Miles Funeral Home

04/30/2026

Paul H. Janowicz

STERLING – Paul H. Janowicz, 74, passed away on April 27, 2026.

Paul was born in Worcester, MA the youngest of three sons to Walter and Emily (Grigas) Janowicz. He grew up on the family dairy farm where he developed a strong work ethic that he carried throughout his life. He attended Leominster Trade School where he learned drafting, laying the foundation of his construction career.

Once he graduated, he entered the construction trade and after a few years joined his brother Wally in the excavating business. A hardworking man by nature, Paul was the third generation on the family farm in Sterling. Driving his International tractors, he could be found in their fields haying all summer alongside his brother Wally. While co-owning and operating Janowicz Construction, their quality of work resulted in a business that thrived for over 50 years. His strength and dedication were unmatched. He will always be remembered saying, “keep smiling” as he bid farewell to family and friends.

Paul leaves behind his brother Walter M. Janowicz of Sterling; his nephew Michael Janowicz and his wife Jennifer of Royalston MA; their children, Michael, Mikayla, Emma, Anna, and Elaina; a niece Laura Poll and her husband Robert of NYC; and sister in law Patricia Janowicz.

He is preceded in death by his brother Edward Janowicz in 2022 and parents, Walter and Emily.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 5th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. A funeral service will be celebrated the following day, Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Parker Road in Lancaster. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com

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04/29/2026

Lewis Eugene Bogage

FRAMINGHAM - Rabbi Lewis Eugene Bogage, affectionately known as "Buz" to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at the age of 90. Buz's final days were spent in the gentle care of a skilled nursing center. Born on June 13, 1935, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Buz was the beloved son of Jonah and Gertrude Bogage.

Buz's life was a testament to spiritual guidance, insight and understanding, and a strong sense of community. He graduated from Worcester Classical High School in 1953 and pursued higher education at Clark University in Worcester. Driven by a calling to serve and guide others, he continued his studies at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was ordained as a Rabbi in June 1963. Over the span of more than six decades, Rabbi Bogage touched countless lives through his work both at community synagogues and with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. He leaves a legacy of spiritual leadership at many congregations including Central Synagogue in Manhattan, Temple Micah in Denver, Congregation Beth Israel and Beth Israel Temple in Honesdale and Hazleton, PA and Congregation Ohr Shalom in Grand Junction, CO. His work with these and other communities as well as at UAHC summer camps left a lasting impact on the Jewish community nationwide.

Buz was blessed with a large family, both biological and from the many special relationships he cultivated throughout his long life. Sadly, he was predeceased by his grandson, Sam Hain. He leaves behind his children, Joshua, Rebekah and her husband, Steven Hain, Micah and his partner, Jen Knoetgen, and G Sanford, as well as his brother, J P Bo.

Buz's legacy continues through his grandchildren, Jakob, Ari, and Izi Hain, and stepchildren, Alisa, Daniel, and Sasha Nemchonok, along with their growing families. His life was enriched by the love of Harriet Levy, with whom he spent eighteen wonderful years, beginning in 2005. In addition to his own children and extended family, he was a mentor to multiple young adults who kept in contact with him and whose children also brought immense joy and warmth to his later years.

Buz's interests were as vibrant as his personality. An avid reader, sports fan, and news enthusiast, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life—basking in the sun, feeling the sand between his toes, and relishing the carefree spirit of a Jimmy Buffet tune while driving his convertible under the clear blue sky. His almost photographic memory, quick wit, and distinctive Worcester accent were hallmarks of his personality, endearing him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service to celebrate Buz's remarkable life will be held on May 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the B'nai Brith Cemetery, located at 55 St. Johns Rd, Worcester, MA 01603. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Buz’s commitment to the local Jewish Community, the family kindly requests donations be made to your local synagogue or in Buz's memory to Jewish Family Services of Metrowest, whose knowledgeable and compassionate staff provided invaluable support during his final years. Donations can be made through their website at https://jfsmw.org/.

Buz's legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of those he touched, his spirit continuing to guide and inspire us all.

The Memorial Service for Rabbi Lewis Eugene Bogage will be available for live streaming (and after) beginning at 11:00 AM on Sunday, May 31st, 2026 via the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a26048003073072.

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04/28/2026

Dorothy-Ann Thunberg

MILLBURY- Dorothy-Ann “Dottie-Ann” (Gray) Thunberg, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at UMass Memorial Healthcare – University Campus in Worcester.

Born in Worcester, she was the beloved daughter of the late Robert W. and Dorothy K. (Moran) Gray and a proud graduate of South High School.

Dottie-Ann continued her education at Salter Secretarial School before embarking on a dedicated career as an administrative assistant with Worcester Public Schools. She served at several schools throughout the district, though she spent the majority of her years at West Tatnuck School, where she was a valued and familiar presence to colleagues and students alike.

She shared a devoted and enduring marriage with her beloved husband, Darryl Thunberg, with whom she made her home in Millbury. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and shared adventures.

In her younger years, Dottie-Ann was a gifted athlete, earning varsity letters in high school in several sports. She remained active throughout her life and found particular joy on the golf course, where she was a longtime member of the Tuesday night league at Hillcrest Country Club. She also cherished traveling, especially alongside her husband.

Above all else, Dottie-Ann’s greatest joy was her family. She took immense pride in her children and was especially devoted to her two grandsons.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 58 years, Darryl P. Thunberg; her daughter, Christine Cicero and her husband, Leo of Millbury; her son, Brian D. Thunberg of Millbury; her brothers, Robert Gray of Worcester and Paul Gray and his wife, Carol, of Michigan; her sisters, Donna Mahan and her husband, Paul, of Holden, and Pamela Landry and her husband, Dennis, of Holden; her cherished grandsons, Leo J. Cicero and Vincenzo P. Cicero both of Millbury; along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are private and entrusted to the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. To share a memory or offer condolences online, please visit www.milesfuneralhome.com.

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04/28/2026

Richard J. Madden

WOODSTOCK, CT/STERLING, MA - Richard J. Madden, 58, formerly of Sterling, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 25th, 2026, after a long-fought battle with Cancer. Born on July 12, 1967, Richard was the son of Joseph E. Madden and Carla J. (Miele) O'Malley and lived 28 years in Sterling and the last 26 years in Woodstock. He attended Wachusett Regional High School and Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough and post graduate work at Worcester Vocational Technical High School in Worcester. After a four-year apprenticeship, he became a licensed electrician and worked as a journeyman electrician for IBEW Local 96 electrical union where he worked until retirement.

Richard was a true outdoorsman. Any chance he had he would be in his garden preparing for this year's harvest. He would be in "Bonnie's Sugar Shack" which he built, making this year's batch of maple syrup. It did not matter if the lakes and ponds were frozen or thawed. Richard would be snowmobiling the groomed trails of Maine or piloting his boat through the glistening clear waters of Wilson Pond. When his favorite time of year came around, hunting season, he would be up at the crack of dawn chasing "White Tail Bucks" through the woods of Maine, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Those who have witnessed these passions could feel the happiness he emitted. It was contagious. His expertise in his crafts was not a secret he kept hidden. He was happy and eager to teach anybody who was interested. He was truly an inspiration to us all. He was a proud lifetime member of the Eight Point Sportsmen's Club in Sterling and the Valley Springs Sportsmen's Club in North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut. In his spare time, Richard also enjoyed restoring his 1968 Firebird and clearing land in Hancock, Maine, where he was preparing to build a family camp that would be enjoyed for generations to come.

Richard's true passion was being a family man. Every holiday he was the one to bring the family together and remind us that family is the most important thing. He would always carve the Easter Ham or Thanksgiving Turkey to perfection. He would share the fruits of his harvests from his hunting trips, plentiful gardens or sweet maple syrup from his maple trees. Richard was the mortar of the family foundation. Whatever room he was in, that was the best place to be. His love for his family was ironclad. Always unwavering and never reserved. He loved with his whole heart.

At the heart of his life was his daughter, Antoinette. She was his greatest joy, his purpose, and the reason behind everything he did. She was the sun he rose for and the reason he kept going, even when life was hard. Everything he did, he did for her. Though Richard's time here was far too short, the love he gave her is lasting and unshakeable. That love does not end here-it lives on in her laughter, her strength, and the man she will always know as her father.

Richard is survived by his father Joesph E. Madden of Sterling; his mother Carla J. (Miele) O'Malley and stepfather Richard D. O'Malley of Marlborough; his daughter Antionette Madden and his stepson Vincent Tocci both of Woodstock; by his siblings, Wendy Trudeau and husband Michael of Charlton, Patrick Madden and fiancé Terry Gray of Sterling, James O'Malley and wife Brie of Marlborough, and Christopher Madden of Sterling. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, including Amber, Michael, Gina, Patrick, Jason, Karlie, Joshua, Aubrey and Shay who loved him as a father; great nieces and nephews; along with countless friends who loved him as a brother. His memory will never fade from our hearts. He was predeceased by his sister Bonnie (Madden) Vallee, stepson Dominick Tocci, and stepmother, Claudia V. (Otto) Madden.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Richard's family from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at St. Richard of Chichester, 4 Bridge St., Sterling. Burial will held privately at Hillside Cemetery in Sterling. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard's name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, (www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give), Eight Point Sportsmen's Club, 147 Beaman Rd., Sterling 01564, or Valley Springs Sportsmen's Club, 65 Valley Rd., North Grosvenor Dale, CT 06255.

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04/27/2026

Elana Helene Bouzaglo Garabedian

WORCESTER – Elana Helene Bouzaglo Garabedian, age 78, died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 26, 2026, surrounded by the loving presence of her family. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Elana was the daughter of Shimon and Mazal (Sebag) Bouzaglo.

A licensed Cosmetologist, Elana worked for many years as a Manicurist at several area salons.

Elana will be lovingly missed and remembered by her loving husband of 55 years, Charles A. Garabedian of Worcester; her devoted children, Andre Stephan Garabedian and his wife, Anna of Helotes, Texas, Monique Rebecca Greif of Queens, New York, and Nicole Yael Kopacz and her husband, Ethan of Anchorage, Alaska; her cherished grandchildren, Nava Meira Greif, Azariah Greif, Alyssa Nicole Garabedian, Aden Charles Garabedian, and Nora Woods Kopacz; and her siblings, Max Barak, David Elkayam, and Shulamit Mizrachi; and many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends will gather for a Graveside Funeral Service at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at B’nai Brith Cemetery, 55 St. John’s Road, Worcester. Memorial Observances will be announced. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The Graveside Funeral Service for Elana Helene Bouzaglo Garabedian will be available for live streaming (and after) beginning at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 27, 2026 via the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a26042931570153.

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04/24/2026

Emilia Medina

WEST BOYLSTON – Emilia Medina, formerly of Worcester, Massachusetts, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026 at the Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center in West Boylston. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Modesto Medina and Maria Encarnacion.

Emilia spent her younger years in Puerto Rico. When she was 20, her family moved to Long Island for many years before moving to Massachusetts. In 1973, she began working at City Hospital in Worcester, where she worked for 18 years in the cafeteria. She worked briefly at Allegro MicroSystems before finishing her career at UMass Medical Center – University Campus, where she retired in 2000.

She was known as a hard-working independent woman with a strong work ethic. After retiring, she volunteered for many years at Radius Nursing Home where she loved keeping busy and helping others.

Above all, her family meant everything to her.

She will be lovingly missed by her son Johnny Gomez and his wife, Mary Garabedian-Gomez, her son Julio Gomez that pre deceased her, daughter Lillian Ortiz, and son Jose Ortiz; her brother Domingo and wife Gladys Medina. She leaves her grandchildren Tania, David, Dana, Taina, Antonio, and several great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Medina family of Worcester for their love and support for her all these years.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Emilia’s family from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 29, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit her guestbook.

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04/22/2026

Janet M. (Jones) Ahearn

RUTLAND – Janet M. (Jones) Ahearn, 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. She joined her husband on his 90th heavenly birthday. Born in Worcester, Janet was the daughter of W. Stanley Jones and Mildred S. (Prince) Jones. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, John T. Ahearn and her sister Nancy (Jones) Roberts.

Janet will be affectionately remembered and missed by her loving family; her two sons, Thomas Ahearn and his wife Angella, David Ahearn and his wife Janet, her two daughters, Cindy Currier and her husband Kevin, Shay Copeland and her husband Steven. Janet was also blessed to have seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Growing up in Worcester, she enjoyed going to the Loew’s Poli theater, and visiting her dad at Brockelman’s Market. Janet’s family moved to a small farm in Paxton where she was able to enjoy her love for animals and bought her first horse, King Boy. At a young age, Janet started working for Parker and Harper in Worcester to provide for her family. After getting married in 1955, Janet and John built a home in Rutland and raised their family.

Janet had a creative mind. She was a beautiful artist; she loved painting, crocheting, quilting, refinishing furniture and braiding rugs. Her passion for horses was shared with others by leading a 4-H club for 12 years. Her love of the outdoors was evident in her beautiful flower gardens and affection for hiking.

All services are private at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation to an animal rescue of your choice would be appreciated.

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04/21/2026

Diane M. Routhier

WILLINGTON, CT – Diane M. (Ramsey) Routhier, 74, beloved wife of Donald Routhier, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, April 17, 2026. Born and raised in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Beverly (Miller) Ramsey.

Diane enjoyed a long career working for Guarantee Bank in Worcester. In her spare time, she enjoyed many crafts including crocheting, cross stitching, quilling, Diamond Art and reading, especially anything written by Stephen King. Over the years she knitted countless caps for local cancer patients.

Diane will be remembered for her willingness to help anyone in need and for her dedication to her family, who meant everything to her.

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her son, David Darling of Worcester; her two daughters, Melissa Freeman and her husband, Darrell of Worcester and Jaime Darling of Oklahoma; and her granddaughter, Chastity Davis. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother James Ramsey and her sister, Carol Lyons.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23 in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.

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04/21/2026

Registration is now OPEN for our spring bereavement seminar, Sharing Hope 💛

Join us for “May Reflections: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Season” May 16, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM - Holden Senior Center
25 Bascom Way, Holden, MA.

As the season changes, take time to reflect, remember, and find connection with others who understand. FInd out more and register here!

Spring is filled with meaningful moments, graduations, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, May Day blossoms. For those who are grieving, these occasions can bring a tender mix of joy, longing, and heartache. This seminar is a gentle space to reflect on milestones through the lens of loss and engage in a s...

04/19/2026

Dorcas Clisty McCracken

HOLDEN - Dorcas Clisty McCracken, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 17, 2026. A resident of Holden since 1963, she was the beloved wife of Robert "Bob" McCracken, with whom she shared 74 years of marriage.

Born in Worcester to the late Edward and Dorcas Barrus of Leicester, Dorcas was the eldest of 11 children. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her four children: Douglas (Rebecca), Lisa Cikota (Dennis Sr.), Robert (Diane), and Jennifer Niemi (Erik); thirteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her sisters Gail Harrison, Evelyn Tomasso, Laura McCue, June Kemp, and brothers Richard, Ronald, and Robert. She was predeceased by her sister Barbara Ann and brothers, Edward and Russell.

Dorcas enjoyed a successful 30-year career in the banking industry, most notably with Worcester County National Bank. Her career progression from teller to Loan Officer was a source of pride, yet the lasting friendships she made in bank operations were what she valued most. Following her retirement, she enjoyed part-time work at the Bhadon Gift Gallery.

In her early Holden years, Dorcas was an active member in community theater, including the Holden Players Club, where she both acted and worked behind the scenes. Above all, she cherished family get-togethers, entertaining, traveling, live music, dancing and enjoying the company of her many dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family during calling hours from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27th, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28th, at the First Baptist Church of Holden, 1216 Main St. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), a charity close to Dorcas’s heart, or to a charity of your choosing.

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04/18/2026

Evonne E. Malcomson

RUTLAND – Evonne E. (Browne) Malcomson, 95, beloved wife of the late Malcolm R. Malcomson, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Born and raised in Wyandotte, MI, she was the eldest of six children to Arthur and Edna (Bush) Browne.

She met and married her husband, Malcolm, and together they moved to Ohio where they resided on the Air Force base, then out to the country in CA where they started their family. They raised 3 children along with horses and many other animals. Later, they moved to Bolton, MA and then spent their retirement years on Cape Cod as well as Florida.

Evonne attended Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, MI. She enjoyed her career as a realtor in Bolton and was the proud owner of The Happy Cat Hotel where she provided comfortable boarding for cats. Evonne loved animals and worked for the Volunteer Humane Society and headed up the 4-H Rabbit Show for the Bolton Fair.

She loved to paint, make jewelry and sing. She was very passionate about flower gardens. She shared these hobbies and made wonderful friends over the last 10 years at the Hubbardston Senor Center where she sang in the choir.

Evonne is survived by her son, Rod Malcomson and his partner, Marie Meunier of Baldwinville; her two daughters, Julia Moore and her husband, Brian of Rutland and Marilee Fields of Clinton; her two brothers, Arthur Browne and his wife, Joyce and Ken Browne and his wife Janice, all of Michigan; her sisters, Jackie Sommerville of NY and Marilyn Browne; her grandchildren, Stephanie Smith and her husband, Scott, Ryan Malcomson and his wife, Tricia, Stacey Good and her husband, Brian, Allison Oliva and her husband, Tom and Megan Moore; and her four great-grandchildren including Baylee Malcomson, Tessa LaPalme, Isla Good and Skyla Smith. In addition to her husband of 62 years, she was predeceased by her sister, Shirley Schneider and her husband, Bob and her brother-in-law, Richard Sommerville.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hubbardston Senior Center, 7 Main Street, Hubbardston, MA 01452. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. www.milesfuneralhome.com

04/17/2026

Robert D. Croucher

WESTBOROUGH - Robert “Bob” D. Croucher, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, at the Rose Monahan Hospice House, surrounded by family after a brief and unexpected illness. He was born in Richmond Hills NY, the only child of Ruth and George Croucher. He was married to Judith, his wife of 69 years who predeceased him in 2023, and they lived Murrells Inlet SC. He retired from Gulf Oil Co. in Oceanside NY after 37 years where he and his wife resided and raised their children. He leaves a son, Dean Croucher of Sterling MA, and daughter Carol Lake of Virginia Beach VA, their spouses, four grandchildren and their spouses and five great-grandchildren.

Bob attended Adelphi University as a business major. He was an avid life-long Yankees fan who enjoyed all aspects of the game, no matter who was opposing them. He was quick to compliment a good play, no matter the team, but always remained faithful to his beloved Yankees. His love of the game led him to coach his son Dean in both Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and Bob remained active in the organizations until his retirement. He was honored by the organization for his dedication to the leagues and for the mentoring of young men. He supported his daughter Carol in her passion for dance as a toddler and through her college years, attending all her recitals. The family took many family vacations to house-keeping cottages where they enjoyed meeting other families and engaging in outdoor family activities. The family loved card games and Bob and Judy were avid card and game players, as well as golfers and shuffle boarders. Bob was a member of the Elks Lodge for 44 years. He was an active participant in the Oceanside Presbyterian church during their years in Oceanside, and Murrells Inlet Presbyterian Church where they finally settled after trying out various states along the east coast.

Bob moved to MA in 2024 and lived an independent and full life at The Highlands independent senior living apartments in Westboro. He participated fully in all the activities

available to him, including bridge, mahjong, bingo, rummikub, pool, bean bag baseball, chair yoga, and chair volleyball among others.

Bob will be greatly missed by his family and by both old and new friends that he made recently. He was described by his new friends as a gentleman, humorous, considerate, generous of spirit, caring, one of the good guys, and an all-around good person with whom you wanted to spend time. He was quick with a joke and had a dry sense of humor.

A family service will be held at a later date at Murrells Inlet Presbyterian Church where his ashes will be interred with his wife Judith in their columbarium. Donations can be made to Murrells Inlet Presbyterian Church https://mipcpresby.com/. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.

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