Category Archives: 1980s

Nana Staub ’84

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Nana Staub, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, passed away Monday, March 9, 2020. She was born April 25, 1966 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Dr. Roy T. Staub, M.D. and Nancy Lohman Staub.

Nana was Catholic by faith. She attended Tulane University and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality. Nana worked in the film industry and was a very talented interior decorator. She enjoyed collecting odd and wonderful things, and she was always with her Weimaraner.

Nana was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Roy T. Staub, M.D.  She is survived by her mother, Nancy Lohman Staub; her brother, Tommy Staub; and her sisters, Liz Staub and Leslie Staub, all of New Orleans.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in New Orleans at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alaqua Animal Refuge at https://www.alaqua.org/donate/

Posted in: 1980s

Ajoy K. Chakrabarti ’86

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Ajoy “Ajay” K. Chakrabarti, 51, of East Longmeadow, MA, died early Wednesday morning, January 29, 2020 at his residence. He was born in Holyoke, son of Pranati (Bhaumik) Chakrabarti of South Hadley, and the late Dr. Anil K. Chakrabarti. Ajay was a graduate of the Williston Northampton School of Easthampton, attended the University of Vermont and graduated from Western New England College where he earned his degree in Business Management. He was well-known for his computer savvy, information and technology support. Ajay was a sports enthusiast as well as an avid tennis and softball player. He was a gifted athlete whose personality and devotion touched many people on and off the courts and fields. He was a person that always wanted to make the world a better place with compassion, kindness and patience. Ajay is a person that will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 18 years, Alicia N. (Gwozdz) Chakrabarti of East Longmeadow; his mother, Pranati Chakrabarti of South Hadley; his brother, Anjan Chakrabarti of Chicopee; his in-laws, Michael and Gail (Bortle) Gwozdz of East Longmeadow; two sisters-in-law, Becky Gwozdz and her better half Chris of East Longmeadow; and Susan Commisso and her husband Nick of Springfield; his favorite feline friend Bonzo; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends, teammates and colleagues. Relatives and friends may call prior to his service on Saturday, February 8th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street in Springfield, MA. The Celebration of Life Service will follow from 3:00-4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be directed to the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105.

Posted in: 1980s

Blair Douglas McMillin ’84

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It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Blair Douglas McMillin on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. He was at home surrounded by his wife Chrissy and their children Callahan, Teegan, Delaney and Shea who collectively were the loves of his life. He is preceded in death by his parents Julia Jones and Blair Steele McMillin. Along with his wife and children he is survived by his brother and best friend James and sister Barbara Smith (Rick). Doug was born and raised in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania and summered at his family house in Chautauqua, New York. He spent a post graduate year at Williston Northampton and graduated college from Ohio Wesleyan where he was a stellar football and track star. After graduation he moved to the Roaring Fork Valley and resided in Woody Creek and Basalt for over 30 years. He made a living in construction and enjoyed his passions for photography, sailing, skiing and woodworking. Doug was a kind and gentle soul with a smile you could never forget. He had a kind word for all and if you knew him he considered you a friend. He had four rules for his children and the last one he lived by every day … Give more than you take.

Doug’s celebration of life will be held on January 25, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. 70 McCabe Ranch Road Old Snowmass 81654. All who knew and loved him are welcome. Warm attire and think about carpooling.

Posted in: 1980s

Garrett A. Freebourn ’87

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Garrett Andrew Freebourn age 50, died September 8th, 2019 at his home on Vashon Island, WA. After a heroic struggle with a rare cancer, leaving behind his beloved wife Patty Freebourn and his children Garrett Alexander Freebourn and Rachael Katherine Freebourn, his mother Carol K. Freebourn and his sister Wendy S. Rusnock.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Richard Freebourn Sr., his brother James Richard Freebourn Jr., and his sister Lee Anne Freebourn.

Garrett was a wonderful and supportive husband who loved his family so very much, he lived as long as he possible could to be with them. Garrett enjoyed, camping, skiing, road trips, and anything that involved being with his family.

He was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, June 9, 1969 to James R. Freebourn Sr. And Carol K. Freebourn.

Growing up he attended grade school in Southampton, Ma. And graduated with the class of 1987 from Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA. He received Bachelor of Science Management Degree from the University of Utah, then a Global MBA from National University.

He served an honorable two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints in Seville Spain.

His work experience took him all over the world, but he spent the rest of his professional career at Synchronis Technology as a Business Analyst.

Garrett will be missed dearly because everyone he met knew that he was the most kind, sincere person and friend to all and will be deeply missed by all.

Be in peace my love.

By Patty Freebourn

Posted in: 1980s

Jennifer M. Patton ’86

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Jennifer M. Patton, of Waltham, died suddenly on November 21, 2019, nine days before her 51st birthday. She was a world traveler, visiting Turkey, Spain, Greece, England, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, and the Bahamas among other places. Also, Jen was an activist, technical writer and cat rescuer. She had just completed her one-year anniversary working as a Senior Technical Writer at Red Hat.

Jen had lived in many places, including Kenosha, WI, Cary, Il, Saudi Arabia (no place for a teenager as she pointed out), Mountain View, CA, and Baltimore, MD, but Waltham was her home. Jen was an extrovert and could talk to anyone. She was a warm, generous person with a delightful sense of humor. She was very active in many organizations, to name a few: Progressive Waltham, the Waltham Democratic City Committee, Diaper Depot, Green Rows of Waltham (GROW) and The Cat Connection. She was very interested in affordable housing, especially for those who wish to age in place in their home town, as she had hoped to do. She was a feminist through and through and a strong voice for so many.

A proud alumna of Wellesley College, Class of 1990, she was looking forward to attending her 30th class reunion this June – she will be there in spirit. We must tell of her love of the Red Sox. She was an avid reader and loved to discuss books, movies, ideas – well, just about anything. Jen was a member of First Parish Universalist Unitarian Church in Waltham.

She was predeceased by her younger brother, Andrew, who she always remembered. She is survived by her parents, Maureen and Tom Patton, her husband, Scott Shurr, many relatives, her dear friend, Melissa Honig, her friends, Sarah Hankins, Shirley Boschen Traite, Alice Taylor, Belinda Jentz and many others. We would be remiss not to mention her cats, Finn and Fergus, who she loved dearly and took such excellent care of. She was a compassionate, thoughtful woman, and will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to The Greater Boston Food Bank, 70 South Bay Ave., Boston, MA 02118, Ph: (617) 427-5200 or The Cat Connection, P.O. Box 541435, Waltham, MA 02454, Ph: (781) 899-4610. A Celebration of Jen’s Life will be held at a future date.

Posted in: 1980s

Robert J. Youngs, Jr. ’89

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Robert J. Youngs, Jr. — father, son, brother, friend, athlete, power-lifter, and 3 gunner, passed at his home in Boynton Beach, FL on June 5, 2019. Growing up Bob was very competitive and an amazing athlete, excelling at hockey, baseball, and football. Bob graduated from Williston Northampton School in 1989 and went on to attend Marietta College in Ohio where he discovered Westside Barbell and powerlifting. He was a record setter having lifted 700 deadlift, 810 squat, and 525 bench. Eventually, he moved to Florida and created Southside Barbell. When wear and tear got the best of his body and he was no longer able to lift, Bob discovered competitive gun shooting. He was a top 3 Gunner and was a constant source of support. Bob touched many lives within the 3-gun matches, he was everybody’s favorite range officer. Bob’s greatest accomplishment, pride and joy was his son, Christopher. Bob is survived by his amazing son, Christopher Youngs; his father, Robert J. Youngs, Sr.; his dear friend, Sarah Moss; his younger sister and her husband, Cindi and Tom McGrath; his nieces, Lilla and Samantha McGrath; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and countless friends. He was predeceased by all of his grandparents; his mother, Donna Youngs; his uncle, Louis Vozzolo; and niece, Elisabeth Bean McGrath. A Celebration of Life will be held at World Famous Egg Rolls at 1701 Congress Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL on Sunday, July 7, 2019 from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate.

Posted in: 1980s, Class of 1989

Katherine Nicholson ’89

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Katherine “Kate” Nicholson, of Hightstown, NJ, died of metastatic breast cancer on November 29, 2018. She is survived by her husband Brad and their children, Elizabeth, David, and Abigail.

Peter A. Quinn, headmaster at the Peddie School, shared this statement with his community:

We learned this morning that Mrs. Katherine Nicholson — beloved math teacher, swim coach, and advisor– died early this morning at her home in Hightstown. As you may know, Kate has been on medical leave since the end of the fall term because her cancer had progressed and treatment required all her strength. Unhappily, no program was able to save her life, but in her battle she was supported and loved by her family and a strong circle of friends both at Peddie and in the community of faith and friends beyond campus.

Kate Nicholson was a gifted and patient teacher with a matter-of-fact demeanor, a wry sense of a humor, and a deep, passionate commitment to the welfare of her students in whatever setting she met them. Whether in class, on the pool deck, or in the many less formal settings in which she did exceptional work as an advisor, Kate was a principled, forthright, and tireless advocate for her students. Her contributions to our school have been great and her passing is a great loss to many students, alumni, and colleagues as well as beyond Peddie.

The family’s service for Kate will be private. Her husband Brad and their children are aware of the great regard for Kate, but request privacy at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in her honor to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org).

Posted in: 1980s

R. Scott Giguere ’83

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R. Scott Giguere, 54, loving son, brother and partner and devoted father died peacefully, at his home in Killington, VT on November 22, 2018, surrounded with love, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Since the inception of Killington as a ski area, Giguere, has been a seminal figure in the vitality and development of the area. With the passing of Scott Giguere, an era also passes. Loved and known as Scotty, by all who knew him, Scott’s friendship was unbounded. There’s little that he hasn’t done for so many, that his goodness could not possibly pass with him. His love, laughter and light in his eyes, were forthcoming, whenever you were greeted by him. From the Wobbly Barn to Charity’s, to the Mountain and down to Route 4, Scott’s presence was an integral thread binding the community together.

Born in Killington on September 29,1964 to Jack Giguere and Phoebe Standish. Scott was predeceased by his father Jack, is survived by his mother Phoebe, son Colin, brother Brett, step brother Kenan, his partner, Jessica , best friend Benny, step mother, Teri, ex-wife Nicole, his precious dog Roxy and many other family members and many, many friends. His love for his family, especially for his son, was unbounded.

Scott was an avid skier and ski racer, a lifelong resident of Killington. He also enjoyed spending time at family homes on St. John U.S. Virgin Islands, Nantucket and Florida. He attended the Woodstock High School, transferred to the Williston Northampton School where he graduated. He went on to St. Lawrence University and graduated with a BA. His enthusiasm for everything he did, was obvious to all close to him, in all of his activities, from skiing, hiking, construction, building, developing and running Charity’s Restaurant. Scott’s tall, handsome, strapping stature, hearty laugh and winning smile was surpassed only by his kindness, generosity of spirit and full undivided attention that he gave to all who knew and loved him. His hospitality was unrivaled, at his home or business. You always felt welcomed by Scotty.

There is a deep absence felt by all who knew him, but Scott lives on in his family, friends and the community. Thank you, Scotty, for all you gave us. You will always be deeply loved.

A memorial service for Scott will be held on Saturday December 22nd at 10:00 am at the Church of Our Savior, Mission Farm, Killington, VT with a celebration to follow at the Foundry Restaurant in Killington from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Friends and family are welcome to attend either event.

Memorial donations may be made to a fund for Scott’s son Colin to attend summer camp. Donations should be payable to Colin Giguere C/O Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 30, Woodstock, Vermont 05091

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont.

Posted in: 1980s

Roma I. Donais W’27

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Roma I. Donais, 100, of Easthampton, MA passed away Sunday, May 13, 2018 in her home with her family at her side. She was born in South Hadley, MA on August 13, 1917, the daughter of Hector and Clemencia Isabelle Huot. Roma attended schools in South Hadley and pursued a profession as a Registered Nurse. She was the widow of Dr. Henry E. Donais ‘27, a well-respected physician in Easthampton, who died in 1997. Roma was active in Easthampton as a member of the former Town of Easthampton Finance Committee, member and Corporator of Emily Williston Memorial Library, member of Tuesday Afternoon Club, Helping Hand Society, Garden Club and a former President of the Easthampton Historical Society.

Roma is survived by son Paul C. Donais and daughter Harriet E. Tatro ‘57, both of Easthampton, two grandchildren Harriet A. DeVerry ‘81 and John H. Tatro ‘87, and one great-grandson Devin DeVerry ’17. She was predeceased by her son Henry E. (Hank) Donais, Jr. ’59.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 17, from 4pm to 6pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Park Street, Easthampton.

In lieu of flowers’s, a gift in Roma’s memory may be given to the Williston Northampton School, Donais Scholarship Fund.

Posted in: 1920s, 1950s, 1980s, Former Faculty

Ginger Kahn Stuck ’81

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Ginger Michelle Kahn was born on March 10, 1963, in Beverly Hills, California, but she spent her formative years in Chappaqua, New York.
She was one of four children born from the union of the late Lloyd Kahn Jr. and Charlene (Center) Kahn Berman.
After graduating from Horace Greeley High School, she studied Psychology and Education at St. Thomas Aquinas College and Dance at Ithaca College.
Ginger married Jack Williams III in 1988. She later married Charles Stuck on March 25, 2000, in Dearborn, Michigan, and together the couple would raise their family of five children.
A member of the B’Nai Israel Temple in Monroe, Ginger enjoyed staying very active in the community. She was quite instrumental in the expansion of Paula’s House on South Custer volunteering many hours. She was also the founder of Teens with Family Addiction (TFA), assisting at-risk youth.
Ginger was always generous and kind and willing to open her home to those in need. She was extremely charismatic and had a heart for service to others, and everyone knew it.
A confidante to many, Ginger still had a profound sense of humor.
Ginger loved to vacation, and when it came to travel she spared no expense on her family making sure they experienced everything possible and had a few souvenirs to leave with.
Two favorite sayings summed her up: “That’s Just Ginger” and “It’s Ginger’s way or the highway.” For several years she co-owned Cold-Steel and Elysium Tattoo in Monroe.
Ginger Michelle Stuck, age 54, of Monroe passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, July 9, 2017. Her passing was preceded by her father, Lloyd Kahn Jr.
To cherish her memory, Ginger leaves her husband: Charles Stuck; her mother: Charlene Kahn Berman; a daughter: Josephine Stuck; a step-daughter: Nicole (Scott) Fowler; two sons: Jack (T’leah) Williams IV, Ryan Stuck; a stepson: Christopher Stuck; two brothers: David (Jodi) Kahn, Adam (Lily) Kahn; two sisters: Amy Kahn and Michele Hart, and four grandchildren: Easton Williams, Emory Fowler, Connor Fowler, and Killian Fowler.

Posted in: 1980s