Bruce Stokes, 56, of Suitland, MD, died  July 19, 2008, after a long illness. Born October 21, 1951, in Augusta, GA, Mr. Stokes was the son of the late Eddie Lee Austin. Bruce grew up in Leominster, where he served as President of the 100th graduating class. he  was very active in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), winning many awards and national recognition. He earned a Bachelor's degree in business administration from Wilmington College in Delaware in 1975. At Wilmington, he continued participation in DECA activities and again was recognized nationally for his many achievements. In 1973, he was chosen to serve as a White House intern. After college, he taught high school and college classes and was employed by the national DECA organization. In 1979, he became a vice president for the National Council on Aging. Prior to his illness, Mr. Stokes returned to teaching. As a natural and enthusiastic leader, his strongest joy was helping young adults realize their talents and achieve success. At the commencement of the 100th graduating class of LHS in 1970, the Class presented Bruce an award that simply read: "Bruce Stokes: The Unforgettable Laugh, The Big Heart, The Outstanding Leader. We Thank You."

Mr. Stokes is survived by five brothers and sisters: Judy Holdman, Michael, John, Louis and Ural Austin; his adopted brother Paul Green and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 9, 2008, at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main Street, Leominster, MA, from 1 pm -4 pm. There are no calling hours, and burial will be private at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The New Hope Community Church, 139 Sandy Pond Road, P.O. Box 456, Ayer, MA 01432.

Maria D. (Valente) Osborn, 55, of 1 Ayer Road, Nashua, N.H., formerly of Leominster, died on Wednesday, Dec. 19, in Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, N.H., after an illness.

Mrs. Osborn was born in Leominster on April 15, 1952. She lived in Nashua for the past six years. She worked in the parts department at Dave Allen Lincoln-Mercury in Derry, N.H., and previously, she had worked at Milford Ford in Milford, N.H., and then Downtown Lincoln-Mercury in Nashua, N.H. Maria enjoyed cooking, walking, shopping and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Russell E. Osborn of Leominster; a daughter, Christina M. Osborn and her fiance, John Belair, of Leominster; two sons, Joseph R. Osborn and his wife, Katie Osborn, of Leominster and Justin H. Osborn of Nashua, N.H.; her parents, Fiorello and Henrietta (Mazzarella) Valente of Fitchburg; three brothers, Salvatore Valente of Leominster, Robert Valente of Florida and Alexander Valente of Leominster; and her three grandchildren, Kelsey Belair, Kayla Belair and Emilee Osborn, all of Leominster.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m. in the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster. Burial will be at a later date. Calling hours will be held on Friday, Dec. 21, from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.

Dr. Kenneth Lester Goss, 54, passed away Monday, April 10th.  He was born in Leominster on Nov. 11, 1951, the son of Robert and Alva (DiMauro) Goss and lived in Leominster for most of his life. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fitchburg State College and a doctorate from Saba University.

On Oct. 1, in Worcester A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, in the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Calling hours will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4 in the funeral home.