Merle A. (Brehio) Touchette

TEMPLETON - Merle A. (Brehio) Touchette, 87, of 59 Eastwood Circle, Gardner and formerly of 99 Bridge Street, Baldwinville, died Tuesday morning, December 23rd, in the Leo P. LaChance Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Gardner. She was born in Baldwinville on July 3,1921, the daughter of the late Edward J. and Marguerite F. (Whitney) Brehio and was one of six children. She was a resident of Baldwinville for many years and had resided in Gardner since 2001. Merle worked as a store clerk in many local stores in Gardner, including Grants, Fanny Farmer Candy Store and for 21 years at Goodnow Pearsons. She has traveled to Germany, as well as Texas and other states to visit with family. She also enjoyed vacations in Maine. She leaves a son, Richard E. Touchette of Gardner and a daughter, Carole M. Boulay and her husband Philip of Gardner; a brother, Edward D. Brehio of Baldwinville; a sister, Marion J. Lancey of Baldwinville; five grandchildren, four great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by two sons, Bernard L. Touchette of Bellville, Texas, who died in 2006, and William J. Touchette of Winchendon, who died in 2007 and her former husband, Lawrence J. Touchette, who died in 1987. Three sisters also predeceased her, Marjorie D. Mellen of Oregon, who died in 1983; Madeline J. Taylor Mellen of CT., who died in 1995 and Marilyn J. Goodwin of Baldwinville, who died in 1998. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, December 29th at 12:30 P.M. in St. Vincent dePaul Church, 1 Forest Street, Baldwinville. Calling hours will be Monday, December 29th from 10:30 A.M. to Noon in the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Baldwinville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Templeton Fire Department Rescue Squad, 2 School Street, Baldwinville, MA. 01436. www.snow-ladeau.com