All posts by hstauder

Thomas M. Leahy ’66


Thomas M. Leahy, 71, of Baltimore, MD, formerly of North Haven, CT, passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in Baltimore, MD. He was born in New Haven on April 18, 1947; son of the late Clarence J. and Gertrude Butler Leahy.

Thomas graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, King’s Point, NY and served as a Licensed Engineering Officer on many U.S. flag vessels. After retirement he worked for MEBA, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, as a union official in Baltimore for many years. Thomas is survived by his sister Carole Leahy and many relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or a charity of one’s choice.

Ruth Jeffers Wellington ’41

Ruth Jeffers Wellington died peacefully in her sleep July 25, 2019 at her beloved “Yellow House” in Pike, NH. She was 96. Her winning smile, outgoing temperament, and boundless enthusiasm for life were obvious to all who met her.
Ruth was born at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, NH, the daughter of Weston and Ethel Jeffers, and moved to Northampton, MA when very young. After schooling at the Northampton School for Girls she graduated from Smith College where she met her future husband, Stephen Wellington of Boston, MA. Shortly after their marriage in 1946 the couple settled in Newton, MA where they raised 5 children. But they made a summer home in Pike, NH at her family’s long-time homestead on Jeffers Hill Road where they ultimately retired in 1972.
She was a tireless volunteer and leader for women, education and the arts. She volunteered for many years for Smith College, rising to the role of Board Member and President of the Alumnae Association. She was a member of the first NH Commission on the Status of Women which led to the initial State-supported services for battered women. She was a founding member of the Women’s Fund of NH and a long-time Board member at the Circle Program–a mentoring and summer-camp program for at-risk girls. She was an early supporter of the Montshire Museum of Science; a Board Member at Canterbury Shaker Village; Board Chair at the Hopkins Center/Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College; and President of River City Arts, the precursor of Northern Stage and igniter of the creative renaissance of White River Jct, VT. Even into her 80s and 90s she continued her community involvement as a supporter of Haverhill Heritage, the Historical Society, and the Drug Court where she was a frequent attendee of graduation ceremonies.
Despite these many commitments, Ruth remained devoted to her life at the 1895 Yellow House in Pike. The house was originally part of her great-grandfather’s dairy farm, now owned by son Weston. For 25 years Ruth and Steve raised Hereford cattle and produced up to 90 gallons of maple syrup each spring.
A true matriarch, she was intimately involved in the lives of her five children, nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She so enjoyed parties and nothing made her happier than a gathering of family and friends, large or small.
She adored New Orleans-style jazz and, in her later years, she traveled repeatedly to jazz festivals in Florida and New Orleans where she eagerly sought out prominent musicians for conversation and autographs. Closer to home, she frequented jazz performances in Massachusetts and NH, forming friendships with many of the performers.
For her family and friends she epitomized family and community values. To the very end, she kept making new friends of all ages, connecting to people from many different backgrounds. She shared with so many an uninhibited affection for life as it should be lived. Her infectious joy, compassion, and gratitude were an unfailing embrace that swept you up and made you want to come back again and again.
On the porch of her Yellow House this past June, celebrating her 96th birthday surrounded by 21 family members, she exhorted those present to revel in the joy that is all around us. “Take note”, she said, “of all the wonders!”

Arnold J. Gelfman ’61

Arnold J. Gelfman, 75 of Ocean, NJ, passed away peacefully July 23, 2019 at Monmouth Medical Center.

Born in Northampton, MA, Arnie attained his undergraduate degree at University of Massachusetts, his master’s degree from Western Michigan University and began his doctorate at American University. Arnie has resided in Ocean for 43 years where he served on the Planning & Zoning Board and was president of the Kepwell Park Homeowners Association. He was president of the Jewish Federation, Monmouth County in 1990-1992, a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County, a former board member of both Congregation Brothers of Israel and Temple Beth El, now Congregation Torat El and B’nai B’rith, Ocean. Arnie is a member of both Congregation Brothers of Israel and Congregation Torat El.

In 2016, after 43 years, Arnie retired as Executive Director of Planning, Assessment & Research at Brookdale Community College. There is was the co-founder of Brookdale Community College Career Clinic and Testing Center. Arnie was also President and Owner of Career Choice Institute of NJ, a consulting firm, working with insurance companies and attorneys throughout NJ as a vocational expert.

Arnie will be remembered as a kind and giving person who was honored with many community and professional awards. He enjoyed sports, especially the NY Yankees. Family was most important to Arnie.

Arnie was predeceased by his parents Harold and Lena (August) Gelfman and his niece, Victoria Gelfman. Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Margo, his son Austin Gelfman, Sherman Oaks, CA, his brother & sister-in-law Richard & Lenore Gelfman, Columbia, MD; his nieces Hillary Gelfman, Chicago, IL & Dr. Joanna Gelfman, Ellicott City, MD and Leela.

Funeral service Friday, July 26th 1:00 PM at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. Burial to follow in Brothers of Israel Cemetery, West Long Branch.

Donations may be made in memory of Arnie to Monmouth Medical Center Foundation, Department of Oncology, 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740.

Nancy Knight Bloomer ’44

Nancy Knight Bloomer passed away on September 23, 2019, aged 92 in Canandaigua, New York.

Born on August 7, 1927 in Newark, New York, to the late T. Spencer Knight and Mabel Anderson Knight, Nan attended Newark schools, Northampton School for Girls and proudly graduated from Wellesley College in 1948. Married to Charles Kemper Bloomer (deceased) in 1949, they had two children, Margaret Knight Bloomer Naus and Charles Kemper Bloomer, Jr. Nan gave her time to many organizations, serving on several library boards and hospital auxiliaries, as well as serving on the vestry and as warden at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Newark. She was a trustee at Hobart William Smith Colleges from 1978-1991. In 2003, she and Kemp moved to Ferris Hills in Canandaigua, where she worked with the Storybook Project at the Ontario County jail. She enjoyed gardening and studied Early American Decorative Arts for many years. She loved making cookies for folks incapacitated by illness and was often referred to as “the cookie lady”.

She is survived by her daughter Margo Naus and son Chip (Penny); grandsons, James L. (Gabrielle) Naus and Jesse B. (Taylor) Naus, Joseph Serrett and two great granddaughters, Charlotte and Vera. She was also predeceased by her brother Tom Knight.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, October 4, 2019 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 183 N. Main St. Canandaigua, New York. Burial will be in Newark Cemetery.

Memorials, in her name, may be made to the Storybook Project, c/o St. John’s Church, 183 North Main Street, Canandaigua, New York 14424.

Nicholas G. Andreson ’51

Nicholas G. Andreson, 86, of Worcester, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2019 at Saint Vincent Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final days.

Nicholas was born and raised in Worcester, the son of Greek immigrants, George Nicholas and Mary (Polyzogopoulos) Andreson. As a youngster, he attended Bancroft School and Williston Northampton School, and completed his undergraduate studies at Suffolk University in Boston. He went on to obtain his law degree at New England Law School in Boston. Nicholas served in the United States Army from 1958-1960, stationed in Heidelberg, Germany.

Nicholas practiced law for nearly fifty years in the Worcester area. He was actively involved in his community, serving as a member of the Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals, and was on the Board of Governors of the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston. He was a 50-year member of the Quinsigamond Lodge of Masons A.F. and A.M., and a long time member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Worcester Royal Arch Masons, the Hiram Council of Royal and Selected Masters Knight Templar, the Bohemians, and the Cairo Shriners in Rutland, Vermont. He also served as Vice President of the DeMolay Association.

In addition to his community involvement, Nicholas excelled at tennis, winning local and regional championships and took particular pride in his 40-year membership at the Worcester Tennis Club. He was an avid Red Sox fan, who never missed a game, and was eternally grateful that he witnessed not just one, but four World Series Championships. Above all, Nicholas cherished his family. He celebrated their big achievements, but took equal, if not greater joy, in their small accomplishments. In his later years, he relished his daily, early morning coffee gatherings with his friends at Panera Bread, where they would discuss and, at times, vigorously debate the headlines of the day in the worlds of both politics and sports. As those who knew him can attest, Nicholas loved the finer things in life, from good food and wine to social gatherings of all kinds. He will be sorely missed, but there is great comfort in knowing that Nicholas led a full life and, in the end, was peaceful as he passed on.

He is survived by his son, G. Derek Andreson of Darnestown, Maryland; his daughter, Nicole Andreson and her husband, Michael E. McCune, of South Burlington, Vermont; his former wife and devoted friend, Christine E. Andreson of South Burlington, Vermont; his five grandchildren, Tristan C.Y. Andreson, Aspen Lily Andreson, Alexis A. Andreson, Sierra T. McCune, and Luke M. McCune; his beloved sister, Irene A. Camougis of Worcester; many faithful cousins, nieces, and nephews; and numerous loyal friends. He was predeceased by two sisters, Constantina A. Nassikas and Phyllis A. Nassikas. The family will hold a graveside service at Hope Cemetery, followed by a reception for family and friends to celebrate Nicholas’ life on a date to be determined in the near future. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Nicholas may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston.

Gale Sarner Moser ’65

Gale Anne Moser, age 70, of Kennett Square, PA, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. She is survived by Kem C. Moser, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. She dedicated her life to caring for the people around her and fought to bring out the best in the family and communities she was a part of; she left an indelible mark on those she loved and her presence will continue to be felt in their lives and actions.

Gale was born in Methuen, MA to the late Ronald and Anne (Eastwood) Sarner. She attended Skidmore College, where she graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. As a Research Biologist, Gale worked for many organizations including Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine both in Philadelphia and at New Bolton Center in Kennett Square.

Gale was active in her children’s PTO, where she was a founding member of both the Kennett High School Ice Hockey Team and the Kennett After Prom program. She was involved with the Fairville Friends preschool and the Kennett Run, both in their early beginnings, and was a member of the Kennett Historical Society.

Her real passion was her family and friends. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt whose boundless love and unwavering support served as an example and inspiration for her family. Strong, intelligent, impassioned, compassionate, loyal, silly, fiercely kind, insightful, magical, bold, and a true believer in everyone she loved; all who knew and loved her are better for it.

Gale is further survived by her sons, Ryan J. Moser (Rae Talerico) of Jersey City, NJ and Seth A. Moser of Manhattan, NY; her daughter, Rachel M. Carroll (Anthony Jr) of Downingtown, PA; her brother, James Sarner (Deborah) of Saratoga Springs, NY; her sisters, Karin McNair (Timothy) of Erie, PA and Anne Quinn (Raymond) of Utica, NY; her four grandchildren, Aiden Carroll, Gabriel Carroll, Chloe Carroll and Theo Moser; her sisters-in-law, Rochelle Freedman of Allentown, PA and Cathy Sarner of Hartford, NY; Barbara Berkman, with whom she shared 55 years of friendship; and Shaina Robbins, her close friend and caretaker. She was predeceased by her brother, Ronald, and brother-in-law, Brian.

Sloane Barker, Jr. ’55

Sloane Barker, Jr., age 80, died on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Casa Hospice at the Hacienda in Tucson, AZ. Born on March 20, 1937 in New York City, Sloane lived a life that was defined by love and dedication to family. As an only child, Sloane grew up in Bronxville, New York and attended Allegheny College with his high school sweetheart, Donna Larrimore Stevens. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity while at Allegheny and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Sloane and Donna were married on September 13, 1959 in Ford Memorial Chapel on the Allegheny College campus before moving to Pittsburgh where he attended the University of Pittsburgh, earning a master’s degree in Retail Management. Spending most of his career with companies like Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, Sloane managed retail clothing stores in Palm Beach and Miami Beach, FL, Stamford, CT, New York City, and Palo Alto, CA. Sloane and Donna were married for 58 years and raised three sons, Chip, Scott, and Glenn. Sloane was an avid sports enthusiast, and lifelong Dodgers fan. He loved golf and served on the Board of Directors at Alta Sierra Golf & Country Club in Grass Valley, CA and was a Legacy Donor at Oro Valley Country Club in Oro Valley, AZ. Sloane is survived by his wife, Donna; their three sons, Chip, Scott, and Glenn; and their four grandchildren, Camille Linda Barker, Dustin Glenn Barker, Rachel Lee Barker, and Adam Joseph Larrimore.

Joan (Taylor) Wilson Turner ’55

Joan Wilson Turner, of Modesto, CA, was born on June 27, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte Taylor and Dr. St. Elmo Taylor. A graduate of the Northampton School for Girls, Smith College and Boston University, Joan was trained as a teacher of the deaf and blind and later went on to work in the public school system in Washington, DC. Embarking upon a second career as an entrepreneur in the 1970s, Joan owned clothing stores in Brooklyn, NY and Fort Lauderdale and Miami, FL. She also sold many health and wellness products in her later years and most recently was a representative for ViSalus. Joan passed away on August 31, 2019.  Her memory will be cherished by her husband Lewis Turner, daughter Jan Abernathy, son-in-law Jerome Abernathy, stepchildren Louis Turner and Lorraine Little, grandchildren Alyce and Sam Abernathy, niece Lee Nelms, nephew Michael Taylor, and many friends throughout the world. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Eugene Taylor. She was a faithful member of the Wellspring Anglican Church in Modesto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation in Modesto.

H. Allen Stevens ’49

Howard Allen Stevens “Al”, 89 of Falmouth, Maine, passed away surrounded by his family on Aug. 29, 2019 after a period of declining health. Al was born in Malden, Mass., and had previously lived in Jackson, N.H., Ipswich, Mass., and Topsfield, Mass. He attended Malden schools, Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Mass., and he graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s in business administration.

Al served in the U.S. Air Force and was discharged as a first lieutenant. In 1957 he began his career in the insurance industry, taking the helm of the E.A. Stevens Company, founded by his grandfather in 1903. He directed the firm until his retirement, always giving his honest best to customers and colleagues. Al served as a director for the Malden Home for the Aged, was a past president of the Malden YMCA, past president and director of the Malden Chamber of Commerce, and director and Chairman of the Malden Hospital.

Al is survived by his wife Lynn of 56 years, daughter, Sarah Mitchell ’83 and son-in-law, David Mitchell of Littleton, Colo.; stepson, Andrew Howe and daughter-in-law, Gay Howe, of Jackson, N.H., stepson, Nathaniel Howe ’75 and daughter-in-law, Pamela Hitchcock of Belfast, Maine; five grandchildren, his niece and two nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Suzanne Marston. He is fondly remembered by his extended family as a kind and generous man, a loving husband, father, stepfather, uncle, and friend. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to the Malden YMCA.

Lois Schubach Meyers ’53

Lois Meyers, 82, passed away Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019 at Avalon Heath Care Center at StoneRidge in Mystic, Connecticut.

She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Theodore Meyers, in 2012. Lois is survived by her daughter, Toby Flanagan and her husband, Kevin Flanagan; three grandchildren, Patrick Flanagan and his wife, Kerri Flanagan, of Waterford, Timothy Flanagan of Key West Fla., and Katelyn Livingston and her husband, Grant Livingston of Waterford. She also leaves two great-grandchildren, Thomas and Trey Flanagan of Waterford.

Born in Northampton, Mass. Nov. 11, 1936, Lois was the daughter of the late Julia and George Schubach of Easthampton, Mass. Lois graduated from Northampton School for Girls, Westfield State College, and then went on to earn a master’s degree from Springfield College. She taught music in Agawam, Northampton, and Boylston, Mass. She then relocated to Connecticut, where she taught in Waterford and Ledyard, and was named Teacher of the Year in 1989. Her full-time teaching career spanned 37 years. Lois was also an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University where she developed a Multicultural and Human Diversity curriculum.

After retiring to Key West, Fla., she continued to teach music at Mary Immaculate Star of the Sea and at Wesley House Early Childhood Center. Lois was also the choir director of Metropolitan Community Church and was an active member of Literacy Volunteers of America in Monroe County, Fla. where she served as board president for many years.

Since moving back to Conn. in 2016, Lois continued with her love for music and teaching and started a Chimes Choir in which many residents of StoneRidge participated.

Throughout her life, Lois enjoyed entertaining friends and family, was an avid traveler, and a lifelong learner.

The family wishes to thank the entire StoneRidge Community and staff, including Top Sail and Avalon Health Care Center for their support and kindness over the past few years.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 in the Chart Room at StoneRidge at 186 Jerry Browne Rd, Mystic, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lois’ memory to the StoneRidge Scholarship Fund, 186 Jerry Browne Rd. Mystic, CT 06355.