Shutesbury – Geraldine L. “Gerri” (Pariseau) Strangman 72, of Shutesbury Ma., passed away peacefully Friday evening, March 19, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Gerri was born February 8, 1949 in Beverly Ma., daughter of the late Alfred F. Pariseau and Emily K. (Moser) Pariseau of Sandown, N.H.

Gerri graduated from Pentucket Regional High School in the class of 1967. She graduated with her LPN in 1989 from the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Nursing Program. Gerri retired from The Center for Extended Care in Amherst, Ma after 30 years of service on the Dharma Unit. She also worked at The Family Garden in North Hadley Ma. Previous to moving to Amherst, Gerri worked at the Hale Hospital in the X-Ray department and the business office at City Hall, Haverhill Ma.

To say that Gerri was an avid shopper would be an understatement. She had many favorite stores that she would frequently visit, there isn’t a sale she could not find or a coupon she could not clip. Her children have fond memories of shopping in stores as Gerri would be more of a kid interacting with the kids and playing with any toys she could find. She had a very carefree and free spirit.

She loved reading, baking and doing puzzles. Her baked goods were shared to many of her friends and family. Gerri was a voracious user of the Spear Memorial Library of Shutesbury. Thank you to the dedicated staff for always providing interesting novels for Gerri to enjoy.

Gerri also enjoyed making crocheted afghans for her family and friends.

Gerri was an avid Boston Celtics and New England Patriots fan, watching many games with family and friends.

Gerri was a member of the Saint Brigid’s Parish in Amherst, Ma.

Gerri is survived by her husband of 39 years Richard J. Strangman Jr., her son, Zachary F Strangman of Shutesbury Ma., and her daughter, Nicole M. Strangman of Concord, N.H., her siblings, Judith McCarthy of Haverhill Ma., Thomas and sister-in-law, Dolli Pariseau, of Colrain, Ma., Susan Bryant of Sandown, N.H. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Gerri is preceded by her sisters, Jane Beverage and Jacqueline Albright.

The Strangman Family would like to thank the Shutesbury EMT’s and the nurses of VNA Hospice for their devotion and care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Geraldine’s name to the Cooley Dickinson Cancer Center, VNA Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital and the Spear Memorial Library of Shutesbury, Ma.

There will be a celebration of Geraldine’s life when it is safe to do so.

Private Services were handled by Douglass Funeral Home of Amherst, Ma. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Gladys H. Beaulieu, age 76, of Amherst passed away at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield on March 19, 2021.  Gladys was born August 13, 1944 in Northampton, MA.  She was a longtime resident of Amherst and worked as a medical receptionist until she retired.

She was the daughter of the late Ampolido (Paul) Battistoni and Helen Tess Zumbruski.  She was predeceased by her brother Paul Battistoni.

Gladys leaves behind her loving husband of 59 years, Robert P. Beaulieu, daughter Veronica Mathews and husband Michael Mathews of Belchertown, son Robert Beaulieu and wife Bonnie Beaulieu of Ware, daughter Margaret Coffey of Amherst, her grandsons Robert Beaulieu of Amherst, Alex Beaulieu of Amherst, Christopher Beaulieu of Ware, and Kyle Coffey of Amherst, granddaughter Raquel Fontaine of Belchertown, as well as 2 great-granddaughters.

She is survived by her sisters RuthAnn Hatt of Shutesbury and Elaine Jarvis of South Hadley and several nieces and nephews.

Gladys was a homemaker at heart and focused her attention on her family and beloved pets.  She was an avid reader, loved crafts, bird watching, camping, gardening and family gatherings.  We will be forever grateful for the years of research she did into our family ancestry and preserving it for us. A graveside service will be held Thursday March 25, 2021 at 11:30 am in St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley. All social distancing and Covid-19 practices need to be observed.

Robert J. Mikalunas Jr, 51, died unexpectedly Monday March 15, 2021. He was born in Northampton October 16, 1969 to his parents, Robert J. Sr. and Rosalie {Vassallo} Mikalunas. Robert was a graduate of Smith Vocational School in Northampton; he loved fishing especially in the Quabbin Reservoir and his dog Brandy. He is survived by his Father Robert Sr. and Mother Rosalie, nieces; Mikayla and Mackenzie Mikalunas and their mother Kelly Egan, he was loved by many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Robert was predeceased by his brother Michael. A graveside service will be held Tuesday March 23 at 11:30am in St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley. Please practice all social distancing and Covid-19 protocols. 

Benjamin A. Povoli passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 listening to Argentine Folkloric music and surrounded by his family members – his loving wife of 59 years Nora (Nievas) Povoli and children.  He was born in Salta, Argentina on August 26, 1937 to the late Benjamin and Aida (Ansaldi) Povoli.  Benjamin left Argentina in 1970 with his wife and two young boys to seek a better life in the U.S.A.  After settling in Columbus, Ohio and with the generous help from his older sister Dr. Blanca (Povoli) Kent and the stewardship of several wonderful families (Mrs. Doreen and Dr. John Paul King, Drs. Jennie and Morse Smith, Jane and John Dell) Ben and Nora built a life in the suburb of Bexley.  Ben’s family grew to five children.  Throughout his working career as an electronics technician, Ben was celebrated for his strong work ethic and his ability to smile through adversity.  Once retired, he pulled up his roots in the Midwest and moved to Amherst, Massachusetts to help raise his grandchildren (J.B. and Nate Mills).  Ben’s love for cooking soon became the backbone of family gatherings.  His asados and empanadas were coveted treats.  Ben is survived by his wife Nora (Nievas) Povoli, his sister Graciela Povoli, his children Alex Povoli, Dario (Melissa) Povoli, Peter Povoli, Angela (E.J.) Mills, and Christina Povoli, his grandchildren, Candyce, Alexis, Sinjen, Gabriella, Nicholas, J.B., Nate, Benjamin, and Levy, his great-grandchildren, Case, Everly, Heidi, Ellie, Ishla, and beloved nieces and nephews.  Ben was preceded in death by his sisters: Dr. Blanca Kent, the beloved Ana Rivadeneira, Felisa Moran, Ofelia (Povoli) Bett, and his granddaughter Marisa.  The family wishes to extended special thanks to the staff of the Cooley Dickinson Hospital ICU unit for their generous loving care during Ben’s end of life.  Private family Mass.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a memorial contribution to your favorite charity or consider contributing to Ben and Nora’s parish, St. Brigid’s Catholic Church of Amherst, MA. 

Timothy Adrian Westmoreland, 55, died on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, MA.  Born and reared in Dallas, TX, Tim graduated from Skyline High School in 1984. Following high school, he studied physics and taught astronomy at the University of Texas at Arlington under the guidance of Dr. Ulrich Herrmann until lifelong diabetes threatened his eyesight and his ability to pursue the astronomy career he had wanted since elementary school.  Thanks to beloved faculty members Emory and Dorothy Estes, Harry Reeder and Larry Bromley, Tim seamlessly transitioned to a major in English with a minor in philosophy and graduated with honors in 1991.  This new career path led him to Massachusetts, home of his beloved Boston Red Sox, to pursue an MFA in creative writing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he had the privilege of studying with John Edgar Wideman. Amherst became home and Tim lived the remainder of his life there after completing his MFA.

In 1985, Tim’s dear high school friend, Heidi Deuel Lawler, introduced him to her co-worker, and his future wife, Debbie Anthony, at Hastings Records in Mesquite, Texas.  Their mutual love of music–and Debbie’s initiative in asking him out–brought them together for what would be a lifelong love and partnership. Married in 1992, Tim and Debbie never had children, but Tim considered the six bull terriers they had the joy of sharing their lives with–Mary, Annabel, Lyle, Trinity, Betty and Matilda–to be their “fur children” and adored them with all his heart.  Tim and Debbie had a beautiful life together, sharing joy and adventures and always facing Tim’s health challenges as a devoted team.  They were best friends and soulmates.

Despite facing extreme health challenges since childhood, Tim had extraordinary achievements in his life.  He taught astronomy at the University of Texas Arlington at the age of 18 and received the top fellowship for his creative writing submissions to the MFA program at UMass.  While at UMass, his story Near to Gone was selected for Scribner’s Best of the Fiction Workshops 1998 and Darkening of the World was selected for Best New American Voices 2001. Upon completing his MFA, Tim published a very well received collection of short stories, Good As Any, that drew upon his experience with lifelong illness.  Based on his writing, he was named a Dobie Paisano Fellow by the Texas Institute of Writers and was selected as a Distinguished Alumni at the University of Texas Arlington in 2008.  Tim touched numerous lives through his career as a college professor.  He taught creative writing at Hampshire College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  At Indiana University, he taught creative writing and also had the opportunity to work in the Cognitive Science department with one of his early influences, Douglas Hofstadter. Although health issues forced Tim into an early retirement, he never lost his passion for teaching and lifelong learning.

Tim was preceded in death by his mother Mary Louise Smith Westmoreland, his father Harold Westmoreland, and his mother-in-law Kathleen Anthony. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years Debbie Anthony Westmoreland; his sister Pam Westmoreland Wood and husband Gary; his brother Sy Westmoreland and wife Lanetta; his father-in-law Dan Anthony and wife Carolyn; his sister-in-law Marva Adkins and husband David; his brother-in-law Danny and wife Paige; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; his fur children Betty and Matilda; and a multitude of friends. 

At Tim’s request, there will be no funeral service.  For those who want to honor his  memory, please consider donating to the equine therapeutic organization he loved so much:

Courageous Strides

708 Colrain Road, Greenfield, MA  01301

courageous-strides.org

Edward P. Robert died in Keene, NH on March 5, 2021 at the age of 69.

Born in Springfield, MA in 1951 to the late Hubert E. Robert and Marjorie F. (Leddy) Robert, he grew up in Springfield and later Amherst, where he graduated from Amherst Regional High School.

Edward had a successful professional life as computer programmer, working for firms such as Amherst Associates and the Digital Equipment Corporation. In the latter part of his career he specialized in data base management for fund raising purposes, undertaking major projects for the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Dartmouth College. Edward retired in 2009.

He last resided in Lebanon, NH, where he found enjoyment in fantasy gaming and exploring Northern New England on bicycle.

Edward leaves a brother, Hubert E. Robert of Amherst, MA and a sister, Suzanne E. Robert of Andover, MA; three cousins, Janet Fuller of Hayesville, NC, Judith Larson of Greenfield, MA, and Richard Tuthill of Essex, VT. He will also be missed by two life-long friends, Deborah Kainauskas of Jacksonville, FL, and Scott Jones of Framingham, MA.

Douglass Funeral Service of Amherst, MA is in charge of arrangements; there are no calling hours. An interment service will take place at the Old Cemetery, Chapin Road, Hampden, Massachusetts on Tuesday, April 27 at 11 a.m. All attending will be asked to wear masks and observe social distancing requirements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the ALS Association, Northern New England Chapter, 10 Ferry Street, Suite 438, Concord, NH, 03301.

Florence Rose Stern, 71, Died Sunday February 28, 2021 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. As a force for justice, honesty and compassion in this world, Flo was a fierce advocate for worker rights. She was born into a leftist political family, which instilled in her a commitment to social justice, on May 8, 1949 to Ralph and Florence Stern. As a student in New York, she quickly became active in the Progressive Labor Party where she developed many lifelong friends as well as a commitment to the working class.

This political affiliation led her to becoming active in her union, Local 215 American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, as a young nurse. She rose through the ranks of the union, rising to president where she was known as a tough negotiator and passionate advocate for her members.  Later she led a campaign to democratize District Council 1707, running unsuccessfully for Executive Director.  She was an active leader and instructor at the Union and College Educators Association Northeast Summer School where she met her wife, Nancy. Soon after meeting her, she joined her in Amherst, where she continued to do union work for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 285, Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) and the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2322. Flo has served on many boards, including the Town of Amherst Personnel Board, the Amherst Town Meeting, and the Boards of the Jewish Community of Amherst and the World Fellowship Center in Conway NH.

Nancy and Flo raised three children in the Pioneer Valley Cohousing Community, in Amherst and she became a well loved mother figure to Nancy’s extended family of children.

Flo is survived by her sister Lisa Frohne and close cousin Marian Morvillo, as well as daughters, Jaye and Natasha Stern of Amherst, and son Michael deProsse of New London Ct.  She is also survived by Nancy and Flo’s extended family of children, Iyamoro Baker and wife Davida Baker of Belmont New Hampshire, Mishiara Baker of San Francisco, and Kelly Orlando Gonzalez and her husband Steve Gonzalez; as well as grandsons: Isaiah, Emet, Micah, Ahmed, Adam, Xander, Carter and Julian, and granddaughters Jaeliese, Kaelen, Silin, Lanny, Elodie, Dahlia, and Jasmin. She is predeceased by her brother Steve Stern and extended family daughter, Kathy Alasfoury.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Amherst Survival Center or the Jewish community of Amherst in memory of Flo.  A private graveside service will occur at the Jewish Community of Amherst cemetery, and a ZOOM Shiva will be led by Rabbi Ben Weiner of the JCA.

N.J. Demerath III (a.k.a. Jay), devoted father, husband, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on February 5, 2021. He was a cheerful and positive presence, and took delight in people of all kinds. He would greet people at the door with a hearty, “Well, look who’s here!”  He was a researcher, a writer, an administrator, and always a teacher – constantly trying to help his sons be more concise writers, more interesting conversationalists, and better close harmony singers. He also wanted them to develop jump shots and spin serves.

Born in 1936 in Boston, Jay attended the Lawrenceville School, and then Harvard College, where he met his wife Judy Richie Demerath in the glee club. He earned his PhD at University of California, Berkeley. He first taught at University of Wisconsin – Madison, where his Introduction to Sociology course, taught with lifelong friend Gerry Marwell, was picked up by Wisconsin Public Radio. After serving as Chair of the Department of Sociology at Wisconsin, he accepted a two year stint as Executive Director of the American Sociological Association, and in 1972 he became Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he would remain for rest of his career. 

The common focus of over a dozen books, and countless articles and presentations was how religion and politics intersected. He first explored this in the American civil rights movement after gaining permission from Martin Luther King Jr. and Andrew Young. The book that emerged from the study, written with Gerry Marwell and Mike Aiken, was entitled, Dynamics of Idealism: White Activists in a Black Movement (1971). After numerous other projects, including a local case study of Springfield, MA, with Rhys Williams (1992), Jay took his interests to a much broader scale, undertaking a global comparison of 14 secular states that allow for religious politics. He published his findings in Crossing the Gods: World Religions and Worldly Politics (2001). Jay was also a forerunner in the study of the non-religious. He coined the term “sacralization” to refer to “the process by which the secular becomes sacred or other new forms of the sacred emerge” (2007, p.66). Later in his career he became the Emile Durkheim Distinguished Professorship of Sociology at UMass.

He relished wordplay. When he retired, he changed the title in his email signature from “Distinguished” to “Extinguished” Professor. He was a loyal friend, corresponding with, hosting, visiting, and supporting, people from all over the world, and from the many different chapters of his life. A life-long New England sports fan, his sons are still coming to terms with the fact that his favorite Boston Celtic was Danny Ainge. He was a stylish and vigorous dancer. His partners often left the floor with wan smiles as though they had just successfully survived a cycle in the washing machine. But Jay knew we all deserved credit for surviving the cycles of life’s washing machine. He was an unabashedly enthusiastic cheerleader of his sons, daughters-in-law, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and friends; sharing their latest news and exploits with all who would listen. 

Jay was predeceased by his loving wife Judy, who passed away in 2011, and to whom he was devoted during their 51 year marriage. He will live on in the hearts and minds of his sons and their wives, Loren and Janine, Peter and Ellen, and Ben and Mary; his brother Jeff and his sister Julie; and his grandchildren, Oliver, Rafaela, Olivia, Emma, Gus, Annie, Sophia, and Jacoby. 

There will be a virtual memorial for Jay via zoom on March 13 at 4 p.m. EST.  Donations in his name may be made to the American Friends Service Committee (www.afsc.org), or the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (sssreligion.org).  His family would also cherish your thoughts and memories of him. 

Debra Rivette, age 64, died peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, March 1, 2021. 

Deb loved camping, cooking, gardening and, like her late husband, Dana Rivette, was an avid New England Patriots fan. But most of all, she was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. 

Deb is survived by her daughter Shelley Poreda and her husband Paul Poreda of Sunderland, as well as her son, Shane Gaspari and his fiance Terri Eldridge, of Ware; her cherished grandchildren; Brady and Noah Poreda, Scarlet Gaspari and Gabriel and Brianna Lindsey; her siblings William Vieu of Chicopee, Kenneth Vieu and his wife Cindy of Chicopee, Tina Zolowski and her husband Richard of Southwick, Lori Gagnon of Huntington, Pamela Provo of Northampton and Donna Smith Lyons of Chicopee. She also leaves behind her father-in-law Donald Rivette, her sister in-law Lesa Oles and her husband Bryan, her brother in-laws Daniel Rivette and Donald Rivette and his wife Drey, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Besides being predeceased by her husband Dana, Deb was predeceased by her parents, Herman and Claire Vieu and her mother-in-law, Dorothy Rivette.  

The family sincerely thanks the staff of Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care for the compassionate and attentive care they showed Deb and her family. Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care at pioneervalleyhospice.org, in support of free services to those facing pain, suffering and life limiting illnesses. 

Services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

William J. Dion Jr. of Hadley, 56, affectionately known to most as Billy D., passed away on February 28th after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Northampton on September 26, 1964 to William Sr. and Margaret (Devine) Dion. Billy graduated from Hopkins Academy, where he excelled at soccer and basketball. He went on to graduate from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts with degrees in Animal Science.

Billy’s biggest passion was his profession as a farmer. He was so proud to have been a partner in Devine Farms Inc, established in 1905 by his grandfather John Devine Sr. Billy was a well respected Herdsman who really understood and cared for the cows. He could often be heard in the barn referencing the cows by their number, and letting them know “I am not in the mood today”.

Billy enjoyed many pleasures and interests with his family and wide circle of friends. He especially loved all types of sports, both competing and as a fan. He was a fierce competitor on the field or the ice, earning him many awards throughout his life. He loved watching the Boston Bruins and attending the games with friends. Billy also spent a lot of time on the water fishing, whether it was on the ocean, the river or a frozen pond.

Billy competed on a regular basis in a men’s pitch league and could play a mean game of Blackjack. He enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas and many area casinos with family and friends, often leaving with more money than he came with.

He had wonderful memories of skiing mountains and playing golf all over the country with his friends.

Billy is survived by his father, William J. Dion Sr., his brother Daniel and his wife Theresa and their children Tom and Jameson, his sister Kathleen and her partner Mark and her children Ted, William, Katherine, and Madeleine. He was predeceased by his mother Margaret (Devine) Dion. He was very proud of his family.

Billy’s actions spoke louder than his words. He will be a catalyst for the future, touching many lives silently. His legacy of helping others will remain in all the many family and friends that loved him so much.

Arrangements are being managed by Douglas Funeral Service: Calling hours will be from 4-7 on Thursday, March 4th at his grandfather’s home, 56 Knightly Road, Hadley MA. The family invites you to join them at The Newman Center on Friday, March 5th at 10:00am to celebrate a Liturgy of Christian burial for Billy. Burial will follow in St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Hadley. Please practice social distancing and wear a mask.

Please, in lieu of flowers make memorial contributions in Billy’s honor to the Margaret E. Dion Scholarship, c/o any Florence Savings Bank branch.