Nancy Ellen Warsawski passed away peacefully March 26, 2025 surrounded by family at Baystate Springfield, after a long battle with Cancer.

Nancy is survived by her husband Joseph Warsawski, sons Jake and Sean Boyle, stepson Jonathan Warsawski, stepdaughter Rebecca Warsawski, brothers Kevin Archbald and wife Diane, Robert Archbald and Cathy, Patrick Archbald ’79 and Kathleen, Michael Archbald ’76 and Montserrat. Several nieces and nephews, 8 grandchildren and one great grandson.

When Nancy was growing up in Pottsville, PA, she excelled in sports. Nancy was on the swimming and diving team where she won trophies. When Nancy moved back to Massachusetts after her mother passed Nancy still excelled in sports. Her lacrosse team from Williston Academy traveled to England to play a team from there, never told me who won. From there Nancy went to HCC where she got her degree in Medical Secretarial, from there she was Senior Regent and a college of Regent at Greenfield Moose Family Center 316 , and a former member of Yarmouth Moose Family Center 2270 and a long time member of the Millers Falls Rod and Gun.

Nancy loved to travel with her husband to Old Orchard Beach, Las Vegas and Cape Cod.

There will be a celebration of her life on May 4, 2025 at 12pm at the M.F.R.&G. located at 210R Turners Falls Road, Montague, MA 01351. If you want to donate make checks out to M.F.R.&G. Building fund.

Mr. Kenneth R. Rankin Sr. of West Orange, NJ passed away suddenly at the age of 50 on Saturday, June 3, 2023. There will be a funeral service celebrated at the Biondi Funeral Home of Nutley on Monday, June 12 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to time of service. The interment will be at Rosedale Cemetery, 408 Orange Road, Orange, NJ.

Kenneth was born in Orange, NJ to Robert and Carol (née Bomar) Rankin on April 29th, 1973. As a young child he was given the nickname of Kenny that continued through his life. Kenny was a graduate of St. Benedict’s Prep Class of ‘92 and during his education he was also a basketball standout. After having a gap-year he made the noble decision to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining the Newark Police Department. Leading to a long and eventful career with a legacy continued by his two sons. Kenny retired from the Newark Police Department in 2018 with the hopes of spending more time with his family and traveling the world.

Not only did Kenny excel at basketball, but he had a love for the sport of golf and was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. From a young age Kenny was a self-proclaimed aviation geek and enjoyed building model airplanes. He could also tell which type of aircraft was flying overhead by simply listening to the passing engines. Kenny was a dog person and had a passion for raising and training his multiple dogs throughout his life. He also had an illustrious social and travel life leading to an abundance of friends from all walks of life. Kenny loved traveling to different places. We are sure he will not rest in peace but continue his travels even more so now.

He is survived by his four loving children, Prince Rankin, Tiana Rankin, Kenneth Rankin Jr. and Maya Rankin, his two cherished grand-daughters, both of his devoted parents, his two dear brothers Richard and Thomas Zellars and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his dog.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend Gwendolyn Keiver-Hewett, 67, of Salem, MA. Wendy passed away on February 3, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a profound void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Wendy was an extraordinary woman whose strength, warmth, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone around her. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Thomas Hewett; her children, Sadie Barlow (husband Kevin), and Tyler VanVeghten; and her grandchildren Emma, Liam and Olivia. She is also survived by her sisters Pam Rodgers, Nancy Goodrow (husband Patrick), Patti Heintzelman (husband Webb); her stepchildren Danny (wife Kara) and Rob, and grandchildren Molly, Ryan, Dylan and Cody. Wendy will be deeply missed by her many nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

Wendy is joined in rest by her parents Pat and Bob Keiver along with many other loved ones that were part of her life. Her family, both by blood and heart, was vast, reflecting the deep connections she fostered and the unwavering love she shared.

Among Wendy’s most significant accomplishments was raising her two children and later, her grandchildren, instilling in them kindness, resilience and determination. Family was at the center of her world and she dedicated herself to ensuring their happiness. She began her career in the Marblehead Public Schools, transitioning into computers and technology at Salem State University, and ultimately pursued her true passion as a Massage Therapist, where her healing energy shined.

Beyond being a mother, Wendy was a devoted wife, sister, and friend. Her laughter, wit, generosity, and vibrant spirit filled every room. She formed lifelong friendships, many of which began in childhood and continued through her deep connection with Fleur de Lis camp for girls. Whether playing sports, attending Green Mountain College, working at the Beach Club or playing softball, Wendy brought joy and camaraderie to every experience. She was always ready with a bit of mischief and an unwavering offer of support.
She cherished her time at Squam Lake, loved visiting beaches on the Northshore, and enjoyed watching storms, supporting small local restaurants, and driving her jeep with the top down. Her love of beaches and new adventures found her swimming in Greece, Hawaii, and French Polynesia. She had an unmatched sweet tooth and was in charge of bringing desserts and her iconic banana bread to every holiday gathering. Wendy’s dogs Max, Marley and Finn were more than pets, each with their own personality but sharing equal adoration for her as their “person.”

A passionate sports enthusiast, Wendy approached life with the same energy and passion that she brought to every game. Whether cheering from the sidelines or participating herself, her enthusiasm for sport and competition was infectious. She taught us all the importance of strength – not only physically but emotionally – facing life’s challenges with unwavering resilience and grace.

Wendy’s legacy of love, strength and spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who knew her. A service to honor Wendy’s life will be held on February 21st at 10:30 AM at Old North Church in Marblehead, MA.

While we will miss Wendy dearly, we take comfort in knowing that her love and light will continue to guide us always. In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers, MA or Fleur de Lis Camp for girls in Fitzwilliam, NH.

Christopher J. Simard, 67, of Candler, North Carolina, died at home February 14, 2025 after a prolonged illness. Born March 26, 1957 in South Hadley, Massachusetts, Chris was the beloved son of Paul E. Simard and Allyene P. Simard and cherished sibling to Paul Simard, Peter Simard, Jane Simard, and Jonathan Simard.

Chris was known for his big heart and his passion for music, the Blues in particular, and in his younger days was a regular fixture in the Asheville music scene, often welcomed on stage by national acts to add his considerable skills on the blues harp to their show.

Chris graduated from Williston Northampton School, and attended University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Chris is pre-deceased by parents Paul and Allyene, and brother Paul, and survived by siblings Peter, Jane, and Jonathan, and his many dear friends in the Asheville community.

Rest in peace dear brother, you will be missed.

Lucía Núñez, a Cuban American educator, community activist and LGBTQ+ pioneer, died on September 30, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Lucía was born January 3, 1960, in Cuba and left with her family in 1965. At age 16, Lucia went to boarding school in Easthampton, Massachusetts. She studied political science at Connecticut College and international education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

In 1985, she joined the Peace Corps to support women, children, and schools in Honduras, and continued advocating for immigrant youth while working at Stanford University. After scouting locations from Oregon to New York, Lucía relocated her family to Wisconsin in 1999. At the time, the Hispanic population of Dane County was seeing triple-digit growth, with little to no infrastructure in place to provide culturally competent support. She joined Centro Hispano as executive director. She also served as deputy director of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, administrator of the State of Wisconsin Equal Rights Division, and the first director of the City of Madison Department of Civil Rights. She marched at Madison’s Latino immigrant rallies and was featured in Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists, published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. From 2016 until her retirement, she was the vice president of equity, inclusion, and community engagement at Madison Area Technical College.

Lucía is survived by Heidi Vargas, her wife of 35 years, and their two children, Carina Vargas-Nuñez, and Mateo Vargas-Nuñez.

To read the complete obituary please visit Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project and to make a memorial donation to the Lucía Núñez Becas (Scholarship) Program please visit Centro Hispano of Dane County.

Alicia Lee du Pont, of Mendham, NJ died peacefully on June 25, 2024 in Morristown, NJ after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Wilmington, DE and raised in Bernardsville and Morristown, NJ and New York, NY. She loved animals and devoted her career to working in veterinary medicine in both Orlando, FL, and northern New Jersey.

Alicia is survived by her parents, Dulcinea L. Green of Mendham, NJ and Peter R. du Pont of New York, NY; her sisters, Nichol du Pont of Mendham, NJ and Laura R. du Pont of New York, NY; and her brothers, Peter T. du Pont of Bangkok, Thailand, Scott T. du Pont of North Hollywood, CA and Andrew R. du Pont of New York, NY.

James (Jay) Francis Wzorek III, son of Capt. James Francis Wzorek Jr, USMC, and JoAnn (Shurigar) Wzorek, was born September 17, 1971, in Milton, FL. He passed away in Ogallala, NE on November 7, 2024 at the age of 53 years.

At the age of 2, the family moved to Easthampton, MA. Later he moved with his mother and sister, Anya, to Gillette, WY, and later to Lander, WY. The family moved to Anchorage, AK, where he attended school through the 8th grade. For his high school years, he attended Williston Northampton in Easthampton, MA.He graduated there as Salutatorian of his class. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He graduated in 1994 with a degree in Material Science Engineering.

Jay enjoyed sailing and his love of the water continued throughout his life. Later he moved to Montreal, Canada, where he worked with companies in the technology field. He left Montreal to work with technology companies around the world. He retired and resided in Denver, CO, and Ogallala, NE until his death.

He was survived by his partner Christina Workman, Ogallala, NE, his parents James Wzorek and step-mother Sue Lacy of Sun City West, AZ and JoAnn Shurigar of Kenesaw, NE, sister Anya Compton (Joe Lewis) Hastings NE, nephew Jonathan Compton, Hastings, NE, step-brother Mark Napier, Goodyear, AZ, step-sister, Nicole (Rob) Preble Rapid City, SD, and many relatives and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held on April 12, 2025, in Kenesaw, NE at the Senior Citizen Center.

On August 31, 2024, Kariamu “Kay” Micere Samples-Smart, age 31, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Houston, Texas of unknown causes. Born on March 24, 1993, in Hamilton, Ohio, Kay was adopted as an infant and spent her formative years in Bogota, NJ. She always felt the utmost gratitude to her birth family for placing her with adoptive parents who loved her unconditionally.

Kay was an exceptional child with a curious mind, boundless energy and incredible athleticism. She displayed an early gift for learning and attended several elementary schools in search of suitable intellectual and academic challenges. Finding none to fit the bill, Kariamu made the leap to boarding school in 7th grade. Her boarding school career began at Rumsey Hall School (Washington Depot, CT), where she graduated 9th grade in 2008. Kay attended secondary school at Williston Northampton School (Easthampton, MA), graduating in 2011.

Kay was a consummate athlete. Her love for the game of basketball began in elementary school and was unmatched. Her passion and skill for the sport was unparalleled and garnered admiration from players, parents and coaches alike since she first picked up a basketball. After years of competitive AAU basketball, Kay landed a Division I offer to play at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona, Florida.

In 2013, Kay enlisted in the United States Air Force where she served as a Civil Engineer for nearly four years. After leaving the armed services Kay found another passion and immense pride in sales, smart home technology and entrepreneurship. Kay set top sales records early in her career, a trend she maintained until her passing. In recent years, Kay had also established the first Female-Veteran owned and operated Home Improvement business in Spring, TX. She took great pride in helping others through the work she did each day as both an employee and an entrepreneur.

Kay was kind, joyful, enthusiastic, and funny. She had a natural charisma and genuine charm that could never be faked. Kay worked and loved hard, giving of herself freely in each regard. She reveled in all things Star Wars, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and, especially, the game of basketball.

Kay is survived by her parents Dr. Faith Samples-Smart and Leon Smart; her brothers, Khari and Akil Smart; her paternal grandmother, Nicole Smart; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who cared for and will miss her deeply.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Costa Memorial Home, Boulevard & Central Ave. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.

February 4, 1968 – July 7, 2024

Gilbert Booker Dillard III, a native of Springfield, MA was born February 4, 1958, at 5:14pm. He was the first and oldest son of Opal Jean Gray and Gilbert Booker Dillard Jr., two first generation college students who met and fell in love at Central State University in Wilberforce, OH. Gilbert was born in Newburgh, NY and spent the first few years of his life in Oklahoma before his family migrated to Massachusetts for work, income, education and to live the American dream. Gilbert was raised in Western MA but spent most summers during his youth in Oklahoma assisting grandparents and great grandparents with siblings and cousins. Thanksgiving dinners were spent with family in Newburgh, New York.

Most who knew Gilbert would describe him as charismatic and smart. He was known for having intellectual and stimulating conversations with family and friends who recognized his gifted brilliance. He graduated from Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA and briefly attended Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT before embarking on military service with the United States Army. In January 1977 Gilbert enlisted in the armed services as an Army Nuclear Weapons Maintenance Specialist 55G MOS and was stationed in Germany with 9th Ordinance Company, Miesau Army Depot, West Germany. As part of the NATO Defense under the command of the late General Colin Powell, former United States Secretary of State, he excelled and performed his duty to his country with honor until May 1984.

Gilbert served as an operational clerk maintaining stock, records, accounts and reports on nuclear materials, repairs and inspections of weapons. His knowledge of logistics, safety and compliance was consistently recognized and acknowledged during his tenure until his honorable discharge in 1984.

Gilbert Booker Dillard III compassionately served God, Country, Family and Community. After his military service he worked in Finance as a mortgage loan officer for several Maryland based companies. He ultimately relocated back to Springfield, MA and volunteered for projects with University of Massachusetts Medical School and Bay State Health. He was loved by many and is survived by daughters Gennea and Tianna, mother Opal Dillard, sisters Bonita and Dorothy, brothers Goren ’80 and Gravin. He will certainly be missed.