In Memoriam
Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community

Carolyn Clarke Brown ’64

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Carolyn Clarke Brown, 73, was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on March 15 (the “Ides of March”), 1946 and died in Rockport, Maine on Oct. 26, 2019. Her parents were Bertram W. Clarke and Katherine Knight Clarke.

At age 16, Carolyn was thrown from a horse and sustained a severe concussion. For two weeks, she hovered on the threshold of death and was not expected to survive. However, she recovered and came to regard all the subsequent years of her life as “extra years.” Those who knew and loved her would argue that there were not enough “extra years.”

Carolyn attended high school initially in the public school system in Williamsburg, Mass. before enrolling in the Northampton School for Girls (now the Williston Northampton School), from which she graduated in 1964. She attended the University of Maine at Orono, earning a B.A. in 1968 and an MLS in 1974. One unique feature of Carolyn’s life is that she had a single job interview in 1968, which launched a 46-year career as an academic librarian at the University of Southern Maine (USM) in Portland. She left the University in 2014 as head of acquisitions and serials services in the library.

She married William B. Hughes in 1982; he died in 1992. She began a long-term relationship with Scott W. Brown in the mid-1990s; they married in 2014. Their wedding has the distinction of (probably) being the only one to have ever taken place at the USM library. Carolyn and Scott did everything together, ranging from activities that were mundane (going to the store or post office) to strenuous (hiking, building walking trails, renovating a barn) to just plain fun (cooking, road trips in their red antique Corvette convertible).

Carolyn was an exceptionally warm, kind, friendly, and generous person who was always willing to pitch in and help. Many describe her as one of the nicest people they had ever met. She loved cooking, as evidenced by her 500-plus cookbook collection. She especially loved cats, and owned many over the years. She loved them all, but her favorite was a one-eyed stray female from a shelter that Scott named MQ (for Monocular Quadruped). MQ was smart, loving, and feisty, just like her owner.

Carolyn’s maternal ancestors were centered in New York and New Jersey, and tended to be educated professionals. In contrast, her paternal ancestors were DownEasters from Machiasport, Maine and they went to sea. Her forebears include numerous sea captains, mariners, and sailors of ships both large and small. Her father and an uncle were crew members on Howard Hughes’ yacht “The Southern Cross” in the 1930s. Another uncle served on Atlantic convoy ships in World War II. Carolyn and Scott have spent many enjoyable times at the family salt water farm in Machiasport, built by a sea captain ancestor in 1841. One particularly interesting marine artifact at the farm is the log book of a great-grandfather who operated the schooner “Saarbruck” in the 1870s. The “Saarbruck” shipped cargo between Machiasport, New York, and Rio de Janeiro.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Scott of Union and Machiasport; adopted stepchildren, Donna L. Boyle of South Portland and William D. Hughes of Westbrook along with their families; and a cousin, Dawn Woodbrey of Orono and her family. A life-long friend was Judy Carloni of Shapleigh and Englewood, Fla., who Carolyn met when they were both age 3; they remained friends for the next 70 years.

According to her wishes, Carolyn will be buried in the East Union, Maine cemetery alongside Scott’s relatives. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate her life will be held in both Union and Machiasport in the spring.

Carolyn would wish that any donations made should be directed to a local animal shelter, especially to provide support for stray cats.

Posted in: 1960s

Mary Amelia Koback ’17

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Mary Amelia Koback of Charlotte, NC, died peacefully in her sleep on 10/26/19. She was born on 9/25/98 in Rockville, MD. Her childhood in Gaithersburg, MD, was full of joy. She was a 2017 high school graduate of Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA, and was an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, where she was working toward declaring a major in Neuroscience. She was an accomplished pianist, actor, and singer. She was a quick and strong athlete, who once arm wrestled and beat every challenger in her middle-school class, including all the boys. She competed on many teams in swimming, triathlon, soccer, cross country running, and – most-impressively – water polo. She was a leading scorer on the women’s water polo teams both in high school at Williston, where she earned the Most Improved Player award in 2015, and in college at Pitt, where she earned the Rookie of the Year award in 2018. She was also a dedicated lifeguard at many pools and a member of the land activity team at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, where she expertly taught and served guests on the ziplines, jump platforms, and ropes courses. She was insightful and brave. She was caring and supportive to her family and friends, whom she loved and cherished. She leaves her parents, grandparents, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, and dogs, all of whom will love and miss her forever. Her memorial service is private, but gifts in her memory can be made to the University of Pittsburgh Women’s Water Polo Team Club at the following link:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-honor-of-the-life-of-mary-a-koback?fbclid=IwAR0-wchVQ9QjlStPhXzfmj2ZGzKZxzk943JMkRmO1JD_Q3TQ2DolAlPE2R8

Posted in: 2010s

Cornelius A. Moylan ’46

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Cornelius Anthony Moylan, 90, of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at St. Mary’s Home in West Hartford. He is predeceased by his devoted and loving wife of 57 years, Maria (“Millie”) Lopez Moylan who passed away on January 3, 2009, his brother Robert Francis Moylan who passed away on September 10, 2014, and his brother Gerald Edwin Moylan, who passed away on February 10, 2017. He was born on December 9, 1928 in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of the late Honorable Cornelius A. Moylan and Anne (Durkin) Moylan. Neal briefly attended Buckley High School, then attended and graduated from Williston Academy in Massachusetts. He attended Yale University, graduating in 1950 with honors. Neal then obtained his Master’s Degree in history from Trinity College in Hartford Connecticut. After a stint in the U.S. Naval Reserves, Neal went into his true calling of teaching. He taught for over a decade at Bulkeley High School in Hartford, Connecticut, followed by a long and distinguished career as Chairman of the History Department at Greater Hartford Community College in Hartford, Connecticut. He also taught history classes at Central Connecticut State College. Neal met and married the woman of his dreams, Maria “Millie” Lopez Moylan in 1952 in Washington D.C. They loved spending time with their three children and various dogs especially at West Hill Lake in Winsted, Connecticut. Additionally, they loved the opera and classical music which they listened to almost every night. He loved reading historical tomes and novels which he shared with his many friends and family. He spoke often of wonderful childhood memories spent at Old Lyme Shores, Connecticut. Neal is survived by his son, Cornelius A. Moylan III (Patricia) of North Conway, New Hampshire, son, Christopher T. Moylan (Amy) of Wethersfield, Connecticut and grandchildren, Justine, AJ and Christopher, son, Gerald M. Moylan of Loudon, New Hampshire, his brother, Richard D. Moylan (Martha) of Georgetown, Massachusetts, his sister, Muriel (Moylan) Nevens of Delmar, New York, and his sister-in-law, Carol (Neumeister) Moylan (Robert) of West Hartford, Connecticut and by many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the many students whose lives he touched including Joseph Hourihan, former student and family attorney whom he considered family. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Home in West Hartford, Connecticut for their care and compassion in his final days with us. Neal now reunites with the love of his life Maria Moylan throughout eternity, while most assuredly keeping an eye on his family from above. Calling hours are Friday, November 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home,1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, with a mass to be held on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:30 AM at Saint Lawrence O’Toole on 494 New Britain Avenue in Hartford., Connecticut.

Posted in: 1940s

Susan Curry Barnett, Former Faculty

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Susan Curry Barnett of Florence, Massachusetts, passed away quietly at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst on October 25, 2019. She was surrounded by close friends.

Sue was born on March 27, 1945, in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Rev. Robert Lewis and Elizabeth Moultan Cartwright Curry.

After graduating from the Northfield School and Tufts University, Sue built a career at the Northampton School for Girls and the Williston Northampton School between 1968 and 2011. She held many different positions as an educator: coach, dorm parent, teacher, and administrator. She most loved coaching the girls in soccer, hockey, and softball, stating, “I am still in touch with hundreds of them. I have seen them grow up, fail, pick themselves up again, succeed, and raise families. That is what I loved from start to finish.”

Sue met Roger (Gus) Barnett at Williston. They were married in Phillips Stevens Chapel at Williston in December of 1987. They celebrated their love of travel, good times with family and friends, and a willingness to work long and hard in their yard. Roger died in September of 1998.

At the age of 8, Sue started attending Fleur de Lis Camp in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. Her mother had been Director of the Water Front. Her grandmother had been the camp nurse. Sue was a camper, a Counselor in Training, a Counselor, and the Camp Director during 1972, 1973, and 1976.  As with her Williston students, Sue enjoyed watching the campers grow and become adults. Many girls from school and camp were friends right through the end.

Sue is predeceased by her husband Roger Barnett, her parents, and her stepson Geoffrey Barnett. She is survived by her brother David Curry and his wife Sandra, and her two nieces, Rebecca C. Aupperlee and husband Phil, and Heather Curry. Also surviving are two stepdaughters, Amy Hinton and Alexandra Erickson and her husband David, and Geoffrey’s wife Roxanne.

A memorial service will be held at Phillips Stevens Chapel, November 9, at 2 p.m., Williston Northampton School, Easthampton, Massachusetts.

It would be appreciated if no flowers were sent. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Fleur de Lis Camp Sue Curry Barnett Endowed Campership, 120 Howeville Road, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447, or the Williston Northampton School Sue Curry Barnett Endowment for the Girls Softball Team, 19 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027.

Posted in: Former Faculty

Thomas M. Leahy ’66

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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.

Posted in: 1960s

Ruth Jeffers Wellington ’41

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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!”

Posted in: 1940s

Arnold J. Gelfman ’61

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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.

Posted in: 1960s

Nancy Knight Bloomer ’44

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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.

Posted in: 1940s

Nicholas G. Andreson ’51

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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.

Posted in: 1950s

Gale Sarner Moser ’65

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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.

Posted in: 1960s

Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community