Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Ethel L. Bartley
Mrs. Ethel L. Bartley, 92, formerly of West Springfield died Friday November 29, 2002 at Noble Horizons Nursing Home in Salisbury, CT where she has been a resident since May 1999.
Born July 25, 1910 in Bronx, New York she was the daughter of Charles and Fannie Nickle Kable. She graduated from Evander Child's High School in New York City in 1928.
Mrs. Bartley was active in the women's auxiliary of the Good Shepherd Church and the Ramapog Organization while living in West Springfield. She enjoyed painting, gardening, reading and doing crafts but above all she cherished the time spent with her family.
She married Alfred R. Bartley on September 29, 1934 in New York City. Mr. Bartley died in 1988.
She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Barbara Person of Sheffield; two grandchildren, Eric and Joshua; and two great-grandchildren, William and Olivia. She also leaves her nephew, Edward E. Kable.
She was predeceased by her brother Charles Kable.
A service celebrating the life of Ethel L. Bartley will be conducted Saturday December 7, 2002 at eleven o'clock at Christ Church in Sheffield, MA with the Rev. Susan Crampton.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either the Arthritis Association or Christ Church through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Ronald West
Ronald "Bud" West, 83, of Silver Street in Sheffield died Wednesday evening December 4, 2002 at his home following a brief illness.
A life long resident of Sheffield, Bud was born in Hartford, Connecticut on June 29, 1919, the son of Edwin Frank and Ethel Stevens West. He attended the one room school house on Silver Street, schools in Ashley Falls and spent two years at Dewey Memorial Hall. In 1938 Bud graduated from Sheffield High School.
He owned and operated a dairy farm for forty-one years. He also owned and operated West's Farm Equipment for forty-five years. The business started on Silver Street and later moved to Great Barrington.
Mr. West was a member of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Sheffield, also known as Old Parish Church, for fifty-nine years and served on its Board of Trustees. He was a member of the Sheffield Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, for sixty-nine years and served as Master of the Sheffield Grange, the Berkshire South Pomona Grange and as a Subordinate Deputy of the Massachusetts State Grange.
He was a member of the Cincinnatus Lodge, A.F. & A.M., and the Monument Chapter RAM in Great Barrington. A devoted Shriner, he was a member of the Melha Shrine of Springfield.
Bud was a self taught musician. He occasionally played his trumpet at church in Sheffield. For the most part he played Baritone in various bands. He was a member of the American Legion Band in Great Barrington, the Salisbury Band in Salisbury, CT, the Melha Shrine Band, the Melha German Band in Springfield, where he played the Tuba, and the Eagles Band in Pittsfield. He was also a member of the Housatonic's Barbershop Chorus of Salisbury, CT.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years the former Elsie Denhardt, whom he married April 12, 1942 at the First Congregational Church in Sheffield. He also leaves his son David F. West and his wife Barbara of Sheffield; his daughter Diane M. Smith and her husband David, Sr. of Sheffield and a son Donald S. West. Two sisters Eleanor Lachman of Jupiter, Florida and Verna Williams of Hudson, Florida. He leaves five grandchildren; Richard and Andrew West; Danielle Pedretti, Kimberly Lavoie and Kenneth Smith; and five great grandchildren; Nicholas and Christina Pedretti, Matthew and Benjamin Lavoie and Megan Smith.
A service celebrating the life of Ronald "Bud" West will be held Saturday, December 7, 2002 at eleven o'clock at the First Congregational Church of Sheffield, Old Parish Church, with the Rev. Arthur Kaufman officiating.
The family will receive friends on Friday, December 6, 2002 from four until seven p.m. at the Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington concluding with a Masonic Prayer Service at seven o'clock, conducted by members of the Cincinnatus Lodge A.F. & A.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Shriner's Children's Hospital or the First Congregational Church of Sheffield, to benefit the sanctuary, through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Michael N. Layne
Mr. Michael N. Layne, 51, of Main Street, South Egremont died Tuesday evening December 10, 2002 at his home.
Born January 1, 1951 in Boston, Massachusetts he was the son of Evangeline Kantos Layne and the late Michael M. Layne. He attended schools in Northampton and East Longmeadow, graduating from East Longmeadow High with the class of 1968. After attending St. Anselm's College in New Hampshire, he lived in Vail, Colorado where while becoming an expert skier, he managed or was employed at several local restaurants before entering into real estate brokerage.
Pursuing this field he returned to Massachusetts where he worked at the Fox Hollow and Lakecrest resorts in Lenox and Pittsfield, respectively. In 1991 he realized his longstanding dream of owning an eating establishment, The Gaslight Cafe in South Egremont, Massachusetts, which he operated until his death.
Michael was active in numerous local fundraisers and charitable causes. He annually hosted a Halloween party for town children and served on the Egremont Zoning Board of Appeals. He was an avid crossword enthusiast, animal lover and student of the English language.
Besides his mother of East Longmeadow, Michael is survived by his wife Catherine (Doran) Layne. The couple met on May 3, 1993 and were married on July 11, 2001 in South Egremont. He also leaves his step-daughter Elissa MacDowell at home and his brother Evan Layne of Boston.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday December 17, 2002 at 11:00am at South Egremont Congregational Church with the Rev. Kevin Smail, officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Monday December 16, 2002 from four until seven p.m. at the Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catherine Layne, beneficiary for the Michael Lane Memorial Fund.
Armida I. D'Aniello
Armida I. D'Aniello, "Mrs. D," 81 owner of Troy's Garage in West Stockbridge, passed at her home Wednesday, January 22, 2003 after a valiant effort to conquer lung cancer.
Born May 1, 1921 at home she was the daughter of Angelo and Irene Roviaro Zanconato. She was a life-long resident of West Stockbridge and a communicant of St. Patrick's Parish. She grew up on the family farm, received a national award for outstanding penmanship in her youth, and went on to graduate in 1940 from the Marrcel Academy of Beauty Culture for cosmetology. She pursued a career in hairdressing until marrying Victor D'Aniello of February 4,1943. The couple then moved to Connecticut where she worked at the Pratt and Whitney Aircraft.
Armida was best known as "Mrs. D." She and her husband purchased the business, Troy's Garage in 1962. The husband and wife team operated the garage until Victor's passing in 1974. She continued as sole proprietor, working six days a week with her sons, Victor and John, and grandson, John Victor, until this past November 2002.
She was a pillar of faith to her family, full of wit, wisdom, and prayers for her friends and customers.
She loved gardening, cake decorating, crocheting, sewing and rug braiding, She had a compassion for all living animals, especially dogs, birds and fish. She was beginning to research her genealogy back to its Italian roots and regularly followed the changing constellations.
Armida is survived by her two sons, John D'Aniello of Housatonic and Victor D'Aniello of West Stockbridge and her daughter, selectwoman Elizabeth DiGrigoli of West Stockbridge. She also leaves eight grandchildren, Denise DiGrigoli Amuso, Donna DiGrigoli, Michael A. DiGrigoli, John Victor D'Aniello, Marie D'Aniello, Christopher D'Aniello, Michael D'Aniello and Anthony D'Aniello and most recently her first great-grandchild, Ava Elizabeth Amuso.
Liturgy of Christian Burial will be conducted Monday, January 27, 2003 at eleven o'clock at St. Patrick's Church in West Stockbridge with Rev. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in West Stockbridge.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 26, 2003 from one until five at the Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Armida D'Aniello Scholarship Fund through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Robert Armstrong Chapin
Mr. Robert Armstrong Chapin, 85, of Balsam Hill Farm on Hewins Street in Sheffield died early Friday morning January 24, 2003 at Fairview Commons Nursing Home in Great Barrington. He had been a resident there for the last two months.
A native and life long resident of Sheffield, he was born July 28, 1917, the son of Albert and Ruth Armstrong Chapin. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Sheffield High School. He then went on and graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts.
He was the fifth generation to own and operate Balsam Dairy Farm on Hewins Street. He was a member of the Holstein Breeders Association of America and the Farm Bureau Association. He won many awards for farming including the Massachusetts Dairy Farm Association award for highest production in butter fat content and the Governors Trophy from the State of Massachusetts New England Green Pastures exceptional achievement in Dairy Farming.
Robert was an active member of the community and served on the Board of Directors for the Canaan National Bank from 1967 - 1985. He served on the Sheffield Finance Committee for many years and was a long time member of the Sheffield Land Trust.
He enjoyed golfing, hunting, trapping and gardening. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, the former Rose Pezze, whom he married October 12, 1941 at Old Parish Church in Sheffield. He also leaves his children, Robert C. Chapin of Sheffield, Ellen C. Emprimo of Sheffield, William T. Chapin of West Haven, Connecticut, and his stepson, Francis Pezze of Sheffield; two sisters, Marion Lundgren of Torrington, Connecticut and Hazel Adams of Auburn, Massachusetts; ten grandchildren, Kimberly, Sabrina, Christine, Michelle, Suzanne, Matthew, Todd, Jennifer, Michael and Lorraine; eight great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Michael, Justin, Sydney, Christopher, Megan, David and Andrea, and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his brother Correll Chapin.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 27, 2003 at two p.m. at Old Parish Church in Sheffield with the Rev. Arthur Kaufman, pastor. Burial will follow in Sheffield Center Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 26, 2003 from two until five p.m. at the Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Old Parish Church or to the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Maureen T. Snyder
Maureen T. Snyder, 36, of Park Lane in Sheffield died early Friday morning January 31, 2003 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston after a valiant battle with leukemia.
The daughter of Kathy McGuire and James Snyder, Maureen was born April 9, 1966 in Pittsfield. She attended local schools and graduated from Monument Mountain Regional High School with the class of 1984.
She worked at the former Berkshire County Savings Bank in Great Barrington for over ten years. She most recently she worked as assistant town clerk in Sheffield.
Maureen was especially dedicated to her children and cherished the time spent with them and with her family. She was caring, giving and always there for her family and friends. She also enjoyed kick boxing, running and aerobics.
She leaves her mother of Sheffield, her father of Ashley Falls, her children Zachary and Emily Coon, her sister Theresa Graney and her husband Joseph of Falls Village, CT, two brothers Richard Benda of Pittsfield and Michael Dewkett of Canann, CT. She also leaves her beloved friend Randy Koldys of Great Barrington, her former husband Matt Coon of Sheffield, three half-brothers James, Jason and Jeffrey Snyder and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 4, 2003 from four until seven at the Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Funeral services will be private.
The family invites the public to join them for a memorial gathering on Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at twelve o'clock at the Egremont Country Club.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Gladys Doncaster
Funeral services for Mrs. Gladys Doncaster of Great Barrington who died March 14, 2003 will be conducted on Tuesday March 25, 2003 at ten o'clock at Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington with Rev. Charles Van Ausdall, pastor, First Congregational Church, Great Barrington.
There will be no calling hours.
She is survived by her son Henry Doncaster and his wife Barbara of Great Barrington.
She was predeceased by her husband Robert Doncaster, Sr. and her son Robert Doncaster, Jr.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Elsie Hunt Handberg
Elsie Hunt Handberg died March 19, 2003 at Fairview Commons where she had been a resident for 18 years.
She was born in Pittsfield, July 14, 1913, daughter of William A. and Lucy Hunt. Growing up on Mount Washington, she attended school there through grade 8 then 3 years at Searles and graduated from Sheffield High School with honors.
She married Ejner P. Handberg, September 28, 1932, in the Great Barrington Congregational Church and built their first of three homes on North Plain Road, Housatonic, where they continued to live the next 20 years. Ejner's growing building profession contributed to their progressing through five homes of their own from Housatonic to Stockbridge and finally their retirement home and business, Pinewood Shop on Route 102, Lee, MA.
She was an artist and craftsman in many areas having received instruction in oil painting, porcelain lace draping and ceramics, slide photography, and nature photography. She and her husband continued their love for slide photography combined with camping across the country and Canada, giving slide lectures on wild flowers, churches, covered bridges and landscapes of New England and beyond.
Following her Brief career as a sewing instructor for Singer in Pittsfield then at Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, she carried on her sewing skill, dressing period dolls of the centuries Her Shaker dolls, dressed for Mrs. Edward Deming Andrews (Hancock Shaker Museum), have traveled many exhibitions.
The Handbergs celebrated 56 years of marriage before entering the former Willowood Nursing Home, now Fairview Commons, together.
Ejner passed away September 13, 1985, and she continued to be actively involved at Willowood, She operated the resident gift shop there for 9 years, retiring to concentrate on her hobby of constructing doll houses and miniature kits, etc. for sale in the shop for staff and family. Her personal "Family Heritage" dollhouse was featured in the national "Nutshell Magazine."
Elsie was a member of the DAR and Stockbridge Congregational Church.
She leaves a son, Edward Handberg of Lee; a daughter, Anne Barrett Oppermann of Great Barrington; 8 grandchildren, Suzanne Jester, Pittsfield, MA, Peter Barrett, Westford, MA, Tammy Depolo, Mashpee, MA, Larry Handberg, Washington, Tina Handberg, New Mexico, Patti Handberg, Virginia, Debbie Oppermann, Westfield, MA and Brenda Oppermann, Lee, MA; 10 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place at a date to be announced.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Stockbridge Library, Stockbridge Congregational Church or Great Barrington Congregational Church through the Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Geoffrey William Paget
Mr. Geoffrey William Paget, 86, of East Road died on Saturday, March 22,2003 at Fairview Commons shortly after being admitted.
Born September 26, 1916 in Frankton, England, he was the son of Eustace William and Hilda Mary Gillings Paget. He was a member of the class of 1932 at the Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby, England, and a graduate of Rugby College of Technology and of the City and Guilds of London Institute, earning their Insignia Award for contributions made to the early development of jet engines.
He emigrated to Long Island, New York in 1959 where he served as Vice President of the Industrial Casting Division of World Wide Casting Supply Company. He was an Associate of the Institution of Metallurgists, a Member of the Institute of British Foundrymen, a Member of the American Foundry Society and also a Member of the American Society for Metals. He authored a number of technical papers on the subject of foundry metallurgy and precision casting of metals.
A resident of Alford since 1967 he acted as a consultant to the precision foundry industry until his retirement in 1986.
He was active in town and community affairs and was a member of the First Congregational Church of Gt. Barrington and a member of Cinncinnatus Lodge AF & AM. He had been Chairman of the Town of Alford Council on Aging and a Board Member of the Southern Berkshire Elderly Transportation Corporation. He also served for four years on the Advisory Council of Elder Services of Berkshire County and was a Past President of the Southern Berkshire Unit of the American Cancer Society.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Twiss Paget, whom he married on Jan. 11, 1984; four children, Mhairi Paget of Harvard, MA, Rona Anderson of Irasburg, VT., Morag MacDonald of Bloomfield Ct., and Colin Paget of Ipswich; two step-sons, Clifford Twiss of Gt. Barrington and Stephen Twiss of Bomerton, WA; six grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren. He also leave three brothers, Derek Paget of Coguitlan, British Columbia, Canada, Norman Paget of Coventry, England and Doulgas Paget also of Coventry, England
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, March 28, 2003 at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington at two o'clock with Rev. Charles Van Ausdall officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations to the Southern Berkshire Elderly Transportation Corp., the Roosevelt Organ Fund at the First Congregational Church of Great Barrington or your local food pantry through the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Eloise Usher Deming
Eloise Usher Deming, 81, of Clayton Road in the village of Ashley Falls, died on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at Fairview Hospital.
Born in Tolland, CT, on May 12, 1921 she was the daughter of Joseph and Esther Streeter Usher. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Stafford Springs [CT] High School.
She retired from the General Electric Company having worked both in Bidgeport, CT and Norfolk, CT. Mrs. Deming has been a resident of Ashley Falls since 1947. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and working crossword puzzles.
Eloise is survived by her husband of sixty-one years, Kenneth H. Deming whom she married October 17, 1942 in Milford, CT; two sons, Jonathan Deming and his wife Mary Ellen and Mark Deming, both of Ashley Falls. She also leaves four grandchildren, Kimberley, Sarah, Timothy and Emily Deming, and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeaseaced by two sisters, Lucille Graf and Marjorie Couch and two brothers, Owen Usher and Lawrence Usher.
A Service of Remembrance for Mrs. Eloise Deming of Ashley Falls will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at two o'clock at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington with Rev. Betty LeGeyt, pastor, Trinity Methodist Church in Ashley Falls.
The family will receive friends from one until the time of the service.
Those who desire may make contributions in her memory to Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad through the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Homes, 426 Main St., Great Barrington MA 01230.
Marvin T. Casivant
Mr. Marvin T. Casivant, 71, of East Stahl Road in the village of Ashley Falls died on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at his home.
Born in North Chatham, NY on January 16, 1932 he was the son of Edward H. and Julia C. Longdyke Casivant. He attended RoJan High Regional High School in Hillsdale, NY.
He retired in 1991 from Sheffield Plastics where he had over thirty two years of service. Prior to this he had worked for Federal Homes and Dempsey's Garage, both in Great Barrington. He had been a resident of Ashley Falls for the past fifty four years.
He was a charter member for forty years and former deacon of the Grace Bible Church in Ashley Falls.
Mr. Casivant restored antique cars and dealt in antique tractors. He was a member of Four Antique Clubs including the Granite State Gas & Steam Engine Assn. in New Hampshire, the Connecticut Antique Machinery Assn. in New Milford and the Century Museum Village and Collectors Assn. and the Hudson Valley Old Time Power Assn., both in New York State.
He leaves his wife of forty years, the former Evelyn M. Fuller whom he married Dec. 1, 1962; his son, Marvin H. and his wife Olympia Casivant of Ashley Falls; three daughters, Julie Burghardt of Bristol, NH, Susan Pratt of Pittsfield, and Jeanne Veron of Collinsville, Alabama; a stepson, Dennis Hankey and his wife Sandy of Sheffield; stepdaughters Eileen Kellog of Clayton, MA and Susan Knuffke and her husband Frank of East Canaan, CT; grandchildren Demitri, Kosta, Nikos, Anthony, Justin, Meghan, Memphis, George, Gabriel, Melissa and Heather; step-grandchildren Kelly, Joanne, Nicole, Thomas, Tammy, Thomas and Gary; one great-grandson, two great granddaughters and two step-great-grandsons. He also leaves his sister, Almida Varsegi of Coventry, CT, and three brothers, Ned Casivant of Hudson and Ben and Henry Casivant both of Mellonville, New York; his former wife Mary Casivant of Pittsfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his daughter Michelle Clark in 1998, and his brother Ronald in 1988.
Funeral services for Marvin Casivant will be conducted on Saturday, March 29, 2003 at one o'clock at Grace Bible Church in Ashley Falls with Rev. Ed Eastman, pastor.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2003 from four until seven at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Bible Church Driveway Fund through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Orrin J. Noon Sr.
Orrin J. Noon Sr., 90, longtime resident of Stockbridge, died at home in Harwich, MA on Sunday, March 23, 2003 after a brief illness.
Mr. Noon grew up in Pittsfield, MA and attended St. Michael's College and Seton Hall University. He retired early from General Electric to start Stockbridge Imports, a retail gift business in Stockbridge, MA. In 1976 he retired to cape Cod.
He was predeceased by his wife Margaret McCauley who died in 1974.
Surviving are a son, O. James Noon Jr. of Harwich Port, MA a daughter, Margaret Hemphill of Kent WA, a very special friend, Pearl Kennett of South Yarmouth, MA, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Another son, David M. Noon, died in 1973.
Liturgy of Christian Burial will celebrated on Saturday March 29 at 10:00 at St. Joseph's church in Stockbridge, MA with Rev. Steven McGuigan. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, also in Stockbridge.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cape Cod.
Ira E. Bender
Mr. Ira E. Bender, 65, of Shamrock Street in Stockbridge died on Wednesday, March 26, 2003.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on November 24, 1937 he was the son of William and Sylvia Davis Bender. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and City College of New York, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering.
A resident of Stockbridge, where he lived since 1966, he served on several committees and was active on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He also was town treasurer for more than six years and was recently elected President of the Berkshire County Treasurers and Tax Collectors Association. He retired in 1995 from management and as a systems engineer at General Electric Co. A man of integrity, he served for many years in the Elfin Society and various other associations at General Electric, assisting and raising money for area youth programs.
Ira was an active member of the YMCA in Pittsfield, where he enjoyed swimming and playing handball. He enjoyed volunteer work. A blood donor, he was recognized for his many years of service to the American Red Cross. Mr. Bender was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club. He loved to travel.
Ira was a scholar, exceptionally well versed in economics and world politics. He enjoyed reading and listening to music and was a strong supporter of the arts. A modest man, he was always willing to teach and share his knowledge and time with anyone. He was adored by his family.
Ira is survived by his wife of more than forty-two years, Lillian Hill Bender, whom he married August 16, 1960 in Philadelphia, PA; two sons, Shawn Bender of Huntington, NY & Ian Bender of Burlington, VT; his brother, S. Michael Bender of St. Petersburg, FL; his sister, Mrs. Karen G. Weingarten of Westport, CT; four grandchildren, Samuel, Nicholas, Jennifer and Julia, and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral of Mr. Ira Bender will be on Friday at one p.m. at Knesset Israel Synagogue in Pittfield with Rabbi Lynn Liberman officiating. Burial will follow in Ahavath Sholom Cemetery in Great Barrington.
Those who desire may make memorial donations to either the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Stockbridge Library Association or City College of New York through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Richard F. "Dick" Shumar
Richard F. "Dick" Shumar died at his home on Taconic Avenue in Great Barrington on March 26, five weeks after his 92nd birthday.
Born in Imlay City, Michigan, on February 15, 1911, Mr. Shumar was the son of Elmer and Ida Finley Shumar. He graduated from the engineering school of the University of Michigan in 1932 and was an avid supporter of that school's football team.
He married Kitty Hughes on September 11, 1939, and the couple moved to Midland, Michigan, where he worked as an electrical engineer for Dow Chemical until his retirement in 1974. He was a member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, the Midland Elks, and the Midland Country Club.
In 1994 Mr. Shumar and his wife moved to Great Barrington, where he enjoyed playing cribbage, listening to music of the Big Band era, reading P.J. Wodehouse and studying the history of the American Civil War, and eating breakfast at the Sun Rise Diner in Sheffield. In his earlier years he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, and boating. He was a member of the Old Parish Church in Sheffield.
Mr. Shumar, whose wife died in 2002, is survived by a daughter, Deborah Harris of Great Barrington; a son, Peter Shumar, of Traverse City, Michigan; and four grandchildren: Charles and Elizabeth Harris and Peter and Molly Shumar. His family deeply appreciates the devotion of his caregivers.
A graveside service will be held in May in Michigan.
Steven J. Krzynowek
Mr. Steven J. Krzynowek, 85, Formerly of West Main Street in the village of Housatonic died Friday evening March 28, 2003 at the Village of Laurel Lake in Lee. Mr. Krzynowek moved to the Village at Laurel Lake 4 years ago and became one of their first residents.
Born December 16, 1916, in Great Barrington, MA he was the son of Paul and Alice Boldyga Krzynowek. He attended local schools and graduated from the former Searles High School was he was a star athlete in basketball, track and golf. He lived in Housatonic all his life except for his time in the Army and a short period upon his return when he and his wife lived in Durham, North Carolina.
Mr. Krzynowek was a veteran of World War II, and had been stationed in Iran. He worked in Lee for Kimberly Clark as a machine operator until his retirement in 1981.
He was a member of Wyantenuck Country Club for 50 years (1952-2002), and had caddied and played golf at Wyantenuck in the 1930s. Steven was an avid golfer, shot his age well over 100 times, and maintained a handicap of 3 or less for over 30 years. He played over 200 rounds per year from the time of his retirement in 1981 until 1997 and won the Allied Father Son with son John in 1981 in his 20th attempt (9 with older son Paul and 11 with younger son John).
His wife, the former Doris Martin Krzynowek passed away in November of 1975. He met Doris in North Carolina while assigned at Fort Bragg.
His oldest son, Second Lieutenant Paul S. Krzynowek was killed when his plane was shot down over Thailand during the Vietnam War in December of 1967.
He is survived by his youngest son, John Krzynowek of Libertyville, IL, his daughter in law Karen D. Krzynowek, and two grandchildren, Lauren and Kathryn. He also leaves his sisters, Sadie Kirkbride and Alice Magdalenski, both of Housatonic, and Sophie Almori of Great Barrington.
He was predeceased by his younger brother Stanley.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at ten o'clock at Corpus Christi Church in Housatonic with Rev. Michael Twardzik. Burial will follow at St. Bridget's Cemetery in Housatonic.
The family will receive friends from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Corpus Christi Church Fund through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Mattie Beatrice Wilson
Mattie Beatrice Wilson, 94, of Main Street, Great Barrington departed this life Wednesday, April 2, 2003, 6:05 p.m. at the Fairview Commons Nursing Home in Great Barrington, MA. She had been a resident there for the last five years.
Born November 25, 1908 in Athens, GA to the late Alexander and Rosa Colquitt Pope. To this couple, Mattie was the older of 2 children. Her sister, Mrs. Mozella Spencer preceded her in death.
Mattie attended schools in Athens, GA. Upon graduation she worked for a time in the family restaurant, which enabled her to become the "GREAT COOK" that she was. It was there that she met and united with Otis Eugene Wilson, who departed this life in 1958.
Mattie & Otis moved to New Haven, CT and resided there for a while. They made their permanent residence in Great Barrington, MA where they raised their 16 children. Two of their daughters, Doris Wilson and Minnie Spellman also preceded her in death. Mrs. Wilson, fondly known as Mattie B by many, was very popular in town and operated an extremely busy kitchen! People called and came from miles around for her delectable pies and famous apple cake. There was never a time when there weren't some type of "goodies" in her house!
Mattie was a faithful member of the AME Zion Church in Great Barrington, MA. She was loyal to God and to her church where her operatic soprano voice rang out victoriously in the choir. One of her favorite songs was "He Touched Me."
Mattie was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. All who knew her loved and was drawn to her by her warm spirit and inviting smile.
She leaves to mourn her loss and cherish her memories; seven sons, Otis of Phoenix, Arizona; Peter, Eugene, Melvin, Donald, and Carl, all of Great Barrington and Thomas of Becket, MA; seven daughters, Rosa Councel and Lois Jones of Brooklyn, NY, Hazel Scott of Pittsfield, Eleanor Haywood and Mattie Wilson both of Springfield and Evelyn West and Lelia Wilson both of Great Barrington; over 60 grandchildren, over 60 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, April 7, 2003 at eleven o'clock at Clinton AME Zion Church in Great Barrington with Rev. Esther Dozier, pastor. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 6, 2003 from two until five p.m. at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clinton AME Zion Church Building Fund through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Audrey B. Farquharson
Mrs. Audrey B. Farquharson, 82, of Sycamore Terrace in Sheffield died Tuesday evening, June 3, 2003 at Fairview Hospital.
Born October 28, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York she was one of nine children of David and Kathleen Petersen Giles. She attended local schools and graduated from high school in Brooklyn.
A veteran of World War II she was in the Womans Army Corps Detachment 1801st Service Unit.
She married William D. Farquharson on June 7, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York. They were vacation residents of Sheffield since 1963 and made it their permanent home in 1969, moving here from Milford, Connecticut. Mr. Farquharson predeceased her on December 11, 1993.
Audrey was an active member of the Sheffield Senior Citizen Center and enjoyed reading and knitting, most of all she cherished time spent with her family.
She is survived by her children: Carolyn Ginger Magner of Pittsfield, MA, Daniel Farquharson of South Meriden CT, Kenneth Farquharson of Sheffield, MA, and Sheryl Boccuzzi of Washington, CT. She also leaves her three brothers, Harold Giles of Levitown, Puerto Rico, David Giles of Brooklyn, New York and Richard Giles of North Easton, MA; her sisters, Gwen McKee of Clearwater, FL and Edith Antes of Stoney Creek, NY; nine grandchildren, Timothy, Carrie, Shaunna, Hope, David, Mark, Megan, Ian and Audrey; and seven great-grandchildren, Nena, Paula, Carri, Leigh, Trinity, Conner and Ethyn.
Besides her husband she was predeceased by her brother William Giles and her sisters Dorothy Lyons and Gladys Flavin.
Funeral services for the late Audrey B. Farquharson will be held on Monday, June 9, 2003 at eleven o'clock at the Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington with Rev. Arthur Kaufman, pastor of Old Parish Church in Sheffield, officiating. Burial will follow in Sheffield Center Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 8, 2003 from two until five p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sheffield Senior Center through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Giacobbie "Jake" Dellea
Mr. Giacobbie "Jake" Dellea, 91, of South Undermountain Road, Sheffield died Monday morning June 9, 2003 at Fairview Commons Nursing Home where he had been a resident for the last two years.
Born August 18, 1911 in Great Barrington he was the son of Natale V. and Mary Dellea. He attended the Seekonk School, a one room school house on Seekonk Cross Road in Great Barrington and Bryant School.
Jake worked for various contractors, including Magadini Construction Company and Cook and Ross in Winstead, Connecticut where he was working at the time of the big flood in 1955.
In 1956 he went to work for Cecil Bartholomew and her husband the late Edward "Ned" Bartholomew, first working on the dairy farm there. In 1972 when the dairy farm closed he took care of the young live stock on the farm. From 1980 until 2001 he remained on the Bartholomew Homestead as caretaker.
He is survived by his long time friends and employers Dana and Beth Bartholomew of Sheffield and three nephews, Louis A. Rossi of Alford, Jacob Rossi of Pittsfield and Harry Hughes of South Egremont.
He was predeceased by three brothers, Francis, Natale and Charles and his sister, Katina Hughes.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at eleven o'clock at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Fairview Commons Activities Fund or to the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Eleanor Hughes Griffiths
Eleanor Hughes Griffiths, 83, of Hewins Street in Sheffield died Wednesday evening June 11, 2003 at Fairview Hospital.
A native and life long resident of Sheffield she was born March 29, 1920, the daughter of James and Caroline "Prim" King Hughes. She attended the Rannie (formerly known as East Road) and Center Grammar Schools. She graduated from Sheffield High School in 1937 where she was president of her class, editor of The Pine Knoll Register school paper and played on the basketball team.
She worked for the Telephone Company, Canaan Post Office, owned and operated the Canaan Taxi Company, and then worked at Keuffel & Esser, Salisbury, CT where she worked as a Production Planner for 29 years. Eleanor also worked in the Macy's Garage Part's Department.
Eleanor was always an active member of the Community. She was a member of the Canaan Ambulance Squad, School Board and School Building Committee in Canaan, CT. She was also a member of the Building Committee for the Mt. Everett Regional High School, Secretary and Vice President of the Sheffield Historical Society, a weekly volunteer at the Family History Center and at the Old Parish Community Food Kitchen. She served as secretary for the Sheffield Planning Board, reporter for the Sheffield Times covering the Conservation Committee and Planning Board meetings. She was a 4-H member from childhood and for over twenty years was a leader for Sheffield Whinnies.
In the recent past Eleanor was appointed to the Council on Aging, and was an active member of the Sheffield Senior Center. She spearheaded a campaign to raise money for construction of picnic tables for the Town Park, and in collaboration with Ann Macy established the Annual Senior Citizen picnics.
Eleanor was known for the bicycles she recycled and sold for the enjoyment of many Sheffield children. She maintained numerous flower gardens including the beautiful dahlias she grew and sold roadside. People attended the Hewins Street Picnics she held for many years from all over. She was known for her wonderful sense of humor and her "pointed" Letters to the Editor on issues important to Sheffield.
She married William Arvon Griffiths from PontyPridd, South Glamorgan, Wales September 9, 1941. She is survived by her daughters, Gail August of West Palm Beach, FL. Janet Stanton and Susan Telensky both of Sheffield, and predeceased by her daughter Carol Olson January 8, 2003; four grandchildren, Sheri Dunham of Steven's Point WI, Krista Stanton of NY, Patrick Stanton VanSant of Gt. Barrington, and William Skarupa of Torrington, CT. Six great grandchildren, Clint Brent, Amanda and Rebecca Dunham of Steven's Point WI, Alexander and William VanSant of Gt. Barrington, MA. and Ryan Thomas Marston of Torrington, CT.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2003 at Old Parish Church in Sheffield with Rev. Arthur Kaufman, officiating. Burial will follow in Sheffield Center Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 13, 2003 from four until seven p.m. at Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
Funeral services for Eleanor Griffiths will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2003 at Old Parish Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Sheffield Senior Center or to the Blue Rider Stables through the funeral home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
