Stebbins, Jeannette (Trowbridge) of Hadley passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021 surrounded by the love of her family. Jeannette was born October 25, 1955 in Hingham, MA, where she grew up and went to school.

Jeannette met Bruce Stebbins in 1973 while attending American International College in Springfield, MA. As a friend who was with them on their first double-date recently said, it was “clear that it might be a long term thing.” They married in 1977 and went on to raise two sons, Matthew and Owen.

Jeannette earned a degree in Environmental Science from The University of New Hampshire and began her career working at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. She later attended Vermont College and received an Associate Degree in Nursing.  As a Registered Nurse, she devoted much of her career to caring for others.

Jeannette was an active and devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst, where she chaired the Pastoral Care Commission, giving much of her time to the service of others. She marveled at the miracles of the natural world, was an avid gardener, and enjoyed observing wildlife in her yard and at the family camp in Maine. Jeannette also enjoyed keeping fit – walking and weight training, and regularly offering to arm wrestle her sons (and giving them a run for their money). She was a masterful cook and took great pleasure in making and sharing delicious food. Her family has many fond memories of listening to music, telling stories, and playing board games with her.

Jeannette was the daughter of the late Newton C. Trowbridge and the late Gloria D. (Milch) Trowbridge. She was predeceased by her brother, Winthrop N. Trowbridge and her sister-in-law Martha Stebbins Burnham of Kingston, NH. 

Jeannette is survived by her husband, Bruce H. Stebbins of Hadley, MA, her children Matthew E. Stebbins and his partner Rikki Tracy of Malden, MA and Owen C. Stebbins and his partner Pooja Naik of Hillsboro, OR, her siblings Gloria T. Gammons of Cataumet, MA, Wendy C. Olsson of Wallasey, Wirral, England, Leslie T. Yeadon of Malvern, PA, Eliot D. Trowbridge of Hingham, and Newton C. Trowbridge, Jr. of Attleboro. Also her siblings-in-law Emily and Richard Carbonetti of Albany, VT and Steven Burnham of Kingston, NH. She will also be missed by her extended family including her beloved nieces and nephews.

No services will be held at this time. Her family intends to celebrate her life with a memorial service once it is safe to gather. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Dakin Humane Society (dakinhumane.org/tribute-donation.html). 

Robert A. Drake (Bob) passed away on Feb.21,2021 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital after a brief illness (non-covid related) at the age of 86. Bob was the son of the late Evelyn and Charles E. Drake Sr. of Amherst Ma. Bob was a lifelong resident of Amherst and graduated from Amherst High School. Bob leaves behind MaryJane (Knightly) Drake, his high school sweetheart, who he was married to for 65 loving years. He also leaves behind his two sons Ken and Scott of Amherst, his two daughters Cynthia (Roland) Ely and Debra (Ed) Weigel of Belchertown. He will be dearly missed by his 7 grandchildren Tammy, Kelly, Greg, Linsey, Kenneth, Ally, and Mikayla, also his 3 great grandchildren Ryan, Nic, and Miranda. Bob was predeceased by his brother Charles (Red) Drake Jr. and sister Judy Burrows. He worked as a Pipefitter with the Local 104 Union. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was president of the former Pelham Hunting Club. Bob was also an avid Pitch player at the Amherst V.F.W. pitch league. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Patriots and Umass sports and marching band. Bob enjoyed life to the fullest with many summer vacations in Wells, Maine, travels to several other locations with family and friends, and trips to the casino. The family would like to thank the nursing staff of West 2 and ICU at Cooley Dickinson for the wonderful and compassionate care he received. Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the American Heart Assoc. or American Cancer Society. A celebration of Bob’s life will be announced at a later date.

Robert A. Drake (Bob) passed away on Feb.21,2021 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital after a brief illness (non-covid related) at the age of 86. Bob was the son of the late Evelyn and Charles E. Drake Sr. of Amherst Ma. Bob was a lifelong resident of Amherst and graduated from Amherst High School. Bob leaves behind MaryJane (Knightly) Drake, his high school sweetheart, who he was married to for 65 loving years. He also leaves behind his two sons Ken and Scott of Amherst, his two daughters Cynthia (Roland) Ely and Debra (Ed) Weigel of Belchertown. He will be dearly missed by his 7 grandchildren Tammy, Kelly, Greg, Linsey, Kenneth, Ally, and Mikayla, also his 3 great grandchildren Ryan, Nic, and Miranda. Bob was predeceased by his brother Charles (Red) Drake Jr. and sister Judy Burrows. He worked as a Pipefitter with the Local 104 Union. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was president of the former Pelham Hunting Club. Bob was also an avid Pitch player at the Amherst V.F.W. pitch league. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Patriots and Umass sports and marching band. Bob enjoyed life to the fullest with many summer vacations in Wells, Maine, travels to several other locations with family and friends, and trips to the casino. The family would like to thank the nursing staff of West 2 and ICU at Cooley Dickinson for the wonderful and compassionate care he received. Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the American Heart Assoc. or American Cancer Society. A celebration of Bob’s life will be announced at a later date.

Much beloved Richard (Ric) Francis McGinn Jr. passed away on February 4, 2021 in Amherst. Born on April 2, 1958 in Quincy, MA to Dick and Marlene McGinn. Ric was big brother to Scott and Susan, and uncle to Meredith, Rachel, and Mojo. His extended family included many sisters- and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews whom he considered to be part of his immediate family. Ric was devoted to his daughters, Wyoming and Diyala, and to their mother Shavahn, who ache from his passing but cherish the gifts of their many ‘sparkling days’ together. 

Ric moved to Amherst with his family in 1965. He was educated in the Amherst School System. His teachers appreciated his sense of humor, his curiosity and competitive but compassionate spirit. He excelled at and enjoyed many great years of playing basketball, softball and track both, in high school and in the Amherst town leagues.

Ric was a large man with a gentle heart. Though he was a student at Umass, Amherst in his early adult years, his most valuable lessons were learned outside of a classroom’s four walls. He was an avid reader who loved history; and he was always in the mood for a good laugh.  Ric was a wonderful storyteller, especially when it came to his many colorful experiences growing up in the Valley; and of the many illustrious characters he met along the way.  Much to the chagrin of his golfing buddies he gladly gave up striving for the promise of a hole-in-one to be the best cloth diaper-changer on this side of the Connecticut River. He skied many slopes and shot many hoops with his girls; and he was as famous for his tree-forts outside, as he was for his blanket-forts inside.

As a general contractor and carpenter he built bookshelves, ramps, decks and houses, and even Sukkahs on the Amherst Common.  Ric repaired and maintained many projects large and small all over the Pioneer Valley. He was truly an integral part of this community. A great friend to many, the list of broken hearts is long.  He will be missed by a countless number of friends who often heard the sound of his truck and ladders bouncing and creaking moment’s before seeing his smiling face driving by.

For memorial donations to his daughter’s educational fund please follow this link;

https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-rics-kids?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.

Sarah JoAnne Hall passed away Saturday, February 7, 2021 due to complications from Covid 19, she was 87 years of age.  Joanne was born to Ethel (Sant) and James D. Hurley on February 16, 1933.  She was born and raised in Newark, New York.   She met her husband, Leo M. Hall, while attending college in Potsdam, NY.  Leo and JoAnne had four children: Patrick, LeeAnn, Andrea and Timothy.  JoAnn worked as a special educator in Cincinnati, Ohio and for many years, a tutor at Crocker Farm School in Amherst, MA. 

 JoAnn loved to ride her bike, knit, sit in her sunny kitchen with her dog nearby and read mysteries, do crosswords and visit with friends.  For many years she volunteered at the Jones’ Library.  Visitors heard her sing out “Who’s coming to my house” upon arrival.  She would also entice you to sing along to “It’s a Wonderful Day Today!”  Her positive friendly manner was infectious.  JoAnn is survived by her four children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren who love her very much and will keep her memory alive.A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 13.  In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to your local library. 

Joan Rothenberg passed at home surrounded by loving family on February 2, 2021. Born March 9, 1956 in NYC, Joan grew up in New City, New York. She attended local schools, Northeastern University and received her Master’s degree in education from Lesley College. Joan had a decades-long career as a medical transcriptionist extraordinaire and re-tooled to work in voice-activated communication.

Joan was an avid reader, especially science fiction and mysteries. Joan was a lover of music and musical theater. She spent a part of her life immersed in the Boston Jazz/Blues scene with then partner James (Snooky) Carter.

Joan’s was a proficient NY Times Crossword Puzzle Solver. and a terrific Scrabble player who loved game time with family. Joan loved time around the art table or singing at the campfire and always arrived to our big family gatherings with delicious offerings. She loved to pick flowers and arrange a pretty table. Joan was a master knitter creating wonderful sweaters, socks, scarves and hats for herself and many others.

After moving to the Valley to be closer to family, Joan joined a knitting circle, exercise/dance classes, a choir, a writing group at the Hadley and a wonderful, women’s group and spent more time outdoors exploring her surrounds. She made new and dear friends.

During her last illness, Joan’s true nature shined through, with equanimity and patience which she modeled for us all, how to go through hard times with grace and acceptance. A true survivor in every sense of the word, Joan will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, Doris Cynthia (Jaffee) & Harry Rothenberg, and partner, James “Snooky” Carter. She is survived by brother, David Rothenberg (Lauren Comando), sisters Amy Rothenberg (Paul Herscu) and Nancy Rothenberg (Eric Conz);  nieces, Sophia, Allyson, Olivia and Ruby, and nephews Misha and Jonah and many friends. She was loved and cared for by Diana Venman, Maria Correia and her dearest friend and partner in crime, Donna Heussler. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to All Out Adventures. 

Daryl S. Jenks, 68, of West Springfield, MA passed away on January 16, 2021.

Daryl was born on, May 10, 1952. He attended Belchertown schools and later graduated from Smith Vocational School of Agriculture in Northampton, MA.

Daryl worked as a maintenance worker for Providence Place at Ingleside in Holyoke, MA. For many years, Daryl worked for the University of Massachusetts Amherst with the Tilson Farm Poultry Division. He enjoyed the outdoors including hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed listening to bluegrass and country music and socializing with his friends at the various clubs he belonged to. He was involved with the Massachusetts Freemasons earlier in life. Daryl enjoyed attending weekly church services with his friends at Revival Time Evangelistic Center in Springfield MA.  

Daryl is survived by his sister Muriel A. (Jenks) Atwell of Belchertown, MA, his brother Duane E. Jenks of Montague, MA, his son Kenneth D. Jenks of Chatham, NJ, his daughter Bonnie L. Akodu-Jenks of Amherst, MA, and five grandchildren Brett, Caleb, Brandon, Savannah & Trent.  He also leaves several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Daryl is preceded in death by his father Robert W. Jenks, his mother Gladys M. (Fay) Jenks, and his older brother Robert W. Jenks Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org/) and Revival Time Evangelistic Center, 116 Florence Street, Springfield, MA. 

The family of Daryl Jenks wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses at Mercy Medical Center Springfield, MA, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, and Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later time. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst MA. 

Frances Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, known as Betsy to her family and Fran to her many friends, died on January 27, 2021 after a long struggle with a demyelinating disease akin to multiple sclerosis.  She was 65 years old. The fourth child of the late Robert and Mary Fitzpatrick, Betsy was born in Northampton on May 14, 1955.

            Betsy grew up in Amherst and graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1973. She went on to earn an Associate of Science degree in Floriculture from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts where she would later receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticultural Science.  She had an active career for nearly twenty years as a horticulturalist, working first as a research assistant at the University’s Cold Spring Orchard caring for the tree stock and researching fruit viability. She became expert in rose growing and the complexities of commercial flower growing in her next job, where she oversaw the large greenhouses at Butler and Ullman, Inc., in Hadley. There she met and later married manager Robert Foley, embracing a new role she thoroughly enjoyed as stepmother to his three young children – Chris, Liz and Jen.

            In 1988, when the couple moved to Northern California, Betsy became Director of Research for an open-air flower growing company situated on a farm of 600 acres, 150 of which were focused on cut flower production. With over sixty crops, she once described the farm as “a sea of colors including the green fields, and the blooming blue, red, pink, yellow, white, peach and purple flowers.”  She traveled widely in that position, especially to Holland, in search of new floral varieties, meeting a breeder of delphiniums in England, and developing thirteen new colors of Japanese thistle on her own. She later served as a consultant to a horticultural company in Louisiana and to growers and buyers in the United States and from around the world who came to the farm in search of new plant material. She loved the diversity of the people she met. She took Spanish language courses at a local community college in the evening so that she could get to know better the many non-English speaking Mexican employees with whom she worked on the farm.

            While in California, Betsy began to develop symptoms of the illness that would define the latter half of her life. She returned to her family in Amherst and with resolute determination completed her education. Though her career was now behind her, she never lost her interest in others, her optimism and her affection for family. She was a great enthusiast of animals, birds, and the natural world, generously sharing her expertise, while she could, with those seeking advice about plants, flowers and gardens. For her sister Jean’s fall wedding, she single handedly gathered the flowers and arranged gorgeous bouquets of orange tiger lilies and for the bride, white orchids and trumpet vine, providing a memorable splash of color and beauty for all to enjoy.

            Betsy distinguished herself among her five siblings for her kindness to all, her unfailingly sweet disposition no matter what chaos roiled around her, and her quick sense of humor. As her world grew smaller, her ties to the people, pets and things she loved only deepened to the reward of those whose lives she touched. She was the epitome of grace and courage in the face of a long and devastating disease.

            She leaves a grieving family who will remember her for all she was at every stage of her heroic life, including her sister Maureen of Amherst, her brother Robert and his wife Evie of Holyoke, her sisters Ellen of Newtonville, and Mary, her “Irish twin” of South Boston as well as her nieces Ryan Taft of Billerica and Brigid Wright of Boston, her nephew Robert Wright of Boston, and her brother-in-law Jeffrey J. Wright of Newton, husband to her late sister Jean. Her family wishes to thank Erica Matusko and Carol Senecal for their devotion to Betsy and Drs Marianna Marguglio and Victoria Noble for their generous and skillful care.  Donations in Betsy’s memory may be made to the Cold Spring Orchard Endowment at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture: https://coldspringorchard.com. A memorial service will be deferred until the summer. 

 Doreen Ann Booth, 57, of Pelham, Massachusetts, passed away at Bay State Medical Center                       on January 22, 2021 following a recent decline in health. Doreen was born on September 7, 1964.  She grew up in Pelham and attended the Pelham and Amherst schools,                        graduating from the Amherst High School in 1982.

Doreen attended the United Church of Pelham Sunday School as a child and later as a Church attendee.  She was a Pelham native and very proud of that title. She enjoyed exploring and hiking                 the Pelham trails and discontinued roads and most especially the discovery of old cellar holes and cemeteries.  She delighted in the tranquility of fishing and as a result, became familiar with many of Pelham’s best known fishing holes.  Their summer home on Lake Ebeemee in Brownsville, Maine also provided a haven for the sport of fishing that captured Doreen’s heart.

Doreen had a love for Pelham’s rich history and enjoyed spending time in research, whether at the Pelham Library or at her home.  She was an active genealogist and sought to further document the lives of her Pelham ancestors.

Like her Mother, Doreen cared deeply about the welfare of animals, taking in strays and caring for wildlife that had “lost their way.” 

Doreen had a love of children which was evident with her jobs of employment.  She worked in the Belchertown Elementary School lunch program at a prior time.  Currently, she was employed by Van Pool Transportation Company of Wilbraham.  Her mission was the transportation of developmentally challenged children to and from school…..a job she dearly loved.

She is survived by her father Cleon Booth of Pelham, brother David Booth of Turners Falls, dear family friend Janice Booth of  Shutesbury, nephew Steven Booth of Pelham and friend William Barnham also of Pelham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (in memory of Doreen Ann Booth) at the following three options…

1.) Online giving at Cancer.org

 2.) Telephone giving at 1-800-227-2345, Option 2

 3.) American Cancer Society at P. O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City,

      Ok. 73123                                                                                                               

Dora Beaulleu Booth, 83, of Pelham, Massachusetts, passed away at Bay State Medical Center                      on December 13, 2020 following a yearlong encounter with declining health.

Dora was born on February 15, 1937.  She grew up on a dairy farm on No. East Street in Amherst.  As a result of this early association with animals, Dora developed a lifelong commitment to the care and wellbeing of all animals…..domestic and wild.

She attended Amherst Schools, after which she worked in the Food Service Departments at Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts.

She married Cleon (Buzzy) Booth, a lifelong resident of Pelham, on July 3, 1956. They have resided in the historic farmhouse on Enfield Road, where Mr. Booth’s parents once lived.

Dora attended the United Church of Pelham and was active in its mission.  She was passionate about the game of BINGO and regularly attended local bingo gatherings with neighborhood friends.  Over the years, she became the caretaker of the wildlife that frequented their property…..hungry or injured, she championed for their welfare.

She enjoyed the quiet summer vacations at their property on Lake Ebeemee in Brownsville, Maine, most especially with her daughter Doreen. The solitude of those retreats were treasured times for her.    

Dora was a “key” person to the success of her husband’s business…..Mountain Springs Pumps & Service.  She was the “go to person” who set up appointments and alerted her husband to emergencies that needed immediate attention. Her caring manner was reassuring to all.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years…Cleon Booth, son David Booth of Turners Falls, dear family friend Janice Booth of Shutesbury, of Pelham, grandson Steven Booth of Pelham, brother Robert Beaulleu of Amherst and sister Lucille Guerrin of Easthampton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the

American Cancer Society (in memory of Dora Beaulleu Booth) at the following three option

• Online giving atorg
• Telephone giving at 1-800-227-2345, Option 2
• Mail at American Cancer Society P. O. Box 42040, Oklahoma                City, OK.73123