Sample obits
Thank you to the families for granting permission to republish these here.
Robert G. Sabato, 1954–2023
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
Willis Donald Henry, 1924–2021
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 Marilyn Nuss Passaro, 1932–2021
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, 1923–2021
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
Kathy Jo “Toni” Hammer, 1960-2020
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
Janet Lenore Vaughan (Malling) Ely, 1941-2019
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