George A. Shaler, 63, passed away after a stroke on March 21, 2026, at a Portland Hospital, with his family at his side. George was born on July 18, 1962, in Northampton, Mass., of the late Janet (James) and George Shaler Sr.

George’s childhood was unconventional and exploratory – a prelude to a life spent bucking conventions and seeking to learn more about the world and the people in it. George’s dad, Al, was a teacher at The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts. When George’s mom, Janet, passed away far too young, his school community helped Al raise him along with siblings Jim and Elizabeth. His summers in the woods on Kelm Lake and time on campus and at Hamilton College – including communal meals, ultimate frisbee games, a never-ending parade of interesting people, and Grateful Dead shows – were formative influences. A committed introvert, after college he solo hiked the entire Appalachian trail, particularly relishing the 100-Mile Wilderness for its steady supply of swimming holes. He fittingly chose “Curious George” as his trail name.

George carried that curiosity with him for the rest of his life. He asked excellent questions and prided himself on deep listening and remembering details about people. He didn’t particularly want to talk about himself, but he’d talk all day long about you, your family, your pets, sports trades, and local elections. And he remained literally and figuratively a trail blazer — carving his own path, enjoying nature to its fullest whether on foot, bike or cross-country skis, and painting trail markers as a volunteer trail maintainer. He brought quiet commitment and leadership to issues he cared about deeply, including justice policy and public health. Among his professional passions, he guided efforts to implement school-based health centers while at the Catherine Cutler Institute for Health and Social Policy at the University of Southern Maine and in various roles in West Virginia. He had a knack for connecting with children and mentoring young adults. He served as a board member and president at both the Justice Information Research Network and The Children’s Center, where he served on the board for more than 20 years.

George gave endless gifts of service and encouragement (and dad jokes) to his spouse, children and cats. Jill was his equal partner in all things – travel, outdoor adventures, and family decisions. Jill knew from their first date that he would loyally care for her, challenge her, and be an ally as they navigated life. He had never-ending pride in Jonna and Shay, whose academic, athletic, service, travel, and social endeavors brought him joy and fulfillment. He was an avid reader, trivia sage, music lover, devil’s advocate, and sports fan, particularly the UNC Tar Heels from his graduate school alma mater and all Boston teams. His comfort in his own skin served as a model and inspiration. He leaves us far too soon.

George is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Jill Rosenthal; children, Jonna and Shay Rosenthal; siblings and in-laws, James ’81 and his wife Ann Shaler, Elizabeth Shaler dos Santos ’84, Cheryl Rosenthal and her husband Ed Blum, and Dan and his wife Julie Rosenthal; nieces and nephews, Olwen and Griff Shaler, Wallace dos Santos, and Ben and Anna Rosenthal, and other extended family members.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Congregation Bet Ha’am, 81 Westbrook St., South Portland, ME 04106. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral & Gathering Center, 300 Allen Ave. Portland, ME.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in George’s memory to The Children’s Center, 721 Stevens Avenue Portland, Maine 04103; Maine Women’s Lobby, 1 Weston Court Suite 203A, Augusta, Maine 04330; or the Eastern Trail Alliance, PO Box 250, Saco, ME 04072.

Kendall M. Johnson-Smith of South Hadley, MA and Brooklyn, NY passed away on March 3, 2026. Receiving her education from Williston Northampton School, DePaul and Fordham Universities, Kendall was a clinical psychotherapist and mental health consultant.

She leaves her parents, Teena Wilson and Preston Smith II, their spouses, Ric Wilson and Lynda Pickbourn, her two brothers, Nii Kwei Smith and Eris Johnson-Smith ’98, a sister-in-law Coco Killingsworth and a nephew and niece, Ehze and Asali Johnson-Smith.

There will be a memorial service on August 8, 2026 in New York City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kendall M. Johnson-Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund.

You can read more about Kendall’s accomplishments and hear her remarks at the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Eileen Mary Maher, 69, of Natchez, Mississippi, died Sunday, August 31, 2025 after a brutal battle with peritoneal cancer. She was born January 28, 1956 in Holyoke, Massachusetts to Mary and Richard Maher. Mary was a board-certified registered nurse; Richard was an Internist. 

Eileen was predeceased by her husband, G. Mark LaFrancis, her parents and her younger brother, Christopher Maher. 

She is survived by her children, Mark LaFrancis and his wife Kriss, and Mary LaFrancis Symes, her husband Josh, and their daughter, Grace Harper Symes, born July 7, 2024. 

Eileen also leaves behind her sister, Maureen Maher Cotter, and her husband, Mike Cotter; her godchild Laura Cotter O’Brien, and her husband Shaun, and daughters, Abby and Caitlin; Christopher and Leah Cotter and their daughter, Elizabeth Barsalou and her husband Brian and Carolyn St. Lawerence her husband, Pat, and their daughters Kierston, Quin, and Julia. 

Eileen was a lifelong learner. She graduated from Boston College in 1978 with degrees in English and Philosophy. She earned a Master’s Degree in American History from Boston College in 1978. In 1987 she received a Master’s of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language from the Elms College. In 1995, she graduated from Western New England University with a Juris Doctorate degree. In 2014 she graduated from Alcorn University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing. In 2017 she graduated from University of Mississippi School of Nursing with a Master’s of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. 

Eileen’s work career closely paralleled her academic progress. She started her teaching career in 1978 and took a job teaching children with learning disabilities English as a Second Language. In 1995 Eileen started her career as an attorney in both family and criminal law. She would later go on to become a Justice Court Judge for the Southern district of Adams County from 2017 to 2024. 

One of Eileen’s favorite memories was when she scored a hole-in-one on September 6, 2010. 

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friday September 05, 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Daniel O’Connor officiating.

Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Natchez Adams County Humane Society.

Sara Strait Egan passed away on August 8th, 2024, with her family by her side, after a nearly two year battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bradley Charles Egan, who passed away on April 29th, 2022, at their home in Madison, CT.

Sara was born on September 20th, 1965, to Charles “Sandy” Strait and Joan Sommer (Strait) Kratky, and was raised in Fairfield, CT with her older siblings, Don and Jody. Sara attended Fairfield University for two years before transferring to Skidmore College, where she majored in English. After graduating in 1988, she worked in various editing roles for publications and magazines in CT.

Brad was born on December 11th, 1959, to Paul and Ruth Egan, and was raised primarily in Norwalk, CT and Wilmington, DE with his older sister Sara. Brad attended Connecticut College, where he played on the hockey and tennis teams, as well as spent a year studying abroad in England. He graduated in 1982 with a degree in Economics and Political Science, and embarked on a successful career in management consulting, commercial real estate lending, and real estate development.

Brad and Sara were introduced by mutual friends in the summer of 1987 and started dating long distance, with Sara finishing up school at Skidmore before she moved to Stamford, CT after graduating. Brad proposed on the rocks in Rowayton, CT in December 1989, and they were married in Westport, CT on September 29th, 1990. They had their first son, Kyle, in 1993, and moved to Madison, CT a couple of years later, where Blake was born in 1996. They loved the town of Madison and their neighborhood, instantly making lifelong friends. They were very active in their community, including as local business owners, being involved in Madison Little League, and helping to organize the annual neighborhood charity golf tournament. Brad loved coaching the boys’ Little League teams, and when Blake and Kyle later went on to play soccer, tennis, baseball, and football, Brad and Sara never missed a game. They were immensely proud of their sons and found great joy in the boys’ accomplishments through sports, school, and in their careers.

Brad and Sara were not just partners but best friends for their nearly 32 years of marriage. They made each other laugh and found entertainment in the little, everyday things. Together they enjoyed tennis, skiing, reading, spending time at the beach, cooking new recipes for their family, walks with their dogs, and spending summers with their family in Maine. They had so much fun together, and brought the same infectious joy to everyone around them.

Brad had a quick wit and sharp mind, assessing any situation quickly and accurately and delivering hilarious one-liners. He was confident and self-assured, and was the life of every party. He had a great mind for real estate, and found success in commercial real estate, flipping houses, and owning and running Shoreline Modular Homes in Madison. Throughout his career, he always put his family first and prioritized spending time with them over his work.

Sara was loving, patient, and kind, and lit up every room with her bright and gentle spirit. She was the best cook, whether it was Eggs Benedict every Easter and Christmas morning, or lobster dinners for birthdays spent in Maine. She adored all animals, especially her four Springer Spaniels throughout her life: Freckles, Cocoa, Bailey, and Colby. Following Brad’s sudden passing and her cancer diagnosis just 5 months later, she showed incredible strength and tenacity in the face of unimaginably painful circumstances and fought her cancer until the very end.

Above all, Brad and Sara loved their family unconditionally and devoted their lives to each other and their sons. They will be endlessly missed by Kyle, Blake, Sara’s mother Joan, stepmother Agnes, sister Jody, brother Don, Don’s wife Debbie and children, Brad’s sister Sara, Kyle’s wife Laura, Blake’s girlfriend Emily, their beloved Springer Spaniel Colby, and countless friends and neighbors.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Relatives and friends are invited to attend Brad and Sara’s memorial service on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison, CT 06443.

Brian W. Bourque, 53, of West Springfield, MA, died unexpectedly, surrounded by his family, Monday night, January 26, 2026, after complications during surgery.

Brian was born in Springfield, the son of Wilfrid J. and Cindy (Sutter) Bourque Jr. and has lived in West Springfield his entire life. He was a 1990 graduate of the Williston Northampton School and was the vice-president of Cardinal Homes of West Springfield. A communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Brian loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved spending time at the Cape.

Besides his parents, he leaves two daughters Madelyn M. and Claire M. Bourque and their mother Katie Bourque: his sisters Lisa Pellegrini and Amy Bourque ’93 and her fiancé Steve Scott and nieces and nephews Abby Bourque, Andrew and Nathan Pellegrini and Max Schaetzer.

Visiting hours will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Thursday, February 5th starting at 10:30am and concluding with a funeral home service at noon followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle annual fund, 75 Pine Street,West Springfield, MA 01089 or the Deer Hill Rod & Gun Club, 225 Porter Hill Road, Cummington, MA 01026.

May 21, 1967 — December 20, 2025

Kelly K. Houseman (nee McCormack), 58, of Buffalo, NY, entered into rest on December 20, 2025.

Beloved wife of David Houseman, and formerly Paul Higgins Jr.; devoted mother of Patrick Higgins (Brittney Fahnestock); stepmother of Matthew and Daniel Houseman; loving daughter of Corley (nee McDonald) Gordon and the late Maxwell L. McCormack Jr.; daughter-in-law of Richard and Judy Houseman; former daughter-in-law of Carolyn Higgins and the late Paul Higgins Sr.; dear sister of Patty (Brian) Elwell, Patrick (Jackie) McCormack; sister-in-law of Mark Higgins, Katherine (Brian) Huck, Kevin (Kimberly) Higgins, and Christopher (Michelle) Higgins; adored aunt of Jake (Jamie) Elwell, Madeline Elwell (Jacob Smith), Maxwell McCormack, Connor, Blake, Tyler Huck, Russell, Ryan, Justin, Stephen, and Timothy Higgins; special friend of Ian Leach. Also survived by cousins, family, and friends.

Kelly earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Rochester Institute of Technology and was an active goalie for the women’s hockey team. She excelled as a paralegal for various Buffalo Law Firms, before finding rewarding work as a Human Resource Assistant for Belmont Housing Resources for WNY.

A Celebration of Life will be celebrated at a time convenient to the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kelly’s memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo at www.hospicebuffalo.com

David J. Partyka, Ph.D., 68, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025.

David was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on August 31, 1957, the beloved son of the late Max C. and Esther (Noga) Partyka. David attended Williston Northampton School, and Clark University before moving to Tallahassee, Florida to obtain both his Master’s Degree and his Doctoral Degree in clinical psychology at Florida State University. He was both a clinical and consulting psychologist in both private practice and for state agencies in Tallahassee. He later moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he was an outpatient forensic evaluator for the State of Georgia. He moved back to Chicopee in 2017, and was most recently a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist in private practice. He was a dedicated to his profession and continued to educate himself in his field.

David’s family was most important to him. He was an avid boater and sailor and he enjoyed skiing and ice boating. His enjoyment of these activities only increased when he shared them with his mom, dad and sister. He enjoyed his summers in West Dennis on Cape Cod, a special place for him. He was at home on the ocean and the waters of Bass River.

David was predeceased by his loving parents, and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving and devoted sister, Mary D. Partyka, who was also his best friend. He leaves behind his dear aunt and uncle, Helen and Gerald Ratelle of Ludlow, and many cousins and friends.

A private celebration of his life was held on December 1, 2025, at Grise Funeral Home in Chicopee. Contributions can be made in David’s name to the Friends of Bass River at 17 Point of Rocks Road, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts 02675. (www.friendsofbassriver.org).

Jody S. Gottlieb, of Petoskey, Michigan, passed away on October 1, 2025 due to an unexpected medical condition. Jody was an accomplished professional, but also a remarkable colleague, mentor, and friend to so many.