Sophie (Maturniak) Rajter passed away on December 28, 2021 in her home in Amherst on the street where she lived her entire life. She was born August 18, 1927 in Amherst to Hrynko and Anna (Baraniuk) Maturniak, immigrants from the Ukraine. Sophie graduated from the Amherst School system. Sophie worked throughout her life. She was “discovered” picking tobacco in Hadley by a local physician/benefactor who employed her and, in return, help pay her way through Becker College where she graduated in 1947. She began her professional career at Memorial Hospital in Worcester and then at Amherst College in various departments over the years, most notably as a Research Assistant for Professor Oscar Schotte in the Biology Department.

She loved polka music and met her husband Stanley Rajter at local polka dances in Sunderland and Hatfield. They were married in 1950 and continued to live in Amherst. They had 3 daughters- Georgianna, Deborah, and Susan. Stanley and Sophie traveled in their RV across the US and loved to vacation on Cape Cod.

Sophie was predeceased by her loving husband “Stashu”, brothers George Maturniak and Michael Matoniak, sister Helen Wright, grandson Jarrad Parkin and son-in-law James Tymkowiche. After Stanley’s passing in 1991, she continued in her independent ways by staying in her own home and managing several rental properties despite her advancing years. Until the pandemic, she swam daily at her local health club and didn’t give up driving until 2020. After that she loved long rides throughout the New England countryside with her daughters or niece Helen Wright.

Sophie leaves her daughters Georgianna Parkin (Bruce) of Shutesbury, Deborah Tymkowiche of South Deerfield and Susan Hart of Northampton.

She also leaves her grandchildren Kelly Tymkowiche, Dan and Sam Hart, Jennifer Sormanti and many nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid restrictions, graveside service and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Sophie’s memory to VNA/Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital,The Amherst Survival Center, Dakin Animal Shelter or any local charity of your choice. Douglass Funeral Home of Amherst is handling Sophie’s final arrangements. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Moving to New York City shortly after their elopement, Angel and Sonia settled in Brooklyn. He initially worked at the Spanish Tourist office in Manhattan and, later, as a teacher at the Berlitz School of Languages. A year after the birth of Alicia, their first-born child in 1969, he became a stay-at-home father and her primary caregiver, a role almost unheard of at the time yet one he cherished with all three of the children they raised. The family moved to Massachusetts in 1975 so that Sonia could pursue doctoral studies. It was there that they adopted their second daughter, Marisa, in 1976. After being Marisa’s primary caregiver for two years, Angel became a bilingual teacher in the Holyoke Public Schools, first at Holyoke High School and, later, at Peck Middle School and the Holyoke Middle School for the Arts. A beloved teacher, he also made his mark as a parent organizer and fierce advocate for his students and their families. A gifted teacher for students of all levels, grades, and ages from daycare through college, he was especially drawn to working with infants at the University of Massachusetts North Amherst Child Care Center, where he played music of the world and sang and played games in Spanish with the babies even though none of them came from Spanish-speaking homes. Surely that early exposure opened their minds to a wider world.

In 1996, Angel retired early to be the primary caregiver to his granddaughter Jazmyne, a role he relished until his final days 26 years later. Unable, as a child, to say “Abuelo,” Jazmyne dubbed him “Abú.” It became not only the name that his daughters, all his future grandchildren, their friends, and many others would call him, but also his preferred title and role.

            Angel Nieto’s love for, and commitment and generosity to all people and causes of freedom were legendary. He would get up at dawn to participate in demonstrations demanding quality bilingual education and authentic family involvement, and against apartheid in South Africa or the U.S.-backed war in Central America, among others. During a peaceful sit-in at Representative Silvio Conte’s office in Holyoke to protest U.S. involvement in Central America, he was the only non-citizen arrested. The judge presiding over the case warned him he would be deported if he ever showed up in his court again. In 2008, after living in the United States for nearly 40 years, he added citizenship of the United States to that of his native Spain in a moving ceremony in Boston where he was accompanied by his wife Sonia and granddaughter Jazmyne.

            Humble, modest, and retiring, Angel avoided the limelight, preferring instead to shine the light on his students, community members, and his wife. But his goodness and kindness finally caught up with him and he could no longer avoid the accolades he so deserved: in 2019, he was selected as one of “Hidden Legends of the Paper City,” organized by Pa’lante, a youth-led Restorative Justice Project at Holyoke High School. A permanent exhibit honoring the 26 individuals selected for this honor is located at the high school, and a banner with Angel’s likeness hangs on Main Street in Holyoke. That same year, he also received the Antonia Pantoja Distinguished Achievement Award from the Latino Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, a fund that he and other community activists had helped establish 20 years earlier.

Teacher, poet, published author, visionary, community organizer, fixer of anything needing repair, avid gardener, artist, early feminist before men defined themselves as such, “honorary Puerto Rican” and lover of the island, and the very best father and grandfather imaginable, Angel Nieto was a man of many talents and multiple dimensions. He was predeceased in Spain by his sister María Alicia and brothers Mariano and Antero. He is survived by an adoring family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as his brother José Ramón Nieto Romero in Spain, his sister-in-law Lydia Cortés, her son James, wife Nell, and their daughter Aniela in New York City, along with several other in-laws and nieces and nephews in New York, Spain, and Puerto Rico.

An Amherst area resident for nearly five decades, Angel died on December 18, 2021 of congestive heart failure in hospice care at home. He was surrounded by Alicia, Marisa, Jazmyne, most of his 12 grandchildren, and his ‘Sonita.’

A scholarship in his name to benefit Latin@ students has been established at the Community Fund of Western Massachusetts. Checks can be made payable to the Community Foundation of Western MA with Angel Nieto Scholarship noted in the memo line.  Gifts online can be made at www.communityfoundation.org

Jane S. Underwood, 93, of Hadley, MA passed away peacefully on December 26, 2021 at The Center for Extended Care at Amherst.

Jane was born in Northampton, November 27, 1928, daughter of the late Linn and Ruth Underwood. She was raised and educated in Hadley. In 1950, Jane graduated and received her RN degree from the Springfield Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse and supervisor for 30+ years at the former Springfield Hospital, now known as Baystate Medical Center. Jane was a member of the First Congregational Church of Hadley for 79 years.

Her love for travel took her on many trips with friends and family across the country and around the world. At home, Jane could usually be found in her sewing room, knitting or stitching up a project. She was always working on articles of clothing which she generously donated to the Baystate Medical Center NICU and Pediatric Departments for their young patients. She made many beautiful holiday dresses for her great-nieces when they were young, sometimes with a matching dress for their doll. Jane was an avid Red Sox fan, never missing a game on TV. As her eyesight deteriorated, she would be glued to the radio to catch all the plays. She also enjoyed listening to books on tape which she received through the Perkins School for the Blind.

Jane is survived by her three sisters: Alice Underwood and Shirley Parsons (Earle), both of Hadley and Nancy Johnson (Richard) of Athol. She leaves behind several nieces and nephews along with their spouses, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

There will be no calling hours. A private graveside burial will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Amherst.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested donations be made to the Perkins School for the Blind (www.perkins.org) or the First Congregational Church of Hadley, 102 Middle St, Hadley, MA 01035.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Betty Joy (Guttmann) Turner died of pancreatic cancer at the Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst on December 10, 2021. 

Born in Chicago, Betty grew up in Miami. Her childhood was difficult: her disabled mother died when Betty was 11, leaving her with a harsh, domineering, and callous father. Fortunately she had her older brother, Allen, to lean upon. Betty and Allen remained each others’ best friends for the rest of her life. 

Against her father’s wishes–and via some subterfuge–Betty followed Allen to the University of Florida. There she established the pattern that was evident for the rest of her life. On the one hand, as a freshman she set the curve by getting the highest score on the final for the required science course. On the other hand, she nearly flunked out due to an over-achieving social life. She had to alternate between taking classes and working, but nonetheless earned her degree and left her old life behind her. 

Once more Betty followed Allen, this time to Amherst, where she began her thirty-year teaching career. In the 1960s she had various adventures–she taught for the U.S. Army in Germany, was married, had a son, lived all over the country, and was divorced–but she always gravitated back to Amherst. She came back for good in 1969, to be close to her brother and to raise her son Jonathan in the best possible environment, vowing never to leave again. She never did. 

Betty taught in Wildwood Elementary School from the day it opened until the day she retired–and afterwards, as a substitute. During that time she made countless friends and influenced countless students. For many years it was hard for her to walk around Amherst without running into a student and/or a parent whom she knew. During the summer vacation Betty made it a point to travel, visit museums, and explore. She loved reading, cats, Joe’s Cafe in Northampton, Florida (during the winter), dirty jokes, farm stands, the Granby condominium she bought in the late 1980s, her wonderful neighbors, restaurants, Thanksgiving, the Weston Playhouse theater in Vermont, travel tours, Robert B. Parker’s Spenser novels, Columbo, McCray’s Country Creamery ice cream, and most of all her family. For many years she made it a rule to have at least one thing to do on her calendar every day. 

Betty is survived by her son, Jonathan, and her daughter-in-law, Robin Holly; her brother, Professor Allen Guttmann, and her sister-in-law, Professor Doris Bargen; her niece, Erika Guttmann-Bond; her nephew, Hans Guttmann; and the many hundreds of students who passed through her hands. A memorial service is planned at the Unitarian Meetinghouse in Amherst, but it will be delayed until the current Covid wave has subsided. Please contact jonathan.a.turner@comcast.net if you would like to be notified once the plans are set. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the Dakin Humane Society animal shelter in Leverett–or, if you can, adopt an animal in Betty’s name. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

On December 19, 2021, John G. Kieras, Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many passed peacefully at Baystate Medical Center at the age of 81.

John was born at the Wysocki homestead in North Amherst on January 6, 1940, to the late John Sr. and Jean Kieras. He attended Amherst schools and graduated from Amherst High School in 1958. During these years he helped at the family business, Kieras Oil, Inc., and later attended Trade High School (now Springfield Technical Community College) as an oil burner technician. After the tragic passing of his father, John began the lifelong journey as co-owner of Kieras Oil with his youngest brother, Bob.

From a young age, John experienced farm life as he would often play with family members and friends out in the fields as his parents worked. As he grew older, he too would be found helping in the tobacco or asparagus fields and on his cousins’ dairy farm. In the mid 80s, he began his own venture planting an asparagus field behind his house in Hadley. He loved asparagus and was never shy to share that Hadley was the “Asparagus Capital of the World” with anyone he encountered (even while on a cruise with the Eddie Forman Orchestra in the Caribbean). It was not surprising to find John’s arms full of fruits and veggies to place on the dinner table or to find him delivering them to friends.

During his 20s, John and a close group of friends would attend Sunday polkas at Pulaski Park in Three Rivers, MA. It is there that he met his future beloved wife, Lorraine M. (Koziol) Kieras. Not too long after, John proposed to Lorraine at the Quabbin Reservoir. On May 10, 1969, they exchanged their vows and were married at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Three Rivers. They settled in Hadley and there raised their family, while remaining true to their vows for 52 years.

John was very active in his community. He was a loyal member of the Hadley American Legion Post 271, as he was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. At one point, he served as the Commander of the Legion. He devoted many years of his life to providing an honorable and proper burial for all those who served. He also took great pride participating in the Hadley Memorial Day Parade and eventually helped to coordinate the event. It brought him great joy when his ‘51 Chevy would drive along the parade route filled with his grandchildren tossing candy into the crowds. He enjoyed antique cars so much he became a member of the Connecticut Valley Region Antique Car Club with other family and friends from town. John was a faithful communicant of the Most Holy Redeemer Church in Hadley. In his earlier years, he worked Bingo first in the Hopkins Academy Cafetorium and later in the Parish Hall. John also devoted his time at the Three County Fair church booth.

John was always up for an adventure and enjoyed the outdoors. He loved sharing stories of his early childhood road trip adventures with his cousins and friends, which always seemed to include something funny happening. A favorite story he told was when he drove to Canada. When asked what they did, with a smirk on his face, he said they turned around shortly after crossing the border and headed home. He took a course in mushroom picking and also learned to canoe. He enjoyed deep sea fishing at Hampton Beach where his family and extended family vacationed for close to 50 years. One of his greatest joys was going to “The Camp” in NH and relaxing at Forest Lake. His favorite pastime was cruising around town stopping and visiting farmers and friends and transporting his local buddies. At home he enjoyed relaxing and watching wartime documentaries and good old black and white movies with his wife. Regardless of what was going on, though, you would be sure to see John in the crowds cheering and supporting his daughters at sporting and musical events or whatever activity they were involved in.

He embraced his Polish heritage and was grateful to travel to Poland in 2000. While there, he was able to visit family and see incredible sites. He was captivated by the West and enjoyed a trip, which included seeing Mt. Rushmore, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and experiencing ranch life in Montana. One of his favorite destinations was Hawaii, where he was able to visit Pearl Harbor and honor those who bravely lost their lives on that dark December day in 1941. He enjoyed many trips with his family, including his most recent one to Turks and Caicos with his entire family a month ago. Prior to leaving, he told Lorraine he was going to take her on, “The best trip of her life”. Little did we realize just how special that trip would be.

During his final days, John’s family was given the gift of sharing time with him. They talked about how blessed they were by his life. He leaves an incredible legacy rooted in faith, family, and friends.

He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 52 years, Lorraine, his three loving daughters: Diane Kieras-Ciolkos (husband David Ciolkos) of Hadley, Linda Kieras Kenny (husband Patrick Kenny) of Feeding Hills, and Lori Kieras Rezendes (husband Dana Rezendes) of West Tisbury; his seven cherished grandchildren: Kiera and Christian Ciolkos of Hadley, Leah, Ryan, and Lily Kenny of Feeding Hills, and Nathan and Meghan Rezendes of West Tisbury; one sister, Connie Wyluda (husband Hank) of New York; and two brothers, Jim Kieras (wife Peggy) of Holden, and Bob Kieras (wife Sharon) of Whately, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the countless friends and healthcare workers at Mass General Hospital, Baystate Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital and VNA Services who touched John’s life.

In conclusion, as it is appropriate for this time of year, it is said John’s life resembled that of George Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Just as George did, John George Kieras stepped in after the passing of his father and worked tirelessly around the clock at Kieras Oil to provide for his family. He was a humble, honest, hard-working man with a kind and generous heart that always brought a smile to your face. As Clarence said in the movie, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives…” and this John did. Even amidst hardship, John knew, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” When you hear a bell ring this holiday season, it must be John getting his wings.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the family will be holding private funeral services, with a memorial celebration of John’s life at a later date (TBD).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to Most Holy Redeemer Church or Cemetery Church Fund or to the Hadley American Legion Post 271, 162 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Gloria Mae Russell of Hadley, MA passed away at Linda Manor on December 12, 2021. She was born in Pelham, MA on September 11, 1930, daughter of Robert and Ruth Knightly.

Gloria grew up in Amherst, MA, graduating from Amherst High School. She received her RN degree from Mercy School of Nursing where she graduated with the class of 1951. She soon was married and started her 39-year nursing career employed at the Smith College Infirmary.

Gloria earned her Bachelor of Science degree from American International College, then completed a Nurse Practitioner program at University of Massachusetts.

Gloria met the love of her life, Edward Russell from Hadley, MA as a teenager. They married and together raised four children. They enjoyed 47 years together, until Edward died in 1999. They loved having adventures together whether it was traveling, camping, going for hikes or simply playing Scrabble.

In retirement, Gloria spent 20 winters in Venice, FL where she became very active in the Ramblers Rest Resort Campground community. She loved participating in chorus and playing billiards. She earned the nickname of “Pool Shark” after winning the league two years in a row! She became known by her neighbors for her daily walks and bike rides around the park on her shocking pink bicycle.

Following Ed’s passing she moved from Hadley to Easthampton’s Lathrop Community where she made many friends and had eight wonderful years.

Gloria leaves behind her three brothers and their wives: David and Sandy Knightly of Amherst, William and Martha Knightly of Ware and Robert and Patricia Knightly of Easthampton. She was pre-deceased by her sister Elaine Nicholson Pillar of Ocala, FL.

Even with all of her accomplishments, her true passion was spending time with her family. She leaves behind wonderful memories for her children and their spouses: Edward and Kathleen Russell of Enfield, CT, Linda and Kim Crossman of Deerfield, MA, Michael Russell and Nancy Pimental of Medway, MA and Steven and Judith Russell of Tulsa, OK.

She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Kevin Russell, Katy Walpole, Thomas Russell, Nathan Crossman and Adam Crossman and their spouses as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

At this time due to Covid, a graveside service will be held at Saint Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley, MA at 1:00 pm, Friday, Dec. 17.

A Celebration of Gloria’s Life is planned for the springtime.

In lieu of flowers it is suggested that you consider a donation to the American Red Cross. (www.redcross.org)

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Jeanne McConnell of Hadley and Amherst passed away on December 12, 2021 at the age of 95.  Jeanne was the daughter of Onesiphore and Zelma Lapierre. She was married to Robert K McConnell who predeceased her in 1991.  Jeanne graduated from the Cooley Dickinson School of Nursing and worked as a scrub nurse at the Lahey Clinic in Boston, then at the VA in Leeds.

Her love of family, her pets and golf filled her life.  Jeanne was in the inaugural class of The Western Mass Golf Hall of Fame. Her many club championships and holes in-one left a mark on countless golfers during her many years of play.

She leaves behind her three children, Deb Fusia (Michael), Jay McConnell (Paula Klek), Sherri Willey (Ryan).  She also leaves her grandchildren, Allyson and Megan McConnell, Abby McConnell and Jeanne Sullivan, and 3 great grandchildren.

There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Dakin Animal Shelter.  Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

James Andrew Wyatt III (“Jim”), 74, of Hadley Massachusetts, passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Elaine Center at Hadley from complications of cancer.  Jim was born October 10, 1947, in Greencastle, Indiana, the son of James Andrew Wyatt, Jr., and Mary Oneida Pittman Wyatt.  After Jim and his mother relocated to the Amherst-Northampton area, Jim attended local public schools and the Lenox School for Boys, graduating from Amherst Regional High School with the class of 1966.  An early childhood survivor of polio, Jim attended Howard University (Washington, D.C.) and was a member of its track and wrestling teams.  Before retirement, he worked in transportation in the Northampton-Greenfield area and as a journalist, focusing on social justice work in the Amherst, Northampton, and Hadley area.  Never married and an only child, Jim is survived by a host of cousins and several especially devoted close friends.  A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at the Wesley United Methodist Church Hadley (98 North Maple Street) on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 10:00 AM.  A reception and an opportunity for visitation will be held at the church immediately following the service.  All attending in-person must wear masks and maintain social distance.  The service is also available remotely by way of a ZOOM link available at https://www.wesleyfamily.org  

Jim was the devoted son and supporter of the late Mary Pittman Wyatt and her work as a founder of the MLK Committee of Amherst. In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family asks that you support the scholarship fund of the MLK Committee of Amherst.   Donations can be mailed to the MLK Committee of Amherst, P.O. Box 3211, Amherst, MA 01004-3211.  Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com