Kent Poey of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away at the age of 73 on August 9^th, 2017. He is survived by his two sons Alan and Christopher Poey, his two grandchildren William and Rhea Poey, his first wife and mother of his sons Andrea Tovar, and his second wife Laurie DeVault and her son David Goldberg.

Kent was born to Cortlandt and Eleanore (Norstrom) Poey on April 10^th, 1944, and grew up in Glen Head, Long Island. In high school he was the captain of the varsity tennis team and his church league basketball team. He relished his 4 years at Colgate University, where he joined the Phi Tau fraternity and explored interests in philosophy, psychology and history. After college he earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at UMass, and then took a job at the UMass Mental Health Services, where he happily remained his entire career, providing psychotherapy to students, running a group therapy program, and serving as director of the predoctoral internship program. Kent also had a part-time private practice in Amherst where he treated adults and couples, which he maintained even after retirement from UMass.

Kent loved to travel, and in 1972 at the age of 28 he took a year off from work to backpack around the world, visiting 26 countries throughout Europe, Africa and Asia, practicing meditation with spiritual teachers in India and studying Eastern psychologies. He met his first wife Andrea Tovar in 1978, and they made their first home in Shutesbury, MA, overlooking Lake Wyola. It was there that they brought their sons Alan and Christopher into the world, before moving to a larger house in Amherst in 1986, where the family remained until the boys went off to college. Kent and Andrea were divorced in 2005 but remained good friends.

In 2005 Kent met Laurie DeVault, and the two got married in 2008. They enjoyed music and dancing, trips to Canada, California, Hawaii, St. Lucia, and Mexico, hiking in the White Mountains, and their homemade lime and grapefruit margaritas.  Their marriage ended in divorce but they always remained friends.

Kent fell in love once again when he met Martha (Marti) Harris, a fellow psychotherapist with whom he shared an interest in Buddhism. Marti was a big source of support for Kent when his cognitive decline was getting worse.

Kent loved being a dad. He coached his sons’ soccer teams for years, encouraged their academic success, and took the family on a number of memorable vacations like a safari in Kenya, a favorite resort spot in Jamaica, and family road trips around the US Southwest, Spain, and Southern France. During the summers when Kent’s father was still living, the family would spend joyful weeks at Cortlandt’s summerhouse in Southold, Long Island, where Kent loved exploring the beaches with his boys, taking them out porgy fishing on an inflatable dingy in the Sound, and playing Yahtzee, Rummykub, and Parcheesi into the night. Kent would often talk about his boys as his greatest pride and joy. He was a deeply caring and fun-loving father who taught his sons to work hard and play hard, and encouraged them to pursue their goals and become whomever they wanted to be.

Kent was a cat person, he was a lifelong Patriots, Celtics, and Yankees fan, he was an excellent golfer, he enjoyed swimming at the fitness club every morning before work, he loved taking his family camping and hiking, he took pride in his vegetable garden, and he became a big-time stamp collector in his later years, growing his father’s and grandfather’s collection into something truly special.

Kent’s life story took a sad and unfair turn when he developed Alzheimer’s disease. He spent the last two years of his life at the assisted living facility Orchard Valley in Wilbraham, MA, where he dealt with his condition with grace and acceptance. He took great pleasure in visits from his grandchildren William and Rhea, seeing them grow up to the ages of 2 and 1 respectively. During his final years, William could make him smile and laugh like no one else, and the two had formed a very special bond. Kent became adjusted to life at Orchard Valley and seemed at peace there. He died suddenly of cardiac arrest.

His memorial service will be held at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst, MA this Saturday, August 19^th, with visitation from 1-2pm and a service from 2-3. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kent’s honor to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

Justin Xiong, a beloved son, caring brother, and firecracker friend, passed away on the morning of August 10th at age 15 in Baystate Medical Center with his loving mother and brother holding him.  Although his death was unexpected to happen so quickly, the family of Justin would like to celebrate his life, not mourn his death.

Justin, his friends often called him “Justy” or “Justoon”, was a very happy child.  He felt so privileged to have a family that took him traveling to many places.  From an overseas trip to Taiwan and The Caribbean, to a road trip to Florida, to San Francisco, to the glaciers in Alaska, to Las Vegas/the National Parks in Utah and Arizona, to the closer National Park Acadia, to  Fermilab in Chicago and to Niagara falls, traveling was the highlight of his life.

Despite Justin’s physical limitations, there was nothing that could contain his other abilities.  He accomplished so many achievements during his 15 years.  He not only skipped 7th grade, but was also 30 points short from a perfect SAT score while he attended 10th grade.  Although with almost a month of absences from his classes due to his health, he again aced his report card and had a perfect score on his Chemistry SAT.

In the last few weeks, Justin developed a passion for cooking.  He found countless recipes for his mom to try.  Justin even took into consideration of his health and didn’t pick recipes that had high sugar, despite his love for sweets.

Two weeks ago, Justin was hospitalized for 8 days.  When he returned home on August 6th, he spent the remainder of his life doing all the things he always loved.  Justin went shopping with his mom at Whole Foods and ate Mexican food and sushi.  He also watched his favorite show, Chopped, played Wii and a newly bought online game, with his brother.

Please join us to celebrate Justin’s life on Sunday, the 20th from 1 to 2 PM at the Douglass Funeral Service at 87 N. Pleasant St. Amherst, MA 01002.  Please wear your casual clothing as Justin has seen/known you.  Please don’t be a stranger to Justin!

Amherst, Wayne W. Lannon, 80, of Amherst, husband of Pauline Lannon, died August 8, 2017.

Born on January 2, 1937 in Northampton, Wayne was the son of Gordon and Margaret Campbell Lannon.  He attended Amherst schools.  He served in the army 1960-1962 and was stationed in Anchorage, AL. 

Wayne (Tippy) admired classic and antique cars and frequented local car shows.  He  could tell you the make and model of any car that came by.  He was also an avid card player and competed in many Pitch tournaments and enjoyed early morning get togethers with friends at Kelly’s restaurant.

Wayne was predeceased by his brother Tom.  He leaves behind sister, Lois Logan of South Yarmouth, Ma.  He leaves two sons, Michael and wife, Lori of Easthampton and Matthew and wife, Kelly, of Amherst.  Also granddaughter, Haley of Los Angeles, Ca.

Tippy was employed with Paige’s Chevrolet (Classic Chevrolet) for more than 50 years and more recently helped with deliveries at Atkins Farms.

Calling hours will be at the Douglass Funeral Service Sunday, August 13, from 3 – 6. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am, Monday, August 14, at St. Brigid’s church in Amherst with burial at St Brigid’s Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Recreation Department of the Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, Ma 01040-2829.

Louis S. Greenbaum (1930- 2017)

Amherst, Louis S. Greenbaum, 87, of Amherst, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, August 7th, 2017 at the Fisher Home in Amherst.

Louis was born on February 14, 1930 in Chicago to the late Adolph and Jennie Greenbaum but moved early on to Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin, (B.A. 1950) (M.A. 1951) and Harvard University, (Ph.D. 1955). He was the recipient of numerous awards and honors including a Fulbright Fellowship, the American Philosophical Society, and Fellow with the National Institute of Health.

Louis was a Professor of History at The University of Massachusetts from 1955-1992, specializing in 17 and 18th century European History, Church History, and the History of Public Health and Medicine in France. As a scholar he wrote one book, co-authored another, wrote numerous articles and participated in many conferences. Interested in the nexus of early American and French history, he discovered Thomas Jefferson’s designs for his “academic village” in Charlottesville, Virginia were based on plans for the proposal being debated in the Academy of Sciences to replace the religious Hotel Dieu with a scientific and medically enlightened hospital for the City of Paris, which were well-known to Jefferson when he was our ambassador to France in the 1780s.

Louis was a member or chair of numerous University committees over the years: Chairman of the Fine Arts Council, chairman of the Scholarship and Study Abroad Program, and Chairman of the University Fulbright Fellowship Program, member of the Faculty Senate, and faculty advisor and campus coordinator of Phi Eta Sigma, national freshman honor society among others. Nominated several times, he was named a Distinguished Teacher twice and was rewarded by being appointed Chair of the selection committee. As the first and founding Director of the University Honors Program, he was very proud that it not only prospered but thrived and evolved into the Commonwealth Honors College more than fifty years later.

In addition to his passion for teaching his many students over the years he was an equally passionate student of art, music, local Amherst history as well as Connecticut Valley decorative arts and architecture. Louis was very engaged in the Amherst Community as a member of the Historical commission in the 1970s and again forty years later, a trustee of the Jones Library and a long time town meeting member. Louis was also a founding member of the Jewish Community of Amherst and was instrumental in finding the Community’s current sanctuary. Louis enjoyed his daily swim (and social life) at the Hampshire Athletic club almost to the end of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Hilda, and his three children, Joel (Lisa) Greenbaum, Rachel (Robert) Vigderman all from Amherst, Jessie (Jeff) Goebel from Naples, FL and adored his eight grandchildren Jenna, David and Ava Greenbaum, Aaron and Daniel Valitt, Adam Vigderman, Sarah and Nathan Goebel.

Funeral services were held August 10th at the Jewish Community of Amherst with burial at the JCA cemetery in Shutesbury. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Jewish Community of Amherst, Hospice at the Fisher Home of Amherst, or the UMASS History Department undergraduate research fund to be established in his memory.

Leverett.  Arthur Elliott Carlisle died at Linda Manor, July 24, 2017.  Born in Montreal, Quebec in 1926, he was the son of the Right Reverend Bishop Arthur Carlisle and May Emery Carlisle.  He attended school in Montreal until his secondary education at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario.  He graduated from McGill University in 1948, having served in the Canadian Navy for two years.  He was married in 1949 to his wife Betsy with whom he celebrated his 68^th anniversary in July of this year.
 

Their married years began in Windsor, Ontario, where he worked briefly for the Ford Motor Company and for the Windsor Daily Star.  He then worked in the Personnel Department at Bendix of Canada and subsequently at the Stroh Brewery in Detroit, Michigan.  After nine years in business, he decided to pursue a Masters Degree in Business Administration at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, completing his doctoral studies there in 1966.  He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
 

Elliott joined the Management Department of the Business School at the University of Massachusetts in 1966.  His book Cultures in Collision was published in 1967 and “Mac”: Conversations About Management published in 1983.  The latter provided extensive material for the authors of the popularized One Minute Manager.  He wrote numerous articles, among them “Organizational Dynamics, “ particularly influential in the field of Management.
 

While Elliott enjoyed these writing projects, his time in the classroom was what he valued the most.  He loved teaching and his students appreciated, not only his keen sense of humor, his ability to add his fourteen years in business to his academic training at the University in Michigan.  His extensive consulting during his years at the University helped to validate the theories that he was teaching his students.

Outside of the classroom, Elliott directed many doctoral dissertations. 
 

For a number of years Elliott served as Director of the North American Institute for Trade and Economics, which brought him back to his interest in Canadian-American relations in the fields of economics and trade.
 

Elliott loved to travel, beginning with a bicycle trip with Betsy through Britain in the second year of their marriage.  Sabbaticals and summer vacations took him to France and enriched his love of photography.  His camera went with him on walks through New England, Europe and a trip with students to the Far East and to Russia.
 

During retirement he served on several boards in the Greenfield area.  One that he found particularly engaging was Channing Bete.  He also welcomed the opportunity to participate in the Restorative Justice Program and the Community Meals, both in Greenfield.   He had a special interest in the Turners Falls Survival Center. 
 

Elliott’s passion for classical music sustained him during these last years of his debilitating illness.
 

Elliott leaves his wife, Betsy and their children, Cynthia, Christopher and Nathalie Carlisle, Mark and Susan Carlisle, Elizabeth Bartow, Timothy and Karen Carlisle, his grandchildren, Ashley and Andrew Trafford, Caroline Carlisle and Tracey Ross, William Carlisle, Chloe Carlisle, Heather Carlisle, Meredith and Jared Colicchhie, Andrew and Meg Carlisle, Elliott, Timothy, Katherine and Samantha Bartow, Jack, Catherine, and Paige Carlisle.  He felt blessed to have lived long enough to know his eleven great grandchildren.  He also leaves his sister, Patricia Carlisle States of Prouts Neck, Maine, and four nephews, Brooke States of Gloucester, Massachusetts and Capel States of  Pittsboro, North Carolina, Joshua Hirsch of Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, and David Hirsch of Woodbine, New Jersey.
 

The celebration of Elliott’s life will take place on Friday, August 4th at St. James and St. Andrew Episcopal Church in Greenfield at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Episcopal Church of St. James and St. Andrew, Greenfield or the Franklin Area Survival Center of Turners Falls.

Amherst, Sylvia Blanchard Stoneham, aged 85, died peacefully on July 22, 2017. Family members were with her leading up to her passing.  Sylvia was born in Providence, RI on March 9^th, 1932.

She was the widow of Joel Metcalf Stoneham (1929-1979) and daughter of Helen Chadwick Blanchard and Raymond Cobb Blanchard. Sylvia was a graduate of North Attleboro, MA. High School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire in 1953.

Mrs. Stoneham taught in the elementary schools of Plainville, MA and Exeter, NH prior to serving as a substitute teacher in Amherst, Hadley and Erving, M.A.  In 1974 she received her paralegal certification from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and served as legal secretary and assistant town clerk in Amherst.

A long time resident of Amherst, Sylvia was involved with the Hampshire Choral Society and with the University Women’s chorus as well as the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst.  She also enjoyed reading, poetry classes and playing the piano.

Sylvia’s proudest achievement comes from her role as mother of her three sons: Mark Chadwick Stoneham, David Fernald Stoneham and Peter Gilbert Stoneham. She is survived by 3 daughter in laws, Caroline Stoneham, Suzanne Stoneham and Barbara Fukushima and 5 grand-children, Emilia Stoneham, Elaine Stoneham, Olivia McDowell, Joel K Stoneham and Luke K Stoneham.  She is also survived by her brother Robert Chadwick Blanchard.

Special thank you’s to the staff at Linda Manor who cared for Sylvia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst

121 N Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002

C/O Sylvia Stoneham

Westborough, Jean Salter Roetter, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2017 at her home at the Willows, in Westborough, MA, surrounded by her three beloved daughters.  Born in Philadelphia, PA on December 19, 1924, to Katharine Hayden Salter and John Thomas Salter, she lived most of her life in Amherst, MA on Kellogg Avenue.  Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, Jurgen H. Roetter, her son-in-law Carlo John Palmieri, her sister Katharine Mahmood, her brother Joel Salter, and both her parents.  Survivors include her three daughters, Elizabeth Roetter (Eugene Tyksinski), Lucia Prosperi (Warren) and Susan Palmieri; her four adored grandchildren, Amy Kellogg, Stephen Kellogg (Kirsten), Christopher Prosperi, and Matthew Tyksinski (Emily); her eight amazing great grandchildren, Olivia, Julia, Will, Christopher, Sophia, Adeline, Noelle, and Greta; a sister, Patricia  Salter, a brother, Christopher Salter (Cathy), and many well loved nieces and nephews.  Jean graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BA in Philosophy and later earned her Masters degree in Communication Studies from the University of Massachusetts.  She founded a communication consulting service called Speak Up, and one of her greatest joys was helping people overcome their fear of public speaking.  Jean loved traveling the world with her husband, Jurgen, the opera, dancing, singing, writing poetry, cooking, and above all else she loved her family and her friends.  Jean was an active volunteer at Cooley Dickinson Hospital for over 25 years and she won several awards for her outstanding contributions.  Jean was the author of three books, Carrying The Banner, From Inside Out, and Thoughts Along The Way. Jean was a Deacon at Pilgrim Church and loved the time she spent there. There will be a celebration of Jean’s Life on August 23, 2017 at Pilgrim Church, 15 Common St. Southborough, MA at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Northeastern NY Chapter and mailed to 950 New Loudon Rd., Suite 330, Latham NY 12110.

Amherst, Brian McNamara, an Amherst resident since 1974, passed away at home on July 12, 2017 at the age of 72 after a two year illness. Brian was born in Staten Island, NY to Shirley and Leonard McNamara. Growing up the second oldest in a family of seven helped nurture his love of children that led to his career choice.  He enlisted in the Air Force after high school where his experiences influenced his view of the world and shaped his interest in justice and fairness for all. During his time in the service Brian became involved in the civil rights movement in Portsmouth, New Hampshire where he was stationed and worked to integrate the housing market.  He served in Vietnam in 1965-66 and then earned Bachelor and Master’s degrees at Wagner College on Staten Island. Brian met his wife, Judy, during those years and together they were actively involved in the anti-war movement of the late sixties. They also worked with parent groups and gave testimony in the Right to Treatment case in New York Federal Court that led to the closure of Willowbrook State School and many other state institutions housing children with developmental disabilities.

Brian and Judy moved to Amherst, MA in the summer of 1974 in hopes of finding a community that would support their love of teaching, offer a less stressful life style than NY City, and provide the cultural diversity and stimulation they desired. It was a lucky choice of town for Brian, and he found his life’s work teaching fifth and sixth graders at Wildwood School, a job he loved. He continues to have many “Old Friends” among the hundreds of students he taught in his thirty-two year career there. Brian’s love of life and abiding belief in the power of people’s everyday actions to change the world for the better informed his teaching.  His use of music in the classroom to teach language arts, history, and positive values contributed to the love he generated among his students. He had high standards for his own teaching and expected each student to have the same confidence and high standards for themselves. Similarly, his penchant for playing sports with his students at recess, eating lunch as a group in the classroom, building a sense of family among class members, and singing in annual sixth grade chorus shows endeared him to both students and parents. His annual fall ABC House fundraising hike with students, supporting a community program he valued, was only one of the many activities he engaged in that demonstrated his belief in the power of people to bring about change in the way the world works.

Brian and Judy enjoyed making their home and raising their two children, Kate and Evan, in Amherst. He loved family as he loved teaching.  He enjoyed chopping wood for fires in the wood stove, planting whimsical gardens, spending summer afternoons at Memorial Pool when the kids were younger, taking beach vacations at the Jersey Shore, making boogey boarding and sea glass hunting a family tradition, teaching and coaching Kate and Evan when they were young and then watching them develop into happy and successful adults. Evan’s recent engagement to Taylor Azarian brought him great pleasure, and he thought of her as his second daughter. His devotion to Judy’s parents, Mary and Joe Tarallo, during their end-of-life years in Amherst reflected his large heart and capacity for love.  Brian and Judy were best friends and enjoyed living their lives together. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, his children, his eight siblings and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Brian’s love of life and ability to bring humor and joy to everything he did will be missed by many.

 A private family burial will be held at Wildwood Cemetery where Brian wanted to be laid to rest and a celebration of his life will be held at a future date.  Donations in Brian’s memory can be made to A Better Chance House 74 North Prospect Street, Amherst, MA 01002 and VNA and Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060.

Amherst, Marie Ann Guiel Houle passed into eternal life on Thursday, July 13, 2017.

A native of South Hadley, she was born to Nora Beaudry and Leon Guiel on March 25, 1928. She was the mother of two sons, Dale L. Houle of Shutesbury and Gary W. Houle of Deerfield. She was married to Edward W. Houle, who predeceased her in 1991.

Marie worked for many years as a bookkeeper for several local businesses. Her happiest association was as a 50 year member of South Congregational Church. Her church membership and friends were a source of considerable spiritual strength throughout her life.

Marie is survived by her two sisters, Shirley Turner and Barbara Danek. Three siblings predeceased her, Rena Wilbois, Estelle Dickinson and Willard Guiel.

Marie is also survived by her two sons, her daughters-in-law Weezie Houle and Donna Houle, three grandchildren, Jennifer Goldman, Jessica Houle and Kristin Keller and seven great grandchildren. Two grandsons, Sean Houle and Timothy Kucenski, predeceased her.

A memorial service will be held at the South Congregational Church in Amherst at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 22. Burial will follow in South Amherst Cemetery, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice at the Fisher Home or to South Congregational Church, both in Amherst.

AMHERST, Ma. — James Ross Bias Sr. died July 4, 2017. He was 79.

Born October 13, 1937, in Amherst, Ma., he was a son of Eugenia and Robert Bosworth.

Baptized March 31, 1962 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, along with his wife he associated with three congregations in Massachusetts. He served as an elder for nearly 45 years. At the present time, he was associated with the Amherst (Ma.) Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

He found great joy in glorifying the word of Jehovah, our Creator, by teaching the “Good News” of the now established heavenly kingdom to “those rightly disposed to everlasting life” (Acts 13:48; Matthew 24:14), and learning about all of God’s wonderful creations.

Raised in Amherst, Ma., he attended Amherst High School and Springfield College. “Corky ” as he was affectionately known, was an exceptional athlete receiving football, baseball, and basketball accolades throughout his high school years.

An avid outdoorsman he enjoyed teaching young people at the Amherst Boys Club. A skilled and patient craftsman, he enjoyed using his talents to help others. Prevented from pursuing a career in aviation due to eyesight limitations, he became a detailed builder of scale R/C model airplanes. He choose carpentry as his occupation eventually retiring as a master finish carpenter from the Amherst College staff.

Mr. Bias married Myra Frances Corey of Amherst on December 21, 1957, and together they raised a family of five. His family remembers him for his love, wisdom, patience, kindness, and quiet humor.

In addition to his wife Myra, he is survived by his children James Jr. , Liana, Michael, Todd, Joel; siblings, Ellen, Ann, Timothy, Barry, Janet, Allison, Janice; grandchild, Brittani, three great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Robby.

Services: Memorial service at 7p.m. Saturday, July 15, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 511 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.