Rev. Roland L. Gamache, D.D.

WINCHENDON - Rev. Roland L. Gamache, D.D., 65, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Winchendon, died late Saturday evening, September 2nd in his residence, following an illness. He was born in Southbridge, MA. on April 4,1941, the son of Roland and Irene E. (Renaud) Gamache and had lived in Winchendon for 21 years. Rev. Gamache graduated from Notre Dame High School in Southbridge with the Class of 1959, and graduated from Holy Cross College in 1963. He graduated from the University of Louvain in Belgium in 1967 and received his Doctor of Divinity Degree from Yale University in 1970. On July 8,1967, he was ordained in Notre Dame Church in Southbridge by the late Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan. Rev. Gamache served as Associate Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Millbury from 1970 to 1976 and then served at Saint Mary's Church in Spencer, Notre Dame des Canadian Church in Worcester and Good Shepherd Church in Linwood. From 1983-1985, he served as Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Fitchburg and became Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Winchendon in 1985, serving the parish until the time of his death. Rev. Gamache leaves a sister, Gertrude S. Livernois of Prospect Heights, Illinois; two nieces, Laura A. Friberg of Vienna, VA. and Renee Scheller of Mid Lothian, VA., three grand nephews, two grand nieces, one aunt and one uncle. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 7th at 10 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon. Bishop Robert J. McManus S.T.D. will be principal concelebrant. Burial will take place in New Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge. Calling hours in the church will be held from 7 to 9 P.M. Wednesday, September 6th. A Wake Service will be held in the church at 7 P.M. Bishop George E. Rueger will be the celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Restoration Fund, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon, MA. 01475 or to Gardner Visiting Nursing Association Hospice Program, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA. 01440. The Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements. www.snow-ladeau.com