William J. Lashua

William "Willie" J. Lashua, 92, of Ashburnham, died peacefully Thursday afternoon May 23, 2013 at home surrounded by his loving family. Willie was born in Ashburnham September 4, 1920, son of the late Walter and Sarah (Borey) Lashua, and has lived in Ashburnham all his life. His beloved wife Hilda May (Spellman) Lashua died in 2005. Willie is a proud United States Army Veteran, serving his country during WWII. He was a lifetime member of the Thomas P. Sweeney Post 142 American Legion of Ashburnham and a life member of the Turnpike Rod and Gun Club of Ashburnham. Willie worked for the Boston & Maine Railroad Co. for over 25 years as well as the Town of Ashburnham Highway and Water Dept. for 20 years. Willie enjoyed camping, traveling, talking walks in the woods, and cutting his own firewood. Most of all Willie loved spending time with his entire family especially his grandchildren. Willie is survived by his 6 children Walter J. Lashua and his wife Marylou of Templeton, Joseph W. Lashua and his fiancé Jenifer Dymek of Gardner, David A. Lashua and his wife Lee Ann of Gardner, Patricia M. Schiffman and her husband Allen of Ossipee, NH, Sarah A. Lozeau and her husband Roland of Templeton, and Rose M. Lashua of Eaton, CO, Richard A. Borey of Ashburnham and foster child Robert Thomas and his wife Darlene of Gardner, 7 grandchildren, Michael Lashua and his wife Julie of Winchendon, Mark Lashua of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Shannon Lozeau and her husband David Lampi of Winchendon, Heidi Musil and her husband John of Evens, CO, Tammy Kunz and her husband Brian of Eaton, CO, Aaron Lashua and his fiancé Christen McMahon of Needham, and Vanessa Walters-Zucco and her husband Edward of South Hadley, 4 great grandchildren, Maggie, Erica, Makayla, and Caden, one more great grandchild, Lynneah, due at any time, and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are planning to honor and celebrate Willie's life by gathering for calling hours in the Lamoureux Fletcher and Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner, on Friday May 31, 2013 from 1-3PM and 6-8PM. His funeral service will be held from the funeral home on Saturday June 1st, 2013 beginning at 8:30AM. A Funeral Mass will follow in St. Denis Church, 85 Main St. Ashburnham at 9:30AM. Following the Mass, Military Honors will take place in front of the town hall in Ashburnham. All are welcome to join the family at the American Liegion in South Ashburnham for a time of fellowship and further celebration of William's life. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations will be made to the Gardner Visiting Nurses Association Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440 or to the Thomas P. Sweeney Post 142 American Legion of Ashburnham, 132 Williams Rd., Ashburnham, MA 01430. To sign the online guestbook for Willie please visit our website at www.fletchercares.com. The Lamoureux Fletcher and Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner, is honored to be assisting the family with the arrangements.