LACONIA, NH—Walter L. Champagne, 88 years old, a longtime Lowell resident, more recently of Tilton, NH, died Saturday, March 22nd, in Laconia, NH, after a brief illness.
He was born in Worcester, on November 5, 1919, a son of the late James and Eva (Lindsay) Champagne, and was educated in Worcester Schools.
During World War II, he served with the United States Army attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. For over 36 years, Mr. Champagne was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier serving routes in the Gallagher Square and Highlands section of Lowell. Before his move to Tilton, he was a longtime resident of the Highlands section of Lowell and a communicant of St. Margaret’s Church. He was also a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, in Tilton, NH.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years: Mary Glenna (Sheehan) Champagne, of Tilton, NH; two sons and daughters-in-law: Alan J. and Virginia (Greeley) Champagne, of Andover; and Donald P. and Joanne (Wheatley) Champagne, of Dracut; a daughter and son-in-law: Linda E. and Gary J. Vaillancourt, of Lowell; five grandchildren: Brian J. Champagne, of Dracut; Jeffrey P. Champagne, of Pelham, NH; Korina L. Champagne, of Lowell; Colin G. Champagne, of Andover; and Corey J. Vaillancourt, of Lowell; two great grandchildren: Logan J. Champagne, of Lowell; and Hailey E. Welch, of Dracut.
He was the father of the late James M. Champagne, and Paul L. Champagne.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday, March 26th at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38), Lowell, MA. His Funeral Mass to be offered on Thursday, March 27th at 9:30 AM ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH, Lowell. Burial to follow at 1 PM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, in Boscawen, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; 20 Walnut Street; Suite 318; Wellesley, MA 02481.