Sample obits

Katherine Douglass, the loving but stern grandmother known as Mom Douglass to generations of children she cared for in her Philadelphia home, died December 30 of septic shock after suffering from dementia for eight years. She was 90. She was born Katherine Shenoster April 19, …read more

On a bright bluebird day, Karen Faur Passaro hiked a mountain. Let’s say she was 26 or 62. At the top—the good part—breathing hard, alive in her body, she threw her arms wide, saying this day will be a memory. The palmier at a bakery …read more

Robert Girard Sabato, Jr. leaves a legacy of connections—ripples of his generosity, compassion, and expertise throughout Western Massachusetts. And let’s not forget levity and honesty; he would not want us to take things too seriously or to leave out the human stuff here. Known as …read more

The formidable Willis Donald Henry, known as Don to some, Hank to others, and Hop Pop to his grandchildren, died October 13 in Roaring Gap, North Carolina, from complications of dementia. He was 97. Hank was a man of deep intelligence, integrity, and humility. He …read more

Jean Passaro, a cheerful matriarch who worked hard and lovingly at everything she did, died October 3 in Coeur d’Alene of complications from dementia. A longtime Wood River Valley resident, she was 89 and loved her children and grandchildren as much as she was beloved …read more

Julia King McFarland was a mother of nine and a matriarch in every sense of the word. Nurturing the members of her large family, doing herself what many parents today might outsource, she created waves of opportunities for everyone she loved. A resident of Natchez, …read more

A lifelong tenderheart and lover of fun, Kathy Jo “Toni” Hammer was just weeks away from her sixtieth birthday when she died of heart failure November 3, 2020. She leaves behind a heartbroken partner, two beloved (i.e., spoiled) cats, and many loved ones who will …read more

The world lost a true giver when Jan Ely passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s in Los Gatos, CA, December 26, 2019. She was 78. Jan had a warm heart, a gentle, playful spirit, and a radiant smile that made everyone around her feel …read more

He was known as “G.” “G” for Gerard and “G” for Gold but also “G” for genuine, “G” for giving, “G” for “You good?”, the daily text he sent to those in his wide circle. He was a short man with a big presence. A …read more

Sheila Urbanetti used to say that the three most important things she’d done in her life were: 1) have her two children 2) separate from her husband 3) have her knees replaced. And in that order. That’s just how she was—all five foot, two of her: …read more

Charles Thomas Juenemann, educator, explorer, ponderer, and lifelong friend, died December 27 of a heart attack. He was 69.  Charles was a self-taught guitarist and pianist, a daily crossword puzzle doer, a mender (antique amplifiers and speakers, relationships). He was a book guy, a sports …read more

Ester Perrier Seguiti, friend and nurturer to many and a vibrant “jill of all trades,” died June 26, 2018 of a sudden heart attack while working in her garden in Andover, Vt. She was 74. Throughout her life, Ester repeated that she didn’t know what …read more

Robin Christopher Giles Thornton, scientist, conversationalist, and beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died of lung cancer in Eugene on March 8, 2018. He was 88. He will be remembered for his friendliness, curiosity, and his high intelligence, a combination that made for engaging conversations with …read more

William J. McCloskey, III, 70, of Ambler, passed away May 24, after suffering from vascular dementia. He was known as “Mac” in high school, “Mr. Mac” as a scout master for twelve years, “Biff” to his kids, “Pop-pop” to his grandkids, and “Bill” to most …read more