Rae Selig fulfilled a wonderful life on Thursday, November 29, 2018, with her family by her side. She is survived by her son Ted and wife Kim of Carlisle, her son Thomas and wife Christine of Hadley, her daughter Chris of San Francisco, her brother Ian and nephew Christopher of Amherst, and her three grandchildren Tanner, Adam, and Alexis. She was predeceased by her husband, Ernie. 

Rae was born to parents from Clydebank, Scotland, who immigrated to the US in the 1920s to escape hardship, and she grew up in Union, New Jersey. She was the first generation and first woman in her family to attend college graduating from Cornell University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government. It was there Rae met her husband Ernest T. Selig III. 

Rae was a very warm, kind, funny, understated, interesting person with an excellent mind. Her elegant minimalist sense of aesthetics and love of art made her surroundings beautiful. She lovingly cared well for a piece of land where we grew up that has thriving woods, many wild animals, and a flourishing flower garden.  

Over the years of traveling the world with Ernie and hosting countless visiting families in her home, she became known as much for her genuine, warm hospitality as for her fabulous meals. Rae was an amazing cook with a bookshelf full of recipes she used as inspiration but adjusted by taste. The dinners were a delicious pretext for long and lingering contemplative conversations about life and the world and were always filled with joy and moments of uproarious laughter. 

For over 20 years, Rae hosted a Friday morning tea for young immigrant women from 19 countries around the world. She welcomed these women for a conversation group where they became comfortable speaking English and grew a support network. She understood that her life was much richer knowing people from cultures all over the world. 

Rae and Ernie were married for 58 years. During their happy adventure-filled life together they created homes in the university communities of Chicago, IL, Buffalo, NY and Amherst, MA and had sabbaticals at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Nottingham University, United Kingdom, and Pretoria University, South Africa. Her travels took her to six continents. At each new home and on every adventure, her genuine warmth and graciousness earned her new friends quickly. 

We were so lucky to have such a wonderful mom. She gave so much of herself to her family, more than we could ever fully communicate. She was also so very pleased her children are the people they are. Rae was a loving grandmother and delighted in spending time with her three grandchildren, who she called the “little people’” (and who are no longer little).  

We will continue to love and cherish such a wonderful woman. A tea and tribute to celebrate Rae’s life will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 10 AM at the Lord Jeffrey Inn in Amherst, MA. with a reception to follow at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, consider building your world friendships by hosting a tea. If you wish to make a tribute gift, please consider donating in her name to the Kestrel Land Trust www.kestreltrust.org/give/tribute-gift

James A. Lashway, 51, died Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Hospice of the Fisher Home in North Amherst, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was the son of the late Donald and Helen {Ryznic} Lashway. Jim is survived by his sister’s Kathy Weaver, Teri Coffin, brother’s Donnie, David, Peter, Chris and his twin John as well as many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Maizey.

Jim graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1985, from there he was a long time employee in the food service industry.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Fisher Home for their loving care that they gave Jim.

Donations in his name may be made to Hospice of the Fisher Home 1165 N. Pleasant St. Amherst, MA 01002. All funeral services and burial will be private.

Joan Ruth (Williams) Moore, 87 passed away on December 10, 2018.
She was born on June 6, 1931 in Ashley, PA, where she lived with her parents Mildred (Stevens) Williams, William Williams and her younger sister Sylvia.

As a child, she liked to hike the hills of Scranton Pennsylvania and loved to attend dances at the local YMCA. She spent her summers by the ocean in Wildwood, New Jersey. She attended West Scranton High School and graduated in 1949. Her first job at age 16 was at McCrory’s Department Store.

Joan was very involved in the youth fellowship at her church and met her future husband John Moore at a church play in 1949. He was an actor and she was his makeup artist. They were married on March 24, 1956 at the Firwood Methodist Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

John’s job brought them to many different cities until the couple settled for 13 years in Springfield, Massachusetts with their 3 children Karl, Bruce, and Ruth. An avid reader, Joan loved books and started working at various libraries throughout the Springfield public-school system, followed by long-term employment at the Springfield Public Library from 1973 to 1978. She enjoyed library work and as John’s job continued to move them around the country, she found work at the local libraries in many of the cities where they lived, both as an employee and as a volunteer.

Joan had many interests including a love of architecture, antique cars, reading and collecting beautiful depression glass, but her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. She was a kind and generous person who devoted most of her life to supporting the ambitions and dreams of her children and husband.

She is survived by her children Karl Moore and Ruth Lahnston, her grandchildren Geoffrey Moore, Kevin Moore, Abigail Lahnston and Victoria Lahnston, her great-granddaughter Lyra Moore and many members of her extended family.

A celebration of her life will take place this spring at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Joan may make gifts to the Springfield (MA) Library Foundation in memory of Joan Moore.

Zina Tillona, 89, of Amherst, a professor emerita of Italian at the University of Massachusetts and retired attorney, died peacefully on December 6, 2018, at the Hospice of the Fisher Home, Amherst.

Born in Sicily and raised in Brooklyn, Zina first came to Amherst in 1951 to teach Romance languages at UMass. During most of the ensuing seven decades, she made her home here and touched the lives of generations of students, colleagues, friends and neighbors. She served the Hampshire County and Five Colleges communities in two successive careers – first as an educator, scholar, and college administrator, then as a lawyer in private practice.

She is survived by her sister Patricia Tillona; niece Susanne Tillona; nephew Thomas Tillona; sister-in-law Carol Tillona; and many cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her sister Francesca Tillona; brother Salvatore Tillona; and brother-in-law Stephen Barry.

Zina was born in Licodia Eubea, Sicily, on September 3, 1929. Her parents brought her to New York in the early 1930s, settling first in Lower Manhattan and later in Brooklyn. A precocious student, Zina graduated from Brooklyn’s Abraham Lincoln High School at age 16. She earned a B.A. in Italian language and literature from Hunter College in 1950 and an M.A. in Italian literature from Wellesley College in 1951.

Zina was an instructor in UMass’s Department of Romance Languages from 1951 to 1960. From 1955 to 1957 she was a Fulbright scholar in Rome, where she studied at the University of Rome and taught English at the Center for American Studies. She earned a Doctorate of Modern Languages in Italian in 1960 from Middlebury College, completing a dissertation on Luigi Pirandello’s Novelle per un anno. She taught Italian at Wellesley from 1960 to 1964 and at Boston University from 1964 to 1966. Zina returned to UMass in 1966 as a professor of Italian and head of the Italian language program. From 1972 to 1979, she served in the UMass-Amherst administration as associate provost and special assistant to the chancellor. She retired from UMass in 1986 to pursue a second career in law.

She received her J.D. in 1986 from the Western New England College School of Law, Springfield, and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar. For two decades, she practiced law in Hadley and Amherst. Her practice included family law, elder law, guardianship and criminal defense. Zina was also active in public affairs, serving the Town of Amherst as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Charter Commission and the Representative Town Meeting.

Zina made numerous visits to Italy and traveled widely in Europe, Asia and Latin America. She loved to cook and to do the New York Times crossword. An avid reader, she had a particular fondness for mystery novels and courtroom fiction. She was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst, for more than a quarter century, and a member of the Amherst Club and Five Colleges Learning in Retirement.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Church, 14 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11:00am. Additional details are available at www.douglassfuneral.com

Dr. Paul Edward Drummond, died unexpectedly Friday December 7^th, 2018 at his home. He was born September 25, 1930 in Dorchester, MA to the late Henry and Edith {Cochrane} Drummond. Paul is survived by his daughter Edie Pullen, his sons Peter and David, his grandchildren Nicole and Jessica Pullen and Emily and Katherine Drummond, his sister-in-law Nancy Shea Hughes, his son-in-law Scott Pullen and his daughter-in-law Patricia and his many nephews, nieces and cousins. Paul is preceded in death by his wife, Irene Shea Drummond, his parents, Henry and Edith Drummond, his infant sons John and Andrew and his brothers Robert, Henry and sister Joan Gibson, his beloved Aunt Frances, and brother-in-law James Hughes.

Paul was a graduate of Boston College where he earned his Master’s degree in Chemistry, earning his PhD from Vanderbilt University with Post-Doctoral studies at MIT. 

He met his wife Irene at BC and they were married in 1958, raising three children in Western NY and Yardley PA before working in Amherst MA.  

His career ranged from leading FMC’s Research & Development department as their Director, where his team produced notable agricultural chemical patents that were sold worldwide. He later was Director of Physical Operations for UMass’ Chemistry and Physics departments, where he earned the Chancellor’s Award, until he retired. 

In addition to raising his family, Paul was active with the Boys Scouts, the Catholic Church where he taught CCD classes, loved to cook, listen to classical music, enjoy British mysteries and comedies, spend time with his beloved pets, in particular Sammy who helped him after the death of his wife. He was also very proud of his four granddaughters. 

Paul was blessed to have the support of his faith, family, friends, spirit and the excellent care from and the many fine doctors and caregivers in the Pioneer Valley. 

Paul is going home to God. 

Calling hours will be today, Monday December 10, from 5 – 7 pm at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am Tuesday at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter. 

Phyllis (Cooley) Paige, of Amherst, passed away Dec. 1, 2018 after a short illness. Born in Pittsfield, MA, in 1925, she was the daughter of Fred A. and Alma (Smith) Cooley. She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1943, and spent the following year at General Electric, Pittsfield working in support of the war effort. Phyllis attended Mass. State College in Amherst from 1944-46. She wed Harlan L. Paige of Amherst in 1946 and embarked on a remarkable life as a mother, music teacher, vocalist, Amherst Town Meeting member and writer (and drove a Chevrolet). Phyllis wrote columns and features for the Amherst Record and Hampshire Gazette newspapers for a number of years. An accomplished singer, she performed professionally with the Robert Shaw Chorale, directed the junior choir at Grace Church in Amherst and served as lead vocalist in the choirs of several area churches. She also performed with the Amherst Community Opera and was a founding member of the Commonwealth Opera in Northampton.

In 1977, Phyllis enrolled as an Ada Comstock Scholar at Smith College, graduating with a degree in Music (at the age of 55) in 1980. Phyllis then worked as the Executive Secretary of the Friends of the Smith College Libraries, retiring in 1990. In retirement, Phyllis read extensively, worked as a research assistant, and enjoyed travel, gardening, cooking and spending time with family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Harlan, in 1984 and by a brother, Alan Cooley, in 2006. She leaves her sons and their spouses, Steven (Terry) of S. Dennis, James (Sherry) of Putnamville, VT, and Thomas (Shelly) of Sunderland, along with 8 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren along with many dear friends and neighbors.

Calling hours are Tuesday, Dec. 11th from 4:00 – 6:00pm at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. A private family service and burial will take place the following day. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: the Phyllis Cooley Paige fund, Smith College Libraries (in support of music collections), c/o Friends of the Libraries, 4 Tyler Dr., Northampton, MA 01063.

Phyllis (Cooley) Paige, of Amherst, passed away Dec. 1, 2018 after a short illness. Born in Pittsfield, MA, in 1925, she was the daughter of Fred A. and Alma (Smith) Cooley. She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1943, and spent the following year at General Electric, Pittsfield working in support of the war effort. Phyllis attended Mass. State College in Amherst from 1944-46. She wed Harlan L. Paige of Amherst in 1946 and embarked on a remarkable life as a mother, music teacher, vocalist, Amherst Town Meeting member and writer (and drove a Chevrolet). Phyllis wrote columns and features for the Amherst Record and Hampshire Gazette newspapers for a number of years. An accomplished singer, she performed professionally with the Robert Shaw Chorale, directed the junior choir at Grace Church in Amherst and served as lead vocalist in the choirs of several area churches. She also performed with the Amherst Community Opera and was a founding member of the Commonwealth Opera in Northampton.

In 1977, Phyllis enrolled as an Ada Comstock Scholar at Smith College, graduating with a degree in Music (at the age of 55) in 1980. Phyllis then worked as the Executive Secretary of the Friends of the Smith College Libraries, retiring in 1990. In retirement, Phyllis read extensively, worked as a research assistant, and enjoyed travel, gardening, cooking and spending time with family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Harlan, in 1984 and by a brother, Alan Cooley, in 2006. She leaves her sons and their spouses, Steven (Terry) of S. Dennis, James (Sherry) of Putnamville, VT, and Thomas (Shelly) of Sunderland, along with 8 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren along with many dear friends and neighbors.

Calling hours are Tuesday, Dec. 11th from 4:00 – 6:00pm at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. A private family service and burial will take place the following day. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: the Phyllis Cooley Paige fund, Smith College Libraries (in support of music collections), c/o Friends of the Libraries, 4 Tyler Dr., Northampton, MA 01063.

Eleanor V. Hutchinson passed away Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at the age of 91.

Born in 1927 in Worcester, MA, to Frederick and Frances (Maglione) Riley, Eleanor attended Commerce High School. She worked as an executive secretary at General Electric in Worcester, and later was secretary to the president of Amherst College.

Eleanor was a wonderful baker. Family members loved her cakes and pies and remember her taking requests for their birthday cakes. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially on vacations, during holidays, and while celebrating milestones.

She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, William Hutchinson, PhD; brother, James Riley; and sister, Eileen Riley. Eleanor is survived by her son, Bill (Michelle); daughter, Ellen Feld (Michael); grandchildren, Will Hutchinson, Sarah Hutchinson, Holly Feld, and Nicholas Feld; two great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Conlin; brother, Francis Riley; and many members of her extended family.

Calling hours will be Monday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley. Burial will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Hadley.

Northampton – Roger R. Riel died at home after a short illness on Monday, November 26, 2018. He was born on March 19, 1967 in Northampton to Richard and Nancy (Borowski) Riel.

Roger worked in landscaping for many years and enjoyed spending time on the farm with his mother and uncle.

He leaves behind his mother, Nancy; his four children, Andrew, Shauna, Alex, and Emily; his four grandchildren, Alex, Mason, Julian, and Kiana; his brother Richard and sister Sylvia, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Robert Charles Cook, 57, passed away unexpectedly on November 18, 2018. 

Bob was born in Springfield, MA on November 7, 1961 to Kenneth and Beverly Cook. He spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Amherst, MA where he grew up with one sister and eight brothers. He graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1979 and went on to earn his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1983. While in school, Bob joined the Amherst Fire Department and served the community as a captain of the call force as well as an EMT for more than 18 years. 

Bob married Lynn Duby in 1984 and moved to Sunderland, MA in 1986 where together they raised their three children Chris, Scott, and Briana. Bob had an industrious career as a software engineer, beginning his career at the Center for Intelligent Information Retrieval at UMass and then co-founding a company, which would later play a large part in developing the FBI’s counter terrorism system. At home he was a loving father as he coached, cheered, and supported all three of his children. 

Bob enjoyed skiing with his friends and family, particularly at Mount Snow where he was a kids ski instructor. After fun times on the slopes he enjoyed good food and good beer with friends. Most recently Bob called Reston, VA home as he continued his work as a software engineer.  

Bob is survived by his beloved children Chris (Erika), Scott, and Brie; his former wife, Lynn Cook; his mother, Beverly Cook; his nine siblings, Kathleen, Ken, Tom, Gary, Jim, Steve, Joe, Dan, and John. Bob was loved by a large network of extended family and friends.  

Friends and family are invited to calling hours from 4pm to 7pm on Friday November 30^th at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst.  A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, December 1^st at the Newman Catholic Center at UMass at 10am followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Adaptive Sports at Mt. Snow 39 Mt. Snow Rd. Mt. Snow, Vt. 05356 {msadaptive.org}