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.

Stebbins, Jeannette (Trowbridge) of Hadley passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021 surrounded by the love of her family. Jeannette was born October 25, 1955 in Hingham, MA, where she grew up and went to school.

Jeannette met Bruce Stebbins in 1973 while attending American International College in Springfield, MA. As a friend who was with them on their first double-date recently said, it was “clear that it might be a long term thing.” They married in 1977 and went on to raise two sons, Matthew and Owen.

Jeannette earned a degree in Environmental Science from The University of New Hampshire and began her career working at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. She later attended Vermont College and received an Associate Degree in Nursing.  As a Registered Nurse, she devoted much of her career to caring for others.

Jeannette was an active and devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst, where she chaired the Pastoral Care Commission, giving much of her time to the service of others. She marveled at the miracles of the natural world, was an avid gardener, and enjoyed observing wildlife in her yard and at the family camp in Maine. Jeannette also enjoyed keeping fit – walking and weight training, and regularly offering to arm wrestle her sons (and giving them a run for their money). She was a masterful cook and took great pleasure in making and sharing delicious food. Her family has many fond memories of listening to music, telling stories, and playing board games with her.

Jeannette was the daughter of the late Newton C. Trowbridge and the late Gloria D. (Milch) Trowbridge. She was predeceased by her brother, Winthrop N. Trowbridge and her sister-in-law Martha Stebbins Burnham of Kingston, NH. 

Jeannette is survived by her husband, Bruce H. Stebbins of Hadley, MA, her children Matthew E. Stebbins and his partner Rikki Tracy of Malden, MA and Owen C. Stebbins and his partner Pooja Naik of Hillsboro, OR, her siblings Gloria T. Gammons of Cataumet, MA, Wendy C. Olsson of Wallasey, Wirral, England, Leslie T. Yeadon of Malvern, PA, Eliot D. Trowbridge of Hingham, and Newton C. Trowbridge, Jr. of Attleboro. Also her siblings-in-law Emily and Richard Carbonetti of Albany, VT and Steven Burnham of Kingston, NH. She will also be missed by her extended family including her beloved nieces and nephews.

No services will be held at this time. Her family intends to celebrate her life with a memorial service once it is safe to gather. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Dakin Humane Society (dakinhumane.org/tribute-donation.html). 

Stebbins, Jeannette (Trowbridge) of Hadley passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021 surrounded by the love of her family. Jeannette was born October 25, 1955 in Hingham, MA, where she grew up and went to school.

Jeannette met Bruce Stebbins in 1973 while attending American International College in Springfield, MA. As a friend who was with them on their first double-date recently said, it was “clear that it might be a long term thing.” They married in 1977 and went on to raise two sons, Matthew and Owen.

Jeannette earned a degree in Environmental Science from The University of New Hampshire and began her career working at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. She later attended Vermont College and received an Associate Degree in Nursing.  As a Registered Nurse, she devoted much of her career to caring for others.

Jeannette was an active and devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst, where she chaired the Pastoral Care Commission, giving much of her time to the service of others. She marveled at the miracles of the natural world, was an avid gardener, and enjoyed observing wildlife in her yard and at the family camp in Maine. Jeannette also enjoyed keeping fit – walking and weight training, and regularly offering to arm wrestle her sons (and giving them a run for their money). She was a masterful cook and took great pleasure in making and sharing delicious food. Her family has many fond memories of listening to music, telling stories, and playing board games with her.

Jeannette was the daughter of the late Newton C. Trowbridge and the late Gloria D. (Milch) Trowbridge. She was predeceased by her brother, Winthrop N. Trowbridge and her sister-in-law Martha Stebbins Burnham of Kingston, NH. 

Jeannette is survived by her husband, Bruce H. Stebbins of Hadley, MA, her children Matthew E. Stebbins and his partner Rikki Tracy of Malden, MA and Owen C. Stebbins and his partner Pooja Naik of Hillsboro, OR, her siblings Gloria T. Gammons of Cataumet, MA, Wendy C. Olsson of Wallasey, Wirral, England, Leslie T. Yeadon of Malvern, PA, Eliot D. Trowbridge of Hingham, and Newton C. Trowbridge, Jr. of Attleboro. Also her siblings-in-law Emily and Richard Carbonetti of Albany, VT and Steven Burnham of Kingston, NH. She will also be missed by her extended family including her beloved nieces and nephews.

No services will be held at this time. Her family intends to celebrate her life with a memorial service once it is safe to gather. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Dakin Humane Society (dakinhumane.org/tribute-donation.html). 

Robert A. Drake (Bob) passed away on Feb.21,2021 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital after a brief illness (non-covid related) at the age of 86. Bob was the son of the late Evelyn and Charles E. Drake Sr. of Amherst Ma. Bob was a lifelong resident of Amherst and graduated from Amherst High School. Bob leaves behind MaryJane (Knightly) Drake, his high school sweetheart, who he was married to for 65 loving years. He also leaves behind his two sons Ken and Scott of Amherst, his two daughters Cynthia (Roland) Ely and Debra (Ed) Weigel of Belchertown. He will be dearly missed by his 7 grandchildren Tammy, Kelly, Greg, Linsey, Kenneth, Ally, and Mikayla, also his 3 great grandchildren Ryan, Nic, and Miranda. Bob was predeceased by his brother Charles (Red) Drake Jr. and sister Judy Burrows. He worked as a Pipefitter with the Local 104 Union. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was president of the former Pelham Hunting Club. Bob was also an avid Pitch player at the Amherst V.F.W. pitch league. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Patriots and Umass sports and marching band. Bob enjoyed life to the fullest with many summer vacations in Wells, Maine, travels to several other locations with family and friends, and trips to the casino. The family would like to thank the nursing staff of West 2 and ICU at Cooley Dickinson for the wonderful and compassionate care he received. Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the American Heart Assoc. or American Cancer Society. A celebration of Bob’s life will be announced at a later date.

Robert A. Drake (Bob) passed away on Feb.21,2021 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital after a brief illness (non-covid related) at the age of 86. Bob was the son of the late Evelyn and Charles E. Drake Sr. of Amherst Ma. Bob was a lifelong resident of Amherst and graduated from Amherst High School. Bob leaves behind MaryJane (Knightly) Drake, his high school sweetheart, who he was married to for 65 loving years. He also leaves behind his two sons Ken and Scott of Amherst, his two daughters Cynthia (Roland) Ely and Debra (Ed) Weigel of Belchertown. He will be dearly missed by his 7 grandchildren Tammy, Kelly, Greg, Linsey, Kenneth, Ally, and Mikayla, also his 3 great grandchildren Ryan, Nic, and Miranda. Bob was predeceased by his brother Charles (Red) Drake Jr. and sister Judy Burrows. He worked as a Pipefitter with the Local 104 Union. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was president of the former Pelham Hunting Club. Bob was also an avid Pitch player at the Amherst V.F.W. pitch league. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Patriots and Umass sports and marching band. Bob enjoyed life to the fullest with many summer vacations in Wells, Maine, travels to several other locations with family and friends, and trips to the casino. The family would like to thank the nursing staff of West 2 and ICU at Cooley Dickinson for the wonderful and compassionate care he received. Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the American Heart Assoc. or American Cancer Society. A celebration of Bob’s life will be announced at a later date.

Much beloved Richard (Ric) Francis McGinn Jr. passed away on February 4, 2021 in Amherst. Born on April 2, 1958 in Quincy, MA to Dick and Marlene McGinn. Ric was big brother to Scott and Susan, and uncle to Meredith, Rachel, and Mojo. His extended family included many sisters- and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews whom he considered to be part of his immediate family. Ric was devoted to his daughters, Wyoming and Diyala, and to their mother Shavahn, who ache from his passing but cherish the gifts of their many ‘sparkling days’ together. 

Ric moved to Amherst with his family in 1965. He was educated in the Amherst School System. His teachers appreciated his sense of humor, his curiosity and competitive but compassionate spirit. He excelled at and enjoyed many great years of playing basketball, softball and track both, in high school and in the Amherst town leagues.

Ric was a large man with a gentle heart. Though he was a student at Umass, Amherst in his early adult years, his most valuable lessons were learned outside of a classroom’s four walls. He was an avid reader who loved history; and he was always in the mood for a good laugh.  Ric was a wonderful storyteller, especially when it came to his many colorful experiences growing up in the Valley; and of the many illustrious characters he met along the way.  Much to the chagrin of his golfing buddies he gladly gave up striving for the promise of a hole-in-one to be the best cloth diaper-changer on this side of the Connecticut River. He skied many slopes and shot many hoops with his girls; and he was as famous for his tree-forts outside, as he was for his blanket-forts inside.

As a general contractor and carpenter he built bookshelves, ramps, decks and houses, and even Sukkahs on the Amherst Common.  Ric repaired and maintained many projects large and small all over the Pioneer Valley. He was truly an integral part of this community. A great friend to many, the list of broken hearts is long.  He will be missed by a countless number of friends who often heard the sound of his truck and ladders bouncing and creaking moment’s before seeing his smiling face driving by.

For memorial donations to his daughter’s educational fund please follow this link;

https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-rics-kids?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.

Sarah JoAnne Hall passed away Saturday, February 7, 2021 due to complications from Covid 19, she was 87 years of age.  Joanne was born to Ethel (Sant) and James D. Hurley on February 16, 1933.  She was born and raised in Newark, New York.   She met her husband, Leo M. Hall, while attending college in Potsdam, NY.  Leo and JoAnne had four children: Patrick, LeeAnn, Andrea and Timothy.  JoAnn worked as a special educator in Cincinnati, Ohio and for many years, a tutor at Crocker Farm School in Amherst, MA. 

 JoAnn loved to ride her bike, knit, sit in her sunny kitchen with her dog nearby and read mysteries, do crosswords and visit with friends.  For many years she volunteered at the Jones’ Library.  Visitors heard her sing out “Who’s coming to my house” upon arrival.  She would also entice you to sing along to “It’s a Wonderful Day Today!”  Her positive friendly manner was infectious.  JoAnn is survived by her four children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren who love her very much and will keep her memory alive.A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 13.  In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to your local library. 

Joan Rothenberg passed at home surrounded by loving family on February 2, 2021. Born March 9, 1956 in NYC, Joan grew up in New City, New York. She attended local schools, Northeastern University and received her Master’s degree in education from Lesley College. Joan had a decades-long career as a medical transcriptionist extraordinaire and re-tooled to work in voice-activated communication.

Joan was an avid reader, especially science fiction and mysteries. Joan was a lover of music and musical theater. She spent a part of her life immersed in the Boston Jazz/Blues scene with then partner James (Snooky) Carter.

Joan’s was a proficient NY Times Crossword Puzzle Solver. and a terrific Scrabble player who loved game time with family. Joan loved time around the art table or singing at the campfire and always arrived to our big family gatherings with delicious offerings. She loved to pick flowers and arrange a pretty table. Joan was a master knitter creating wonderful sweaters, socks, scarves and hats for herself and many others.

After moving to the Valley to be closer to family, Joan joined a knitting circle, exercise/dance classes, a choir, a writing group at the Hadley and a wonderful, women’s group and spent more time outdoors exploring her surrounds. She made new and dear friends.

During her last illness, Joan’s true nature shined through, with equanimity and patience which she modeled for us all, how to go through hard times with grace and acceptance. A true survivor in every sense of the word, Joan will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, Doris Cynthia (Jaffee) & Harry Rothenberg, and partner, James “Snooky” Carter. She is survived by brother, David Rothenberg (Lauren Comando), sisters Amy Rothenberg (Paul Herscu) and Nancy Rothenberg (Eric Conz);  nieces, Sophia, Allyson, Olivia and Ruby, and nephews Misha and Jonah and many friends. She was loved and cared for by Diana Venman, Maria Correia and her dearest friend and partner in crime, Donna Heussler. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to All Out Adventures. 

Daryl S. Jenks, 68, of West Springfield, MA passed away on January 16, 2021.

Daryl was born on, May 10, 1952. He attended Belchertown schools and later graduated from Smith Vocational School of Agriculture in Northampton, MA.

Daryl worked as a maintenance worker for Providence Place at Ingleside in Holyoke, MA. For many years, Daryl worked for the University of Massachusetts Amherst with the Tilson Farm Poultry Division. He enjoyed the outdoors including hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed listening to bluegrass and country music and socializing with his friends at the various clubs he belonged to. He was involved with the Massachusetts Freemasons earlier in life. Daryl enjoyed attending weekly church services with his friends at Revival Time Evangelistic Center in Springfield MA.  

Daryl is survived by his sister Muriel A. (Jenks) Atwell of Belchertown, MA, his brother Duane E. Jenks of Montague, MA, his son Kenneth D. Jenks of Chatham, NJ, his daughter Bonnie L. Akodu-Jenks of Amherst, MA, and five grandchildren Brett, Caleb, Brandon, Savannah & Trent.  He also leaves several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Daryl is preceded in death by his father Robert W. Jenks, his mother Gladys M. (Fay) Jenks, and his older brother Robert W. Jenks Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org/) and Revival Time Evangelistic Center, 116 Florence Street, Springfield, MA. 

The family of Daryl Jenks wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses at Mercy Medical Center Springfield, MA, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, and Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later time. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst MA.