CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, Jonathan Richard Quick died May 13, 2014 in Charlottesville, VA at the age of 72. The son of the Rev. Joseph Quick and Katherine Brock Quick, he was born in Greenville, OH. His family moved to Rockville Centre, NY where he graduated from South Side Senior High School, the recipient of the National Honor Society Award.

From 1959-1963 on an Upson Memorial Scholarship he attended Rutgers University from which he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and as a Henry Rutgers Scholar in the Department of English. At Rutgers he wrote reviews of cultural events for the university newspaper, The Daily Targum. He also introduced classical music selections on the university radio station.

On a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship he earned his PhD in English from Yale University in 1968. He then went on to teach English at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA until his retirement as full professor in 2002. At UMass he taught courses on Modern American and European Literature focusing on James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Virginia Woolf, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. He served as Chief Undergraduate Advisor and participated in 1979-1980 and 1989-1990 in the Regensburg and Freiburg, Germany exchange programs. In the 1970s he wrote reviews for the Los Angeles Times. He also published articles on modernism in professional journals. His book Modern Literature and the Art of Subversion appeared in 1999.

He was a wonderful and devoted father to his son Benjamin and a loving husband to Elaine. A man of diverse interests, he loved reading, world travel, classical music, modern architecture, home repair projects and the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team. 

He was predeceased by his father, mother and brother David. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 33 years Elaine, his son Benjamin Joseph Quick and his wife Julie Lefer Quick, grandson Zachary Austin Quick, step-grandson Hunter Stav Mnich, niece Robin Verge and grand-nephews Colin and Parker Verge. A memorial service will be held at Wildwood Cemetery, 70 Strong Street, Amherst, MA, on September 20, 2014. Donations in memory of Jonathan may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Hadley, Phyllis (Hodgkins) Aldrich went peacefully to the lord on June 4, 2014.  Phyllis (Sissy) was born in Randolph, Vermont on February 1, 1932 to the late Myrtle and Walter Hodgkins.  

Phyllis lived most of her life in Amherst before moving to Hadley with her husband in 1990.  She spent some years waitressing, as a personal care attendant at Kane’s Nursing Home, a chambermaid at the Lord Jeffrey Inn and then a private personal care attendant.  

Phyllis leaves her daughter Ana Maria (Mia) Kleiner, stepson Jeffrey Aldrich and her grandchildren Shaloma and Justin Kleiner.  She also leaves her siblings Marcia Hillenbrand, Paul Hodgkins and his wife Angela, and Kathy Guercio and her husband Joseph, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and her beloved grand-dog Lizzie.  

She was pre-deceased by her husband Lee Aldrich, and her brothers Donald Hodgkins and Walter (Hocky) Hodgkins, Jr.  

There will be no calling hours and burial will be private.  Donations in her memory can be made to VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA  01060.  Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Pelham – Judith W. Burrows of Pelham passed away peacefully, with her family by her side on Thursday June 5, 2014

   She was born on August 24, 1938 in Northampton to Charles and Evelyn (Crutch) Drake. She was raised and educated in Amherst, and graduated from Amherst High School, and later from Franklin County Public Hospital School of Nursing.    After graduating, Judy went to work at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, in Northampton, where she retired from after a 42 year career. During that time she touched many lives.   Judy loved her gardens and the many Birds that would come to the house and feed, knitting, and especially her Husband  Richard, whom  she married July 21, 1962. They  spent 51 glorious and loving years together, and enjoyed their many trips to Maine.   Besides her husband Richard, she also leaves behind two sons, James of Bedford, Texas; Glenn and his wife Megan of Belchertown; two loving grandchildren, Brooke and Tyler, also of Belchertown; two Brothers Charles Jr. (Red) and Robert Drake and his Wife Mary Jane, both of Amherst; and many Nieces, Nephews and extended family and friends; especially her life long friend of 65 years, Paula Burrows and her husband Maurice.   Calling Hours will be at the Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst on Tuesday June 10th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.   At the request of the Family, the Funeral will be private.  The Family would like to thank the staff of both The Elaine Center of Hadley and the Cooley Dickinson Hospital for their aide, kindness and support.   Memorial Donations can be made in Judith Burrows’ name to the VNA/Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, Ma. 01060. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

 

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

AMHERST, Howard E. {Butch} Thornton Jr., of Amherst, passed away Friday May 30^th, 2014 at home. He was born in Northampton, MA November 3^rd, 1935 to the late Howard E. Sr. and Julia {Strange} Thornton. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gloria A. {Brown} Thornton and their five children, Kathy Cortright and husband Robert, Rusty Thornton and wife Judy, P.J. Thornton, Todd Thornton and wife Patti, Carson Thornton and wife Kate. Butch is also survived by four grandchildren, Tanya, Christine, Ben and Mike, two great-grandchildren Noah and Evan and two sisters, Judith Johnson and husband David and Sharon. He was a veteran of the 7^th infantry Army and served in Germany. After his discharge he began his career as a lifelong welder, retiring from Deerfield Valley Re-Fab and Crane, in South Deerfield. Butch was a lifetime member of the Norwottuck Fish and Game Club and the VFW Post 754, of Amherst. He had a love for hunting, fishing, golf, bowling and playing cards. All services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Amherst, Judy Young, University of Massachusetts Astronomy Professor and longtime resident of Amherst, passed away in the early morning on Friday, May 23rd. She is mourned by her daughter, Laura Little; her mother, Vera Rubin; her three brothers, David, Karl, and Allan Rubin; and a remarkable network of family, dear friends, and lifelong learners around the world.

Judy was born on September 15^th, 1952 to Bob and Vera Rubin, the latter a noted astronomer whose teachings on black holes inspired Judy to become an astronomer as well. Judy earned a bachelor’s degree with honors from Radcliffe/Harvard University in 1974 and a doctorate in physics from the University of Minnesota in 1979.

Judy served as Professor of Astronomy at UMass from 1993-2013. Her work on star formation in galaxies earned international recognition and many awards throughout her distinguished career. She was a tireless support and friend to the many students she mentored, who remember her for her dedication, passion, humor, and warmth. She dreamed up and built the UMass Sunwheel, a stone circle whose 8-10ft. standing stones line up with the rising and setting sun during solstices and equinoxes. Judy led seasonal sunrise and sunset gatherings at the Sunwheel, making the connections between sky and earth real for over 8,000 visitors.

Judy enthusiastically shared not only her knowledge and passion for science with those around her, but also her deep love of living. She cultivated a profound connection with nature, and enjoyed backpacking, biking, hiking, and simply being outside. Her garden is a Certified Wildlife Habitat and has been featured in the Amherst Garden Tour. Above all, Judy loved her daughter Laura, with whom she shared a bond of warmth, support, silliness, song, and love.

In 2006 Judy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the cancer that later claimed the life of her father. Even as her health challenges increased, Judy continued for many years to dedicate herself to teaching and sharing her insights. The blog she created, Living Joyfully With What Is, shares a beautiful series of thoughts on her journey and her unflinching determination to enjoy what life has to offer in spite (and because) of its brevity. Her spirit and her independent, courageous, joyful approach to living were an inspiration to the many lives she touched.

Two services will be held to celebrate Judy’s life and honor her memory: one outdoors on Wednesday June 4th, 7 pm at the UMass Sunwheel, rain or shine; and one indoors on Thursday June 5th, at the Jewish Community of Amherst. Both will be open to the public. All are encouraged to wear vibrant colors, in celebration of life. If you are so moved, please consider a donation to The Nature Conservancy. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

PELHAM, Paul Hardy Campbell, Jr. of 141 Amherst Road, Pelham passed away on Sunday, May 18^th at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital. He was born in Pelham at the Hamilton Nursing/Maternity Home on Harkness Road on July 4, 1921, the son of Paul Hardy Campbell, Sr. and Helen Ward Campbell.

He attended Pelham schools and graduated from Amherst High School in 1940. He married the former Althea E. Spear in 1943. Following a short residence in Amherst, they moved to Shutesbury in 1948 and remained there until 1980. Campbell served in the U.S. Army 842^nd Quartermaster Gasoline Supply Company from August 1941 to November 1945. His military service took him into Germany, France, Holland and Belgium. He was employed at the Prophylactic Brush Company for twenty years and in 1971 assumed the position of maintenance supervisor at Hampshire College…retiring in 1988. Accompanying his wife, he was active in the Shutesbury Community Church. He was a member of the Swift River Valley Historical Society and the Pelham Historical Society. His knowledge of early local history is documented within the Town of Pelham’s archives. He was a knowledgeable antique bottle and furniture collector and a tried and true fan of national hockey and baseball, most especially the Boston teams. For many years he served as a coach for Little League baseball in Amherst. For reflection and contemplation, he often spent quiet hours fishing the Pelham brooks.

He leaves two children, Bryan Paul Campbell and wife Elizabeth and Linda Campbell Hanscom of Belchertown, six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and two brothers, Norman H. Campbell and Roland A. Campbell. He was predeceased by his daughter Elaine M. Weaver.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 23, from 4-7 p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. The funeral will be held at the Shutesbury Community Church on Saturday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in West Cemetery, Shutesbury, followed by a luncheon at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the following – Amherst Baseball, Inc., P.O. Box 3501, No. Amherst, MA 01004 or Shutesbury Community Church Table/Chair Fund, P.O. Box 79, Shutesbury, MA 01072. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

PELHAM, Paul Hardy Campbell, Jr. of 141 Amherst Road, Pelham passed away on Sunday, May 18^th at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital. He was born in Pelham at the Hamilton Nursing/Maternity Home on Harkness Road on July 4, 1921, the son of Paul Hardy Campbell, Sr. and Helen Ward Campbell.

He attended Pelham schools and graduated from Amherst High School in 1940. He married the former Althea E. Spear in 1943. Following a short residence in Amherst, they moved to Shutesbury in 1948 and remained there until 1980. Campbell served in the U.S. Army 842^nd Quartermaster Gasoline Supply Company from August 1941 to November 1945. His military service took him into Germany, France, Holland and Belgium. He was employed at the Prophylactic Brush Company for twenty years and in 1971 assumed the position of maintenance supervisor at Hampshire College…retiring in 1988. Accompanying his wife, he was active in the Shutesbury Community Church. He was a member of the Swift River Valley Historical Society and the Pelham Historical Society. His knowledge of early local history is documented within the Town of Pelham’s archives. He was a knowledgeable antique bottle and furniture collector and a tried and true fan of national hockey and baseball, most especially the Boston teams. For many years he served as a coach for Little League baseball in Amherst. For reflection and contemplation, he often spent quiet hours fishing the Pelham brooks.

He leaves two children, Bryan Paul Campbell and wife Elizabeth and Linda Campbell Hanscom of Belchertown, six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and two brothers, Norman H. Campbell and Roland A. Campbell. He was predeceased by his daughter Elaine M. Weaver.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 23, from 4-7 p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. The funeral will be held at the Shutesbury Community Church on Saturday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in West Cemetery, Shutesbury, followed by a luncheon at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the following – Amherst Baseball, Inc., P.O. Box 3501, No. Amherst, MA 01004 or Shutesbury Community Church Table/Chair Fund, P.O. Box 79, Shutesbury, MA 01072. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

 

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

Amherst, Edward Robert Pierce, 91, passed away Wednesday morning May 7, 2014 at the Baystate Hospital in Springfield following a brief illness. He was married on June 4, 1949 to his beloved wife of 65 years, Virginia Louise (Julian) Pierce. He was born June 15, 1922 in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, to the late Coleman E. and Nona G. (Porter) Pierce and would have celebrated his 92^nd birthday this year.

He graduated from the St Stephen High School, and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force serving overseas until the end of WWII. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked as a quality control officer in the aviation industry in the US, and Canada, until his retirement.

Edward was an avid skydiver for many years with the Sky Knights, and a member of the Auxiliary Police Force in Enfield, Connecticut.

Edward is survived, and will be deeply missed by his wife, Virginia. He was predeceased by his two children Robert Pierce and Marilyn (Pierce) Costantino, his brother Coleman V. Pierce and his brother-in-law Raymond Cornish. He is survived by his grandson Paul Costantino, and his wife Melissa, two great grandsons Michael and Joseph of Long Island, NY, his sister Christina Cornish of Littleton, MA, his sister-in-law, Marion Pierce of St. Stephen, his sister-in-law Barbara Carpenter and her husband Allan of Amherst, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 15, at 11:00 a.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. Burial will be private. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

AMHERST, Hubbard Montgomery Smith of Stony Hill Amherst, died at his home Thursday, May 8, 2014.  He was 78 years old.

Born in Mt. Vernon, New York on November 21, 1935, Hub was the son of the late Florence Montgomery Smith and Clarence Harry Smith.  He graduated from Pelham Memorial High School (NY) in 1953 and was an alumnus of Amherst College, Class of 1957.  After serving in the US Army, Hub began a 27- year career at Time Inc in New York, starting in the mailroom and continuing through increasingly responsible positions at Life, Sports Illustrated and Time Magazines.  From 1969-71 he managed the Time Life production office in Paris, France, then returned to the New York office to serve as the Director of Production for Time Magazine worldwide from 1971 – 1984.  In 1985 the Smiths relocated to Amherst when Hub took a position in the Alumni/Development office at Amherst College, where his responsibilities included a stint as Alumni Director.  He retired from the college in 1995.

Hub is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Fisher Smith, his daughter Alison Smith Mitchell (Sidney Mitchell) of Orono, Maine, and his son Stephen Montgomery Smith (Lynn Connors Smith) of Pannal England; and his four (perfect) grandchildren, Matthew and Claire Williamson and Meghan and Sarah Smith.  Hub’s other family members include his sister, Susan Smith Parkhurst of Denver, sister-in-law Carole Finn Fisher of Canton, CT, cousin Marjorie Ensign Laxier of San Jose, CA and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  His place to connect with family was the much-loved summer place on Canada Lake in the Adirondacks of New York.

A committed community volunteer, Hub has served on the boards and as an officer of many organizations, including the Board of Education in Pleasantville, NY, the Scarborough Presbyterian Church, Briarcliff Manor, NY; and locally on the boards of the Literacy Project, the Echo Hill South Association, the Amherst Club and Highland Valley Elder Services Money Management Program.  At the time of his death he was president of his college class.  Hub was an active member of First Congregational Church UCC in Amherst, serving as moderator several times, assistant treasurer and on several boards.

Many people drew inspiration from Hub’s courage and commitment to his recovery after a major health incident in 2003 that left him paraplegic and with other medical complications.  His perseverance and positive spirit have inspired many and delighted his family.

Hub will be remembered for his honesty, thoughtful intelligence and written word, innate sense of fairness, his fierce sense of justice and perhaps most of all, his keen and quick sense of humor.  As his friends will attest he had a way of making everyone feel as if they were his oldest friends, no matter the length of the acquaintance.

A memorial service is planned at First Congregational Church in Amherst on Saturday, June 7 at 2 pm.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the charity of one’s choice or to any of Hub’s favorite organizations: The Literacy Project, First Congregational Church Project 275, or the VNA Hospice of Hampshire Co.  He will be missed.

Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.

AMHERST, Mary Lancaster, 92, died May 3^rd at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst.

Born in Fitchburg, Mass., a daughter of Lester E. and Marion C. Parkhurst, the family moved to Old Town, Maine where Mary graduated from Old Town High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine in Orono in 1943. After college she worked for the General Electric Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

She married her high school sweetheart and then Air Force pilot, Hartwell Lancaster, in 1946, and lived in many locations until her husband’s retirement in 1963, when they returned to Amherst to settle.

Mary attended South Amherst Congregational Church and was a member of the Amherst Golf Club. She worked for many years at the House of Walsh in Amherst, was an avid cribbage player, and a great friend to many people.

She leaves a son, Dr. Waheguru Singh Khalsa of Los Angeles; and a daughter, Elizabeth P. Lancaster of Southbridge, MA; a brother, Lester E. Parkhurst, Jr. of Sun City Center, FL.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 pm Friday, May 9, 2014 in the South Congregational Church, a burial will be private in the South Amherst Cemetery.

A memorial reception will be at Applewood on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 3:00 pm. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.