Historical Obituaries

Please see below for historical obituaries from 2021 and previous years.

Patrick Joseph Hayes HFA 1971

Patrick's obituary, as it appears on MassLive:

In the early morning hours of December 29, 2021, after a heroic struggle of more than two years with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Patrick Joseph Hayes, 77, of Florence, Massachusetts, died peacefully, with his loving partner and family at his side.

Patrick was born on March 23, 1944, to Bartholomew and Maureen (Peachey) Hayes in Derry, Northern Ireland, where he spent his early childhood years. In 1953, Patrick emigrated to North America with his mother and older sister Della, joining his father, who was already living in the Boston area. Over subsequent years, the family continued to grow in eastern Massachusetts with the birth of a second sister, Kathleen, and two brothers, Paul and Kevin.

At the tender age of 17, Patrick enlisted in the United States Navy and served for the next three years as a Corpsman at the Chelsea Naval Hospital. Not long after he completed his tour of duty, fate and his lucky Irish stars interceded when Patrick met the lovely young Eileen Murphy, who became his beloved wife in August of 1968. Shortly after his marriage to Eileen, the couple relocated to western Massachusetts where Pat began studies at UMASS Amherst, graduating in 1971 with a B.A. in English. While starting a family, and with Eileen as his greatest champion, Pat continued his education in the early 1970’s, enrolling in the MSW program at the Smith College School for Social Work, from which he earned his LICSW in 1976. So began his journey toward becoming a highly respected clinical therapist, a true calling which ended only when the rigors of his illness made it too difficult for him to continue.

However, his educational journey did not end with a master’s degree. In the mid-nineteen nineties, both dismayed by and drawn to the suffering resulting from the carnage of his native Derry’s January 1972 Bloody Sunday, he decided to investigate how that trauma impacted not only the immediate families of the victims but their first-generation descendants as well. These questions led Patrick to begin a Ph.D. study at Queen’s University, Belfast, under the supervision of Professor Jim Campbell, who became not only Pat’s academic mentor but along with Jim’s wife Anona, a dear friend as well. Pat was awarded his doctorate in July of 2000. His dissertation focused on the results of his Bloody Sunday research, and, in 2005, provided the framework for the publication, co-authored by Jim Campbell, of the book Bloody Sunday: Trauma, Pain and Politics.

Patrick was a man of many interests and talents; he was an accomplished photographer and drummer on the Irish bodhran; he was an avid reader, who always had a book in progress. He had a love of poetry, in particular the work of Seamus Heaney and William Butler Yeats. And Patrick adored travel; he made many trips, both far and wide, within and outside of the US in both the northern and southern hemispheres, but his favorite destination was ever his native Ireland, to which he returned time and time again. And while Patrick will surely be remembered for his wicked sense of humor and razor-sharp wit, above all, his wisdom, kindness, empathy, and his enduring devotion to family, friends, and all creatures great and small will always define his essence for those of us who knew and loved him.

Patrick was predeceased by his father, Bartholomew Hayes, in 1988 and mother, Maureen (Peachey) Hayes in 1993; his dear wife of 42 years, Dr. Eileen F. (Murphy) Hayes in January 2010; his sister Kathleen (Hayes) Marchitelli in November 2019, and his brother Paul Hayes in August 2021.

Patrick is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Daviau, her husband Michael, and their children Alyssa, Emily, Riley, and Liam of Florence, MA, his son, Sean Hayes, and his wife Lekisha, and their son, Jackson of Sudbury, MA. Surviving him also are his sister Della McGrath and her husband Martin Freiermuth of Newmarket, NH, his brother Kevin Hayes and his wife Karen of Loudon, NH, his brother-in-law Stephen Marchitelli of Amesbury, MA, and a large, cherished community of extended family and treasured friends.

Surviving Patrick as well is his loving partner, Jill Méndez of Florence, MA; Jill is grateful to have been blessed with many joyful years of sharing love and life and laughter with her sweet Patrick, who will forever remain close in her heart.

Patrick’s children, their families, and Jill wish to thank the wonderful Hospice team that took such good care of Pat in his final days as well as the paramedics, police officers, and detective who responded to the emergency call on the 29th.

Per Patrick’s specific request, in lieu of a memorial service at this time, a happy celebration of his life will be held later in the spring.

Should you wish to donate in Patrick’s memory, may we suggest the Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, the IPF Foundation, the UMASS Dr. Eileen Hayes Memorial Scholarship fund, the Dakin Animal Shelter, or a charity of your choice.

Clinton O Berge BS 1977

Clinton's obituary, as it appears on Beers and Story's website:

Clinton O. Berge, 89, passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2021 after a long illness surrounded by his children who will honor and cherish his memory for the rest of their lives.

Clinton was one of ten children born to parents Oscar and Katherine Berge of Bisbee, North Dakota. He graduated from Lakota High School in Devils Lake, North Dakota in 1951 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952.  Later in life, he would go on to earn his associate's Degree from STCC and his Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the UMass, Amherst.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Clinton Berge, Jr and his wife Priscilla of Natick, MA, Katherine Berge-Charter and her husband Anthony “Rick” Charter of Bradford, VT, Brenda Darling and her husband Robert Duval of Holyoke, MA, William Berge and his wife Lisa of Chicopee, MA, Laura Gaj and her husband Alan Gaj of Granby, MA, Curtis Berge and his wife Lisa of Eastampton, NJ and his daughter-in-law Eileen Berge of Granby, MA.

Clinton was predeceased by his wife and the love of his life for 63 years, Gertrude in 2018, and by his second son, Robert who passed from this world much too young in 2015.

He also leaves 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren to carry on his legacy of kindness, compassion, fortitude, and generosity.

His siblings, Ruby Gette, Roger Berge, Stanley Berge, and Kenneth Berge survive him.

Clinton, known as “Swede” by those who loved him and knew him best, lived life with gusto and never shied away from a challenge or hard work.  He was stationed at Westover AFB for 20 years as a Physiological Trainer with the 814th Medical Group. Upon his retirement from the US Air Force, he was employed as a Federal Security Officer at the Springfield, MA Federal Building while attending college and worked full time to provide for his wife and 7 children.  After completing his education, he retained his position with the Federal Government and also worked for the Massachusetts Department of Health as a Psychiatric Nurse until his retirement in 1994.

After his retirement, Swede and his wife Gert, traveled in the US and internationally, often with family members and friends.  He enjoyed annual trips to Florida where children and grandchildren would join him and Gert for fun-filled days.  His children and family will fondly remember him as “hard-working” and “fun-loving” and will cherish times spent with him at sporting events, church activities, camping adventures, cross-country travels, math tutoring sessions, and so many family celebrations and holidays. Swede was a HUGE sports fan and avid golfer who spent countless hours at Westover Golf Club, where he joined friends and family in friendly, but always competitive rounds of golf.  He almost never missed an opportunity to cheer on a granddaughter or grandson at a local sporting event, rooted enthusiastically for all Boston Sports teams and would not ever pass up a trip to Fenway Park. 

He was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Granby, MA where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Many organizations benefitted from his willingness to be helpful and serve others, including; the Granby Council on Aging, Healthcare for the Homeless, and the Knights of Columbus Council #4044.  He was also a member of the Granby American Legion Post #266.

Calling hours will be Thursday, December 2nd, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St., Belchertown, MA. Funeral and interment will take place Friday, December 3rd at 2:00 pm at the  Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery 1390 Main St., Agawam, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at 25 State St., Granby, MA or Friends of Granby Veterans, c/o Select Board Office, 10B West State St., Granby, MA

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clinton Berge, please visit Tribute Store

Elizabeth Theresa Eckstein BS 1982

Elizabeth's obituary, as it appears on Henderson's Funeral Home website:

The first African American Ms. Senior Massachusetts, Emily Theresa Eckstein, formerly of Brighton Street, Springfield, MA, passed away on October 21, 2021, at Sixteen Acres Healthcare Center, Springfield, MA.  Born April 21, 1936, along with her twin sister, Anne Marie McBride, was the daughter of the late Edward Clinton and Murielle Emilie Irmine Heyliger in Brooklyn, NY.

After graduating from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, NY, she trained at Mt. Vernon Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1957.  Emily went on to work in Mt. Vernon Hospital as Head Nurse.  From there she worked at Montefiore Hospital in Bronx, NY as Head Nurse.  She began a lengthy career at Springfield Municipal Hospital in 1961 as Staff Nurse.  She later served at the hospital as In-Service Educational Director and eventually retired in 1996 as Assistant Director of Nursing.  She also obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts.  She spent many years teaching and training individuals seeking certification as a Nurse Aide.

Emily was known for her passion for helping and serving others.  She had a nurturing heart and a caring soul.  This was made evident by her passion for volunteerism.  She kept herself busy volunteering for such organizations as The Arthritis Foundation, The New England Jazz Society, Goodwill Radio Reading Service, and most notably for Springfield Public Schools.  She was a long-time reader with the Mead Westvaco Read Aloud Program.  She also helped kids learn about the voting process through The Kids Voting Program.  She volunteered in the Living History Program at White Street School where she shared her growing-up experiences with 5th-grade students at White Street School.

Emily’s accomplishments are many.  Her proudest accomplishment was being crowned the first African American winner of the Ms. Senior Massachusetts Golden Girl Pageant in 2001.  She swept the competition with her poise and charm and received awards for being the most photogenic, performing the most community service, giving the best personal interview, having the best philosophy of life, and wearing the most elegant evening gown.  She received a proclamation from Mayor Michael J. Albano naming October 11, 2001, as “Ms. Emily Theresa Eckstein Day” in the City of Springfield.  Emily displayed her talents for many years in her many performances with the Senior America Cameo Club of Massachusetts.

She is survived by her daughters Sharon Clinkscales of Las Vegas, NV; Victoria Salal of Springfield, MA, Theresa Eckstein of Springfield, MA, and her son Christopher Eckstein of Springfield, MA.  She was predeceased by her husband Robert Eckstein and her son Richard Eckstein.  She is survived by four brothers, Steven Heyliger of Arrowhead, CA; Leroy Heyliger of Mattituck, NY, David Heyliger of NC, and Lawrence Heyliger of North Miami, FL.  She is also survived by her sister Yvonne Jones-Klein of Bronx, NY.  She is predeceased by her twin sister, Anne Marie McBride, and her brother Murvin Heyliger.

Emily is also survived by grandchildren, Monique Ware and her husband James Ware, Nicole Sanabria and her husband Sammy Sanabria, Yvonna Eckstein, Nicholas Eckstein, Martin Eckstein, Isaiah Eckstein, Isabella Eckstein, Natasha Eckstein, Antonio Eckstein, Richard Eckstein, Jonathan Fournier, Naia-Emily Wiggins, Shari Catching, Bethany Wright, and Regina Wright-Dickey.  She will be greatly missed by her many great-nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren and great, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.  Her presence will be missed by the many lives that she touched.

Janet (Papile) O'Day BS 1968

Janet's obituary, as it appears on Seacoast Online:

Boston, MA - It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Janet M. O'Day of Wells, Maine. She died peacefully, at the age of 74, at Boston Medical Center on Oct. 8, 2021, following a stroke.

She was born in Quincy, MA to John and Madeline "Molly" (Jancaterino) Papile on Oct. 28, 1946, and adored growing up in her very large extended Italian family. Janet graduated from Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree and went on to study nursing at UMass - Amherst. She wanted to serve her country in Vietnam, and so in her junior year, she enlisted in the Navy Nurse Corps. Shortly thereafter, she was in a service-related automobile accident, suffered a broken neck, and spent an entire year in a rehabilitation hospital. Once she learned to walk again, she returned to school, graduated with her BSN, and went on to earn a master's degree in rehab nursing and another master's degree in public health. Soon after college, she married Bob O'Day and they had a son, Colin. The marriage lasted eighteen years.

Over the fifty years of her nursing career, she held numerous clinical and administrative positions in several Boston area hospitals. She served on the Boards of several community health organizations, including those funded by Title III, Home Health Agencies, and Neighborhood Health Centers. Major accomplishments include authoring three chapters in the nursing text, Continuing Care: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Discharge Planning, and creating the first step-down unit at the Deaconess Hospital.

In 1987, Janet began a relationship with the love of her life, Rosemary Ananis, who was living in Wells, ME. In 1994 they were married in a large church wedding with family and friends in attendance, and the happy couple settled down in Wells, ME. They were able to legally marry in 2014. In Maine, Janet again entered the healthcare field. Her last job before retiring was as a Clinical Content Specialist for Health Dialog.

Despite increasing disability (a consequence of her 1967 car accident) Janet volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and was very active in her church and faith life. While in Boston, she was an active member of Dignity. She was a founding member of the St. Francis of Assisi Faith Community in Wells, ME, and was dynamic in the formation of The Old Catholic Church, Province of the United States (TOCCUSA). Janet was the first Chair of the TOCCUSA House of Delegates and held that position for ten years. In 2014 she traveled to Utrecht, The Netherlands, representing TOCCUSA at the Union of Utrecht's 125th anniversary Congress.

She was also involved in social advocacy. She attended the Million Woman March in Washington, DC in 1997 and was a fierce supporter of women's rights and LGBTQ rights. She was a volunteer with Equality Maine and sat on the local Board of S.A.G.E., a national organization that provides advocacy, information, and resources for LGBTQ elders.

While Janet was incredibly accomplished, she will be most remembered for her personality. She always led with a beautiful smile. Her warmth, generosity, ability to listen, and welcoming heart were known to all who made her acquaintance. She was a gentle, loving soul who is mourned by everyone who knew her.

Throughout her life, Janet maintained connections with those important to her including her childhood friends, Richard Giglio, Diana Christian, and Paula Russo; her SDT sorority sisters; and her nursing school classmates.

Janet is survived by her beloved, Rosemary Ananis; her sons, Colin O'Day (partner Karen Locascio) and Branden Ananis (spouse Christina Hart); her sister, Dr. Lu-Ann Papile (partner Dan Behles), as well as a multitude of cousins, all of whom miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Molly Papile.

Visiting hours will be at St. David's Episcopal Church, Kennebunk, ME on October 30 from 1-2:30 pm, followed by a funeral Mass with military honors at 3 pm. Burial at Mount Wollaston Cemetery in Quincy, MA, next to her parents, will follow at a future date.

To honor Janet in a lasting way, a memorial scholarship fund to assist laity is being established by TOCCUSA. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be sent to TOCCUSA, c/o Rev. Rosemary Burdick, 45 West Bay Rd., Prospect Harbor, ME 04669.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Janet's Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.

Lois A. Goepfert BS 1970

Lois' obituary, as it appears on The Westfield News:

WESTFIELD: Lois A. Goepfert, 73, (1948-2021) passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. She was born in Holyoke, MA to the late Franz and Elaine (Bissel) Goepfert and was raised in Southampton. She graduated from UMASS in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and received her Master’s in Nursing from Regis College in Rhode Island. Lois worked as a registered nurse for Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, then she taught at the Quincy City Hospital School of Nursing until it closed and returned to Beth Israel where she retired in 2013 after 30 years. Lois was an avid Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. She owned and raised Irish Setters and was a devoted member of the Irish Setter Club of New England in which she held several leadership positions over the years, delighting in helping to set up the regional matches and shows, cooking and working in show kitchens and housing Irish Setters rescues in her kennel, Balcaire.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Larry Goepfert in 2003. Lois is survived by her sister Joyce Bard and her husband Robert Bard, her nieces and nephew, Keira Rupon and her husband Jeremy, Leah Turpin and her husband Bruce, Rebecca Jones and her husband Jay, and Matthew Bard and his wife Kristin, great-niece and nephews, Quentin, Caroline, Calder, Wren, Mackenzie, James IV, Logan, Emelia and Analee and her good friends Ruth Muller and Tom Mohan of Plymouth.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, October 15, 2021, at 12 Noon in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St., Westfield, followed by burial in Southampton Center Cemetery, Southampton, MA. Visiting hours will precede the service from 10 AM-12 PM in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231, or Irish Setter Club of New England Rescue http://iscne.org www.firtionadams.com

Howard Nolan Robinson BS 1987

Howard's obituary, as it appears in Rutland Herald:

Howard N. Robinson MIDDLETOWN SPRINGS — Howard Nolan Robinson, 88, of Middletown Springs, passed away peacefully at his home on May 17, 2021, after a prolonged illness. He was born on May 29, 1932, so he died just 12 days shy of his 89th birthday. He was the youngest of three sons born to William Robinson and Mayme Fay (Forston) Robinson of Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he was born and grew up. After graduating from the local high school, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma but left after two years, whereupon he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. The Korean War was still going on, but his unit was sent to Germany where they guarded a then-top-secret atomic cannon, dubbed “Atomic Annie.” He enjoyed the opportunity to travel throughout western Europe during his leaves. A high point for him was attending midnight Christmas Eve services at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with a local Parisian family. After completing his term of military service, Howard returned to the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1958 with a degree in English literature. While in college, he spent his summers playing the piano with an old-time jazz group in Estes Park, Colorado. Upon graduation, he continued his jazz piano career full-time in Denver. For a while, he played an upright piano that he had wired up himself so that it had different colors of Christmas tree lights attached near the top, each light wired to a different key, so people could sit at a distance and “see” all the notes he was playing. He met his future wife, Judy (Kelly), in 1963 in Boulder, Colorado, when they were both attendants in the wedding of mutual friends; they were married a year later. While continuing his music, he also began a second career working in restaurants, with a goal of owning one himself. In 1976, they moved to Paonia, a small town in western Colorado, where they fulfilled that dream when they purchased a restaurant there. (However, it should be noted that he soon brought in a piano, so he and other local acoustical musicians could have jam sessions on weekends. It was never clear who was having the most fun, Howard, or the restaurant patrons.) They left Paonia in 1982 for Missoula, Montana, so that Judy could fulfill her dream of studying economics at the University of Montana. Soon thereafter, Howard decided to go back to school himself in order to follow in his mother’s footsteps and become a nurse. Later, they decided they should both transfer to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He graduated in 1987 with his second bachelor’s degree, this one in nursing, and thus began his third career – in psychiatric nursing. Throughout all these career changes, he was also helping raise three sons. He was a devoted husband and father to Judy and their boys, always loving, patient and kind, with unfailing humility, grace, and sense of humor. For example, at one point, he knew that his 15-year-old son was climbing out his second-story window at night upon occasion, and he knew all along where the boy was going – but had the wisdom, grace, and humor to wait a few years before mentioning it. The boys were grown by 2001, the year Howard and Judy moved to Vermont when Judy accepted a faculty position at Castleton University, and Howard continued his career as an RN in the psychiatric unit at Rutland Regional Hospital. Many colleagues and patients remarked on his compassion and ability to make his patients feel at ease through laughter. He retired in 2017. He enjoyed the company of friends in town and helping out at community events. By then, the piano playing was purely recreational. He last played for his family just a few weeks before he died. Howard is survived by his wife, their three sons, and four grandchildren: Rob Robinson-Jasper (Julie) and their children, Isaiah and Georgia, of Seattle; Douglas Robinson and his fiancée, Portia Judson, of Bar Harbor, Maine; and David Robinson (Gina) and their children, David and Isabella, of Middletown Springs. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his parents and two older brothers, James Robinson of Pittsburgh, and Judge A. Carl Robinson of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Howard Robinson will be most remembered for his kindness, patience, generosity of spirit, and unflagging sense of humor. Each of his three careers was all about serving others – he entertained them, he fed them, and he cared for those who were ill. He took life as it came and even in his final days, was quick to find the humor in things. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at the family home in June. All friends and acquaintances are invited. Commemorative donations may be sent to VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region at VNAHSR Philanthropy, 7 Albert Cree Drive, Rutland, VT 05701, or given online at www.vermontvisitingnurses.org/donate.

Charlotte (Preston) Otis MS 1972

Charlotte's obituary, as it appears in Daily Hampshire Gazette:

Williamsburg, MA — Charlotte P. Otis, 96, died peacefully at her Williamsburg home on September 21st. Charlotte was born on January 11, 1925, in Williamsburg, the daughter of Charles Preston and Carrie (Bennett) Otis. A graduate of Williamsburg High School and the former Cooley Dickinson Hospital School of Nursing, she later earned BS and MS degrees in nursing from Catholic University of America and UMass, Amherst, respectively, where she also became a member of the Sigma Theta Tau and Pi Gamma Mu honor societies for nursing and the social sciences.

Charlotte joined the U.S. Army Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II and later served as a First Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps with postings in Washington, D.C., Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Carson, Colorado. She worked as a staff nurse and head nurse at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital and the former Garfield Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., and as a Public Health Nurse in Washington, D.C., and with the Springfield Visiting Nursing Association, where she was a field teacher for students at the UMass School of Nursing. At the Cooley Dickinson Hospital School of Nursing, she advanced from instructor to Assistant Director to Director, a position she held until the school closed in 1975.

Charlotte had deep pride in the nursing profession and was an active member of the American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing. In the early 1950s, she played a leading role in bringing Black Registered Nurses into the District of Columbia Nursing Association and the hospital workplace. She later served on the boards of both the Williamsburg and Northampton Visiting Nurse Associations.

Charlotte was a longtime member of the Williamsburg and Haydenville Congregational Churches and the Friends of the Williamsburg Libraries. She enjoyed classical music, gardening, bird watching, snowshoeing, walking, and regular visits to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and was an avid fan of UConn women's basketball, the Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots.

Charlotte is predeceased by her sisters Marjorie Otis and Catherine O. Merritt; brothers Robert B. Otis and Donald W. Otis; longtime friend Virginia C. Daggett, who shared her home for 38 years; her niece Susan O. Richardson; and nephews Robert P. Otis and John O. Merritt. She is survived by her sister-in-law Virginia L. Otis, with whom she shared many youthful adventures; nephews and nieces Philip C. Merritt, Nancy E. Merritt, Kathleen O. Waldo, Carol O. Jules, Donald L. Otis, John B. Otis, and Katherine A. Marsh; and many dear friends.

The family wishes to thank Laura Davenport and Kenley Clark for their steadfast friendship and affection for Charlotte, Mary Ellen Prince for her expertise and dedication to Charlotte's care, and all of Charlotte's devoted caregivers. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice or the Williamsburg Libraries. Williamsburg Funeral Home was entrusted with her cremation. A memorial gathering for Charlotte will be held at a later date. www.HampshireCremation.com

Martha Ellen (Dewhirst) St. Lawrence BA 1959

Martha was a longtime friend of UMass Nursing and an ardent supporter of Ph.D. Nursing Education at UMass. Martha's obituary, as it appears on WickedLocal.com: 

Martha Ellen (Dewhirst) St. Lawrence, 83, of Acton, passed away on September 9th, 2021 surrounded by her family. Born on November 10th, 1937, Martha grew up in Groveland, graduated from Perley High School in Georgetown in 1955, and received a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1959. While in college, she was a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority where she became known to all her friends as Marty. In addition to raising her family, Martha spent much of her professional life in banking and eventually retired from Middlesex Savings Bank. An avid gardener, Martha loved tending her flower gardens and she also enjoyed watching birds, playing bridge, reading novels, vacationing at the New Hampshire seashore, attending her grandsons sporting events, and volunteering (most recently at the Emerson Hospital gift shop). She also remained active in both her high school and college alumni associations and at one time, served as the Co-Chair of Fraternity and Sorority Giving for her alma mater. Martha lived in Acton for forty-four years with her late husband of fifty-three years, Peter St. Lawrence (originally of Athol). She is survived by her two sons, Alan St. Lawrence of Acton and Douglas St. Lawrence of Chelmsford, her daughter-in-law Jill St. Lawrence of Acton, and her two grandsons, Tyler St. Lawrence and Carter St. Lawrence, both of Westfield. Visiting hours will be on September 17th from 4-7 P.M. in the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton. A memorial service will be held on September 18th at 11 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Emerson Hospital, 33 Old Rd to 9 Acre Corner, Concord, MA. 01742. (www.emersonhospital.org). Memorial page: www.actonfuneralhome.com

Olive Amelia (LaMontagne) Santavenere MS 1973

Olive's obituary, as it appears on Doolittle Funeral Service:

Olive Amelia (LaMontagne) Santavenere, 87, wife of the late Horace Santavenere passed away on July 17, 2021, at Pilgrim Manor in Cromwell. Born in Hatfield, MA, she was one of three daughters of the late Herman and Eva (Pothier) LaMontagne.  

Olive earned her nursing degree at St. Francis Hospital in 1951 and later went on to earn several other degrees including a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Hartford, a Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts, and a Doctoral Degree in 1992 from the University of Connecticut. She enjoyed teaching as much as learning and would help nursing students earn their degrees from Middlesex Hospital’s School of Nursing, St. Joseph’s College, Elms College, and Southern Connecticut State University where she retired in 2009.

Olive enjoyed traveling with her sister Phyllis and nephew, David, and taking day trips to New York City to enjoy Broadway shows and shopping trips with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Sunday dinners were a tradition for many, many years. She had a kind heart full of endless love and will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her beloved family: her son Joseph with wife Patti; her son Gilbert with longtime partner Joseph Paparatto; her grandchildren Joseph Santavenere and wife Lauren, Alicia Luongo with husband Dan, and Derek Santavenere with wife Kelly; a sister, Phyllis Roth and her great-grandchildren, Joseph and Grace, Corry, and Caleb. Besides her husband and parents, she is predeceased by a sister, Betty Guertin.

The Santavenere family wishes to thank the staff at The Village at South Farms, as well as the caring staff at Pilgrim Manor and Beacon Hospice.

Funeral services will be held from the Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell on Monday, July 26th at 9:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. John Church, 5 St. John Court, Cromwell at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in St. Sebastian Cemetery in Middlefield.

Family and friends may call at the Cromwell Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Southington, CT 06489-1058. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

Sharon A. Wiles BS 1999

Sharon's obituary, as it appears on Berkshire Eagle:

Ms. Sharon Wiles, a resident of Great Barrington, MA, suddenly passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Mass General Hospital in Boston. She was 73. The daughter of the late Theodore and Shirley Weingrad Wiles, Sharon was born on May 14, 1948, in Denver, CO.

She graduated from Fallsburg Central High School, NY. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology from The College of Emporia, KS; a master's in sociology from Ball State University, IN; and a bachelor's in nursing from UMASS Amherst, MA. She received numerous academic honors, certificates, and merits. She worked as a nurse (BSN, RN) for multiple skilled facilities in New England.

Sharon lived in Europe and Israel as well and enjoyed taking her daughters to Europe on summer vacation. She enjoyed gardening, water aerobics, traveling, volunteering, camping, Cape Cod, and local cultural events. She was involved with Hadassah, Hevreh, Chabad, Eisner Camp of The Berkshires, and the Berkshire South Community Center. She volunteered with the Mahaiwe theater, Hancock Shaker Village, Habitat for Humanity, and Sheffield American Legion.

Sharon Wiles is survived by her daughter, Odessa Bates, of Great Barrington, MA; her daughter, Natasha, and son-in-law Ryan Anderson, of Northampton, MA; her son, Samuel Bates, of Grand Rapids, MI; former husband, Lawrence Bates, of Turners Falls, MA; grandchildren Lucas and Ziva; and nephew, Joseph Wiles, of Missoula, MT.

She is preceded in death by her father, Theodore Wiles; her mother, Shirley Weingrad; and her brother, Mark Wiles.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at 1:00 pm at the Hebrew Congregation of Mountaindale Synagogue Cemetery, Marsh Road in Glen Wild, NY, with Rabbi Nacchum Nathan officiating.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Garlick Funeral Home of Monticello, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sharon's name may be made to the Berkshire South Community Center scholarship fund or the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.

To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Jun. 26, 2021.

Karen C. (Cotter) Hoffman BS 1977

Karen's obituary, as it appears in Boston Globe:

HOFFMAN, Karen C. (Cotter) In Golden, Colorado, formerly of Revere & Swampscott, April 18th, 2021, following a lengthy illness in the loving presence of her God & family. Beloved wife of Jeffrey Hoffman. Cherished mother of Drew & Jessa of Denver, CO. Dear sister of Trisha C. Nagle, Dr. Janis M. Cotter, both of Swampscott & Philip J. Cotter & his wife Alice of Revere & the late Susan E. Coughlin & her surviving husband, Robert H. Coughlin of Wilmington. Devoted daughter to the late Philip M. "The Chief" & the late Patricia "Nana" (Hennebery) Cotter. Also lovingly survived by numerous nieces & nephews. Karen was born in Revere to Phil "The Chief" & Pat C. "Nana" Cotter. She attended the infamous Mt. St. Joseph Academy before earning her Nursing degree at UMass Amherst. Putting that degree to use, she worked in Boston & then moved to Steamboat, CO to pursue skiing & nursing. It was there she met her husband & lifelong ski partner, Jeff with whom she had two adoring children, Drew & Jessa. She continued her education earning her Master's in Nursing Administration at the University of Colorado & then worked as the Director of Nursing in Steamboat. Karen's nursing career touched many people & forged many friendships that she held dear over these last few years. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the family in most sincere regard to the welfare of the anticipated large group of mourners had private services including interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Colorado. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 10th, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at The Vista at Applewood Golf Course in Golden, CO. We invite anyone who was touched by Karen's love to join us on this date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a remembrance to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or the Denver Harlequins Wheelchair Rugby Team harlequins.wedid.it

Barbara A. (Zych) Allen BS 1971 MS 1973

Barbara's obituary, as it appears on Washington Post:

Barbara Allen (Age 76)  
Barbara Allen "Bobbie" passed away at home Saturday, April 11. She was born in Ludlow Massachusetts, on April 24, 1944. Her parents were Joseph and Stella Zych. Joe a Polish immigrant instilled a love of this country in his daughter. Barbara had a diverse life. First, as a registered nurse and then earning her master's degree in nursing from the University of Massachusetts. She married Donald in August 1972. In the mid-'70s after they moved to Northern Virginia Barbara worked as a nursing instructor at George Mason University. With the birth of her first son, followed shortly by the birth of her second son, Barbara became a stay-at-home mom. In the late 80's she obtained her teaching certificate. Barbara taught 3rd grade at Timberlane Elementary School in Falls Church, VA for several years. Barbara retired in 2003. She then went on to become a Fairfax County Master Gardener. Her joy in life was that of a devoted grandmother to her three granddaughters. She is survived by her husband Donald, a marriage of 48 years; two Sons, Brian and Benjamin, their wives Jen and Chrissy; and three granddaughters Sarah, Grace, and Meret. Memorial Service to be held on April 16 at 2 p.m., Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Rd., Centreville, VA 20121.

Erik M. Lawrence BS 2008

Erik's obituary, as it appears on BarryJFarrellFuneralHome.com:

Erik M. Lawrence, age 50, of Holyoke, MA died suddenly on Sunday, April 4, 2021. He was born in Gardner, MA on August 2, 1970, the son of the late Neil P. and Margaret M. Lawrence. He lived most of his life in Holyoke. He attended Holyoke Public Schools and was a graduate of Holyoke High, Holyoke Community School of Nursing, and The University of Massachusetts School of Nursing where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Erik worked for many years at Baystate Medical Center. He began his work there as a kitchen worker and ultimately became a Nursing Supervisor. Most recently he was employed as a Nursing Supervisor at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. He was a strong advocate for his patients and his nursing colleagues. Erik was an enthusiastic skier and was a member of the ski patrol at Mt. Tom and Butternut ski areas. He had a passion for all music and was an avid Grateful Dead fan. He greatly enjoyed spending time surrounded by family and friends camping, at the beach, and attending concerts. Besides his parents, Erik was predeceased by his brother, Neil P. Lawrence. He is survived by his four children: Madysen H. Lawrence and his spouse Adara North of Burlington, VT, Kassidy J. Lawrence, Ella G. Lawrence, and Lily F. Lawrence and their mother Tamara (Motyl) Lawrence. He also leaves behind three sisters: Eileen Regan and her husband Gene Regan, Mary Lawrence and her husband Jeff Francis, and Amy Lawrence and her husband Mark Fitzgerald, all of Holyoke. Erik also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, several grand nieces and nephews, a loving extended family, and many, many friends. Relatives and friends are invited to meet for a Mass of Christian Burial for Erik on Wednesday, April 14th at 11:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street. The burial will be private. A Walkthrough Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 13th from 4 to 7 pm at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street. Please note that masks and social distancing are required for all services. Those choosing not to send flowers may consider donations in Erik’s memory to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038, or to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, Second Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Dagmar "Dag" (Schorkhuber) Keenan BS 1973

Dagmar's obituary, as it appears on Urban Funeral Home:

Dagmar Keenan, "Dag", of Fort Washington, PA, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Abington Hospital Jefferson Health. She was 69 years old.

Dagmar was born on March 28, 1951, in Linz, Austria, the daughter of the late Hermann and Katharina (Erk) Schorkhuber.

Mrs. Keenan grew up in York, PA. She received her BSN from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her MSN from the University of Pennsylvania. She was a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and spent her career at several regional hospitals, including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Abington Hospital.

She was a member of the Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, including a Bible study group, and a volunteer for the CHOP Homeless Health Initiative.

Dagmar is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, John P. Keenan. She is the loving mother of Krista J. Hansen (Kevin) of Olympia, WA; Brian M. Keenan (Kathryn) of Los Alamos, NM; and Sean P. Keenan of Fort Washington, PA; and the dear grandmother of Lily Hansen, Owen Keenan, and Patrick Keenan. She is the sister of Herman Schorkhuber (Alicia) of Lititz, PA.

Friends and relatives are invited to a Graveside Service on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery, 411 Susquehanna Road, Ambler, PA 19002. Pastor Keith Anderson will be the officiant. Please join the family for a luncheon following the service in Upper Dublin Lutheran Church's gathering room. RSVP to John at JPKeenan [at] verizon [dot] net (JPKeenan[at]verizon[dot]net) or 215-643-7040.

Remembrances in her name to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA. 19004 https://www.diabetes.org or The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation https://www.jdrf.org would be appreciated by the family.

Tributes and photos may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com

Theresa Ann Lucci BS 1985

Theresa's obituary, as it appears on Newburyport News:

Amesbury - Theresa Ann Lucci, 58, of Amesbury, passed away unexpectedly on March 5th, 2021.
She was born on October 20th, 1962 in Boston, Ma, and adopted by the late Ernie and Betty Lucci of Stoneham, Ma. Terry graduated from Stoneham High School in 1981 and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1985.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Frank Fiorella, son Nicholas Fiorella, sister Tammy Gooney and brother, Tom Lucci, Sr., and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by her beloved dogs and cats.
Terry dedicated her entire nursing career to caring for cardiac surgical patients, both in the ICU and the Stepdown, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. There she was known by her patients and colleagues as a dedicated, compassionate nurse who always went the extra mile to help her patients in their recovery from heart surgery. Terry's colleagues will always remember her for her quiet humor and willingness to lend a helping hand to all. Her biggest and proudest accomplishment was raising her only son. She instilled within him a love for nature and compassion for all. Nick and Frank remember her as an intelligent and dedicated mother and wife who encouraged them to pursue their goals and passions. They both loved her dearly.
She was a humble individual who had unconditional love for all animals. She was an avid dog enthusiast with a passion for training, breeding, showing, and rescuing. Terry used her expertise to help dogs find their forever homes. Her other passions were gardening and restoring her rustic farmhouse.
Please join us in celebrating her life on March 27th from 1 to 2:30 p.m.. at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury. Due to restrictions of COVID-19, services will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help establish a memorial scholarship in her name at https://gofund.me/96f048aa.

Therese (Phaneuf) Mullen MS 1970

Therese's obituary, as it appears on MassLive:

Therese Mullen, 91, of Wilbraham (formerly of Palmer, MA) passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021. Terry was residing at Orchard Valley of Wilbraham. Terry was born to the late Albert and Sheila (Grummel) Phaneuf on June 30, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in Ludlow, MA, attended local schools, and graduated in 1948 as Valedictorian of her Cathedral High School class. She went on to earn her RN in 1951 from the Springfield School of Nursing (now Baystate Hospital). A voracious learner, Terry continued her education and graduated from Springfield College with a BS in 1967. In 1970, she earned an MS in Nursing Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, returning a few years later to earn a Nurse Practitioner Certification. Terry worked as a nurse, a supervisor, and Director of Nursing at Monson Developmental Center for a total of almost forty years. She made lasting friends from nursing school, college, and the community of Palmer as well as from many who both lived and worked at Monson Developmental Center. Terry was a loving and well-loved, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, but her favorite ”hat” was her Nurses Cap and Pin and her favorite title was Nurse! She simply loved being a nurse and helping people. There was a time if a friend or family member was hospitalized, Terry would put on that hat and pin a go to the hospital to “special” them. Terry remained close friends to the end with several women who graduated from Nursing School with her. She was an active member of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, serving for one term as President. She valued education dearly and never stopped learning. Terry was a creative soul who, over the years, sewed many of her own and her children’s clothes. She quilted, hooked beautiful rugs, and embroidered, and wove baskets. She was a member of the Rosary Sodality, she taught Catechism, and she served as a lector at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Palmer for many years. Throughout the years, when her family was young, she worked full-time at Monson Developmental Center, but would always find the time to cook a special Sunday dinner every week for the entire family, including both grandparents! After her retirement, she participated as a member of the Palmer Rotary Club and for eighteen years she volunteered with Top Floor Learning. Terry knew the value of family and friends, education, the importance of personal generosity, volunteering, as well as for working hard for what you want. Throughout her life, she exemplified these virtues. One of her many remarkable and selfless contributions was to the Nurses’ Health Study and Brain Donation Initiative to which she continued to contribute information until her passing. Terry married Kenneth H. Mullen in 1952 and Palmer has been her home for over 60 years. She is survived by her three children: Susan Boucher (Frank) of Monson, MA, Jane Sutphin (Jim) of Enfield, CT, and Janet Mullen (Steven) of East Brunswick, NJ. She is also survived by six, much-loved grandchildren: Jared and Ryan Boucher, Cameron and Conor Sutphin, Alexandra and Jamison Brill, three sweet great-grandchildren; her sister Yvonne (Judy) Pedersen, her sister-in-law Phyllis Phaneuf as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. Terry was predeceased by her husband Kenneth, her brothers, Raymond and Leodore Phaneuf, her sisters-in-law, Janet Miller, Wynell (Joy) Phaneuf, and Marie Mullen, her brothers-in-law, Robert Mullen and Wilbur (Bing) Miller as well as her nephew, Russell Miller & niece, Terie Miller Jacobus.
Calling hours will be Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N Main St. beginning at 9 am followed by a procession to St. Thomas the Apostle Church for Therese’s funeral mass at 11 am. Burial will be in the spring at St. Thomas Cemetery, Palmer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people consider making donations to Top Floor Learning, 1455 North Main St. Palmer, MA 01068, The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Fl 17, IL 60601 (act.alz.org), The ALS Association, 4 Oxford Road, Unit E4, Milford, CT 06460, or to the charity of your choice. To leave a memory, please visit www.beersandstory.com

Cheryl D. Smith MS 1997

Cheryl's obituary, as it appears on Hoffmanfh.com:

Cheryl D. Smith (Wilson), a resident of Conway, Massachusetts, died unexpectedly on February 22, 2021, at the age of 69, due to a heart attack precipitated by symptoms of recurrent cancer.

Cheryl was born in Ligonier PA as the first among five children to Gerald and Eleanor Smith, longtime residents of Newville PA. She was predeceased by her father, her brother James Smith, and sister Susan George. She is survived by her beloved husband John Wilson of Conway MA, her mother Eleanor Smith, her sister Patricia George and husband Dale, and her brother William Smith and wife Judy, all of Carlisle PA. She is further survived by brother-in-law Thomas George and wife Cecelia of West Bolyston MA, sister-in-law Brenda Smith of Mt. Holly Springs PA, and a considerable flock of nieces and nephews, their spouses, and their children.

Cheryl graduated from Uxbridge High School in Uxbridge MA, received her LPN degree at the David D. Fanning School, and worked as a floor nurse for nearly 2 decades at Hahnemann Hospital in Worcester MA, where she also assisted in the design of their diabetes education program. Following a brief side-trip into software design, Cheryl returned to her professional love, earning an RN from Franklin County Community College and FNP from UMass, Amherst. When still pursuing her RN and FNP degrees Cheryl developed and directed the first Diabetes Educational Support Group for Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, MA. In addition to lively Q & A discussions focused on self-care through diet and exercise, Cheryl’s programs also incorporated educational lectures by physicians and other specialists on wide-ranging topics in diabetes management. The tangible success of that program resulted in a nomination for the New York Times Nursing Award. Following the achievement of her FNP Cheryl next developed, and for many years directed, the Nursing Center program for the Council on Aging in Amherst MA.

Despite being diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at age 5, Cheryl managed through diligent self-management to avoid nearly all the medical complications that affect people with diabetes. In teaching practice, she used her vast personal and professional knowledge of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes to inform and enrich the lives of patients she met and cared for throughout her career.

In the year 2000 Cheryl’s advocacy for better health care in general, and for diabetics in particular, took a political turn when she volunteered to testimony to the U.S. Congress regarding the proposed abandonment of non-synthetic insulins by the American pharmaceutical industry. Her testimony outlined the history of that decision, and its clinical ramifications, and recounted her personal experience in discovering that she was strongly allergic to all newly marketed and supposedly “improved” synthetic insulins. Despite strong opposition from industry lobbyists, Congress soon directed the FDA to allow personal importation of non-synthetic insulins by any citizen who, for one reason or another, cannot maintain life and health if denied access to non-synthetic insulin. That exception still stands, having saved many lives that might have otherwise been cut short, improving the quality of life for others, and without doubt extending Cheryl’s own life and good health by more than two decades.

Beyond medical career: Cheryl and her loving husband John enjoyed traveling on vacations through eastern Canada and the U.S, attending folk music and ‘60s concerts, and watching comedy and mysteries on PBS. Cheryl was also an exceptional artist, avid photographer, and enthusiastic gardener. She especially loved visiting her parents and large extended family back in Pennsylvania. Though they had no children together, she and John served as “mom and dad” to a lively and affectionate succession of Jersey Wooly and lop-eared rabbits. Cheryl’s boundless affection for “our bunnies” was a perfect reflection of her kind and generous heart. She will be forever missed by her sorrowing husband John, all their other family members, and many friends in New England, Pennsylvania, and places beyond.
Private burial will take place at a later date at the Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory at 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 (www.hoffmanfh.com/) and Drozdal Funeral Home at 120 Damon Road, Northampton MA 01060 (www.drozdalfuneralhome.com/) are assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Cheryl’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www2.jdrf.org/), and/or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (www.dana-farber.org).

Janet W. Knight BS 1976

Janet's obituary, as it appears on Athol Daily News:

Janet W. Knight Ph.D., passed in peace on her 89th birthday, January 30, 2021. Born in Cumberland, Maryland, she lived most of her life in Orange. She is survived by her four children: Robin (Michael) Aronson of Waterville Valley, N.H., Heather Holster, Scot (Karla) Knight, and Douglas Knight, all residing in Swampscott. She had eight grandchildren: Rob, Shana, Christal, Alex, Andrew, Katie, Jack, and Tess, and six great-grandchildren: Cooper, Aaron, Lily, Alison, Jason, and Aidia. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lisa Knight of North Hollywood, CA, and former husband Robert G. Knight, M.D of Athol.

A true academic, Janet graduated with high honors from Allegheny High School in Maryland in 1950. She completed a program in nursing at the Lucy Webb Hayes Nursing School and Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree from Boston College. She later attended Boston University where she accomplished a Masters's Degree in Nursing in 1979. Janet went back to school in her 50s and would defend her dissertation on Healthcare for the Homeless; she received her Doctoral Degree in Medical Sociology at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Her printed work for the Robert Wood Foundation with Dr. Clarke Roofe was published in 1980; the article was a culmination of her tireless work surrounding the healthcare plight of the homeless population in Worcester and across the country.

Dr. Knight had a most impressive working career. During high school years, she was an accomplished pianist who toured with Jazz Bands throughout Maryland. While completing her studies at UMass she would work the streets of Worcester and Springfield helping organizations provide food, clothing, and medications to the homeless. She would move on to succeed in her profession as a nurse educator as Clinical Director of Nursing Students at Hahnemann Hospital in Worcester. She was a Professor of Sociology at Boston University, and next worked for ten years for the Department of Corrections in Massachusetts as Director of Research as a Research Scientist under Governor Weld. She worked as a floor nurse at the Quabbin Valley Health Care facility in Athol.

An active member of the community of Orange, Janet served on the Board of Health and the Mahar School Committee. She belonged to the town Rotary club. Her love of reading prompted her to participate in the Great Books Club; she sang in the choir at both St. Mary's Church, and the 1794 Meetinghouse in New Salem. She attended St. Mary's Parish in Orange, and later the Athol/Orange Baptist church in Athol. She grew strong in faith and love for her Savior. Above all community service, it was the love Janet had for her town and townspeople that will be remembered. Everyone was invited into the family home on South Main Street; neighborhood friends of her children would come by just to see her as she was welcoming and hospitable.

The life of Janet Knight cannot be fully captured in her resume. Hers is a story of overcoming adversity. Her Scottish family roots are planted in the hills of West Virginia, a state with a history of impoverishment and disadvantage; her family worked the coal mines and dairy farms to make ends meet. Overall, the measurement of her true accomplishments can be found in the love she had for her home and her children. High School football games and parades were made special because all five of her children were in the band or on the field. Her camp on Lake Mattawa was an oasis to her family and countless friends who could always find Janet sunning on the deck, playing guitar, voraciously reading her books, or sailing on the water - just a few of her many passions.

Wherever our mother was, that was our home- we had no home but her. She is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memories. She is not physically here anymore but her light and love live on forever. For now, mother, you are gone from our sight; but joyfully, and always you are now Coram Deo ... in the Face of God.

When it is safe to do so, we will honor our mother with an in-person Memorial Service. Information will be forthcoming.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, if you so desire, to direct charitable donations to Camp del Corazon, 11615 Hesby St., North Hollywood, CA 90601 (http://www.campdelcorazon.org)

Dvora Cohen BS 2012

Dvora's obituary, as it appears on GazetteNet:

Dvora Cohen, 67, of Wendell died Jan. 11, 2021, at home from pancreatic cancer. She was born in the Bronx, New York on Oct. 7, 1953. The daughter of Herbert and Bessie (Axelrod) Cohen, Dvora attended the High School of Performing Arts in N.Y.C. and Mount Vernon High School, where her father was a woodshop teacher.

At Performing Arts, Dvora was introduced to costume making which began a lifelong love of fabric and clothing making. This led to a career as a handweaver and craftsperson, selling her work locally as well as in Boston, New York City, and Baltimore. Initially a self-taught weaver, she began selling her work in the early '70s. In 1984, Dvora obtained the recognition of Master Weaver at Hill Institute in Florence MA. Dvora was a weaver, spinner of yarn, a knitter, and became a teacher of those subjects. She wrote a knitting column for the West County News.

Dvora was passionate about gardening, saving seeds, canning, and freezing vegetables from her homestead garden. She sold herbs and perennials at the Williamsburg, Shelburne Falls, and Greenfield farmers markets. For almost a decade she helped create English cottage gardens around the Pioneer Valley with Nina Newington, who brought her skills here from England. Dvora offered seed-saving workshops, sharing her love of seeds and plants and the growing world.

Seeking a more regular income, Dvora enrolled in the nursing program at GCC and graduated with an associate's degree in 2002 at the age of 49. She worked at Mercy Hospital and then became a hospice nurse. She helped found Hospice of Franklin County. In 2012, Dvora received her BS in nursing from Umass and worked for the last five years of her career as a school nurse at Whately Elementary School.

Dvora always tried to make the world a little bit better. She served as a Brownie leader, and sat on the board of the Valley Community Land Trust and Friends of the Wendell Library. She volunteered her time with the Center for New Americans. She was a member of the Wendell Council on Aging and Wendell Conservation Commission. Most recently she put her sewing skills to use in an effort to help provide masks to everyone in Wendell.

Dvora leaves her best friend and husband, Stephen Broll; a son Micah Surprenant and wife Kelly, daughter Willow (Cohen) Sirum and husband Ben; step-daughter Audrey Broll and partner Justin Garofano. She also leaves grandchildren Kona Surprenant and Lillian "Lily" Sirum. Her extended family includes Mary Louise Broll and wife Sharon Povinelli and their two sons Samuel and Benjamin Hastings, David Broll and wife Sharon and their daughter Tess, and Dvora's cousin Susan Axelrod.

Dvora is predeceased by her parents, a brother Jeffery, and Ginger, the best dog in the world.

Due to the pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Dvora and Stephen would like to cast a wide net of thanks to all of our family and friends who supported us with their gestures of love, big and small. A special thanks to the group of our Wendell friends who provided meals for over 2 years. Donations may be made in Dvora's memory to the Leverett Village Co-op, 180 Rattlesnake Gutter Rd., Leverett, MA 01054.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home.

Dr. Josephine "Jo" Mary Ryan MS 1973

Dr. Jo was a beloved faculty member at the College of Nursing for 25 years and partner of longtime faculty member Dr. Christine King. Dr. Ryan received the UMass Distinguished Teaching Award and the UMass President's Office Public Service Award. Dr. Ryan passed away on July 13, 2020.

Her obituary, as it appears in the Daily Hampshire Gazette:

Josephine passed away on July 13, at age 77. She will be remembered as a loving partner, sister, mother, and grandmother, and as a fierce champion for women and nurses.

Jo was born to an Irish family in London on December 9, 1942, during a German bombing of the city. She was a late addition to three older siblings -- Fergus, Catherine, and Patrick. She spent her childhood between London and her family's home in the Thomondgate district of Limerick, Ireland, and would later recall walking to elementary school in Chelsea past houses shattered by the Blitz. As a member of the Girl Guides, she stood vigil at the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Jo was a feisty and outspoken girl. She practiced her quick draw with a toy six-shooter behind the boarding house that her mother, Mai, ran for Irish workers living in London. Jo's father, Tim, was a steamfitter.

In March of 1956, at the age of 13, Jo boarded the RMS Queen Mary with Patrick and Mai, bound for the United States, where Catherine had emigrated three years earlier. Jo later had fond memories of the five-day voyage and reported that the food was excellent -- even in third class. They landed in Manhattan, stepping onto the pier and into the arms of aunts, uncles, and cousins who had emigrated before them.

The family moved into an apartment over a barber shop in Flatbush, Brooklyn. At P.S. 89 Jo quickly shed her accent to avoid being teased on the schoolyard. After two years, Jo and her family moved to Stamford, Conn., where Jo completed high school and was a standout on the basketball team. A bright and talented student, Jo later said she would have chosen to study marine biology if a guidance counselor hadn't steered her toward nursing school.

After three years at the Greenwich Hospital School of Nursing, Jo was recruited to a new program at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and added a B.S. to her R.N. Jo followed her love of science and learning into academia and collected further degrees: a master's from University of Massachusetts Amherst and a doctorate in nursing science from Boston University. She became a tenured associate professor in the school of nursing at UMass, where she trained future nurses for more than three decades. Admired by her students and esteemed by her colleagues, Jo was awarded the UMass Distinguished Teaching Award and the UMass President's Office Public Service Award. She taught pathophysiology and nursing theory, and she mentored doctoral students through their research. In addition to imparting knowledge and skills, Jo sought to inspire self-assurance and confidence in the young nurses in her classrooms. Jo was awarded numerous grants for research and nursing public service, published many journal articles and book chapters, and presented papers at conferences throughout the world.

Jo was partnered for many years with Bruce MacMillan, whom she met while they were students in Washington, D.C. Jo and Bruce shared a passion for books and ideas, and for peace and justice. In 1974, Jo supported Bruce's efforts to open the Broadside Bookshop in Northampton. Jo would do the window displays, selecting and arranging books to draw passersby into the new shop. With Bruce, Jo had two boys, Daniel and Thomas. She instilled in her sons a sense of compassion and social responsibility, an appreciation of the natural world and the night sky, and a love of words and wordplay.

Jo spent the last three decades of her life as the loving partner of Christine King, a fellow professor of nursing at UMass, and became stepmother to Chris's son, Benjamin. Jo and Chris shared both their lives and their work, securing research grants and authoring scholarly papers together. They published research on intimate-partner violence and training manuals to help nurses assess and assist abused women. This was pioneering work at a time when the healthcare system was not seen as an area for addressing domestic violence. Jo and Chris also secured funds for a school-based health clinic in Springfield, Mass., and developed educational programs to train school nurses. Later in her career, Jo created connections between UMass and nursing programs in Puerto Rico, establishing student exchanges and distance-learning opportunities that led to the creation of a doctoral program at the University of Puerto Rico, the first such program in the Caribbean.

While she loved her house on South Street in Northampton, Jo also constantly sought out new flavors and experiences. She visited five continents, camping across Europe, painting with elephants in Thailand and riding camels in Egypt, visiting Alaska by boat, and traveling many times to Ireland. She and Chris camped throughout the US National Parks with their three sons. Jo devoured detective novels and conquered crossword puzzles. She was known for her sharp mind and her dry wit. Jo never lost her love for her homeland or her lifelong pride in being an Irish immigrant.

In the last decade of Jo's life, health problems began to pile up. A breast cancer diagnosis was followed by chemotherapy, then open-heart surgery, and then still more difficulties. Her visits to the hospital were never pleasant but sometimes offered chance reunions with grateful former students, now practicing nurses who were happy to care for their old professor. Even as her health declined, Jo was kind to every healthcare worker who came into her hospital room, always looking to make people laugh. And she remained committed to travel, from summer weekends in the Berkshires to winters on the beach in Puerto Rico.

Jo is survived by partner Christine; son Daniel and his partner Hilary; son Thomas and his partner Carolyn and their daughter Eleanor; stepson Benjamin and his partner Kate and their children Eve and Galen; brother Patrick and sister-in-law Emelie and their children Timothy, Eileen, and Finn; nieces Moira and Cathy; and cousin Mary. She will be remembered by friends, colleagues, and former students. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Donations in Josephine's name may be given to Women for Women International or Safe Passage in Northampton.

Ann E. Feloney 1980 BSN

Ann's obituary, as it appears in the Bangor Daily News:

BOXBOROUGH, MA. - Of Boxborough, formerly of Cambridge and Brewer Maine, March 6, 2020.
Beloved daughter of Theresa (Ciampa) Feloney and the late Lawrence F. Feloney. Cherished sister of Lawrence F. Jr. and his wife Denise of Natick, Joseph L. and his wife Jennipher of Milton. Loving aunt of Lawrence F. III, Kara, Cameron and Isabelle Feloney, Amy Feloney and her husband Albert Kellett. Caring great-aunt of Bryson Kellett.

Ann devoted her career to Pediatric Nursing initially in Neonatology and more recently as a Nurse Practitioner focused on Pediatric Rheumatology. She worked in Boston, Worcester, Bangor and overseas, including work for the US Army in Germany as well as several pediatric volunteer missions to Vietnam. Ann's other passions included the Boston Red Sox and travel. She rarely missed a game, was at Fenway frequently, and annually would combine her love of travel and the Sox into adventures at ballparks across the country.

Funeral from The DeVito Funeral Home, 761 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, Friday morning at 9, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 in St. Peters Church, 100 Concord Avenue, Cambridge. Interment to follow Cambridge Cemetery. Visiting at the Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 to 7. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann's memory to the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, Massachusetts 02284, or CASPAR, P.O. Box 45538, Somerville, Massachusetts 02145.

Lucie S. Kelly

Lucie S. Kelly received an honorary degree from the University of Massachusetts College of Nursing in 1989 and was named a "Living Legend" by the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Kelly was also a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps who served in WWII. Dr. Kelly passed away on November 20, 2019. 

Her obituary, as it appears on the Hill and Wood Family Home Website:

Dr. Lucie S. Kelly of Charlottesville, Virginia died on November 20, 2019.

She was born on May 2, 1925, in Stuttgart, Germany, and immigrated to Pittsburgh, PA with her late parents Hugo and Emilie Stirm in 1929.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Jay Young and her second husband Thomas M. Kelly.

Dr. Kelly has had a distinguished career in nursing, education, and health care administration. She obtained three degrees from the University of Pittsburgh; a BSN (Nursing) in 1947, an M Litt in nursing education in 1957, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education in 1965. She also holds six honorary doctorates from the University of Rhode Island, University of Massachusetts, Georgetown University, American University, New York State University, and Widener University.

Dr. Kelly has held a number of key positions in nursing and administration, including Vice President of Nursing, McKeesport Hospital, McKeesport, PA; Professor and Chair California State College, Los Angeles; and a joint appointment at Columbia University, NYC, as a professor of Public Health and Nursing in the School of Nursing and professor of Public Health and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the School of Public Health. She retired from Columbia as professor emerita in 1990. She served as president of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, and on the boards of numerous professional, health care and governmental organizations.

Dr. Kelly was elected to the American Academy of Nursing and later named a “Living Legend”. She has also received numerous other honors, awards and appointments from nursing, other health care, community and government agencies. Dr. Kelly has over 200 publications, including 10 books, and has lectured extensively in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa. She has also served as editor of Nursing Outlook and other peer reviewed journals.  At age 90, she was honored at the University of Pittsburgh as a Legacy Laureate and at the University of Virginia as an outstanding leader by the Beta Kappa Chapter of the nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau.

She is survived by her daughter, Gay Aleta Meyer and her husband Donald, two grandchildren, Kira Rosch and Christopher Meyer, three great grandchildren and two great- great- grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be private, and a Celebration of Life for Dr. Kelly will be held at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, Charlottesville, Va. at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to your favorite charity or to the Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge Foundation, 250 Pantops Mtn. Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Gellestrina “Tina” DiMaggio

Gellestrina “Tina” DiMaggio, a founding faculty member of the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing, passed away on December 21, 2018 at the age of 95. Tina worked at Massachusetts General Hospital for 16 years, serving as assistant director of Nursing and then as acting director of Nursing from 1982-1983 before her retirement in 1985.

Her obituary, as it appeared in The Boston Globe:

DiMAGGIO, Gellestrina "Tina" Of Boston and Arlington, December 21. Beloved daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (Garagliano) DiMaggio. Sister of Rosemary Courtney of Orange, CT and the late John DiMaggio. Aunt of Susan Vitale (of Arlington), Jacqueline Moll (of Skillman, NJ), Carolyn Norton (of Harwinton, CT), and John Courtney (of Woodbridge, CT). Also survived by 8 grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday 2:00 to 5:00pm in The DeVito Funeral Home, 1145 Mass Avenue, ARLINGTON. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10:30am at The Paulist Center, 5 Park St., Boston, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tina's memory to: Mass General Hospital Development Office, for the Dept. of Nursing, 125 Nashua St., Boston, MA, Suite 540, 02114-1101 or UMass Amherst College of Nursing, 651 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003-9270.

Ms. DiMaggio grew up in New London, CT. She graduated from Connecticut College in 1944. She then continued her education and graduated from the Yale School of Nursing in 1947. She worked at Yale New Haven Hospital and then received her Master's degree from Columbia University's Teacher College. Ms. DiMaggio was one of the founding faculty of the College of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She moved to Boston and worked at Massachusetts General Hospital, eventually becoming the Acting Director of Nursing. She retired from MGH in 1985 and became an active member of the Beacon Hill Village. She always enjoyed traveling and participating in activities with Beacon Hill Village and most recently with Brightview Senior Living in Arlington.

Published in The Boston Globe on Dec. 26, 2018 

Elaine Marieb

Elaine Marieb, who earned her Master of Science degree with a specialization in gerontology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing, passed away December 20th in Naples, FL at the age of 82. Dr. Marieb was known for authoring more than a dozen textbooks read by over 3 million practicing nurses and healthcare professionals and for her philanthropic efforts. 

Her obituary, as it appeared in The Herald Tribune: 

Marieb, Elaine
April 5, 1936 - December 20, 2018

Time Magazine's 2016 list of the "100 Most-Read Female Writers in College Classes" included, not surprisingly, names like Mary Shelley, Virginia Woolf, Jane Austen, and Toni Morrison. Within this esteemed group, however—taking spot number seven—was the less-known but preeminent textbook author, Elaine Nicpon Marieb.

Dr. Marieb's effect on teaching and learning anatomy and physiology has been profound. Known for her desire and ability to integrate the student's perspective into her teaching, Dr. Marieb's textbooks are estimated to be read in over 3,000 classrooms worldwide, with more than three million nurses and healthcare professionals that are practicing today having likely learned about anatomy and physiology from that source. Her reach has been one of global dimensions; however, Dr. Marieb's influence has been magnified closer to home—students at both Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Holyoke Community College will be reminded of Dr. Marieb's intellect, her special connection with her students, and her generosity as they study in the buildings there that are named in her honor.

Dr. Elaine Nicpon Marieb, PhD, internationally-known text book author and philanthropist, had a storied writing career that spanned four decades. She authored and co-authored more than 10 best-selling textbooks and laboratory manuals in anatomy and physiology, including the undergraduate laboratory manual, "Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Manual" and the textbook, "Human Anatomy & Physiology" by Marieb & Hoehn. Learning and teaching were her passions. Dr. Marieb earned a bachelor's degree from Westfield State College in Massachusetts (MA) and a Master's degree from Mount Holyoke College (MA). She began her teaching career at Springfield College and after receiving her PhD in zoology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Dr. Marieb went on to teach at Holyoke Community College. 

Always striving to better understand the relationship between the study of the human body and the clinical aspects of nursing, Dr. Marieb enrolled in Holyoke Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program—while she was teaching—and proudly earned her nursing degree. She went on to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Fitchburg State College, and a Master of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMass Amherst), with a clinical specialization in gerontology. Dr. Marieb was also awarded an honorary doctorate from FGCU. 

Dr. Marieb liked to call herself an "accidental author," as she had authored only a few academic journal articles prior to reviewing textbook manuscripts for Addison Wesley in the 1970s. During that time, Dr. Marieb decided to write her own laboratory manual, which became the most widely-used lab manual in colleges and universities across the country soon after its publication in 1981. 

Dr. Marieb then embarked upon writing what would become her magnum opus—her human anatomy and physiology textbook. Having the dual roles of student and teacher gave Marieb special insights into the foundational knowledge that nurses needed to master. Armed with this insight and a clear talent for teaching and writing, Marieb authored Human Anatomy & Physiology. The textbook was published in 1989 and became an immediate hit with both instructors and students. As Pearson Editor-in-Chief, Serina Beauparlant, so aptly stated, "Elaine, of course, had many talents including a vision for how to teach, a talent for writing, a relentless work ethic—but I think she also had a special gift for how to connect with the student. This empathy permeated her books at a time when textbooks didn't have a lot of pedagogy or a strong author voice. Elaine's textbooks set a new standard that is still in play, today."

Dr. Marieb's love of teaching and learning lives on through her philanthropy. Her $15 million gift to FGCU, pledged between 2012 and 2017, resulted in naming the health building, Marieb Hall, and subsequently, the Marieb College of Health & Human Services, which provides degree programs in nursing, athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, exercise science, physician assistant studies, clinical mental health counseling, health administration and social work, among others. True to her passion to help others, the endowments benefit both students and teachers. 

Dr. Marieb has also generously funded programs at Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, and UMass Amherst. The science building at Holyoke Community College bears her name. The New Directions New Careers programs at Holyoke Community College provides funding to a staffed drop-in center, as well as to scholarships for women who are either returning to or starting college. Additionally, at the school, the Elaine Marieb Faculty Chair for Teaching Excellence is awarded each year to a faculty member who is recognized for outstanding classroom teaching. An endowed fund provides the recipient with a stipend that can be used to further his or her professional skills. At Mount Holyoke College, Dr. Marieb has helped advance research by undergraduate science majors through the E.N. Marieb Science Research Awards, and has helped finance the renovation and updating of one of the school's biology labs. UMass Amherst has benefited from Dr. Marieb's generosity, as well. There, she funded the reconstruction and instrumentation of a state-of-the-art cytology research lab, and also underwrote the university's Nursing Scholars of the Future Grant Program, in light of the severe shortage of nursing faculty.

In 1994, the National Council for Resource Development, American Association of Community Colleges, presented Dr. Marieb with the Benefactor Award, recognizing her ongoing sponsorship of student scholarships, faculty teaching awards, and other academic contributions to Holyoke Community College.
Dr. Marieb's philanthropy extended to other personal interests. An herbarium and laboratory will be named in her honor at Sarasota's Marie Selby Botanical Garden. Not as well-known were Dr. Marieb's philanthropic endeavors to help strengthen early childhood education by funding the Children First organization in Sarasota, Florida. One of their locations, the Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center, bears her name. 

Dr. Marieb was an active member of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She was also a consultant for the Benjamin Cummings Interactive Physiology® series. 

Dr. Marieb's comments to FGCU 360 Magazine in 2017 summed up the important role that education played in her life, as well as her reason for inspiring others: 
"Education gave me the faith and confidence I have in myself, and I would love to help instill that faith in students pursuing careers in health professions. Be diligent in your studies because only when you are, can you gain the sense of accomplishment that brings confidence in yourself. With confidence and education, you can change your life." 

Born on April 5, 1936 in Northampton, MA to Evelyn Rose (Pelkey) Nicpon and Francis Joseph Nicpon, Dr. Marieb grew up on her family's farm there. As a teen, she sang the blues at a local cafe and attended Smith College. Dr. Marieb died on December 20th in Naples, FL at the age of 82. She was predeceased by her husbands Joseph Marieb and Harvey Howell, as well as her daughter, Pamela Marieb. Dr. Marieb is survived by her grandchildren, Shanna Torres and Joseph Mosler, and three sisters, Rose Marie Weibel (Charles), and Marilyn Ann Gawle (Paul), both of Easthampton, MA and Susan Ellen Koldis (William) of Northfield, MA. Dr. Marieb is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. 

A woman of conviction and action, Dr. Elaine Nicpon Marieb will continue to shape lives through her legacy as an educator and philanthropist through the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Foundation. For more information on that organization, please contact info [at] mariebfoundation [dot] org.

Published in Herald Tribune from Jan. 4 to Jan. 6, 2019

Michael Grasso

It is with great sadness that we share with you that Michael Grasso, a graduating Clinical Nurse Leader student, has passed away unexpectedly just before his graduation from our master's degree program. His compassion and dedication were evident in his work here at the College of Nursing and around the world.

He was an amazing and dedicated nurse leader who had served in Iraq with the Army Reserves and helped to rebuild after the Hurricanes in Haiti. He most recently served as the Nurse Care Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital and had worked for the hospital for over 15 years. Currently, he was working in telehealth with the Visiting Nurse and Sustainable Health Care for the Future Initiative.

There will be a card at Scholarship Day tomorrow for those who wish to send messages to his family.

His obituary is listed below:

GRASSO, Michael V. Of Dorchester, passed away on May 3, 2018. Son of Ronald and Sylvia (Hodge) Grasso. Beloved husband of Hedwidge (Brisson) Grasso. Loving father of Zachary M. Grasso. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Gregory Church on Saturday, May 12 at 10am. Visiting hours will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St., DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, on Friday from 4-8pm. Interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends invited. For information and online guestbook www.dolanfuneral.com

Lillian Rachel Goodman

Lillian Rachel Goodman, 94 of Shrewsbury, a visionary leader in the field of nursing education and practice, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 24th 2018, after a period of declining health. 

Lillian was born in Hanover, New Hampshire on May 20th 1923, the eighth child of thirteen children born to the late Benjamin "Bennie" and Anna Goodman. She graduated from Lebanon High School and attended the University of Michigan. Lillian then earned her nursing diploma from Peter Bent Brigham Hospital School of Nursing, and subsequently her Bachelor of Science, Masters of Science and Doctorate of Education from Boston University. She began her career with the State of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Central Office as Assistant Chief of psychiatric nurses. Lillian also served as Interim Dean for the University Of Massachusetts School Of Nursing in Amherst.

In 1973, Lillian was approached and accepted the challenge to create the Worcester State College School of Nursing Department, currently known as the Lillian R. Goodman Department of Nursing. While serving as Professor and Department Chair at Worcester State, she also consulted both nationally and internationally and authored several publications in the field of nursing.

In 1991, Lillian then assumed the position of Dean and Professor of the University of Massachusetts Medical School Graduate School of Nursing serving in this position until 1999 when she retired. During her tenure the school began offering a Collaborative Ph.D program with the Umass Campus in Amherst. Lillian received two honorary doctorates, one from Umass Worcester in 1991, and another from Worcester State College in 1999. After retirement, Lillian continued to perform community service in the areas of health and education. 

She is survived by her lifetime companion of 45 years, Mary K. Alexander of Shrewsbury; her brother, Joseph Goodman and his wife Patricia of Nashua, NH; several nieces, nephews, extended families and many friends and colleagues. In addition to her parents, Lillian was predeceased by her brothers Samuel, George, Robert, Harry, Harvey, Louis and Richard Goodman; her sisters, Grace Smith, Mary Pearlstein, Elizabeth Fleischman and Helen Budd. 

Lillian loved reading, and enjoyed playing Golf and skiing. She also found great enjoyment travelling nationally and internationally, but always enjoyed her summers in Maine and during retirement looked forward to spending winters at her home in Florida. Lillian spent many enjoyable hours with her pets, her sheltie dog Gwenie and three Siamese cats. 

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, MA. In lieu of flowers contributions in Lillian's name can be made to the Worcester State Foundation, 486 Chandler Street Worcester, 01602. Please note in memo portion of check; Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Fund for Nursing Excellence. Gifts in memory may also be directed to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (for the Lillian R. Goodman/Mary K. Alexander Fund for Nursing Education and Research), 370 Main Street, suite #650, Worcester, MA 01608. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements 

www.mercadantefuneral.com

Judith Gagne Levreault

Judith Gagne Levreault ('62) of South Hadley, MA, died on February 12, 2017.  She had been dealing with Alzheimer's disease for several years, and had recently been diagnosed with lymphoma. Read her obituary here. 

Heather Mary McMahon

Heather Mary McMahon, RN, 30, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2017 surrounded by her loving family and friends. Heather was born in Holyoke, MA on April 15, 1986, the daughter of James W. McMahon and Kathleen (Baush) McMahon.

Heather was an avid swimmer from a young age, competing for the Holyoke YMCA Vikings for 15 years as well as USS swimming. Heather was a 2004 graduate of Holyoke High School, where she was a member of the swimming, track and field hockey teams, as well as the Holyoke High School Band. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree from Springfield College where she was a member of the swim team and was selected team captain her senior year. Heather then earned a second Bachelor's Degree in nursing from New York University and was enrolled in a doctorate program at UMass, Amherst to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Heather was employed as a Clinical Nurse Supervisor at Holyoke Medical Center. She was an incredibly kind and positive person with a passion for life and her community. Heather was an active member of the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee as well as the Holyoke Elks. She truly enjoyed her involvement in the many Parade Committee events including the Road Race and Parade. She also enjoyed the two years she spent coaching the Holyoke High Swim Team.

In addition to her parents, Heather is survived by her brothers Joseph McMahon and his wife Nora and Ryan McMahon and his wife Brooke. Heather recently became a proud aunt to her niece Connie McMahon with whom she adored spending time. She is also survived by her best friend and love of her life Kyle Mardeuse and their two cats Martin and Elliot. Heather will be missed by her many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Heather showed tremendous courage and strength in fighting an aggressive brain tumor. She maintained her positive attitude and love of life until the end. Special thanks to those who provided Heather and her family with guidance and support during her fight, especially Dr. Zubeena Mateen and Erin Hurlburt, RN, Brooke McMahon and to the staffs at the Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital, the D'Amour Center for Cancer Care, and the Holyoke VNA.

The Funeral Mass for Heather will be held Monday at 10:00am in Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church. Burial will follow in Forestdale Cemetery West, Rock Valley Road. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00pm at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street. Given Heather's passion for finding a cure for Glioblastoma, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Heather's name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Glioblastoma Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Karen Plotkin

Karen Plotkin, 59, of South Deerfield, Massachusetts, passed away at home on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 after a brief battle with cancer.

Karen was born in Leominster on Jan. 21, 1957, to Louis "Pin" Cannavino and Marge (Crespin) Cannavino. She was a graduate of Fitchburg State College and the Leominster School of Nursing. After graduation, she began her lifelong nursing career as a visiting nurse in the Fitchburg area. Upon moving to South Deerfield, she worked several nursing jobs. Her career then took her to the University of Massachusetts, where she became a professor in the College of Nursing for 17 years. While at UMass, she earned her master's degree and went on to complete her Ph.D.

In 2000, Karen received the College of Nursing's Outstanding Teacher award. She did extensive research on adolescent endometriosis, publishing her study, "Stolen Adolescence: The Experience of Adolescent Girls with Endometriosis" in 2004. She was also a member of several nursing associations and received a board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a clinical nurse specialist in home health nursing in 2006.

Karen loved her students, and her students loved her. She received letters and thank-you cards from students every year, many of whom said they aspired to be like her.

Every Sunday for years, she would meet a group of friends at Schetzen Verein in Gill to walk their dogs along the Connecticut River. She also loved traveling with her family.

She is survived by her husband, John, and her children, Andrew of Worcester and Matthew of South Deerfield. She is also survived by her mother, Marge, her sister, Jane Kennedy of Leominster and Jane's longtime companion, Dennis Wills of Gardner, as well as her beloved 15-year-old Golden Retriever, Shelby Lynn.

Karen is predeceased by her father, who passed away in 2014.

A memorial service will be held Jan. 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Wrisley Funeral Home in South Deerfield. A calling hour will be held the morning of Jan. 7th from 10:00AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UMass College of Nursing Scholarships at: Records and Gift Processing, Memorial Hall, UMass, Amherst, MA 01003. Online donations can be made at: www.umass.edu/nursing/alumni-giving. Click here to read Karen's obituary.

Valerie George 2004 BS

Valerie George 2004 BS, clinical instructor, passed away September 7, 2015.

Valerie's obituary as it appears in the Brattleboro Reformer

1956 - 2015 BRATTLEBORO Valerie Christine George, 58, of Highlawn Road was unexpectedly called home to Heaven on Monday afternoon, September 7, 2015 as the result of injuries she sustained in an accident. Valerie was born in Arlington, VA on September 12, 1956, the daughter of Raymond and JoAnn (Green) Maynard. She was raised and educated in Agawam, MA and was a graduate of Agawam High School, Class of 1974. She went on to attend the UMass School of Nursing where she received her R.N. degree and later earned her Master's Degree in Nursing Education in 2008 from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.

At the time of her death she had been employed as a nursing instructor at the University of MA Amherst and was also employed as a Nurse Educator at the Veterans Medical Center in White River Jct., VT. Valerie was an active volunteer with the Brattleboro Aids Project and was also active with the American Red Cross, Windham County Chapter. Of her pastimes and interests Valerie loved spending time with her family, her grandchildren and her grandpuppies. She also enjoyed quilting, baking, hiking, sailing and relaxing at the beach.

Valerie was married to Edwin Sauter of Utica, NY and had two children, Edwin J. Sauter, II of Brattleboro, VT and Jeremy J. Sauter of Hinsdale, NH. She remarried in 1989 to Phillip George of Brattleboro, VT and had one child, Andrew J. George of Brattleboro, VT. She leaves behind her three sons, Edwin, Jeremy and his wife, Teri, Andrew and his wife, April; her great-aunt, Nancy Lane of West Springfield, MA, one brother, Jeffrey Maynard of Halephorpe, MD, her long-time partner, Brooks Mitchell of Newfane, VT, and her grandchildren: Skylar, Mason, Hannah, Lakota, Neveah, Addison, Elijah and Benjamin.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home, 40 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT on Monday from 6 to 8p.m. A Service in celebration of her life will be conducted Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Naulakha (Rudyard Kipling House), 707 Kipling Road, Dummerston, VT from Noon-8p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Valerie's name may be made to Children's Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock (CHaD), Hitchcock way, Lebanon NH and/or the AIDS Project of Southern VT, 15 Grove St, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book or send messages of e-condolence please visit : www.atamaniuk.com

Elizabeth Ann Clark

Elizabeth Ann Clark, 87, of Brewster, a former assistant professor in the College of Nursing, died Aug. 9, 2015. She was an instructor in nursing from 1957-61 and served as an assistant professor, medical-surgical nursing, from 1964-76.  Born in 1928, she was a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College and earned masters degrees from Columbia Teachers College and Yale University School of Nursing. She also taught nursing at the University of Maine and the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, and was a head nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Nancy Fisk

Nancy Fisk, retired associate professor of nursing, passed away July 17, 2015. Nancy made her career as a nurse and academic earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut at Storrs and her master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She spent most of her professional life as a professor of nursing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Earlier in her career, Nancy taught nursing at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Holyoke Community College. She also founded the first halfway house for recovering alcoholic women in Springfield.  Nancy enjoyed years of involvement in barbershop music in the Sweet Adelines organization as a member of choruses in Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as director of one which she founded, The Belles of Amherst

Joanne (Ouillette) Casavant 1972 BS

Joanne's obituary as it appears on ActonFuneralHome.com

ACTON – Joanne (Ouellette) Casavant of Acton passed away on April 27, 2012. She was the beloved wife of Thomas G. Casavant, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of Zachary T. Casavant and his wife Kristin, Adam T. Casavant and his wife Jennie, Benjamin C. Casavant and his girlfriend Erin White, and Catherine E. Casavant. She was the daughter of Barbara Ouellette and the late Robert Ouellette, sister of Robert Ouellette, Jr. and Stephen Ouellette.

Joanne will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. A private service was held on May 4th. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s memory can be made to Friends of the Playground, towards the Goward Playground Renovation. Checks may be made out to “Town of Acton” and mailed to Jana Cataldo, 9 Greenwood Lane, Acton, MA, 01720. Please reference “Casavant Memorial” in the memo of the check. For more information or to make a credit card donation, visit www.friendsoftheplayground.org. Please reference “Casavant Memorial” in the notes. Thank you.