Rudolph “Rudy” Chlanda, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 20, 2023.

Rudy was born in March of 1950, in Poughkeepsie, NY, to Muriel and Rudolph W. Chlanda. Rudy graduated from Arlington High School and continued his education at SUNY Cortland, securing a Bachelor’s degree in Geology. His professional path began at Stone & Webster, Weston Geophysical led him to the Army Core of Engineers, and concluded with a distinguished career at the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Here, Rudy’s contributions to stream reconstruction, dam construction, Tribal assistance, and farmer assistance were acknowledged. His steadfast commitment to his profession earned him certification as a professional geologist from the American Institute of Professional Geologists in 2004.

In 1973, Rudy married his beloved wife, Kathleen. The couple established their home in Amherst Ma., where they raised their two sons, Tory and Trevor. Tory and his wife Lauren enriched Rudy’s life with two cherished granddaughters, Olivia and Madeline, who endearingly referred to him as “Guppy”. Trevor and his partner Mary Margaret recall fond memories of times spent with Rudy in their home in Napa, California.

An enthusiast of the great outdoors, Rudy was a keen fisherman, camper, hunter, and birdwatcher. During his childhood, he devoted numerous hours to caring for his large brood of chickens, and his hunting dogs, with his springer spaniel Spotty, being his most memorable.  He also spent countless hours waist-deep fishing in streams near his Lagrangeville, NY, home.

His love for roadside geology led to memorable family road trip stops, turning each journey into an educational adventure. An advocate for planet conservation, Rudy imparted his love for nature to his sons. Known for his warm smile, Rudy was a gifted storyteller and always engaged in captivating conversations.

Rudy was a man of boundless curiosity, always excited to learn and explore new ideas. He had a knack for home projects and could often be found engrossed in tasks ranging from bathroom tiling to building a doghouse for the family pet. His passionate love for life, nature, and music left an enduring impression on all who knew him. His significant contributions to his family and society, particularly within the geology field, remain an indelible part of his legacy.

A Celebration of Life will take place on July 22, 2023, from 1-4 pm at the Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle Street, Amherst, MA. Attendees are asked to bring a small stone as a tribute to Rudy’s passion for geology.

In place of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations to the Rudolph Chlanda Geology Scholarship Fund, a cause close to Rudy’s heart. Donations can be made by visiting www.RedDragonNetwork.org/chlandatribute

Rudy’s legacy will live on through the cherished memories of those whose lives he touched. His love for his family, his passion for the outdoors, and his infectious smile will forever be remembered.

 

LEEDS, MA: John Richmond Walker, 94, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023, with his daughter, Elsbeth, at his side. He was a kind man who loved to paint, travel and spend time with family and friends.  John was an accomplished water color artist, winning numerous awards.  He loved all things whaling, teaching himself scrimshawing and figurehead carving.  John was a prolific volunteer.  He was president of the NYC Cotton Exchange, and served on the New Boston, NH school board and the Scituate, MA Beautification Committee.  He graduated from Amherst College and earned an MBA from Babson College.  John worked for many years as a commodities broker. He lived in Cohasset, MA, North Scituate, MA, Winter Park, FL, New Boston, NH and Amherst, MA.

John was predeceased by his parents, Richmond and Agnes (Nelson) Walker, his three siblings and his wife, JoAnne (Woodbury) Walker. John is survived by his children, Mark Walker of Walpole, MA, Ellen Berren (Larry) of Barrington, RI, Elsbeth Walker of Leverett, MA and Matthew Walker (Maria) of Albany, NY; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Fisher Home, Amherst, MA or a charity of your choice.

All services will be private

MEMORIAL GUESTBOOK AT www.douglassfuneral.com

AMHERST, MA: Susan Humphries Brandts said goodbye to her family and friends on May 13, 2023.  She was 88 years old.

Sue married her high school sweetheart, John Brandts, and together they raised 6 children, mostly in Amherst –  Brad, Melanie Brandts Murphy, Bob, Debbie Brandts Bettag, Cindy, and Mike.  Cindy pre-deceased her in 2013.  She was also a proud Grammy to 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Family was her priority and she always wanted the best for them, so even early on, when finances were tight, she learned to do things for herself.  She often made her children’s clothes as well as the draperies and such, and always prepared a home-cooked meal for dinners, which was no small task for a family of 8.  As she became an excellent cook and hostess, dinner for 8 often found 10 at the table, with her children’s friends eagerly accepting her frequent invitations to join.  She later shared her enjoyment and extensive knowledge of sewing and cooking while serving as a volunteer leader in 4-H.  She could often be heard uttering the words “I love my job” throughout her life as both a mother and a Grammy.

When she wanted to make improvements at home, she wasn’t afraid to knock out a wall, strip paint, paste wallpaper or perform any of the other myriad skills she picked up from watching her dad when she was young, then later while working at a local paint and wallpaper store.  She was resourceful and thrifty, having grown up in a time before disposability was the norm.  Rather than limiting her, it seemed to spark her creativity to find ways to accomplish her vision on the budget she had.  Several houses in the area have benefitted from her skills and personal touch.  Some were even featured in local publications for the beautiful gardens she created and tended.

Many will remember her for her unique home on the pond which became an expression of herself and a special gathering place for family and friends.  She enjoyed nothing more than hosting a pig roast, scarecrow making contest, fishing derby, ice skating party, or many other celebrations and festivities that brought her loved ones together.

Those who knew Sue, knew her to be a one-of-a-kind individual who wasn’t afraid to tackle new challenges in her own way.  She was a unique woman who could help her grandchildren make gingerbread houses during the day, then hop in her red, ’72 Corvette convertible to go dancing at night at a local bar.  That was Sue; adventurous, free-spirited, and with a true zest for life.  Her unique spirit and energy will be missed by many.

Her wish was for a simple burial.  Her favorite flowers were tulips, lilacs, and delphinium.  She would have loved for you to plant some in your garden in remembrance or you can make a donation in her name to the Hospice of the Fisher Home in North Amherst, where she received such excellent and compassionate care during her final days.

Memorial Guestbook at: www.douglassfuneral.com

 

 

Garth Jill Shepp, 83, of Amherst, MA, passed away peacefully in her home on May 5, 2023, surrounded by her children.

Garth was born on March 3, 1940 in New York, NY to Rachel Ruth Gilman and Edgar Cardoze. She was raised in Brookline, MA and later Newton by her mother and step-father, Fred Rosenwald along with her three sisters Erika, Merrick and Valerie. She is survived by her sisters, her children, Pavel, Accra, Anna and Dja-maa, and her cherished granddaughter, India.

Garth began her college studies at Goddard in Vermont, where she met her husband, Archie Shepp. In 1959 they moved to New York City where they spent the next thirteen years until they moved with their children to Amherst, MA.

Garth was a devoted mother who loved her children without reservation or judgement. She shepherded them through childhood and the bumpy road of adolescence into the weighty world of adulthood with wit, wisdom and kindness that imbued them with the appreciation of unconditional love.Multi-dimensional in spirit and mind, Garth expressed her love, keen intellect and creativity through all facets of her life. She was a dedicated friend, skilled weaver, avid reader, gardener, intrepid hiker and traveler and generous soul that would light up a room with her smile and spirit.

Her talents as an artist shone through brightly at all stages of her life. She was a gifted weaver and knitter, who made her first foray into the field in the 1980s, beginning as a student, then quickly becoming a contributing artisan and co-owner of Kin Cullen Knitting and Weaving at Thornes Market in Northampton, MA.

Outside of the shop and after it closed, Garth continued to build her skills and make enduring friends through her memberships in the Pioneer Valley Weavers Guild and the Weavers Guild of Western Massachusetts. She was a graduate of a four-year Master Weaver program of Hill Institute, took multiple classes at Vavstuga Weaving School in Shelburne Falls, and traveled to North Carolina to Penland School of Craft to take weaving courses. Her creativity and abilities led her to start her own eponymous business, Textiles by Garth J. that showcased her luxurious and joyful one-of-a-kind designs.

Garth took great pleasure in seeing art locally, particularly at the Smith College Art Museum, as well as Mass MoCA, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Asia Society in New York City, just to name a few of her favorites. She also took courses in Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Even when her health limited her life to home and she could no longer weave or venture outside easily, she continued to take joy in the arts, by going on virtual tours of special exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York with her son, Accra, who is a fine art photographer and art historian.

Garth was a life-long learner and always prioritized education for her children, instilling in them a love of learning. So, when her youngest went to college she took the opportunity to go back to school, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from UMass in 1992.

Garth also had a passion for the outdoors, where she found inspiration both personally and artistically. She was a devoted gardener and a camping and hiking enthusiast, mostly with the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Along with several friends, she aimed to visit and hike all the properties of The Trustees of Reservations. For a brief time, in her early days in Amherst, she raised goats, along with her dogs and cats. Although the goats were temporary, her gardening and landscaping prowess were an enduring achievement, for which she received many compliments on her skills from friends and passersby. Her yard was a marvel to behold, a beautiful study in contrast, complexity, subtlety and boldness that mirrored her to a tee.  

There are not enough words to describe Garth and how she touched the lives of those she loved and those who were lucky enough to know her. Up until the end, Garth never skipped a beat in offering us her unwavering spirit, sharp mind, incisive yet playful sense of humor, enduring interest in others, and heart-warming smile. She is missed beyond measure.

A memorial will be planned for a later date, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Fisher Home (fisherhome.org).

Memorial Guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

 

 

 

AMHERST, MA:  Wallace “Wally” Eugene Vorderstrasse, 95, of Amherst, MA, long time resident of Lebanon, OR returned to his heavenly home on June 9, 2023 after a blessed and long life. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him throughout his life and gave him peace.

Wally was born to the late Paul Vorderstrasse and Ida (Kapperman) Vorderstrasse, in Liberty, KS on December 4, 1927. He attended Denny Road School and Lebanon Union High School.  He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the destroyer U.S.S. Brinkley Bass in the Pacific theater as a radar operator, seaman 2^nd Class.  He worked at Champion International plywood mill as a glue room leadman until the plant closed in the 1980s. He then worked at Roseburg Forest Products plywood mill in Roseburg, OR until his retirement.

Wally was blessed with a large and loving immediate and extended family. He married the love of his life, Betty Lou (Alley) Vorderstrasse, on July 14, 1949 in Washougal, WA. Wally is survived by his son Greg (Allison); his daughters Deanna Harmon-Lyles (Rod), Nancy Baker (Randy); his grandchildren Kristen Dody (Brandon), Tyler Harmon, Whitney Harmon, Ryan Baker, Courtney Baker and Kelsey Baker; his great grandchildren Jaxson Dody, Mackenzie Dody and Kylee Dody; his brother, Ken Vorderstrasse and his sister, Velma Howard. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Alley) Vorderstrasse; his daughter, Julie Vorderstrasse; his parents; his siblings Charles “Chuck” Vorderstrasse, Myrna Nelson; and his WWII comrade and life-long friend Mr. Cecil Gause; and many other friends, family members, and congregation members over his life time. Faith, family, and the extended church family at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon were the focus of his life. Wally leaves his mark on his family’s homes, church, and community through his willingness to step in and help address what is needed. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator, Lord and Savior.

Funeral services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon, OR on June 28, 2023 at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. Live Stream Link: https://youtube.com/live/hiIkocVJJ4o

Burial will follow at the Odd Fellows/ IOOF Cemetery in Lebanon, OR with military honors.  A reception will be held afterward at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon, OR.

 The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers that those so inclined make donations to Fisher Hospice Home in Amherst, MA (www.fisherhome.org) or We Honor Veterans (wehonorveterans.org).

AMHERST, MA:  Wallace “Wally” Eugene Vorderstrasse, 95, of Amherst, MA, long time resident of Lebanon, OR returned to his heavenly home on June 9, 2023 after a blessed and long life. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him throughout his life and gave him peace.

Wally was born to the late Paul Vorderstrasse and Ida (Kapperman) Vorderstrasse, in Liberty, KS on December 4, 1927. He attended Denny Road School and Lebanon Union High School.  He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the destroyer U.S.S. Brinkley Bass in the Pacific theater as a radar operator, seaman 2^nd Class.  He worked at Champion International plywood mill as a glue room leadman until the plant closed in the 1980s. He then worked at Roseburg Forest Products plywood mill in Roseburg, OR until his retirement.

Wally was blessed with a large and loving immediate and extended family. He married the love of his life, Betty Lou (Alley) Vorderstrasse, on July 14, 1949 in Washougal, WA. Wally is survived by his son Greg (Allison); his daughters Deanna Harmon-Lyles (Rod), Nancy Baker (Randy); his grandchildren Kristen Dody (Brandon), Tyler Harmon, Whitney Harmon, Ryan Baker, Courtney Baker and Kelsey Baker; his great grandchildren Jaxson Dody, Mackenzie Dody and Kylee Dody; his brother, Ken Vorderstrasse and his sister, Velma Howard. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Alley) Vorderstrasse; his daughter, Julie Vorderstrasse; his parents; his siblings Charles “Chuck” Vorderstrasse, Myrna Nelson; and his WWII comrade and life-long friend Mr. Cecil Gause; and many other friends, family members, and congregation members over his life time. Faith, family, and the extended church family at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon were the focus of his life. Wally leaves his mark on his family’s homes, church, and community through his willingness to step in and help address what is needed. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator, Lord and Savior.

Funeral services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon, OR on June 28, 2023 at XX AM/PM. Burial will follow at the Odd Fellows/ IOOF Cemetery in Lebanon, OR with military honors.  A reception will be held afterward at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lebanon, OR.

 The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers that those so inclined make donations to Fisher Hospice Home in Amherst, MA (www.fisherhome.org) or We Honor Veterans (wehonorveterans.org).

Constance (Posten) Hoyack’s life ended suddenly on May 24, 2023, at the age of 71. Those who knew her were left with a huge hole in their lives. Connie’s abiding love for every human, particularly those who were in need, was her driving force. She moved through life with a profound grace, always seeking to use the gifts God gave her to their fullest: offering high quality tutoring at low cost so all could get help; coordinating education for Head Start; developing a Welfare to Work program with a heart; and lending a hand at local historical groups. If someone knocked on the door, she’d be there with a smile and offer of food. We all stood in awe of how one person could do so much for so many, never asking to be noticed, and always without artifice or judgement.

Connie grew up on a farm near Centerville, PA, with her coal-miner father, her mother, four older brothers, and cousins. Her mother’s love of oil painting helped fuel Connie’s lifetime interest in weaving, crafts and art. Music has always been important in her family. Connie’s piano-playing was often the backdrop to family gatherings. She attended California State College to become a teacher right out of high school. Towards the end of college, she met Herbert Hoyack, the “one and only love” of her life, on a blind hay-ride date. They married right before graduation. Their marriage was like a movie romance: daily love notes from Herb; travelling on a dime in the early years; absolute devotion to their son and daughter; a devastating journey with Connie’s blood disorder with Herb at her side; and miraculous come-back that gave Connie fifteen years with her children and grandchildren. When Herb suddenly passed in late 2021, the loss hit her hard.

Connie was predeceased by her beloved husband Herb, her mother, Myrtle, and father, Guy Posten, and her brother Larry. She is survived by her daughter Heather, her husband Chris, and children, Isabelle and Matthew; her son Michael, his wife Karen, and children, Andrew, Ben and Claire; her brothers, Donald, Raymond, and Warren, and all their children and grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received at Douglass Funeral Home, in Amherst, MA, on June 5, with a funeral service and visitation beginning at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society https://www.lls.org/, whose research directly benefits people suffering from blood disorders, such as Connie’s Jak2 disorder.

Jane Shea Chalmers of Lady Lake, FL formerly of Amherst, 85 passed away peacefully at home on May 8 surrounded by family. She was born on April 11, 1938 and was the daughter of the late John and Winifred (Maher) Shea. Jane spent her career as a Medical Record Administrator. Jane previously worked at the University of Massachusetts Health Services, taught at Holyoke Community College and retired from the VA Hospital in Leeds, MA. Jane adored her children and grandchildren, had a love of reading and enjoyed spending Sunday mornings eating donuts with her friend Paula before moving to Florida. She was an avid golfer and was a member of the Amherst Golf Club where she had served on many committees. Jane leaves behind her husband of 58 years, Tom; her daughters Karen of Amherst, Shawn and husband Rick of Princeton, grandchildren Justin, Jamie, Olivia, Christina and Ava, sister Kathleen Shea Weatherwax and sister in law Barbara Romashko. She is predeceased by sons Brian and Tommy and brother John. Calling hours will be held at Douglass Funeral Home on Wednesday May 31st from 4pm-7pm. A burial will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation https://www.jdrf.org/ The Jack Shea Junior Golf Scholarship Fund c/o Amherst Golf Club 365 S. Pleasant Street Amherst, MA. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Peter P. Kaslauskas, 100, of Summer St in North Amherst, passed away May 13, 2023 with his family by his side. Born in Amherst on April 29, 1923 he was the son of the late John B and Ursula (Nawskon) Kaslauskas. He recently enjoyed celebrating his 100th birthday with family and friends in the house in which he lived for 85 years. He eagerly shared many stories of growing up in Amherst including cutting ice on Puffer’s Pond for iceboxes, helping his father deliver milk by horse and wagon and riding the trolley to nearby towns. Peter attended Amherst High School and then worked at Amherst College for over 40 years as a custodian and painter and Puffer Construction as a dedicated school bus driver. Pete enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and watching his favorite sports teams. Pete made a great impact on everyone he met. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will forever be missed and loved. He will continue to inspire all that knew him. His wife Veronica (Descarage) predeceased him in 2009. He leaves his daughter Susan Geissler and son-in-law Eric of Granby, MA and grandchildren Kevin of Ludlow and Kimberly of Shutesbury. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will take place at St Brigid’s Cemetery in Hadley on Thursday, May 18 at 10 AM. Memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

 

A longtime lover of the arts and talented percussionist, Killian J. Venman, died suddenly on Friday, May 12, 2023. Born in Northampton, MA on February 28, 1995, he grew up in Western Massachusetts, attending several local public and private schools. Killian graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Plymouth State University in May 2018, and then obtained a Master of Music degree from New York University in May 2020. While in the city, Killian established long-term working relationships with a number of illustrious musicians, such as the Brooklyn Ballet, for which he served as its First Chair Percussionist.

In his most recent professional life, Killian was a well-loved music teacher at The Well School in Peterborough, NH. As a teacher, Killian fostered the love of learning, curiosity, experimentation, and, of course, music. Per his private lesson parent policy agreement, he states, “Having fun and learning about music are the number one priorities of these private lessons!”

In his own words, “I grew up in a white two-story farmhouse in western Massachusetts. Creaky hardwood floors, column radiators, a chipped and worn cabinet piano, a porcelain claw footed tub in the bathroom, an unfinished dirt floor basement, a swing hanging from the maple tree, and a rambling stream. This was my paradise until age 9, when my parents divorced. Since then, I have tried to recreate the feelings of warmth, comfort, simplicity, and natural beauty that I felt so deeply growing up. I would like to bring this feeling of tranquil country bliss to as many experimental art loving New Englanders as possible.”

Killian produced a number of multi-media works, including short films about each of his well-known and passed grandparents, Bill, and Sally Venman, from Amherst, MA. He also produced the Valley Light Opera’s 45^th Anniversary film, titled, “If You Want to Know Who We Are: Or VLO Then and Now”, which is available online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isiD_OX9628. All of Killian’s work may be found on his website, which continues to be hosted, at www.killianvenman.com. 

Killian leaves behind loving parents, Jennifer Higgins of Southampton, MA and Peter Venman of Hadley, MA, and a slew of family and friends forever bereft.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Wildwood Cemetery, Pollinator Garden Project, 70 Strong Street, Amherst MA 01002; or Amherst Friends of the Performing Arts at www.amherstfpa.org.  

Calling hours with be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, May 18 at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst, MA. A graveside service will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Amherst, MA beginning at 10 AM on Friday, May 19, 2023. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com