Obituaries: Joseph F. Gebhart, Michael L. Maher, Lura Thompson, Rita Senecal Oddy

Joseph F. Gebhart, 89, of Westborough, and former longtime Marlborough resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013 at the Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of Doris H. (Dufault) Gebhart to whom he was married to for 68 years. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Joseph and Nora (OConnor) Gebhart. He was educated in Westborough and graduated from Westborough High School in 1942. He also attended Boys Vocational Trade School in Worcester. Mr. Gebhart was employed as a machinist and draftsman at Amdek Corporation in Sudbury. While working there he helped design and build the first Sterivac unit. One of these first sterilization components was initially developed for Dr. Christian Barnard for cardia transplant operations. Following his retirement he worked for the City of Marlborough as a custodian in the school department. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/wickedlocal-westborough/obituary.aspx?n=Joseph-Gebhart&pid=16807292...

Michael L. Maher, 43, of Marlborough and Worcester, died suddenly Thursday (Nov. 21, 2013) at his family's home after a long battle with an illness. He leaves his parents Charles L. and Martha L. (Rowe) Maher of Marlborough and his brothers Paul J. Maher and his wife Joan (Collins) of Northborough and Kevin W. Maher of Marlborough and his extended family. He was the nephew of the late Patricia Maher and Francis and Olive Maher both of Worcester. Michael was born in Worcester and raised in Marlborough and graduated from Marlborough High School. Michael was an auto mechanic by trade and worked in the surrounding town. Michael will be remembered for his big heart and his passion for helping others and his love for animals, Michael will be deeply missed by his family, close friends and all that knew and loved him. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/metrowestdailynews/obituary.aspx?n=Michael-Maher&pid=168130669#stha...

Lura M. Thompson, of Hudson, died Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013 at Marlborough Hospital. Born in Marlborough, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lura(Daniels) Brazeau. She is survived by her children, Sandra Beard of Hudson, Richard Thompson of Framingham, Shirley Delano of Oxford, Susan Jones of Virginia, and Michael Thompson of Marlborough. She was also the mother of the late Joseph Thompson and Marietta Thompson.
She attended St. Anthony's School and St. Anne's Academy, Marlborough and Marlborough High School. Upon graduation, she began working as a switchboard operator in Worcester. She later worked at Diamond Shoe and Addison Footwear, both in Marlborough. She joined the Boy Scouts of America in 1971 as a den mother moving up to commissioner.

Rita (Senecal) Oddy, 94, a lifelong resident of Marlborough, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013. Born in Marlborough, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Blanche (Toupin) Senecal and the wife of the late Harold Oddy, who died in 1990. 
A graduate of Marlborough High School Class of 1938, Mrs. Oddy continued on to business school. She had been employed at Bay State Abrasives, Westborough, as a secretary and purchasing agent, retiring after many years. 
She had been a member of the Bay State Retirees, the Immaculate Conception Parish, Marlborough as well as the former St. Ann's Parish and Ladies Sodality. 
Rita enjoyed a long and active life. She never let her age curtail her activities. She continued to ski, travel extensively, dine out often, care for her garden and mow her lawn into her nineties.