In Memoriam
The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing extends our deepest sympathies to family and friends of those who have passed away. Please find In Memoriam obituaries below. Submit information/obituary for the In Memoriam page.
Memorial Gifts
Rob Berman '76 was looking for a fitting way to honor his wife, Kathleen Horan Berman '76, who passed away in 2005.
Kathleen worked at Beth Israel Hospital for 25 years, overseeing the psychiatric unit. She had a passion for education, nursing leadership, and a strong commitment to helping others. Rob remarks, "We knew that we didn’t want a bench or a plaque. We wanted something that had life to it."
Rob ensured Kathleen's light continued to shine bright and established a nursing scholarship for students who wish to follow in Kathleen's footsteps. Her family and friends found comfort knowing they can actively continue Kathleen's legacy and life purpose for years to come.
In addition to annual contributions to the scholarship several members of the Berman & Horan families have included the scholarship in their wills.
Our Elaine Marieb College of Nursing would be honored to sustain the legacy and memory of your loved one. For more information about memorial giving, please contact Olivia Frazier, Director of Development, at olivia [dot] frazier [at] umass [dot] edu
In Memoriam
Find more about historical obituaries from 2021 and beforehand.
Marjorie Anne (Peterson) Pietras BS 1969
Marjorie's obituary, as it appears on Beers & Story Funeral Home:
Easthampton-Marjorie Anne (Peterson) Pietras passed away peacefully at home with the love of her husband, Mitch surrounding her along with the support of her family and friends on May 24, 2022.
Marjorie was born in Holyoke Massachusetts on May 27, 1947. She attended school here and in Florida, graduating from South Hadley High School in 1965. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts in 1969. She also completed some postgraduate work in the University's School of Public Health.
The focus of her nursing career, which spanned over 50 years, was her love of home health care. She initially worked as a home health care staff nurse but quickly moved on to lead several non-profit agencies, starting her own agency, All About You, at age 60. She led All About You for 10 years retiring at age 70.
Marjorie loved life and had many interests including reading, music of all genres, counted cross stich projects, completing jigsaw puzzles and having dinner at the Glendale Grill. She enjoyed many lifelong friendships. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, the love of her life, Mitchell. He was her loving and constant support throughout her battle with kidney disease.
She is also survived by her daughter, Melissa Nestor and her son Nye. Her son and daughter-in-law, Karl and Stacey Nestor and their two children, Brady and Riley, all of South Hadley are also left behind.
She also leaves two sisters and brothers-in-laws, Karen and Bill Turgeon of Mission Viejo, California and Sherrill and John Shearin of Lakeland, Florida. Marjorie also leaves brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Paula Pietras and brother-in-law, Walter Pietras, all of South Hadley.
Special mention is also made of best friends Nancy Flavin, Karen Cadieux and Tracy Jacot all of Easthampton. Additionally, immeasurable thank yous to Marjorie's friend and caregiver of 7 years, Lisa Sansouci of Westhampton Finally, special mention and love to her cat and constant companion, Shadow.
Mitchell would like to acknowledge Dr. Lovenor PO and his staff and the staff of Hospice Life Care for their competent and caring support throughout the final stages of her illness.
Calling hours at Beers & Story South Hadley will be Wednesday, June 1 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Marge’s life will be on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with burial to follow in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to Holyoke VNA & Hospice Life Care or the Easthampton Police Association Attn Chief Robert Alberti, 32 Payson Ave. Easthampton, MA. 01027. Please visit www.beersandstory.com.
Olivia Abui Ampiah-Bonney BS 2006, MS 2018, Emerita Faculty
Olivia's obituary, as it appears on Daily Hampshire Gazette:
Belchertown, MA — Olivia Abui Ampiah-Bonney died at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA on Tuesday, April 12, after putting up a long and courageous fight. She was born in Takoradi, Ghana, to Edward Kwaku Ahelegbe and Anna Ameyo Ahelegbe. She was predeceased by her father and older siblings Sarah and Edwin. She is survived by her mother Anna, her husband of 25 years, Richmond, her five children; Kodwo, Joojo, Noah, Adwoa, Ekua, and many nieces and nephews.
Olivia graduated from Holy Child School in 1988, and earned her BSc degree in Chemistry from the Kwame Nkrumah University in 1992 and it was there that she met her future husband, classmate Richmond. She went on to receive a Masters Degree in Wood Technology & Management (1998), becoming the first woman to earn that degree in Ghana. She was appointed Lecturer in the Civil Engineering Department at Takoradi Polytechnic. Moving to the US, she received a Bachelors and then a Masters degree in Nursing from UMass Amherst and was working on her PhD.
Olivia worked for many years as a drug rehabilitation nurse in Springfield, as a tutor at the Westover Job Corps, Chicopee, and as an instructor at the School of Nursing, UMass Amherst. She loved mentoring, especially young ladies and young men.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 – 10 AM at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Hadley. A celebration of life will be held at 10 AM, with burial following at 11:30 AM in South Cemetery, Belchertown. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com
Lois (Toothaker) Aldrich BS 1968
Lois's obituary, as it appears on Snyder Funeral Home:
Lois A. Aldrich, 75, went home to the Lord on Monday, March 21, 2022. She was born on June 9, 1946 in Winchendon, MA, daughter of the late George and Charlotte (Sawyer) Toothaker.
Lois and her husband, Donald C. Aldrich, grew up together in Winchendon; they were married on June 12, 1971 and celebrated 50 years of wonderful marriage last summer. Lois graduated with a BS in nursing from the University of Massachusetts and served a variety of nursing functions. Her most important role was as a Mom to Lori and Brad, and later Grammy to their six grandchildren. Lois was also devoted to mission work and being a faithful servant to many people to the glory of God. Lois and Don moved to Garden Spot Village in New Holland, PA after living in Unionville, PA, Troy, MI, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Cambridge, MA. Lois and Don loved to explore God’s beautiful creations during their many camping trips over the years.
Lois had a very strong faith in God through her relationship with Jesus Christ. She spent much of her adult life volunteering for various mission organizations and demonstrating God's love for everyone. She was a board member and longtime volunteer with Spanish Health Ministry in Kennett Square. She was also involved with Kennett Square Presbyterian Church and Grace Fellowship Church in Unionville. After moving to New Holland and joining Christian Fellowship Church, Lois and Don enjoyed serving at Garden Spot Village and Cross Net Ministries.
In addition to husband Don, Lois is survived by a daughter, Lori A., wife of Brendan Miller, and their children, Jordan and Janelle Miller of Mount Joy, PA, and a son, Bradley K. Aldrich, husband of Kate, and their children, Kent, Micah, Lily and Emily Aldrich of Lancaster, PA.
A celebration of Lois’s life will take place on Friday, April 15, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 South Kinzer Avenue, New Holland, PA. Chaplain Chet Yoder and Rev. Dr. Douglas C. Bozung will officiate. Interment will be private in the Garden Spot Village Memorial Garden.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Spanish Health Ministry, 205 E. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 spanishhealthministry.org/get-involved/donate or to CrossNet Ministries, P.O. Box 154, New Holland, PA 17557 elancocross.org/get-involved/donate.
Joan Ziemba Morgan BS 1973
Joan's obituary, as it appears on Mystic Funeral Home:
Joan (Ziemba) Morgan, age 89, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 3, 2022. Joan was the beloved wife of the late William F. Morgan. Born and raised in Holyoke, MA, she was the daughter of the late John J. Ziemba and Sally M. (Strzempko) Ziemba. A graduate of Mercy Hospital, Springfield and UMass, Amherst, Joan was the director of the Chicopee Visiting Nurses for 32 years before retiring to Leesburg, Fl. Joan was a dedicated nurse, had a great love of family, and was a fierce golf enthusiast who touted her "hole in one" trophy. Joan was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and The Plantation Golf Club, both in Leesburg. Joan has two sisters, Fran Hauck of Boston and Chris Simmons of Mystic, a brother-in-law Joseph Simmons and her late brother-in-law Charlie Hauck. Chris and Joe welcomed Joan to their home in her final months. Joan will be missed by her nephews and nieces Christina Vrba (Tom), Mary Burke (Jim), John Hauck (Heather), Elizabeth Hauck, Joanna Priest (Jared), Juli Davis (Jesse), Laura Andrade (Nick), and their families. Joan is also survived by her two aunts Emily Zoladz and Jean Kurdziel, and many other relatives in Western Mass.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 12 at 11 am in Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132. Interment in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Condolences may be left at www.mysticfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul's Church, 1330 Sunshine Ave, Leesburg FL 34748 or to the Ukrainian Relief Effort at https://support.crs.org/donate/donate-ukraine.
Sharon Pollard Gill BS 1974
Sharon's obituary, as it appears on The Recorder:
Indian Hill, OH — Sharon, passed away Feb. 14, 2022 at her home in Indian Hill, Ohio. She was a remarkable, multidimensional woman as a pioneer in the woman's movement in New England and New York City in the 1970s, a successful executive, and a loving mother and wife. Sharon was a first generation, summa cum laude college graduate with two masters degrees, a psychiatric nurse and successful Madison Avenue advertising and management executive and community leader. She lived a full, sophisticated life yet always exuded an endearing, small town demeanor, sense of humor and ability to make others feel special.
Born in 1951 in the rural "Norman Rockwell'-like town of Greenfield, Massachusetts to Beverly and Raymond Pollard, she was educated at public schools graduating from Greenfield High School in 1969. Sharon, though, envisioned a bigger, more expansive life than her small-town roots where her family had lived since the late 1600s. She enrolled and then graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts in 1974 with a BS-Nursing.
As a single young woman she moved to NYC's, world renowned, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital as a staff nurse. Working fulltime she concurrently obtained a Masters of Science degree with high honors specializing in psychiatric nursing from Columbia University. She progressed through various positions including Director of Nursing education at the New York Psychiatric Institute. Sharon again sought to expand her horizons by then obtaining an MBA with high honors from Columbia University in 1979. She was one of only a small handful of women to do so in the 1970s.
Upon achieving this milestone she pivoted her career and obtained a highly coveted position in advertising at the world famous Doyle Dane Bernbach Advertising Agency on Madison Avenue in NYC. Here she led work on numerous award-winning ad campaigns. She then progressed to ever-more challenging positions as a marketing manager at Lever Brothers in NYC and ultimately marketing director at Bristol Meyer's Drackett Company, headquartered in Cincinnati. In Cincinnati she met and married Robert Gill, her adoring husband of 37 years. He survives her along with their two sons, Daniel and Jonathan (Emma Lindner) Gill. Sharon is also survived by her mother, Beverly Perkins of Enfield, CT and brother Kenneth (Nina) Pollard of Hadley, MA.
A particularly enlightening chapter of Sharon's life was the role she played in helping P&G establish a new European headquarter community in Geneva Switzerland in the late 1990s. Supporting her husband's promotion t Euro business unit head she helped select the best location for families to relocate to and moved with her family to Geneva. There she worked closely with the International School of Geneva and expat community to help improve the situation for the many multi cultural families being relocated from over 30 countries.
After Sharon's career and child rearing experiences she co-founded a family investment company. She actively supported many Venture Capital endeavors including a first ever African American lead IPO listed on the NYC Stock Exchange as well as many other start up businesses.
Despite tenaciously battling a terminal cancer prognosis for over 5 years, Sharon never lost her spirit nor enthusiasm to help others. She established and supported many charitable causes through a Greater Cincinnati Foundation Fund as well as direct donations and volunteer work. Sharon's family request that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in her name to the beautiful Indian Hill Grand Valley Preserve. The preserve is essential to the Little Miami River eco-system, community water supply and where Sharon loved to walk and observe wildlife.
She had a reserved persona, but her ready smile, great sense of humor, tireless effort and most importantly, courage, to face, and overcome any challenge life presented inspired all who knew her. Though small in stature, Sharon Pollard Gill's life, and impact on others, was large.
Published by The Recorder on Mar. 5, 2022.
Ronna L. (Small) Kaplan BS 1974
Ronna's obituary, as it appears on Echovita:
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ronna L. Kaplan (Newton, Massachusetts), who passed away on February 13, 2022, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Ronna L. Kaplan to pay them a last tribute.
She was loved and cherished by many people including her husband Edward S. Kaplan; her parents, Naomi Small (Newman) and Melvin Small; her sons, Adam (Colleen) and Matthew Kaplan (Julia); her grandchildren, Jordan, Andrew, and Harriet; and her siblings, Jane Devecis (John), Debra Small, Howard Small (Diane) and Joseph Small (Judy). She was also cherished by many nieces and nephews.
Contributions in Ronna's name to the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin would be appreciated.
Patricia Hoar-Szyman BS 1972
Patricia's obituary, as it appears on Memorial Alternatives:
Patricia Hoar Szyman of Hingham, MA passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022 in Hermon, Maine. She was 71 years old.
Pat was born in East St. Louis, IL, in 1950, to Francis J. and E. Barbara (O’Hara) Hoar and was raised in Hingham. Pat graduated from Hingham High School in 1968 and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1972. She worked as a nurse at veterans' hospitals in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Illinois, returning to Hingham where she raised her daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth, and later became the school nurse at Hingham High School until her retirement in 2017. She loved looking out her windows at the islands in Hingham Harbor. Pat brought love and humor, as well as knitting needles, to every situation.
As a Hingham High student, Pat was known to toss her baton very high as a majorette. Years later, known affectionately as "Nurse Szyman" throughout the Hingham High community, she protected her flock of colleagues and students, some whom she had known since their grade school years. She was always available for medical advice, sometimes hearing a little more detail than she wanted to know, but always handling it with humor and professionalism.
A true patron of the arts, Pat never missed a high school theater performance, usually the first one to arrive, grabbing the perfect seat from which to cheer on her "poopsies." A thoughtful and appreciative spirit, Pat was the ultimate card writer, thanking everyone, sending love and support with graceful thoughts and words.
Pat passionately loved her daughters. She was a caretaker in every capacity of her life, to any and all individuals who were lucky enough to cross her path. The characteristics of her daughters and loved ones of which they are most proud of are a reflection of the love, empathy, and kindness with which she lived her life.
In addition to her daughters Rachel and Elizabeth Szyman, Pat will be profoundly missed by her siblings, Maureen Twombly of St. Petersburg, FL, Shelia Zahm of Hermon, ME, Colleen Cliff and her husband, Terry, of Hermon, ME, and Brian Hoar and his wife, Cindy, of Plymouth, MA, her nieces and nephews, Melissa, Audrey, and Cassie Cliff, Lauren Gray, Kathryn and Emily Hoar, and Mark Zahm, as well as her many cousins and friends.
In loving memory of Pat, donations may be made to CureHHT at https://curehht.org/ways-to-donate/tribute/.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 1–2:30 p.m. at the Hingham Community Center, 70 South Street, Hingham, MA. Parking is available on the street or in the municipal lot off Central Street. Parking is NOT permitted in the CVS parking lot.
Karen (Whelan) Mullaney BS 1968
Karen's obitary, as it appears on Seacoast Online:
Durham – KAREN WHELAN MULLANEY, 76, of Durham, NH, a longtime pediatric nurse at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, died peacefully in her home on Sunday, January 23, 2022, surrounded by her family.
Born Karen Lee Whelan on January 19, 1946, in Waltham, MA, Karen grew up in Framingham, MA. She attended Marian High School and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she was part of the College of Nursing's first graduating class. A long career in pediatric nursing followed, which included 42 years at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover as well as service at Children's Hospital in Boston, MA, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She retired in 2012.
In addition to her work, Karen loved gardening, beautifying her home, exercising, and traveling. She particularly loved France and all things French; she was an enthusiastic student of the French language throughout her life.
She is survived by her husband, Stanley Joseph Mullaney of Durham; daughter Stephanie M. Carver (Joshua) of Cape Elizabeth, ME; son Peter Charles Mullaney of Atlanta, GA; sister Deborah Whelan (Philip Kincade) of Durham; brother Peter Whelan (Deborah) of Shrewsbury, MA; grandchildren Charles Carver and Bella Carver of Cape Elizabeth, ME; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Lee Whelan, of Framingham MA and originally of Waltham, MA (a/k/a "The Flag Man of Framingham"); mother Catherine G. Whelan of Framingham and originally of Saco, ME; a niece, Elizabeth Whelan of Shrewsbury, MA; and a nephew Raymond Mullaney, Jr. of Fairfax, VA.
Visitation will be at R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 Main Street, Rochester, NH on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen's memory to the Alzheimer's Association.
Please visit www.Edgerlyfh.com to sign an online guest book.
