Tag Archives: Northampton School for Girls

Maria Burgee Dwight LeVesconte ’52

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By day, a barefooted Mimi Dwight sang along to Joni Mitchell as she drove a station wagon full of her five children and a shedding Saint Bernard around the streets of Holyoke, Massachusetts. In the evenings, she met in back rooms to organize for social justice in her community and beyond.

Born and raised in Holyoke, she was the youngest daughter of Henry and Marcelle Burgee. Her adolescence at the Northampton School for Girls earned the comment on her report card that “Mimi is a good student, but she seems inordinately interested in boys.” They were interested back.

At Bryn Mawr College in the early 1950s, she joined her first protest march. Her zeal for social justice led her inadvertently to the field of gerontology, which became her passion and profession.

In Massachusetts she was known as Mimi Dwight. Under that name, she co-founded the Urban Ministries (a multi-faith coalition dedicated to participatory government within the inner city of Holyoke); she served on the Commission on the Status of Women, the State Welfare Commission, and the Housing Finance Agency, among others. In the early 1970s, she braved local and state politics to create the nation’s first municipal Geriatric Authority, spearheading the successful effort to turn an outdated Municipal Home into a groundbreaking geriatric rehabilitation center. The building was later named in her honor.

Propelled by her interest in the challenges she saw in the field of aging, she enrolled at Hampshire College to finish the bachelor’s degree she had postponed in favor of marriage and children. When she learned that Hampshire would not accept any credits from her two years at Bryn Mawr, she resolutely set out to complete her Hampshire degree in one year.

After graduating, she loaded her two youngest into a quirky car and drove cross-country to get a master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California. In Los Angeles she became Maria Dwight, a single mother raising two boys and beginning a career that would see her rise to become a world-renowned visionary in the field of aging.

She joined Gerontological Planning Associates as vice president in 1975 and in 1982 formed her own company, Gerontological Services Inc. GSI became a national advocate for participatory planning for services and facilities for older adults. Focusing on primary data collected directly from older people, GSI developed operational, design and marketing plans for innovative approaches for its clients, who included LGBTQ, Born Deaf, Chinese-American, Japanese American, Native American, Religious Women, expatriates in Mexico and Costa Rica, faith based long term care and housing providers, hospitals, developers, architects, cities, towns, day centers, CCRCs and moderate-income housing projects.

Among achievements too numerous to list, she served on the Board of Overseers of Brandeis University, on the Boards of Centura Health System (Denver), Stonewall Communities (Boston), Wise and Healthy Aging (Los Angeles), the Williston Northampton School and, most recently, Friends House in Santa Rosa, CA.

For 30 years, Maria taught at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design’s summer session; she presented at Harvard’s Schools of Medicine and Public Health; at MIT, UMass, Boston University School of Medicine; at California University of San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Irvine; and her alma mater, the USC School of Gerontology. She testified before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor and the United States Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs.

She was a frequent speaker at international conferences including AHSA Asian Conference India, Asian Health Conference Singapore, International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Conferences, as well as “Quo Vadis” in Berlin. Maria was appointed to the White House Conference on Aging, National Advisory Committee in 1981 and also served it as a delegate, advocating for the integration of housing and services. Her work was recognized with countless awards, culminating in the “Continuing Care Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2017.

She was an intrepid traveler who migrated with the reindeer in the Arctic and marched with the penguins in the Antarctic (as well as lots of warm and exotic places in between).

Maria’s small rented bungalow in Santa Monica was never empty. She fed and mothered a vast extended family of skate rats, actors, hard-core musicians, activists, surfers, students, co-workers, artists and writers, as well as her own brood. She was equally comfortable with Senators, Governors and CEOs as with members of the Flesh Eaters, Dream Syndicate and Sonic Youth. And she was admired and adored by them all.

Maria leaves four children: Bill Dwight (Lida Lewis) of Northampton, Lili Dwight (Byron Coley) of Deerfield, Valle Dwight (Phil O’Donoghue) of Florence, and Ryan Dwight of Huntington Beach, California, as well as eight grandchildren: Eli Dwight, Hudson and Addison Coley, Tim and Aidan O’Donoghue, and Ella, Liam and Dylan Dwight. She is also survived by her sister, Paula Gallup ’49 (John Gallup), of Longmeadow, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her husband, Edward LeVesconte; and her son, Timothy Monk Dwight, pre-deceased her.

The family is planning memorial services for later this summer; one at her home in the redwoods of Northern California, and the second in her childhood haunts of western Massachusetts.

Donations in her honor may be made to Whole Children, 41 Russell St, Hadley, MA 01035; www.wholechildren.org.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you elect a woman President in 2020.

Read more about Maria in the Spring 2016 issue of the Bulletin.

Posted in: 1950s

Judith Balise Stein ’45

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Judith Balise Stein peacefully passed away on the morning of May 6, 2019 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Northampton in 1928 and attended The Northampton School for Girls followed by graduation from Smith College. She worked on a fellowship at Harvard School of Public Health for a year during which time she married Richard Stein, professor of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts. She further earned a graduate degree of education from UMass and resided in Amherst. She choose to play a supporting role in her husband’s career and raised four daughters before venturing into her interest in real estate and established a successful rental property business.

Judy traveled the world with her husband to numerous countries including Japan, China, Russia, United Arab Emirates, India, Sweden, England, France, Germany and Italy. Judy would love to experience the local culture and would leave behind a bit of her American way of thinking.

Summers were spent at their Lake Wyola cottage which always had an open door welcoming extended family and friends. Anyone she met was always invited and encouraged to come to the lake for a swim and a meal. There was always a spare bathing suit available and a freezer full of ice cream.

Judy was a member of the Amherst Women’s Club where she was honored with a life time membership after 50 continuous years as a member, a member of the International Wives Club where she took joy helping new arrivals acclimate to life in Amherst, a member of The League of Women Voters and a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, always enjoying an adventurous hike.

Throughout her life Judy always was thinking of others first, never wanting the focus on herself. Her later years were spent lovingly being cared for by her husband, children, grandchildren and her most recent caregivers Cynthia, Becky, Sharon and Sarah. A special thank you to the Hospice of the Fisher Home team for their support and guidance.

She is survived by her husband Richard Stein, her children Anne Stein and husband Monty Kroopkin of San Diego, Carol Avonti and husband Steve of West Springfield, Lisa Lesure and husband Walter of Amherst and son-in-law Darrel Rost of Pittsfield, six grandchildren: Faith Stein, Kay Parsons, Rick Avonti, Mariah Lesure, Kayla Lesure and Taylor Lesure, 4 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her beloved sister-in law Lucy Townsend who became a true sister and friend. She joins her late brothers Peter Balise, John Balise and David Balise and her late daughter Linda Rost.

Her remains have been donated to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. A memorial service will occur this summer. Gifts in her memory may be donated to Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst.

Posted in: 1940s

Janice R. Brown ’43


Janice Rae Brown, 92, died on May 13, 2019, at Day Brook Village in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Janice was born in Northampton on May 31, 1926, to the late Lorimer Hamilton and Pearle (Farnham) Brown. She was the sister of Roger Hamilton Brown, U.S.N. Lt. Com., and Frances Joy Brown, R.N., both deceased.

Janice Brown graduated from the former Northampton School for Girls, and later from Smith College earning both a B.A. and later with an M.Ed.

Her teaching years included positions in West Hartford, CT, and Northampton. She was a member of the former First Baptist Church.

All services will be private with burial in the Farnham family lot at Lakeview Cemetery in Shoreham, VT.

Posted in: 1940s

Karen McKenzie Anderson ’54

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Karen McKenzie Anderson of Wernersville, PA, passed away peacefully in her home with her family present on February 25, 2019, at the age of 82 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years. Born on September 6, 1936, Karen was the only child of Kenneth W. McKenzie and Elizabeth “Betty” McKenzie. She grew up in Essex, Connecticut and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1958. That same year, she married David C. Anderson after his graduation from the United States Naval Academy. During David’s military service, the family moved frequently and lived overseas. They settled in West Hartford and Farmington, Connecticut, while David practiced law in Hartford for over 30 years.Karen enjoyed being a part of Phoebe Berks Village for 10 years where she met many new friends and served in several volunteer roles. She was an active member of the Friends Wernersville Public Library. Karen loved birdwatching and travel. She is survived by her three daughters and by seven grandchildren: Celia Anderson Davis (Paul E. Davis) of Parkton, Maryland and their children Samuel and Dorothy (Dee Dee); Jane Anderson Price (Stephen H. Price) of Wernersville and their children Morgan, Emma and Gwyn; and Deborah C. Stevens (Michael F. Stevens) of Niles, Michigan and their children Luke and Caleb.A private graveside service at the Mountain View Cemetery in Bloomfield, Connecticut, is planned for a future date. Lamm & Witman Funeral Home, Inc., 243 W. Penn Ave., Wernersville, is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be directed to Wernersville Public Library or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Posted in: 1950s

Barbara Dow Merrill ’40

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Barbara Merrill, 96, of Solon, Maine, died at home, surrounded by family and friends the morning of April 2, 2019. Barbara was born Aug. 21, 1922, in Northampton, Mass., to the late Dr. Frank E. and Marion (Dole) Dow. She was the youngest of four children and is predeceased by siblings, Eleanor, Richard and Harriet.

Barbara graduated from Northampton School for Girls (Williston Northampton) and earned her undergraduate degree at Tufts University, Jackson division and then went on to Andover Newton Theological School–Newton Center for her master’s degree in religious education.

In February 1948, while working as the director of the Sunday school and supervisor of the young people’s groups at the Congregational Church in Brunswick, Barbara met John Merrill, who had volunteered to substitute teach a Sunday school class for one of his Bowdoin fraternity brothers. Three weeks after their first meeting, Barbara and John became engaged, and three months later, on June 5, they married.

After living two years in Boston, while John attended law school, the couple moved to Skowhegan in 1952 to raise their family. Barbara soon thereafter opened the Pied Piper Nursery School, which she ran for ten years out of the municipal building. She then became an elementary school teacher for S.A.D. 54 for 17 years. Barbara was also active in the Women’s Club, the D.A.R., women’s republican groups and the Women’s Circle at the Federated Church, where she also sang in the choir for many years and, more recently, was a member of the Bible study group. She joined Somerset Chapter #53, O.E.S., in Skowhegan in January of 1958.

Over the years she held many offices, including chaplain and Worthy Matron; her favorite Star Point office was Martha. When Barbara and John moved year-round to South Solon in 1978, they became active in Solon’s Keystone Chapter #78, O.E.S., and, again, Barbara served as Worthy Matron and multiple terms as Martha. She remained active with the Eastern Star through 2017.

Barbara is survived by her son, William (Carrie), daughter, Harriet (Glen) and son, Frank (Nancy); as well as her grandchildren, Reagan (Mike) Hovasse, Sean (Katie) Merrill and Alaena Merrill; and five great-grandchildren: Taylor, Lyric, Cameron, Phoenix and Lux.

The family would like to thank homecare givers, Sherry Bacon, Dawn Elizabeth Bersani and Cynthia Pine for their loving care of and friendship given to their mother. They would also like to thank the staffs of the Redington-Fairview Hospital and the Northern Lights Home Care & Hospice for the amazing care and compassion they extended to Barbara and her family during the last year of Barbara’s life. The work these dedicated professionals do is a gift and blessing to those they serve.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m., at the Federated Church in Skowhegan.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.  Memorial contributions can be made to: Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, 50 Foden Rd., South Portland, ME 04106.

Posted in: 1940s

Barbara Allen Roberts ’55

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Barbara Theo (Allen) Roberts, age 82, of Framingham, MA, passed away March 7, 2019, with her family by her side after a long illness. Barbara was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Allen in Springfield, MA on December 6, 1937. Barbara attended Northampton School for Girls and graduated from Classical High School in 1955. She continued her education at Boston University graduating with a degree in 1959. Born and raised in Springfield and Longmeadow, MA, she spent the bulk of her life in Framingham, MA, before moving to Dublin, OH where four of her grandchildren resided for the final years of her life. For 40 of those years she lived in a house she cherished and often described her bedroom as “living amidst nature in a glass treehouse.” Barbara married the late Sumner B. Roberts in 1962 and they are survived by two children: Emily Wick of Norfolk, MA and Andrew Roberts (Mimi Rivard) of Dublin, OH. She was predeceased by her beloved son-in-law K. Bryant Wick Jr. She is survived by five grandchildren: Grady Wick, Sumner “Chappie” Wick, Simone Rivard-Roberts, Andre Roberts and Derara Roberts. Each of them will miss the pocket money stealthily bestowed on them with each interaction with their Grammy. Barbara also leaves behind her loving sister Carol (Harvey) Gloth and their children Larry (Danielle) and Joey Ann. She truly loved keeping in touch with her aunts and uncles and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Barbara loved keeping track of her extended family and bestowing thoughtful gifts upon them as they graduated, married, and had children of their own. She also had a strong belief in the power of cards for all occasions and hand written thank you notes; a lost art in her humble opinion. Barbara was an accomplished interior designer and loved creating spaces filled with beautiful and functional things that had great meaning and fit the lifestyles of her grateful clients. Barbara loved to travel and often regaled her friends and family with stories about the places she had been and the people she had seen. Barbara was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, and was a fiercely loyal mother and grandmother. “In for a penny, in for a pound” was her view of her family and she never gave up on a soul whose corner she was in. Barbara was not the sort of person who wanted one to be confused about where she stood on any particular issue, and she was much appreciated for her sage counsel on all manner of life’s issues. Late in life, Barbara continued to show her independence, autonomy and courage when faced with challenging health news. Barbara chose to forego treatment and focus on the quality of her remaining life and lived three times past her initial prognosis on a strict diet of milkshakes and hamburgers. Her family takes great solace in knowing she lived her life exactly the way she wanted to right up until her passing. Her gratitude, humility and humor in her final year were a wonder to behold. A Celebration of Life event will be held in Barbara’s honor on April 5th, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at The Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA. Please reach out to the family if you plan to attend. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that people make donations in Barbara’s name to a cause she held dear due to the impact it had on her family: the American Diabetes Association . Please mail gifts to: 40 Speen Street Framingham, MA 01701.

Posted in: 1950s

Mary Elizabeth Ockenden Loweth ’46

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December 6, 1928 – September 27, 2018

Elizabeth died peacefully, surrounded by love, in her 90th year. Born in Massachusetts to the Rev. Albion and Kathrine Ockenden, Elizabeth was the third of five children. She graduated from Smith College in 1950 and in 1955 married the Rev. Gerald Loweth. They moved to Hilo, Hawaii in 1956, where she served as the only woman on the Charter Commission for the County of Hawaii, moving toward legal charter for statehood, and as the Founding President of the League of Women Voters in Hilo. During the eight years they lived on the Islands, they welcomed their four children. The family moved to Toronto in 1964. Elizabeth enjoyed a long and varied career in mental health, human rights, and social justice. Her last position before retirement was Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Ethics and Corporate Policy. She was also an active volunteer, particularly with the Anglican Church, and in recognition was given the Anglican Award of Merit in 2010. This is the highest honour given to lay people who have contributed to the life and work of the church at national and international levels.

But more than career and awards, Elizabeth was devoted to her family. She survived her husband and best friend of 61 years, and will be deeply missed by their four children: Doug (Maureen Loweth), Kitty (Jim Danks), Maile (Mark Reeves) and Jennifer. Elizabeth was so proud of her eight grandchildren, who gave her so much joy: Tenney and Aidan, Bradley and Alexandra, Bridget and Connor, and Clara and Charlotte. Elizabeth is also survived by a sister, Kitty Ockenden (’49) of New York, and seven nephews and nieces, all of whom gave love and support. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings: Johanna Sencak, Edward Ockenden, and Albion Ockenden.

Heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth’s medical team, including Dr. Christine Elser, Dr. Bernard Cummings, Dr. Daniela Costantini, Dr. Martin Strauss, Dr. Bruce Horten, Elena Aviva and Chris Bell for their care. They would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Oak Ridges Retirement Residence where Elizabeth lived for the last month of her life.

Visitation will be held at Marshall Funeral Home, located at 10366 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, on Thursday, October 4th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00. The service will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, located at 10030 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, on Saturday, October 6th at 2:00.

In Elizabeth’s memory, her family would appreciate donations to the International Anglican Women’s Network, c/o the Canadian Compass Rose Society, or the Yellow Brick House (www.yellowbrickhouse.org/).

Posted in: 1940s

Ann Hyde Ahlquist ’51

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Ann H. Ahlquist, 86, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 18, 2019 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. She was born Sept. 8, 1932, in Portland to Samuel and Elizabeth (Swan) Hyde. Ann graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School, and then Northampton School for Girls in Northampton, Mass., in 1951. From there, she entered Boston Bouve School and Tufts University, majoring in physical education. Ann taught in that field at King Junior High School in Portland for some 30 years until her retirement. Ann grew up in Cape Elizabeth and became an accomplished horse rider by age 15, earning many ribbons with her horse, On Parade. She competed in many horse shows throughout Maine, Pennsylvania, and Madison Square Garden in New York. She boarded her horses in Scarborough at a small farm owned by Leon H. Ahlquist, who shared the same love of horses, and on April 4, 1977, they were married. She had seven massive display cases in her home filled with winning ribbons in 3-gaited and saddle classes. Many more ribbons decorate the home’s woodwork and walls. She rode for The Dressage Riding Club of Cape Elizabeth, and the Pleasant Hill Riding Club. Ann and Leon were very much in love and were always with one another throughout their marriage, sharing the farm work equally in what became a land-locked Noah’s Ark. Noah had two of everything; Ann and Leon had multiples of many, both animal and fowl. Although not all at once, there were at times eight cows, two bulls, a pair of draft horses, 14 mini horses (for show), three mini goats, 17 beagles (for trials), two pair of peacocks, Cochin and bantam hens, seven types of ducks, and pheasants, countless hens, and 17 bee hives. When the livestock grew in numbers, the old barn on the back of the house was torn down, and a brand-new expanded barn was erected further back behind the house to ease the workload. They sold eggs, honey, and beeswax candles. Besides all this, they also had landscape and lawn care customers in the Prout’s Neck area for 18 years. Ann worked part time at two Pratt Abbott Dry Cleaners during this time as well. Both Ann and Leon were big Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics fans, watching many of the games. Ann belonged to the Maine Farm Bureau Association, The Maine Miniature Horse Club, The American Miniature Horse Association, and The Southern Maine Beagle Club. Ann was predeceased by her parents; and one sister, Elizabeth H. Stone. Survivors include, one sister, Jane and husband, Robert Chesebro, of Portland; nephew, Carl Ahlquist and wife, Judy, of Scarborough; nephews, Jeffrey A. Stone of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Mark A. Stone and wife, Kristen, of Franklin, Tenn.; and niece, Kathleen S. Haarbauer of Cudjoe Key, Fla.; many grandnephews and nieces also survive. Per Ann and Leon’s wishes, no services are being held at this time.

Posted in: 1950s

Barbara Prager Worthley ’51

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Barbara Louis Worthley, of Lady Lake, FL, passed away Feb. 21, 2019.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, she grew up in Bay Shore, Long Island, NY and Amherst, MA. She attended schools in Three Rivers, QC, Canada, Stuart Hall in Staunton, VA and was a graduate of Northampton School for Girls in Northampton, MA. Her college days were spent in Briarcliff Manor, NY and UMass Amherst.

For several years she was a research assistant at Amherst College, a phlebotomist at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and a surgical nurse assistant in Wayne, NJ.

Bobbie was married for 52 years to William ( Bill ) Worthley who predeceased her in 2007.

While in Amherst she was a member of the Republican committee, the Grace Episcopal Choir, president of the Alpine Garden Club, a member of the Amherst Woman’s Club and the first woman director of the Amherst Girls Club, where under her watch the membership increased from 8 to 80 young women.

After moving to Wayne, NJ, she was president of the Wayne Elks Lodge 2181 and president of the Past Presidents.

In 1981 she gave up her medical career for Real Estate and in 1989 was awarded the coveted President’s Award for being the Top Dollar Producer in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US.  She was employed by Jones Real Estate for the last 25 years.

Bobbie and Bill also operated the Tinker’s Damn Casual Furniture store in Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ. She had many interests including Bridge, golf, antiques, decorating and shopping.

Bobbie is survived by her sons, Brad and his wife Lee and 3 grandsons, Nick, Joe and Stephan; and Jim and his wife Donna and granddaughter, Sarah Piontkowski; and her daughter, Linn Anne Rossi and her husband Jim and grandsons Anthony and his wife Carolyn and Christopher, and 2 great grandchildren, Leo and Chase; along with several nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her sister Judith Ann Dortone.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162.

A memorial service is planned for early April 2019.

Posted in: 1950s