Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Chapel

02/23/2026

Donna Jean Wilber

Donna Jean Wilber, 68, of Swanzey, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, while at home. Born on July 26, 1957, in Keene, NH, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Shirley (Derosier) Smith.

Donna grew up in Keene and was educated through the Keene public school system. A determined and hard worker all her life, she worked for various companies through her career but took great pride caring for others as a caregiver for hospice in Keene. In her free time, she enjoyed making jewelry, cooking, caring for animals, and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She taught others to hold their heads high when things got hard, but most of all, she wore her heart on her sleeve and loved more than she could give. “They make amazing people in this world, then they make people like Donna.”

She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years David M. Wilber; son Craig Tacy and wife Brooke; brother Donald W. Smith Jr. and wife Cindy; grandchildren Colleal Tacy, Caynon Tacy, Antony Tacy, and Cerenity Tacy; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her son Mark Smith, and brothers David Smith and John Smith.

A visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 46 S. Wi******er St, Swanzey, NH 03446.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Donna may be offered to Live Free Behavioral Health Services, 881 Marlboro Rd, Keene, NH 03431.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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02/21/2026

RESCHEDULED SERVICE INFORMATION!

The Celebration of Life for Eugene (Gene) Robert Faltus has been RESCHEDULED from tomorrow to SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026 at 12:00PM.

02/19/2026

Joshua Allen Whittington

Joshua "Josh" Allen Whittington, 37, a resident of Hinsdale and formerly of Missouri, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Monday, February 16, 2026, at his home with the love of family near.

Born on February 18, 1988, to Jesse Allen Whittington and the late Laura Anne (Hardy) Hayden in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Josh was educated and graduated from Alton High School in Alton, MO.

Joshua entered military service in 2006, as a member of the Missouri Army National Guard. He was trained as a Utility Equipment Repair Specialist, MOS 52c10. His time was spent in Missouri and a deployment to Kosovo. Joshua was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal (2 Awards), Army Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device and the Nato Medal. Joshua was honorably discharged at the rank of specialist E-4 on September 21, 2025, after serving for twenty years. We are grateful as a nation for Spc. Whittington time in service.

Josh enjoyed his time working as a HVAC Foreman for Northstar for 5 years.

Joshua found comfort in the simple joy of being home, where he could truly relax and recharge. Though a homebody at heart, he also loved the energy of going to concerts and enjoying live music. He was a longtime and proud member of the VFW and dedicated many years of hard work as a pipefitter with Local 537 in Boston. Most importantly, Joshua's number one priority in life was being a father and being with family. The time he spent with them was what he cherished above all else.

Mr. Whittington is survived by his beloved children, Cale A. Whittington, Myra L. Whitington, and Olan E. Whittington, his father, Jesse Whittington of Louisiana, his former wife, Heather Whittington of Missouri, and his partner, Jennifer Smith of Hinsdale. Josh is also survived by his siblings, Jeremy Whittington and Tiffany Wilkey. Joshua was predeceased by his mother, Laura A. (Hardy) Hayden, and his son Zane Whittington.

Formal services will take place at a later time at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, MO.

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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02/18/2026

Carol Ann Hamlin

Carol Ann (Duhaime) Hamlin, 82, formerly of Keene, NH, passed peacefully on Tuesday, February 10th, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 7, 1943, in Keene, NH, the daughter of the late Albert Duhaime and Irene (Champagne) Duhaime.

Carol spent most of her life in the Keene and Spofford areas, where she raised her family and devoted herself to her roles as a wife and mother. Later in life, she earned her Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) certificate and worked in caregiving roles. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing and crafting, with a particular passion for creating her own jewelry.

Carol shared a deep love with her husband of 64 years, Howard Hamlin, and was by his side at the time of his passing on July 9, 2025.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Booth, and her husband Dana; her grandchildren, Olivia Booth and Sarah Booth; and her great-grandson, Daniel Booth.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00AM at Friedsam Cemetery, Route 63, Chesterfield, NH. GPS coordinates to the cemetery are: 42°53'37.7"N 72°27'55.2"W.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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02/14/2026

Heidi Bourassa

Heidi Jane Bourassa, 57, of Swanzey, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, while surrounded by her family. Born in Keene, NH, on November 10, 1968, she was the daughter of Mary Jane Blake and the late Philip Bourassa.

Heidi grew up in Swanzey and graduated from Monadnock High School. She dedicated her career to caring and nurturing children as a childcare provider. She loved spending time with her family, cheering for her grandkids at every one of their sporting events, and attending Boston Bruins games. She enjoyed yard sales and thrifting and tending to her beautiful gardens at her home.

She is survived by her children Ryka Kelley and husband Rick, Reece Pelto and wife Lacey, Jaelyn Redfield and husband Derek; mother Mary Jane Blake; sister Laurie Southwell and longtime partner Rich Howard; brothers Kevin Southwell, Michael Southwell and wife Renee Pecor, Seth Bourassa and wife Sue-Anne; grandchildren Sissy (Leah) Pelto, Noah Pelto, Sawyer Kelley, Spencer Kelley, Brixton Redfield, and Hudson Redfield; and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father Philip Bourassa.

A visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 44 Maple Ave, Keene, NH.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Heidi Bourassa's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/12/2026

Melinda Honkala

Melinda Mae Hildreth Honkala, 76, of Richmond, NH passed away on January 31, 2026. She was born on July 21, 1949, in Keene, NH daughter of June Mattson and Henry Hildreth, and stepdaughter of Walter Mattson. She was the devoted wife of Michael Honkala for 23 years and loving mother to Mark Magoon and daughter-in-law Carolyn of New Jersey and proud grandmother of Megan Magoon of New Jersey, Mark Magoon of North Carolina, and Tyler Magoon of Keene. She was previously Melinda Glenn of Winter Park, Florida and in her youth Melinda Magoon of Massachusetts. Melinda was predeceased by her son James Magoon of Troy. The apple of her eye was her great granddaughter, Isabella Magoon. She is survived by her two sisters, Melanie Lovering of Dover and Pam Blair of Walpole.

Melinda was a kind, caring and peace-loving person. She was brave, courageous and loving in the face of Alzheimer's Disease.

She was a lover of nature, servant to her community and fierce feminist and passionate activist. She loved gardening and her canning won ribbons at the Cheshire Fair. She was good at making quilts which brought joy to her loved ones. Kayaking was her recreation and passion for many years. She was a big dog lover, owned Maine c**n cats, and enjoyed raising her free-range chickens and selling her eggs to her church friends.

Among her volunteer involvement within her longtime membership at the Keene Unitarian Church was participation in the singing group Animaterra and as teacher of the UUC Teen Group for 12 years. Melinda also was a volunteer tutor for the Wi******er GED Program.

Melinda earned her degree in Business at Keene State College through grit and determination, personal drive and ambition as a single mom. She was Cheshire County YMCA's Business Manager and Camp Takoda Registrar. Previous to this she worked for Kollmorgen of Keene and the Holstein Association of Brattleboro. When she lived in Florida, she worked for the defense industry as a Contracts Administrator and Security Specialist. In her earliest years, she had worked for Digital Electronic Corporation of Massachusetts.

She sold her house in Wi******er NH to "build a dream house with the man of her dreams" environmentally responsible logger Michael Honkala. She enjoyed, and others admired, the peace and beauty of her log home in the country woodland setting in Richmond, NH.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at the Keene Unitarian Church, 69 Washington St, Keene, NH.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Melinda Honkala's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/08/2026

Kevin Philip Youngman

Kevin Philip Youngman, 63, of Keene, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Born on September 14, 1962, in Keene, NH, he was the son of the late Irving and Sylvia (Barton) Youngman.

A lifelong resident of Keene, Kevin graduated from Keene high School in 1981. In 1985, he met and married his wife Amy Aro and shared 40 loving years of marriage together. An avid bowler from a young age, Kevin began working at Yankee Lanes when he was 14 years old. After 30 years at the bowling alley and serving as the manager for 20, he moved on to Keene Industrial and ICU Medical in town. In his spare time, Kevin enjoyed bowling, having earned many awards for perfect games and even making it to the finals to be on team USA, golfing, and spending time in Maine with his wife.

He is survived by his loving wife Amy Aro-Youngman; brother Irving “Butch” Youngman and his wife Karen; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister Donna King.

A Celebration of life for Kevin will take place on Saturday, March 14th from 1:00PM to 3:30PM at the American Legion, 797 Court St Keene, NH.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Kevin Philip Youngman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/06/2026

Eugene Robert Faltus

Eugene (Gene) Robert Faltus, 73, of Swanzey, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Providence, RI, on December 9, 1952, he was the son of the late Norman and Mary (Carvoski) Faltus.

Gene grew up in Warwick, RI, graduating from Bishop Hendricken High School and C.C.R.I. with an Associate in Science. Since childhood, Gene had a love for electronics and HAM radio systems. He earned FCC licenses that led to a lifelong career in radio, eventually retiring in 2018 as an engineer at CBS Broadcasting Inc.

He created award-winning outdoor displays to celebrate Christmas. Gene's travels with his family took him to 33 countries around the world. In the USA, he visited 320 National Parks and especially loved exploring Native American sites, including Chaco Canyon. He recently donated his extensive Kachina collection to the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum.

A tireless advocate for healthcare rights, Gene brought his activism to both the streets and social media. He also campaigned for various political causes in his commitment to the democratic process. He was on a first name basis with President Biden after meeting him at a N.H. rally and committed to his campaign promise to increase cancer research funding.

Gene loved his many furry friends and was a dedicated supporter of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Gene's memory was remarkable; he could easily recall historic facts, dates, and events related to his family, friends, healthcare, and philosophy. His legacy is that of a passionate fighter for human and animal rights who refused to be silenced.

He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta Faltus; son, Craig Auclair; daughter, Sally Fall; sister, Mary Schmidt and husband Robert; brother, John Faltus; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and pets. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister-in-law, Kathy Faltus.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 PM on Sunday, March, 1 2026, at Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave, Keene, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Eugene may be offered to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

View Eugene Robert Faltus's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/31/2026

Ronald Edward Nelson

Ronald Edward Nelson, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on the evening of January 27, 2026.

Ron was born on August 23, 1938, in Brattleboro, Vermont, to Henry and Ethelyn (Amidon) Nelson. He was a graduate of East Hartford High School in East Hartford, Connecticut.

On September 12, 1959, Ron married Joan Ann Decker. He earned his Master Electrician's license in both Vermont and New Hampshire in 1963, and the couple soon moved to Perkinsville, Vermont, where Ron founded Nelson Electric. Under his leadership, the business grew to employ ten people and served commercial, industrial, and residential clients. Ron was a Charter Member and Vice President of the Vermont Electrical Association. After 16 years in business, he closed Nelson Electric to accept a position as Maintenance Supervisor at Bryant Grinder in Springfield, Vermont. In 1986, the family relocated to Keene, New Hampshire, where he continued his career at Troy Mills, Inc., Fred H. Hamlet Electric, and Smiths Medical.

Ron was an avid snowmobiler and dedicated volunteer, serving for many years as Trailmaster and President of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). He also enjoyed collecting, repairing and renewing life to old items, tinkering in his garage, yard work, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, teaching his loved ones his own particular brand of idiosyncrasies, kayaking, birdwatching, and preserving the environment and all wildlife at the family camp in Marlboro, Vermont.

Ron is survived by his daughters, Brenda Kelly (Kevin), and Jennifer Johnson (Brian); his grandchildren, Kaeghan Kelly (Julianna), Khyra Kelly, Jillian Johnson, Zachary Johnson (Shayla), and Nathan Johnson; his great-grandson, Levi Johnson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Ann Nelson, who passed away peacefully after 62 years of marriage at age 81; his grandson, Patrick Kelly, at age 21; and all nine of his siblings.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cheshire Family Funeral Home located at 44 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH. A graveside service and reception will be held in May 2026 at Christ Church Cemetery in Guilford, VT.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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01/29/2026

Shirley E. Carey

Shirley Elizabeth (Thayer) Carey went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at the age of 96. She was born June 21st, 1929 in Athol, Massachusetts, daughter of Elton Verne Thayer and Dorothy Mae (Case) Thayer. She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Donald A. Carey. She is survived by her sister, Greta Purrington of Rindge, N.H., and broth-er, Verne Thayer of Milford, MA. Her daughter, Donna Carey of Manchester, N.H., and son, Barnard Carey of Clarksville, TN., and his wife, Jackie. Laura Hurst of Hudson, ME., Rosemary Carey of Keene, N. H., and Julie Carey of Maui, HI. She had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley spent her early years on her grandparents' farm in Readsboro, VT., and then moved to Keene, graduating from Keene High School. Shirley enjoyed many crafts and made beautiful sweaters for children and grandchildren. She sewed lovely quilts for many people. She loved to write family history stories and then illustrate them. Shirley was an avid genealogist. She lived in Keene for 80 years and had many friends. She worked for HCS hospice, IGA as a florist and cashier, the Giant Store, and Keene Community Hospital as a nurse's aide.

Mom loved her horses and ponies on her little farm on the West Surry Road. Her gardens were large enough to provide for her family each year. She loved cooking and had her own canned produce and frozen game from Dad's hunting and fishing. They had created a home of humble beauty and happiness. For many years she has held the dream to be reunited with Daddy in heaven. It is now a reality for all of our family. Bless you Mom.

View Shirley E. Carey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/21/2026

Martha Janes

Martha Victoria Janes, 84, a longtime resident of Fitzwilliam, passed away peacefully and quietly while resting on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, after a period of declining health at Pheasant Wood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Peterborough NH.

She was born on May 24, 1941, in Northfield, MA, the beloved daughter of the late Evangeline (Solasz) and Eben Janes. She was educated and graduated within the Connecticut school system.

Martha dedicated many years of her career to the banking industry, beginning with Cheshire County Savings Bank (now TD Bank). She also contributed her talents at Kingsbury and Cheshire Medical Center before retiring in 2005.

Known for her vibrant spirit, Martha truly lived life to the fullest and was often the life of the party. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society, and found great joy in singing, dancing, and attending shows and musicals. Martha's passion for cooking and baking shone through in the family cookbook she lovingly created, filled with treasured recipes. She adored her grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. Martha also delighted in trips to Foxwoods, playing bingo, lively games of cribbage and poker with her family. Above all, Martha valued laughter and the memories made with her family and friends, always embracing fun and togetherness.

Ms. Janes is survived by her children, Debra Martin, and husband, Gary of Fitzwilliam, and Edward Solomon Sr. and wife, Catherine of Swanzey, her brothers Frederick Janes and wife, Gail of Connecticut, Dennis Janes and wife, Deborah of Connecticut, and sister in-law, Leslie Janes of Maryland. She is also survived by her grandchildren, EJ Solomon, Becky Solomon, Leah Martin, and Kyle Martin and her 3 great grandchildren. Martha was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Charles Janes and Bill Janes.

A graveside service will be held in the family later in the spring of 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery in Wi******er. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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01/21/2026

Robin Thebodeau

Robin Elaine Thebodeau, 71, of Marlborough, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

She was born a daughter to the late Elaine (Sweeney) and Ralph Talbot on November 16, 1954, in Lynn, MA. She was educated locally and continued her education at Salem State College.

Robin was a lifelong animal lover. From a young age she had a deep and passionate drive to rescue animals, especially those that others would have given up on. She spent many years grooming animals and went on to teach grooming as well. She was also a dog trainer. When illness led to an early retirement from grooming and training, she still managed to find a way to help by consulting and doing what training she could still do. She worked with multiple animal rescue agencies to foster and train and saved so many dogs.

She owned many animals throughout her life, though the animal closest to her heart was her horse, Lad, who she had for nearly 30 years.

She was an avid supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights and never failed to stand up for what she felt was right, even when it could get her in trouble.

She was also a music lover. As a teenager she regularly hitchhiked into Boston with her best friend, Julie, to go to concerts and to attend Bruins games. As she got older, disability made it difficult for her to attend many events, especially concerts, though she did manage to get to a handful. She found community online and made many friends through her love for the Foo Fighters.

Above all else she was an incredibly proud grandmother. She loved to talk about her granddaughters and would use any opportunity to let people know how fantastic they are.

She is survived by her children, Maximus Tardiff of Keene, Gillian Thebodeau of Marlborough, and Ryan Tardiff of Oregon. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Zoe Tardiff of Andover and Jolene Tardiff of Keene, as well as her brothers Scott and Brian Talbot. Along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was predeceased by both her parents and her sister, Carol-Lee Kehoe.

Calling hours will be from 10:00am-12:00pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the animal rescue of your choosing.

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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