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James Haglund Obituary

47, of Worcester, died Friday July 18th in his home surrounded by family and friends after a 17 month fight with Merkel Cell Carcinoma. He leaves his wife of 20 years, Dolores J. "Dorrie" (Didonna) Haglund; two children, Matthew J. Haglund and Kristina E. Haglund, both of Worcester; three sisters, Carol A. Grindley and her husband, Walter of Millbury, Jayne M. Leardi and her husband, George of Worcester and Nancy J. Augusto and her husband, John of Worcester; a brother-in-law, James Direnzo of Sutton; also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and two aunts. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert T. Haglund, Stephen C. Haglund and a sister, Kathryn L. Direnzo. The Haglund family wishes to thank Dr. Lorch, Dr. Balboni and Dr. Linda Wang and their staffs at the Dana Farber/Brigham and Womens Cancer Center for all their special care and attention to James and his family during James' illness. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with James' family on Tuesday, July 22nd from 5:00-9:00 PM in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, SHREWSBURY. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 23rd with a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in Saint Marys Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Contributions in James' memory can be given to Merkel Cell Cancer Research, by going to its website www.merkelcell.org. For directions and for James' personal online memorial guestbook, please visit brittonfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Jul. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Haglund

Not sure what to say?





Pam D'Alio

August 18, 2008

Dorrie, Kristina & Matt: It is difficult to put into words all of the emotions and thoughts that we are experiencing. I feel sadness that you will no longer have your husband and dad physically with you but then I know he will always be there looking out for each one of you every day. He will be there to share those special days with you. Not only was I lucky to get a great step father in Bob, but we got all of you as well. We are here for you if you need anything. Jimmy will forever be in our hearts. With love and sympathy~ Pam, Mike, Courtney & Mike

Denise Willard

July 23, 2008

Dorrie & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

Paula Borci

July 22, 2008

Dori, Kristina & Matt,
I cant tell you enough how sorry & sad Iam for you all....we have been through in the last few months what most people dont go through in a lifetime. It seems so unfair! Jimmy will always be special to me & know that we are here if ever you need us to be.
All our love,
Chad & Paula Borci

Patti Groat (Powers)

July 22, 2008

Dorrie, Kristina & Matt-
I really don't know what to say. This is unimaginable. I am SO sorry for your loss and the pain you are feeling.
I'm glad that I got to spend some time with Jimmy while I was home visiting Bob. He always knew how to make me smile--even in the toughest of times. I will never forget him and it gives me peace knowing that Bob has his baby brother by his side.
If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to call.
We love you, Patti & Bryson

Anthony & Brenda Laganelli & Children

July 22, 2008

Dear Dorrie, Kristina & Matt,
We thought the poem fit Jim and his life like a glove. We hope you enjoyed the poem we chose. With all our love and heartfelt sympathies,
Anthony, Brenda, Derek & Jillian
xoxoxoxo

Love, Anthony & Brenda Laganelli & Children

July 22, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

July 22, 2008

To Haglund Family : I am at a loss of words, the past 4 months for all you, have not been easy, I don't know how much a family can take, I do know you all are wonderful people with great strenghten & love :: Hag and all of us from the corner/fire go way back, I will cherish the fond memories in your Parents home on Jennings St... Love Kathy Dalbec McMahon

Gene Westerlind

July 22, 2008

To the Haglund family,

I am deeply sorry for the loss of Jimmy. I owe him a debt of gratitude for helping me when I crashed my dirt bike as a teenager. I am thankful to have had Jimmy as a friend. I will miss him.

Nancy (Borraccino)Lafleur

July 22, 2008

My memories of Jimmy go a long long way back to when Jennifer and Bobby Haglund where just babies. He was working with his big brother Bob asphalt paving and would be at Bob's house alot while I was there playing with Bob's children. He would have this way of picking at me and getting me all steamed up and then just laughing his head off. I could not help but end up laughing myself because he got me every time. He was just a kid himself then and so full of life and thats the way I will remember your husband and father. A sweet little boy who could always make me laugh. I am sorry that you are all feeling the pain of his loss. May the memories you have of him help you thru this difficult time.

Fran & George McManus

July 21, 2008

Dori, There are no words that can take away your pain. We can only try to remember the good times, and when we do we will cry, but after awhile, we will be able to remember the good times and smile. Jimmy was one of a kind, we will miss him.

jennifer martinez

July 21, 2008

Dori, I saw Jimmy not too long ago, and as usual he had a smile on his face, asked how everyone was, and told me to go see you for my nails. I walked away from him laughing because he was Jimmy and he always made you feel better. I'm still at the house if you ever want to just stop by, I would love to see you and help in any way. I love you Dori..Jen (McManus) Martinez

Lisa Wade

July 21, 2008

Dori, Kids Nancy, Carol ,Jayne and Family.

I cannot express the sadness that I feel... I want to say how sorry I am to hear about Jimmy. I had been praying for a miracle for months . my prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time . Jimmy was like a brother to me as we grew up and I have so many happy memories of all of you together.. God will keep him safe and give you all the strength to somehow carry on.Jimmy will be your guardian angel he loved you all very much.God Bless all of you.
love ya all , Lisa(Bria) Wade

Bob Westerlind Jr

July 21, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Diane McBride

July 21, 2008

I'm truly sorry.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Dave Poplawski

July 21, 2008

Dorrie,Kristina & Matthew,

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. It seems like only yesterday Jim, Bob and myself were out working on the old B Model Mack. Jim truly was a friend to all.

You are all in our prayers.

Dave,Karen,Joseph&Jonathan

Brenda Haglund-McNickles

July 20, 2008

Jimmy was a wonderful brother and brother in law. He was so gentle in his care for his late brother and my late husband, Stephen. He was loved very much by both of us. My heart truly goes out to all of you at this very difficult time. You will all remain in my prayers.

Michelle (Lemerise) Wesson

July 20, 2008

To The Haglund Family,
My deepest Sympathy is with all of you at this sad time. I was around Jimmy when we were in High school. He went to Voke and I went to Girls Trade. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Sue & Lou Rinaldi and Family

July 20, 2008

Dorrie,Kristina & Matt,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We were so sad to hear of Jim's passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Buduo

July 20, 2008

Debbie, Terry, Maureen/Everett and Jeannie ,
What a tremendous year of loss it has been for your family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Kellie Morton

July 19, 2008

To the Haglund Family,
Please accept my sincerest sympathies on James' passing. I knew him from the Levine Center, and he was a wonderful guy! I know your family has been through so much and I am so deeply sorry. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. May he rest in peace with his loved ones and know he is watching over you all. My sincerest symapthies to your whole family.
Kellie A. Morton,Pca Levine Center

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