an office manager, tax preparer and bookkeeper at her husband s accounting firm, David J. Cox, CPA. She was a library volunteer and classroom volunteer at Mastricola Elementary School in Merrimack. Her children said, She was a loving mother, respectable friend and loyal wife. We believed in love because of her love for us. She will be remembered always and missed greatly. Besides her husband, survivors include two sons, Dale O. Cronkhite of Peoria, Ill., and Mark I. Cronkhite of Speedway, Ind.; two daughters, Kathleen M. Kilgore of Rye and Cynthia A. Tranchemontagne of Bedford; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held Dec. 28 in The Goodwin Funeral Home. The Reverend Douglas Rickard, minister from First Presbyterian Church, officiated. Spring burial will be held at Martin Ferry Cemetery, in Hooksett. Memorial donations may be made to VNA Home Health Care, 1850 Elm St., Manchester, NH 03104.

Gertrude R. Desfosses
Nashua native; resident of Bradenton, Fla.
Gertrude R. Desfosses, 80, of Bradenton, Fla., died Dec. 21, 2002. She was born May 16, 1922, in Nashua. She moved to Bradenton in 1982 from Nashua. Mrs. Desfosses was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, Gerard Desfosses of Bradenton and Michael Desfosses of Deerfield; a daughter, Claire Noury of Clearwater, Fla.; two brothers, Charles Jean of Bradenton and Henry Jean of Nashua; six sisters, Alexandra LaJoie, Noella Ouellette, Evelyn Lessard and Claire Robert, all of Nashua, Beatrice Harrawood of Novi, Mich., and Yvonne Ouellette of Hollis; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. The Brown & Sons Funeral Home in Bradenton, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.

Roger E. Duffy
Quality control manager for Hollis firm
Roger E. Duffy, 49, of Severn, Md., formerly of Nashua and Merrimack, died unexpectedly Dec. 20, 2002. He was the husband of Christine J. Duffy of Maryland. Mr. Duffy was a quality control manager for KERK Motion Products in Hollis for 11 years. He had moved to Maryland and worked for BPS Industries as a quality control director. After the company folded, he worked as a subcontractor for the federal government. He was an active member of The American Society for Quality Control, as well as an active volunteer for Cub Scout Pack 140 in Merrimack. He had recently joined the American Legion in Severn. Besides his wife, survivors include two sons, Patrick E. and Andrew W. Duffy. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 2:30 p.m., at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Main St., Nashua. Donations may be made to the Trust Fund for the surviving children in care of 1503 Ringe Drive, Severn, MD 21144. The Singleton Funeral Home in Glen Burnie, Md., is in charge of arrangements.

Michael J. Enright
Attended Milford Area Senior High School
Michael J. Enright, 44, of Lynn, Mass., died Dec. 24, 2002, at his home. He was born in Leominster, Mass., on Oct. 17, 1958, a son of the late John B. and Janet (Comiskey) Enright. Mr. Enright had been a resident of Lynn, Mass., for the past 17 years and had formerly resided in Leominister, Mass., for several years and in Amherst from 1960 to 1973. He attended Milford Area Senior High School through his junior year and graduated from St. Bernard s Central Catholic High School, Class of 1976, Fitchburg, Mass. He was predeceased by a brother, Steven Enright, who died in 1995. Family members include a sister, Briae A. Kalled of Milford; two nieces; a nephew; and an aunt. There are no services. Burial will be in Meadowview Cemetery, Amherst, in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to Keystone Hall, Pine Street Extension, Nashua, NH 03060. Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford, is in charge of arrangements.

Francis Ferko IV
Eagle Scout and volunteer at zoo
Francis Anthony Ferko IV, 20, of Plano, Texas, died Nov. 13, 2002. Born in Manchester, Mr. Ferko grew up in Signal Mountain, Tenn., and later resided in Plano. He earned his Eagle Scout at Troop 60, Signal Mountain, Tenn. He had a life-long interest in animals. He volunteered at the Warner Park Zoo and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tenn., and was the first adolescent accepted in the Tennessee Valley Herpetology Society, and worked as a veterinary assistant at Arbor Hills Vet Clinic in Plano. He published an article about iguanas at age 11 following participation in a research expedition on Rock Iguanas in the Bahamas. He was most recently employed in security at a Plano bank. The family includes his wife, Laura; a son, Alexander Ferko of Plano; parents, Francis (Frank) III and Shari of Atlanta, Ga.; a sister, Allison of College Station; grandparents, Mary Ferko of Berlin Station, Ohio, and Roger and Beverly Arel of Bedford; a great-grandmother, Irene Mannion of Bedford; and aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. The funeral was Dec. 26 at St. Joseph s Cathedral Chapel. Internment followed the services. Memorial donations may be made to Troop 60, Boy Scouts of America, c/o Scoutmaster John Glass, 607 Carolina Ave., Signal Mountain, TN 37377.

Charles E. Foster Sr.
U.S. Army veteran, served during World War II
Charles E. Foster Sr., 85, of Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack, died Dec. 21, 2002, at Greenbriar Terrace Healthcare in Nashua. He was born in Everett, Mass., on May 25, 1917, a son of the late William S. and Margaret G. (Whiting) Foster. Mr. Foster was a U.S. Army veteran, who served during World War II. He was a longtime resident of Medford, Mass., and moved to Merrimack in 1972. Before retirement, he was a truck driver for the U.S. Dept. of Transportation at the Boston Naval Shipyard. Members of his family include his wife of 64 years, Florence (Crate) Foster of Merrimack; one son, Charles E. Foster Jr., of Wrentham, Mass.; a daughter, Virginia L. Foster of Deerfield; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held Dec. 24 in the chapel of the George R. Rivet Funeral Home in Merrimack. The Rev. William Balson, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, officiated. Burial followed in Last Rest Cemetery, Merrimack.

Jewel Rose Fournier
Monitor, kitchen aid for Nashua schools
Jewel Rose (Delano) Fournier, 65, of Norfolk, N.Y., and formerly of Nashua, died Dec. 30, 2002, at her home. Mrs. Fournier was born April 20, 1937, in Lawrence, Mass., daughter of the late George and Juliet (Flint) Delano. She was the wife of Raymond Fournier, to whom she was married 20 years. Mrs. Fournier was a monitor and kitchen aid for the Nashua school system for 13 years. Besides her husband, survivors include five sons and three daughters-in-law, Thomas Shanahan of Vermont, Michael and Nancy Shanahan of Holderness, Scott Shanahan of Brookline, Shawn and Susan Shanahan of Nashua and Brian and Justine Fournier of Newport; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marie and Timothy Caron of Phoenix, Ariz., and Elaine and William Beach of Fort Myers, Fla.; and nine grandchildren. The Anctil-Rochette & Son Funeral Home in Nashua is in charge of arrangements.

Joel B. Friedberg
Pharmacist at Boston veterans hospital
Joel B. Friedberg, 57, of Newton, Mass., formerly of Worcester, a retired pharmacist, died Dec. 18, 2002, in Newton Wellesley Hospital. He was born in Worcester, the son of Samuel and Frances (Friedman) Friedberg, and lived there and in Waban for many years before moving here. He graduated from Worcester Academy and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Mr. Friedberg had been a pharmacist at the family-owned Greendale Pharmacy, Worcester. He was a pharmacist at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Boston, for many years, retiring recently because of illness. Family members include a brother, Alan Friedberg of Bedford; two sisters, Sandra Kagan of Demarest, N.J., and Karen Fass of Haworth, N.J.; and nieces and nephews. The funeral service was held Dec. 22 at the Perlman Funeral Home in Worcester. Burial will be in B Nai Brith Cemetery, Worcester. A memorial observance was held Dec. 23 at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Alan D. Friedberg in Bedford.

Leon F. Frost
Army veteran, member of American Legion
Leon F. Stubby Frost, 65, of New Ipswich, died Dec. 24, 2002, at his residence as a result of a fire. Mr. Frost was born Jan. 7, 1937, in Milford, son of Dorothy Frost Lampi of New Ipswich and the late Walter Frost. He was raised in the Milford/Hollis area, and was educated in the Milford school system. He had lived most of his life in New Ipswich. He was the husband of Janice S. (Stetson) Frost of New Ipswich, and the widower of Rose Frost, who died in 1995. Mr. Frost was a member of the LeClair-Caron-Pelletier American Legion Post 13 of Greenville and a longtime member of the post firing squad. He was a longtime member of the New Ipswich Athletic Association and had participated in the NIAA horseshoe league for many years. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was predeceased by two brothers, George Frost and Roger Lampi Sr., and a sister, Ruth Barlow. In addition to his wife and mother, survivors include two sons, Phillip S. Frost of New Ipswich and Leon F. Frost of Nashua; three brothers, Donald Frost and Robert Frost, both of Nashua, and Ai Frost of Hudson; a sister, Betsy Peterson of Hollis; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Dec. 28 in the New Ipswich Congregational Church. The Rev. Stephen Sebastian officiated. Burial will be at a later date in Smithville Cemetery, New Ipswich. Memorial donations may be made to The New Ipswich Athletic Association Scholarship Fund, c/o Richard Lord, PO Box 455, New Ipswich, NH 03071, or to the LeClair-Caron-American Legion Post 13, PO Box 121, Greenville, NH, 03048. The Fournier Funeral Home in Greenville was in charge of arrangements.

Laurent E. St. Gelais
Auto salesman and avid bowler
Laurent E. St. Gelais, 78, of Manchester, died Dec. 20, 2002, at Catholic Medical Center after a period of declining health. He was born in Manchester on Aug. 1, 1924, the son of Leopold and Diana (Carrier) St. Gelais and had been a lifelong resident of this city. Prior to his retirement he had been an automobile salesman for more than 30 years. He was an avid bowler, golfer and enjoyed spending time with his family. Members of his family include his wife, Claire (Coulombe-Lemay) St. Gelais of Manchester; six sons, Laurent St. Gelais and David St. Gelais, both of North Carolina, Denis St. Gelais of Arizona, Donald Lemay of Hooksett, Denis Lemay of Goffstown and Philip St. Gelais of Virginia; three daughters, Denise Penaskovic of Londonderry, Diane Boucher of Bedford and Susan Bowman of Canterbury; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchilden; two brothers, Raymond St. Gelais of Bedford and Robert St. Gelais of Florida; a sister, Theresa St. Gelais of Manchester; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 23 in St. John the Baptiste, Parish of the Transfiguration. Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one s choice. The J.N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home, Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.

James R. Hamilton
Marine Corps veteran; Teamsters member
James Robert Hamilton, 66, of Hillsboro, died Dec. 19, 2002, at Concord Hospital. Mr. Hamilton was born April 8, 1936, in Reading, Mass., son of the late Joseph Robert and Matilda (Hartford) Hamilton. He lived in Derry, Merrimack, Manchester and Nashua, before moving to Hillsboro in July 2001. He was the husband of Loretta Betsey (Stanley) Hamilton of Hillsboro, to whom he was married 26 years. For 40 years, Mr. Hamilton worked at Arkansas Best Freight Systems in Billerica, Mass, as a truck driver. He was a member of the Clan Hamilton Society and was a Massachusetts commissioner with them. He was a member of Teamsters Local 25 in Charlestown, Mass. Mr. Hamilton was a Marine Corps veteran, having served in the Korean War from 1953-55. There are no calling hours or funeral services. Besides his wife, survivors include a son, James Robert Hamilton Jr. of Dallas; two daughters, Julie Beth Peabody of Glenburn, Maine, and Jane Ellen Holmes of New Gloucester, Maine; three sisters, Roberta Comeau of Phoenix, Ariz., Alberta Confalone of Wakefield, Mass., and Evelyn White of Washington; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The Holt/Woodbury Funeral & Cremation Service in Hillsboro is in charge of arrangements.

Jane Hennessey
School volunteer and active in Scouts
Jane (Laden) Hennessey, 44, of Fairway Drive, Merrimack, died Dec. 24, 2002, at Community Hospice House in Merrimack following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Hennessey was born Dec. 11, 1958, in Waltham, Mass., daughter of Raymond T. and Thelerise M. (Doucette) Casey of Bridgewater. She was the wife of Silas Hennessey of Merrimack. Mrs. Hennessey was a school volunteer for 11 years and ran the Reeds Ferry ski program for three years. She was on the original board of directors for Kids Kove. She was very active in the community and also with the Girl Scouts. She served for many years as a Girl Scout leader and then through council work she created climbing and other programs. She was also active in Boy Scouts candy sales. She enjoyed skiing, rock climbing and volleyball. Mrs. Hennessey was a communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Church. Besides her husband and parents, survivors include two sons, Donald and Jonathan Laden, both of Merrimack; a daughter, Karissa Laden of Merrimack; a brother and sister-in-law, Laurence Casey and Margaret Sherburne-Casey of Pepperell, Mass.; a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Robert Caristi of Bristol; a godson, Christopher Hislop; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at The George R. Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack on Friday, Jan. 3, from 5-8 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mercy Church, 16 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack, on Saturday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James United Methodist Church Food Pantry, PO Box 895, Merrimack, NH 03054.

Gloria O. Hill
Avid Atlanta Braves fan
Gloria O. Hill, 61, of 22 Riverside Drive, Merrimack, died Dec. 23, 2002, at her home after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Hill was born July 31, 1941, in Nashua, daughter of the late Ernest and Olivette (Marquis) Dubois. She was the wife of James Hill of Merrimack. Mrs. Hill was an avid Atlanta Braves baseball fan and a soccer fan. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Merrimack. Mrs. Hill was predeceased by a brother, Ernest Dubois. Besides her husband, survivors include two sons, Matthew Hill of El Granada, Calif., and Tim Hill of Merrimack; a daughter, Stacie Hill of Merrimack; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 28. Burial followed in St. Louis Cemetery, Nashua. Memorial contributions may be made to the Souhegan Home & Hospice Care, 24 North River Road, Milford, NH 03055. The George R. Rivet Funeral Home in Merrimack is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth W. Johnson
Taught elementary school for 25 years
Ruth W. Johnson, 92, of Cambridge, Ohio, died Dec. 22, 2002, at Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center. Born Aug. 23, 1910, in Jefferson Township, Guernsey County, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late James W. and Prudence (Wood) Wishart. She was married to Atty. Harry C. Johnson on Aug. 10, 1938. He died Dec. 5, 1991. Mrs. Johnson was a graduate of Muskingum College. She was an elementary school teacher for 25 years, and a member of the Guernsey County (Ohio) Retired Teachers Association. She was involved with moving a one-room schoolhouse to the Guernsey County Fairgrounds. Mrs. Johnson attended the Cambridge Bible Church. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Frederic H. and Virginia Johnson of Milford, and Thomas W. and Joyce Johnson of New Concord, Ohio; a sister, Jean Ralston; three brothers, Delbert, Frederic and John Wishart; three grandchildren, Valerie Johnson of Milford, and Julie and Kristi Johnson of New Concord, Ohio; and 11 nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Dec. 24 at the Bundy-Law Funeral Home in Cambridge, Ohio. Pastor Joel Owen officiated. Burial was in Northwood Cemetery.

Robert Brian Landrigan
Longtime paper sales executive; avid golfer
Robert Brian Landrigan, 73, of 21 Bates Drive, Nashua, died Dec. 24, 2002, at his home after a brief illness. Mr. Landrigan was born Jan. 11, 1929, in Berlin, son of Herbert and Madeline (McGivney) Landrigan. He was the husband of Maureen F. Landrigan, his wife of 49 years. Mr. Landrigan worked for the owners of the Berlin Paper Mills (Brown Co., James River Corp. and Crown Vantage) as a regional sales executive based in Nashua until he retired in 1993. He continued to work in his profession of selling paper for the Midlantic Paper Co. until his death. He was a member of the Nashua BPOE and the Elks Golf League. Golf, sports, music and his family were his main interests. Mr. Landrigan was an Army veteran, having served from 1946-48 as a member of special services, playing trumpet for the Army Band at Fort Riley, Kan. During his tour, he performed in many states as a bugler. He was a communicant at St. Christopher Church in Nashua. Mr. Landrigan was educated in Berlin and Concord schools and graduated from Berlin High School in 1946. He later attended the former Burdette College in Boston and received an associate s degree in accounting in 1946. Besides his wife, survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Pauline Landrigan of Merrimack, Kevin and Gini Landrigan of Concord and Terry and Angie Landrigan of Pickering, Ontario; a daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Jim Sodaitis of Kingston; seven grandchildren, Marissa, Meaghan, Caitlin, Miranda and Joshua Landrigan and Joshua and Jacob Sodaitis; and a brother and sister-in-law, J. Bruce and Priscilla Landrigan of Berlin. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 30 at St. Christopher Church in Nashua. Interment prayers and burial followed in Edgewood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Guillien Barre Syndrome Foundation International, PO Box 262, Wynnewood, PA 19096. Arrangements are in the care of Davis Funeral Home, Nashua.

Thomas Joseph Maher
Member of Knights of Columbus
Thomas Joseph Maher, 59, of Brookline, died Dec. 26, 2002, at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua. Mr. Maher was born Jan. 5, 1943, in Minneapolis, son of the late Joseph and Helen (Dierkhissing) Maher. A resident of Brookline for the past 21&Mac218;2 years, he had previously lived in Rochester Hills, Mich. He was the husband of Julie (Rivero) Maher, whom he married Sept. 5, 1970. Mr. Maher had been employed as a telecommunications manager at ITT for more than 32 years. He had been a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed gardening, the outdoors and yoga. He also attended RISE classes at Rivier College in Nashua. Mr. Maher was affiliated with St. Patrick Church of Milford. He was educated in the Bronx, N.Y. He also attended Pace University in New York City for three years. In addition to his wife of 32 years, survivors include a son, Jeff Maher of Wilton and his fianc , Sue-Ellen Dean of Salem; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Jo Ann Maher of San Francisco, and Mary Ellen and Bill Paschick of Hacketstown, N.J.; three nephews, Christopher Keane of West Chester, Pa., Darrin Smith of San Francisco, and Anthony Rivero and his wife Myra, both of San Francisco; one niece, Kathryn Keane of Erie, Pa.; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marty and Jackie Rivero of Novato, Calif. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Dec. 30 at St. Patrick Church in Milford. Interment prayers will be private. The Davis Funeral Home in Nashua is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret M. Mannisto
One-time Bedford resident
Margaret M. (Fina) Mannisto, 86, a longtime resident of Lake Mary, Crystal Falls, Mich., died Dec. 24, 2002, at the Hillsborough County Nursing Home in Goffstown from complications following a stroke. She was born in 1916 in Wallace, Idaho, the daughter of John and Gertrude (Pinter) Fina. She graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1934. Her early career includes positions with the WPA (Work Progress Administration) in Iron Mountain and Marquette, Mich. In 1940, she married Arwood N. Mannisto of Crystal Falls, Mich. The couple then worked at the Morgan Park Military Academy in Morgan Park, Ill., in academic and administrative positions. During World War II, she lived in Ashville, N.C. After the war, the family moved to Port Clinton, Ohio, where she worked as a telephone operator and supervisor for Ohio Bell Telephone Company. When the family moved to Chambersburg, Pa., in 1966, Mrs. Mannisto worked as an administrative assistant for Angle Motors. From 1983 to 1990, she lived in Bedford. She also was a summer resident of Crystal Falls, and was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Auxiliaries. She was a member of the Guardian Angels Church in Crystal Falls and a member of the Church Guild. Family members include a son, Arwood R. Mannisto of Agoura, Calif.; three daughters, Marilyn Meighan, Christine Cunningham of Bedford and Joanne Devlin of Deerfield; a brother, Richard Fina of Calabasas, Calif., and two sisters, Marie Matyas of Costa Mesa, Calif., and Ruth Keuger of St. Charles, Ill; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A service at the Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Crystal Falls, and a graveside ceremony will be held in the spring. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Crystal Falls, Mich. Arrangements will be handled by the Plowe Funeral Home of Crystal Falls., Mich.

Rita R. Martel
Active with the Order of the Alhambra
Rita R. (Lussier) Martel, 79, of Manchester, died Dec. 19, 2002, at Catholic Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Martel was born April 4, 1923, in Manchester, daughter of the late Joseph and Ida (Lalanne) Lussier. She was a lifelong resident of Manchester. She was the widow of Joseph W. Martel, who died in 1990. Mrs. Martel worked at the former J.F. McElwain Shoe Co. and the Manchester School District School Food and Nutrition Department for many years. She was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary and had been active with the Order of the Alhambra. Mrs. Martel was a longtime communicant of St. Anthony Church. She was a member of the Ladies of St. Anne of that parish. Survivors include four sons, Donald J. Martel of Manchester, Edward H. Martel of Allenstown and Jean P. Martel and David D. Martel, both of Manchester; three daughters, Claire R. Croteau of Hollis, Susan E. Martel of East Granby, Conn., and Lorraine V. Martel of Manchester; a brother, Andre Lussier of Manchester; a sister, Juliette Cote of San Leandro, Calif.; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 23 in St. Anthony Church, Manchester. Graveside committal prayers followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 474 Goffstown Road, Manchester. Memorial donations may be made to the Monastery of the Precious Blood, 700 Bridge St., Manchester NH 03104; or to the American Heart Association, 20 Merrimack, St., Manchester, NH 03101. The Lambert Funeral Home in Manchester was in charge of arrangements. To view an online memorial, send a message of condolence, or for more information visit www.lambertfuneralhome.com.

Ida Rossi
Communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Church
Ida Rossi, 91, formerly of Merrimack, died Dec. 20, 2002, at Catholic Medical Center, Manchester. She was born Nov. 2, 1911, in Satagato do Goti, Italy, a daughter of the late Guseppe and Rosmina (Berta) Viscusi. Mrs. Rossi came to the United States in 1949, and had lived in Merrimack from 1949 to1955. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Church. Members of her family include a son and daughter-in-law, Dino and Kristen Rossi of Weare; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Brian Robinson of Bedford; and two grandsons, Adam Rossi of Bedford and Aaron Rossi of Weare. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 24 in Our Lady of Mercy Church. Father Leo Leblanc was the celebrant. Burial followed in Last Rest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one s choice. The George R. Rivet Funeral Home in Merrimack was in charge of arrangements.

Roger P. Rouleau
Lived in Bedford for many years
Roger P. RouIeau, 63, of Allenstown died Dec. 20, 2002, at Elliot Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born in St. Isadore, Quebec, he was a son of Armand and Maggella (Labbee) Rouleau. He lived in Bedford for many years and had been a resident of Allenstown for the past seven years. He worked as a building contractor. Mr. Rouleau was a member of Rimmon Club, and a former member of the Knights of Columbus. The family includes his wife of 43 years, Denise C. (Boyer) Rouleau of Allenstown; four sons, Richard A. Rouleau of Manchester, Ronald I. Rouleau of New Jersey, Raymond A. Rouleau of Manchester, and Rene M. Rouleau of Bedford; five grandchildren; a brother, Ivon Rouleau of Goffstown; three sisters, Claire Philie of Manchester, Solange Paquette of Goffstown, and Guylaine Aragona of Amherst; and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 27 in St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Bedford. Burial will be in Bedford Center Cemetery in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society Memorial Giving Program, 360 Route 101, Unit 8, Bedford, 03110-5032. The Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.

Prentice Shethar
Longtime resident of Amherst
Prentice Shethar of Amherst died Dec. 24, 2002, at his home. He was born in New Rochelle, N.Y., and had lived in Amherst since 1946. He had been a member of various organizations in town and was a veteran of World War II. Mr. Shethar was personnel manager of the Hitchiner Manufacturing Company in Milford, for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Janice of Amherst; two daughters, Jane McMorrow of Thorndike, Maine and Molly Haske of Buena Vista, Colo.; and three sons, John Shethar of Colorado Springs, Colo., Alan Shethar of Littleton, Mass., and James Shethar of Cortex, Colo. Friends and neighbors are invited to join the family at their home on 9 Carriage Lane, Amherst, on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 3-5 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Souhegan Home & Hospice Care, 24 North River Road, Milford, NH 03055; or the Amherst Amherst Rescue Squad, PO Box 126, Amherst, NH 03031. Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford, is in charge of arrangements.

Charles H. Spies III
Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam; MYA referee
Charles H. Spies III, 52, of Manchester, died Dec. 22, 2002, at his home after a lengthy illness. Mr. Spies was born April 2, 1950, in Philadelphia, son of Jacqueline (Baumgen) Spies and the late Charles Spies Jr. He was the husband of Kathleen Spies of Merrimack. Mr. Spies was a Marine Corps veteran, having served during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the New Hampshire Soccer, Football and Lacrosse Officials Association. He was a referee for the Merrimack Youth Association in Merrimack. Besides his mother and his wife, survivors include two sons, Matthew Spies of Seattle and David Spies of Merrimack; a daughter, Dana Spies of Merrimack; a sister, Katherine Sutter of Philadelphia; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Dec. 26 in the chapel of The George R. Rivet Funeral Home, 425 D.W. Highway, Merrimack. Burial was at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen.

Betty Stewart
Worked for many years as real estate agent
Betty Alward Stewart, 71, of Daytona Beach, Fla., died at her residence on Dec. 20, 2002. She was born in Bedford and worked for many years as a real estate agent. She moved to Daytona Beach in 1978. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ormond Beach and the Ormond Beach Moose Lodge. Family members include four sons, Glenn Stewart of Holly Hills, Fla., Keith Stewart of Daytona Beach, Skip Stewart of Bedford, and Ron Stewart of Berwick, Maine; and five grandchildren. A memorial gathering was held Dec. 28 at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, followed by a memorial service in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Mel Stewart officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Easter Seals, 555 Auburn St., Manchester 03103.

Walter Sullivan
Teacher in Manchester schools for many years
Walter Chuck Sullivan, 57, of Bedford, formerly of Manchester, died Dec. 25, 2002, in Manchester. He was born June 10, 1945, in Manchester, the son of Walter and Rita (Bradford) Sullivan and had been a longtime resident. He was a graduate of Bishop Bradley High School and St. Anselm College where he graduated summa cum laude. He was a teacher in the Manchester school system for many years. Mr. Sullivan was a kind person and volunteered at Elliot Hospital Adult Day Care Center. He also supervised the CCD program at St. Catherine. Church from 1964 through 1968. Family members include two sisters, Patricia Sullivan Duval and Mary Sullivan Guimond, both of Manchester; and uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins. A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 30 in St. Catherine Church in Manchester. Burial will be at St Joseph Cemetery, Bedford. The Cate & Johnson Funeral Home, Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.