Bruce VanLeer, a longtime resident of Warwick, NY, passed peacefully away on May 2, 2020 at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center, Middletown. She was 96 years old.
Born in Hingham, MA, she was the daughter of the late Grace (Catton) and Roger Nicholson.
Bruce was a Licensed Practical Nurse with the Visiting Nurse Services of Long Island, NY.
Bruce was an avid birdwatcher and gardener. She also enjoyed art.
Married to the late William VanLeer, she is survived by her daughters, Sally Woglom and her husband, Thom of Warwick, NY, Anne Ekberg of Holden, MA, and Allison Millstein and her husband, Jeffrey of Milford, PA; six grandchildren: David Woglom, Abigail Meigh, Bonnie Woglom, Kate Laramee, Anna Millstein and Katherine Everson; and five great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by son-in-law, William Ekberg.
The family would like to thank all of those who cared for Bruce at Park Manor during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Warwick Community Ambulance Service Inc., P.O. Box 315, Warwick, NY.
Private arrangements have been made by Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY.

Janet Alta Carlson, age 81 years, of Holland Township, NJ, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Born in Boston, Mass., on June 13, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Wilmot and Eula Lyman Babcock. She had resided in Hunterdon County, N.J., since 1974.
A graduate of Hood College, Janet was a retired nurse.
Mrs. Carlson was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church, Flemington, N.J., where she loved singing in the choir. Her beautiful voice and love of music led her to participate in many choral groups over her lifetime.
Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Raymond Johns of Watchung, N.J.; Karen and Scott Holmes of Ringoes, N.J., and Debra and Darren Dalley of Milford, N.J.; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Amy Carlson of Malvern, Pa.; her sister, Patricia Babcock ’58, of Storrs, Conn.; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services and interment in Calvary Episcopal Church Memorial Garden will be held Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 10 a.m. under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Flemington, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation, 9100 Wescott Drive, Suite 202, Flemington, N.J., 08822 to benefit Briteside Adult Day Center.

Alison Damon Zeigler, a long-time resident of Montclair, NJ, died March 14, 2021. She was 81.

Born in 1940, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Alison attended the Northampton School for Girls before embarking on her college career at Elmira College in Elmira, NY, where she graduated in 1961 with a degree in Speech and Theatre. A talented actress, Alison spent four seasons performing Summer Stock with the Peterborough Players in New Hampshire, where she worked with her future husband, Joe. From there, she joined a 12-month road tour with The Bishop’s Company, traveling across the country, performing in a variety of plays.

Alison starred in an off-Broadway production of The Boy with the Cart, graced the television screen in “The Mother” on Station WSYE, and was a contestant on the game show, Password. With more than 60 roles under her talented belt, some of her favorites included Regina in The Little Foxes, Phedre in Phedre, Maggie in The Man Who Came to Dinner, and Mrs. Gibbs in Our Town.

Joe and Alison married in 1964 and celebrated with a reception at her parent’s home in Lisbon, CT. They spent the first year of their marriage living and working in San Francisco, before returning to the East Coast where they lived in Ithaca, NY before eventually setting up an apartment in New York City. There, Joe and Alison would welcome their first son, Damon, in 1968 and their second son, Bram, in 1971.

In 1973, the Zeiglers moved to Montclair, New Jersey, where they would spend the next 28 years. Alison began a longstanding career as a self-employed bookkeeper, working for such clients as the T. Schreiber Studio, fragrancier Ann Gottlieb, and the Checkerboard Foundation. The family traveled into the city every Sunday for services at West End Collegiate Church, where they developed a decades-long relationship with the congregation, and a dear friendship with the Reverends Ken and Judy Gorsuch and their family.

Alison loved her family, particularly spending time with her three siblings, Cot, Niv, and Faith ’59, and her extended family on her beloved Heron Island, off the coast of Maine. There, she donned her turquoise bathing suit and regularly braved the frigid waters of the Atlantic, enjoyed a chilled vodka with a slice of lemon (or two!) on the porch of her family’s cottage, expertly boiled lobsters in saltwater, and spent hours walking the paths and rocky coastline with her cherished grandchildren, Emily, Rachel, Campbell, and Brodie.

In the late-1990s, Alison, like many other women, had her colors done and, according to the color wheel, was determined to be a “winter.” From that day forward, she donned herself in silver jewelry, and a consistent palette of blues and purples. Those who knew her, though, would say her spirit was anything but wintery. She was warm and inviting and bright and beautiful; a summer’s day on Heron Island at heart.

Alison is survived by her son Damon Wesley (Amy) and her granddaughters, Emily and Rachel, and her son Abraham “Bram” Ives (Katie), and her grandsons, Campbell and Brodie. A private remembrance will take place later this year. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Peterborough Players. www.peterboroughplayers.org.

Nina Hart Griffiths, actor, singer-songwriter, airline pilot. Daughter of Joan Hart and Everett Hart, born in New York City on November 27, 1949; died in Miami, FL on December 23, 2020. She wrote and performed the hit song “I Believe in Love” in Milos Forman’s 1971 film “Taking Off,” played Meredith Halliday in “As the World Turns,” and toured the US in theater before becoming a commercial airline pilot. Educated at Friends Seminary and the Northampton School for Girls, Nina lived in New York City, San Francisco, Sharon, CT, and Key Largo. Twice married and divorced, she retired from United Airlines after 22 years with 11 years as a 767 and Airbus Captain. Generous, warm, talented, independent, and courageous, in addition to music and flying, she loved sailing, reading, and dinners with friends and family. Survived by her sister Laurie Kain Hart of Los Angeles and beloved nephew Murdo McGrath, she will be so deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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 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.

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.

Jacqueline Mosher, of Lady Lake, FL, passed away on August 23, 2020.

Read more about Jackee’s life in the Spring 2016 Bulletin.

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.