HADLEY, MA. Barbara J. Hendricks passed away peacefully Monday June 10^th surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was a lifelong resident of Hadley, growing up on the family farm, and then going on to work as a librarian at Hopkins Academy. She then went on to work at Hampshire College where she oversaw the college post office before enjoying many years of retirement life. Always on the go, she enjoyed traveling to many destinations. Whether cruising to Puerto Rico, trips to Hampton Beach, or driving through every state east of the Mississippi with Bud, Barbara always loved to be active and enjoy her adventures through life.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Bernard Hendricks, her mother and father James and Margaret Searle, Brother Joel Searle and her niece Michelle Searle.  She will be missed by many loving family members. She leaves behind her life partner Edward “Bud” Galvin, her loving daughter Margaret Orsini, a son James Hendricks, Grandchildren Chris Orsini, Nicholas Orsini, and Noah Searle, and great grandchild Dominick Orsini. She also leaves behind her sister in law Mildred Searle and her niece Amy Searle who was Barbara’s source of strength in her final days.

A Mass a Christian Burial will be Friday, June 14 at 11 AM at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley. A calling hour from 10-11 AM will precede mass at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Michelle Searle Scholarship” fund.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

AMHERST, MA. Melba Lorraine (Wold) Larson, died peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at age 91, after several years of progressive dementia and related complications.

Melba Larson was born Jan. 31, 1933, to Olga B. (Karlstad) Wold and Helmer P. Wold in Watford City, North Dakota.  She moved with her family to Bemidji, MN 1946-49, then back to the Karlstad family farm in ND, graduating in 1951 from Dakota Lutheran High School, Minot, ND.

Melba pursued her college degrees by working as many as five part-time jobs simultaneously, graduating 1953 from Waldorf College, Forest City, IA (a junior college at the time) where she earned a teaching degree. She then studied at bible school in California before going on to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, majoring in History and Music, and graduating in 1958. While at Concordia she toured with the college choir and was in a group called Mission Ambassadors “intended for Cobbers who are planning to be missionaries or who are very interested in the needs of various mission fields.”

In 1958 she made her first global mission trip, traveling to Europe with a volunteer group, working on a rural development project in France and then traveling around Europe with fellow volunteers. 

In 1959 she was working at the American Lutheran Church headquarters in Minneapolis, MN in the world missions office, when she was introduced via mutual friends to Lyle Edwin Larson who was studying at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Within a year they were married: on April 9, 1960, they said their vows at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul MN. By the time Lyle graduated from seminary and was ordained as a minister, they had their first child and a call from the American Lutheran Church to join its mission in Tokyo, Japan. Which, after Lyle got over his surprise at being asked to go to Japan again (where he had been stationed with the U.S. Air Force), and with Melba’s encouraging support, they both accepted.

During their cumulative 25 years in Japan, Melba gave birth to two more children, taught English part-time for many years, was the undeniable favorite of the family dog, and enjoyed singing in every church choir, especially at St. Paul International Lutheran Church in Tokyo. She made many friends in Tokyo including among the expat community, and in retirement was able to fulfill more travel dreams like making multiple trips to visit friends in Australia, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Switzerland.   

After returning to the United States in 1985, and a year in Niagara Falls, NY where Lyle served as interim pastor, Melba and Lyle moved to Scarsdale, NY where Lyle was installed as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church until his retirement in 1994. They immediately felt at home, as the proximity to Manhattan and the considerable Japanese expatriate community drew on many of their experiences in Tokyo.

Once in the New York metropolitan area, Melba found new work opportunities to contribute her education and experience. After a part-time position at Pace University’s law school in White Plains, NY, she joined the world mission office of The Episcopal Church headquarters in New York City, across from the United Nations.  While working for the Episcopal Church from 1989 to 1997, she supported  missionaries around the world including traveling to Panama, Kenya, and Uganda.

After moving to Washington, MA in the Berkshires following Lyle’s retirement, she continued to commute to NYC for three days each week for a few more years before she retired.  She loved to sing in the choir at Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield MA, and was an active participant in four book clubs. Her love of the Berkshires included regular trips to Tanglewood concerts, hiking the Appalachian Trail while picking berries, and both downhill and cross country skiing. As Lyle told one of her children who was only joking about how they could have retired to a warmer climate: “Your mother loves the snow too much.” At their home in the hills of the Berkshires, it seemed to snow almost every day during peak winter months. In the spring they made maple syrup from the trees on their property.

After moving to Amherst in 2011, she was an active member at Immanuel Lutheran Church and represented the church in the Interfaith Opportunities Network which connected local houses of worship. By moving to Amherst where their son’s family had moved, she and Lyle were able to attend the many sports, music and other school activities of their three grandchildren Edward, Catherine and William.

Melba Larson is survived by daughter Susan; son Nathanael, his wife Elizabeth and three grandchildren; and daughter Rachel. She is also survived by her brother Carmen Wold of Watford City, North Dakota. She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle, brothers Harold Wold and Ralph Wold, and by her sister Pearl Marian Njus.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am Saturday June 15, 2024, at Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary, 1501 Fulham Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, with Rev. Jeffrey Johnson officiating. Interment will be the following day in Newman Grove, Nebraska.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Melba Larson was born Jan. 31, 1933, to Olga B. (Karlstad) Wold and Helmer P. Wold in Watford City, North Dakota.  She moved with her family to Bemidji, MN 1946-49, then back to the Karlstad family farm in ND, graduating in 1951 from Dakota Lutheran High School, Minot, ND.

Melba pursued her college degrees by working as many as five part-time jobs simultaneously, graduating 1953 from Waldorf College, Forest City, IA (a junior college at the time) where she earned a teaching degree. She then studied at bible school in California before going on to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, majoring in History and Music, and graduating in 1958. While at Concordia she toured with the college choir and was in a group called Mission Ambassadors “intended for Cobbers who are planning to be missionaries or who are very interested in the needs of various mission fields.”

In 1958 she made her first global mission trip, traveling to Europe with a volunteer group, working on a rural development project in France and then traveling around Europe with fellow volunteers. 

In 1959 she was working at the American Lutheran Church headquarters in Minneapolis, MN in the world missions office, when she was introduced via mutual friends to Lyle Edwin Larson who was studying at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Within a year they were married: on April 9, 1960, they said their vows at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul MN. By the time Lyle graduated from seminary and was ordained as a minister, they had their first child and a call from the American Lutheran Church to join its mission in Tokyo, Japan. Which, after Lyle got over his surprise at being asked to go to Japan again (where he had been stationed with the U.S. Air Force), and with Melba’s encouraging support, they both accepted.

During their cumulative 25 years in Japan, Melba gave birth to two more children, taught English part-time for many years, was the undeniable favorite of the family dog, and enjoyed singing in every church choir, especially at St. Paul International Lutheran Church in Tokyo. She made many friends in Tokyo including among the expat community, and in retirement was able to fulfill more travel dreams like making multiple trips to visit friends in Australia, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Switzerland.   

After returning to the United States in 1985, and a year in Niagara Falls, NY where Lyle served as interim pastor, Melba and Lyle moved to Scarsdale, NY where Lyle was installed as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church until his retirement in 1994. They immediately felt at home, as the proximity to Manhattan and the considerable Japanese expatriate community drew on many of their experiences in Tokyo.

Once in the New York metropolitan area, Melba found new work opportunities to contribute her education and experience. After a part-time position at Pace University’s law school in White Plains, NY, she joined the world mission office of The Episcopal Church headquarters in New York City, across from the United Nations.  While working for the Episcopal Church from 1989 to 1997, she supported  missionaries around the world including traveling to Panama, Kenya, and Uganda.

After moving to Washington, MA in the Berkshires following Lyle’s retirement, she continued to commute to NYC for three days each week for a few more years before she retired.  She loved to sing in the choir at Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield MA, and was an active participant in four book clubs. Her love of the Berkshires included regular trips to Tanglewood concerts, hiking the Appalachian Trail while picking berries, and both downhill and cross country skiing. As Lyle told one of her children who was only joking about how they could have retired to a warmer climate: “Your mother loves the snow too much.” At their home in the hills of the Berkshires, it seemed to snow almost every day during peak winter months. In the spring they made maple syrup from the trees on their property.

After moving to Amherst in 2011, she was an active member at Immanuel Lutheran Church and represented the church in the Interfaith Opportunities Network which connected local houses of worship. By moving to Amherst where their son’s family had moved, she and Lyle were able to attend the many sports, music and other school activities of their three grandchildren Edward, Catherine and William.

Melba Larson is survived by daughter Susan; son Nathanael, his wife Elizabeth and three grandchildren; and daughter Rachel. She is also survived by her brother Carmen Wold of Watford City, North Dakota. She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle, brothers Harold Wold and Ralph Wold, and by her sister Pearl Marian Njus.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am Saturday June 15, 2024, at Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary, 1501 Fulham Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, with Rev. Jeffrey Johnson officiating. Interment will be the following day in Newman Grove, Nebraska.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Melba Larson was born Jan. 31, 1933, to Olga B. (Karlstad) Wold and Helmer P. Wold in Watford City, North Dakota.  She moved with her family to Bemidji, MN 1946-49, then back to the Karlstad family farm in ND, graduating in 1951 from Dakota Lutheran High School, Minot, ND.

Melba pursued her college degrees by working as many as five part-time jobs simultaneously, graduating 1953 from Waldorf College, Forest City, IA (a junior college at the time) where she earned a teaching degree. She then studied at bible school in California before going on to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, majoring in History and Music, and graduating in 1958. While at Concordia she toured with the college choir and was in a group called Mission Ambassadors “intended for Cobbers who are planning to be missionaries or who are very interested in the needs of various mission fields.”

In 1958 she made her first global mission trip, traveling to Europe with a volunteer group, working on a rural development project in France and then traveling around Europe with fellow volunteers. 

In 1959 she was working at the American Lutheran Church headquarters in Minneapolis, MN in the world missions office, when she was introduced via mutual friends to Lyle Edwin Larson who was studying at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Within a year they were married: on April 9, 1960, they said their vows at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul MN. By the time Lyle graduated from seminary and was ordained as a minister, they had their first child and a call from the American Lutheran Church to join its mission in Tokyo, Japan. Which, after Lyle got over his surprise at being asked to go to Japan again (where he had been stationed with the U.S. Air Force), and with Melba’s encouraging support, they both accepted.

During their cumulative 25 years in Japan, Melba gave birth to two more children, taught English part-time for many years, was the undeniable favorite of the family dog, and enjoyed singing in every church choir, especially at St. Paul International Lutheran Church in Tokyo. She made many friends in Tokyo including among the expat community, and in retirement was able to fulfill more travel dreams like making multiple trips to visit friends in Australia, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Switzerland.   

After returning to the United States in 1985, and a year in Niagara Falls, NY where Lyle served as interim pastor, Melba and Lyle moved to Scarsdale, NY where Lyle was installed as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church until his retirement in 1994. They immediately felt at home, as the proximity to Manhattan and the considerable Japanese expatriate community drew on many of their experiences in Tokyo.

Once in the New York metropolitan area, Melba found new work opportunities to contribute her education and experience. After a part-time position at Pace University’s law school in White Plains, NY, she joined the world mission office of The Episcopal Church headquarters in New York City, across from the United Nations.  While working for the Episcopal Church from 1989 to 1997, she supported  missionaries around the world including traveling to Panama, Kenya, and Uganda.

After moving to Washington, MA in the Berkshires following Lyle’s retirement, she continued to commute to NYC for three days each week for a few more years before she retired.  She loved to sing in the choir at Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield MA, and was an active participant in four book clubs. Her love of the Berkshires included regular trips to Tanglewood concerts, hiking the Appalachian Trail while picking berries, and both downhill and cross country skiing. As Lyle told one of her children who was only joking about how they could have retired to a warmer climate: “Your mother loves the snow too much.” At their home in the hills of the Berkshires, it seemed to snow almost every day during peak winter months. In the spring they made maple syrup from the trees on their property.

After moving to Amherst in 2011, she was an active member at Immanuel Lutheran Church and represented the church in the Interfaith Opportunities Network which connected local houses of worship. By moving to Amherst where their son’s family had moved, she and Lyle were able to attend the many sports, music and other school activities of their three grandchildren Edward, Catherine and William.

Melba Larson is survived by daughter Susan; son Nathanael, his wife Elizabeth and three grandchildren; and daughter Rachel. She is also survived by her brother Carmen Wold of Watford City, North Dakota. She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle, brothers Harold Wold and Ralph Wold, and by her sister Pearl Marian Njus.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am Saturday June 15, 2024, at Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary, 1501 Fulham Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, with Rev. Jeffrey Johnson officiating. Interment will be the following day in Newman Grove, Nebraska.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Melba Larson was born Jan. 31, 1933, to Olga B. (Karlstad) Wold and Helmer P. Wold in Watford City, North Dakota.  She moved with her family to Bemidji, MN 1946-49, then back to the Karlstad family farm in ND, graduating in 1951 from Dakota Lutheran High School, Minot, ND.

Melba pursued her college degrees by working as many as five part-time jobs simultaneously, graduating 1953 from Waldorf College, Forest City, IA (a junior college at the time) where she earned a teaching degree. She then studied at bible school in California before going on to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, majoring in History and Music, and graduating in 1958. While at Concordia she toured with the college choir and was in a group called Mission Ambassadors “intended for Cobbers who are planning to be missionaries or who are very interested in the needs of various mission fields.”

In 1958 she made her first global mission trip, traveling to Europe with a volunteer group, working on a rural development project in France and then traveling around Europe with fellow volunteers. 

In 1959 she was working at the American Lutheran Church headquarters in Minneapolis, MN in the world missions office, when she was introduced via mutual friends to Lyle Edwin Larson who was studying at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Within a year they were married: on April 9, 1960, they said their vows at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Paul MN. By the time Lyle graduated from seminary and was ordained as a minister, they had their first child and a call from the American Lutheran Church to join its mission in Tokyo, Japan. Which, after Lyle got over his surprise at being asked to go to Japan again (where he had been stationed with the U.S. Air Force), and with Melba’s encouraging support, they both accepted.

During their cumulative 25 years in Japan, Melba gave birth to two more children, taught English part-time for many years, was the undeniable favorite of the family dog, and enjoyed singing in every church choir, especially at St. Paul International Lutheran Church in Tokyo. She made many friends in Tokyo including among the expat community, and in retirement was able to fulfill more travel dreams like making multiple trips to visit friends in Australia, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Switzerland.   

After returning to the United States in 1985, and a year in Niagara Falls, NY where Lyle served as interim pastor, Melba and Lyle moved to Scarsdale, NY where Lyle was installed as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church until his retirement in 1994. They immediately felt at home, as the proximity to Manhattan and the considerable Japanese expatriate community drew on many of their experiences in Tokyo.

Once in the New York metropolitan area, Melba found new work opportunities to contribute her education and experience. After a part-time position at Pace University’s law school in White Plains, NY, she joined the world mission office of The Episcopal Church headquarters in New York City, across from the United Nations.  While working for the Episcopal Church from 1989 to 1997, she supported  missionaries around the world including traveling to Panama, Kenya, and Uganda.

After moving to Washington, MA in the Berkshires following Lyle’s retirement, she continued to commute to NYC for three days each week for a few more years before she retired.  She loved to sing in the choir at Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield MA, and was an active participant in four book clubs. Her love of the Berkshires included regular trips to Tanglewood concerts, hiking the Appalachian Trail while picking berries, and both downhill and cross country skiing. As Lyle told one of her children who was only joking about how they could have retired to a warmer climate: “Your mother loves the snow too much.” At their home in the hills of the Berkshires, it seemed to snow almost every day during peak winter months. In the spring they made maple syrup from the trees on their property.

After moving to Amherst in 2011, she was an active member at Immanuel Lutheran Church and represented the church in the Interfaith Opportunities Network which connected local houses of worship. By moving to Amherst where their son’s family had moved, she and Lyle were able to attend the many sports, music and other school activities of their three grandchildren Edward, Catherine and William.

Melba Larson is survived by daughter Susan; son Nathanael, his wife Elizabeth and three grandchildren; and daughter Rachel. She is also survived by her brother Carmen Wold of Watford City, North Dakota. She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle, brothers Harold Wold and Ralph Wold, and by her sister Pearl Marian Njus.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am Saturday June 15, 2024, at Chapel of the Incarnation, Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary, 1501 Fulham Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota, with Rev. Jeffrey Johnson officiating. Interment will be the following day in Newman Grove, Nebraska.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

AMHERST, MA. Cynthia Walker Kuusisto (Cindy) passed away on May 20th, 2024. She was born January 2nd, 1951 as the only child of Maynard and Katherine (Galvin) Walker of Claremont, NH. She attended a three-room schoolhouse prior to graduating from Stevens High School (Claremont, NH) in 1969. 

She attended the University of New Hampshire, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Social Sciences in 1973. She subsequently obtained her MSW in 1981 at the University of Connecticut. Cindy spent five years as an ombudsman at Springfield Health Center and Resident Services Coordinator at Applewood for seven years. After then spending the majority of her career as a medical social worker she retired from Baystate Medical Center. She considered it a privilege and honor to work with patients and their families during some of their most difficult times. 

Cindy met John Kuusisto at UNH and they were married in 1973. They have three sons: Alan and wife Michel Ryan of Sunderland; Peter of Pelham; and Colin and partner Morgan Taggart-Hampton of New Hampton, New Hampshire. She has three beloved grandchildren: Isabella Vassallo, Matthew Vassallo, and Sean Kuusisto, all of Sunderland. She and her family have lived in Amherst and Pelham since 1978. She also spent over 60 years enjoying summers at the family cottage on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire. 

She has been a longtime member of First Congregational Church in Amherst where she has been involved in numerous activities. She served on the Mission Ministry Team for 30 years, as Chair of the Cranberry Fair, on the Prior Leadership Council, and was a longtime member of the choir. 

Cindy was an avid reader who participated in the monthly Pelham Library Book Club for numerous years. She enjoyed piano playing since her elementary school years and continued to play for her own enjoyment. 

Cindy would like to thank the Red Tray Team for their friendship and care. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Compassionate Care ALS of West Falmouth (CCALS.org). 

A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church in Amherst, MA on June 8th at 2:00 P.M.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Amherst, Ma: Judith “Judy” Hobart, age 88, peacefully passed away on Friday April 5^th at the Hospice of Fisher Home in Amherst where she received kind, compassionate, and loving care during the last months of her battle with cancer.

She retired from the Town of Amherst Collectors office and spent her retirement enjoying antiquing, dancing, and dining with Gardner. An avid reader, she volunteered at the Leverett Library and was an active member of the Friends of the Leverett Library. She remained active throughout her retirement by volunteering for the Leverett Council of Aging and could be found assisting with Friday luncheons and many other activities. She loved nothing more than spending time with friends bowling, playing canasta, and attending plays and musicals. In her free time, you could find her watching old TV shows, reading and listening to country music.

She joins her husband, Gardner M. Hobart, who passed away in 2009. Judy is survived by her children Tyler Shearer and his wife Debra of Ponte Vedra, Fl, Randy Shearer of Leverett, Ma and Robin Walsh of Sunderland, Ma. She leaves five grandchildren, Shay Howey of Putney, Vt, Afton Dibrindisi of Florence, Ma. Corey Shearer of Raleigh, NC, Josh Bridges of Atlanta, GA, and Hayden Shearer of Tampa, FL and four great-grandchildren, Kali, Cole, Jace, and Ryker. Judy also leaves her beloved niece, Dawn Hood of Peoria, Arizona, and many dear friends.

A graveside service is being held on July 13, 2024 at 10am at the North Amherst Cemetery in Amherst where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Gardner.

Donations can be made in Judy’s name to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 N.Pleasant St. Amherst, Ma. www.fisherhome.org or the Friends of Leverett Library c/o Leverett Library, PO Box 250 Leverett, Ma. 01054.

Memorial guestbook can be found at www.douglassfuneral.com.

HADLEY, MA: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mia Kleiner, born Ana Maria Hodgkins, in Hadley, MA, on April 28, 2024.

Born in Springfield on January 19, 1961, Mia grew up in Pelham and Amherst, MA, and attended Smith Vocational High School for nursing. She also spent most of her summers in Vermont, where she found peace in the beauty of the Green Mountains and created memories with family and friends.

Mia’s unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life, providing her with solace and strength in every circumstance. Her devotion to God permeated every aspect of her being, guiding her through both joyful moments and times of adversity, radiating blessings to all those she encountered.

Known for her lively spirit and infectious joy, Mia embraced each moment with enthusiasm. Her cousins recall her as the life of any gathering, effortlessly lighting up the dance floor with her vibrant energy.

Above all, Mia cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis (Hodgkins) Aldrich, and stepfather, Lee Aldrich. She leaves behind her two beloved children, Shaloma Robinson (Josh) and Justin Kleiner, as well as her grandson, Luca, who brought her immense joy and pride.

In the hearts of all who knew her, Mia’s memory will continue to shine brightly, a testament to the love, joy, and laughter she brought into the world.

A celebration of Mia’s life will be held at Douglass Funeral in Amherst on May 14, 2024 with calling hours from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 11:30am.

A graveside service will then take place at the Pelham Hill Cemetery on North Valley Road, where Mia will be laid to rest alongside her loved ones.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

HADLEY, MA: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mia Kleiner, born Ana Maria Hodgkins, in Hadley, MA, on April 28, 2024.

Born in Springfield on January 19, 1961, Mia grew up in Pelham and Amherst, MA, and attended Smith Vocational High School for nursing. She also spent most of her summers in Vermont, where she found peace in the beauty of the Green Mountains and created memories with family and friends.

Mia’s unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life, providing her with solace and strength in every circumstance. Her devotion to God permeated every aspect of her being, guiding her through both joyful moments and times of adversity, radiating blessings to all those she encountered.

Known for her lively spirit and infectious joy, Mia embraced each moment with enthusiasm. Her cousins recall her as the life of any gathering, effortlessly lighting up the dance floor with her vibrant energy.

Above all, Mia cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis (Hodgkins) Aldrich, and stepfather, Lee Aldrich. She leaves behind her two beloved children, Shaloma Robinson (Josh) and Justin Kleiner, as well as her grandson, Luca, who brought her immense joy and pride.

In the hearts of all who knew her, Mia’s memory will continue to shine brightly, a testament to the love, joy, and laughter she brought into the world.

A celebration of Mia’s life will be held at Douglass Funeral in Amherst on May 14, 2024 with calling hours from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 11:30am.

A graveside service will then take place at the Pelham Hill Cemetery on North Valley Road, where Mia will be laid to rest alongside her loved ones.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Allan C. Carpenter passed away peacefully on Sunday April 28th at the ripe old age of 100 surrounded by his family. Born September 1, 1923 in Greenfield, MA to G. Walter and Rebecca Carpenter, he was the second of four children. He survived Mary Jean Burr, G. Parker Carpenter, and Natalie Malloy.

In November 1948 he married Barbara May Julian “ the most loving girl in the world “ and together raised a family of four. Nancy Watts of East Sandwich, MA , David Carpenter of Chatham MA, Stephen (Maria) Carpenter of Berlin CT, and Ann Misuraca of San Diego, CA.

He leaves 3 grandchildren, Jesse Carpenter of Beverly MA, Evan Misuraca of San Diego, CA, and Ellie Misuraca of San Diego, CA. Two great grandchildren, Owen Carpenter and Merrick Carpenter both of Beverly, MA. He was also a devoted uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

He was no stranger to work, helping deliver milk at a young age. He enlisted and served 4 years in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts in 1950, he worked supervising the construction of over 50 schools in Massachusetts including the 3 elementary schools in Amherst as well as the junior high school. After 27 years in that job, he spent the last 10 years of his career closer to home as the director of transportation, energy, and maintenance for the Amherst school system. He was a town meeting member for over 30 years, and served on the boards of The Jones Library and South Congregational Church.

He loved his family, his church, his neighbors, and all the people who touched his life.

A celebration of his life will be held June 14^th @ 11 AM at South Church 1066 South East St., Amherst.

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com