DEATH
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Bob Vanstone
Sep 26, 2023 |
Bob Vanstone, 89, died at home on September 26, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with his daughters, Gail and Marianne by his side.
Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, he was an acclaimed and groundbreaking mechanical engineer, devising and furthering the use of aluminum in aerial fire engine ladder construction which became the bulk of his esteemed career.
Bob enjoyed a few hobbies but his passion was his wooden boat, "DUTCHMAN", which he lovingly maintained for 56 years. From fishing and lobstering in Buzzard's Bay to cocktail cruises on the rivers and canals of Fort Lauderdale, "DUTCHMAN" was his pride and joy, and ultimately was donated to a wooden boat restoration specialist for their collection.
Bob spent his last few years enjoying the view from his waterfront condo, an avid boat enthusiast to the end.
Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, he was an acclaimed and groundbreaking mechanical engineer, devising and furthering the use of aluminum in aerial fire engine ladder construction which became the bulk of his esteemed career.
Bob enjoyed a few hobbies but his passion was his wooden boat, "DUTCHMAN", which he lovingly maintained for 56 years. From fishing and lobstering in Buzzard's Bay to cocktail cruises on the rivers and canals of Fort Lauderdale, "DUTCHMAN" was his pride and joy, and ultimately was donated to a wooden boat restoration specialist for their collection.
Bob spent his last few years enjoying the view from his waterfront condo, an avid boat enthusiast to the end.
DEATH
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Bernice L. (Decker) Sylvia
Sep 23, 2023 |
Bernice L. (Decker) Sylvia, 93, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at St. Luke's Hospital.
Born in Stephentown, NY, daughter of the late B. Franklin and Eleanor Decker, Bernice came to the area shortly after her high school graduation with her twin sister Janice Ellis. Tagged as a duo, Bernice and Janice were often known to match their outfits in a way only twins can.
Bernice worked for John I. Paulding and later as an inspector at Titleist. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was an avid Red Sox fan, watching even when she would accidentally switch the audio to Spanish, and could be often found working on crossword puzzles or word searches. At home she proudly displayed photos of her grandkids and family, and found joy in keeping up her yard, often out there until the last stick was tidied from her lawn.
She is survived by a son, Eric Sylvia and his wife Sharon of Rochester; four grandchildren, Shayna, Danielle (and husband Ryan Magano), Evan, and Ally; and several nieces and nephews. She was the wife of the late William (Bill) Sylvia; mother of the late Barry Sylvia; twin of the late Janice Ellis; and sister of the late Stanley Decker, William Decker, Armand Decker, and Shirley Tavares.
Her visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 5, 4-7 pm at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02745. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or jimmyfund.org. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com
Born in Stephentown, NY, daughter of the late B. Franklin and Eleanor Decker, Bernice came to the area shortly after her high school graduation with her twin sister Janice Ellis. Tagged as a duo, Bernice and Janice were often known to match their outfits in a way only twins can.
Bernice worked for John I. Paulding and later as an inspector at Titleist. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was an avid Red Sox fan, watching even when she would accidentally switch the audio to Spanish, and could be often found working on crossword puzzles or word searches. At home she proudly displayed photos of her grandkids and family, and found joy in keeping up her yard, often out there until the last stick was tidied from her lawn.
She is survived by a son, Eric Sylvia and his wife Sharon of Rochester; four grandchildren, Shayna, Danielle (and husband Ryan Magano), Evan, and Ally; and several nieces and nephews. She was the wife of the late William (Bill) Sylvia; mother of the late Barry Sylvia; twin of the late Janice Ellis; and sister of the late Stanley Decker, William Decker, Armand Decker, and Shirley Tavares.
Her visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 5, 4-7 pm at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02745. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or jimmyfund.org. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com
DEATH
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Gail W. Dunn
Sep 22, 2023 |
Gail W. Dunn, 82, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully on September 22, 2023. Born in Middleboro, she was the daughter of the late Joseph C. and Helen L. Whitcomb, and the wife of the late Giles H. Dunn. She lived in Mattapoisett most of her life.
Her commitment to serving her community spanned decades. Over time, she served in a variety of leadership roles within the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, Mattapoisett Women's Guild, Mattapoisett Women's Club, Mattapoisett Christian Church, the Point Connett Association, and the Pine Island Cemetery Board of Directors. She also volunteered with the Girl Scouts, the Mattapoisett Historical Society and served for a time on the Mattapoisett School Committee.
She will be best remembered as a woman committed to her family, the environment, and wildlife preservation.
Survivors include her son, David W. Dunn, and his wife Diana, of Mattapoisett; two daughters, Susan Dunn of Rochester, and Rebecca Dunn Chowske, and her husband Joseph A. Chowske, of Floral Park, NY; three grandchildren, Griffin Dunn, and Devin and Alexander Chowske.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, Friday, September 29th at 10 am. Visiting hours Thursday, September 28th from 4-7 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. Interment Pine Island Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the National Audubon Society, National Audubon Society, 225 Varick St. New York, NY 10014, or the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett.
For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Her commitment to serving her community spanned decades. Over time, she served in a variety of leadership roles within the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, Mattapoisett Women's Guild, Mattapoisett Women's Club, Mattapoisett Christian Church, the Point Connett Association, and the Pine Island Cemetery Board of Directors. She also volunteered with the Girl Scouts, the Mattapoisett Historical Society and served for a time on the Mattapoisett School Committee.
She will be best remembered as a woman committed to her family, the environment, and wildlife preservation.
Survivors include her son, David W. Dunn, and his wife Diana, of Mattapoisett; two daughters, Susan Dunn of Rochester, and Rebecca Dunn Chowske, and her husband Joseph A. Chowske, of Floral Park, NY; three grandchildren, Griffin Dunn, and Devin and Alexander Chowske.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, Friday, September 29th at 10 am. Visiting hours Thursday, September 28th from 4-7 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. Interment Pine Island Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the National Audubon Society, National Audubon Society, 225 Varick St. New York, NY 10014, or the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett.
For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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James (Jim ) Dexter, Jr.
Sep 22, 2023 |
James (Jim ) Dexter, Jr. 79, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, September 22, 2023 at home surrounded by family and friends. He was the son of the late James Gordon and Leatha Dexter.
Jim worked at Old Rochester Regional High School as a custodian for over 40 years. He took great pride in his work while enjoying his job. Jim showed compassion to both the staff and students at the school. After retirement he worked at the Rochester Council on Aging. To him it felt like a second home and he was loved and cared for like family.
Jim found such comfort through his faith at the Mattapoisett Friends Meeting. He developed friendships that remained with him over the years. The members were always there for him and have shown such support through his illness. Over the years, Jim was always there lending a hand whenever needed.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Mattapoisett and he loved his community and the special people who live there. He truly enjoyed his morning coffee time with his buddies at Shipyard Galley. This close knit group of friends were there to offer Jim assistance whenever needed including rides to the hospital for treatments.
Jim is survived by his wife of 31 years, Dana Marie Dexter, his loving sister Debbie Townsend and her husband Bob Townsend, loving nieces and nephews, cousins, numerous friends, and his best buddy his dog Asta. He was preceded by his sister Mary Dexter Costa.
We have all been blessed to have had this remarkable man in our lives. Throughout his life, Jim made amazing friends who made him and his family feel special. The family appreciates all of you for being part of his life. They will truly miss their loving, compassionate and humorous Jim.
The family would like to thank the Southcoast Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice for their care during his illness.
All services will be private. Donations can be made in memory of Jim to:
Mattapoisett Friends Meeting P.O. Box 795 Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Rochester Council on Aging 67 Dexter Lane Rochester, MA 02770
Jim worked at Old Rochester Regional High School as a custodian for over 40 years. He took great pride in his work while enjoying his job. Jim showed compassion to both the staff and students at the school. After retirement he worked at the Rochester Council on Aging. To him it felt like a second home and he was loved and cared for like family.
Jim found such comfort through his faith at the Mattapoisett Friends Meeting. He developed friendships that remained with him over the years. The members were always there for him and have shown such support through his illness. Over the years, Jim was always there lending a hand whenever needed.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Mattapoisett and he loved his community and the special people who live there. He truly enjoyed his morning coffee time with his buddies at Shipyard Galley. This close knit group of friends were there to offer Jim assistance whenever needed including rides to the hospital for treatments.
Jim is survived by his wife of 31 years, Dana Marie Dexter, his loving sister Debbie Townsend and her husband Bob Townsend, loving nieces and nephews, cousins, numerous friends, and his best buddy his dog Asta. He was preceded by his sister Mary Dexter Costa.
We have all been blessed to have had this remarkable man in our lives. Throughout his life, Jim made amazing friends who made him and his family feel special. The family appreciates all of you for being part of his life. They will truly miss their loving, compassionate and humorous Jim.
The family would like to thank the Southcoast Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice for their care during his illness.
All services will be private. Donations can be made in memory of Jim to:
Mattapoisett Friends Meeting P.O. Box 795 Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Rochester Council on Aging 67 Dexter Lane Rochester, MA 02770
DEATH
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Stephen Patrick Hayes
Sep 22, 2023 |
Stephen Patrick Hayes, 82, of Marion, MA passed away peacefully on Friday September 22, 2023. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
Born August 23, 1941 in Concord, NH, Steve attended Georgetown University and earned an MBA from Babson College. He later served as a lieutenant is the United States Army. His career included roles as a CPA, corporate comptroller, and entrepreneur.
He will be remembered by those who knew him for his sense of humor in the face of adversity, sharp intellect, good nature, and a staggering knowledge of trivia.
Steve is survived by his wife, MaryAnn, daughter, Susan, son, Jay, and four strong, good looking, and above average grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Community Nurse Home Care of Fairhaven or the Marion Council on Aging in Steve's name.
A private service will be held at the request of the family. A celebration of life will be held at Kate's Simple Eats, 148 Front St., Marion, MA on Saturday, November 4th at 1 pm.
Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com
Born August 23, 1941 in Concord, NH, Steve attended Georgetown University and earned an MBA from Babson College. He later served as a lieutenant is the United States Army. His career included roles as a CPA, corporate comptroller, and entrepreneur.
He will be remembered by those who knew him for his sense of humor in the face of adversity, sharp intellect, good nature, and a staggering knowledge of trivia.
Steve is survived by his wife, MaryAnn, daughter, Susan, son, Jay, and four strong, good looking, and above average grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Community Nurse Home Care of Fairhaven or the Marion Council on Aging in Steve's name.
A private service will be held at the request of the family. A celebration of life will be held at Kate's Simple Eats, 148 Front St., Marion, MA on Saturday, November 4th at 1 pm.
Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com
DEATH
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Shirley Jean (Corey) Parker
Sep 22, 2023 |
Shirley Jean (Corey) Parker, 90, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully in Hospice Care at Tobey Hospital on Friday, September 22, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Allen T. Parker for 61 years and the daughter of the late Manuel and Eleanor (Lima) Corey.
Shirley was born in Boston and spent her early years in Lexington, New Bedford and Fairhaven before moving to Rochester where she served on the Rochester Planning Board for several years. In 1981, she moved to Mattapoisett where she lived until her death.
Shirley retired from New England Telephone Company in 1990 as a Right of Way Supervisor in the engineering department of their New Bedford office.
Shirley was a member of the Telephone Pioneers Association, Tobey Hospital Guild, Old Dartmouth Historical Society, and the Long Plain Museum in Acushnet. She also volunteered at the Fairhaven Council on Aging for several years and was a member of the Brandt Beach Improvement Association. Her hobbies included reading, making jigsaw puzzles, travel, music and gardening.
Shirley is survived by her two sons, Craig Parker and his wife Doreen of Rochester, and Barry Parker and his wife Pauline of Fairhaven. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer (Parker) Duffen and her husband Shawn of Windham, NH and Michael Parker and his wife Tara of Bristol, RI. Her great-grandchildren include Aiden Duffen, Connor Duffen, Scarlett Parker, Jared Turchetta, Teagan Parker and Tobias Parker. She was also the sister of the late David Corey of Acushnet and Buzzards Bay.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at the Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home at 50 County Road, Mattapoisett on Friday, October 6th at 10:30 am with a reception following at the Century House in Acushnet. Shirley's family will be receiving guests prior to the service from 10-10:30 am.
She will be greatly missed and always in our loving memory as a strong and generous woman. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
Shirley was born in Boston and spent her early years in Lexington, New Bedford and Fairhaven before moving to Rochester where she served on the Rochester Planning Board for several years. In 1981, she moved to Mattapoisett where she lived until her death.
Shirley retired from New England Telephone Company in 1990 as a Right of Way Supervisor in the engineering department of their New Bedford office.
Shirley was a member of the Telephone Pioneers Association, Tobey Hospital Guild, Old Dartmouth Historical Society, and the Long Plain Museum in Acushnet. She also volunteered at the Fairhaven Council on Aging for several years and was a member of the Brandt Beach Improvement Association. Her hobbies included reading, making jigsaw puzzles, travel, music and gardening.
Shirley is survived by her two sons, Craig Parker and his wife Doreen of Rochester, and Barry Parker and his wife Pauline of Fairhaven. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer (Parker) Duffen and her husband Shawn of Windham, NH and Michael Parker and his wife Tara of Bristol, RI. Her great-grandchildren include Aiden Duffen, Connor Duffen, Scarlett Parker, Jared Turchetta, Teagan Parker and Tobias Parker. She was also the sister of the late David Corey of Acushnet and Buzzards Bay.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at the Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home at 50 County Road, Mattapoisett on Friday, October 6th at 10:30 am with a reception following at the Century House in Acushnet. Shirley's family will be receiving guests prior to the service from 10-10:30 am.
She will be greatly missed and always in our loving memory as a strong and generous woman. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
DEATH
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Norman J. "Norm" Lyonnais
Sep 19, 2023 |
Norman J. "Norm" Lyonnais passed away on Tuesday September 19, 2023, at his home in Mattapoisett. Born in New Bedford on June 11, 1936, he was the son of Eucharist Lyonnais and Viola (Phaneuf) Lyonnais.
Norm left New Bedford Vocational High School in 1955, at the age of 17, to join the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged after serving his country for three years in England.
In 1959, he married Noreen D. (Andersen) Lyonnais whom he met on a blind date. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary together. Norm attended and graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University (currently UMass Dartmouth) with a bachelor's degree in business.
He worked for the City of New Bedford in several capacities over many years before eventually retiring from the Bristol County Sheriff's office. In his retirement he thoroughly enjoyed his time working at WHALE and serving on the Board of Appeals for the town of Mattapoisett.
Norm had many hobbies which included gardening, reading, singing along while he played his piano, dancing, and HUGGING. None of these were more important to him than attending every single one of his three daughters and seven grandchildren's sporting and school events, cheering the loudest and always the proudest.
Survivors include his wife Noreen; three daughters, Cheryl A. Pereira and her husband John, Donna J. Downey and her husband Paul, and Kristen N. Dailey and her husband Christopher; seven grandchildren, Justin Downey and his wife Sarah, Connor Downey, his wife Anne and their son Hayes, Owen Downey and his fiancee Emily Morse, Mikala "KK" Downey, Jack Dailey, Garret Dailey, and Carter Dailey; his brothers Paul Lyonnais and Donald Lyonnais and his wife Christine; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Roger Lyonnais.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 28th at 10 AM at St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett. A private burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated at Damien's Pantry, P.O. Box 730, East Wareham, MA 02538, or to any charity of your choice. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Norm left New Bedford Vocational High School in 1955, at the age of 17, to join the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged after serving his country for three years in England.
In 1959, he married Noreen D. (Andersen) Lyonnais whom he met on a blind date. They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary together. Norm attended and graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University (currently UMass Dartmouth) with a bachelor's degree in business.
He worked for the City of New Bedford in several capacities over many years before eventually retiring from the Bristol County Sheriff's office. In his retirement he thoroughly enjoyed his time working at WHALE and serving on the Board of Appeals for the town of Mattapoisett.
Norm had many hobbies which included gardening, reading, singing along while he played his piano, dancing, and HUGGING. None of these were more important to him than attending every single one of his three daughters and seven grandchildren's sporting and school events, cheering the loudest and always the proudest.
Survivors include his wife Noreen; three daughters, Cheryl A. Pereira and her husband John, Donna J. Downey and her husband Paul, and Kristen N. Dailey and her husband Christopher; seven grandchildren, Justin Downey and his wife Sarah, Connor Downey, his wife Anne and their son Hayes, Owen Downey and his fiancee Emily Morse, Mikala "KK" Downey, Jack Dailey, Garret Dailey, and Carter Dailey; his brothers Paul Lyonnais and Donald Lyonnais and his wife Christine; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Roger Lyonnais.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 28th at 10 AM at St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett. A private burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated at Damien's Pantry, P.O. Box 730, East Wareham, MA 02538, or to any charity of your choice. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Helen "Lenkie" Angier Trumbull
Sep 14, 2023 |
Helen "Lenkie" Angier Trumbull passed away peacefully at her summer home in Marion, Massachusetts, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
Born in Brookline, MA in 1930, Lenkie was the daughter of Donald and Helen (Cumming) Angier. Growing up in Brookline, she attended Winsor School, before attending and graduating from Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut. Every summer of her life was spent in Marion, where growing up she learned to sail, play tennis and golf.
Lenkie was also a member of the Kittansett Club, where she won the women's club championship three times.
She spent her winters since the late 1970's at Mountain Lake in Lake Wales, Florida.
Lenkie had a knack for putting others at ease, and she quietly commanded respect. She was described by a friend as "someone we all listened to and respected." Though she never attended college or had a working career, she was a very active volunteer in all of the communities in which she lived, starting with volunteering for the Red Cross while still a teen. Lenkie believed that it was important to "give support to a good cause that in turn helped those in need", and by her example, instilled in her children the importance of giving back to one's community.
Known for her organizational skills, Lenkie served on the Boards and/or as an officer of Hospital for Women of Maryland (now Greater Baltimore Medical Center), Princeton Hospital and its Women's Auxiliary (President & Vice-President), New Jersey Association of Hospital Auxiliaries (Vice-President), Princeton Area United Way Fund, Princeton Nursery School (Treasurer), Mountain Lake Corporation, and Mountain Lake Auxiliary for the Lake Wales Hospital. A devoted alumna of the Westover School, she also served as Trustee on its Board for many years and was a Trustee Emeritus. With these and other organizations, Lenkie was also known for her fundraising ability, heading major fundraising events for the Princeton Hospital and capital campaigns for Westover School, the Marion Art Center and others.
Besides sports and her volunteering, Lenkie enjoyed needlework, regularly creating needlepoint items and knitting socks, bridge, puzzles and reading. A very capable flower arranger, her love of gardens led to membership in the Garden Club of Buzzards Bay, as well previously with the Stony Brook Garden Club (NJ), where she served on its Board and in every officer position, and in the Garden Club of America, where she served on a number of its committees.
Lenkie married R. Brent Keyser in 1950, and was widowed in 1960. Her marriage to William Adamson, Jr. in 1961 ended in divorce. In 2002, she married local childhood friend, Walter H. Trumbull, who predeceased her in 2021. She is survived by her children Leigh K. Phillips (Peter), Donald A. Keyser (Anne), Peter S. Adamson (Mary) and step-children Lea Ferris (Bill), Hope Woodhead (George), Margaret Nash (Mike), Robin Tolan (John), Walter H. ("Terry") Trumbull, Jr. (Valerie) and Constance ("Coco") Mueller (Kirk), and her son-in-law John C. Evans and daughters-in-law, Pamela S. Evans and Virginia B. Keyser. In addition, "Bamie" was beloved by her many grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her greatly. She was predeceased by two of her children, Elizabeth ("Liza") K. Evans and W. McHenry ("Mac") Keyser, and by her brother, Albert Edgar Angier II.
The family wants to express its thanks and gratitude to the many friends and her professional caregivers for all the love and attention shown to our mother over the past few months.
A private service will be held for the immediate family, with a celebration of Lenkie's life to be held in her garden in Marion next summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Marion Art Center and/or the Sippican Land Trust, or to the Westover School (Liza Keyser Evans Scholarship Fund) in Middlebury, Connecticut. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Born in Brookline, MA in 1930, Lenkie was the daughter of Donald and Helen (Cumming) Angier. Growing up in Brookline, she attended Winsor School, before attending and graduating from Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut. Every summer of her life was spent in Marion, where growing up she learned to sail, play tennis and golf.
Lenkie was also a member of the Kittansett Club, where she won the women's club championship three times.
She spent her winters since the late 1970's at Mountain Lake in Lake Wales, Florida.
Lenkie had a knack for putting others at ease, and she quietly commanded respect. She was described by a friend as "someone we all listened to and respected." Though she never attended college or had a working career, she was a very active volunteer in all of the communities in which she lived, starting with volunteering for the Red Cross while still a teen. Lenkie believed that it was important to "give support to a good cause that in turn helped those in need", and by her example, instilled in her children the importance of giving back to one's community.
Known for her organizational skills, Lenkie served on the Boards and/or as an officer of Hospital for Women of Maryland (now Greater Baltimore Medical Center), Princeton Hospital and its Women's Auxiliary (President & Vice-President), New Jersey Association of Hospital Auxiliaries (Vice-President), Princeton Area United Way Fund, Princeton Nursery School (Treasurer), Mountain Lake Corporation, and Mountain Lake Auxiliary for the Lake Wales Hospital. A devoted alumna of the Westover School, she also served as Trustee on its Board for many years and was a Trustee Emeritus. With these and other organizations, Lenkie was also known for her fundraising ability, heading major fundraising events for the Princeton Hospital and capital campaigns for Westover School, the Marion Art Center and others.
Besides sports and her volunteering, Lenkie enjoyed needlework, regularly creating needlepoint items and knitting socks, bridge, puzzles and reading. A very capable flower arranger, her love of gardens led to membership in the Garden Club of Buzzards Bay, as well previously with the Stony Brook Garden Club (NJ), where she served on its Board and in every officer position, and in the Garden Club of America, where she served on a number of its committees.
Lenkie married R. Brent Keyser in 1950, and was widowed in 1960. Her marriage to William Adamson, Jr. in 1961 ended in divorce. In 2002, she married local childhood friend, Walter H. Trumbull, who predeceased her in 2021. She is survived by her children Leigh K. Phillips (Peter), Donald A. Keyser (Anne), Peter S. Adamson (Mary) and step-children Lea Ferris (Bill), Hope Woodhead (George), Margaret Nash (Mike), Robin Tolan (John), Walter H. ("Terry") Trumbull, Jr. (Valerie) and Constance ("Coco") Mueller (Kirk), and her son-in-law John C. Evans and daughters-in-law, Pamela S. Evans and Virginia B. Keyser. In addition, "Bamie" was beloved by her many grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her greatly. She was predeceased by two of her children, Elizabeth ("Liza") K. Evans and W. McHenry ("Mac") Keyser, and by her brother, Albert Edgar Angier II.
The family wants to express its thanks and gratitude to the many friends and her professional caregivers for all the love and attention shown to our mother over the past few months.
A private service will be held for the immediate family, with a celebration of Lenkie's life to be held in her garden in Marion next summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Marion Art Center and/or the Sippican Land Trust, or to the Westover School (Liza Keyser Evans Scholarship Fund) in Middlebury, Connecticut. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Diane Hawley Currens D'Almeida
Sep 14, 2023 |
Diane Hawley Currens D'Almeida, age 77, passed away in Brookline, MA on September 14, 2023, from complications after a fall in her summer home in Marion, MA. Diane was born at the Richardson House in Boston, Massachusetts on April 19, 1946, to Dr. James Hawley Currens and Helenka Chmielinski Currens. Diane grew up in Newton, Massachusetts with her three sisters, Genya, Tina, and Hawley. The Currens sisters were known for their blond hair, athleticism, and musical talent.
Diane graduated from Wheaton College in 1968 with a BA in French and German and later earned a Masters Degree in Library Science from Simmons College in 1996. She received Fulbright Fellowships to travel to the middle east and interview Arab women writers. Diane loved traveling, the middle east, Arab culture, and the desert. She worked for several local libraries including the Boston Public Library, the Sloan Library at MIT, and finally as the Modern Foreign Language and Linguistics Bibliographer at Boston University's Mugar Library, where she retired in 2016. During her career and after her retirement, Diane loved spending summers in Marion, Massachusetts, with her sisters Genya and Hawley, playing tennis at the Sippican Tennis Club, and swimming at Silvershell Beach.
Considering her love of traveling and sense of adventure, it was not surprising Diane fell in love and married a Portuguese navy lieutenant and MIT graduate student, Jorge Roque de Pinho de Almeida. The couple moved to Portugal in 1971 and Diane lived off and on for many years in Portugal, learning to speak the language fluently and raising her children.
To her friends and colleagues, Diane was vibrant, enthusiastic, unconventional, kind, and adventurous, with a hearty laugh and generous sense of humor. She had a wide, sly grin, and could not be accused of being mild-mannered or shy. Diane lived stoically, guarding her independence fiercely and standing up for herself in ways that felt right to her. From a young age, she studied classical music on the piano and violin and loved to read. She played in numerous orchestras and quartets during her lifetime and passed on her love of music and reading to her children and grandchildren.
Diane is preceded in death by her father Dr. James Hawley Currens and her mother Helenka Chmielinski Currens. She is survived by her two children, Jaime Currens D'Almeida of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Sofia Currens D'Almeida Mabee of Bainbridge Island, Washington, as well as her five grandchildren: Mia Sibley D'Almeida, Lily Currens D'Almeida, Savannah Almeida Mabee, Jack Lavradio Mabee, and Travis James Mabee. Holidays and vacations will never be the same for them, and for Diane's loving daughter-in-law Lisa Murray D'Almeida and son-in-law, Daniel Stephen Mabee. A memorial celebrating Diane's life will be held at the Marsh Chapel at Boston University on October 15 at 3 pm.
In the words of Diane's favorite musician, Bob Dylan:
Suddenly I turned around and she was standing there
With silver bracelets on her wrists and flowers in her hair
She walked up to me so gracefully and took my crown of thorns
Come in, she said
I'll give you shelter from the storm
Diane graduated from Wheaton College in 1968 with a BA in French and German and later earned a Masters Degree in Library Science from Simmons College in 1996. She received Fulbright Fellowships to travel to the middle east and interview Arab women writers. Diane loved traveling, the middle east, Arab culture, and the desert. She worked for several local libraries including the Boston Public Library, the Sloan Library at MIT, and finally as the Modern Foreign Language and Linguistics Bibliographer at Boston University's Mugar Library, where she retired in 2016. During her career and after her retirement, Diane loved spending summers in Marion, Massachusetts, with her sisters Genya and Hawley, playing tennis at the Sippican Tennis Club, and swimming at Silvershell Beach.
Considering her love of traveling and sense of adventure, it was not surprising Diane fell in love and married a Portuguese navy lieutenant and MIT graduate student, Jorge Roque de Pinho de Almeida. The couple moved to Portugal in 1971 and Diane lived off and on for many years in Portugal, learning to speak the language fluently and raising her children.
To her friends and colleagues, Diane was vibrant, enthusiastic, unconventional, kind, and adventurous, with a hearty laugh and generous sense of humor. She had a wide, sly grin, and could not be accused of being mild-mannered or shy. Diane lived stoically, guarding her independence fiercely and standing up for herself in ways that felt right to her. From a young age, she studied classical music on the piano and violin and loved to read. She played in numerous orchestras and quartets during her lifetime and passed on her love of music and reading to her children and grandchildren.
Diane is preceded in death by her father Dr. James Hawley Currens and her mother Helenka Chmielinski Currens. She is survived by her two children, Jaime Currens D'Almeida of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Sofia Currens D'Almeida Mabee of Bainbridge Island, Washington, as well as her five grandchildren: Mia Sibley D'Almeida, Lily Currens D'Almeida, Savannah Almeida Mabee, Jack Lavradio Mabee, and Travis James Mabee. Holidays and vacations will never be the same for them, and for Diane's loving daughter-in-law Lisa Murray D'Almeida and son-in-law, Daniel Stephen Mabee. A memorial celebrating Diane's life will be held at the Marsh Chapel at Boston University on October 15 at 3 pm.
In the words of Diane's favorite musician, Bob Dylan:
Suddenly I turned around and she was standing there
With silver bracelets on her wrists and flowers in her hair
She walked up to me so gracefully and took my crown of thorns
Come in, she said
I'll give you shelter from the storm
DEATH
|
Elizabeth "Bette" Z. Sobieraj
Sep 11, 2023 |
Elizabeth "Bette" Z. Sobieraj fell into her final rest at 11:05pm on Monday, September 11, 2023. Her loving daughters, Cheryl and Karen were at her side.
Born in Utica NY, Bette was the daughter of the late Stanley and Eugenia Ziemba and a graduate of the Utica Catholic Academy.
For over a month, Bette battled ARDS, (Acute respiratory distress syndrome). Her desire to live was strong throughout her battle. When the decision to be ventilated needed to be made, she proudly declared, "Just go for it!" Bette fought for life on the ventilator for 27 days. Bette wanted to live, but in the end the disease won. She was always a fighter.
Bette lived for family and friends. Nothing gave her greater joy than being surrounded by chatting voices, crying babies, the pitter patter of toddlers or the slobbering faces of dogs. She considered every friend a family member and that was evident in the calendars she kept that recorded every event in everyone's life. No occasion was too small to remember. She didn't just preserve people's history on a calendar, she acknowledged every event with a greeting card in which a handwritten personal note was ALWAYS included. Even while in the ICU on a Bi-Pap machine, one of Bette's greatest concerns was getting birthday cards written to her daughter Karen, son-in-law Ken, and great grandchildren Dominic and Vincent. She spent hours scribing notes in Christmas cards to convey her love during the holiday season. She needed others to know she cared and loved them. Greeting cards conveyed that love, care and concern - her precious gift.
Giving gifts was another of Bette's passions. She would walk the aisles of stores for hours scrutinizing every detail to find the perfect gift for that special loved one. Bette wasn't wealthy, but because of her unspoken motto "where there's a will there's a way" her ability to find the perfect gift at the perfect price left birthdays with gifts galore and Christmas mornings with so many presents that the tree was hardly visible!
Bette also had the gift for gardening. Her children remember planting tiny zinnias seeds every summer by her side. On the first day of school, those flowers would be cut, grouped into small bouquets, wrapped with a wet paper towel and aluminum foil to be presented to the new teacher. The Sobieraj children were known for their bouquets because of her. She could grow sunflowers to well over 8' tall, lilies of the valley that filled the yard with the sweetest of scents and hosta that attracted hummingbirds by the dozens. Because of Bette, her children had a beautiful yard to play in.
Bette's beautiful yard, and giving heart were not only experienced by her 6 children. Bette worked in child care for most of her life. She helped raise dozens of children of working parents providing every child a safe, loving, snack filled, activity enriched place to be before and after school and during school vacations. While these children were born to another woman, I have a strong sense that due to Bette's giving heart, many, if not all, consider her a surrogate mom.
But perhaps the trait that stands out is her dedication to everyone and everything in her life. Bette never gave up on anyone. Despite the financial hardship of raising 6 kids, Bette was dedicated to her children never going without. She worked days and nights to provide every child with a life that never wanted for anything. Every daughter's hair was perfectly curled because of her. Every child was clean, fed, and dressed in the latest fashions because of her. Every child was offered a private college education because of her. Every child was offered the wedding of their dreams because of her. Every child was offered a home to spend the holidays, because of her. Every child had a defender, a supporter, a fighter in their corner, because of her. She tended to her late husband of 56.5 years, Bill, with every ounce of her being. She sacrificed her own health to care for him, to love him, to give him life. She gave all of herself in every breath, even her last.
Elizabeth Z. Sobieraj lives on. She lives on in each of her 6 children: Dorene Murphy, Karen Gutta, William "Billy" Sobieraj, Cheryl Sobieraj Wadhwa, Christine "Crissy" LeGault, and Lisabeth "Lisa" Good. She lives on in her children-laws: Joseph Murphy, Charles "Chuck" Gutta, Sunil Wadhwa, Kevin LeGault, and Ken Good. She lives on in her 16 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren, nieces/nephews and the dozens of surrogate children from her days as a daycare provider.
She lives on in her living siblings: Martha Dosiek of TX, Mary Sobieraj of NY and her brothers: Joseph of NY and Eugene of WI and her siblings that have passed: Stanley, Alice (Ziemba), Edward, and Clara (Wilson).
Each of us will remember her smile, her long hugs, never empty refrigerator, her love to dance, her love to love.
There are 3 takeaways from Elizabeth's/Bette's/Mom's life that everyone should live by: Remember to take care of each other - Remember to eat - Remember to call when you arrive.
Her wake was held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Her funeral Mass was held at St. Patrick's Church, 82 High Street Wareham, MA 02571.
Born in Utica NY, Bette was the daughter of the late Stanley and Eugenia Ziemba and a graduate of the Utica Catholic Academy.
For over a month, Bette battled ARDS, (Acute respiratory distress syndrome). Her desire to live was strong throughout her battle. When the decision to be ventilated needed to be made, she proudly declared, "Just go for it!" Bette fought for life on the ventilator for 27 days. Bette wanted to live, but in the end the disease won. She was always a fighter.
Bette lived for family and friends. Nothing gave her greater joy than being surrounded by chatting voices, crying babies, the pitter patter of toddlers or the slobbering faces of dogs. She considered every friend a family member and that was evident in the calendars she kept that recorded every event in everyone's life. No occasion was too small to remember. She didn't just preserve people's history on a calendar, she acknowledged every event with a greeting card in which a handwritten personal note was ALWAYS included. Even while in the ICU on a Bi-Pap machine, one of Bette's greatest concerns was getting birthday cards written to her daughter Karen, son-in-law Ken, and great grandchildren Dominic and Vincent. She spent hours scribing notes in Christmas cards to convey her love during the holiday season. She needed others to know she cared and loved them. Greeting cards conveyed that love, care and concern - her precious gift.
Giving gifts was another of Bette's passions. She would walk the aisles of stores for hours scrutinizing every detail to find the perfect gift for that special loved one. Bette wasn't wealthy, but because of her unspoken motto "where there's a will there's a way" her ability to find the perfect gift at the perfect price left birthdays with gifts galore and Christmas mornings with so many presents that the tree was hardly visible!
Bette also had the gift for gardening. Her children remember planting tiny zinnias seeds every summer by her side. On the first day of school, those flowers would be cut, grouped into small bouquets, wrapped with a wet paper towel and aluminum foil to be presented to the new teacher. The Sobieraj children were known for their bouquets because of her. She could grow sunflowers to well over 8' tall, lilies of the valley that filled the yard with the sweetest of scents and hosta that attracted hummingbirds by the dozens. Because of Bette, her children had a beautiful yard to play in.
Bette's beautiful yard, and giving heart were not only experienced by her 6 children. Bette worked in child care for most of her life. She helped raise dozens of children of working parents providing every child a safe, loving, snack filled, activity enriched place to be before and after school and during school vacations. While these children were born to another woman, I have a strong sense that due to Bette's giving heart, many, if not all, consider her a surrogate mom.
But perhaps the trait that stands out is her dedication to everyone and everything in her life. Bette never gave up on anyone. Despite the financial hardship of raising 6 kids, Bette was dedicated to her children never going without. She worked days and nights to provide every child with a life that never wanted for anything. Every daughter's hair was perfectly curled because of her. Every child was clean, fed, and dressed in the latest fashions because of her. Every child was offered a private college education because of her. Every child was offered the wedding of their dreams because of her. Every child was offered a home to spend the holidays, because of her. Every child had a defender, a supporter, a fighter in their corner, because of her. She tended to her late husband of 56.5 years, Bill, with every ounce of her being. She sacrificed her own health to care for him, to love him, to give him life. She gave all of herself in every breath, even her last.
Elizabeth Z. Sobieraj lives on. She lives on in each of her 6 children: Dorene Murphy, Karen Gutta, William "Billy" Sobieraj, Cheryl Sobieraj Wadhwa, Christine "Crissy" LeGault, and Lisabeth "Lisa" Good. She lives on in her children-laws: Joseph Murphy, Charles "Chuck" Gutta, Sunil Wadhwa, Kevin LeGault, and Ken Good. She lives on in her 16 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren, nieces/nephews and the dozens of surrogate children from her days as a daycare provider.
She lives on in her living siblings: Martha Dosiek of TX, Mary Sobieraj of NY and her brothers: Joseph of NY and Eugene of WI and her siblings that have passed: Stanley, Alice (Ziemba), Edward, and Clara (Wilson).
Each of us will remember her smile, her long hugs, never empty refrigerator, her love to dance, her love to love.
There are 3 takeaways from Elizabeth's/Bette's/Mom's life that everyone should live by: Remember to take care of each other - Remember to eat - Remember to call when you arrive.
Her wake was held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Her funeral Mass was held at St. Patrick's Church, 82 High Street Wareham, MA 02571.