Mass. women killed in Maine camper explosion remembered

Date:2025-08-06 11:25:27 Category:US Views:1 Comment:0

Two Massachusetts women who were killed in a camper explosion in Maine late last month are being remembered by their friends and family.

Marlborough resident Alesia Venura-Large, 58, and Leominster resident Nancy Pilsch, 57, died July 26 at an Old Orchard Beach campground, authorities said previously. A gas leak is believed to have caused the camper to explode.

Firefighters and paramedics responded to the explosion at the campground around 12:30 p.m., authorities said. They found the two women with severe burns and took them to Maine Medical Center in Portland, but both died the following day.

The initial investigation into the explosion indicated that liquified petroleum gas leaked into and under the camper, authorities said. A lit candle is believed to have ignited the gas and triggered the explosion.

Remembering Alesia Leigh Ventura-Large

Alesia Leigh Ventura-Large was born in Worcester on March 23, 1967, to Robert Lane and Beverly Rice, according to her obituary. She is described as “a healer” and “an accomplished artist” who earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Clark University.

“She was a true force of nature. She loved fiercely, completely and courageously. She was loyal, faithful, honest, true, big hearted, larger than life,” her obituary reads.

Ventura-Large was also the “beloved wife” of local priest John Large, according to her obituary. Together, they “helped countless people with a variety of troubles.”

Read more: 2 Mass. women die in Maine camper explosion possibly caused by gas leak

“She was beautiful, intelligent, witty, had a keen sense of humor, intuitive, powerful, a green thumb, bewitching and witchy, kind, amazing, positive, understanding, caring and very outgoing. Alesia spread love everywhere she ever went,” her obituary reads.

Ventura-Large leaves behind her mother, sister, brother, stepfather, two cats and many other cherished family members and friends, according to her obituary. A service and celebration of her life are scheduled to take place Saturday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. at the chapel in the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester. A reception is set to follow from 12 to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those looking to honor Ventura-Large’s life are asked to donate to a local animal rescue or shelter, according to her obituary.

Remembering Nancy L. Pilsch

Nancy L. Pilsch was born July 28, 1967, to Martin Pilsch and Linda Hiort, according to her obituary. She died the day before her 58th birthday.

Pilsch grew up in Baltimore and Fallston, Maryland, and Hopkinton, Massachusetts, according to her obituary. She lived most of her adult life in Leominster, Marlborough and MetroWest communities.

Pilsch worked as a customer representative and liaison for businesses and industries in Massachusetts, according to her obituary. She was an animal lover who was particularly fond of dogs, though she kept cats as well.

Pilsch is survived by her mother, brother, stepfather and many other beloved friends and relatives, according to her obituary. Per her wishes, no funeral service will be held for her.

In lieu of flowers, those looking to honor Pilsch’s memory are asked to make a donation to Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton in her name, according to her obituary.