AMHERST, Longtime Amherst resident Gale McClung, 91, died on July 30, 2014, at the Elaine Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hadley, with her loving family at her side. 

Florence Nightingale (Gale) Stubbs was born on July 1, 1923 in Akron, Ohio to Elmer and Florence (Harris) Stubbs.  From Akron the family moved to Cleveland Heights, Ohio.  After graduating from Mount Holyoke College in 1945 she moved to New York City and worked as an IBM Systems Service Representative.  Renting an apartment in Greenwich Village with a group who called themselves “the five lovelies,” she shared many adventures with the young women who remained lifelong friends.

In 1949 she married nature writer Robert M. McClung.  They had two sons, Bill and Tom, and lived in Harrison, New York and Chevy Chase, Maryland before settling in Amherst in 1962.  As editor of the Mount Holyoke College Alumnae Quarterly magazine from 1962 until her retirement in 1989 she used her position to give voice to students’ needs and addressed the issues of racism, sexism, and gay and lesbian rights with an open and progressive attitude. 

This spirit of openness was also an important part of her life as a very active member of the First Congregational Church in Amherst. A choir member for over 50 years, she was the first woman to chair the Board of Worship.  She served as moderator and treasurer and organized the annual Cranberry Fair and Merry Musical. 

She participated in community outreach, education, music, capital campaigns and clergy search committees. An avid snapshot artist, Gale also acted as historian and recorder of social events.         

Accompanying herself on her baritone ukulele, she entertained many with her sing-alongs and program of “Nutty and Naughty” songs.  Her talent for writing appropriately funny and touching lyrics to familiar melodies made her a hit at friends’ birthdays, class reunions and retirement parties.         

Gale edited and co-wrote two books for American History Research Associates: “The Book of Presidents” and “Distinguished American Women.”  With her husband Bob she compiled and edited “At War and At Home,” letters to and from members of the McClung family during World War II.          

For a time she served as an Amherst Town Meeting member, often canceling out her husband’s vote.  She was a member of the Traveler’s Club for which she made many presentations.          

In 1968 the McClungs built a vacation home on Cape Cod where they enjoyed many summers and weekends.  She loved to take walks, relax, read, engage in lively discussions, and play games, especially raucous card games of “Oh, Hell” with family and friends.           

Gale was a member of the founding board of the retirement community, Applewood at Amherst, and moved in there one year after her husband died in 2006.  She was active in the Applewood community and counted many friends there.          

Ever the optimist, Gale was full of fun, bright and perceptive, with a great sense of humor.  She radiated joy and smiled readily and was deeply loved by her family and friends.  In reflecting on her life, she wanted everyone to know the joy she had felt.             

She is survived by her two sons William McClung and his wife, Emily, of Pelham, and Thomas McClung and his wife, Anne, of Normandy, France; and two grandchildren Gregory McClung of Hamburg, Germany, and Melissa McClung of Hadley.  She was predeceased by her brother William Stubbs and his wife, Ruth, of Bath, New York.             

Gale nurtured friendships with people of all ages and was a cherished adviser to many of her nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.             

Memorial gifts may be made to Mount Holyoke College and First Congregational Church of Amherst.  A memorial service, which she wished to be a happy celebration of her life, will take place at the First Congregational Church of Amherst at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 1, 2014. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

AMHERST, Leeta (Linn) Bailey passed away on July 29, 2014 at her home.  Leeta was born on June 6, 1935, in Newport, Oregon, the only child of Carl and Alice (Head) Linn.  The family lived throughout Oregon, including Newport, Arlington, and The Dalles, but she always reminisced about Ione.  She was a graduate of the University of Oregon, and taught elementary school alongside her mother.

Leeta married Duane W. Bailey on April 11, 1959.  Soon after, they moved to New Haven, Conn., and then, in 1963, to Amherst, where they raised a family, several generations of English Bulldogs, and honey bees.  Leeta taught for a short while at the Smith College Day School.  She then worked, for 21 years, at the Amherst College Library, primarily as a Reference Librarian and head of Circulation. She received her Master’s in Library Information Science from the University of Texas School of Information in 1986.

Leeta was an avid reader.  She had an artistic eye, enjoying knitting, carving, and painting.  She raised orchids and collected antique glass.  She was a passionate fan of the Red Sox, UConn’s Lady Huskies Basketball, and coffee.

She is survived by her cousin Margaret “Peggy” Thompson, of Port Angeles, WA; her three children, Duane A. Bailey of Williamstown, Gregory K. Bailey, of Billerica, and Mark W. Bailey, of Clinton, NY; and her five grandchildren, Megan E. Bailey, of Belchertown, Katelin A. Bailey, of Seattle, WA, Duane R. Bailey, of Philadelphia, PA, and Jessica C. Bailey and Margaret E. Bailey of Clinton, NY.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the family home at 115 Van Meter Drive from 3 to 5pm on August 16.  Funeral arrangements were by Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst, MA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Amherst Survival Center, P.O. Box 9629, North Amherst MA 01059-9629. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

WELLS, ME – Dorothy M. Bray, just shy of her 90^th birthday, died peacefully Monday, July 28, 2014 at her residence in Wells surrounded by her loving family.

Dorothy was born September 29, 1924 in Amherst, MA, the daughter of John E. and Ebba L. Tidlund McKemmie, and is a graduate of Amherst High School.

Upon graduation, she began working at the Amherst Savings Bank, where she stayed until her retirement in 1976. She and her husband Harold then moved to Wells, where they had been vacationing for years. Together, they loved to travel, walked Marginal Way in Ogunquit, and loved to have her grandchildren visit as often as possible.

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Harold A. Bray in 2007, two brothers John E. McKemmie, Jr. and Thomas L. McKemmie, and two sisters Edith Campbell and Ruth Miller.

Survivors include her daughter, Janet Aldrich of Valley Stream, NY; son Charles Bray and his wife Jennifer of Rotonda West, FL; a brother Richard J. McKemmie of Greenfield, MA; and four sisters Louise Micka of Easthampton, MA, Barbara Jacque of West Brookfield, MA, Virginia Downie of Agawam, MA, and Janet Fraser of Wilbraham, MA; grandchildren Timothy P. Aldrich of Belchertown, MA, Jennifer N. Aldrich of Valley Stream, NY, Daniel C. Bray of Gig Harbor, WA and Erik J. Bray of Amherst, MA; and great grandchildren Athell P. and Jordan M. Bennett and Jocelyn R. and Matthew Bray.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 8, from 4-7 p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst, MA. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 9, at 11:00 a.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service. Burial will follow in South Amherst Cemetery.

Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the York Hospice, c/o Home Health Foundation, Attn: External Relations, 360 Merrimack St., Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01843. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

HADLEY, Samuel Chamberlain Koch died of sinus cancer at home in Hadley, MA, July 20, 2014 at age 59.

Sam was born in Boston, MA, the son of the late Albert Carl Koch Jr. and Frances Jean Emery Koch. Growing up, Sam and his family were known to be avid skiers and sailors. He was a graduate of Concord Carlisle High School where he received the “Flag Award” for Civic Contributions and then went on to complete a post-graduate year at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill, MA. Sam enjoyed reminiscing about his cross-country bike ride from “Newport, OR to Newport, RI.” Sam received a Bachelor of Science from Colby College majoring in History and Environmental Studies and played four years of varsity soccer. His efforts and commitment to Colby Soccer resulted in the creation of the “Sam Koch Award” that is still presented annually for spirit and dedication. Sam took time off from college to go to England to assist his father, a Naval Architect, in building a 60 foot ketch and attempting a trans-Atlantic voyage.

Sam began his soccer coaching career assisting at Boston College and then Brown University. He was Head Coach at Stanford University from 1984 to 1989. In 1991, Sam began his 23 year tenure as Head Coach of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He led his team to three NCAA tournaments with the memorable run to the 2007 College Cup, the National Semi-Finals. Coach Koch ended his career as the “winningest men’s soccer coach” in UMass history with 222 total victories, but Sam’s proudest moments were not the wins or the many awards. When his former players would visit and talk about their lives, he felt joy and thankfulness that he was a part of their story and knew that his mentoring and lessons influenced and empowered these grateful young men. Coach Sam was not only well loved and appreciated by his alumni players but also by his peers and support staff. This sentiment is shown by the hundreds of heartfelt tributes written in his name.

Sam is survived by his wife, Suzanne (Patterson) and four children: Christopher, Benjamin, Jeffrey and Katherine. His brother, David Koch of Watertown, MA and his sister, Elizabeth Corwin, her husband Eric and their three children: Matthew, Erica and Zoe of Essex, MA. He will be greatly missed by his Aunt Polly and Uncle Jim Curran, of Hancock, NH. Sam also leaves half-siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sam loved being a coach, but his family came first as a thoughtful, dedicated husband and a proud, fun-loving father. His happiest and most content moments were at home with his family or on vacation making memories. Sam will be missed on the sidelines at the local Hopkins Academy games and in the audience at his children’s performances. He will be remembered for his stories and sense of humor. Sam’s legacy will live on through all those who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service and Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 3^rd at 12:00. The Service is at Northfield Mount Hermon Memorial Chapel. A Celebration at Rudd Field, University of Massachusetts Amherst begins at 3pm.

In true Sam style, this celebration will be casual with food and soccer balls so bring your cleats and a Sam story. As Sam would say at sunrise practices in February “It’s a beautiful day to be alive, Gentlemen.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Koch Kids College Fund at Florence Savings Bank or to a charity honoring Sam’s life. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

AMHERST, Winifred (Windy) D. Sayer of Amherst, MA died Sunday, July 20, 2014 in Sunderland at the age of 101 surrounded by family. Born in Whitstable, Kent, England, Windy spent her first 10 years in Brooklyn, NY where she began her love of gardening and dance at an early age. She moved to Bermuda in 1923 with her father and beloved mother and sister, 6 years her senior. Windy explored the island as a Girl Guide and as a novice sailor – building a sailboat and sailing on her own around the island throughout her girlhood.

In the early 1930s, Windy received a scholarship, as an exemplary Girl Guide, from Helen Storrow of Boston, MA to attend Cornell University. There, she studied landscape design and met her husband Albert H. Sayer. After graduating in 1937, Windy bicycled around England and then worked as part of the nascent America Youth Hostels movement in Northfield, MA before returning to Ithaca. She and Albert were married in 1940 at Cornell and moved to Amherst where Al was an instructor at the Massachusetts Agricultural College (University of Massachusetts). Their son, Stephen, was born in 1942 and their daughter, Mary, was born two years later in 1944. Shortly thereafter, Al died serving in the South Pacific as a Captain in the Army in World War II.

Windy spent the rest of her life in Amherst, MA, traveling to England, Greece, Scandinavia and Australia during her lifetime. She worked as a lab assistant researching monarch butterflies at Amherst College during the 1950s and then as a librarian at the Jones Library where she became the first curator of the Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost Collections.

Family, dancing and gardening were central parts of Windy’s life. Two of her favorite phrases were “trees are the answer” and “I’d rather be dancing.” Windy was known for her beautiful woodland garden and for the plants she would leave for her neighbors to take and enjoy. Every year from 1960-2012 Windy spent her summers folk dancing and exploring the woods of Maine at the Mainewoods Dance Camp, a cherished place full of friends, dance and nature. Cornell also remained an important place throughout her life and she attended reunions regularly to see friends and share fond memories. Windy was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Amherst, a place that gave her much laughter, friendship and peace throughout her life.

Windy lived life as an exploration, with humor and compassion. She was quick to research something and share her research when she thought she could help and she always had an interesting story to share about her latest adventure. She will be greatly missed by her family, Mary Sayer, Stephen Sayer, her two granddaughters, Anna Coldham and Leah Coldham, and her son-in-law, Bruce Coldham.

A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church, Amherst, MA on October 18th of this year. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Wildwood Cemetery, 70 Strong Street, Amherst, MA, 01002 for the Albert and Winifred Sayer Memorial Fund, to support indigenous plants in Wildwood Cemetery.  Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

Martina believed in being a voice for progress, with an interest in law and was a lifelong, passionate activist.  She earned a BS in International Environmental Studies from Cook College (Rutgers), an AS in Computer Information Systems from Greenfield Community College and an MS in Organization and Management from Antioch New England Graduate School. She was a trained mediator, had worked in the GCC Development Office and participated in the Franklin County Reinventing Justice project in Greenfield.

A voracious reader, Martina could always be found with her current reading selection in hand, her next book near by and an audio book in her car. She was constantly on the lookout for new releases by the likes of John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Archer Mayer, T.C. Boyle, Sheri S. Tepper, John McPhee, Jasper Fforde and Terry Pratchett. This love of reading inspired her daughter, Tegan, to become a librarian.

Martina was an accomplished farmer and gardener. With Michael Friedman, her husband of 15 years, Martina raised Boer goats at Levity Farm in Shutesbury.  After moving to Massachusetts in 1981, she managed Hop Brook Farm, a market garden operation in New Salem, with her then spouse, John Mannino.

She is survived by her husband Michael B. Friedman of Shutesbury, daughter Tegan C. Mannino (Robbie Gunter) of Belchertown and stepsons Nicholas Buckminster of San Jose, CA, and Daniel Buckminster (Erin) of Amherst. She is also survived by her cousin Patrick Carroll (Lama) of Holyoke, sisters Mary Costello of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, and Martha C. Vollmer (Mason) of Phoenixville, PA, as well as other family members in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

A Systems Advocate at Stavros Center for Independent Living in Amherst, Martina tracked local, state and federal disability issues, advocated and lobbied with legislators and government agencies and played active roles in numerous state demonstration projects and efforts. She also chaired the Shutesbury ADA Committee.

Martina was remembered by her coworkers at Stavros as having “a deep and abiding commitment to disability rights, and a deep and abiding impatience with bureaucrats, nursing homes, and progress that was too slow. These qualities made her a ferocious advocate.” Martina will be missed deeply by her family, friends and those she has helped – but even more by those whose lives she was yet to touch.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:30pm on Sunday, August 24, 2014, at the Munson Library in South Amherst. More about Martina can be found at the remembrance website, www.martinacarroll.net, and at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

SHUTESBURY, The Massachusetts Disability Rights community lost a tireless and accomplished advocate with the passing of Martina Carroll on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at the Hartford Hospital – a result of complications following surgery. Born in Abington, PA, on September 21, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Myra T. Carroll. Her family lived in various locations throughout NJ, NY, PA and CA, as they followed her father’s career in the electronics industry. She also spent many summers at her family’s home in Stone Harbor, NJ.

Martina believed in being a voice for progress, with an interest in law and was a lifelong, passionate activist.  She earned a BS in International Environmental Studies from Cook College (Rutgers), an AS in Computer Information Systems from Greenfield Community College and an MS in Organization and Management from Antioch New England Graduate School. She was a trained mediator, had worked in the GCC Development Office and participated in the Franklin County Reinventing Justice project in Greenfield.

A voracious reader, Martina could always be found with her current reading selection in hand, her next book nearby and an audio book in her car. She was constantly on the lookout for new releases by the likes of John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Archer Mayer, T.C. Boyle, Sheri S. Tepper, John McPhee, Jasper Fforde and Terry Pratchett. This love of reading inspired her daughter, Tegan, to become a librarian.

Martina was an accomplished farmer and gardener. With Michael Friedman, her husband of 15 years, Martina raised Boer goats at Levity Farm in Shutesbury.  After moving to Massachusetts in 1981, she managed Hop Brook Farm, a market garden operation in New Salem, with her then spouse, John Mannino.

She is survived by her husband Michael B. Friedman of Shutesbury, daughter Tegan C. Mannino (Robbie Gunter) of Belchertown and stepsons Nicholas Buckminster of San Jose, CA, and Daniel Buckminster (Erin) of Amherst. She is also survived by her cousin Patrick Carroll (Lama) of Holyoke, sisters Mary Costello of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, and Martha C. Vollmer (Mason) of Phoenixville, PA, as well as other family members in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

A Systems Advocate at Stavros Center for Independent Living in Amherst, Martina tracked local, state and federal disability issues, advocated and lobbied with legislators and government agencies and played active roles in numerous state demonstration projects and efforts. She also chaired the Shutesbury ADA Committee.

Martina was remembered by her coworkers at Stavros as having “a deep and abiding commitment to disability rights, and a deep and abiding impatience with bureaucrats, nursing homes, and progress that was too slow. These qualities made her a ferocious advocate.” Martina will be missed deeply by her family, friends and those she has helped – but even more by those whose lives she was yet to touch.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:30pm on Sunday, August 24, 2014, at the Munson Library in South Amherst. More about Martina can be found at the remembrance website, www.martinacarroll.net, and at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

A.P. Stevens

1926 – 2014

Amherst, A.P. Stevens of Amherst, MA passed away July 17. He was born July 31, 1926, in Worcester, MA, the son of Dawn and Lloyd R. Stevens Sr. 

He was a graduate of Clark University and received a master’s degree from Worcester State College. He served in the Army Air Corps at the end of

World War II.  He started his career in education as a teacher, and became principal of Auburn (MA) High School in 1966. He ended his career as

Assistant principal at Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton, MA. In retirement he established a calligraphy and engraving business. 

He was a member of the Vernon Lodge of Masons in Belchertown, and Rotary International. He volunteered for a number of community organizations.

He played the tuba with several bands, and was a member of the Young @ Heart Chorus. 

A.P. is survived by Shirley, his wife of 42 years. He is also survived by his sons Clark (Karen) Stevens of California, Ted (Deb) Stevens of

Virginia, and his daughter Lauren Cullen (Rich) of Maine, as well as his stepsons Brian (Bernadette) Nelson and Bruce (Doree) Nelson, both of

Worcester, MA. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Emerson and Gwen Stevens; Amanda and Luke (Jennifer) Stevens; Andrew, Peter,

Tim, and Sam Cullen; and one great-granddaughter, Lucia Stevens. 

The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at the Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst for their wonderful care, help, and encouragement. 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 22 at 11:00am at the Vernon Lodge, 1 Main St, Belchertown, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vernon Lodge, PO Box 1258, Belchertown, MA 01007; Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 N.

Pleasant St., Amherst Ma 01002; or the Young @ Heart Chorus, 28 N. Maple St., Florence, MA 01062. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

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

SOUTH HADLEY, Verna B. Nash 92, died peacefully at home Wednesday July 16^th surrounded by family and friends. She had moved from Amherst to Loomis Village fourteen years ago after suffering a stroke.

Wife of the late Dr. William A Nash, devoted mother to Rebecca Nash McKay (Rob) Chicago and Phillip Nash (Margaret) Florence. Beloved grandmother to Julia and Elizabeth McKay, Will, Abigail and Isabella Nash.  Sister of the late Rev. Victor and Molly Baer of Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Verna was born in Landisville, Pennsylvania and studied music from an early age. She received her Bachelors of Music degree from Grinnell College in Iowa, and Master of Music in Music Literature with a major in Violin from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester.

She began her professional career as a music cataloguer at the Library of Congress in Washington DC. After marrying Bill, they moved to Gainesville, Florida where she was Concertmistress for the University of Florida Symphony, as well as playing in numerous quartets. She also began teaching violin to younger students. Following a move to Amherst and while attending a national music conference she learned of the Suzuki method of teaching music. After meeting Dr. Suzuki at the conference she hosted a reception at her home to introduce him to local Suzuki teachers in the area. Verna embraced the Suzuki method for the remainder of her teaching career. She was concurrently performing with the Pioneer Valley, Greenfield, and Guilford Barn symphonies. She was a founding member of the Western Massachusetts Suzuki Institute for young violin students and in 2009 received the prestigious Nathan Gottschalk Memorial Award from The Pioneer Valley Symphony.  She was a member of the American String Teachers Association, the Suzuki Association of the Americas and the Music Teachers National Association. Verna was also an active member and officer of the Amherst Women’s Club for many years where her commitment to the importance of education led to her involvement with the scholarship committee. 

In recent years, she has been a member of the Loomis choir and has enjoyed continued trips to the symphony. Her positive spirit and joy for life will be missed by all.

She leaves behind her children, grandchildren and many very special caregivers who enabled her to live a happy life with joy these past few years.

Visitation will be held Friday July 18^th from 4-7:00 pm at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 am Saturday July 19^th at South Congregational Church of Amherst. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

AMHERST, David Michael (Mendel) Katz (b. July 9,1943) died Saturday, July 12, 2014, just after turning 71 on Wednesday. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Michael. He was a generous, kind, smart, and funny man, a good husband, father, and grandfather, and an enthusiastic cyclist, avid hiker and down hill skier. We will miss his quick repartee and fast smile.

Michael was born in New York City. He attended Elizabeth Irwin High School, an alternative progressive school in Greenwich Village, and then went to Hunter College for his degree in psychology. He began his life-long devotion to helping improve the quality of communities (and young people) with a job in counseling, planning and policy development. Michael furthered his career with a master’s degree in counseling from Springfield College and a Master’s in Social Work from Smith College in 1983. He was a psychiatric social worker with a special knack for relating to kids, working In Northampton at FCMIC and ending his career at Providence Hospital, Holyoke.

Michael married Susan Crystal Newman in 1972; they moved to Colrain, MA, to raise their two children, Jennifer Leah and Zachariah Micah. Jennifer married Matthew Buonincontro; they have two children, Max eight and Madeleine almost three; Zachariah married Kate Ostedgaard from Iowa City, IA, where they live. Michael loved his children and grand children: he was always there to help them at the drop of a hat. He nurtured their interests and instilled a lifelong love of learning and athletics. Michael encouraged and supported their academic and career efforts. He enjoyed traveling and spending his vacations with his family. As his kids affectionately called him, he was the best “dadums” ever. To his grandchildren, he will always be known as funny, loving “Non.” Michael left us way too soon. He will always be loved and remembered. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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