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Letters
Region
Obituaries
Abstract Paintings & Tribal Masks Exhibition At New Hampshire Antique Co-Op
Now on view through May 31, 2020
Congregational Church Stays Connected
During the suspension of in-person activities in light of the Covid-19 situation, the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC has a variety of ways for members and others to connect with church programs. This is especially important during April as Holy Week and Easter are on the horizon.
The most up-to-date information about church activities can be found on the church’s website (ccamherst.org) or by calling the church office at 673-3231. Sunday services are broadcast on FacebookLive and recorded for later on-line viewing. Services are followed by a Virtual Fellowship Hour. Links for these and other events can be found on the website.
The church’s Facebook page is another source of information, including updates and video messages from the pastors. Pastors Maureen Frescott and Kate Kennedy are available to provide pastoral care during this time, and the church welcomes community members to connect with this loving, serving, open and affirming community of faith.
Lorraine Alice Hamilton
AMHERST – Lorraine Alice Hamilton of Amherst, New Hampshire, Beach Haven, New Jersey and Rancho Mirage, California died June 14, 2020 from pancreatic cancer at her home in California. She was 73 years old and a participant in the trial of a new cancer drug at NYU Langone in New York City since April 2019. She hoped that results from the trial would improve care for other patients who develop this cancer. She was with her family when she died and was
Donald Richard Haaker
Donald Richard Haaker, 80, born June 2, 1940, son of Carl E Haaker and Jeanne LaRochelle Haaker of Fitchburg, MA, son, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA.
Don, as he was affectionately referred to by friends, and Dad or Grandpa by family, was a proud veteran, avid fisherman, former business owner, collector of “As Seen On TV” gadgets, and
DECEMBER 2020
JANUARY 2021
Obituaries
William R. Drescher
​ AMHERST – The Honorable William R. Drescher, 78, longtime resident of Amherst, NH, died on December 30, 2020 at his home.
He was born in Manhattan, NY on August 29, 1942, a son of William Drescher and Ottilie (Mletzko) Drescher. Bill was raised and educated in New York, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, NY. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Boston
University Law School.
Bill began his law career in the 1960s and eventually opened the practice, Drescher & Dokmo in Milford, NH. He practiced law in New Hampshire for over 50 years. He was a member of the New Hampshire Bar and served as a District Court Judge for over 30 years.
He was an avid reader, lover of classical music, loved riding his bike, dining out and traveling. Bill was a member of The Church of Our Savior, Milford, NH.
For the those that knew him well they will, no doubt, recall him as one of the most intelligent and learned people – period. Bill possessed a command of the English language rivaled by only the likes of William Shakespeare.
Most significantly, Bill will be remembered as a family man. Bill and Carol’s house has always been a welcoming home filled with love and cheer. Bill was always there for his children in a any capacity whether it was making breakfast for his children and their sleep-over friends on Saturday or Sunday mornings, coaching basketball, or assisting with their music or theater productions.
Bill was the greatest father, husband, and, indeed, friend anyone could ask for.
Bill was predeceased by a grandson, Jacob Drescher; and a brother, Robert Drescher.
Family members include his loving wife of 47 years, Carol (O’Connor) Drescher of Amherst, NH; five children, Robin Porter and Jose Prego of Nashua, NH, Kerry Miller of Milford, NH, William T. and Faith Drescher of Lyme, NH, Stephen Drescher and Maureen Lamerdin of Incline Village, NV, and Christopher Drescher and Elizabeth LeBlanc of Brookline, NH; as well as his nine loving grandchildren, and a cousin, Patricia McCarthy.
Funeral services are private. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.smith-heald.com
Joyce E. Pelletier
​ MERRIMACK – Joyce E. Pelletier, resident of Merrimack, NH died on December 16, 2020 at Fairview Nursing Home, Hudson, NH.
She was born in Littleton, NH on May 11, 1947, a daughter of Arthur and Rita (Forbes) LaPete. Joyce was raised and educated in Berlin, NH and graduated from Berlin High School, Class of 1965.
She resided in Merrimack for the past year and formerly made her home in
Amherst, NH for 40 years.
Joyce had been employed in the operations department at Nashua Federal Savings, Shawmut Bank, Fleet and TD Bank for 30 years.
She was a communicant of St. John Neumann Church, Merrimack, NH. In addition, Joyce enjoyed gardening, sewing, traveling and family gatherings.
She was predeceased by her daughter, Marlene Mills; and her sister, Patricia Pittsley.
Family members include her husband of 55 years, Roger W. Pelletier of Merrimack, NH; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Lisa Pelletier of Amherst, NH; a grandson, Nicholas Pelletier; two sisters, Helen Roberge and her husband, Roland of Lakewood, FL, and Dorothy Moniz of Taunton, MA; a brother, Robert LaPete and his wife, Janine of Conway, NH; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH, 03055. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smithheald.com
Sigurd Bobeck Gatland
​ HIGH FALLS, NY – Sigurd Bobeck Gatland, a longtime resident of High Falls, NY passed away in the comfort of his home on Thursday, December 31, 2020. He was 81 years old. Sigurd was born on May 11, 1939 in Jamaica, NY; he was the son of the late Anastasia (Bobeck) and Sigurd Martin Gatland.
Sigurd served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1963. He married
Rachel M. Gerzoff Gatland on January 20, 1966 in Elkton, MD. Rachel has since predeceased him.
Sigurd worked for IBM as a Computer Programmer until his retirement. He was a member of the Beacon Sloop Club and a crew member of the Sloop Woody Guthrie. Sigurd enjoyed folk music and sailing on the Hudson.
Surviving are his daughter, Marcella Dube and her husband Craig of Amherst, NH; his son, Martin Gatland; grandchildren, Alexander, Sophia, Andrew, Samuel and Zelda; brother, Stanley Gatland and sister, Dolores Newman.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 6th at New Paltz Rural Cemetery, 81 Plains Rd., New Paltz.
Arrangements are under the guidance of Humiston Funeral Home, 30 42nd St., Kerhonkson.
To send a personal condolence to Sigurd’s family please visit www.humistonfuneralhome.com.
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