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

Peter G. Boisvert

 Proud Father, Beloved Husband, and Loyal Friend

AMHERST, Peter Boisvert, father of Michelle and husband of Ann, died on April 13 in Amherst, after a decade-long battle with Multiple Myeloma.  Peter graduated summa cum laude from UMass Amherst in 1974 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.  He then received his master’s from UC Berkley.  He returned to Amherst where he lived the rest of his life with his wife and daughter, in the house he and his father had built.  He worked as a chemical engineer at Bayer Corporation for the next twenty-three years; during this time he also graduated first in his class in Computer Science from University of Hartford. In 1999, he became the production manager at Deerfield Urethane and from 2007 to 2014 he worked as an independent contractor for Bayer.

A lifetime autodidact, he taught himself German, Japanese, and many computer languages. His curiosity was not limited to scholarly pursuits: he was a skilled craftsman and handyman, with an ability to fix anything. Despite his tremendous skills, he was a humble man and willing teacher.

Pete loved tennis and scuba diving; however, his love of nature drew him towards biking and he recently completed numerous century rides with his biking buddies. This love for nature further caused him to be an avid conservationist and environmentalist. His kindness extending to all beings, he was gentle, unpretentious, and benevolent.

He was predeceased by his mother Christina Crolla, his father Gilbert F. Boisvert, and brother Joseph Boisvert. His is survived by his daughter, his wife, his brother in law Matthew Corcoran, and Matthew’s son Jake.

Calling hours will be Thursday, April 17, from 5-8 p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. Funeral services will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in Boston or the Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

Peter G. Boisvert

 Proud Father, Beloved Husband, and Loyal Friend

AMHERST, Peter Boisvert, father of Michelle and husband of Ann, died on April 13 in Amherst, after a decade-long battle with Multiple Myeloma.  Peter graduated summa cum laude from UMass Amherst in 1974 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.  He then received his master’s from UC Berkley.  He returned to Amherst where he lived the rest of his life with his wife and daughter, in the house he and his father had built.  He worked as a chemical engineer at Bayer Corporation for the next twenty-three years; during this time he also graduated first in his class in Computer Science from University of Hartford. In 1999, he became the production manager at Deerfield Urethane and from 2007 to 2014 he worked as an independent contractor for Bayer.

A lifetime autodidact, he taught himself German, Japanese, and many computer languages. His curiosity was not limited to scholarly pursuits: he was a skilled craftsman and handyman, with an ability to fix anything. Despite his tremendous skills, he was a humble man and willing teacher.

Pete loved tennis and scuba diving; however, his love of nature drew him towards biking and he recently completed numerous century rides with his biking buddies. This love for nature further caused him to be an avid conservationist and environmentalist. His kindness extending to all beings, he was gentle, unpretentious, and benevolent.

He was predeceased by his mother Christina Crolla, his father Gilbert F. Boisvert, and brother Joseph Boisvert. His is survived by his daughter, his wife, his brother in law Matthew Corcoran, and Matthew’s son Jake.

Calling hours will be Thursday, April 17, from 5-8 p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. Funeral services will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in Boston or the Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

MARIAN FRANCES (PAGANO) MATHESON

“One singular sensation”

SOUTH HADLEY, After leading a bright but far-too-brief life defined by a devotion to family and a mastery of joy, Marian Frances (Pagano) Matheson died at age 55 on April 4 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.  She passed away peacefully at her home in South Hadley, Mass., surrounded by family and friends.

Marian — known affectionately as “M” — was born in Flushing, N.Y., and raised on Guthrie Court in Northport, N.Y.  She built a successful career in higher education institutional research working with some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, but most impressive was her vast knowledge of Broadway show tunes and her willingness to break into song at any moment.  She loved dogs, golf, summer at the beach, the Peanuts comic strip, cocktails, good food, crossword puzzles, and, much to the chagrin of her friends and neighbors in Massachusetts, the Yankees.

Most of all, she loved her wife, Pam, and their daughter, Caroline.

Marian was Director of Institutional Research and Planning at Amherst College, where “her influence has changed the College for the better forever,” according to a statement by Amherst College President Biddy Martin.  Prior to that role, Marian served as Associate Provost for Planning and Institutional Research at Columbia University and was an analyst in institutional research at Tufts University. Marian was a leading and highly respected voice in the national Council on Financing Higher Education (COFHE).

Marian graduated from Juniata College, where she was a standout athlete in field hockey and softball.  She completed all but the dissertation for a doctorate in higher education curriculum, instruction and administration at Boston College and earned a Master of Arts degree in applied clinical psychology from the State University of New York, Plattsburgh, in 1982.

Active in the community, Marian served as a coach for her daughter’s softball team and was a dedicated supporter among the parents at The Common School.

In addition to her wife and daughter, Marian is survived by her sister, Janet Wood, and brother-in-law, Daniel, both of Mendham, N.J.; nieces Elaina, Kayla, and Laura of Mendham; her father-in-law, Roger Matheson and mother-in-law Yvonne Matheson of Litchfield, Mich.; her sister-in-law, Carol Kolongowski of Flushing, Mich., and nieces Jill and Beth Kolongowski; brother-in-law Douglas Schlosser of Homer, Mich.; sister-in-law D’Andra Clark of Hillsdale, Mich.; niece Arielle Clark and nephew Quinlan Clark, and many dear friends.  She was predeceased by her parents, Irene and Philip Pagano, and her brother, Chuck Pagano.

A celebration of Marian’s life will be held at Amherst College’s Johnson Chapel at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12.  A reception will follow at the home of Amherst College President Biddy Martin.  Calling hours will be held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

LEEDS, Agustin L. Castillejo, 96, a 10 year resident of Leeds, died Tuesday, at Overlook at Northampton. Born in Camaguey, Cuba, December 9, 1917, he was the son of the late Agustin Castillejo and Orfelia (Diaz) Castillejo. Mr. Castillejo was a bartender in the Washington D.C. area for 30 years before retiring to Amherst. Mr. Castillejo had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He was the beloved husband of the late Angelica M. (Colasanti) Castillejo. He leaves his son, Ronald J. Castile, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; a brother, Evelio Castillejo, and a sister, Carlota Infante, of Miami, Florida; two grandchildren, Natalie and Agustin T. Castile of Cambridge, Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Brewster, New York. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

AMHERST, Reverend Crystal L. Roberson, Pastor of Hope Community Church, has gone home to be with the Lord. Rev. Crystal, 59, died on April 5, 2014 after a brief hospitalization for complications due to asthma, a condition she lived with since childhood.

Crystal Lynn Roberson was born January 20, 1955 in Springfield, IL, the youngest child of LaVerne William Anderson and Norma Jean Brandon Anderson. She attended the Summit School in St. Paul, MN and Amherst Regional High School in Amherst, MA. In 1991, Crystal was ordained through the Life School Ministries and began her ministry as Assistant Pastor of Hope Community Church. She was installed as the Pastor of Hope in 2008 following the retirement of her brother, Rev. Carlos W. Anderson.

Throughout her ministerial leadership, Rev. Crystal led Hope Church in both a physical and spiritual restoration.  Along with the Board of Directors, she was able to procure funding for the preservation of the church building. As a result, the church was recognized for its significance in African-American history from the Town of Amherst and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Although restoring the building of the church was important, Rev. Crystal’s highest calling was in the physical healing of the sick. She will be known by all for her healing ministry that moved beyond the body and into the minds and hearts of those who knew her. Rev. Crystal’s deep faith was an inspiration to everyone who came into her presence.

Rev. Crystal was preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth Roberson; her parents, Rev. LaVerne W. Anderson, Sr. and Dr. Norma Jean Anderson; and her older brother, LaVerne Anderson, Jr.  She is survived by her son, Seth Mark Anderson Calloway, and his wife, Alexis Ponder Calloway (Nashville, TN); her brother, Rev. Carlos W. Anderson (Montague, MA); her sister, Rhonda Jean Gordon (Shutesbury, MA); an extended loving family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws, as well as her faithful and loyal family of Hope Community Church members.

A service in celebration of Rev. Crystal’s life will be held at Hope Community Church, 16 Gaylord Street, Amherst, MA on Saturday, April 12, at 1:00 p.m.  A reception will be held at the church following the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rev. Crystal L. Roberson may be made to Hope Community Church. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

GRANBY, Paul Vassallo, 58, passed away peacefully on April 5, at Country Estates of Agawam. Born on Jan. 9, 1956 in Northampton he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Pento) Vassallo. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1974 – 1985. Paul was a skilled handyman and had a passion for repairing and restoring cars. He always enjoyed cooking for large crowds and was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots and NASCAR. Paul is survived by his son Nicholas of Granby, two daughters, Jennifer and Amy of VA and his closest friend and beloved golden retriever, Jack. He also leaves six brothers and sisters, Joseph and his partner Janet of Hadley, Rosalie Mikalunas and her husband Robert of Amherst, Carol Orrell and her husband David of Shutesbury, John and his wife Trish of Hadley, Michael and his wife Kathy of Sunderland, Robert and his wife Lynda of Shutesbury, sister in-law Helen Vassallo of Amherst,  as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his brothers Angelo and Richard. Funeral services will be on Monday, April 14, at 10:00 a.m. at the Douglass Funeral Home, Amherst. Burial with military honors will follow in Pelham Valley Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday, April 13, from 1-3 p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service. Memorial donations in Paul’s name may be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 106 Towerview Court, Cary, NC 27513-3595. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

MARIAN FRANCES (PAGANO) MATHESON

“One singular sensation”

SOUTH HADLEY, After leading a bright but far-too-brief life defined by a devotion to family and a mastery of joy, Marian Frances (Pagano) Matheson died at age 55 on April 4 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.  She passed away peacefully at her home in South Hadley, Mass., surrounded by family and friends.

Marian — known affectionately as “M” — was born in Flushing, N.Y., and raised on Guthrie Court in Northport, N.Y.  She built a successful career in higher education institutional research working with some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, but most impressive was her vast knowledge of Broadway show tunes and her willingness to break into song at any moment.  She loved dogs, golf, summer at the beach, the Peanuts comic strip, cocktails, good food, crossword puzzles, and, much to the chagrin of her friends and neighbors in Massachusetts, the Yankees.

Most of all, she loved her wife, Pam, and their daughter, Caroline.

Marian was Director of Institutional Research and Planning at Amherst College, where “her influence has changed the College for the better forever,” according to a statement by Amherst College President Biddy Martin.  Prior to that role, Marian served as Associate Provost for Planning and Institutional Research at Columbia University and was an analyst in institutional research at Tufts University. Marian was a leading and highly respected voice in the national Council on Financing Higher Education (COFHE).

Marian graduated from Juniata College, where she was a standout athlete in field hockey and softball.  She completed all but the dissertation for a doctorate in higher education curriculum, instruction and administration at Boston College and earned a Master of Arts degree in applied clinical psychology from the State University of New York, Plattsburgh, in 1982.

Active in the community, Marian served as a coach for her daughter’s softball team and was a dedicated supporter among the parents at The Common School.

In addition to her wife and daughter, Marian is survived by her sister, Janet Wood, and brother-in-law, Daniel, both of Mendham, N.J.; nieces Elaina, Kayla, and Laura of Mendham; her father-in-law, Roger Matheson and mother-in-law Yvonne Matheson of Litchfield, Mich.; her sister-in-law, Carol Kolongowski of Flushing, Mich., and nieces Jill and Beth Kolongowski; brother-in-law Douglas Schlosser of Homer, Mich.; sister-in-law D’Andra Clark of Hillsdale, Mich.; niece Arielle Clark and nephew Quinlan Clark, and many dear friends.  She was predeceased by her parents, Irene and Philip Pagano, and her brother, Chuck Pagano.

A celebration of Marian’s life will be held at Amherst College’s Johnson Chapel at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12.  A reception will follow at the home of Amherst College President Biddy Martin.  Calling hours will be held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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

LEVERETT, Catherine E. (Danahey) Woodard, 90, of Depot Rd., Leverett, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Baystate Hospital in Springfield. 

She was born August 25, 1923 in Amherst, the daughter of the late James Danahey and Mary (Hayes) Danahey.  She was educated in local schools, and was a graduate of Amherst High School.  Kay grew up in Amherst and later moved to Leverett.  She had worked in the Mark’s Meadow cafeteria many years ago.  Kay was a devout Catholic at The Most Holy Redeemer Church in Hadley, and was a communicant of St. John’s Church in Millers Falls, and St. Brigid’s Church in Amherst.

She spent her life in Leverett, raising 10 children with her husband, Philip.  They enjoyed traveling, bird-watching, and the company of their family.  She leaves her husband of 71 years, Philip, and their 10 children:  Sandra McMahon of California, Alan of Michigan, Gerald of Erving, Patricia Page of Pelham, Martha Woodard of Florida, Brian of Vermont, Wayne of Sunderland, Daniel of Northfield, Neal of Leverett, Nancy Hargraves of Wisconsin, and 27 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Two sisters, Ellen Schnieder and Mary Mitchell, and a brother, John Danahey, predeceased her. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 10, at 10:00 a.m., in Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley, burial will follow in St. Brigid’s Cemetery.  Calling hours are Wed., from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst.  Memorial gifts may be made to The Most Holy Redeemer Church in Hadley, St. Brigid’s Cemetery, or 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.

LEVERETT, Margaret E. {Ryan} Boucher, 87, of Number 6 Rd. Leverett, passed away peacefully Thursday April 3, 2014 at the Center for Extended Care Amherst.

She was born December 20, 1925 in Williamsburg, the daughter of the late Nolia Johndrow Ryan Tacy and John Ryan. She attended Williamsburg High School and the Northampton School of Business. Directly after graduating Margaret spent a short time during WWII working in Washington, DC as a secretary for the Department of the Navy. Other positions she held were secretary for the Rudisson Engineering Company, Leeds, and five years as secretary to the Leverett Elementary School Principal. For 25 years Margaret worked for Sears as an office-customer service representative. A devout Catholic, she volunteered as registrar and office assistant for St. Brigid’s Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) religious education classes while her children were participating.

Married in 1950 to Roger J. Boucher, Sr. they lived for 53 years in Leverett, MA raising 5 children and were proprietors of Sleepy Hollow Campground. Margaret continued living in the family home.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Roger J. Boucher, Sr. and her brother, William J. Ryan.

She is survived by her children, daughter, Ellen M. Hendricks and husband Bradford C. Hendricks of Leverett, MA; daughter, Diane Boucher Appel, and husband Edward B. Appel of Milford, PA; son, Roger J. Boucher, Jr., and wife Mary Newsom Boucher of San Mateo, CA; son, John C. Boucher, and wife Cheryl Reske Boucher of Leverett, MA; and son, Paul W. Boucher of Leverett, MA. Also her six grandchildren Seth P. Hendricks, Sara L. Hendricks, Roger J. Boucher, III, William A. Boucher, Matthew J. Boucher and Lindsey M. Boucher.

Those whose lives were touched by Margaret are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 8, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in Amherst. Burial will follow in St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley. A celebratory reception will take place for all family and friends following the burial.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be given to the St. Brigid’s Catholic Church Cemetery Fund, 122 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.

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