In Memoriam Archive

January 5, 2017: Funeral Service for H. Rilla Martin

H. Rilla (Putnam) Martin, 91, beloved mother of Richard E. Martin, a deacon at Bethany Baptist Church and grandmother of his four children, died peacefully Friday afternoon, December 30, 2016 in Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. The memorial service was held at Bethany Baptist Church, 72 Ryan St., Gardner, at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2017, with former Bethany pastor Daniel R. Meiners presiding.

Rilla was the director-teacher of Bethany Christian Nursery School (BCNS) from 1968 until her retirement in 1987. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church of Gardner and was active there for many years in Senior Choir; director of its Children Choir, teacher and superintendent of its Sunday School and a teacher in its Vacation Bible Schools. She served with Child Evangelism Fellowship of Worcester County, teaching Good News Clubs and Summer 5-Day Clubs. Rilla also worked with Boy Scouts of America as a former Cub Scout Den Leader. You may view the full obituary here.

 

December 10, 2016: Funeral Service for Signe J. Havumaki

Doctor Ron Larson, Director of Missions for Converge Northeast, presided at the funeral service for Signe J. Havumaki on December 10, 2016, at Bethany Baptist Church. Signe went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, December 6 2016, in Cheshire, CT, in her 92nd year. She was a lifelong member of Bethany Baptist Church and was very active, serving as the church clerk, a deaconess, and on several committees. View her obituary here.

 

 

August 4, 2016: Seth S. Parent, Grandson of Clarence and Leone Philipps

Calvin and Marcia Parent, former Pine St. & Bethany members (Marcia is the daughter of Clarence and Leone Phillips) experienced the sudden death of their 41-year-old son, Seth, while vacationing together in Barton, VT. The Memorial Service was held Wednesday, August 10, at 2 p.m. in the Methodist Church in Barton. You may send cards to them at Box 143, Barton, VT 05822. Please pray for God’s Hand of Comfort in the loss of their dear son (and Ashley’s brother).  View the obituary here.

 

December 24, 2015: Funeral Service for Teddy V. Novakowski

Reverend Ed Lindquist, honorary deacon and former pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, presided at the funeral service of long-time member  Teddy V. Novakowski (12/23/1925 to 12/20/2015) at 10:00 a.m. on December 24, 2015. Teddy was called home by his Savior on December 20th, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at home. A decorated WWII veteran, he was the face of Bethany’s hospitality and served in many roles over the years. He is survived by his wife Nellie and all seven children. Daughters Nan Sands and Neva Paul are active members of Bethany. Read about Teddy’s life of service here.

 

September 18, 2015: Funeral Service for Beverly Jean Palmieri

Reverend Daniel Meiners, former pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, presided at the funeral service of Beverly (McAdams) Palmieri on Friday, September 18th, at noon, at Boucher Funeral Home, Gardner. Beverly went to be with her Lord on Sunday, September 13th, surrounded by her family. Beverly attended and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. She had many friends there, and she will be missed. Among her many nieces and nephews are Paula d’Entremont and Bradley Smith, also members of Bethany. View the obituary here. 

 

July 17, 2015: Funeral Service for Jean Louise Erickson

Jean (Shepard) Erickson went to be with her Lord on July 13, 2015. Jean was a longtime, faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church where she was active in the choir, church band, serving committees and social activities. She  is survived by her four children, Bob (and Peg) Erickson of Wilmington, N.C., Tom (and Diane) Erickson of Gardner, Sue (and Stan) Hartshorn of Gardner, Nancy (and Dan) Clayborne of New Sweden, ME. Reverend Ed Lindquist, former pastor of Bethany Baptist Church when Jean was a member, performed the service. View the obituary here.

 

May 17, 2014: Memorial Service for Gloria L. Kenney

Pastors Dan Meiners and Edwin Lindquist officiated at the memorial service for Gloria L. Kenney, a long-time, beloved member of Bethany Baptist Church until she moved four years ago with her daughter’s family to Goffstown, NH. The service was attended by her extended family and friends on Saturday, May 17, 2014. View the obituary here (enter “Kenney” into the search box).

 

November 5, 2013: Memorial Service for Edna Anderson

Edna (Adamson) Anderson, oldest member of Bethany Baptist Church, passed from this life to enter the presence of the Lord on Tuesday morning, November 5th. Her love for God, people and laughter will be cherished by her natural and spiritual families. The site upon which Bethany’s building was built was partially donated by Edna’s family. View the obituary here.