Lorraine M. Shaw, 84, of Springfield, MA passed away on June 27, 2019 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. She was born on May 8, 1935 in Rogersville, New Brunswick, Canada to the late Alcime and Gertrude Despres.
Lorraine will always be remembered as a God-loving woman. She loved to help and give to others. She was a member of the Church of Redemption of Agawam, MA.
Lorraine is survived by her sons, Richard and wife Diane, Fernand and Melissa Lafond, Darryl and wife Sandra, and Daniel. She is also survived by her brother Emery, sisters Derilla and Patricia, grandchildren Cassandra and Eric, and 3 great grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 2, from 5-7pm at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst, with a prayer service beginning at 7pm. Burial will be at 10am on Wednesday, July 3 at the Wildwood Cemetery in Amherst.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Elizabeth E. Elia (nee Elizabeth Iley Evans), age 57, in the town of Hadley, Massachusetts on the 22nd of June, 2019. She passed after a long illness, surrounded by her loving children Emily and James.

Elizabeth (“Liz”) was born on March 20, 1962 in Bethesda, Maryland, the daughter of Laurence Evans, PhD, and Elizabeth T. Evans, CPA. After leaving the DC area, the family moved briefly to Vancouver, British Colombia before finally settling in Vestal, New York where Liz made some of her dearest life-long friends.

Liz graduated from Vestal High School in 1980 and attended Hamilton College as a Classics major before transferring to McGill University in Montreal where she majored in English Literature. After graduating from McGill with a BA in 1984, Liz went to work as an editor at Workman Publishing in New York until deciding to pursue a master’s degree in English from the State University of New York at Binghamton (SUNY Binghamton/Binghamton University). She worked briefly as Director of Anniversary Gifts at Manhattan College before turning to her true calling: education. She entered and graduated from the MAT program at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, and thereafter pursued a career as a teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, specializing in English, English Language Acquisition, and English Literature. She also volunteered with the nonprofit group Hope for Haiti, traveling to that country to fight poverty through education.

Liz was a remarkable teacher. Watching her interact with children was truly amazing. During her career she received many honors, awards and accolades, but none of these accomplishments were as important to her as that of being a mother to her daughter Emily T. Elia, a doctoral student in Comparative Political Science at Rice University, and her son James L. Elia, a junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he is majoring in Biology. Her children were her pride and joy; her love for them was boundless.

In addition to her children, Elizabeth is survived by sister Cornelia Evans, brother-in-law Vladimir Shpitalnik and niece and nephew Alexandra and Liev, and by her brother Thomas Evans, sister-in-law Eliza Oquendo and nephew Sam.

Liz was a passionate woman who loved literature and poetry and who was filled with humor, which she readily shared with all around her. The family asks everyone who knew Liz to keep her in their hearts, remembering her laughter, her keen sense of humor, and her wish that we love generously, live fully, and try to appreciate the beauty of life “every, every minute.”

Services were held at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church on Thursday, June 27th, 2019. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hope for Haiti (www.hopeforhaiti.com) to help them continue the work that was so important to Liz.

David H. Jolivet, of Shutesbury, MA passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at age 73, of natural causes.
He was born in Holyoke, MA on December 30, 1945 to the late Damien H. Jolivet and Stacia K. Borlikaski.
He is brother of the late Richard Jolivet. He is survived by his sister Florence (Jolivet) Lobik, wife of Charles Lobik of Hoyloke MA, Son Noel Jolivet and his wife Dana and granddaughter Maria (Allentown, PA), Daughter Nicole Hinchman and her husband Kenny, and grandson Francesco (E. Patchogue, NY) and countless friends, nieces and nephews.
David was a loving father, devoted brother, wonderful grandfather, and genuine friend.
David loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, found frequently fishing along the Millers River and adjacent bodies of water. He was a friend of the Shutesbury Historical Commission and worked closely in relationship with others as a steward of the Quabin Reservoir. He was passionate in the preservation of the Town of Shutesbury, MA.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, June 21 at Douglass Funeral Service, on Pleasant Street in Amherst between the hours of 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. A service will conclude visitation at 6:00 pm.

Donald Shepard of Pelham, departed this world, full of love, on June 14th, 2019 with his devoted family by his side.

Don was born in Pelham on February 22, 1940 to the late Frederick W. Shepard and the late Ruth M. (Kennedy) Shepard of Pelham.

Don graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1958, where he met the love of his life, Diane (Keegan) Shepard of Amherst. Don and Diane were married on March 18, 1962 in Amherst and shared 57 wonderful years together, raising their cherished family. As a teenager, Don worked at Rowe’s Garage in Amherst, alongside his father and brother. Don also served as a volunteer fireman with the Pelham Fire Department until he left for the service.

Don served in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Spokane, Washington. After leaving the service, Don and Diane settled back in Pelham. Don worked for the Town of Amherst, followed by 45 years as a heavy equipment operator and then as a truck driver for Warner Brothers, Inc. of Sunderland. Don previously served as a Deputy Sheriff in Hampshire County. In addition, he was a member of the Pelham Cemetery Commission for several years.

One of Shep’s greatest passions was racing, from snowmobiles to cars and anything in between. He raced in the United States Snowmobile World Championships in Boonville, NY in 1971 and in Ironwood, MI in 1972. He raced cars for several years all around New England and brought home the United Mini-Stock Championship at Monadnock Speedway in 1972.

Don enjoyed spending the winters camping in Florida with his wife Diane and meeting up with their friends and dear extended family, Steve and Mae Yingst of Leverett. Don also enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, puttering in the shop, running his old engines, spending time in the woods, attending cruise nights in his 1954 Chevrolet pickup truck, driving his father’s 1959 International tractor and anything involving his grandsons, from teaching them how to fix anything out in the shop, cheering them on at their games, driving them around on the green machine, going for ice cream or snuggling with them in his recliner. Don recently restored his son’s 1937 Cadillac LaSalle with him and drove it to its first show.

Shep was a man of few words who was known for his heartwarming smile. His heart was full of love and he would do anything for anyone. His famous sayings and sense of humor made everyone want to be around him. There wasn’t a problem, mechanical or otherwise, he couldn’t fix and he saw the positive in everything. He was truly unselfish and only wanted the best for his wife, children and grandchildren.
There was nothing more important to Don than his family who loved him dearly in return. Don leaves behind his loving and devoted family, his sweetheart, Diane of Pelham, his sister Sally Ann Shepard of Spokane, WA, his son Ronald and wife Debra of Pelham, his son Donald and wife Doreen of Sturbridge, his daughter Lavonne and husband Scott Rathbun of Pelham and his niece Trisha Dotts and her family of Spokane, WA. In addition, he leaves the other loves of his life, his seven grandsons, Frederick, Jeffrey, Levi, Remy, Jack, Scotty and James, as well as special cousins and countless friends. He was predeceased by his twin brother Ronald in 1961.

A memorial service will take place later in the summer for family and friends to celebrate Don’s life. A private burial will take place at Cook Johnson cemetery in Pelham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Don’s memory to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, PO Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061.

Don will be missed beyond words and will forever be in our hearts and memories. He will forever be our idol. Bushel and a pecker and a hug around the necker. People’s people. 

Ruth Berger Crabtree died peacefully on June 9, 2019. She was 83 years old and lived in the Center for Extended Care in Amherst the last three years, where she received excellent care. She had been in failing health for some time.

Ruth was born in Wurzburg, Germany on July 15, 1935 and came to the United States as a young bride after marrying Lawrence Crabtree who predeceased her. She had two sons, Alan who predeceased her and Mark, who lives in and is well known throughout town as he works for the Amherst College grounds crew.

Ruth worked from 1968 until 1989 at Amherst College. She was a Gifts Supervisor for many years and then moved to Gifts Record Specialist in 1978. In January 1982 she was appointed to the position of Staff Associate in the Development Office where she also managed Donor Relations until she retired in 1989.

As a result of her compassion for others, Ruth was a strong advocate for the establishment of the Pomeroy Lane Co-Housing Association. She was a loving mother to her sons and loved hiking and bird watching with them and her many friends. She also enjoyed cooking and was known for her delicious Spaghetti Bolognese and baking her wonderful Flan Kuggen. If people wish, they can make a donation to an animal shelter of their choice or The Audubon Society in Ruth’s Memory. She would smile and be happy.

Nancy Nell (Lynch) Gregg, 77, passed away suddenly on April 22nd, 2019. She was predeceased in April of 2018 by her husband Harrison Lewis Gregg. She leaves her son Evan Hopestill Gregg, 39, daughter Leah Charity Gregg, 44, and grandson Jacob Gregory Jackson, 10.

Nancy was born on August 31st, 1941 in Lorain, Ohio to Carl and Nell (Goforth) Lynch. She graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1959. Upon graduating she joined the Teacher Corps and taught in schools in rural Kentucky then inner city New Orleans and Washington, DC. She stayed in Washington to work in the headquarters of the Peace Corps where she met Harrison.

After leaving Washington Nancy and Harrison lived briefly in Somerville where they ran an Indian imports store before settling in Western Massachusetts. Nancy began teaching at the New Salem schoolhouse and continued to teach 5th and 6th grade at Swift River Elementary School for more than 20 years.

A scholar of children’s literature she attained a masters degree from Umass in 1993.

After retiring from Swift River Nancy led a GED training program in Amherst. Also working for a time at National Evaluations Systems writing questions for teacher certification tests.

Nancy was a very active member of the Amherst community. She served in Town Meeting for more than 20 years. She spent several years on the board of the Amherst Survival Center including as board president. She was a longtime member of the Amherst Club and Amherst Woman’s Club. She also spent time on committees related to affordable housing and homelessness and on the board of the Jones Library. She spent several years as a docent at the Arthur F Kinney Center for Renaissance Studies.

Nancy loved music and sang for many years in the chorus of Commonwealth Opera and served on the board. She also sang with several other choruses and the South Congregational Church choir.

Nancy loved to travel and especially enjoyed visiting the southern Appalachian mountains, the Southwestern states, New York City and many towns throughout New England.

Nancy was known for bringing people together. She hosted holiday cookie parties and always shared a table with visitors.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held on Saturday June 29th at 11:00 AM at South Congregational Church 1066 S East St Amherst, MA.

Dana D. Rivette, age 56, of Greenfield died unexpectedly on June 7, 2019. Dana was an avid fisherman, spending as much time as possible on a lake, river, or stream casting a line. He was also a passionate, diehard Patriots fan who never missed a game! Dana is survived by his wife, Debra Rivette, of Greenfield, his daughter Shelley Poreda (Gaspari) and her husband Paul of Sunderland, and his son Shane Gaspari and his fiance Terri of Ware. Dana was blessed with five grandchildren whom he adored and loved deeply: Brady, Noah, Gabe, Brianna, and Scarlet. Dana is also survived by his mother Dorothy Rivette of Amherst, his father Donald Rivette and wife Barbara of Ludlow, and his siblings Dan Rivette of Turners Falls, Lesa Oles, and her husband Brian of Easthampton, and Don Rivette and his wife DraeAnne of Florida. He is predeceased by his brother, David Rivette. Additionally, he leaves behind his niece Ashley Blom and her husband Cory of Texas, and his nephew Andrew Blom of Easthampton.

A brief ceremony will be held Friday, June 14, 2019 at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Florence, MA at 11:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at Summit View Banquet House in Holyoke, MA at 12:30 p.m. The family is grateful for the condolences, but in lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude in Dana’s honor.

Dorothy H. Fradera of Hadley passed away in her home on May 8. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the former social worker, travel agent and actress, settled in Western Massachusetts 20 years ago where she enjoyed the culture and respite of our bucolic area. A memorial service will be held at Edwards Church, Northampton, at 7 p.m., Monday, June 10. She will be greatly missed by the many friends she made here. Her booming voice in the church choir is sadly stilled.

Margaret “Peg” Elizabeth {Banks} Fox, 93, passed away Saturday, June 1st, 2019 at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst, following a period of declining health. Born in Palmer, MA on October 13, 1925, the daughter of the late William G. and Mary Ellen {Diggins} Banks. She was a graduate of Amherst High School, in 1947 she graduated from Holyoke Hospital Nursing School and began her long nursing career of 45 years, first at Holyoke Hospital, then at Kane’s Nursing Home in Amherst, the Fisher Home for Aged Women in North Amherst, and in the latter point of her career as a private nurse for prominent residents of Amherst, including the President of the First National Bank.
Following the death of her mother in 1961, she and her husband, Francis {Bronc} Fox moved to the Crow Hill section of Amherst from Holyoke so that she could be a caregiver to her father and disabled brother, Richard. She also was a nanny for her two grandchildren in their pre-school years, which were the light of her life.
After retirement Peg and her Husband Bronc enjoyed trips to Ireland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Germany and camping trips with friends, the late Ed and Pat Bokum.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, and her brothers, Richard and Robert and her son in-law, Leslie Heath.
Peg leaves her two children, Elizabeth {Beth} Heath of Amherst and Francis Fox Jr. of Ludlow, retired Chief of Police for Belchertown Police Department; her granddaughter, Kristen Fox of Boston, and Courtney Fox of Belchertown. She is also survived by her brother’s, Timothy {Ted} Banks, and his wife Joan of Amherst and William {Bill} Banks and his wife Catherine, of Springfield, and her sister in-laws, Helen Banks of Belmont, and Marjorie Lawrence of West Springfield, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
She enjoyed time with family and friends. Anyone that was blessed to know Peg knew that she was a loving and kind person, who always put helping others before herself. She will be missed by so many.
Calling hours for Peg will be Thursday, June 6, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. Funeral services will be Friday at 9:00 am from the funeral home, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst. Burial will follow at St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to; Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 N. Pleasant St. Amherst, MA 01002.
Memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Barbara Mae Rockwell Rehorka passed away peacefully on May 29, 2019 with her beloved husband of 62 years, Frank Rehorka by her side. She was 88. Barbara (Bobby) was a loving wife, a devoted mother and the best grandmother. In her younger years Barbara worked at Sears Roebuck as an accountant and later as an Assistant Librarian at the Crocker Farm Elementary School in Amherst. Barbara loved spending her time outdoors at the family farm in Shutesbury where family Sunday dinners were a favorite tradition. Once her grandchildren came along she spent many hours caring for them and creating a lifetime of memories.

Barbara is survived by her best friend and husband, Frank Rehorka, their son Gary Rehorka and his wife Rachel Schwab and grandson, Benjamin of Shutesbury, as well as their son David Rehorka and his wife Michelle, grandson Devon and granddaughter Kelly of Montague.

Calling hours will be from 5-7PM, Wednesday, June 5th at the Douglass Funeral Home, 87 N. Pleasant St. Amherst. Burial will be private and held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association either online at www2.heart.org or at 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com