HADLEY, MA: It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Paul Gregory “Greg” Lawler, 64, of Hadley, Massachusetts, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 16, 2024. Greg was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to his family and community.

Greg was the cherished husband of Janet Lawler (née Cotanche) for 42 years, a marriage built on love, respect, and countless memories. Together, they raised their son, Jason Lawler, and welcomed his wife, Nicole, into the family. Greg’s greatest joy was being a father and grandfather to his granddaughter, Blake, and grandson, Cal, who brought him immeasurable happiness.

Born on March 15, 1960, in Natick, MA, Greg was raised in Amherst, MA, by his parents, Paul and Celeste Lawler, who survive him. He is also survived by his sister, Denise Sawicki and her husband, Scott; their children, Sean Sawicki and his wife, Becca, along with their children Luke and Kate, and Sean’s children, Madison and Emileigh; and Denise and Scott’s daughter, Erin Sawicki. Greg’s brother, Steven Lawler, and his wife, Erin, also survive him, along with their children, Cai and Maeve Lawler. He is additionally survived by his late aunt, Dottie Witham, and her husband, Alvin Witham, along with their children: Alan Witham, Wendy Carlson, and Elizabeth Marino.

Greg took immense pride in his work, dedicating over 40 years of service as a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, starting with Local 91 and later Local 41. He found both purpose and satisfaction in a career that spanned decades. Outside of work, Greg was an avid golfer and poker player, achieving a notable finish at a World Series of Poker Senior Event. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren, Blake and Cal, who were the light of his life.

Greg was a kind, loving man with a gentle spirit who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He had an infectious sense of humor and a generous heart, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh. He will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his dedication to his work, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be held at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst, MA, on Monday, November 25th.

Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by a service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Greg’s memory to the Hospice of the Fisher Home (http://www.fisherhome.org) in Amherst, MA.

May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love and warmth he gave to so many throughout his life.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

HADLEY, MA: Maureen Judith McGrath passed away peacefully in the early morning on Tuesday November 12th, 2024, under a cotton candy sunrise, at the age of 89. She spent her final weeks in the loving care of her family with her sweet cat Deja by her side. Even the neighborhood squirrels were gathered outside her window. Her cozy apartment in Hadley was bursting at the seams with love and memories every day, with the presence of her daughters, son-in-laws, grand and great grandchildren as well as several friends until she passed.

Maureen was born June 9th, 1935, in Northampton, Massachusetts to Edith Devine and Herbert Alden Clark. She often spoke of her idyllic childhood growing up on Strong Street in Amherst. There she developed a profound love of nature and animals as she roamed the fields, pastures and pond in her neighborhood with her best pal, Robert Fitzgerald. She loved eating out of her dad’s prolific garden and once she got her license, cruising the streets in her red convertible.

Maureen attended Amherst schools, graduating from Amherst High School in 1953 where she began her long list of eclectic accomplishments. She was most proud of being chosen as the cover artist for the Amherst Town Report, being the lead in the school play her senior year and lettering in varsity basketball. She was always a wonderful artist and writer, having been offered a position as a graphic illustrator at the Diamond Match Company, and taking several writing classes though the years. She developed a strong bond with her classmates and attended every class reunion. As an adult Maureen worked at the Worcester dining commons at UMass which is where she met the love of her life Owen Joseph McGrath from Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. They married November 25th, 1959, and soon after bought a house on Potwine Lane in Amherst.

There they raised their 5 daughters along with Grandma Edith who remained a member of the household until her death in 1973. Tragically, her beloved husband, Owen passed away in 1977 leaving Maureen completing the task of raising 5 teenagers. She was a stay-at-home mom until her daughters were all in school and then went to work in the Amherst community as an instructional aide at Amherst Junior high school, then as bank teller for several Amherst banks where she meticulously proved her cash drawer every day “to the penny”. She spent her last 10 years as an administrative assistant at St Brigid’s church in Amherst. Maureen made many dear friends along the way in her working years.

She also had a very close-knit friend group as a Jazzercise participant at the Hampshire Mall into her early 70’s. She was known as the “Queen mother” to the Jazzercise crew. Out of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of growing a big, loving, fun and at times quite boisterous family from her start as an only child. She was known as mom, Gram and Gram-Gram to her family and her grandchildren’s friends. She loved to tell people that she had 5 daughters, all who went on to become nurses. Her family grew to include her beloved 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She showered every person in her family with “oodles of love” which was her signature on every greeting card, hugs, kisses and endless support. She showed up to every school and life event “with bells on” cheering on her family from the sidelines with passion.

She loved Neil Diamond and every wedding had to have a rousing group singalong to Sweet Caroline. As the daughter of a minor league baseball player, Maureen was also a huge baseball fan and a diehard Red Sox superfan. She spoke of listening to them on the Philco radio with her father, and later with her husband Owen at the backyard picnic table. She even took the girls on a trip to Winter Haven Florida in 1978 to watch Spring training. They were even able to get autographs from some of the greats. In the later decades she especially loved her Big Papi. She shared every Red Sox triumph and heartbreak with two of her best friends Alice and Rollie Campbell. She and Owen also enjoyed numerous and often rowdy games of pitch with them. Other highlights in Maureen’s life included family trips to Newfoundland several times over the years to visit Owen’s family.

She loved trips to Cape Cod, Maine and Florida. She treasured her 80th birthday cruise to Bermuda with her daughters as well a trip to Hawaii to visit her grandsons and to San Diego, California via Amtrak. She also had a memorable trip to Italy with a senior travel group. She often paraphrased Lou Gehrig saying “I am the luckiest woman alive”

 In addition to her husband Owen, she is predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Edith Clark, and a grandson, Jeffery Owen Millar as well as Owen’s parents, brothers and sisters. She leaves behind her daughters: Brenda Millar of Greenfield, Catherine (Harry) Wiater of Hadley, Sharon (Steven) Shumway of Greenfield, Mary (Jeffrey) Walas of Sunderland, and Lorrie (Greg Little) McGrath of Montague and the “apples of her eye”, her 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, in addition to many friends and extended family.

As the Queen of our hearts her memory lives with us for eternity. Maureen’s family would like to express their gratitude to Cooley Dickinson Hospice for their invaluable expertise and compassion in helping us care for her in her final days.

 Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4-6 pm at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, with burial following in St. Brigid’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

 

HADLEY, MA: Maureen Judith McGrath passed away peacefully in the early morning on Tuesday November 12th, 2024, under a cotton candy sunrise, at the age of 89. She spent her final weeks in the loving care of her family with her sweet cat Deja by her side. Even the neighborhood squirrels were gathered outside her window. Her cozy apartment in Hadley was bursting at the seams with love and memories every day, with the presence of her daughters, son-in-laws, grand and great grandchildren as well as several friends until she passed.

Maureen was born June 9th, 1935, in Northampton, Massachusetts to Edith Devine and Herbert Alden Clark. She often spoke of her idyllic childhood growing up on Strong Street in Amherst. There she developed a profound love of nature and animals as she roamed the fields, pastures and pond in her neighborhood with her best pal, Robert Fitzgerald. She loved eating out of her dad’s prolific garden and once she got her license, cruising the streets in her red convertible.

Maureen attended Amherst schools, graduating from Amherst High School in 1953 where she began her long list of eclectic accomplishments. She was most proud of being chosen as the cover artist for the Amherst Town Report, being the lead in the school play her senior year and lettering in varsity basketball. She was always a wonderful artist and writer, having been offered a position as a graphic illustrator at the Diamond Match Company, and taking several writing classes though the years. She developed a strong bond with her classmates and attended every class reunion. As an adult Maureen worked at the Worcester dining commons at UMass which is where she met the love of her life Owen Joseph McGrath from Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. They married November 25th, 1959, and soon after bought a house on Potwine Lane in Amherst.

There they raised their 5 daughters along with Grandma Edith who remained a member of the household until her death in 1973. Tragically, her beloved husband, Owen passed away in 1977 leaving Maureen completing the task of raising 5 teenagers. She was a stay-at-home mom until her daughters were all in school and then went to work in the Amherst community as an instructional aide at Amherst Junior high school, then as bank teller for several Amherst banks where she meticulously proved her cash drawer every day “to the penny”. She spent her last 10 years as an administrative assistant at St Brigid’s church in Amherst. Maureen made many dear friends along the way in her working years.

She also had a very close-knit friend group as a Jazzercise participant at the Hampshire Mall into her early 70’s. She was known as the “Queen mother” to the Jazzercise crew. Out of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of growing a big, loving, fun and at times quite boisterous family from her start as an only child. She was known as mom, Gram and Gram-Gram to her family and her grandchildren’s friends. She loved to tell people that she had 5 daughters, all who went on to become nurses. Her family grew to include her beloved 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She showered every person in her family with “oodles of love” which was her signature on every greeting card, hugs, kisses and endless support. She showed up to every school and life event “with bells on” cheering on her family from the sidelines with passion.

She loved Neil Diamond and every wedding had to have a rousing group singalong to Sweet Caroline. As the daughter of a minor league baseball player, Maureen was also a huge baseball fan and a diehard Red Sox superfan. She spoke of listening to them on the Philco radio with her father, and later with her husband Owen at the backyard picnic table. She even took the girls on a trip to Winter Haven Florida in 1978 to watch Spring training. They were even able to get autographs from some of the greats. In the later decades she especially loved her Big Papi. She shared every Red Sox triumph and heartbreak with two of her best friends Alice and Rollie Campbell. She and Owen also enjoyed numerous and often rowdy games of pitch with them. Other highlights in Maureen’s life included family trips to Newfoundland several times over the years to visit Owen’s family.

She loved trips to Cape Cod, Maine and Florida. She treasured her 80th birthday cruise to Bermuda with her daughters as well a trip to Hawaii to visit her grandsons and to San Diego, California via Amtrak. She also had a memorable trip to Italy with a senior travel group. She often paraphrased Lou Gehrig saying “I am the luckiest woman alive”

 In addition to her husband Owen, she is predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Edith Clark, and a grandson, Jeffery Owen Millar as well as Owen’s parents, brothers and sisters. She leaves behind her daughters: Brenda Millar of Greenfield, Catherine (Harry) Wiater of Hadley, Sharon (Steven) Shumway of Greenfield, Mary (Jeffrey) Walas of Sunderland, and Lorrie (Greg Little) McGrath of Montague and the “apples of her eye”, her 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, in addition to many friends and extended family.

As the Queen of our hearts her memory lives with us for eternity. Maureen’s family would like to express their gratitude to Cooley Dickinson Hospice for their invaluable expertise and compassion in helping us care for her in her final days.

 Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4-6 pm at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, with burial following in St. Brigid’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

 

AMHERST, MA: Joyce was born to Ruth and Pierce Waltower, Sr. on July 21, 1943 in Waynesboro, Georgia.  Joyce was the oldest of three children including her brother Pierce, Jr. and sister JoAnn. After completing his military service, Joyce’s father, Pierce Sr., moved his family to Boston, Massachusetts.  Joyce grew up in Boston and  graduated from Jeremiah E. Burke High School.  She went on to attend Boston Teachers College and Boston University where she met the love of her life, Legrand (Lee) Hines, Jr.

Joyce and Lee were married in Boston on April 6, 1968 and spent their honeymoon driving across the US to Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, where he completed pilot training.  Their oldest daughter, Jennifer, was born in Boston in 1971 while Lee was on leave before deploying to complete his combat tour during the Vietnam War.

After Lee separated from the military, the family moved to Stow, MA.  While there, their second daughter, Leigh, was born in 1975.  In 1976, Lee was transferred to Springfield, and the family established their homestead in Amherst

A true people person, Joyce immersed herself in numerous Amherst/Western MA community organizations.   Over the years she served as a board member of A Better Chance, the Western Massachusetts Girl Scout Council and the League of Women Voters.  She served as co-chair of the Springfield PBS Channel 57 Auction.   Joyce established and became a troop leader for Brownie Troop 153 in South Amherst.  As a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Joyce held leadership positions as chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, and as a member of the Lay Leadership Committee and the Outreach Team.  Additionally, for almost 40 years, Joyce co-chaired the Hospitality Committee.   As a board member for the Martin Luther King Breakfast committee, Joyce co-chaired the meal service committee for numerous years and ultimately received a MLK Jr. Citizen’s Award.

Joyce joined the Greater Springfield Chapter of Links Inc., an international service organization of professional African American women, where she subsequently held leadership and officer positions.

In her professional life, Joyce was store manager at Ward Amidon Jewelers and when it closed, Joyce started her own business, “Accents by JW”, in  Amherst.  Finally, Joyce joined the Amherst Public Schools as an elementary educator, where she served for 17 years until she retired. 

Joyce is survived by her loving husband Lee, her daughter Jennifer Hines and her spouse Renda Mott, her daughter Leigh Swan and her spouse Ken Swan, her brother Pierce Waltower Jr., her sister JoAnn Witt, her nieces Kimberly, Tamara, and Camille, numerous grand nieces and nephews, cousins, and a whole host of loving friends.

Joyce’s life will be celebrated at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hadley, MA on Saturday, December 7^th 2024.  The wake will start at 10am followed by the memorial service at 11am.  Her burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Joyce Waltower Hines Memorial Fund at Wesley UMC.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

 

HADLEY, MA: Maureen Judith McGrath passed away peacefully in the early morning on Tuesday November 12th, 2024, under a cotton candy sunrise, at the age of 89. She spent her final weeks in the loving care of her family with her sweet cat Deja by her side. Even the neighborhood squirrels were gathered outside her window. Her cozy apartment in Hadley was bursting at the seams with love and memories every day, with the presence of her daughters, son-in-laws, grand and great grandchildren as well as several friends until she passed.

Maureen was born June 9th, 1935, in Northampton, Massachusetts to Edith Devine and Herbert Alden Clark. She often spoke of her idyllic childhood growing up on Strong Street in Amherst. There she developed a profound love of nature and animals as she roamed the fields, pastures and pond in her neighborhood with her best pal, Robert Fitzgerald. She loved eating out of her dad’s prolific garden and once she got her license, cruising the streets in her red convertible.

Maureen attended Amherst schools, graduating from Amherst High School in 1953 where she began her long list of eclectic accomplishments. She was most proud of being chosen as the cover artist for the Amherst Town Report, being the lead in the school play her senior year and lettering in varsity basketball. She was always a wonderful artist and writer, having been offered a position as a graphic illustrator at the Diamond Match Company, and taking several writing classes though the years. She developed a strong bond with her classmates and attended every class reunion. As an adult Maureen worked at the Worcester dining commons at UMass which is where she met the love of her life Owen Joseph McGrath from Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. They married November 25th, 1959, and soon after bought a house on Potwine Lane in Amherst.

There they raised their 5 daughters along with Grandma Edith who remained a member of the household until her death in 1973. Tragically, her beloved husband, Owen passed away in 1977 leaving Maureen completing the task of raising 5 teenagers. She was a stay-at-home mom until her daughters were all in school and then went to work in the Amherst community as an instructional aide at Amherst Junior high school, then as bank teller for several Amherst banks where she meticulously proved her cash drawer every day “to the penny”. She spent her last 10 years as an administrative assistant at St Brigid’s church in Amherst. Maureen made many dear friends along the way in her working years.

She also had a very close-knit friend group as a Jazzercise participant at the Hampshire Mall into her early 70’s. She was known as the “Queen mother” to the Jazzercise crew. Out of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of growing a big, loving, fun and at times quite boisterous family from her start as an only child. She was known as mom, Gram and Gram-Gram to her family and her grandchildren’s friends. She loved to tell people that she had 5 daughters, all who went on to become nurses. Her family grew to include her beloved 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She showered every person in her family with “oodles of love” which was her signature on every greeting card, hugs, kisses and endless support. She showed up to every school and life event “with bells on” cheering on her family from the sidelines with passion.

She loved Neil Diamond and every wedding had to have a rousing group singalong to Sweet Caroline. As the daughter of a minor league baseball player, Maureen was also a huge baseball fan and a diehard Red Sox superfan. She spoke of listening to them on the Philco radio with her father, and later with her husband Owen at the backyard picnic table. She even took the girls on a trip to Winter Haven Florida in 1978 to watch Spring training. They were even able to get autographs from some of the greats. In the later decades she especially loved her Big Papi. She shared every Red Sox triumph and heartbreak with two of her best friends Alice and Rollie Campbell. She and Owen also enjoyed numerous and often rowdy games of pitch with them. Other highlights in Maureen’s life included family trips to Newfoundland several times over the years to visit Owen’s family.

She loved trips to Cape Cod, Maine and Florida. She treasured her 80th birthday cruise to Bermuda with her daughters as well a trip to Hawaii to visit her grandsons and to San Diego, California via Amtrak. She also had a memorable trip to Italy with a senior travel group. She often paraphrased Lou Gehrig saying “I am the luckiest woman alive”

 In addition to her husband Owen, she is predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Edith Clark, and a grandson, Jeffery Owen Millar as well as Owen’s parents, brothers and sisters. She leaves behind her daughters: Brenda Millar of Greenfield, Catherine (Harry) Wiater of Hadley, Sharon (Steven) Shumway of Greenfield, Mary (Jeffrey) Walas of Sunderland, and Lorrie (Greg Little) McGrath of Montague and the “apples of her eye”, her 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, in addition to many friends and extended family.

As the Queen of our hearts her memory lives with us for eternity. Maureen’s family would like to express their gratitude to Cooley Dickinson Hospice for their invaluable expertise and compassion in helping us care for her in her final days.

 Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4-6 pm at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, with burial following in St. Brigid’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

 

HADLEY, MA: Maureen Judith McGrath passed away peacefully in the early morning on Tuesday November 12th, 2024, under a cotton candy sunrise, at the age of 89. She spent her final weeks in the loving care of her family with her sweet cat Deja by her side. Even the neighborhood squirrels were gathered outside her window. Her cozy apartment in Hadley was bursting at the seams with love and memories every day, with the presence of her daughters, son-in-laws, grand and great grandchildren as well as several friends until she passed.

Maureen was born June 9th, 1935, in Northampton, Massachusetts to Edith Devine and Herbert Alden Clark. She often spoke of her idyllic childhood growing up on Strong Street in Amherst. There she developed a profound love of nature and animals as she roamed the fields, pastures and pond in her neighborhood with her best pal, Robert Fitzgerald. She loved eating out of her dad’s prolific garden and once she got her license, cruising the streets in her red convertible.

Maureen attended Amherst schools, graduating from Amherst High School in 1953 where she began her long list of eclectic accomplishments. She was most proud of being chosen as the cover artist for the Amherst Town Report, being the lead in the school play her senior year and lettering in varsity basketball. She was always a wonderful artist and writer, having been offered a position as a graphic illustrator at the Diamond Match Company, and taking several writing classes though the years. She developed a strong bond with her classmates and attended every class reunion. As an adult Maureen worked at the Worcester dining commons at UMass which is where she met the love of her life Owen Joseph McGrath from Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. They married November 25th, 1959, and soon after bought a house on Potwine Lane in Amherst.

There they raised their 5 daughters along with Grandma Edith who remained a member of the household until her death in 1973. Tragically, her beloved husband, Owen passed away in 1977 leaving Maureen completing the task of raising 5 teenagers. She was a stay-at-home mom until her daughters were all in school and then went to work in the Amherst community as an instructional aide at Amherst Junior high school, then as bank teller for several Amherst banks where she meticulously proved her cash drawer every day “to the penny”. She spent her last 10 years as an administrative assistant at St Brigid’s church in Amherst. Maureen made many dear friends along the way in her working years.

She also had a very close-knit friend group as a Jazzercise participant at the Hampshire Mall into her early 70’s. She was known as the “Queen mother” to the Jazzercise crew. Out of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of growing a big, loving, fun and at times quite boisterous family from her start as an only child. She was known as mom, Gram and Gram-Gram to her family and her grandchildren’s friends. She loved to tell people that she had 5 daughters, all who went on to become nurses. Her family grew to include her beloved 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. She showered every person in her family with “oodles of love” which was her signature on every greeting card, hugs, kisses and endless support. She showed up to every school and life event “with bells on” cheering on her family from the sidelines with passion.

She loved Neil Diamond and every wedding had to have a rousing group singalong to Sweet Caroline. As the daughter of a minor league baseball player, Maureen was also a huge baseball fan and a diehard Red Sox superfan. She spoke of listening to them on the Philco radio with her father, and later with her husband Owen at the backyard picnic table. She even took the girls on a trip to Winter Haven Florida in 1978 to watch Spring training. They were even able to get autographs from some of the greats. In the later decades she especially loved her Big Papi. She shared every Red Sox triumph and heartbreak with two of her best friends Alice and Rollie Campbell. She and Owen also enjoyed numerous and often rowdy games of pitch with them. Other highlights in Maureen’s life included family trips to Newfoundland several times over the years to visit Owen’s family.

She loved trips to Cape Cod, Maine and Florida. She treasured her 80th birthday cruise to Bermuda with her daughters as well a trip to Hawaii to visit her grandsons and to San Diego, California via Amtrak. She also had a memorable trip to Italy with a senior travel group. She often paraphrased Lou Gehrig saying “I am the luckiest woman alive”

 In addition to her husband Owen, she is predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Edith Clark, and a grandson, Jesery Owen Millar as well as Owen’s parents, brothers and sisters. She leaves behind her daughters: Brenda Millar of Greenfield, Catherine (Harry) Wiater of Hadley, Sharon (Steven) Shumway of Greenfield, Mary (Jeffrey) Walas of Sunderland, and Lorrie (Greg Little) McGrath of Montague and the “apples of her eye”, her 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, in addition to many friends and extended family.

As the Queen of our hearts her memory lives with us for eternity. Maureen’s family would like to express their gratitude to Cooley Dickinson Hospice for their invaluable expertise and compassion in helping us care for her in her final days.

 Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4-6 pm at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, with burial following in St. Brigid’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

 

Prasanta C. Bhowmik, born in Bayenda, West Bengal, India died in peace after a two-year battle with cancer on November 2, 2024 at home in Williamsburg, MA with his daughter by his side as the sun rose…Om Shanti Om…

A long-time resident of Amherst, Massachusetts, Prasanta spent the last 8 months living in a new home with two of his four grandchildren, his daughter, and son-in-law. Prasanta was a lovable individual who will be greatly missed by his family and the many, many close family friends. He was respected by all and was a kind and caring person who connected with everyone through his smile. Prasanta will be remembered through his work as a weed biologist and the lifelong relationships he developed with his family, friends and colleagues. Throughout his life he forged strong relationships. The special bonds he created with his wife, family, friends, as well as his children’s friends, made life complete away from his homeland.

Prasanta had a love for music and photography. He greatly enjoyed all the meals and celebrations shared with his family and friends. Prasanta was an avid sports fan who had a promising soccer career early in his life. He played and coached badminton which was one of the first places his path crossed with Bev, his future wife. Prasanta also picked up golf when his children were in their teens. Prasanta was a proud parent who watched and videotaped his three kids at gymnastics meets and from the sidelines. He was supportive of their sports, art, dance, and who they were as individuals.  Prasanta enjoyed playing cards with his wife and grandchildren. He practiced the Art of Living, with Bev, and lately followed the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society.

On December 31, 1973, Prasanta wed Beverley Denise Tom in the village where he grew up. He made many trips to his home to visit and introduce his children and their families to his home and family in India. He returned 20 years later with Monica, his middle child, to attend a conference in New Delhi and see family. He again visited with his two other children David and Kiran on separate trips in 1997 and 1998, and again in the Fall of 1999 for a three-month sabbatical in India with Monica and Bev. In 2007, he brought Bev, Monica, Kiran, son-in-law, Henry, and grandson, Taikoda, to India and Bangladesh where he was teaching through the Fulbright Program at the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. In 2010, he traveled with Monica and Eric, a recently engaged couple, to West Bengal. Prasanta and Beverley visited India together for the last time in February of 2020. His final trip to India was in December of 2022 to see his family, for the last time, and introduce two of his granddaughters, with Monica and Eric.

Dr. Prasanta Bhowmik was a professor at the University of Massachusetts for 40 years at Stockbridge School of Agriculture from 1981-2021. He was dedicated to his teaching and research. Prasanta worked with countless colleagues in North America and around the world, including trips to France, China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Brazil, Peru, and more. He published a plethora of publications and received numerous honors and awards such as Outstanding Educator Award from the Northeastern Weed Science Society in 2007. Dr. Bhowmik advised to multiple students, many of whom he developed close relationships with and kept in touch with. Prasanta began his esteemed career in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science with honors from Kalyani University (BCKV) in West Bengal, India. He continued on to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi India where he received his Master’s of Science in Agronomy in 1966. Prasanta then came to Canada and completed a second Master’s of Science this time in Weed Physiology at the University of Guelph, Ontario in 1970 – It was here that he met his beloved Beverley. After their marriage and starting a family with the birth of Kiran Denise, his eldest daughter, and then Monica Indrani, his second daughter, they all moved to Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Here, in 1981, he completed his Ph.D in Weed Science and celebrated the birth of his son David Edward Bhowmik.

Prasanta was preceded in death by his parents Bhagvat Chandra Bhowmik and Kiran Bala – his mother, his eldest sister Nirmala, his older brothers Phuluko, Nirvik, Durdanta, his son David Edward Bhowmik, his eldest daughter Kiran Denise Bhowmik (Henry), his older sister Chapala, his sister in-law Fran Bruce (Doug), his younger brother Tarith and by Beverley ‘Bev’ his wife of 49 years.

Prasanta is survived by his daughter Monica Bhowmik; son-in-law Eric Driver; son-in-law Henry Wilson; his four grandchildren Taikoda, Tsukiko, Sunali, and Raina whom he cherished and loved with his whole heart; Hrista Bhowmik his older brother and only surviving sibling; brother-in-law Ted Tom (Sandy); his nephews and nieces in India and Canada as well as his grandnieces, grandnephews, and great grand nephews and nieces.

Arrangements had been entrusted to Douglas Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Old Chapel on UMass Campus. We are forever grateful for the love and support of our families, friends, and community who have held us in love and light.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Wilfred P. “Willy” Danylieko, 82, of Hadley, Massachusetts, passed on October 22, 2024. Born on September 1, 1942, to the late John and Leola (Bouchard) Danylieko in Pittsfield, MA, Willy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

Willy grew up in Northampton, attending Sacred Heart Grammar School and Saint Michael’s High School. He met and married his devoted wife, Ruth Ann Kelley, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. In 1966, they settled in North Hadley, where Willy became a respected electrician and owned Willy Danylieko Inc.  He served the community as the Electrical Inspector for the town of Hadley for many years.

Willy had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing throughout his life. He was also deeply involved in his community, serving as an altar boy at Sacred Heart Church and as president of the Jaycees. Known for his hard work and dedication, Willy touched the lives of many.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; his brother, Leonard (Pauline) Danylieko; his sisters, Patricia (Joseph) Podvojsky and Joan (Donald) Johnson; his four children, Shannon Danylieko, Bernadette Danylieko, Kevin Danylieko, and Heather Salvatore; and his four grandchildren, Charles M. Mathers, Caitlin (Guy) deBros, Samuel A Salvatore, and Maxwell A Salvatore. Willy’s favorite little buddy, great-grandson George T. Mathers.

Calling hours will be held at Douglass Funeral Home on Monday, November 4, from 4 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, November 5, at Most Holy Redeemer Church at 10 AM, burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Willy’s memory can be made to the Shriners. http://lovetotherescue.org

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Jean Marie McCullough, 81, of Belchertown peacefully passed on October 24^th 2024 at her daughters’ home in Greenfield.  She was born in Amherst, MA on November 15^th 1942 to John S. Sr. and Harriet L. (Blair) Reynolds. Jean leaves behind her 4 children, Peter, Nancy, Paul and John, as well as 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Jean grew up in the Amherst Village of Cushman and attended public schools.  She married her late husband Gerard Daniel McCullough in 1964.  She worked as a nurses aid at the Belchertown State School until the late 80’s then became a homemaker for her four children.

Jean’s favorite pastime was crocheting, spending time with her grandchildren, playing card games and enjoying company with her pet cat, “Squeeker.” Jean had a soft spot for her furry friend. 

A calling hour will be Thursday October 31, from 9:30 – 10:30 at the Douglass Funeral Service, with a graveside service at 11:00 am at St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Pelham, Leonore “Bondie” Page, 94, formerly of Pelham, died October 20^th in Methuen, MA. She leaves her daughter’s Tammy Hartman of West Bloomfield, MI, Lynn Page of Jaffrey, NH, Kimberly Chapin of Grand Blare, MI and Bonnie Page of NY, NY. She also leaves behind 14 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren. She was pre deceased by her husband, C. Leonard Page in 1987. Leonore was born in Agawam though spent most of her life living in Pelham until moving to live with her daughter’s.

There will be a graveside service, Saturday October 26, AT 11am, at the Pelham Valley Cemetery, Pelham.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com