Dr. Teresa Connelly Fitts, died on July 2 after a living a full and vibrant life. Teresa was diagnosed with thymic carcinoma in 2013 when she was training for the Boston Marathon as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team.

In addition to being a passionate advocate for physical activity and exercise, Teresa was a cherished member of the Suzuki Violin Community, appreciating every small success that is achieved and nurtured with love.  Teresa was also a daily communicant, committed Roman Catholic, and member of the Newman Catholic Center in Amherst.

Teresa was born November 12, 1959, in Brighton, Massachusetts, and lived with her family in Belmont until graduation from Belmont High School in 1977.  In 1978, Teresa joined St. Scholastica Priory in Still River and later Petersham, MA, taking the name Sr. Teresita Maria. Teresa loved the Rule of St. Benedict and learned to love the manual labor intrinsic in the lifestyle of a contemplative nun. Teresa contributed to the success of the Priory Bakery which supported the work of the nuns until 1990. In 1989, Teresa left the community and moved to Amherst, MA. In 1990, she met Jim Fitts, whom she married in 1997. Teresa felt blessed to be welcomed into the Fitts clan with such genuine kindness. In 1998, Teresa graduated from Springfield College with a Masters in Sport Management, and in 1999 with a Doctorate in Sport Psychology. The Humanics philosophy of Springfield College remained an important part of Teresa’s life. In 1999, Teresa was hired full-time at Westfield State University to teach Exercise Science, which she did with great dedication until her illness in 2013.  Teresa became a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine in 2011. Dr. Fitts loved teaching, and loved the Westfield State students, and was deeply moved by their unwavering support during her cancer journey.

Above anything else, however, Teresa was a mother. Teresa’s most meaningful moments were with her family. Her twin daughters, Mary and Sarah, were her greatest joy. Teresa was predeceased by her father Thomas J. Connelly of Belmont, and is survived by her mother Ann Maureen Connelly, also of Belmont. In addition to Jim, Mary, and Sarah Fitts of South Hadley, she leaves six loving siblings, Rear Admiral Thomas J. Connelly and his wife Darlene of Fairfax, VA, Mary C. Connelly of Natick, MA, Rev. Fr. Peter Connelly OSB and Abbot Xavier Connelly OSB of Still River MA, Joan Conway and her husband Robert of Belmont, MA, and Bernardine Connelly Clark and her husband Mark of Fairfax.VA. Teresa was also sister-in-law to Jim’s seven sisters, their husbands, and wonderful families. She was the beloved aunt of Kate Connelly Wade and her husband Ken of Weston, Massachusetts, Julianna Stockton and her husband Adam of Westport, CT, Marie Connelly of Somerville, MA, Annie Conway of Nashua, NH, and  Jack, Tess, Peter, and Antonia Clark of Fairfax, VA.  She was the great aunt of Emily and Thomas Wade of Weston, MA and Arthur and Eleanor Stockton of Westport, CT.  Teresa also leaves a Village of dear and irreplaceable friends who walked (and ran) with her through her life.

Visiting hours will take place at Douglass Funeral Home, 87 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002 on Wednesday, July 6, from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Newman Catholic Center, 472 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA at 10am on Thursday, July 7. A reception at the Newman Catholic Center will follow the burial in North Cemetery, 900 East Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA. A Memorial Mass will be offered at Saint Joseph Church, 130 Common Street in Belmont, MA on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 10 am.

Memorial donations in memory of Teresa may be made to Saint Benedict Abbey, P.O.Box 67,Still River, MA 01467 (www.abbey.org); Saint Scholastica Priory, 271 N. Main St., Petersham, MA 01366 (www.stscholasticapriory.org); or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284-9168. (www.dana-farber.org)

Bernard F. “Bud” Wilkes, Jr. passed away June 22, 2016. Bud was born on July 8, 1941, to Bernard F. Wilkes, Sr., and Clara K. (Kielbasa) Wilkes in Hatfield, Massachusetts.

He graduated from Smith Academy in 1959 and attended Norwich University, Class of 1963, earning a degree in business administration. While attending Norwich University he was a member of the Governor of Vermont’s Honor Guard for the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army eventually serving 31 years both active and reserve duty retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1993. He earned a Master in Business Administration from Western New England College in 1993. He was mobilized by the Army Reserve, as the Commander of the 484^th Military Intelligence Detachment, for a posting at the Pentagon, for Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991.

He is survived by his wife, Angelina H. Wilkes; his uncle, Stanley Kielbasa and his wife Lu of Amherst, Massachusetts; his brother Martin Wilkes and his wife Ann of Australia; his children: Bernard F. Wilkes III, of Belchertown, Massachusetts, Marcus M. Wilkes and his wife Debbie of Falls Church, Virginia; Daniel J. Wilkes and his wife Mel of Orlando, Florida; Timothy P. Halpin of Martinsville Virginia, Patricia A. Halpin and her husband Tim Fleury of Sunapee NH, Mary B. Halpin and her husband Brendan Price of West Roxbury Massachusetts and Jeffrey D. Halpin of Brooklyn NY. Also numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

He was a member of American Legion Post 344, Hatfield, Massachusetts.

He was a member of the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers and the League of New Hampshire Craftsman.

Bud was the founder, owner, and sole luthier of White Eagle Guitars, Sunapee, New Hampshire.

He was a former President of the Pioneer Valley Association (Massachusetts) from 1980 – 1985; member of the Governor’s Tourism Council from 1980 – 1985; the former Vice-Chairman. Board of Selectmen for the Town of Belchertown from1976 – 1978; former Police Commissioner for the Town of Belchertown, 1976 – 1978.

Former Commandant of the First Army Reserve Forces School – Intelligence, Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

In 1999, upon retirement, he realized his dreams when he retired to Lake Sunapee, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwich University in Bud’s name.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2016 from 5:00-7:00PM at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, June 29, at 10:00AM at St. Brigid’s Church in Amherst, burial with military honors will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Hadley.

Bernard F. “Bud” Wilkes, Jr. passed away June 22, 2016. Bud was born on July 8, 1941, to Bernard F. Wilkes, Sr., and Clara K. (Kielbasa) Wilkes in Hatfield, Massachusetts.

He graduated from Smith Academy in 1959 and attended Norwich University, Class of 1963, earning a degree in business administration. While attending Norwich University he was a member of the Governor of Vermont’s Honor Guard for the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army eventually serving 31 years both active and reserve duty retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1993. He earned a Master in Business Administration from Western New England College in 1993. He was mobilized by the Army Reserve, as the Commander of the 484^th Military Intelligence Detachment, for a posting at the Pentagon, for Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1900-1991.

He is survived by his wife, Angelina H. Wilkes; his uncle, Stanley Kielbasa of Amherst, Massachusetts; his brother Martin Wilkes of Australia; his three children: Bernard F. Wilkes III, of Belchertown, Massachusetts, Marcus M. Wilkes of Falls Church, Virginia; and Daniel J. Wilkes of Orlando, Florida; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, step children and step grandchildren.

He was a member of American Legion Post 344, Hatfield, Massachusetts.

He was a member of the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers and the League of New Hampshire Craftsman.

Bud was the founder, owner, and sole luthier of White Eagle Guitars, Sunapee, New Hampshire.

He was a former President of the Pioneer Valley Association (Massachusetts) from 1980 – 1985; member of the Governor’s Tourism Council from 1980 – 1985; the former Vice-Chairman. Board of Selectmen for the Town of Belchertown from1976 – 1978; former Police Commissioner for the Town of Belchertown, 1976 – 1978.

Former Commandant of the First Army Reserve Forces School – Intelligence, Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

In 1999, upon retirement, he realized his dreams when he retired to Lake Sunapee, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwich University in Bud’s name.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2016 from 5:00-7:00PM at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, June 29, at 10:00AM at St. Brigid’s Church in Amherst, burial with military honors will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Hadley.

Amherst, MA – On June 20^th 2016 Howard Stanley Wagner, Jr., “Howie”, at the age of 74, passed away peacefully with his family by his side.  Despite being a man of few words, Howie was full of surprises and defying assumptions set by those around him, especially when it came to doctors who would try to diagnose him (some may label it as suborn).  An outsider may look at him and think he was a simple farmer who rarely spoke or showed emotion, a hard read, which is the furthest from the truth.  He spent that time listening and retaining information… if you were one of the lucky ones he’d take the time to share his thoughts or throw a dig at you, after all that’s how a Wagner shows affection.  He was famous for his “Oh well!” saying – he realized life’s too short to dwell on the things you can’t change.  Not to mention there’s plenty of negatives in the world already, why add more?  Instead he would motivate you to think outside the box, and work around the obstacles.   

Howie’s life in Amherst began shortly after his parents, “Big Howie” and “Tiny”, were displaced out of the Quabbin.  They eventually purchased the farm on North East Street in Amherst where Howie grew up and proceeded to be an influential part of the operations which exist today.  As a young man Howie balanced his time with milking dairy cows, riding horses, logging in the woods with honest man power, horse power and a tractor.  As his children grew so did the farm.  Many have seen the Wagner Wood trucks on the streets of Massachusetts, more than likely you would have also seen Howie as the co-pilot.  He understood he wasn’t able to work like he did in his younger years, but he could share his knowledge with the youngsters.  Many bonds were created during those hours on the road – you weren’t just an employee of Wagner Wood, you became family. 

Howie leaves behind his brothers Gene and Joie Wagner, sister Carol Mae Wagner, daughter Andrea Wagner Trudeau, sons Joseph (Hank) and James (Buzzy) Wagner, grandchildren Kaitiee, Conor, Kendal, Jake, Justin, and Julia.  In addition to numerous cousins, nieces, and chosen family members.  In lieu of donations, or flowers, Howie would want you to spend those extra moments with your family, whomever you choose to include in that definition, two legged or four.  He would also ask for you to remember money comes and goes, it’s not a necessity for true happiness – honesty, love, forgiveness, and humor are.  He may have never carried a black American express card, but he had his black Dunkin Donut VIP card!      

Per Howie’s request, no formalized services will occur.  A memorial BBQ will take place at a later date. Memorial register at

Laura L. Waskiewicz
Granby, Laura L. (Stinnette) Waskiewicz, 64, wife of Joseph A. “Butch” Waskiewicz, Jr., passed peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 18, 2016. She was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Jan. 6, 1952, daughter of the late Richard and Della (Langford) Stinnette. She was a graduate of Classical High School and received her B.S., and M.S. degrees from Westfield State University, where she graduated with honors. Laura was employed at the Franklin County House of Corrections in Greenfield, where she had achieved the rank of Assistant Deputy Superintendent, when she retired in 2013. During her time at the jail, she was particularly proud of several programs she founded in the field of recovery and treatment. She also took pride in serving as Adjunct Professor at Westfield State, teaching several different courses. Upon marriage to the love of her life Joe, she instantly became a part of the family farm, J & J Farm in North Amherst. Laura loved to travel, enjoyed NASCAR, and held dear to her heart the special meetings with her friends and the ladies, which continued at her home, while she fought this devastating disease. Besides her husband Joe, she is survived by her brother Richard Stinnette, and his spouse Laura, and her sister Crystal Babich, and her spouse Dennis. She also leaves several nieces and nephews and grand- nieces and nephews. Services will be held Wed., June 22, at 10:00 AM at the Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst, with burial immediately following in North Amherst Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Tuesday, from 5:00-8:00 PM. Memorial gifts in Laura’s memory may be made to The Hospice of The Fisher Home, 1165 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002. Obituary and register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Amherst, Helen “Alice” Dzwonkoski passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital. She was born on January 14, 1926 in North Amherst, MA to John and Ursula Bieliauskas Bielunis. Helen attended Amherst schools and was a long-time employee of the University of Massachusetts.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell R. Dzwonkoski, whom she married on November 16, 1957. They celebrated their 57^th wedding anniversary before Mitchell died in 2014. Helen was also predeceased by her brothers John Jr., Alexander, Frank, Joseph, and Walter and her sisters Mary Sieruta and Anna Potyrala.

She is survived by her brother Adam Bielunis of Hatfield, MA. Helen leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and also great, great nieces and nephews. Helen was loved and respected by all and will be missed by all.

Helen and Mitch will be remembered always for their kindness, compassion, love, and generosity.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, June 19, 2016 from 2:00-4:00PM at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 20^th at 10:00AM at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown with burial to follow at St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Hadley.

Hadley – On Tuesday, June 7^th, 2016, John (“Jack”) Kershlis joined Zora and his friends in “Corvette Heaven” after a courageous battle with carcinoid cancer. Jack was born in Amherst on April 20, 1938, the son of Joseph J. and Helen Mientka Kershlis, and was a long time resident of Hadley as well as a more recent resident of St. James City, Florida. Jack also enjoyed spending time in Vermont over the years.

In 1980, Jack married his beloved wife, Linda Selleck, with whom he took pride in restoring the old Nash property in Hadley and building their home together in Florida.

Jack is lovingly remembered and missed by several close cousins; Jim and Steve Garanin, Don Cheney, Mary Ann Sioui, Nancy Simanoski; his in-laws, Laura Selleck and John Jenkins (Toronto) and Bruce and Nancy Selleck (Hamilton, New York) and their families; as well as many friends in Florida, Massachusetts, and Vermont. His long-time friend, Paul Langbein (Pittsburgh), will continue Jack’s tradition at Carlisle.

There will be no calling hours. Cremation and burial will be at the discretion of the family. A memorial gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.

Douglass Funeral Service will be entrusted with his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you donate in Jack’s honor to the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital or to Dr. Kulke at the Carcinoid Program in Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.

Ethel Nolan, 95, of Hopewell passed away May 28^th, 2016 at Elaine Center of Hadley MA after a brief illness. Mrs. Nolan was born March 13, 1921 in Hallidaysburg. She married William Nolan in 1943. He died October 1980.

               She is survived by a son William and wife Mary Helen, of Altoona, PA, a daughter Linda Nolan-Labbe and husband Ron, of Amherst MA; 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers Elvin and Russell Detwiler.

               She graduated from Altoona High School, worked in a photographic studio, served as a Girl Scout leader, and worked in her daughter’s research laboratory (1987-92) as an assistant. A memorial celebration of her life and love of family will be held at a later date.

Amherst, John M. Gallagher, Jr., 83, of Amherst, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 20, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born march 10, 1933 in Lowell Massachusetts to John and Anne Isabelle Gallagher.
He attended Holyoke high school class of 1951 and UMass Amherst class of 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a Masters +30 in education. While attending the University of Massachusetts, he lettered as a goalie for the men’s hockey team. John proudly served his country in the US Army from 1955 to 1957. He married his “one and only forever love of his life”, his high school sweetheart, Lucy J Gomez, on September 8, 1956.
John leaves behind his son John M Gallagher III and his wife Jane P Gallagher and their two sons Patrick and Sean of Orange Connecticut. His daughters Kelley M. Wolejko and her husband Victor of Brewster Massachusetts and Anne and Ron Loftus and their son, Colton, of Belchertown Massachusetts.
John is also survived by his sister Katherine and her husband Ken Mormon of Nashua New Hampshire and their son, Neal. Brother, James Edward Gallagher and wife Terry of Osterville Massachusetts and their sons Tom, Matthew and Brendan.
He was predeceased by his brother Patrick Joseph.
John began his teaching career in Hatfield Massachusetts as a math and English teacher. He continued a 38 year teaching career within the Amherst school system including junior high English as well as guidance counseling. He was known by many as “The silver haired mentor”
John shared his love for athletics by coaching junior high school basketball and went on to coach for many years division one and two hockey for Amherst high school. In 1972 he celebrated a Division II state finalist runner up at the Boston Garden.
First and foremost John was a devoted family man, enjoying many vacations on the beaches of Cape Cod. He loved watching and supporting his children and grandchildren in their particular interests. He was a fan of all of the Boston teams and a “true champion for the underdog”. John loved golfing, too.

Funeral services will be 9:00 AM Tuesday May 24, from the Douglass funeral Service, Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst, with burial following in Evergreen Cemetery, S. Hadley. Calling hours will be Monday May 23, from 4 – 7 PM at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his courageous nephew, Tom Gallagher c / o The Tom Gallagher Fund , 191 Beach Road , Unit D, # 211, Salisbury , MA 01952.

Hadley, Kenneth Dale Cook, 27, passed away unexpectedly on May 16, 2016 after a short illness at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Kenny, as he was known to all, was born in Randolph, Vermont on January 24, 1989 to Richard and Myrna Cook. He attended schools in Royalton, Vermont before moving back to Hadley where all his relatives resided. He then attended various schools around Hadley before he found his favorite place of learning which turned out to be Riverside Industries in Easthampton. He eagerly went there and touched many people’s lives.

He leaves his parents of Hadley, his brother Kevin and wife Sara of Lebanon Township, New Jersey, and his nieces and nephews Bryce, Paige, and Quinn. Kenny also leaves many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the surrounding area.

Kenny enjoyed listening to music, watching videos, swimming in his pool, and attending UMass sporting events. He also had a strong liking of Atkins apple squares and a fondness for pepperoni pizza, and he was never shy about wishing everyone a “Happy Birthday.”

Calling hours will be Friday, May 20, 2016 from 5-7:30PM at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. Private funeral services will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Riverside Industries, 1 Cottage St, Easthampton or Whole Children, 41 Russell St, Hadley.