John M. Meadows, age 80 of Plymouth formerly of Bridgewater and Hadley, passed away on February 16, 2015 at Emeritus at Plymouth Beach. He was the son of the late Patricia R. (Colligan) and John A. Meadows. John was born in Boston, graduated from Boston College in 1956 and earned an MBA from Northeastern University in 1976. He worked in sales and as a management consultant. He was an avid sports fan, involved with the community, and enjoyed going to his church, The Most Holy Redeemer, and spending time with his family.

Beloved father of Mary-Ellen Meadows Stark of Plymouth, Joanne Wrightington of NC, John M. Meadows of Bridgewater, Patricia Ellis of Raynham, Elaina Rodenbush of Brockton, Michael N. Meadows of Hadley and Jamie Meadows of VT. Former husband of Bonnie Page of Amherst and Mary Meadows of Bridgewater. Brother of Patricia Crowley, Veronica Ferragamo and the late Joseph Meadows. John is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. 

Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 pm at the Prophett-Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home 98 Bedford Street Bridgewater. For online guest book www.ccgfuneralhome.com.  Funeral Mass in St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Friday at 10:00 am.  Memorial service on Saturday from 11-1 at the Douglass Funeral Home, Amherst, MA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Beacon Hospice, 32 Resnick Rd, Suite 3, Plymouth MA 02360 or Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA.  02467. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

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

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

Ida V. Allen Chaffe, 98, passed away peacefully Feb. 7, 2015 in her Leverett home. She was born in Norwalk, Ct., June 26, 1916 to the late Charles and Florence Smith.

Ida came to Leverett in 1949 and was previously employed at Sears and Roebuck in Hadley and later at Ann August in Amherst.

Ida enjoyed family and friends and always welcomed them into her home.

She was a long time member of the Leverett Congregational Church and the Senior Lunch Bunch. She enjoyed crocheting and her large collection of hens and chickens. Most of all, her family always came first.

She will be sadly missed by her two sons, William Allen and wife Linn, of Amherst, Charles Allen of Leverett, and her daughter Barbara Sampson of N.C.

She is also survived and missed by eight grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

There are no calling hours and funeral services will be private. A public memorial service will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Franklin County 329 Conway St. Greenfiled, MA 01301 or the Leverett Congregational Church 4 Montague Rd. Leverett, MA 01054.

Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

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

Amherst, Mary Catlin, of Amherst, MA, died peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2015 after a long illness.

Mary was born in 1937 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Mannie and Frannie Higgins. Mary moved to Erie, PA with her mother and father, and younger brother James, in 1945. Mary spent her Junior High School and High School years in Erie, where she enjoyed many an adventure with her friend Jeanie.  The stories of these adventures were always prefaced with “don’t do as I did”, such as crossing a ravine on a narrow pipe.  While still in high school, Mary met Don, whom she would marry in 1961. Don and Mary celebrated their 53^rd anniversary in September of 2014.

Mary graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1955, and graduated from Penn State University in 1959, with a BS degree in Biology. After graduating from Penn State, Mary moved to Philadelphia and worked at the University of Pennsylvania Dental School. After she and Don married in 1961, they moved to Gainesville, Florida so that Don could pursue his Doctorate in Mathematics. While in Florida, Mary worked at the University of Florida Medical School, in the Allergies Department of the Pediatrics Research Lab.  Her son Jeffrey was born in 1964. Mary, Don and Jeff moved up to Amherst in 1965. Mary’s daughter Jennifer was born in 1968.

After staying at home to raise her children during their younger years, Mary began working at Amherst High School in the Social Studies and Guidance departments as an aide. She worked there until retiring in 1991. After retiring, Mary was able to travel with her husband, friends, children and grandchildren. She traveled to Alaska, Russia, and finally to Australia and New Zealand, in addition to more domestic locales such as Disney World and Las Vegas. She enjoyed spending time with her four grandsons, who kept her busy from the time they were little until they were taller than she.

Mary is survived by her husband of 53 years, Don, her son Jeffrey and his wife Andrea; her daughter Jennifer and her husband Larry Burcroff; her grandsons Scott, Tyler, Nathaniel and Jacob; her brother Jimmy; and her niece Pamela and nephews “J” and Tod.

Mary was a kind and wonderful person, and will be missed by all who knew her. She was generous and supportive, and always ready with a laugh and smile. She was loved dearly and will be missed.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 4^th at 10:30 am at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst, MA.  Calling hours will precede the service from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM at the Douglass Funeral Service. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

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

Hadley, Victor Joseph Cendrowski, 90, died Wednesday January 28, 2015 at home with his family by his side. He was born in Hadley on July 16, 1924 to the late Felix and Aniela {Wanczyk} Cendrowski. Victor was married to his late wife of 50 years Leona {Guzik} Cendrowski. 

Victor was a lifelong resident of North Hadley, and he was born and died along the same stretch of land on River Drive. A member of the Hopkins Academy class of 1942, he was voted most handsome boy in his senior class. After graduating high school, he married Leona Guzik of Ware, and together they raised three children on the family farm. Victor grew tobacco and asparagus for many years, along with driving a truck full time for N&B Express. He was a lifelong member of the Local 404 Teamsters Union. He retired in 1986 and spent his time traveling with his wife, enjoying time with his grandchildren, and growing an abundant garden, which he shared with many neighbors and friends. He also served his community on the Hadley Zoning Board and Health Department and as a volunteer firefighter in North Hadley. In his later years, Vic remained sharp and was always quick with a joke. 

He is survived by his son Robert and wife Diane of Whately, his two daughters, Cindy Whitmore, of Hadley, and Carole Dunton, of Gainesville, FL., his brother, Jim Cendrowski, of CA, and his sister, Theresa Bagdon, of Sunderland. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Mike and Tim Cendrowski, Kim Lewis and Becky Guyet, and Lindsey and Kristen Whitmore, as well as six great-grandchidren. Victor was pre-deceased by two brothers, Joe and Ben Rydzak.

A mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday February 3, 2015 10:00 am at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley. Burial will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Hadley. Calling Hours will be Monday February 2, 2015 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, at The Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice 168 Industrial Dr. Northampton, MA 01060 and The Alumni Association of Hopkins Academy P.O. Box 386 Hadley, MA 01035. 

Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

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

            John will be greatly missed by his children, Caitlin Harrington and husband Eric Johnson of Pennsylvania, and Matthew Harrington of Rochester, NY; his brothers Jim Harrington, Englewood , FL, and Benjamin Harrington, Jr. and wife Karen of Bath, NH; nieces and nephews Kristen Murray and husband Michael, Jessica Iandiorio and husband Caley, and Michael Harrington; and his cousin Dinah Williams and her husband Paul of Asheville, NC.

            He will also be missed by many, many close friends and golfing buddies.

            John graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1972 where he played soccer and was a member of the ski and golf teams. He recently retired as Vice President and Treasurer of H.P. Cummings Construction Company where he had worked for 39 years.

            As anyone who knew John could attest, he was a lifelong fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and UMass Basketball. John also earned his pilot’s license, enjoyed downhill skiing, and was an avid golfer. He was a longtime member of Hickory Ridge Golf Club and enjoyed traveling around New England with friends to play other courses. In addition, he enjoyed any activity involving his family, including coaching in the Amherst Youth Soccer Association and Massachusetts Premier League while his children were in school.

            During his life, John was known for his integrity, generosity, and kindness. Most importantly, he was a devoted father and loyal friend. He will be forever missed.

            A memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to the Amherst Boys& Girls Club, www.amherstbgc.org or Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, www.ouimet.org.

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

Amherst, Stanley Stosz, age 77, of Amherst, succumbed to Cancer at home, January 27, 2015.

He was born March 4, 1937 in Bronx New York to Max J & Alice Stosz. He was the Brother of Max J Jr, Pauline, Alice, Deceased infant sister, Barbara, Betsy & John.  Stanly was married for 47 years to Peggy Chandler Stosz and had a prior marriage to Leah O’hearn.

Stanley served his community as an accomplished Stone & Brick Mason, his work through the northeast stands as a testimony to his skill, honor and Integrity. A glimpse of his work can be seen in the structure atop of Mount Sugarloaf

Stanley’s family rejoined the Amherst community and other generations of his family when he was 4 years old.

Stanley was a dedicated Conservationist and was at home in the field and forests of America. He was an accomplished outdoorsman, fleet of foot, highly skilled in archery and firearms. Stanley nurtured his property providing feed and forage for the animals he so loved.  In His youth he and his many friends loved to play softball and was a member of the powerhouse team of the Shutesbury Athletic Club.  He attended Amherst High School where he set a school record for the bench press which still stands today, and when told he could skip a class if he did a 1,000 sit ups, he did so.

Stanley was a lifelong member of Saint Brigid’s Church.

He is survived by His wife Peggy, 5 Sons  & 1 Daughter:  Michael &  wife Lori,  Stanley Jr &wife  Kathy, Stephen,  Paul & wife Lyndrie,  Gary,  Peggy Gauger wife of Eric Gauger , 14 grandchildren , 10 great grandchildren.

Sisters Pauline Lannon, Alice Zakitas, Barbara Zekey, Betsy Riley, & Brother John Stosz

Predeceased by His Brother Max J Stosz JR May 2, 2002 and Max’s son Thomas July 1980

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday February 2, 2015 at 10:00 am at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst. Burial will follow at St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley. Calling hours will be from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Sunday February 1, 2015 at The Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst.

Celebration of his life will be held following his service

John 10:27-29 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,

Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

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

Born June 2, 1923 in Ishpeming, Michigan, Sarah received her Bachelor of Science degree from the Northern Michigan College of Education in Marquette, and her Master of Science Degree from Cornell University in New York.   She was a Professor of Home Economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst from 1952 until her retirement in 1983.  She was a sixty-year resident of Amherst who loved everything about Western Massachusetts.  She was also a long time Parishioner of St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church in Amherst.

Sarah is survived by many cousins around the United States who descend from her great grandparents Catherine Joy and Edmund Nugent of Ishpeming, Michigan.  As she was the keeper of the family tree, our loss is that much greater.   She is also survived by loyal and generous friends Andrea and John Keins,  of Amherst, and Faith White of Sunderland, and  predeceased  by family friend Bob White.

A Mass of Christian burial will be Friday January 30, 2015, 10:00 am at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst. There are no calling hours and burial will take place in northern Michigan. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

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

Irene was a long time Amherst resident, and raised her three children on the family farm. She was also long time employee at Amherst College in the mailing center.

She is survived by her son Henry Walas Jr. and wife Jayne of Belchertown, her two daughters Nancy Eckert of Belchertown and Susan Walas of South Dartmouth. Irene is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Lucy and Lesley Eckert and Shana and Ryan Walas, her Great-Granddaughter Sunny Duncan her brother Ted Lechowicz of Brookfield and her sister Millie Kapinos of Three Rivers.

Funeral services will be private. Memorial donations in Irene’s name may be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice 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.

Northampton, Richard V. Kellogg, 84 of River Run died peacefully at his home on January 20, 2015.  He was born May 31, 1930 in Pelham, son of Howard and Lillian Kellogg.  He was educated in Hadley and graduated from Hopkins Academy in 1948.

Richard was a manager for Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company supermarkets for over 30 years at numerous locations throughout Western Massachusetts.  He was also a gentlemen farmer being raised on a large farm in Hadley, and carrying on the tradition at his own small farm in South Amherst.  

Richard loved his horse racing at the Three County Fair in Northampton on Labor Day weekend every year.  He also loved crosswords (a skill that he picked up from his wife Doris).  Dad was an avid reader of the local newspapers on a daily basis.  He knew all that was going on in the Pioneer Valley. 

Dad loved his TV westerns including Gunsmoke, Maverick, Paladin, Bonanza, Bat Masterson and all that was available on his beloved Encore Westerns station.  Lastly, he was an avid Red Sox fan and watched every game on NESN with his wife Doris, and reruns the next day on games they had already won the day before. 

He leaves behind his son Stephen and his wife Carol; his son Larry and his wife Kathleen; his daughter Jeri and her husband Kevin Hayes; his son Richard and his wife Carol; his daughter Lori and her partner Rich Boduch; and his son Jeffery.  He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Joseph Zuraw, and sister-in-law Pearl Zuraw.  Richard was preceded in death by his wife Doris. 

Richard would like to thank the staff of the Radiology Department of Cooley Dickenson Hospital, as well as Hospice.   

Dad was a self-less, grounded, and quiet person with a dry sense of humor.  It was not always easy to determine what he was thinking.  He often had a smile on his face that made you feel like he had a secret that no one else knew.  Dad will be sorely missed by us all, and we are comforted that he has joined Mom.  

Funeral services will be Saturday Jan. 24, 2015 at 11:00 am, at The Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. Calling hours will be Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 from 4 – 7 pm at The Douglass Funeral Service. A private burial will be held this spring. 

Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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