Amherst, Donald E. Weatherwax, 87, also affectionately known as “Waxy”, died peacefully at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst on January 26, 2017.  Donald was born on October 9, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Erle and Margaret (Davidson) Weatherwax. Donald and his wife, Kathleen, spent their married years in the Adirondack Mountains of New York and returned to Amherst upon retirement. While living in the Adirondacks, his passion for golf led Donald to work at the Craig Wood Golf Club in the summers. He worked at the 1980 Winter Olympics and spent the rest of his winters working at White Face Mountain.  Donald was a graduate of George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia and attended North Carolina State University. He also served in the US army.  He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen, of Amherst, daughter Mary and grandson Riley from Indiana. He also leaves two beloved nieces, a nephew, several grand nieces and nephews, as well as his cousins. He was predeceased by his nephew Tommy Chalmers.  A private burial will be held in the spring at Wildwood Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Members’ Court at the Amherst Golf Club, 365 South Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002.

Hatfield, Linda Capen Godaire Fitz died on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the Highview of Northampton after a long illness. Linda was born in Northampton, August 26, 1949 to Leonard and Bertha {Higgins} Capen.  She grew up in Amherst and attended school in the Amherst School System. Linda was a long-time employee at UMass. She was also the owner of the Dove’s Nest restaurant, which she turned into a family restaurant by having her mother, daughter, and sister working there with her.

Linda was predeceased by her father Leonard, she leaves a daughter Jill Tucker and fiancé Stanley Symanski of Hatfield, grandson Nicholas Tucker of Stoughton, MA, a son William Godaire and wife Eileen of Munnsville, NY, and grandsons Logan Godaire of Munnsville, NY and Anthony Godaire of Aurora, CO. She is also survived by her mother, Bertha Capen and four sisters Dawn and husband Neil Desile of Easthampton, Sandy Stiles of Hadley, Bonnie and husband Steve Rowan of Southampton, and Nancy Capen of Whately, MA.

Calling hours will be Monday January 30, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. Funeral services will be Tuesday January 31, 10:00 AM at the funeral home, with burial following in North Amherst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hatfield Council on Aging, 59 Main St, Hatfield, MA 01038 or Dakin Humane Society, 163 Montague Rd, Leverett, MA 01054.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the Highview of Northampton and Cooley Dickinson Hospice.

Amherst, Margaret E. Seaver, 92, died peacefully January 9, 2017. Margaret was born December 11, 1924 in Amherst, to the late John and Harriet {Martin} Joy. Margaret was a lifelong resident of Amherst, and was employed by the University of Massachusetts. She and her husband Miles were lifelong members of St. Brigid’s Parish, Amherst.

Margaret is survived by her son Jay Seaver. She will be buried alongside her husband Miles and son Michael in Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst.

Amherst, Margaret E. Seaver, 92, died peacefully January 9, 2017. Margaret was born December 11, 1924 in Amherst, to the late John and Harriet {Martin} Joy. Margaret was a lifelong resident of Amherst, and was employed by the University of Massachusetts. She and her husband Miles were lifelong members of St. Brigid’s Parish, Amherst.

Margaret is survived by her son Jay Seaver. She will be buried alongside her husband Miles and son Michael in Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst.

Amherst, Laurie M. Jacque, 91, of Amherst, passed away Friday, January 20, 2017, at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst with her loved ones close by.

Born in Holyoke, MA on May 1, 1925, Laurie was the daughter of Antoinette (Dietrich) and Adrien Monchamp. Growing up in Willimansett, Laurie worked many hours preparing for special events, celebrations and holidays in her family-owned greenhouses. She shared many memories of flower cuttings and floral work recalling the family effort it took to run the business. Her experiences in the greenhouses cultivated her love of flower varieties, her talent in floral arrangement, and her joy in the changing of the seasons.

Upon Laurie meeting and marrying Charles W. Jacque, she moved to the Jacque family dairy farm in Amherst. She did the bookkeeping for the farm. She and Charlie were very active members of the Massachusetts Jersey Cattle Club. Laurie raised their three children, Roger and twins Raymond and Ronald. She spent her days cooking great meals, baking everyone’s favorite treat, canning and freezing food from her garden, sewing, and helping with the daily farm chores. Laurie’s role provided essential components necessary to running the farm.

The farm itself provided the vital hub for her family. Within her quintessential, inviting farmhouse Laurie offered her grandchildren life skills and lessons that only a grandmother can!  Whether baking a special cake for your birthday or simply offering a reassurance, Grandma made her grandchildren feel warm, loved, and special.   

Laurie held a distinctive place in her heart for her great-grandchildren. She shared many years with her two great-granddaughters, Toni Ann and Taryn Elizabeth. She spent time teaching them to cook, enjoyed having them paint her nails, and offered them both a special ear to listen to their every need. Little Navarro celebrated her 90^th birthday by giving her a box with hand painted flowers knowing her love of them. His highlight of visiting her, as with all friends and family, was to see Laurie’s beautiful, endearing smile.

As the family matriarch, Laurie held an exceptional ability to foster and preserve the togetherness of the family. We will all certainly miss her charisma as the rock and heart of our lives.

Laurie is lovingly remembered by her two sons, Raymond Jacque of Sunderland, Ronald Jacque and wife Deborah of Amherst; her sister Cecile Guertin of Ludlow; grandchildren Eric Jacque and wife Julie of Sunderland, Anette Millington and husband Kenneth of Brooklyn, NY, Edward Jacque of Hatfield, Berri Jacque and wife Asha Strazzero-Wild of Shutesbury, Erin Jacque and husband Matthew Waldrip of Sandwich; great-grandchildren Toni and Taryn Jacque of Sunderland, Navarro Millington of Brooklyn, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

Laurie is predeceased by her loving husband, Charles, son Roger, brother William Monchamp, and sister Lillian Jacque.

Please join the family in a celebration of Laurie’s life. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at the Douglass Funeral Home, Amherst from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. The following morning, Thursday, January 26, 2017, 10:00 AM, a service will be held at the Douglass Funeral Home with a graveside burial following at the South Amherst cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a Hospice organization of your choice.

South Deerfield, Linda Ann (Bacon) Graves passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017, surrounded by her family, at Baystate Medical Center after an unexpected health emergency.  Linda was born on February 26, 1943, in Pelham, Massachusetts, to Carlton and Merle (Thornton) Bacon.  Linda attended Pelham and Amherst Schools, and graduated from Greenfield Community College with a degree in Accounting. 

Linda leaves her three sons and daughter: Thomas, his wife Susan of Dover, NH., David of Belchertown, MA., Robert of Bernardston, MA., and Kelly of South Deerfield, MA.  Linda also leaves her four beloved grandchildren Megan of Dover, NH, Steven of Portsmouth, NH, Haylee of Bernardston, MA, and Nicholas of Gardner, MA.  As well as her sister Sandra Potyrala of Hadley, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and her Aunt Kathleen of RI. She was also “Mom” to James Boden of Keene, NH and his wife Beverly, and “Grammy Linda” to their three children, Ryan, Michael and Brianna, as well as several close and dear friends.

When Linda’s children were young she worked part-time at various jobs, and then later began a full-time career as a local realtor for almost 30 years retiring in 2013. Linda very much enjoyed her career because she loved getting to know her clients and she always wanted to make sure they found their perfect home. Linda’s number one priority was always her children and family.  Linda mainly raised her four children by herself with help from her mother and sister, and could always be found at every one of their games (cheering them loudly on), recitals, bad play performances, etc., no matter the distance to get there.  Linda’s love of sports continued with her grandchildren and favorite teams.  She would travel near and far to watch her grandchildren’s games and performances.  Additionally, when her daughter coached local Little League she could often be found at Mill River cheering on those kids as well.  Linda loved having all of her children’s friends over, hosting gatherings, cooking large dinners for family, friends and her children’s various teams, and baking her famous graham cracker cream pie after her children’s basketball games.  Linda’s favorite place to spend time was at the ocean, in particular her many family vacations on Martha’s Vineyard.  She was happiest sitting on the beach watching her kids and grandkids swimming and playing games. Her children feel so very blessed that she was their mother. 

Linda was a huge fan of many teams, but she would never miss Duke Basketball or a Boston Red Sox game. Linda enjoyed her past bowling leagues, playing all types of card games, knitting afghans, socks, scarfs, and hats, baking breads and desserts for her family and friends, doing her puzzles/crosswords, and traveling.  Linda traveled extensively and was always up for a road trip adventure.

When remembering Linda many people said that she was the most giving of persons; someone who went above and beyond for all those around her; the most organized and detailed of individuals; and someone who loved spending time with family and friends.

Linda was predeceased by a sister in infancy, her father (1968), her mother (2015), brother-in-law Chester Potyrala (2005), and various aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.  Linda’s ex-husband Myron W. Graves III also predeceased her in 2015.

Calling hours will be held at the Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst, MA., on Thursday, January 26, 2017, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Linda’s honor at St. Bridges Church in Amherst, MA., on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 10:00am.  A lunch reception in Linda’s honor will take place following the church service.  A private burial will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Linda’s honor to the “Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,” P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift

Westfield, Donald A. Giroux, 77, died Sunday January 15, 2017. He was born one of thirteen children, December 15, 1939 in Coaticook, Quebec, Canada, to the late Maurice and Ivon {Fontien} Giroux. Donald was a longtime Hadley resident and longtime employee of Allard Farms in Hadley. He was an avid hockey fan, especially of his Canadian teams. He is survived by his three sons Luke, Germain and his wife Sheri, Ivan and his partner Holly and his two granddaughters, Samantha and Alyssa. Donald was pre deceased by his loving wife Normande.

A graveside service will be held Thursday January 26, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Holy Rosary Cemetery, Hadley.

Amherst, Elizabeth “Betty” Holden, 81, of Amherst, wife of Herbert Holden, died Monday January 9, 2017 with her loved ones by her side.  She was born in Turner Falls to the late Peter and Mary Bergiel.  She worked in a variety of jobs over the years and was most recently employed as the administrative assistant to the Provost of UMASS.  Betty loved spending time out in her garden tending to her many flowers and watching the birds.  Her favorite was the cardinal.  She also loved relaxing with her family at the beach.  One thing is certain, her children were her priority, whether it was working in the school system so she would be home after school or driving them to their many commitments.  She would do anything for them.  Betty is survived by her sisters Agnes Dobez of Turner Falls, and Irene Russell of Hadley, and her three sons Jeff and his wife Shawnie of Kodiak, Alaska, Chris and his wife Kristin of Middletown, Connecticut, and Paul of Northampton, three grandchildren Michael and his wife Amanda, Jeffery and his wife Josette and Lindsey as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her siblings Blanch Guilbault, Edward, Charlie and Raymond Bergiel.  The family would like to thank all the caregivers that were so amazing, especially Dr. and Mrs. Baecher and the staff at the Cooley Dickenson Hospital ICU.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church in Amherst.

Calling hours will be Friday January 13, 2017 from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst. Burial will follow in North Amherst Cemetery.

Amherst, Elizabeth “Betty” Holden, 81, of Amherst, wife of Herbert Holden, died Monday January 9, 2017 with her loved ones by her side.  She was born in Turner Falls to the late Peter and Mary Bergiel.  She worked in a variety of jobs over the years and was most recently employed as the administrative assistant to the Provost of UMASS.  Betty loved spending time out in her garden tending to her many flowers and watching the birds.  Her favorite was the cardinal.  She also loved relaxing with her family at the beach.  One thing is certain, her children were her priority, whether it was working in the school system so she would be home after school or driving them to their many commitments.  She would do anything for them.  Betty is survived by her sisters Agnes Dobez of Turner Falls, and Irene Russell of Hadley, and her three sons Jeff and his wife Shawnie of Kodiak, Alaska, Chris and his wife Kristin of Middletown, Connecticut, and Paul of Northampton, three grandchildren Michael and his wife Amanda, Jeffery and his wife Josette and Lindsey as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her siblings Blanch Guilbault, Edward, Charlie and Raymond Bergiel.  The family would like to thank all the caregivers that were so amazing, especially Dr. and Mrs. Baecher and the staff at the Cooley Dickenson Hospital ICU.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church in Amherst.

Calling hours will be Friday January 13, 2017 from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst. Burial will follow in North Amherst Cemetery.

Amherst, The Reverend John M. Balcom, of Amherst, passed away Jan. 3rd, 2017 at the age of 98, after a long illness. Born in Boston, Mass. on Nov. 16, 1918, to Rubric G. and Helena Grace (Sabean) Balcom, he grew up in Quincy, Mass., where he was a member of Christ Church and active in the YMCA. He was a graduate of Quincy High School, Mass. State College (UMASS Amherst) , the Episcopal Theological Seminary (EDS) , and Harvard Divinity School. In College he was active in many Christian organizations and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

He was ordained in Dec. 1942, and held parishes in Walpole and Norwood, and served in The Coast Guard Auxilliary. He visited Alaska in the summer of 1942, and helped build a new Church.  He returned to Alaska in 1944 as a Missionary for the Diocese of Alaska, serving in Ft. Yukon, Nenana, Tanacross and Fairbanks, Alaska, also visiting small villages along the Yukon and Tanana Rivers, as well as US Air Bases along the Alaskan Highway. He had a special relationship with the Athabascan Chief, John Healy in Healy Lake. He only returned to Massachusetts to marry his wife, Jeanne, in Amherst and visit Cape Cod, before taking up pastoral duties in Fairbanks until 1947.

During his long priesthood in the Diocese of Massachusetts, he served parishes in Holbrook, Chelmsford and Newton Highlands (St. Paul’s ) until his retirement in 1982. While in Newton, he was Protestant Chaplain at Boston University, UMass Boston, President of the Newton Council of Churches, Mayor’s Chaplain, and Fire and Police Chaplain and was given the Key to the City of Newton for his Service. He was also President of the Newton Rotary Club and active in the Masonic Lodges, as well as Order of the Eastern Star Organizations in both Newton and Amherst, and Royal Arch. He also was Monarch of the Mahded Grotto in Dedham, Mass. When retired to Amherst, he became a member of the Pelham Historical Society, Amherst Rotary Club, Wesleyan Methodist Church and Grace Episcopal Church.

John, also, made a “pulpit exchange” with his family, to a parish in Hook, Surrey, England from 1955-56. He and his family travelled extensively throughout Europe, the Mediteranian, Israel and Egypt, the United Kingdom, Iceland, the Caribbean, and visited all 50 United States. He leaves many friends in Germany and the UK.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jeanne Lindsey Balcom, his children; Dianne Balcom Manning and her husband Brian Manning, son John L. Balcom and his wife Marie Mandelow Balcom, and daughter Adrianne Balcom.  He leaves his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Lindsey Melchior and spouse Theron with daughters Camille and June Melchior, of Baltimore,MD; Jonathan Balcom and wife Sung, children Henry and Louisa of Wash. DC; and Benjamin Balcom Onthank of Natick, Mass.

Calling hours are at the Douglass Funeral Home, 87 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 8th, 2-4 pm. Funeral Service will be at the Grace Episcopal Church, Boltwood Ave., Amherst, Mass., Monday, Jan. 9th at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, Mass. or Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst, Mass.