All posts by hstauder

Marie Lawler Aquadro ’45

Marie Elizabeth (Lawler) Aquadro, 93, passed away peacefully in Leeds, MA on November 21, 2020 with family at her side. Marie was born to the late George Edward and Genevieve (Swiatek) Lawler in Northampton, MA at Cooley Dickinson Hospital on March 16, 1927.
Marie grew up in Northampton, graduating from Northampton High School in 1944 and then the Northampton School for Girls in 1945. While at Northampton High School, she was on the Girls’ Basketball team and enjoyed special outings with friends. She then attended the Elms College, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Following graduation, she worked as a Phlebotomist at the New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, MA where she became the unofficial house expert at drawing blood from infants.
On September 3, 1951, Marie married Richard Conz Aquadro, her knight in shining armor and the love of her life. Marie and Richard started their family in the Boston area with their first three daughters before moving back to Northampton in 1954 and completing the family with a son and daughter. Marie enjoyed volunteering as a leader for her daughters’ Brownie troops and also as a member of the Hampshire Regional YMCA’s Board of Directors. Marie was a devout Catholic and incorporated her religion and the church into her daily life and that of her family. In 1970, she received the Pious Catholic award for her dedicated service as a CCD teacher. She was also an informed and passionate political participant and worked as a poll worker for over 20 years.
During her later years she cherished her time with Richard in New Smyrna Beach, FL where they had an open-door policy and would go months with guests rotating in and out. They valued the good meals they had there from Hot Dog Day at Dairy Queen to Burger Night at the Breakers, always with friends in tow.
Marie was an avid swimmer enjoying her swims at both the Hampshire Regional YMCA and the Northampton Country Club; this continued into her later years switching to water aerobics both in Northampton and in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. When not in the water, she could be found soaking in the sun, but never without her signature visor. From April through October, she watched her beloved Red Sox as often as she could.
Marie loved travelling. She and Richard travelled frequently when their children were grown both internationally and nationally visiting many countries and states. After Richard retired, they traveled across the country seeing amazing sites. They kept a travel log which she recently found and read. She enjoyed reminiscing about the trip with her children.
Marie was a life-long avid reader and it was not unusual for her to be reading two or three books at a time depending on which book was in which room, or whichever one was the lightest (in her later years, never hard cover – “too heavy”). She loved cooking and especially searching for new recipes to try out on her family. She became an exceptional cook, passing on her enthusiasm and talent to her children and grandchildren – and always made sure to critique where necessary. Everything was from scratch- “There will never be a boxed mix or meal in this house!” Marie also shared her love of bird watching with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many others. There was rarely a bird she couldn’t identify, and always made sure to educate everyone around her. She ensured the birds were well fed with her collection of bird feeders, and much to Richard’s dismay, found a way to please the rival squirrels and chipmunks with seed on the patio.
Marie loved her time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and often commented, no matter how long the visit, that she wished it were longer. She was always up to date on what was happening in the lives of her grandchildren and supported them unconditionally. She never missed a holiday, big or small, and ensured everyone received their cards filled with $2 bills and her classic “Guess Whoooo” signature for Halloween. We will miss her infamous eye rolls, diva-like personality, and her first-class taste. She will always be remembered through Sunday mimosas, eggs benedict, and butter pecan ice cream.
Marie is survived by her five children Elizabeth Kouri ’70 and husband Kevin of Naples, FLA, Alison Gleason and husband Daniel of Leeds, MA, Kimberly Sapienza and husband Thomas of Chelmsford, MA, Richard D. Aquadro and wife Sabra of Northampton, MA, Jennifer Egan and husband James of Walpole, MA. She has thirteen grandchildren: Kevin, Daniel, Kristen, Bryan, Aileen, Christine, Timothy, Courtney ’11, Andrew, Anthony ’15, Ania, Natalie ’17 and John. Seven great-grandchildren: Sapphire, Theodore, Declan, Parker, Genevieve, Elizabeth and Marie. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Brooks of Ellicott City, MD. She was predeceased by her true love and husband of 68 years, Richard Conz Aquadro ’47, and sister Virginia Lebeau.
We would like to thank all compassionate caregivers at O’Connell Home Care for the loving care they provided to Maire over the past year.
Calling hours for Marie will be Saturday November 28 from 9:30-11:30 AM. Due to the pandemic, masks are required for all guests, and physical distancing must be observed. Other services for Marie will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Elms College, 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 516 Crew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or The Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund, Daily Hampshire Gazette, P.O. Box 299, Northampton, MA, 01061.

Deborah Wickes Schwabach ’59

Deborah A. Schwabach of Gilbertsville, New York, died Thursday, July 9, 2020, following a long illness.
She was born Deborah Ann Wickes on June 23, 1942, at Albany Medical Center and grew up in Scotia.
She graduated from the Northampton School for Girls in Northampton, Massachusetts, and attended the University of Chicago. She later graduated from the SUNY Regents College and University of Kentucky.
She loved nature, birds, wildlife and exploring back roads to see where they would take her. She had an extensive knowledge of New York State history and wrote articles for Adirondack Life, Kaatskill Life, New York Alive, the Encyclopedia of New York State, as well as many newspapers and national magazines. She also had some poetry published. She drove the Alaska Highway in an old pickup truck and crossed the country many times, visiting every U.S. state except Hawaii and Alabama.
She taught writing at SUNY Oneonta, Syracuse University, SUNY Cortland, the University of Delaware, and the Marist College program at Oneonta Job Corps.
A lifelong proponent of Civil Rights, she was honored as the NAACP’s Person of the Year for her campaign to get Oneonta library cards for Job Corps students.
She is survived by her sons, Aaron (spouse, Qienyuan Zhou) of San Diego and Jon of Gilbertsville and daughter, Karen of Hammondsport; sister, Cynthia (spouse, James Vail) of North Carolina; nieces, Gabrielle and Lindsay; and grandchildren, Veronica, Jessica and Daniel.
She was predeceased by her daughter, Jennifer; nephew, Jeffrey; and brother, Robert.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, in Brookside Cemetery in Gilbertsville, with a memorial service planned for a later date after the pandemic.
The family asks that those who wish to do so please donate to the Gilbertsville Emergency Squad in her memory.

Paul W. Stasz ’65

Paul William Stasz of Vancouver, Washington died
on November 2, 2020. Born on May 30, 1947 in Northampton, Massachusetts, Paul was the son of the late Edmund and Carol (Baldyga) Stasz of Southampton where he attended the local grammar schools. He graduated from Williston Academy (now the Williston Northampton School) in 1965 where he was an outstanding swimmer on the Williston championship team. He graduated from Dickinson College in 1968 where he was a leading member of the swim team.
He had a decades long and successful career in risk management, first for Syracuse University, then for Borden Corporation, International Paper Company and Icahn Enterprises from which he retired in 2017. In his retirement he enjoyed maple sugaring at the home of his sister-in-law Bird Stasz Jones in Weybridge, Vermont. He also volunteered maintaining public gardens and trees in Vancouver.
He leaves daughters Emily Morgan and Eleanor Hanna of Syracuse, New York; his son Phillip Stasz of Keizer, Oregon; his fraternal twin brother Peter Stasz ’65 of Holyoke, Massachusetts; his brother Edmund Stasz Jr. of Southampton, Massachusetts; his former spouse Marisa Arezzi Stasz of Hillsdale, New Jersey; three grandchildren; a niece Megan Stasz of Maine; a nephew Jeffrey Stasz of South Carolina; a sister-in-law Bird Stasz Jones of Weybridge, Vermont, and many cousins. He is predeceased by his brothers Gregory ’68 and Thomas Stasz ’67.
Paul donated his organs and body to medical science therefore there will not be a funeral. Memorial services in several locales will be announced at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Williston Northampton School Class of 1965 Scholarship Fund or any other scholarship fund at the Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027. Donations may also be made online at www.williston.com/give. Please mark donations to be used for scholarships only.

Bruce L. McHugh ’78

GySgt. Bruce Luke McHugh, USMC Ret., 60, of Sneads Ferry, NC, died Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCareCenter in Wilmington.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Edward McHugh ’50. He is survived by his wife, Lisa McHugh; his mother, Janice McHugh; and two brothers, Edward ’77 and Michael ’79.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Jones Funeral Home, Holly Ridge Chapel, with Rev. Alan Sasser officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society through www.cancer.org.

Richard A. White ’75

On Saturday, October 24, 2020, Richard Allen White passed away at age 63.

Rich was born on July 6, 1957, in Hadley, MA to George and Ann Catherine White (Aubrey). He was a proud alumnus of The Williston Northampton School, Amherst College, and the School of Law at St. John’s University. On July 14, 1979, he married Noreen Fucci. They raised two children, Alicia and Brendan.

He had a passion for art, food, and underloved technologies, from film to reel-to-reel tapes to 8-track. He was also an avid musician and music lover—a collector of instruments, records, and tube-based amplifiers. He built a recording studio and darkroom in the basement of his home and nurtured in both his children an enduring love of the arts. During his children’s hockey careers, and in particular his daughter’s collegiate career at Wesleyan University, he was a model “hockey dad” who cumulatively drove hundreds of thousands of miles up and down the east coast for games, practices, and tournaments.

Upon corporate retirement in 2019 he dedicated himself full-time to painting and was an enthusiastic member of the studio community at the Manufacturers Village in East Orange, NJ. His paintings were heavily indebted to abstract expressionism and showed in galleries in Yonkers, Brooklyn, and Jersey City. His ready wit, cooking prowess, and jovial spirit will be sorely missed. “Work hard, have fun, learn something.”

Rich was preceded in death by his father George Sr., his mother Ann Catherine, and his brother George Jr. He is survived by his wife Noreen; his two children, Brendan and Alicia; his brother Stephen ’77; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. A virtual memorial service will be held at a later date.

To honor two of Rich’s passions, the family requests in lieu of flowers that contributions in Rich’s memory be made to Wesleyan University, in support of Women’s Hockey student-athletes (www.givecampus.com/campaigns/16960/donations/new) or to the Chicago Film Society (www.chicagofilmsociety.org).

Evelyn Lyman Smith ’50

Evelyn Lyman Smith of West Hartford, CT died on October 20, 2020. She was born in Hartford, CT, on June 13, 1932, to Louis Richard and Florence (Bradley) Lyman. She has been reunited with her husband of 59 years, G. Franklin “Frank” Smith. She leaves behind four daughters, Wendy Lyman Smith of West Hartford, CT, Kimberly Smith Pratt and her husband Terry of Oxford, CT, Brenda Smith Sanden and her husband David of Redding, CA, and Cheryl Smith Espinal and her husband Eduardo from West Hartford, CT. She was predeceased by her brother Louis Richard Lyman, Jr., and her sister Marilyn Lyman Hendsey. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Hunter Sigler, Cathain Pratt, Spencer Pratt, Audrey Pratt, Eric Sanden, Adam Sanden, Jennifer Espinal and Stephen Espinal. A lifelong resident of West Hartford, she attended both Sedgwick and Hall High school. She graduated from both Northampton School for Girls and Elmira College. She worked at the Traveler’s Insurance Company and dedicated many years to working at West Hartford’s Senior Center. She was an active, lifetime member of First Church of Christ Congregational where she served on numerous committees including the Head of the Flower committee and took great pride in the annual Christmas wreath hangings which later became a family tradition. She coordinated multiple fundraisers including the weekly sale of Marion Heath Greeting Cards to raise funds for the new church kitchen renovation plus the elevator campaign. Evelyn was known for the countless hours she spent in her beautiful backyard gardens on Sunrise Hill. She was a longtime member of the West Hartford Garden Club, very knowledgeable about all kinds of flowers and shrubs. Her cooking, baking, and overall creativity was to be admired. She was also an accomplished piano player, introducing all four daughters to the piano at an early age plus teaching several children from the neighborhood. Evelyn was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, mother, aunt and grandmother, delighted in being part of any family activities, especially when her children and grandchildren were involved. She will be greatly missed. Due to COVID, Services-calling hours be held privately by family.

Jonathan E. Holden ’01

Jonathan E. Holden, 38, of Millis, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on August 31, 2020 at the Milford Regional Medical Center.
Born in Providence, Jonathan was the son of Edward E. Holden and Lucinda J. (Close) Holden.
Jonathan was a graduate of Seekonk High School and the Williston Northampton School. He also attended Lynn University and the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
Jonathan was a professional Chef. A very talented basketball player, he loved everything sport.
Besides his beloved parents, Jonathan is survived by his Aunts, Carolyn Hallin and Virginia Bacon, his Uncle, Bruce Holden and his wife Debra, and many cousins.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Jonathan’s burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jonathan’s memory to:The Massachusetts Heart Association at www.heart.org or The Make A Wish Foundation at www.massri.wish.org

Joseph C. Stevens ’49

Joseph Chauncy Stevens, MD, of Hanover, NH, died on October 5, 2020, after a short illness. He was 89. He was born in West Springfield, MA. Joe attended public school until the 10th grade, then went on to Williston Academy, Yale, Union Theological Seminary, and the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, he met the love of his life, Jane Rita Wurtz, on a blind date. They married and returned to Yale to prepare for medical school.

Joe and Jane then moved to St. Louis where Joe attended Washington University Medical School. During medical school Joe and Jane welcomed all three of their daughters: Barbara, Mary and Susie. Joe completed his urology residency at Dartmouth/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital and, after several years of urology practice in Madison, Wisconsin, Jane, Joe and the girls settled in Hanover, NH, where Joe continued his career as a urologist at Mary Hitchcock Hospital. Joe then opened a private practice in Claremont, NH, and Springfield, VT.

During Joe’s years practicing urology he commuted from Hanover to Claremont and Springfield. He was always on call and made the trip even in the worst kind of weather and in the middle of the night. Often in a hurry to get to the hospital, he was well known by the State Troopers patrolling I-91. He loved being a doctor and a surgeon, and remembered every single patient.

When Joe wasn’t working, he was focused on his family, friends, and his wide array of interests. He and Jane played tennis and golf regularly with many good friends. Although Joe liked to joke that he “flew a desk” in the Air Force, he later became an actual pilot and loved to fly Cessna’s and gliders in the sky above New England. At 54, Joe decided to become a runner, and ran his first (and only) marathon at 54. He loved opera, had a curious mind and was always interested in doing and learning new things. He took Spanish lessons, grew hydroponic tomatoes (in the living room), studied astronomy, wine, geology, and James Joyce. One summer he even tried his hand at raising sheep. He was a gifted painter, wood carver, and metal worker.

Joe developed and fostered wonderful friendships that he treasured until the last days of his life. In fact, he recently said that being a good friend was one of his greatest achievements.

Joe heartily supported those in need and the institutions that inspired him. He was an early supporter of the Montshire Museum when it was housed in an old bowling alley in Hanover, and was instrumental in its expansion to Norwich, VT, where he served as a trustee. He was an active supporter of Opera North, stayed involved in his high school alma mater, Williston Northampton. In more recent years, Joe renewed his spiritual life and became active in St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

Above all, Joe was interested in people. If he met you, he wanted to know you. If he knew you, he was always happy to see you.

Joe’s generous spirit and jovial presence and will be missed and well remembered by all those who were lucky enough to cross his path.

His beloved wife, Jane, died in December of 2019. Joe is survived by his three daughters, Barbara Lucy Stevens ’76, of Key West, Florida, Mary Stevens (Michael Whitaker) of Norwich, VT, and Susie Stevens (Vince Watts) of Norwich, VT, and his brother Aaron Stevens ’45 of Ft. Meyers, FL. He was predeceased by his sister, Drucilla (Stevens) Mazur ’47. Joe was especially loved by all of his grandchildren. He made special time for each of them and they all have favorite Papa stories to tell. They include Sam and Henry Freel, Isabella Ackerman, Jordan ’17 and Joe Sansone ’15, and Jackson Watts.

Due to COVID-19, services for Joe will be held at a later date.

Marion F. Judd ’62

Marion F. Judd died September 25, 2020 at The Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, MA. after a brief illness. Marion was born in Northampton April 9, 1944 to Edgar R. Judd and Helen E. (Crofts) Judd. She grew up in Goshen and graduated from the former Northampton School for Girls (The Williston Northampton School) and Russell Sage College, Troy, NY. Marion was a social worker at the Department of Social Services for many years before leaving to follow her creative instincts and start her video production career as owner of Images. In 1993, a training video Marion produced and directed, “Reporting Elder Abuse: You Can Make a Difference” won a National Media Owl Award.

Marion loved her family, friends and pets. She was predeceased by her parents and older brother John. Marion is survived by her younger brother Edgar “Ned” (Carol) Judd Jr.of Leeds and their daughter Laura, sister-in-law Pearl Judd of Hatfield and nieces, Michelle (Donald) Lindstrom of Cornelius, N.C., Kristin (Jesse) Wirtes of Lanesboro and their son Justin, and Kimberly (Johnny) Sanchez of Hatfield and their children Domeniq and Haleigh, as well as many cousins. Marion’s chosen sister Caroline Bailey Toner, husband Bill and children, Sarah and Jack and their families will miss Marion dearly, along with friends Priscilla and Seth, Kathy, Marsha, and Bob and Katherine. Marion leaves behind her dog, Jenny, and cat, Isabelle.

Marion’s circle of friends was vast and diverse, including former classmates, colleagues and others she knew from her time as a social worker, movie-making cohorts from her work with Images, tenants, cousins, neighbors, fellow dog-lovers and many more. Marion was able to put anyone at ease and had a special gift for encouraging her family and friends to mingle and befriend one another. She prided herself on being the engineer behind 2 long-time marriages of her loved ones. Thoughtful, supportive, fun-loving and possessing a fine sense of humor, Marion was a beloved friend.

Marion delighted in cooking, baking and entertaining…her cakes and yeast rolls were legendary. Large gatherings she hosted in her 20’s are still fondly recalled today. Marion loved Thanksgiving, Christmas and turkey dinners. Morocco, Kenya, the Riviera, Tenerife, Greece, Rio de Janeiro, the UK, South Africa, and the Bahamas, where she spent extended stays on a houseboat, were some of Marion’s far flung travel destinations. More locally, her favorite places were Ogunquit, Wellfleet, and her own porch. She often took impromptu trips to NYC for tea at the Plaza or to Maine for a hotdog or to Boston for lunch at Locke-Ober’s. Marion was a fan of the British royal family, Volkswagen Beetles, movies, and Baroque music. She enjoyed her house on Massasoit Street, flowers, reading, early mornings and taking photographs. Marion was a devoted caretaker to numerous ailing family members and friends.

Those wishing to make donations might consider the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union St. Springfield 01105, dakinhumane.org or The Fisher Home, 1165 No. Pleasant St. Amherst 01002, fisherhome.org.

It was Marion’s request not to have calling hours or a funeral. A Celebration of Marion’s Life will be held at a later date once it is safe to have a party of the size she would approve.