Bruce Garand

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Bruce Garand, 78 of Keene and formerly of Franklin and Burlington, Canada died on Monday, October 26, 2013 at Westwood Care Center in Keene. He passed peacefully while sleeping after a brief period of declining health.

Bruce was born the son of thMary E. (Cieklinski) Sharra, 96, of Winchester, NH. died on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Applewood Rehabilitation Center in Winchester. She passed peacefully with her family near after a period of declining health.

She was born the daughter of the late Eva (Roswara) and John M. Cieklinski on July 24, 1919 in New Milford, CT. She graduated from Milford High School class of 1937. Mary joined the Women’s Army Corps and was active until her marriage to the man she adored, George F. Sharra on May 21, 1943 while he was in the Army. After being stationed at various bases around the country they made their home in Danbury, CT. where they raised their three children. Sadly, he passed in 1968 after twenty five years of marriage.

Mary was formerly employed at Danbury Hospital where she worked in the Sterilization Department until she retired in 1987. After retirement she continued working as an associate at J.C. Penny’s for many years.

She moved to Winchester over fifteen years ago to make her home with her son Scott and his family. She was a loving mother and grandmother and truly enjoyed the grandchildren’s activities. She enjoyed a cold beer with family and friends at the many picnics and family gatherings. Mary recently had a wonderful visit from her oldest granddaughter and her three great grandchildren. She will be remembered for her great smile, great legs and her willingness to be helpful.

Mrs. Sharra is survived by her children; John Sharra and his wife Robin of W. VA., Scott Sharra and his wife Margaret of Winchester, NH., her grandchildren; Brooke, Chris, Jordan and Alycia, her great grandchildren Phoebe, Felicity and James, a sister, Chiz Grell and her husband Johnny of CA., and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Mary is pre-deceased by her daughter, Suzanne and siblings Leon, John, Wally and Suzanne.

In keeping with Mary’s wishes there are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the family lot at Elmwood Cemetery, Rt. 302, Bethel, Ct. 06801 on Friday, October 30, 2015 at 11am. Donations can be made in memory of Mary E. Sharra to: Hospice and Community Services, 312 Marlboro St. Keene, NH. 03431 or to: Applewood Rehabilation Center, Activities Dept. 9 Snow Rd. Winchester, NH. 03470. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.come late Merion M. (Marsh) and Howard W. Garand on March 20, 1937 in Franklin. He graduated from Franklin High School class of 1955. Bruce went on in his education and earned a Bachelors Degree in Economics from Princeton University class of 1959.

He felt the call to duty and accepted a commission in the U.S. Navy. He served his time as during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant on October 29, 1970.

In 1969 he exchanged vows with Adele Moberg. They were married in a simple service with close family and friends in attendance. Sadly, she passed in 1989.

Bruce was the Senior Vice President of the Canadian division of Paul Revere Life Insurance Company in Burlington, Ontario, Canada for twenty five years before retiring in 1993.

For fun Bruce enjoyed cooking. He was a gardener and liked to feed the birds. He loved cats and fine art. Time was spent collecting glass, ducks and art. He could be found doing random acts of kindness. He had a big heart. Bruce was also civically minded. He was the former Director of the Red Cross in Burlington, Canada and worked on various United Way programs.

Mr. Garand is survived by his brother, Kenneth Garand and his wife Marveline of Swanzey. His nieces; Gail A. DeRosa of Milford, CT. and Dianne L. Kelley of Porters Corner, N.Y. in addition to extended family and friends.

In keeping with Bruce’s wishes there are no calling hours. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2015 in the family lot at Cedar Cemetery, East Shore Rd. Jamestown, R.I. 02835. Donations can be made in memory of Bruce Garand to: National Kidney Foundation, 1307 Carter St. Suite A. Chattanooga, TN. 37402 All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com

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