AMHERST, MA.

D. Joseph (Joe) Bodin died peacefully and without pain at the age of 89, on June 28, 2023, from injuries suffered in a fall that morning.

Joe was born in Hampden, Connecticut on August 7, 1933, to Gustaf Henry Bodin and Jesse Martha (Butler) Bodin. He grew up in Hampden and graduated from Suffolk Academy. He received a Bachelor of Arts in from Springfield College. He served as an officer in the United States Navy and was discharged with the rank of Ensign.

Joe was married to Jane Adeline Hudson on July 13, 1957; they were married 62 years.

He enjoyed summers at the Connecticut shore as a child, and at Prudence Island, R.I. after his marriage. He traveled all over the world before and after retirement. He and Jane visited more than 20 different countries together. They also vacationed in Barbados for 30 years. Joe loved gardening, building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes, and sailing. He served as a Deacon at South Church in Amherst for many years. He was a wonderful, loving father and his children miss him very much.

Joe worked in sales and marketing for the former Norton Company, as human resources manager at Fontaine Modular Homes, and in marketing for Standard (later Gretag) Manufacturing Company.

Joe is survived by his daughter Kristi, son David and his wife Jaqueline, son Richard and his husband Gregory Feller, and grandson David Joseph III, (who shared his home and helped care for him over the last several years), his brother Gustaf Richard and sister-in-law Virginia, several nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jane.

The family of Joe Bodin wishes to thank Elite Home Care Agency for their thoughtful and loving caregivers, and the members of the Town of Amherst Fire/EMS for their compassion and professional service.

Burial services were private. 

A Memorial Service will be held on August 12, 2023, 1pm, at the South Congregational Church, 1066 S. East Street, South Amherst, Ma. 01002.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Joe’s love for children, memorial donations may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children — Development Office Springfield, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/new-england/about-us/ways-to-give or,

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 1-800-822-6344, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Source Code: IIQ190788777 (https://www.stjude.org ) 

AMHERST, MA.

Greg completed his time here on earth with intelligence, compassion, and deep caring on May 27, 2023 at 3:45 p.m. at home.   He succumbed following a series of medical complications. He was 32.

Greg was born on Jan 09, 1991 in Kisavarda, Hungary.  It is a tiny village on the Ukrainian border, desperately poor.   His mother had poor maternal skills, all seven of his siblings were serially abandoned to orphanages,  She abandoned Greg and two siblings twice leaving them in the Sunday market square.   Later she got an unfinished house with no door.  Child services visited and took the three sick kids to an orphanage.  Ben the youngest was deaf from severe ear infections eventually fixed at Boston Childrens Hospital.   Greg became a father at a young age.  He intervened in any beatings of the others and took them himself. 

Judith and I adopted all three in a fit of compassionate madness.  We took them to live in Concord MA where they thrived.  Greg was the protector,  Ben was very tiny; 3 years old and wearing infant clothes.  He carried Ben on his hip as he could not walk.  Evelyn had seizures;  Greg defended her from ridicule.  Nobody messed with his siblings.   Greg struggled life long with CPCSD a condition rooted in childhood neglect generating poor self esteem and subsequent difficulties in bonding.  He was a caregiver and protector that gravitated to “broken birds” for girlfriends.  They led him into their own weaknesses and addictions.  He tried to fix them a hopeless task.  He would find butterflies with torn wings and fix them with superglue.

He was exceedingly bright with an iQ of 140;  He learned perfect English including subjunctives in two months.  He earned an associates degree in Paraprofessionalism with a 4.0 average.  He aced Philosophy and Logic.  He was studying Solid Works to obtain a professional license.   His 3D skills were at 99%.

Recently through 23 and Me he connected with a full sister and several aunts and uncles and first cousins in Hungary.  He was planning a trip to visit them.  After years of anger towards his birth mother he told me “I forgive her”.   His heart was huge and fragile.

Greg had lots of faults.  Life gave him a very difficult start and a rocky path.  We all write our own narratives starting as children.  He had to be his own parent and a parent for his siblings; that damaged him severely.  Judith and I adopted him; it was difficult for him to be a child.  He treated himself as a parent.  There were some off the rails years in middle and high school.  Early trauma never healed.  As parents we took more of a back seat while he wrote his life story.  He gravitated to girlfriends who were not good for him and to drug use to calm his internal pain.  I and Judith tried my best to support him but he was dogged by that pain and difficulty to make relationships.  In Bridgewater treatment center he made great strides with excellent counselors.  He excelled at coursework.  I was very hopeful, so was he.  His inner voices, calling him a failure or useless person, never went away.  Drugs to calm them were back in his life.

I am tempted to call myself a failure.  I realize nowI could not fix him or help him fix himself.   In the end he wrote his own story.  He made me a father something I always wanted to be.  I had wonderful philosophic talks with him.  He loved reading the Sufi texts of Idries Shah like Learning How To Learn and Commanding Self.  I will miss those talks sorely.  I tried as an imperfect man to do my best for him.  His pain was too great.  He decided to move on.  I miss my legal beagle, my big idea talk mate, my excellent handyman, my fixer of torn butterfly wings, my kid with pain so deep I could not help him.   I grieve and will for the rest of my life.

Greg was predeceased by his mother Judith and sister Evelyn.  He has a brother Benjamin Collison, a father Dr. George Collison.  He has two step brothers Dan of Ann Arbor and Steve Feder of  Damariscotta ME. He has cousins Henry of Reno, Louise of New Hope , and Josee of Damariscotta and Lucas of Grafton Vt.  In Hungary from 23 and Me he has a full sister and many aunts and uncles and first cousins.   He had planned to visit them this summer. 

 We all deeply grieve at this loss. May his memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Scherizade Foundation for books for Afghan girls.

https://scheherazadefoundation.org

AMHERST, Joseph A. Waskiewicz, Sr., 93, a lifelong resident and farmer of North Amherst, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Born in Holyoke on January 28, 1930, he was the son of the late Joseph G. and Sophie (Malanowski) Waskiewicz.

Joe grew up on the family farm, J & J Farms, on Meadow St., working alongside his father beginning in the 1930’s using draft horses and very early tractors. He was a graduate of Amherst High School, and it was there that he met his beloved wife, Beverly Jean Lashway. Joe and Bev were married in 1951, made their home on East Pleasant St. and raised their four children Joseph Jr., Michael, Jane and Kathryn. It was on East Pleasant St. where Joe started his first corn stand and became known for his super sweet corn and impeccable quality. Joe and Babe, as he would always call her, moved back to the farm in 1998, bringing the corn stand with them to its current location.

Joe was a communicant of Most Holy Redeemer Church. He was an avid snowmobiler and President of the Amherst Regional Snowmobile Association. He was an Amherst Town Meeting member for many years, a charter member of the first Amherst Farm Committee and a member of the Farm Service Agency for over 20 years, serving as chairman for 9 years.

Joe was particularly proud when J & J Farms became a Centennial Farm in 2009 and to be the owner of the last operating dairy farm in Amherst. He was still helping with daily chores and working alongside his sons and family until he was almost 90. He was also extremely proud of the over 50-year relationship with Atkins Farms supplying valley residents with fresh produce. Joe enjoyed visiting with his customers at the corn stand each year and with his longtime potato and onion customers in the fall.

The only thing Joe took greater pride in than the farm, was his family. This pride was unmatched and Dziadzu could always be counted on for incredible advice and guidance in any situation, a strong bear hug and unconditional love. He instilled in his family a strong work ethic and the importance of taking pride in your work.

Joseph or Juzek, as many called him, was a proud Polish farmer and it wasn’t a Sunday at the farm unless the polkas were playing in the house and while picking corn for the stand. At the end of a long day, Joe could always be found sitting under the trees enjoying the breeze, a cold beer and watching the cows.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Beverly, brothers Edek and Tony, sister Carolyn, and daughter-in-law Laura. He is survived by his children Joseph Jr., Michael, Jane and her husband Robert, Kathryn and her husband Scott; five grandchildren Katie and her husband Jon, Jackie and her husband Matthew, Sam, Max and Mara Joe, his great-grandson Matthew Joseph and another great-grandson arriving in September; his sisters-in-law Patricia, Loretta, and Cynthia, and his brother-in-law Eugene and brother-in-law Jim.

Joe’s family would like to especially thank Haoua for the loving and compassionate care she provided him in the last few years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 3^rd at 10:00 in Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley, with burial following in Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Sunday, July 2^nd from 1-4pm at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst.

Obituary and register book at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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.