Jessica A. (Ricard) Stewart

ORANGE- Jessica A. (Ricard) Stewart, 84, of Eagleville Road, died early Saturday morning, January 16, 2021 at home surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Indian Orchard on November 8, 1936, she was the daughter of Harmas  and Gladys A. (Sebastion) Ricard and had lived most of her life in Winchendon.

On July 4, 1980, Jessica married William “Emmett” Stewart and they enjoyed 20 years until his death on December 7, 2000. She was previously married to Rodrick Parker.

Jessica had been a sales clerk at Winchendon Fashion and had previously worked for Whitney’s Furniture in Ashburnham, Levinstones Manufacturing in Winchendon and the Sisters of the Assumption in Petersham.

Jessica had been a member of the American Legion Unit 172 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 923 in Turners Falls.

Jessica is survived by her children, Richard “Buster” Parker (Beverly Lavender) of Southbridge, Christopher Parker (Karen) of Spring Hill, Florida, Joseph Parker (Rhonda Smith) of Loris, SC, Coleen James (Andrew) of Maynard, Robert Parker (Joyce) of Auburn, and Karon Parker (Marc LeBlanc) or Orange; grandchildren, Brian Parker, Katie Parker, Andrue Parker, Amber Parker, Robert James, Michael James, and Olivia LeBlanc;  many great grandchildren; a brother, Floyd Ricard (Arlene) of Gardner; and several nephews and nieces.

Besides her parents and husband Emmett, Jessica was predeceased by a brother, Francis Ricard and a sister, Nina O’Malley.

FACE MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIRED FOR:

There are no calling hours.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 1 p.m., in South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange, with Rev. Dr. Candi Ashenden of the Athol Congregational Church officiating.

Donations in Jessica’s memory are suggested to the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, 20 Burlington Mall Road, #261, Burlington, MA 01803.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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