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Barbara J. (Pratt) Farnum, 82, a life-long resident of Winchester died on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Applewood Care Center in Winchester. She passed peacefully with the love of family near after a period of declining health.

Barbara was born the daughter of the late Mary (Wall) and Harold Pratt on March 30, 1925 in Winchester. She was educated locally and graduated from Thayer High School class of 1954.

On August 30, 1956 she exchanged vows with Reginald S. Farnum at the Federated Church of Winchester. They were married with family and friends in attendance. Sadly, Reginald passed on May 25, 2008 after almost sixty-two years of marriage.

Barbara was a cook and kitchen staff at Friendly Meals in Keene for three years. Prior, she had worked at Woolworths in Keene for many years as a clerk and cashier.

She had many interests and hobbies. Her time was used for knitting and doing word puzzles. Barbara loved to watch her children, grandchildren and in time great grandchildren and other members of the family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Barbara always had something nice to say and the room lit up when she smiled.

Mrs. Farnum is survived by her children; Patty A. Patenaude of Winchester, Judy L. Lancey and her husband Alvin of Winchester and Gordon K. Farnum and his wife Catherine of Jaffrey. She also leaves her brother Alvin Pratt and his wife Lorraine of Keene. Eleven grandchildren; Daniel Fairbanks, Timothy Warren, Chrissy Joe Fairbanks, Timothy Warren, Jennifer Earle, Katie Bagster, Stephanie Farnum, Gordon Farnum Jr. Misty Johnson, Al Lancey, Sarah Lancey and Heather LaPointe in addition she leaves, many great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Barbara is pre-deceased by her daughter Debra J. Farnum who passed in 1956. She is also pre-deceased by her siblings; Harold Pratt, Donald Pratt, Raymond Pratt, Lawrence Pratt, Marilyn Campbell and Richard Pratt.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 2 to 4pm. A service will follow at 4pm. all in the funeral home. Burial will take place in the spring in the family lot at Evergreen Cemetery, Winchester. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Barbara J. Pratt to: Winchester Fire Department, 1 Richmond Rd. Winchester, NH. 03470. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com

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Joseph “Joe” S. LaBrecque, 58, a long-time resident of Keene and formerly of Brandon, VT died on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene. He passed peacefully with the love of family and dear friends near after a very brief period of declining health.

Joseph was born the son of the late Constance R.(Bushway) and Joseph A. LaBrecque on November 6, 1959 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was educated in Brandon, VT. where he graduated from Otter Valley Union High School class of 1978. Joe then went on and attended St. Michael’s College. His studies brought him to Castleton College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education.

On May 3, 1986 he exchanged vows with his love of his life Claudia A. Myers. They were married in a simple service with close family and friends in attendance. The LaBrecque’s have been married for the past thirty-one years.

Joe was a teacher for the city of Keene, SAU 29. He worked for various schools in the Keene school system as a Pre-school teacher and was currently working at the Jonathan Daniels School as a Pre-school Teacher. He has been working with local children and families in Keene for the past eighteen years.

He was an active member of the Sturtevant Chapel in Keene for many years. His time at the church was giving to programs like Coach Joe, Kidz Konnection and as the coordinator of the men’s group at the church. He was also a Scout Master for pack 16 at St. Joseph’s School in Keene. He was a youth leader at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Swanzey for many years. Joe was proud to be a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Keene. Mostly, Joe loved kids and young people. It was important for him to mentor and teach the younger generations. He was a loving and caring husband, father and in time a grandfather. His heart and his home were open for anyone in need and he was always ready to extend a hand.

Mr. LaBrecque is survived by his wife, Claudia A. LaBrecque of Keene. His children; Heather M. Milanesi and her husband Jason of Enfield, Jessica L. LaBrecque and her fiancée Joe Ciampanelli of Cranston, R.I. Joshua J. LaBrecque and his fiancée Kristen Cormier of Swanzey, Jacob D. LaBrecque and his wife Emily of North Walpole, Rebekah-Anne M. LaBrecque and her fiancee Brendan Davis of Northampton, MA. and Patrick Fisher of Keene. His mother in-law Charlotte A. Redner of Keene. Siblings; Steve LaBrecque and his wife Meg of Rutland, VT. MaryJo Wheeler and her husband Steve of Pittsford, VT. Toryn LaBrecque of Snowflake, AZ. Theresa LaBrecque of Tucson, AZ. Marie McDuff and her husband Larry of Pittsford, VT. Michael LaBrecque of Rutland, VT. and Andrea Leonard of Florida. Grandchildren; Gavin Grant, Jackson LaBrecque, Aiden Milanesi, Sage LaBrecque, Avery LaBrecque, Grayson Ciampanelli, and Cali Jenisch. In addition he leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends of many generations. Joe is pre-deceased by his “son”, R. Steven Hundley who passed on January 18, 2015.

In keeping with Joe’s wishes there are no calling hours. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 2pm. in the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. A reception to celebrate Joe’s life will follow at the Sturtevant Chapel in Keene. A private burial will take place later. In Lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Joseph S. LaBrecque to: Kidz Konnection, C/O Sturtevant Chapel, 15 Washington St. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com

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Gary L. McClenning, 75, a lifelong resident of Westmoreland died on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland.

Gary was born the son of the late Eleanor (Higgins) and Lyle McClenning on August 21, 1942, in Keene. He graduated from Toms River High School in Toms River New Jersey, Class of 1961.

Gary was in a committed long-term relationship with Louise A. Bronson of Westmoreland. They have been inseparable for the past seven years. Their love for each other was true and unwavering.

Gary served as Head Custodian at the Keene Library for twenty-eight years before retiring in 2004. Gary also had an Auction and Flea Market business for many years.

He enjoyed going to flea markets where he would purchase old farm equipment. On many a weekend he could be found operating his flea market booth in Wilmington, VT. Time was spent watching the birds and picking tomatoes from his garden. Gary especially enjoyed dancing and was always up for a trip to Saratoga Springs Racetrack. Gary was a fun and loving man, optimistic, quick with a laugh and up until the end never lost his sense of humor. His eyes twinkled with his absolute love of life, Gary loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, friends, family, and his love Louise. He enjoyed throwing parties for his friends at his home. Gary was wonderful with Louise’s children and family and made them feel welcome and loved. Winters he spent in Punta Gorda, Florida where he enjoyed the sun and the water and the music.

Mr. McClenning is survived by his love, Louise A. Bronson of Westmoreland, his children: Michael K. Kirk of Watertown, NY. Debbie McClenning of Baltimore, MD. Thomas Marshall McClenning of Hadley, MA. and Serena Marshall of Keene. A brother, Ronald McClenning and his wife Susan of Billings, MT. In addition he leaves seven grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In keeping with Gary’s wishes there are no calling hours. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11am. in the funeral chapel. Burial will take place in the spring in the family lot at South Village Cemetery in Westmoreland. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family, honoring Gary’s wishes, would prefer donations be made in memory of Gary L. McClenning to: Westmoreland Fire and Rescue, Rt. 63, Westmoreland, NH. 03467. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431

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Eldoris S. (Sederstrom) O’Connor, 93, a longtime resident of Lantana, FL and formerly of Winchester died on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Finish American Nursing Home in Lake Worth, FL. She passed peacefully after a brief period of declining health.

Eldoris was born the daughter of the late Helen M. (Casper) and Elmer W. Sederstrom on July 20, 1924 in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was educated in Winchester where she graduated from Thayer High School class of 1942 and later attended Northampton Commercial College graduating in 1944.

She worked at Sun Trust Bank in Delray Beach, FL for thirty years before retiring in 2002. Prior, she had worked at Winchester National Bank and Pratt and Whitney.

Eldoris was a parishioner at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in Lantana, FL. Prior, she was a parishioner at St. Stanislaus Church in Winchester for many years. She enjoyed music, reading and playing piano. She was a member of the Pointe Overlook Social Club in Lantana.

She is survived by her children, Shelley Secord and her husband Robert of Winchester and Sharon Willard. Her step-children James O’Connor and his wife Janice of Belfast, ME, Thomas O’Connor and his wife Susan of Athol, MA. Her brother, Richard Sederstrom and his significant other Barbara Kautz of Agawam, MA. Her grandchildren Hans Konig, William Secord, Robert Secord, Christina O’Connor and Lindsay O’Connor. Her great grandchildren Pierce Secord, Marshall Secord, Thomas Secord and Lillian Secord. In addition, she leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Eldoris is pre-deceased by her two loving husbands, William Willard and Francis O’Connor and her brother Roy Sederstrom.

In keeping with Eldoris’ wishes there were no calling hours. A graveside service with Christian burial rights will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 10:30AM in the family lot at Evergreen Cemetery, Richmond Rd. Winchester, NH 03470. Donations can be made in memory of Eldoris S. O’Connor to: National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells St. at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH 03446. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com

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Eileen P. (Hay) Gray, 91, a long-time resident of Keene and formerly of North Andover, Massachusetts died on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Applewood Care Center in Winchester. She passed peacefully while sleeping after a period of declining health.

Eileen was born the daughter of the late Margaret (Cavanaugh) and John Hay on December 11, 1926 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She was educated in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School class of 1944.

On September 18, 1948 she exchanged vows with Robert C. Gray Jr. at St. Patrick’s Church in Lawrence. Sadly, Robert passed on October 4, 2016 after sixty-eight years of marriage.

For most of her adult life Eileen was a stay at home mom. It was important for her to make sure the house was proper and that she was available for her children’s needs. She did for a while work at the New England Telephone Company as an Operator.

She was a communicant at St. Bernard’s, Parish of the Holy Spirit in Keene. Time was spent working in her flower gardens. She was very social with her family and friends. Eileen was a member of the Swanzey Garden Club for many years and the Ladies Lions Club.

Mrs. Gray is survived by her children; Robert C. Gray III and his wife Molly of Swanzey and Kathleen A. White and her husband Gary of Wells, Maine. Her three grandchildren; Jamie Gray, Travis Gray and Lindsey White. Her siblings; John “Jack” Hay and Pat Finneran passed earlier. In addition she leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In keeping with Eileen’s wishes there are no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be given in her memory on February 18, 2018 at 11:15 am. in St. Bernard’s, Parish of the Holy Spirit. 161 Main St. Keene, NH. 03431. Burial will take place privately for both Robert and Eileen in the family lot at Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk, ME. in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Eileen P. Gray to: Hospice and Community Services, 312 Marlboro St. Keene, NH. 03431 or to: Homestead Garden Club, P.O. Box 10051, Swanzey, NH. 03446. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com