Letter to the Editor:  Please Respect Shawsheen Cemetery as a Place for Mourning   

~ Submitted by Robyn Samuels, Doug Dietz, Karyn Girouard, Heather and Jeff Patterson

We’d like to direct your readers’ attention to a concern regarding Shawsheen Cemetery…… As with most cemeteries, it is a final resting place for loved ones, and there are those of us who have lost loved ones and visit them to remember them and pray.

Shawsheen Cemetery is open to the public but not as a recreational area.  It is a sacred area and has rules to be followed; for example, dogs are not allowed.  However, it is often used by residents for recreational pursuits that disturb the peace and sanctity sought by family members and other mourners.

There is no shortage of outdoor recreational space in Bedford.  There are ample hiking trails, playgrounds, bike paths, walking paths, and fields—to play, walk a dog, or socialize.  Other than looking for a peaceful and serene environment to walk and perhaps sit in contemplation and enjoy the quiet, the cemetery should not be used for recreational activities.

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We are working very hard to maintain the grounds and conserve the historic areas as well as the newer areas for all.  We ask that visitors to the cemetery be respectful of all who are visiting loved ones and seek other areas in town for recreational activities.

On a personal note, Heather & Jeff lost their son Jared, age 20, in January of 2020; Karyn & Doug lost their son Kyle, age 25, in July of 2020. They are buried at Shawsheen Cemetery.  We miss them and mourn for them and all the lost years. Visiting our sons in prayer brings us some peace.  Please think of this when going to the cemetery, as there are other families in similar situations who too are saddened by their personal loss.  Please be respectful of all.

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Mark Figenbaum
April 12, 2022 3:53 pm

I AGREE TOTALLY, EXCEPT WHEN SOMEONE IS VISITING THE CEMETERY WITH THEIR LOVED ONE’S PET (DOG/CAT) WHOM THEY LEFT BEHIND.

THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON WHY THE PET CANNOT GO TO VISIT THE MASTER THEY LOST.

I’M SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONES🙏

RESPECTFULLY,
MARK ALLAN FIGENBAUM
(Bedford Resident)

Virginia M Albanese
April 28, 2022 11:11 pm
Reply to  Mark Figenbaum

I’m not saying that pets shouldn’t visit. My objection is the people bring their pets purposely to walk them and allow the pets to relieve themselves. To me the cemetery is sacred ground. Not a pet park.

Virginia Albanese
April 12, 2022 10:38 am

Thank you for the piece on Shawsheen cemetery. My husband is buried there.
I visit frequently and it disturbing to me when I see people walking their dogs to poop. It is so disrespectful. I often approach people and remind them, no dogs allowed. It does not seem to effect them. I wish we could do something to fix this problem.

Heather Randhahn
April 12, 2022 10:37 am

Thank you for this timely reminder. My deepest condolences on your tragic losses.

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