Monthly Archives: February 2016

Sarah Wallis Stevens

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sarah-wallis-stevens-1961-ab197242f1ef905cSarah Wallis Stevens, who for two decades served as “First Lady” of Williston Academy, died peacefully in her sleep Feb. 9 of natural causes at her assisted living home in Middletown, Connecticut, according to her family.

Sarah Stevens was the wife of Phillips Stevens, headmaster of the Easthampton-based academy from 1949 to 1972. The school, founded in 1841 as Williston Seminary, merged with the Northampton School for Girls in 1971 to form the coed Williston Northampton School, which now attracts students from around the world.

Described as a woman of “extraordinary warmth and empathy,” Stevens provided care and guidance to thousands of Williston Academy students, said her daughter Ruth P. Stevens, who lives in New York City.

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Posted in: Former Faculty

Gary Mysorski ’69

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MysorskiGary James Mysorski, 64, passed away at his home in Rockport, TX February 23, 2016. He was born in Northampton, MA August 18,1951 to Benjamin and Marjorie Mysorski. Gary graduated from Williston Academy in 1969.

Gary spent nearly 30 years with the YMCA, both domestically and abroad, getting the most enjoyment from his involvement with youth and aquatic programs. Gary met the love of his life while working at day camp in San Antonio. His tenure with the Y eventuality led him to Rockport, where “every day felt like a vacation.” Gary enjoyed the sights, activities, and most of all the people of this community, where both his children graduated high school. Gary was very active in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Kiwanis, the Art Center, and volunteered in various activities within the community. In 2001, Gary found his calling developing and directing programs with Port Aransas Parks and Recreation – all the enjoyment of the work he had grown to love. After 13 years, he retired to spend his time with Genie travelling, visiting friends, and enjoying the outdoors, the atmosphere, and the lifestyle that this community provides.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Genie Mysorski; sons, Geoff Mysorski and his wife Laura, Matt Mysorski and his wife Katie; sister, Jill Morrill and her husband Jim; grandchildren, Milo and Sebastian, and many dear friends and relatives.

Posted in: 1960s

Robert Jackson ’44

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JacksonRobert Blake Jackson, 89, died peacefully Friday, February 12, 2016, at his Woodbury home. He was the husband of Marcella “Marcy” Jackson.

Mr. Jackson was born November 11, 1926, in Hartford, the son of Blake Smith and Freda Wilhelmina Welz. He graduated from Williston Academy in 1944 and was drafted into the U.S. Army from the freshman class of Amherst College. An infantry sergent, he sailed the Atlantic in a troop ship and crossed France in a boxcar to serve with the Armed Forces Network in Frankfurt, where he hosted a radio program from 1944 to 1946 before returning to complete his studies on the G.I. Bill for a degree in psychology. A member of Phi Delta Theta, he graduated from Amherst in 1950.

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Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1944

Sarah Showalter Hubbard ’40

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HubbardSarah Showalter Hubbard, 93, of Stuart, FL, formerly of Northampton, MA, passed away February 12, 2016. Sarah was born in Newton, MA and grew up in Northampton where she was graduated from the former Northampton School for Girls in 1940. She attended Syracuse University and was graduated from the Katharine Gibbs School in Boston.

In 1946 she married Edwin B. Hubbard, formerly of New Hampshire, who pre-deceased her after 53 years of marriage. Her children are Edwin B. and wife Lynn of Naples, FL, Elizabeth D. Hubbard of Hobe Sound, FL and Ann H. Buscemi and husband Peter of Longmeadow, MA. There are five grandchildren, including Natalie Buscemi ’08, and four great grandchildren.

A loving mother and daughter first, Sarah- fondly known as Sally- volunteered generously in the Northampton community. Later on she assumed the position of Coordinator for an International Conference on Deaf Education, followed by 15 years with the Alumnae Association of Smith College, her last position there as Associate Director.

Sarah joined her husband in retirement in Eastham, MA before moving to Stuart where she continued in giving back to this community through the Council on Aging and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1940

Robert Gardiner ’50

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GardinerRobert W. Gardiner, 83, of Centerville, passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Robert served as a minister for over 30 years in the United Church of Christ. He was an avid reader and poet. Robert had a love for classical music and also enjoyed long walks and talks with family, friends and members of his congregation.

He was raised and educated in the Boston area, attending Williston Academy, Amherst College, Tufts University and Andover Newton Theological School. Robert ministered in Wellesley, Pittsford, Vermont, and Southampton.

Robert is the beloved husband of Lorraine Gardiner. He is the devoted father of Dr. Matthew F. Gardiner ’88 and his wife Dr. Mary Beth Cunnane. Robert is the cherished grandfather of Nathaniel, Sophia and Luke. He is the loving son of the late Frederick and Gertrude (Worthington) Gardiner.

Posted in: 1950s, Class of 1950

Geraldine Kelley Hollman ’46

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KelleyGeraldine (Kelley) Hollman, 84, of Cambridge, formerly of Belmont, passed away on Nov. 10, 2012.

Born August 29, 1928. Daughter of the late Marjorie Harland Browne and Gerard W. Kelley. Beloved mother of the late Marjorie Hollman Hazzard. Geraldine attended Northampton School For Girls, Fryeburg College in Maine, and Katherine Gibbs School in Boston.

She worked for the Department of the Navy in Washington, DC and was released in 1949. She also worked for the Arthur D. Little Company in Cambridge and finally she retired from the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston where she worked as a customer service representative for 27 years.

She entered the Secular Order of Franciscans at St. Anthony’s Shrine, Arch St. in Boston, became an assistant to the Spiritual Director, and was one of the Provincial Visitors of all the New England fraternities. She was also a Director of Formation and authored several texts for a course of study.

Her last residence of 10 years was at the Sancta Maria Nursing Facility, Concord Ave. Cambridge, under their loving and devoted care.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1946

Richard Knowland ’46

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KnowlandRichard G. Knowland, Jr., 87, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2015 in the Crown Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, Cortland.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a pilot in the US Air Force. Mr. Knowland was employed by Agway in DeWitt for more than 30 years, retiring as Payroll Master.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marlene Knowland in 2008.

Surviving are three children, Charles Knowland of Waterloo; Sue (Erich) Haesche of Groton and Tom (Rachel) Knowland of Manchester, CT; 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many, many dear friends and neighbors.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1946

Burton Lenk ’46

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LenkBurton D. Lenk, 77, died May 10, 2004 at Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis, after a brief illness.

He was the husband of Frances S. (Hoback) Lenk. Born, raised and educated in Boston, he was a retired executive in the hardware manufacturing industry.

Besides his wife, survivors include two sons, Neil Lenk of New Hampshire and Kevin Lenk of Ipswich; two daughters, Sandy Lenk of Methuen and Cathy Lenk of New Hampshire; a stepson, Frank A. McDonald III of Hyde Park; and three grandchildren.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1946

Carolyn Johnson Gleason ’46

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johnson gleasonCarolyn Johnson Gleason, 84, of Auburn, died Wednesday, October 3, 2012.

Mrs. Gleason was born in Auburn, the daughter of the late Dr. Raymond and Florence Messer Johnson, and had resided in the Auburn-Fleming area for all her life.

She was a member of the former Sand Beach Church, where she taught Sunday school and served as treasurer. Mrs. Gleason was employed at Auburn Memorial Hospital as an LPN. In addition, she worked for the Cayuga Red Cross, which included coordinating the swimming program at Owasco Lake for many years. She was a caregiver for several elderly friends over the years. She particularly enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s many activities.

Surviving are three sons, Michael Worden of Skaneateles, Kenneth Worden (Sharon) of Owasco, Steven Gleason (Sarah) of Fleming; two daughters, Linda Worden (David Palochko) of Rye, NH, Denise Franklin (James) of Fleming; eight grandchildren, Brian, David and Jeffrey Worden, Jessica, Jason and Jennifer Franklin, Elizabeth and Charles Gleason; one great-granddaughter, Kayla Worden.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her husband, Charles A. Gleason, of 31 years in 1990 and sister, Elizabeth Phillips of Inver-Grove, MN, in 2006.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1946

William Dunham ’46

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DunhamWilliam B. Dunham died on January 11, 2016 in New York.

Although he had a long career in finance, human resources, and real estate, he is best remembered for his role in the traditional jazz scene. First drawn to jazz in boyhood, he played with the Crimson Stompers at Harvard as part of the then thriving college jazz band circuit. Eventually settling in New York, Mr. Dunham organized one of the early traditional jazz bands, the Grove Street Stompers, to play Monday nights in Greenwich Village. Mr. Dunham led the band for over fifty years. At times leading jazz musicians, such as Wild Bill Davison were featured with the group. Arthurs Tavern, where the band played, remains one of the most celebrated locations for traditional jazz world-wide, still following the format instituted by Mr. Dunham.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sonya, daughter Amy, son-in- law Richard and three grandchildren.

Posted in: 1940s