Miles Funeral Home

12/21/2025

This season is marked by many celebrations across faiths and cultures: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, and other meaningful observances. While traditions differ, many share the common themes of light in darkness, remembrance, community, and renewal. At Miles Funeral Home, we respect and honor the many ways families find meaning, comfort, and hope, as we recognize that each path through grief is personal and worthy of care.

During the holidays, our thoughts remain with the families we have had the privilege to serve. We hold your stories, your loved ones’ names, and the trust you placed in us with great care. Our work brings us face to face every day with loss, but it also reveals something enduring, that love continues, even when presence changes.

The holidays invite us as a community to look beyond ourselves. Grief is often quiet and private. Those who are struggling may not always show it. A neighbor, coworker, or friend may be carrying a recent loss or an old loss that feels especially painful during this time of year. A simple acknowledgment, a gentle check-in, or patience with one another can be powerful expressions of love and support. Often the greatest gift we can offer is presence.
To those who are grieving: you are not alone. To those who are supporting someone who is grieving: your compassion matters more than perfect words. And to all who move through this season with a mix of emotions, we offer this reminder from the heart of funeral service: grief is not a sign of weakness; it is a reflection of love.

May peace find you in the ways you need it most. May moments of gentleness meet you where you are. And may we all move through these days with a little more tenderness for ourselves and for one another.

We also wish to acknowledge the caregivers, funeral professionals, and support staff who continue to serve others during this season. Funeral service is sacred work, especially during the holidays. It requires steadiness, compassion, and quiet strength. We are deeply grateful for our staff and their families, who so often set aside time with their own loved ones in order to care for others. Their dedication matters, and it does not go unnoticed.

12/19/2025

As we celebrate the days of Hanukkah, we at Miles Funeral Home hold close the Jewish families who have entrusted us with the care of their loved ones.

This season of light can be especially tender for those who are grieving. The glow of the menorah may illuminate not only hope and remembrance, but also the absence of someone dearly loved. We acknowledge the complexity of this time, the joy of tradition intertwined with sorrow, memory, and longing.

May the lights of Hanukkah offer moments of comfort, reflection, and quiet peace. May each flame serve as a reminder that love endures, memories remain, and even in loss, light continues to find its way into the darkest places.

We extend our warmest wishes for a meaningful Hanukkah, and we honor the lives remembered and the hearts that carry them forward.

Chag Sameach.

12/18/2025

Naytawah "Vrinda" Narain

WORCESTER - Naytawah Narain, 77 of Worcester passed away on December 17, 2025.

She is survived by her two sons Rishi and his wife Nicole of Worcester, and Ricky and his wife Elia of Holden; six grandchildren: Julia, Roman, Sofia, Elisa, Kadan, and Ricky; three great grandchildren: Sebby, Penelope and River; three brothers: Jack, Balwant, and Devo Persaud; two sisters: Devika Persaud and Bhanmattie Sewsankar.

She was predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Oudit Narain; three brothers Nedhan, Amar and Robbie Persaud; and two sisters, Mintrani Persaud and Chan Santram.

Family and friends will gather for services from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Cremation will follow at Rural Cemetery and Crematory, 180 Grove Street, Worcester. In lieu if flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St, Suite 201, Newton MA 02460 (www.alz.org).

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12/17/2025

Marilyn W. Hopkins

HOLDEN – Marilyn W. (Monahan) Hopkins, 85, beloved wife of the late Harold E. Hopkins, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center. Born and raised in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Marion (Carroll) Monahan and made her home in Holden after moving there in 1969.

Marilyn was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School and continued her education at Becker Junior College, where she earned an associate degree. She went on to enjoy a long and fulfilling career as a medical secretary, a role she carried out with professionalism, kindness, and genuine care for others. After many years of dedicated service, she retired in 2004.

Above all else, Marilyn was devoted to her family. When her children were growing up, she cherished skiing trips spent together and family vacations on Cape Cod, creating memories that would last a lifetime. In later years, she found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and in baking her beloved Christmas spritz cookies, a treasured family tradition. Marilyn was a talented seamstress with a creative eye and took great pride in her work. She was also deeply proud of her Irish heritage, which she carried with warmth, humor, and heart.

Marilyn is lovingly remembered by her three daughters: Christina Matthews and her husband, Jeffrey, of Brunswick, Maine; Colleen Blair and her husband, William, of Rutland and Annemarie Sachse and her husband, Robert, of Jefferson. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren - Elizabeth, Harrison, Patrick, Charlie, Annie, Jackson, Carly, Hannah, and Eric - and two great-grandchildren, Grace and Hallie, all of whom brought her immense joy. She is also survived by two nieces, Gayle Stockhaus and Maureen Maynard. In addition to her parents and her husband of 43 years, Harold, Marilyn was predeceased by her sister, Carol Belle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, at St. Patrick’s Church, 258 Main Street, Rutland. In honor of Marilyn’s proud Irish heritage, the family invites those attending to wear or include something in any shade of green. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League in remembrance of the companion animals who were such a meaningful part of Marilyn’s life (https://worcesterarl.org/donate). Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. www.milesfuneralhome.com

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12/17/2025

Marion I. Merchant

STERLING – Marion I. (Montville) Merchant, 97, beloved wife of the late Donald F. Merchant, Sr., passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Born in Millbury and raised in Hopkinton, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Celia (Reil) Montville.

Soon after graduating from Hopkinton High School, she met and married her future husband, Donald F. Merchant. Together they settled in Northborough where they raised their family. Marion enjoyed being a homemaker and mother to their eight children.

After raising her family, she spent the next 30 years in Brooksville, FL. She was very active and enjoyed line dancing several times a week with her friends. Marion was very adventurous and loved to travel to faraway lands including China, Alaska and Europe, but her favorite destination was always Pine Island, FL. In her later years, she could often be found coloring on her iPad or finishing a puzzle or two.

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her children, Mary Blanchard and her husband, Jay of Sterling, Cheryl Mattison and her husband, Chris of Sterling, Kevin Merchant and his wife, Naomi of Harmony, FL, Peter Merchant and his wife, Robin of Gardner and Thomas Merchant and his wife, Eppie of Leominster; her daughter-in-law, Susan Merchant of Sutton; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her infant son, Brian Merchant, her son, Donald F. Merchant, Jr., and her daughter, Michelle Segur. three brothers; and her sister.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. www.milesfuneralhome.com

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12/16/2025

David Wendel

David M. Wendel, 56, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on December 6th.

Born in Phoenix, David was the son of the late Ronald and Norma (Matson) Wendel and grew up in California. In 1991, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army and spent several years stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge in 1998, he settled in Massachusetts with his family.

David began his working life as a mechanic before earning his bachelor's degree and becoming a registered nurse. He worked in the oncology unit at the VA Hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he found deep meaning in caring for fellow veterans and offering support to those in need.

In his free time, David enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, and listening to heavy metal and punk rock, but nothing compared to his love of riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Known for his wonderful sense of humor and ability to make strong connections with others, he deeply cherished his relationship with his daughter, as well as the lasting friendships he formed during his military service and professional career.

David leaves behind his loving daughter Kimberly Wendel of Fitchburg; his sisters Bonnie Templin and her family, Peggy Sue Bauer and her family, Laurie Atimua and her family, and Shinga Shell and her family; as well as his brother Luke Wendel and his family, and Scott Farrin and his family.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Monday, January 5th from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM in the funeral home, followed by a military burial at the Massachusetts State Veteran Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street in Winchendon at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David's Memory may be made to the VAMC Manchester Voluntary Service. Please contact the VAMC for donations at 603-624-4366.

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12/13/2025

Rachel Beth Epstein

WORCESTER - Rachel Beth Epstein, 27, has earned her wings and is now soaring with the angels. Rachel left us on Friday, December 12, 2025 surrounded in love by her parents.

Rachel is the daughter of Sherri Sigel and Kenneth Epstein, and step-daughter to Denise Forbes & Claire (Marlowe) Epstein. She is the beloved sister of Jessica Epstein, and granddaughter of George Sigel and Elsa Epstein. She was predeceased by her grandmother, Carole Sigel and grandfather Eugene Epstein.

Rachel has spent most of her life in Worcester attending public schools and bringing smiles and laughter to whomever she met. She spent the past 10 years living at Seven Hills Pediatric Center in Groton, MA. Through Rachel’s life, she had the most wonderful and loving therapists, teachers and caregivers. Along with her family, these people greatly contributed to Rachel’s longevity.

In spite of having Canavan Disease, Rachel was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a pioneer in receiving some of the world’s first gene therapy under the direction of Dr. Paola Leone. She also inspired Dr. Guangping Gao to re-ignite his quest to cure Canavan, and a successful clinical trial is now under way. She has left a legacy that will be long remembered.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday, December 14th at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

Shiva will be held Monday through Wednesday from 7-9 at the residence of Sherri Sigel & Denise Forbes.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rachel’s memory may be made to National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association, 2001 Beacon Street #204, Brighton, MA 02135 (reference SHSjeep@gmail.com).

The Funeral Service for Rachel Beth Epstein will be available for streaming with ZOOM via the following login information:

Topic: Epstein Funeral

Time: Dec 14, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83703364547?pwd=K7vLaG8j3ZVMnxEytiMD6KERfmIPwu.1

Meeting ID: 837 0336 4547

Passcode: 667487

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12/13/2025

Pamela A. (Beamer) Rauh

PRINCETON – Pamela A. (Beamer) Rauh passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was Born on March 9, 1952, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Paul W. Beamer and Sara J. (Kalbfus) Beamer.

In 1985, Pam married the love of her life, William T. Rauh. Together, they built a beautiful life in Princeton, where they raised their family and became beloved members of the community.

In addition to her husband, Pam is survived by her children, Nathan Brown and his partner, Stacy Molinari, of Princeton; Elizabeth Brown and her husband, Clark Colon, of Waterbury, Vermont; and Michael Brown and his wife, Caroline Ma, of Harvard; her three beloved grandchildren, Max Brown, Levi and Claire Colon; her brother, Michael Beamer, of Maine; her sister, Nina Holton, of Worcester; as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Pam was predeceased by her brother, John Beamer.

Pam was a proud graduate of Wachusett Regional High School and later attended Boston College before completing her nursing training at Memorial Hospital in Worcester. She devoted her career to caring for others, working as a registered nurse in the emergency and surgical departments at Memorial Hospital and later in the emergency department at Holden Hospital until its closure. She continued her commitment to helping others as a substitute school nurse in the Wachusett School District, always bringing compassion and steadiness to those in her care.

After retiring, Pam gave generously of her time as a volunteer at Abby’s House and spent many joyful days helping at the Blue Plate Farm Stand—where her family often joked that she was “paid in plants.” Her kindness, humor, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

At home, Pam’s love of gardening was evident in her spectacular flower beds, which she tended with both skill and joy. She carried that same passion to Hancock, Vermont, where she and Bill owned a retirement home and cherished the quiet beauty of the mountains together.

Pam also loved to travel, and Maui, Hawaii was her favorite place—a source of warmth, beauty, and peace.

Pam will be lovingly remembered by her family in private. Miles Funeral Home of Holden is entrusted with her care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pam’s memory may be made to the American Nurses Association by visiting nursingworld.org/foundation. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com

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12/13/2025

Rosemary Dahmus Fudeman

PRINCETON, MA - Rosemary Dahmus Fudeman, of Princeton, MA, passed away on December 10th after a period of declining health. She was born in Princeton, IN on November 5, 1943 to Joseph Dahmus and Mildred Kling Dahmus. She leaves her beloved husband of 55 years, Jon Fudeman, four beloved children, and eight beloved grandchildren. During her final weeks, they were constantly by her side. She is also survived by eight brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Helen, and her goddaughter and niece, Joan Dahmus.

Rosemary was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and a caring friend, and she will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She had a sweet and generous heart and lived for helping others. Her volunteer work through the years included Girl Scout leader, CCD teacher, bookkeeper for Prince of Peace Parish, hospice volunteer, Meals on Wheels volunteer, Trustee of Goodnow Library, and Board of Registrars in Princeton, MA.

Rosemary grew up in Pleasant Gap and State College, PA, and loved to return there to spend time with family. She graduated from Bishop O’Connell High School in Falls Church, VA. She earned a BA and MA in Russian from the Pennsylvania State University, a paralegal certificate from Assumption College, and her Master’s of Library Science from Rutgers University. It was at Rutgers that she met Jon, and they married while living in Belgium. They spent most of their married life in Princeton, MA, where they raised their four children. Rosemary was a kind-hearted soul who saw the good in everyone and was thankful that she had a very good life blessed with a wonderful family. Her early work experience included teaching Russian and History in New Jersey after graduating college and working as a librarian at the University of California, Berkeley before her marriage, at which point she dedicated her career to her family for many years. When her youngest child reached school age, Rosemary returned to work, taking on roles at UMass Medical Center and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts over a period of many years. Her final role prior to retirement was with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families in Worcester.

In honoring her wishes, all services will be private. A Mass for immediate family will be held at Prince of Peace Parish in Princeton at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff of the Holden Rehabilitation Center for their warmth and care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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12/13/2025

Roland A. Morin

STERLING - Roland A. Morin, age 78, died peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Oakdale Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, after a period of declining health. Born in Webster, Roland was the son of Harry and Belva (St. John) Morin and was a lifelong resident of Central Massachusetts.

Growing up in North Oxford, Roland graduated from Oxford High School with the class of 1965, after which he attended Worcester Industrial Technical Institute, earning a certificate in welding. He utilized his skills throughout his career, first at Webster Spring, then Digital Equipment Corporation and eventually Ermini Tool and Die. Roland also owned and operated the Old Oak Apple Farm for over 10 years. Roland and Martha were longtime members of St. Richard of Chichester Church in Sterling.

Roland will be lovingly missed and remembered by his devoted wife of 51 years, Martha L. (Burlingame) Morin of Sterling; his son, Michael D. Morin and his wife, Kelly M. (Donahue) Morin of Westminster; his sister, Lorraine T. Reilly and her husband, Daniel F.; his brother, Richard J. Morin; his cherished grandson, Robert R. Morin; his sister-in-law, Thelma J. (Burlingame) Jolin; his brothers-in-law, Stanley K. Burlingame, and Raymond A. Burlingame, and Arnold R. Burlingame and his wife, Michelle; his step-sisters Celine (Lazure) Courtemanche and her husband, Richard, Pauline (Lazure) Prunier and his step-brother, Leonard Lazure and his wife Alice; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Belva (St. John) Morin; his stepfather, Joseph Lazure; his daughter, Jennifer L. (Morin) LePage; his brother Ronald H. Morin; his grandson, Michael W. Morin; and his brother-in-law, Richard W. Burlingame.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the loving care received from the staff at Oakdale for the past two years, as well as the Jewish Healthcare Hospice team for their compassionate dedication in more recent days.

Roland’s family will gather for a private graveside service at Westridge Cemetery in Charlton. Arrangements are in the care of Miles – Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

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12/12/2025

Dr. Sunita Gulati

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Sunita Gulati, Professor Emerita at UMass Chan Medical School, who died unexpectedly on December 6, 2025, at the age of 74.

She is survived by her husband, Nerendra Batra. She leaves behind three sisters and three brothers; Sushma Mehra, Dr. Susan Prakash, Smita Gulati, Sunil Gulati, Sanjeev Gulati, and Dr. Melvin Gulati. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Sarah and Rupa, as well as her many nieces and nephews and their children, whom she adored deeply.

Born in Mandalay, Burma, Sunita grew up surrounded by a large and close-knit family. Her early years were marked by time spent assisting her uncle, a physician, an influence that sparked a lifelong curiosity in science and a devotion to service. Later she moved from Mandalay to Massachusetts to live with her brother, Suresh Gulati, his wife Sarah and their 4 children. She developed a close and lasting bond with her new extended family. In later years, Sunita helped her brother Melvin immigrate to the United States, creating a new relationship with him and his wife Rupa.

Sunita earned her Doctor of Science degree from the Boston University School of Public Health, after which she joined the BU faculty. There, she became foundational to the development of a dynamic and collaborative laboratory group led by Dr. Peter Rice, later joined by colleagues Dr. Sanjay Ram, Dr. Jutamas Shaughnessy, and many others. When the lab moved to UMass Chan in 2005, Sunita continued to be its steady center—an accomplished scientist, a generous mentor, and a beloved colleague. Her dedication to her research and her students shaped the careers of countless scientists who carry her influence forward.

Beyond her professional life, Sunita embraced life fully. She loved to travel, finding joy in exploring new places and cultures. She was also an avid cook and devoted gardener, cultivating trees and plants with the same patience, care, and attentiveness she brought to her work and relationships. Each year, she delighted in delivering bushels of freshly grown fruit from her garden to family and friends and neighbors, a tradition that reflected her generosity and love. She will be remembered for her warmth, her dedication to work and family, her love of travel, and her unwavering generosity of spirit.

Her legacy lives on in the science she helped build, the people she mentored, and the family she loved so dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 14 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. www.milesfuneralhome.com

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12/12/2025

Lois A. Bagdis

WEST BOYLSTON – Lois Ann (Proctor) Bagdis, 94, beloved wife of the late Paul Bagdis, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family, on Monday, December 8, 2025. Born in Agawam and raised in Worcester, she was the daughter of Ora and Laura (Gates) Proctor.

Lois was a graduate of Commerce High School. She went on to enjoy a long career as a cafeteria worker at West Boylston High School, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. In her spare time, she could often be found reading or working on crossword puzzles. She was a wonderful cook and will be remembered for her delicious macaroni and cheese.

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her children including Kevin Bagdis and his wife, Lynn of West Boylston, Todd Bagdis and his wife, Heather of Wesley Chapel, FL, Jill Bagdis of West Boylston, Laurie Williams and her husband, Randy of Brownington, VT and Robin Burke and her husband, Norman of Warren; her two brothers, Norman Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth of Oceanside, NY and Lee Proctor and his wife, Barbara of West Boylston; two sisters, Claire Whitney of West Boylston and her twin sister, Lillian Symonowicz of West Boylston; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 to 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 20 in the Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A memorial service will follow at 12 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association.

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