Thelma A. Waugh

Thelma A. Waugh, 89, resident of Milford, NH, died at the Crestwood Nursing Center on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

She was born on July 21, 1936, in Groton, MA, daughter of the late Harold and Helen (Eliades) Schaerer.

Thelma was raised and educated in Groton, MA; in her youth, she worked at her parent’s ice cream stand on Groton Farms. After High School, Thelma worked as a secretary to the Superintendent of School in Groton until she married in 1959. She spent many years as a homemaker, while also volunteering at the Nashoba Hospital and as a cub scout den mother. When her children were older, Thelma worked as a reporter for the Time Free Press Newspaper in Pepperell, MA and managed a variety store in Ayer, MA for several years.

She enjoyed time spent with her family most of all. Thelma loved animals, especially horses and dogs. She was an avid gardener and cultivated beautiful flowers, especially roses. Thelma was a big sports fan, most notably of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. She had a beautiful smile that warmed many hearts.

In addition to her parents, Thelma was predeceased by her husband, Jordan F. Waugh and her son-in-law, Robert L. Duquette.

Survivors include her two children, Heather Duquette of Nashua, NH and Jonathan Waugh of Milford, NH.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 1:00 PM. Her burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Milford.

Arrangements are in the care of the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH, 03055. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.smith-heald.com for more information.