Tributes

CHICOPEE-Frances M. Kuselias, 76, of Chicopee passed away at her home with her daughter at her side on Monday, June 17, 2019. Fran was born in Springfield on September 15, 1942 the daughter of the late George and Edith (Christian) Williams. She was raised and educated in Springfield. Fran worked for many years for the Chicopee School department with the transportation department and also in the cafeteria. She also worked for many years for De’Angelos Sandwich Shop, Septembers, Kmart...

CHICOPEE- Phyllis P. Rzewnicki, 83, of Chicopee passed away peacefully on Tuesday at Heritage Hall Nursing center surrounded by her family. Phyllis or “Phyl” as family and friends knew her as, was born in Chicopee, attended local schools and was a lifelong resident of the city. She was a longtime communicant of the former Holy Name Church in Chicopee.  Phyl graduated from the Baystate Medical School of Nursing and later in life furthered her education, receiving her...

EASTHAMPTON-Ann Sheridan St. Marie, 70, died on May 27, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA, surrounded by loved ones, after a long period of declining health. Throughout her life, she saw the best, brought out the best, and was, quite simply, the very best of people. Her family is unmoored by her death, and friends are devastated, but all are steadied by their certainty in the abiding impact of her fierce, unconditional love.  Ann was born on January 11, 1949 in...

CHICOPEE- William W. Stewart, 95, of Collins Street in Chicopee passed away peacefully on April 24, 2019 in Florida with his family surrounding him. Bill was born in Holyoke on January 12, 1924, a son of the late William M. and Helen (Kureck) Stewart. He was educated in Chicopee, attending local schools including Kirby Jr. High and graduated from Chicopee High School in the class of 1941. Bill enlisted in the US Army in 1943 serving with the 164th Infantry Regiment. Bill was stationed in the...

WEST HATFIELD ~ Gilroy P. Arbour, 87, of West Street passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Gil was born in Kauai, Hawaii on October 30, 1931, a son of the late Lawrence E. and Louise (Santos) Arbour. He grew up on the family farm in Kauai and was educated in schools there. He graduated from Frankfort Military Post High School in Frankfort, Germany. He moved to the States many years ago settling in West Hatfield where he has resided for the...

CHICOPEE - Doris T. (Auclair) Tanguay, 90, of Chicopee passed away on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Center for Extended Care in Amherst surrounded by her loving and devoted family. She was born in Holyoke, MA on February 7, 1929 to the late Francois and Marie (Carrier) Auclair. She lived in Holyoke, Granby, Brewster and, after retirement she and her husband enjoyed summers in Brewster and Chicopee and winters in Davie, FL. She worked many years in manufacturing in Chicopee and later, in Food...

CHICOPEE-Norma Whittier Marshall, 83, of Blanan Drive in Chicopee passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield with her family at her side. She was born in Millington, MA.  on February 5, 1936, the daughter of the late Clifford & Elizabeth (Forster) Whittier. Norma resided in Chicopee for many years and was an active member of the Chicopee Falls United Methodist Church and more recently Faith United Methodist Church. Norma enjoyed...

CHICOPEE- Theodore L. Bigda, 91, of Wildermere St. in Chicopee passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2019. Ted was born in Chicopee, a son of the late Lawrence and Anna (Grzybala) Bigda.  He was a lifelong resident of the city, attending local schools and graduated from Chicopee High/Trade School. Ted served in the US Army from 1950 to 1952 in Korea. He saw action in the Battle of Sherwan Valley and Old Baldy in Korea. Ted received the Korean Service Medal w/ One Bronze star,...

CHICOPEE-Edna E. (LaPerle) Gagne, 90, of Broadway Street in Chicopee passed away on Wednesday evening (April 10, 2019) at Daybook village surrounded by her family. Edna was born on February 14, 1929 in Chicopee, a lifelong resident of the city, she was educated in local schools. Edna was married on June 7, 1952 to Ronald A. Gagne Jr. and they celebrated 63 years together until his passing in 2016. She worked as the office manager for Brochu Insurance until her retirement in 1992. She had...

CHICOPEE-Doris L. (Leroux) Girard, of Chicopee passed away peacefully on March 22, 2019 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Doris was born on June 5, 1933 in the Three Rivers section of Palmer, a daughter of the late Alexander and Rose (Brodeur) Leroux.  Doris was raised in Three Rivers and educated in Palmer schools. She was a longtime Chicopee resident and raised her family here. She was a communicant of the former St. George Church. As a member of the Spfld...