Tributes

CHICOPEE-Helen (Avlas) Lenz, 101, of Ondrick Drive in Chicopee passed away peacefully more than a century after she entered this world, her loving family surrounding her on Saturday evening at her home. Helen was born on November 22, 1917 in Clinton, Massachusetts, the daughter of proud Greek immigrants, John and Melanie (Karangelos) Avlas. She was raised and educated in the Clinton area, furthering her education, she attended and graduated from Becker College. She was married to Charles E....

WEST SPRINGFIELD-Marilyn G. Carr, 78, of Clayton drive in West Springfield passed away on Saturday evening, October 12, 2019 at Holyoke Hospital with her loving family at her side. Marilyn or  ‘‘The Queen” as her family lovingly sometimes referred to her, was born in Fall River on September 6, 1941, a daughter to the late Walter and Gertrude (Alty) Platt. She was raised and educated in Fall River, attending local schools and graduated from the former Sacred Heart...

 CHICOPEE - Rocco J. “Rocky” Calabrese, 95, formerly of Hillcrest Street in Chicopee passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at BSMC in Springfield. Rocky was born on March 5, 1924 in Springfield to the late Gennaro and Maria Antonia (Daniele) Calabrese. He was raised and educated in Springfield, attending local schools. During WWII, he joined the US Army, serving with the 257th Ordnance Company. He saw action in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Central...

SPRINGFIELD- Kenneth Munsell, 66, of 57 Jean Drive in Springfield sadly passed away on September 21 2019, due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Kenneth was born in Springfield on August 17, 1953, to Elizabeth and Richard Munsell of Agawam where he was raised. He worked many years as a truck driver and enjoyed long rides and music. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lynne who passed away on August 7, 2013. He leaves behind his parents; Richard and Elizabeth Munsell of West...

CHICOPEE-Margaret M. (Peg) Bednarz, nee Reilly, 81, a long-time resident of Chicopee and most recent resident of Wingate of East Longmeadow passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family and caregivers on September 2, 2019.  Peg was born in Springfield MA, the youngest of five children of Michael and Kathleen Reilly. Peg was raised in a tight-knit family of proud Irish decent in the Hungry-Hill section of Springfield.   Her Irish heritage, large and extended...

SOUTH HADLEY-Mary A. Denis Dufault, 96, formerly of Lathrop Street in South Hadley passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday morning at Holyoke Health Center. Mary was born in Glens Falls, New York on June 27, 1923, a daughter to the late Thomas and Mary E. (Moran) Dwyer. She was raised in Glens Falls, known as Hometown USA by Life Magazine, was educated in local schools and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy. Mary worked as a clerk in her younger years in for JM Fields...

CHICOPEE- Joseph A. Chicorka, 74, of 517 Chicopee Street passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 1, 2019 in Westfield. Joe was a lifelong Chicopee resident, residing at the Honeyman Residence. He loved to draw and was a very philosophical person. He leaves his many friends at the Honeyman Home as well as the dedicated staff who cared for Joe over the years, affording him much dignity and a wonderful quality of life. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his...

CHICOPEE- Elise Marie (Morin) Pion, 93, a lifelong Chicopee resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at Willimansett Center Nursing Home. Elise was born in Springfield on May 3, 1926, a daughter of the late Charles and Rita (Desilets) Morin. She was raised and educated in Chicopee, attending local schools including St. George Catholic School in Chicopee Falls and Cathedral High school. She was a devoted Catholic and was a communicant of the former St. George Church and Mary,...

SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA/CHICOPEE~ Henry L. Therrien, 94, of Sebastian FL, passed away July 7, 2019 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Fl. Henry was born July 10, 1924 in Holyoke, MA and was a resident of Sebastian for the past 25 years. Henry was predeceased by his wife Bernadette L’Heureux and sons, William and Mark and his brother, Richard. He is survived by his son, Leonard and wife Patricia with whom he lived. His daughter Celeste Beaulieu and husband Joe. His sons, Gerard and wife...

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...