Amherst, Ma: Laura Anne Read (née Driscoll), a cherished individual known for her kind heart, bright personality, and strength of spirit, passed away on September 5, 2024, surrounded by her husband and two daughters. Born on July 30, 1952 in Washington, D.C., Laura lived a life filled with joy and a tremendous care for others.

Laura is survived by her husband, William Read, two daughters, Kathryn and Meghanne Martel, two sons-in-law, Jordan Hall and Derek Venticinque, two stepdaughters; Lindsay Read and Stacey Mushenski, eight adoring grandchildren, and her dear golden retriever, Maggie. She also leaves behind three elder brothers: William, Stephen, and Richard Driscoll. She is preceded in death by her former husband, Peter Martel, and her parents Walter and Elizabeth Driscoll.

Laura grew up in Framingham and Sudbury, MA, and attended Lincoln Sudbury High School. She enjoyed singing in the school chorus and had a wonderful group of friends. She later attended Salem State College, where she majored in Early Childhood Education and discovered a love of dance and theater. Laura also attended the Boston Conservatory of Music, where she studied dance intensively. She worked with the Ipswich Moving Company, where she taught classes, managed the studio, and danced professionally for a short time.

Laura befriended children everywhere she went, as if they shared an unspoken language.

For forty years, Laura was a family daycare provider, caring for small children full time. She touched many lives through childcare and valued play as a crucial element of growth and development. As an early childhood educator, she filled each day with learning through art, song, play, lots of outdoor time, naptime snuggles, and budding friendships. Laura’s House was as lively as it was nurturing.

In 2001, Laura met William Read through friends at Fort River Elementary School (Amherst, MA), and they married in 2009. Their union provided fortitude for their blended family, creating immense joy and a loving foundation for their four daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Together, Bill and Laura enjoyed visiting Prince Edward Island and Colorado to enjoy time in nature and be surrounded by extended family.

Laura had endless energy and loved to garden. She and Bill spent countless hours tending to their flowers, working on the lawn, and landscaping their home, but always made time for a dip in the pool. Her bright spirit and courageous attitude helped plants to grow and people to thrive.

Laura will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Calling hours will be held at Douglass Funeral Home on Monday, September 16, 2024, 5-7pm.

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to UNICEF. https://www.unicefusa.org

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Leverett, MA–Diane Appel passed away on August 20, 2024.  She was born in Northampton, MA to Roger Boucher, Sr. and Margaret (Ryan) Boucher.  She graduated from Amherst Regional High School where “Boo- Boo” excelled in basketball, volleyball, field hockey, and softball.  Although soft-spoken and modest, she was very competitive in the athletic arenas including scoring a hat-trick plus one in a field hockey game. She graduated from University of Massachusetts with a degree in Physical Education, and taught first aid and CPR at Amherst High School.  Utilizing her first responder training and the Heimlich Maneuver, she saved a person who was choking. 

She was employed in Amherst when she met her husband Ed playing volleyball.  Diane said she saw him playing at another court and wanted him to play on her court.  When there was an opening, she asked him to play on her team.  You could say he fell for her when she set the ball, he went up to spike, then landed on her foot spraining his ankle.  They were married in 1987 at Second Baptist Church in South Hadley, MA and honeymooned in California visiting several national parks in the rain.  To get out of the downpours, they decided to visit Death Valley; it rained for those 3 days. 

Diane was employed by Grey Towers National Historic Site, Milford, PA where she was the Conservation Education Coordinator and at Penn State Cooperative Extension Service before they moved to her beloved town of Leverett, MA where she grew up on a campground, built and managed by her parents.  She always said her best job was as a summer seasonal ranger at Cape Cod National Seashore.  She was a talented diligent hard worker with her hands and mind.  She enriched and inspired so many lives through her guided talks at Grey Towers and Cape Cod, conducting conservation education workshops, or overseeing the 4-H clubs.  Her greatest achievement at the extension service was organizing a Seeing Eye Dog Club.  She successfully raised 3 dogs for The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ. 

Diane loved to hike with the dogs in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area where Ed was employed.  Their favorite hikes were to Hemlock Pond, Lower Indian Ladders, Raymondskill Cliffs and daily hikes on the Appalachian Trail.  She also enjoyed canoeing on the Finger Lakes, Delaware River, Jupiter Creek in Ocala National Forest, and Myakka River State Park amongst the alligators in Sarasota, Florida.

Diane planned every vacation trip.  They walked the beaches on Cape Hatteras National Seashore and in Sarasota, Florida, camped and hiked in Shenandoah, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Everglades, and Great Sand Dunes National Parks, bicycled in civil war historic sites and Nantucket Island, and visited the Newport mansions.  She particularly enjoyed whale watching at Cape Cod.  She organized several trips for the Seeing Eye Dog Club including to the Statue of Liberty.  Frequently they traveled to NYC to attend Broadway shows with family and friends.  She was passionate about following the Red Sox and Patriots, and the Celtics and Bruins when they were in the playoffs.  Dog therapy with the Bright Spot Therapy Group was one of Diane’s greatest gifts; going to The Arbors, UMASS, Springfield College, and Western New England University much to the delight of the students.

Diane was preceded in death by Ed’s parents and her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Ed of 36 years, sister and spouse Ellen Hendricks (Brad), brothers and their spouses Roger (Mary), John (Cheri), Paul, and brothers-in-law and spouses Richard (Celia), Lawrence (Jean Marie), William (Maria), cousins, nephews and nieces on both sides of the families.  She is also survived by their Cocker Spaniel, Dusti who she named after Dustin Pedroia, who played 2^nd baseman for the Red Sox as Diane did for Amherst High School.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your local humane society, or The Seeing Eye Dogs, Morristown, NJ and go for a hike on your favorite trail.  She will meet her 4-legged family members Bilbo Baggins, Ebony, Sally Ann, Pepper, Bailey, Casey, Se-Se, Cinder, Riley, Sonia, Eldora, Ebby, and Aggie at the end of the Rainbow Bridge.

Diane’s memorial service will be at the Second Baptist Church, 589 Granby Rd., South Hadley, MA 01075 on

October 5^th at 11:00.  All are welcome.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Amherst, Ma: Richard “Rich” Blatchly, aged 69, passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2024, in Boston, MA after a hard fight through illness. Born on January 31st, 1955, in Groton, NY, Rich spent his formative years between his hometown and the family’s cottage on Owasco Lake. After falling in love with the sciences, Rich went on to major in Chemistry at Williams College and completed a PhD in Chemistry at Columbia University. Rich continued to share his passion for science through teaching Organic Chemistry at Williams College and Keene State College. While teaching subject matter that inspires fear in the hearts of most people, Rich continuously strove to keep his lessons accessible and even wrote two textbooks in the process. Most importantly, Chemistry brought Rich to his wife Pat O’Hara, meeting in graduate school and connecting over everything from the thermodynamics of a rubber band to a lifelong focus on the chemistry of olive oil that allowed them to travel the world, foster deep friendships and eat delicious food together.

Equally consistent throughout his life was a love for adventure. Rich grew up partaking in every water sport imaginable and even made up a few of his own. Throughout his adult life, he maintained a love for the outdoors; cycling, skiing, and boating his way through life. His favorite thing in the world was to introduce family and friends to the family’s cottage on “The Lake”, where he was the first to take a running leap into the water, drive a boat for waterskiing, or build up the fire for s’mores.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Pat O’Hara, their daughters Sarah and Becca Blatchly, bonus daughters Julia LeBouvier and Shannon McCrocklin, brother Stephen Blatchly and sister Barbara Deering.

A service to celebrate Rich’s life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hadley, MA on Saturday, September 14th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Rich can be made to World Central Kitchen, Dakin Humane Society, or the Wesley United Methodist Church music program. These organizations reflect causes that were dear to him and brought him joy throughout his life.

We remember Rich in death as we did in life: witty, generous, inventive, humble and incredibly kind. We hope those who love him embrace those traits and carry them forward in their everyday lives, using this as a reason to tell that dad joke, build the Adirondack chair yourself, help someone in need, or take the first leap into the water. We know Rich will be watching in approval.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Francine C. Kirley, long-time resident of Leverett, MA passed away at her home in Amherst, MA on the morning of August 24, 2024.

Francine was born in Niagara Falls, NY on August 16th, 1943 and is the daughter of the late Theresa Marie Trombetta Zaso and Ray Anthony Zaso and the sister of Ray A. Zaso and Andrea Murphy.

Francine lost her beloved husband, the late Lloyd Abbott Kirley, in 2007 and is survived by her three sons Lance, Aaron and Keith; daughter-in-laws Jacqueline, Jessica and Elizabeth, as well as 10 wonderful grandchildren.  She was an incredibly caring and supportive mother and grandmother and her deep empathy and compassion for others was felt by the many strong friendships she developed throughout her life.  She was the heart and soul of our family, and she will be dearly missed.

Throughout her career Francine worked in several radiology departments in Western Massachusetts where she developed close friendships and spread her cheerful and positive spirit to patients and colleagues.

Francine was creative and had a passion for learning.  Her interests included weaving, photography, reading and art history.  She adored the water and was happiest throughout her life when near it. She was an avid swimmer and loved sailing with her husband and family on their sailboat in Rhode Island.  Francine traveled widely in support of her childrens’ athletic and academic pursuits, providing endless support and encouragement along the way.  She developed many lasting friendships during this period of her life and it brought her great joy.

Francine’s funeral will be held on September 13th with a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Brigid’s Church in Amherst, MA at 10AM followed by a reception and celebration of life at the Inn at Boltowood in Amherst from 11:30AM – 3PM. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Friends of the North Leverett Sawmill in honor of Francine Kirley (www.leverettsawmill.org/donate) to support the rehabilitation and preservation of the Old Mill Property that was close to her heart and where she lived for many years.

Memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Paul M. Torpey Sr., a man with a heart as big as his smile, passed away on August 26, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service. Born on July 25, 1944, to Raymond and Mildred (Millie) Torpey in Fall River, Paul lived a life full of adventure, dedication, and community.

Paul met his wife, Leslie, while in college, and together they built a wonderful life. He was a proud father to two sons, Paul Jr. (partner to Kristen) and Brian (married to Amanda), and a doting grandfather to Owen, Quinn, Caroline, and Zachary. Paul also leaves behind several nieces and a nephew.

Paul’s journey took him from his roots in Fall River to college in Southern Connecticut, and eventually, he earned a master’s from UMASS. He had a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, where he flew C-130s for two tours in Vietnam. Paul continued his service in the Air Force Reserves flying C-5s, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as the Northeast Airbase Commander at Westover. He transitioned to flying 747s for Atlas Air, then served as Director of Education for an aviation school at Hanscom, completing his career as a corporate pilot.

Paul was more than just a pilot; he was a man of many talents and passions. A long-time member and past president of Amherst Golf Club. He was an avid skier and a passionate supporter of UMASS athletics, where he was an active member of the Court Club.

Paul’s love for his community was evident in the countless hours he spent coaching Amherst Little League and youth basketball, touching the lives of many young athletes. His gregarious nature, willingness to help anyone at any time, and his kind soul earned him a strong community of friends who were all dear to him.

Calling hours will be held at the Douglass Funeral Service on September 5, 2024, from 4-7 pm, followed at 7pm by a celebration of life at the Courtyard Marriott Hadley. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, PO Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061-0329.

Paul will be remembered as a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and gave generously. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Hannelore “Hanne” Brunner was born on 9/30/38 in Hochspeyer, Germany, a small town in the southwest of the country. She married an American service member stationed there and moved to the US when she was 23.  Hanne loved living in the US with all that it had to offer. She lived in various parts of the country, including Idaho, California, New York State, Virginia, North Carolina, and finally western Massachusetts. She loved learning and completed her BA degree while she was working at Syracuse University. She later earned her MSW at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, and worked as a therapist in the Springfield, MA area.  Hanne had a lifelong interest in spiritual thought and was a serious student and explorer of many spiritual traditions. Friends knew her as a wonderful conversationalist, a lover of the arts, and a beautiful and sensitive soul who cared deeply about others.  She was also hiker and lover of nature, and had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. Hanne passed peacefully on 7/20/24 and is no doubt enjoying her new life in the spiritual realms which she believed in wholeheartedly. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Dorothy Muskus 1969 – 2024 Amherst.  Dorothy Muskus, 54, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Monday, July 29, 2024 after a brief illness.  She was born in Springfield, MA on October 19, 1969, daughter of the late Julius and Mary (Wasko) Muskus.

Dorothy was a familiar face to many in Amherst, everyone knew Dorothy for her big smile and friendly manner.  She was a long time employee at Big Y Supermarket where she worked as a bagger.  Dorothy loved greeting everyone with great enthusiasm and interacting with countless people in the community.  She had a big heart and always strived to make connections with everyone in her life.  Dorothy loved calling family and friends to give updates about her active life and to express her love and gratitude.  She loved her housemates and all the wonderful staff at Almadan who helped Dorothy live her best life.  Dorothy loved to go on vacations and have new experiences, especially with her friends at Bright Days.  She enjoyed her day program at Milestones and all the amazing classes she took, including yoga dance and karate.  Dorothy was very creative, she loved writing poems and cross stitching.  She took great joy in making gifts for loved ones.  Dorothy loved angels and is known for her beautiful collection of figurines. She was a parishioner of St. Brigid’s Parish in Amherst.  

Dorothy was the loving sister to three siblings; brother Michael of Shutesbury; sister Helen, brother-in-law James Cocoros and niece Clio Cocoros of Brooklyn, New York; and sister Julie Sehl, brother-in-law Gene and nephew Cooper of Chesterfield, Missouri.  She is also survived by her aunt Bernice Abramek, uncle Stanley Muskus and many cousins. Dorothy will be greatly missed by everyone who was touched by her generous and loving spirit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday August 23, at 10AM at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst. Burial will follow in St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley. A calling hour will precede the Mass form 8:30 -9:30 at the Douglass Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Dorothy’s day program, Milestones, http://www.pathlightgroup.org/give/ 

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Margaret “Maggie” (Colton) Coty, 92, of Mashpee, MA, passed away on August 14, 2024, at her daughter’s home.  Margaret had a long and wonderful life.

Maggie was born on April 14, 1932 to William and Mary (Glasheen) in Athol, MA.  She graduated from Athol High School in 1950 and then went to work as a reporter for the Athol Daily News.

She met John “Jack” Coty of Pittsfield, MA on a blind date.  They married on June 2, 1956.  They enjoyed 49 years of marriage.

Together they raised five lively children, Kate Taintor (Bartlett), Mary Coty, Alice Coty-Brookes (Dean), John Coty (Deborah) and Paul Coty (Sandy) at their house on Chestnut Street in Amherst, MA.  She also leaves a former son-in-law, Scott Edman and former daughter-in-law, Theresa Coty.  She was predeceased by her parents, husband and her siblings, William Colton and Mary Maciacius.

Over the years, Maggie worked in the Amherst school system and eventually she and Jack were house parents at the Summerhill House in Amherst, MA.  In later years, she volunteered in the community and served on the Amherst SALT council.

Maggie was a talented knitter and created hundreds of gifts for family and friends.  She enjoyed music and singing with Jack, oftentimes while they played the piano in the kitchen, surrounded by family, neighbors, animals and a parakeet chirping in accompaniment.

In addition to her children, Maggie leaves a brother, Richard Colton (Barbara), grandchildren, Chris, Jen, John, Katelyn, Keith, Colton, Mary, Paul, Bartholomew, Tiffany, Joseph and her great grandchildren, Althea, Tyler, Macey, Oliver, Elodie, Kacy, Isabella and Camille.  She also leaves her beloved Goddaughter, Anne Shanks, cousin Joy Taintor and many nieces and nephews.

Maggie was a devoted member of St. Brigid’s church in Amherst, and requested that her funeral be held at the church she loved so much.  All services will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024.  Calling hours will be 8:30-9:45 am at Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst, MA.  A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Brigid’s Parish will follow at 10:00 am.  After the mass, Maggie will be laid to rest at the Quabbin Park Cemetery, Ware, MA.

 Please omit flowers.  If you wish to give a donation in Margaret’s name, it can be made to any hospice organization, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or any charity of your choice. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Amherst, Ma. It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the death of our beloved mother Mary. The world has lost a beautiful and extremely generous soul with eyes as blue as the ocean and a heart filled with love. Mary peacefully passed on the evening of The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16, 2024.

Mary was born on Friday, December 26, 1947 in Plattsburg, New York during The Great Christmas Blizzard of 1947. Mary was one of twelve children and the oldest child born to the late Leo C. Trombly, Sr. and Doris R. (Bradley) Trombly.

Mary grew up in Plattsburg and Albany New York, Harrisburg Pennsylvania, Easthampton and Holyoke, Massachusetts. Mary was an excellent student and enjoyed reading and learning new things throughout her lifetime. She graduated from Holyoke High School in 1967 and married her high school sweetheart Robert. Together they raised their three children in Holyoke and Granby, MA. Mary was a resident of Granby for 46 years from 1976 to 2023, and a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 Mary was always employed full-time while raising her three children. Early in her career she was the secretary for Micro Trek in Holyoke. She continued her career as an Expediter at the United States Postal Service in Springfield, from where she retired. She was also secretary and co-owner of a family owned asphalt sealing company.

Mary loved God, America, and her family. She enjoyed home cooked meals, country drives, chocolate and ice cream. Mary was a humanitarian and a strong outspoken woman who did not tolerate injustices and would always speak up for what was right in the world. She was an honest, loyal, and generous person and shared her time, money, and home. She was always lending a helping hand to family, friends, and even strangers she came upon in life who needed help. Mary was a great proponent of higher education and encouraged all three of her children to obtain their Master’s Degrees. In her early years she enjoyed singing in the church choir, belly dancing, holiday celebrations and large family gatherings. In her golden years she enjoyed spending her free time visiting with her children and grandchildren, reading the newspaper, and listening to public radio.  Mary leaves behind her oldest daughter Rachael and son-in-law Michael L. Grybko of Amherst, Ma, daughter Diana L. Destromp, and son Robert J. Destromp of Wisconsin. She also leaves behind her five lovely Grandchildren Luke, Emily, Conner, Leo, and Robert. She was predeceased by six siblings, Diane, Pat, Carol, Lee, Bonnie, and Pamela. She also leaves behind her five siblings Susan, Sharon, William, Thomas, and Denise and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Mary will be greatly missed by her three children, five grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Her wings were ready before our hearts were ready to say goodbye!

All Services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024. Calling hours will be 8:30am-9:30am at Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst, Ma. A Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Brigid’s Parish will follow at 10:00am.

Mary will be laid to rest at Saint Brigid’s Cemetery in Hadley, Ma.

A Celebration of Mary’s life will held in the Library at Saint Brigid’s Parish Hall following the funeral.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Amherst, Ma. It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the death of our beloved mother Mary. The world has lost a beautiful and extremely generous soul with eyes as blue as the ocean and a heart filled with love. Mary peacefully passed on the evening of The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16, 2024.

Mary was born on Friday, December 26, 1947 in Plattsburg, New York during The Great Christmas Blizzard of 1947. Mary was one of twelve children and the oldest child born to the late Leo C. Trombly, Sr. and Doris R. (Bradley) Trombly.

Mary grew up in Plattsburg and Albany New York, Harrisburg Pennsylvania, Easthampton and Holyoke, Massachusetts. Mary was an excellent student and enjoyed reading and learning new things throughout her lifetime. She graduated from Holyoke High School in 1967 and married her high school sweetheart Robert. Together they raised their three children in Holyoke and Granby, MA. Mary was a resident of Granby for 46 years from 1976 to 2023, and a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 Mary was always employed full-time while raising her three children. Early in her career she was the secretary for Micro Trek in Holyoke. She continued her career as an Expediter at the United States Postal Service in Springfield, from where she retired. She was also secretary and co-owner of a family owned asphalt sealing company.

Mary loved God, America, and her family. She enjoyed home cooked meals, country drives, chocolate and ice cream. Mary was a humanitarian and a strong outspoken woman who did not tolerate injustices and would always speak up for what was right in the world. She was an honest, loyal, and generous person and shared her time, money, and home. She was always lending a helping hand to family, friends, and even strangers she came upon in life who needed help. Mary was a great proponent of higher education and encouraged all three of her children to obtain their Master’s Degrees. In her early years she enjoyed singing in the church choir, belly dancing, holiday celebrations and large family gatherings. In her golden years she enjoyed spending her free time visiting with her children and grandchildren, reading the newspaper, and listening to public radio.  Mary leaves behind her oldest daughter Rachael and son-in-law Michael L. Grybko of Amherst, Ma, daughter Diana L. Destromp, and son Robert J. Destromp of Wisconsin. She also leaves behind her five lovely Grandchildren Luke, Emily, Conner, Leo, and Robert. She was predeceased by six siblings, Diane, Pat, Carol, Lee, Bonnie, and Pamela. She also leaves behind her five siblings Susan, Sharon, William, Thomas, and Denise and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Mary will be greatly missed by her three children, five grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Her wings were ready before our hearts were ready to say goodbye!

All Services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024. Calling hours will be 8:30am-9:30am at Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst, Ma. A Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Brigid’s Parish will follow at 10:00am.

Mary will be laid to rest at Saint Brigid’s Cemetery in Hadley, Ma.

A Celebration of Mary’s life will held in the Library at Saint Brigid’s Parish Hall following the funeral.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com