Lawrence H. Cournoyer

PAXTON - Lawrence H. Cournoyer, 76, of Paxton, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2016 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Born in Holden, Lawrence was the son of Alfred E. and Antonette A. (Antinerella) Cournoyer and was a lifelong resident of Paxton. He leaves his best friend and wife of 41 years, Louise A. (Hamel) Green Cournoyer; six children, Glen F. Green and his wife Angelina of Rutland, David A. Green and his wife Jennifer of Westfield, NJ, Alfred L. Cournoyer of Paxton, Nicole Azze and her husband Jason of Orange, NH, Audrey Schwartzberg and her husband Ezra of Saranac Lake, NY, and Elaine D. Cournoyer of Montague; a sister, Blanche C. Haning and her husband Quentin of Raleigh, NC; five grandchildren, Madeline, Samuel and Jack Green, and Asa and Ida Schwartzberg Lawrence graduated from North High School in Worcester where he concentrated his studies in agriculture. He owned and operated Cournoyer Vegetable Farm in Paxton for over 60 years, assisting his parents in the early years and helped by his wife and children later on. He enjoyed working alongside generations of young people on the farm. He was a lifelong member of the New England Vegetable Growers Association and always enjoyed the outdoors—hunting and fishing in his youth and traveling, especially in his later years. Farming was his passion, and he was blessed to be able to work through his final season. He has been a member of St. Columba Parish since its founding. Always putting others first, he lived for his work and his family and was truly thankful for friends and neighbors. Lawrence was immensely grateful to all who supported the farm over the years. He also greatly appreciated the excellent care he received at UMass Hospital. He will be missed by many. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Lawrence's family from 2 to 4 and 6:30 to 8 pm on Friday, February 12, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, at St. Columba Church, 18 Richards Ave. in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Pernet Family Health Service, 237 Millbury St., Worcester, MA 01610-2177 www.pernetfamilyhealth.org or to Abby’s House Wish List, 52 High St., Worcester, MA 01609, a few of the many institutions Lawrence and Louise have generously supported. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit the "Guest Book" here on this page.