Obituaries and Condolences
Francis C. Gewehr
Montague, Massachusetts
FRANCIS “FRANK” GEWEHR, 85, died Wednesday, February 01, 2012, following a period of declining health at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton, MA.
A native of Montague, he was born on August 26, 1926 to Frank and Esther (Sheridan) Gewehr and was educated in Montague Public Schools. Frank worked for several years at the former Greenfield Tap & Die Corporation in Greenfield, later accepting a position with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the dining commons and retired following 30 years of service as a chef.
He served honorably during WWII in the United States Navy, enlisting on August 29, 1944. He served aboard the USS Portsmouth and the USS Portland and was discharged with a rate of Seaman 2nd Class on July 3, 1946.
Frank was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed taking day trips (via car) and bus trips. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, the former Lorraine Bergeron whom he married on January 4, 1980. Additionally, he leaves his loving son: Donald Gewehr and his wife Marie, of Erving, MA, his daughters: Patti Gallant and her husband Joseph, of Hadley, MA and Linda “Lin” Diemand and her husband Pete, of Wendell, MA. Frank also leaves several loving grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.
Services in celebration of Frank’s life will be observed on Friday, February 3, 2012 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be conducted at 9:00AM at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA, with Rev. Fr. Stanley J. Aksamit, Pastor as the celebrant. Guests are asked to meet directly at the church on Friday morning in observance of the services.
Rites of committal and burial will military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, with members of the USN in attendance. Visiting hours are omitted. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to, the Farren Care Center, Resident’s Activities Fund, 340 Montague City Road, Turners Falls, MA 01376.
Harold Waldron
Greenfield , Massachusetts
Harold Waldron, 63, of 7 Turner Street , in the Village of Lake Pleasant, Montague , MA , died Friday, January 27, 2012 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center , following a period of declining health.
At the request of the deceased, there are no formal services to be scheduled at this time. Visiting hours are to be omitted. Following cremation, a memorial service in celebration of Harold’s life will be observed at a later date, place and time to be announced.
Memorial contributions may be made in Harold's memory to the American Diabetes Association, Massachusetts Office, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110.
June B. (Hobson) Schab
Greenfield, Massachusetts
June B. (Hobson) Schab, 90, of 15 Lorita Lane, Northfield, MA died peacefully on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Charlene Manor Extended Nursing Facility, 130 Colrain Road, Greenfield, MA following a period of declining health.
She was born on June 28, 1921 in Meriden, CT., to Frederick G. and Mary Louise (Spring) Hobson and was educated in local public schools in Connecticut, until she moved to Greenfield with her family in 1930. While residing in Greenfield, she attended Greenfield Public Schools and was a graduate of GHS in the Class of 1939. June went on to further her education by graduating from the former Northampton Commercial College. She retired in 1974, as a telephone operator with the former New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, now known as Verizon. June married her first husband, Arthur H Fournier on June 5, 1946 and they celebrated nearly 35 years of marriage together, prior to his passing in March of 1981. She married Michael C. Schab on June 26, 1982 and he predeceased her as well. Additionally, June was predeceased by her son, Gary S. Fournier in March of 2004 and brother Frederick J. Hobson, Sr. in Sept. of 1993.
June served honorably during WWII from June of 1943 until October of 1945, as a member of the USN, assigned to the “WAVES” and attained the rate of Yeoman 2nd Class. She was a member of the WAVES National Association, as well as the former WAVES Pioneer Valley Unit #81. She was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church in Greenfield, MA.
June is lovingly remembered by her nephew, Richard W. Hobson, of Dunedin, FL, as well as by her step-son, Mark Schab of Lincoln, R.I. She is also survived by her step-children: David Schab of MA. and Daniel Schab of FL, nephew: Frederick J. Hobson, Jr., nieces: Carol Chagnon and Barbara Markham, all of FL., as well as several step-grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Services in celebration of June’s life and many gifts will be observed on Saturday, February 4th, 2012, with a memorial Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:00AM at Holy Trinity Church, 133 Main Street, Greenfield, MA. Rev. Fr. Tomasz Gorny, Parochial Vicar, will be the celebrant. Full military honors will be observed in recognition of June’s patriotism during WWII, with members of the USN in attendance. A reception will be announced at the conclusion of the services. Inurnment will be private in the Calvary Cemetery, Greenfield, MA, following cremation. Visiting hours have been omitted. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to the, WAVES National Association in c/o Monica O’Hara-Treasurer, 6383 Kimmy Ct., San Diego, CA 92114-5631 or the Town of Montague Veteran’s Memorial Fund, 1 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376
Gretchen P. (Polk) Caines
Greenfield, Massachusetts
Gretchen P. (Polk) Caines of 206 Country-Side Road, Greenfield MA died suddenly Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.
Gretchen was born in Dayton, Ohio to the late Paul W. Polk and Doris Polk (Fitzgibbons). She is survived by her husband of 48 years, J. William (Bill), her brother P. William (Bill) Polk, Jr., her sisters Carol Meenan and Susan Polk Wehrwein; her sons Jim, Chris and Steven; her daughter Karen Gray and her Grandchildren Connor Caines, Dylan Caines, Evan Caines, Alexis Caines, Meredith Gray and Spencer Gray.
She moved to Greenfield as a child and attended The Bement School, Saint Mary’s in the Mountains and Colby-College. She worked for many years at Northfield Mount Hermon School in numerous positions until her retirement in 2009. She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church.
A Rite of Christian Burial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, Corner of Federal and Church Street, Greenfield on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11am with The Rev. Dr. John A. Cerrato as officiant. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. James Church, P.O. Box 1511, Greenfield, MA 01302. Visiting hours are omitted and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Deborah J. Wendolowski
Greenfield , Massachusetts
Deborah Jane Wendolowski, 57, a resident of 125 Wells Street, died Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, following a period of illness.
A native of Northampton, MA, she was born on August 15, 1954 to Bernard S. and Frances A. (Wanczyk) Wendolowski. She attended public schools in South Deerfield, MA, graduating from Frontier Regional High School in the Class of 1972. Upon her graduation from high school, she attended Greenfield Community College until she enlisted in the United States Army, serving with a Medical Detachment from September 4, 197.3 She was honorably discharged on December 27, 1974.
Deborah was an avid New York Yankees and New England Patriots fan. She also enjoyed traveling. Survivors include her father, Bernard S. Wendolowski of Easthampton, MA; her life partner Linda L. Walaszek of Greenfield, MA, a sister; Marianne Zoly of Northampton, MA and a brother-in-law, Francis J. Demerski of Sturbridge, MA.
A committal service in remembrance of Deborah will be observed on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 10:00AM from the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA, with the Catholic Rite of Burial Service, to be followed by full military honors provided by the 54st Massachusetts Army National Guard in attendance. Visiting hours will be omitted. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Frances E. (Hoyt) Baker
Greenfield , Massachusetts
Frances Evelyn (Hoyt) Baker, 86, a resident of 159 Shelburne Road, died Wednesday evening, January 4, 2012 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center following a period of declining health.
A native of Brattleboro, Vermont, she was born on May 30, 1925 to Arthur and Ruth G. (Day) Hoyt. Frances was educated in Bernardston (MA) Public Schools and graduated from the former Powers Institute in the Class of 1943.
Following her graduation from high school, she went to work for the former Northfield Inn, later accepting a waitress position (which she adored) at the Colony Hotel properties in both Kennebunkport ME and Delray Beach, FL for several years. Later, Fran worked at the former Alwin Olga Restaurant and for Turnbull’s Restaurant both in Greenfield, MA. In her later years, prior to her retirement, she worked for the Greenfield Public School System as a secretary at GHS.
Frances was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church, where she was a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality. She was an accomplished cook and baker, known for her delicious meals and baked treats. Fran enjoyed flower gardening, antiquing and traveling the flea market circuit in search of a hidden treasure, reading and most of all vacationing in Kennebunkport and Camden, ME and Grand Manan Island, NB, Canada.
She married Joseph J. Baker on November 20, 1965 in Deerfield, MA and they celebrated nearly 46 years of marriage prior to his passing on August 15, 2011. She was predeceased by a son, John J. Baker in 2001. She leaves her loving son and daughter-in-law, James R. and Joan Baker of Greenfield, MA; (2) granddaughters, Clarice and Rebecca Baker and (1) great grandson, Malik Baker-Gore. Her siblings: brother-Harry Hoyt and his wife Shirley, of Brattleboro, VT and her sister and best friend, Mary Saunders of Greenfield, MA.
Additionally, she leaves her loving nieces and nephews: Pamela and Edward Peramba of Greenfield, MA; Michael and Paula Saunders of Vernon, VT; Luann and Frank Smith of Jaffrey, NH; Barbara and Jim Paulin of Gill, MA; Patricia and Edward Uszyaski of Chicopee, MA; Richard Baker of Greenfield, MA; Beatrice and Douglas Dauphinais of Ocala, FL and Mary Girard of Palmyra, VA. Additionally, he leaves his grandnieces and grandnephews: Kimberly and her husband Raymond Mailloux of Erving, MA, Rebecca and Justin Chapin of Bernardston, MA and Timothy and Kelly Paulin of Gill, MA and her dear brother-in-law, Joseph Bailey of Rousses Point, NY. Additionally, Fran is lovingly remembered by her devoted and dear friends, Betty and Bill Leno, Olga Boucher and Chris and Gay Sabine.
Services in celebration of her life will be observed on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 with a committal service to take place at 9:15AM from the graveside of Calvary Cemetery, with the Catholic Rite of Burial service to be offered by Msgr. Ronald G. Yargeau, Pastor of Holy Trinity Church. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow the services at the cemetery at Holy Trinity Church, 133 Main Street, Greenfield, at 10AM, with Msgr. Yargeau as the celebrant. A reception will be announced at the conclusion of the service. Expressions of affection in the form charitable contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to Holy Trinity Church, 133 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 or to the Franklin Area Survival Center, 96 Fourth Street, Turners Falls, MA 01376
James B. Cassady
Montague, Massachusetts
James B. “Sonny” Cassady, 63, of 21 Winthrop Street, in the Village of Millers Falls, died Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield, MA following a period of declining health.
He was born in Jacksonville, FL on February 16, 1948 to Phillip B. and Virginia L. (Farrell) Cassady and was educated in local schools, graduating from Jacksonville High School in the Class of 1966. He enlisted in the USMC on December 27, 1966 and served with honor and distinction during the Vietnam War and was a recipient of (3) Purple Hearts, the National Defense Service Medal, 2 Vietnam Service Medals, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1 device, Combat Action Ribbon, Rifleman Marksman badge and Pistol Expert Bade, Good Conduct Medal and was discharged on January 19, 1971 at Camp Pendleton, CA.
Following his discharge from active duty, he remained in CA working in the trades and later returned to his native FL where he held similar positions in construction. He relocated to Massachusetts and worked as a carpenter. Sonny enjoyed many activities including riding his beloved Harley motorcycle, taking trips to Maine and enjoyed fresh and salt water fishing and golf. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the Miami Dolphins. Sonny was an ordained minister who had an active ministry by the name of “Sinners and Grace” (an urban “street ministry”) where he provided to those in need on the streets of Northampton, MA.
He married the former Marcia A. (St. Marie) Jenkins on May 16, 1991 in Brattleboro, Vermont. In addition to his loving and devoted wife of 20 years, he leaves his son, James B. Cassady, Jr. of Turners Falls, MA and his daughter, Diane M. Cassady of Millers Falls, MA; four loving grandchildren: Christopher Shane, Otilia Marcia Bartolon, Miguel Angel Bartolon and Elejandra Maria Bartolon. Additionally, he leaves his brother John P. Cassady of Orlando, FL and his sisters, Sherian Cashdollar of Canton, GA and Lisa Cassady of Decatur, GA and several nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert E. Cassady.
Services in recognition of his military service will be observed on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 10:00AM from the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA with Rev. Irving Mullette, Chaplain of the Oak Ridge Marine Corps League Detachment of Bernardston, MA to officiate. Full military honors to be observed with members of the USMC in attendance, assisted by members of the Oak Ridge Marine Corps League Detachment. Later that evening, the Cassady family will receive guests at the Bernardston Veteran’s Club, post quarters of the Oak Ridge Marine Corps League Detachment, Hartwell Street, Bernardston, MA from 6:00PM until 8:00PM. A memorial service will be conducted at 7:00PM in remembrance of “Sonny” with Irving Mullette, Chaplain to officiate. Visiting hours are omitted. Expressions of affection in lieu of flowers are suggested to Feed the Children, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK 73101-0036 or to the Oak Ridge Marine Corps League Detachment #628, P.O. Box 544, Bernardston, MA 01337.
Pauline R. Harris
Greenfield , Massachusetts
Pauline R. Harris, 92, of 95 Laurel Street (formerly of 15 Meridian Street) died Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at the Buckley Health Care Center following a period of declining health.
A native of Brooklyn, NY, she was born on September 19, 1919 to Harry and Sarah (Marcus) Rosenstock and was educated in New York City Public Schools. Pauline graduated in 1936 from Walton High School in the Bronx and Hunter College in NY and received her teaching degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
In February of 1945, she married Morton J. Harris in New York City in a service and reception at The Tavern on the Green. They celebrated nearly 57 years together prior to Morton’s death in 2003.
She was employed as a school teacher in the Greenfield Public School System, at the Davis Street Elementary School and the Greenfield Middle School until the time of her retirement in the early 1980’s. Pauline and her husband retired to Pompano Beach, FL where she was a volunteer in the public school system in Broward County. She was a member of Hadassah, the League of Women Voters and was a member of Temple Bat Y’am in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She was a member of Temple Israel in Greenfield, MA for many years. Her hobbies included dancing, golf, astronomy and travel.
Pauline leaves her daughter, Karen Hathaway and her husband, Mark of Northfield and their children Matthew of Somerville, MA and Emma at home. She was predeceased by her brother, Harold Ross. She also leaves (1) niece, (1) nephew and a dear cousin, Anita Mitchell and her family of Indianapolis.
Services in celebration of Pauline’s life will be held at The Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 12:00 Noon. Expressions of affection in Pauline’s memory may be directed to, Hadassah, Greenfield Chapter, c/o Temple Israel, 27 Pierce Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 or to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301
Margaret O. Carey
Greenfield, Massachusetts
Margaret O. Carey passed away on December 19, 2011 at Buckley Healthcare Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 20, 1921, the daughter of Anders and Bertha (Johnson) Overgaard. She was educated in the Greenfield Schools, graduating in the Class of 1939.
She attended Greenfield Commercial School until going to work for C. H. Demond and Co., then Western Electric Company. She was married to Norman B. Carey on October 9, 1943 in the parsonage of the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield. They lived in Sumter, South Carolina for a short time before the end of World War II. She later worked in the Franklin County Registry of Probate and retired in 1978 as Assistant Register of Probate. She assisted her husband in the operation of the Gray Cottage Antique Shop in Deerfield and enjoyed doing shows in all of the New England States. Her favorite hobby was restoring antique trunks. She also enjoyed reading, knitting, puzzles and games of all kinds, and the Red Sox and Celtics. She was member of the United Church of Bernardston.
She is survived by a daughter, Susan C. Duckworth of West Hartford, CT and her husband Wayne, a son, Dr. Steven Carey and his wife Connie of Saunderstown, R.I., two grandsons, Michael and Jonathan Duckworth of Colorado and her dear friend and companion during the last few years, Gordon Bennett.
Services in celebration of Margaret’s life will be observed, on Friday, December 23, 2011 at 10:00AM, from the United Church of Bernardston, Bernardston, MA, with Rev. Raymond Medeiros, Pastor officiating. Private committal services will follow in the North Meadow Cemetery, Greenfield, MA. Visiting hours are omitted.
The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff of the Buckley Healthcare Center and to the kind people at the Hospice Care of Franklin County. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to, Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301 or to the Friends of the Greenfield Library, 402 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.
Ellen M. (Lovern) Evans Wong
Greenfield, Massachusetts
Ellen M. (Lovern) Evans Wong, 82, of 24 Canada Hill, died Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, following a period of declining health. A native of Belchertown, MA, she was born on April 18, 1929 to Wilbur R. and Marie (Malenfant) Lovern and attended local public schools.
Ellen was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who took great pride in her family. She enjoyed many activities and pursuits including, playing bingo, crocheting, reading romance novels and cook books. She enjoyed watching Emeril Lagasse and attended one of his book signings and obtained his autograph. She was a fan of Country Western music and of Alan Jackson and attended one of his concerts at Mohegan Sun. She was drawn by the lure of the ocean, in particular the coast of Maine where she maintained a campsite and a trailer in Wells, ME for many years. As a 40+ year cancer survivor, Ellen was active in the Franklin County Relay for Life. She loved dogs and showered her love and affection on her long time companion “Goldie”.
Ellen was predeceased by her first husband, Walter G. Evans, on September 17, 1972. They were married on February 22, 1947 and celebrated 25 years together. Ellen then married Walter C. Wong, on August 21, 1976 and celebrated nearly 14 years of marriage prior to his passing on June 30, 1990. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Lee E. Evans of Charlemont, MA; Leonard E. Evans of Greenfield, MA; Mark A. Evans of Bernardston, MA; Susan E. Ainsworth and her husband Kenneth, of Greenfield, MA (with whom she made her home) and Lorie A. Shutta and her husband Joseph, of Shelburne Falls, MA. Additionally, Ellen leaves her devoted sister, Leila Weichert of Denver, NC, as well as 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. She leaves a life long family friend, Otis Corrow of Vermont. She was predeceased by her son, Walter G. Evans, III and by her brother, Wilbur R. “Sonny” Lovern, Jr.
Funeral services in celebration of Ellen’s life, will be observed on Thursday, December 22, 2011 from the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA at 10:00AM, with Rev. Stacey Kulgren, Pastor of the 1st Congregational Church of Greenfield to officiate. Rites of committal and burial will follow in the Green River Cemetery, Greenfield, MA. Visiting hours will be conducted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row and the family will receive guests from 6:00PM until 8:00PM. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers, to the American Cancer Society, Central New England Region, c/o Relay for Life, 59 Bobala Road, Holyoke, MA 01040.
Arlene M. (Struthers) (Powers) Eisele
Greenfield, Massachusetts
Arlene M. (Struthers) Powers Eisele, 90, a resident of the Buckley Health Care Center, died Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, following a period of declining health.
A native of Montague, MA, she was born on June 9, 1921 to Clyde E. and Effie M. (Carey) Struthers. She moved with her family to St. Petersburg, FL where she attended schools until 6th grade, when she relocated with her family to Amherst, MA and attended Amherst Public Schools and graduated from Amherst High School in the Class of 1939.
Arlene married her first husband, Raymond S. Powers and they celebrated 49 years of marriage together prior to his death in July of 1987. During this time, Arlene was an active member of the 2nd Congregational Church of Amherst. She served as a den mother and Boy Scout leader and enjoyed many activities including, flower and vegetable gardening, cooking and baking, home sewing, ceramics, knitting, crocheting, crafting, canning, card playing, (in particular canasta) bingo, board games and dabbled with playing the piano. She also enjoyed animals in particular, dogs, cats and bird watching.
She shared in numerous church benefits, suppers and dances and riding motorcycles (BMW’s) with her husband Raymond. They moved from Amherst to Brooksville, FL in 1978, where she was active in the Church of the Nazarene. Following the death of her first husband, she married Oswald W. Eisele in 1992 and they celebrated 7 years of marriage together until his death in 1999. Following his passing, she returned home to Montague and resided at 39 Sunrise Terrace Apartments in Turners Falls, until entering the Buckley Health Care Center in Greenfield due to failing health. Arlene’s family wishes to extend their appreciation to the management and staff of the Buckley Health Care Center for their exceptional and thoughtful care.
Arlene will be missed by her loving children: Beverly L. “Bev” Geoffrey, of Belchertown, MA and Raymond S. “Buddy” Powers, Jr., and his wife Mi Sun, of Mechanicsburg, PA Additionally, she leaves her adoring grandchildren: Mark Geoffrey, Michael Powers, Christine Powers, Edwin Powers and Sherri Geoffrey-White and her husband James (who were her caregivers) along with their children, Andrea, Aaron and Jaimee. Arlene also leaves several loving nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Roy I. Struthers, Harold E. Struthers and Leo L. Struthers.
Services in celebration of Arlene’s life will be observed on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 2:00PM from the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA. Burial will take place in the North Amherst Cemetery and will be private. Arlene’s family will receive guests on Monday afternoon from 1:00PM until the time of the services. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are recommended in lieu of flowers, to the Buckley Health Care Center, in c/o the resident’s activity fund, 95 Laurel Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.
Julia M. Saulnier
Montague, Massachusetts
Julia M. (Balchunas) Saulnier, 100, a resident of 70 High Street, in Turners Falls, died Monday, December 12, 2011 at home following a period of declining health, with her loving daughter Linda at her side.
A native of Montague, MA, she was born on July 2, 1911, a daughter to Peter and Sophie (Yatoich) Balchunas and was educated in Montague Public Schools. Julia married Albert Lionel Saulnier on November 5, 1934, in the former St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Turners Falls, MA and they celebrated 50 years of marriage together prior to his passing in 1985.
A devout Catholic, Julia was a communicant of Our Lady of Peace Parish and of the former St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Turners Falls where she was active in the former Catholic Women’s Council and was a member of the former St. Anne’s Church Guild. She also watched Mass faithfully each day on EWTN. Julia was a member of the Montague Senior Center and was the recipient of an award from Franklin County Home Health Care in March of 1995, acknowledging her tireless volunteerism to benefit elders at the meal site at the Montague Senior Center in Turners Falls.
Julia was an avid birdwatcher and loved cats and dogs. She enjoyed gardening, crafting and was a wonderful cook whose pastries were second to none. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Survivors include her loving children: Peter L. Saulnier and his wife, Dorothy of Henderson, Michigan; Albert L. Saulnier, Jr., and his wife Christine, of East Longmeadow, MA and Linda A. Saulnier and her fiancé, John R. Gould of Turners Falls, MA. Additionally, Julia leaves 6 loving grandchildren, 7 adoring great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, in particular her niece-Allisson E. Pleasant of Turners Falls-as well as several grandnieces and grandnephews,
Funeral services in celebration of Julia’s life, will be observed on Thursday, December 15, 2011 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be conducted at 10:00AM, from Our Lady of Peace Parish, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA, with Rev. Fr. Stanley J. Aksamit, Pastor, as the celebrant. Rites of committal will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Turners Falls, MA. Visiting hours will be omitted. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers, to Our Lady of Peace Parish, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA 01376 or to the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101
Esther J. Stearns
Greenfield , Massachusetts
Esther M. (Morrell) Stearns, 101, formerly of 1449 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne, MA, and of 10 Congress Street, died at the Buckley Health Care Center, following a period of declining health. A native of Port Chester, NY, she was born on May 22, 1910 a daughter to William L. and Maria Christina (Finocetti) Morrell.
She moved with her family as a young child to Shelburne, MA and was educated in local public schools, graduating from the former Arms Academy in the Class of 1927. Esther was employed as a secretary for 47 years for the former Greenfield Tap & Die Corporation. Esther was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting and crossword puzzles. She also taught and played the piano and was a cat lover. Esther was a former member of the First Congregational Church of Shelburne, MA
She was predeceased by her husban Gardner Stearns in 1970 and by her brother, Raymond C. Morrell in 1995.
She leaves her cousin Curtis J. Jones (Petty Officer 1 st Class-USCG-Ret.) and his wife Susan, of Bloomingburg, NY, as well as her devoted caregiver, Janet Penfield of Greenfield, MA.
Funeral services were observed from the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA with Rev. Armand Proulx, Pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Greenfield. Rites of committal and burial followed in the East Shelburne Cemetery, located off Route 2, Shelburne, MA. Visiting hours were omitted. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are encouraged in lieu of flowers to the Buckley Health Care Center, in care of the resident’s activity fund, 95 Laurel Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.
M. Olive (Leonard) Corbiere
Greenfield, Massachusetts
M. Olive (Leonard) Corbiere, 87, a resident of The Arbors, 15 Meridian Street, died Monday evening, November 28, 2011 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton, MA, following a period of declining health.
A native of Montague, MA, she was born on February 11, 1924, a daughter to Frank C. and Mary O. (Connolly) Leonard. Olive was educated in Montague Public Schools, a graduate of Turners Falls High School Class of 1942. She furthered her education by attending St. Vincent’s Nursing School in Worcester, MA, graduating in the Class of 1944. She served as a registered nurse for 15 years in Franklin County, working at the former Farren Memorial and Franklin County Public Hospitals.
Olive then made a career change, entering the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the undergraduate program and graduated with a B.A. in Education and a Master’s Degree in Education and Comparative Literature. She taught in the Greenfield Public School System, as a high school English teacher for many years, retiring in 1989. While at GHS, she served as the coach for the academic competitive teams on “As Schools Mat Wit’s”.
Olive was a communicant of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Turners Falls, MA, where she served as a lector. She was a voracious reader, with a particular interest in history. She also enjoyed classical music. As an animal lover, she enjoyed the company of her beloved cats “Louie” & “Charlie”. Olive was a member of the former Turners Falls Women’s Club for many years and was a Girl Scout leader.
She married Edward A. Corbiere on June 14, 1947 in the former St. John’s Church in Millers Falls, MA. They celebrated nearly 62 years of marriage together, prior to his passing in March of 2009. She was also predeceased by her siblings: Helen Kearns and Alice Moore. Olive is lovingly remembered by her daughters: Mary Pat Millett and her husband Mark, of Purchase, N.Y., and their son, Jeffrey and daughter Megan and her fiancé, Michael Mastrogiacomo; Jane D. (Corbiere) Virgilio and her sons, Zachery and Jacob of Springfield, MA and their father, Gregory Virgilio. She leaves her siblings: Francis Leonard of W. Hartford, CT and Kathleen Watroba and her husband Raymond, of Windsor, CT; her sister-in-law Lorraine Rose, of W. VA, as well as several nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Additionally, she leaves her devoted niece Delia Bostley of Greenfield, her devoted friends Cecile and Maurice Fugere of Turners Falls, MA and lastly, her “guardian angel” Margaret, of The Arbors in Greenfield who lovingly cared for her.
Funeral services in celebration of Olive’s life, will be observed on Friday, December 2, 2011 from Our Lady of Peace Parish, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00AM, with Rev. Fr. Stanley J. Aksamit, Pastor, as the celebrant, assisted by Deacon Bill Toller of Holy Cross Parish, Springfield, MA. Rites of committal and burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Turners Falls, MA. Visiting hours are omitted. The Corbiere family will receive guests in the vestibule of the church on Friday morning from 9:30AM until the time of the funeral liturgy. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to the “Sandwich Ministry” of Holy Cross Parish, in care of Deacon Bill Toller, 221 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA, 01118 or to the GHS National Honor Society, #1 Lenox Avenue, Greenfield, MA 01301.
Ernest Charles Cousino, Jr.
Belle Mead, NJ
Ernest Charles Cousino Jr, 87, son of Eva and Ernest Cousino and predeceased by his siblings Harold, Jarvis, Ruth, Donald, Edmond, Jerry, Douglas, Evelyn, Beverly, and Donna, died in New Jersy . A native of Conway, MA, he grew up in Greenfield, MA and lived most of his life in Bronx, NY, before moving to New Jersey 2 ½ years ago.
Ernie was a self employed auto mechanic for many years. He was a member of the Greatest Generation and served honorably during WW II in the US Navy. He enlisted in January of 1942 and served aboard the USS Bremerton, USS Gleaves and the USS Brooklyn, attaining the rate of SSM 3rd Class and was honorably discharged in September of 1945. He was awarded the following medals: Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a member of the Samuel H. Young American Legion Post #620, in the City Island section of the Bronx, where he served as a past Sergeant at Arms.
Ernie loved to fish and was the owner and operator of the Miss City Island charter fishing boat and was known as “Capt. Ernie”. He was predeceased by his wife Irene (2008). Surviving are his son Ernest Cousino and his wife Irene of Belle Mead, NJ, his daughter Laura Cousino and her husband Kenneth Johnston of NY, his brother Norman Cousino of MA and his grandchildren Eric and Kristen.
Graveside funeral services were observed at the Howland Cemetery, Conway, MA, with Rev. Paul Bombardier, Pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, Shelburne Falls who officiated the Catholic Rite of Burial Service. Military honorswere conducted with members of the US Navy in attendance. Visiting hours were observed at the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are encouraged, in lieu of flowers, to the Alzheimer’s Association, 153 Magazine Street, Springfield, MA 01109
Dorothy E. Rogers
Williamstown , Massachusetts
Dorothy E. ( Jackson) Rogers, 88, a resident of 70 Summer Street and of 33 County Road, Deerfield, MA, died Saturday at the North Adams Regional Hospital, North Adams, MA. A native of Deerfield, MA, she was born on February 18, 1923 to Clyde and Mary (Wells) Jackson and was educated in local public schools.
Dorothy was employed as a sales clerk for the former Peggy Parker, which was a women’s wearing apparel retail store in Greenfield, MA. for many years. She was an avid quilter, a member of the Friendship Knot Quilter’s Guild in Williamstown, MA, who gifted numerous quilts to oncology and pediatric patients at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA.
She enjoyed reading, watching vintage Western movies and was a devoted fan of John Wayne. Dorothy also enjoyed following the Boston Red Sox and was an avid flower gardener. The light of her life was her beloved pet Chihuahua “Polly” who provided her with companionship and unconditional love.
Survivors include her loving children: Robert L. Rogers, III, and his wife Christina, of Bristol, Ct.; Carol A. Barnes and her husband David, of Millers Falls, MA and Debra S. Rogers-Gillig and her husband C.J., of Williamstown, MA, as well as 5 loving grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She married Robert L. Rogers, Jr., on November 9, 1940 in Deerfield, MA and they celebrated nearly 52 years of marriage prior to his passing in October of 1992. She also leaves several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Nancy Clokey and Ellsworth Jackson.
Dorothy’s many gifts will be remembered at a life celebration service to be observed at the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA. A Private burial will follow in the Laurel Hill Cemetery, Deerfield, MA. Visiting hours are omitted. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are encouraged in lieu of flowers to the Friendship Knot Quilter’s Guild, c/o Charlene Adams, President, 131 W. Meadow CT, Pownal, VT 05261
Morris Weiner
Greenfield, Massachusetts
Morris Weiner, 88, died Friday evening at the Charlene Manor Extended Care Facility, Greenfield, MA, following a period of declining health. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. He moved to Florida in 1986, then to Massachusetts in 1998 to be with his son. His wife Frances died in 2005.
He was a US Navy Veteran and served in the South Pacific during WWII as a radio operator. He worked for RCA for 32 years in the communications industry. He leaves a son, Stuart Z. Weiner and daughter-in-law, Janis, of Greenfield, MA and a daughter Barbara Ferreira of FL. Additionally he leaves his granddaughters: Jennifer Constantine and her husband Jason, of Millers Falls, MA and Melissa F. Weiner of Springfield, MA, as well as (3) great grandsons.
Visiting hours are omitted. Private services and burial will take place in the Menorah Gardens Cemetery, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Expressions of affection in the form of charitable contributions are suggested, to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301 in lieu of flowers.
