All Obituaries

ORANGE- Leon E. Pratt, 78, of East River Street, King Pine Apartments, died peacefully at home after a long, courageous battle with cancer, on Tuesday evening, May 26, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Athol on October 19, 1941, he was a son of the late Harry A. and Charlotte (Robinson) Pratt and grew up in Wendell, graduating from the New Salem Academy in 1960. On November 5, 1966, Leon married Rose M. (Goulette) at Saint Mary’s Church in Orange and enjoyed 46 years together...

ATHOL-  Mary (Kelly) Cass, 95, of Ridge Avenue, died peacefully at home on Saturday morning, May 23, 2020, with her son David at her side. Born in Dorchester on November 6, 1924, she was a daughter of James and Mary Reardon) Kelly Mary became a teacher, as well as a nurse, and enjoyed both professions helping people in both capacities. She taught in the Athol school system and had worked at Athol Memorial Hospital. She was married to David N. Cass, who predeceased her. Mary is...

ORANGE- Joseph R. Morris 76, formerly of North Main Street, died late Friday evening, May 22, 2020 at Fitchburg Healthcare. Born in Boston on April 14, 1944, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Fernandez) Morris and grew up in Cambridge. Following graduation, Joe joined the military from 1962 – 1967. He continued his military career while working in foundries and eventually followed his heart and love of travel and became a tractor trailer driver until retiring in 2016. Joe...

ORANGE- Dr. Carl G. Holmgren, PhD., 72, passed away peacefully after a 7-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinsonism. Carl was born in Brockton, MA, son of the late Anne (Johnson) and Jack Holmgren.  He grew up in Enfield, CT.  After serving in the Army Carl earned his teaching degree and became an educator.  He taught high school while continuing his education, eventually receiving a PhD in Psychology.  He went on to work for many years counseling at-risk...

ATHOL- Wallace E. Erali, 74, of Conant Road, died on Monday, May 18, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born in Gardner on March 30, 1946, he was a son of Peppino and Doris (Thomas) Erali and graduated from New Salem Academy in 1964. Wallace has been married to Marie (Hamlin) for 51 years. A hard working man, Wallace was a caretaker for the Cosby family before retiring. He previously had worked at Union Twist Drill, was a mechanic for VCS as well as Martone Trucking and...

Kris Congdon, 66, of Athol Road, died late Thursday evening, May 7, 2020 at Athol Hospital after being stricken ill. Kris was born in Fitchburg on September 1, 1953, a son of Phillip and Ramona (Hyatt) Congon. Kris worked as a roofer for many years. He is survived by his loving, long-time partner, Beth Gilgun of Warwick. There are no services planned at this time. Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family. You may offer your sympathy online at...

SOUTH ROYALSTON- Karen E. (Lobban) LeBlanc, 74, of River Road, died peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2020, with loved ones at her side. Born in Gardner on April 14, 1946, she was a daughter of John S. and Pearl M. (Bradway) Lobban and grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1964. On September 20, 1969, Karen married Roger L. LeBlanc and they have enjoyed over 50 years of marriage. Karen had been an assistant at Dr. Talcott’s dentist office. She also had...

Linda D. Bickford ATHOL- Linda Diane (Chaisson) Goddard- Bickford, 69, of New Sherborn Road, died at home peacefully on Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2020, with her loved ones at her side. Born in Athol on October 10, 1950, she was a daughter of Leo and Virginia (Mallet) Chaisson and spent most of her life in Athol. Linda was a local hairdresser for many years and had worked at several local shops. Survivors include her loving husband, Paul Bickford; her daughter, Amy Lee Goddard; her son,...

ATHOL- Shawn E. Valley, 55, of Harvard Avenue, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Friday, May 1, 2020. Born in Athol on October 14, 1964, he was a son of Ruby (Littlewood) Stowell and Richard Valley Sr. (predeceased). He was the youngest of five children. Shawn grew up in Athol where he attended and graduated from Athol High School. He prepared taxes for over 30 years locally, and was very skilled and dedicated to all of his clients and friends. Shawn loved sports, classic rock n...

Sandra J. (Guetti) (Johnston) Morgan, 78, of Fountain Street, died Friday morning, May 1, 2020 at home following an illness, with her husband at her side. Born on January 18, 1942. she was a daughter of the late Louis and Olga (DelPontne) Guetti. Sandra was married to Kingsley Morgan. Her first husband, William Johnston, died in 2007. There are no services scheduled at this time. Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.