K - 8th Grade Faculty & Staff

 
On this page, we remember and honor our faculty and administrative staff personnel from kindergarten through eighth grade who have passed away. We deeply appreciate their service and the wonderful ways in which they touched our lives during our pre-high school years. 
 
Please scroll down the page or click on a school or individual name below. Allow time for the tribute to appear if you have a slower internet connection.
 
To see other tributes, click on the "Life Tributes" link to the left and then on the page of interest.
 
 Military service (details in tribute)
 
 
Mr. Joseph Charron  - chairman, music department 
Mrs. Nathalie Fiske, R.N. - school nurse 
Mrs. Liane Fontaine - vocal music supervisor, elementary schools
Miss Rosemarie Gill - guidance counselor, Birchland Park Jr. High School and ELHS
Mrs. Helen Hayward, R.N. - school nurse 
Mrs. Eleanor MacMullen - art supervisor, elementary schools
Dr. John Quinn, M.D.  - school physician 
Mr. Edward Sheldon  - principal, Center, Pleasant View, and Mountain View Schools
 
 
Mrs. Marjorie Anderson - home economics
Mrs. Violet Benoit - physical education
Mrs. Barbara Bonin  - home economics
Mr. John Bowler - social studies
Mr. Harvey Cadwell  - mathematics
Dr. Joseph Cangro - industrial arts
Mrs. Margaret "Jean" Corliss - vocal music teacher
Mr. Angelo Correale, Jr.  - assistant principal, Birchland Park Elementary and Jr. High School 
Mr. Stuart Crapser  - principalBirchland Park Elementary and Jr. High School
Mr. Francis DeSantis  - guidance counselor 
Miss Mary Donovan - English
Mr. Robert Godfrey  - mathematics
Mr. Douglas Habel  - assistant principal, Birchland Park Elementary and Jr. High School
Mrs. Doris Kites - principal's secretary
Mr. Edward Lundrigan - mathematics
Mr. Victor Mushenski  - industrial arts
Mr. Joseph Novicki  - science
Mr. Daniel O'Connor  - social studies
Mr. Allan Pash  - physical education
Mrs. Winifred Reynolds - social studies
Mr. Paul Tarsa - mathematics
Mrs. Eileen Worthing - mathematics
 
 
Mrs. Cora Connelly - 6th grade
Mr. Richard Francis  - 6th grade
Mr. John Kaynor  - 6th grade
Mrs. Helen Macaulay - 6th grade
Mrs. Mary Russell - 6th grade
 
 
Mr. Melvin Coons  - principal
Mr. Michael Egan - 4th grade
Mrs. Marjorie Hall - 3rd grade
Mrs. Esther Kindig - 4th grade
Mrs. Lillian Meacham - 3rd grade
Mrs. Carol Ogilvie - 4th grade
Mrs. Adella Olin - 3rd grade
Miss Effeea Pappas - 3rd grade
Miss Barbara Ruel - 4th grade
Mrs. Joan Winton - 5th grade
 
 
Mr. Alfred Allen  - 4th grade
Miss Elsbeth Beeh - 4th grade
Miss Annette Deely - 5th grade
Miss Ruth Rietzel - 6th grade
Mr. Ronald Sarazin - 6th grade
Mrs. Carol Young - 5th grade
 
 
Miss Anne Batchelder - 2nd grade
Miss Barbara Brown - 2nd grade
Mr. Ernest Carrington - custodian
Miss Barbara Muir - 2nd grade
Miss Beverly Royce - 1st grade
Mrs. Margaret Smith - 1st grade
Mrs. Sally Spolzino - 1st grade
Mrs. Jessie Thomas - cafeteria supervisor
 
 
Mr. Ovide Carmel - custodian
Mrs. Jessie Munro - 1st grade
Mrs. Ruth Steele - 2nd grade
 
 
 
Faculty and staff with duties in more than one school
 
 
Miss Rosemarie Gill
(1937-2023)
Guidance counselor, Birchland Park Jr. High School and ELHS, 1964-1970
 
 
Miss Gill during our time at Birchland Park Jr. High.
 
Miss Gill began working in the East Longmeadow Public School system in 1964. She was a guidance counselor at Birchland Park Jr. High School and also at ELHS. Please click here for her tribute on the ELHS Staff page.
 
 
Mrs. Nathalie Fiske, R.N.
(1910-2016)
School Nurse
 
 
 
Mrs. Fiske during our school years and later in life.
 
Mrs. Fiske began working in the East Longmeadow Public School system in 1961. She served us from third through ninth grades. Please click here for her tribute on the ELHS Staff page.
 
 
Mrs. Margaret "Jean" Corliss
(1925-2010)
Vocal music teacher
 
 
Mrs. Corliss in 1966.
 
Mrs. Corliss began working in the East Longmeadow Public School system in 1960. She taught vocal music during our time at Birchland Park Junior High School and during our freshman year at ELHS. Please click here for her tribute on the ELHS Faculty page.
 
 
Dr. John Quinn, M.D.
(1926-2004)
School Physician
 
 
Dr. Quinn began working in the East Longmeadow Public School system in 1952. He served us from first through twelfth grades. Please click here for his tribute on the ELHS Staff page.
 
 
Mr. Edward Sheldon
(1924-2001)
Supervising principal, Pleasant View and Center Schools; Principal, Mountain View School
 
 
 
Mr. Sheldon in 1950 (college graduation photo) and in 1967.
 
Mr. Sheldon began working in the East Longmeadow Public School system in 1954. He served us as the principal of Center, Pleasant View, and Mountain View Schools before serving as the assistant superintendent of East Longmeadow Public Schools. Please click here for his tribute on the ELHS Staff page.
 
 
Mrs. Helen Hayward, R.N.
(1908-2001)
School Nurse
 
 
Mrs. Hayward in 1964.
 
Mrs. Hayward began working in the East Longmeadow Public School system in 1950. She served us from first through twelfth grades. Please click here for her tribute on the ELHS Staff page.
 
 
Mr. Joseph Charron
(1931-2000)
Chairman, music department
 
 
Mr. Charron in 1964.
 
Mr. Charron began working in the East Longmeadow Public School system in 1956. He served us during our time at Birchland Park Elementary and Junior High School and during our four years at ELHS. Please click here for his tribute on the ELHS Faculty page. 
 
 
Mrs. Liane Fontaine (later Mrs. Liane Tousignan)
(1909-1999)
Vocal music supervisor at Center, Pleasant View, Mapleshade, and Mountain View Schools, 1948-1970
 
 
Mrs. Fontaine in 1929 (college graduation photo).
 
Liane S. (Laramee) Fontaine Tousignan, 89, who resided on Mason St. in Palmer, passed away on Monday, Feb. 8, 1999 at home. 
 
Born in St. Francoeur du Lac, Quebec, Canada, she lived in Springfield most of her life. She graduated from Palmer High School in 1927 and Bridgewater State College in 1929. She earned her master's degree from American International College in Springfield.
 
She was a music teacher at the original Stony Hill School in Wilbraham, which closed in 1937, and went on to serve as the music supervisor of the Wilbraham and East Longmeadow schools for more than forty years. She was an organist and choir director for fifty years at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Springfield.
 
Her first husband, Louis Fontaine, died in 1962 and her second husband, Alphonse Tousignan, in 1983.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mrs. Tousignan's remains are interred in St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery, West Springfield, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Eleanor MacMullen
(1905-1964)
Art supervisor at Center, Pleasant View, Mapleshade, and Mountain View Schools, 1954-1964
 
 
Mrs. Eleanor (Smith) MacMullen, 58, of 674 Main St., Hampden, art supervisor in the East Longmeadow elementary schools and former school committee chairman in Hampden, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 1964 in Wesson Memorial Hospital.
 
Mrs. MacMullen was born in Westfield, a daughter of Thaddeus and Mary (Seiple) Smith, and had lived in Hampden for fourteen years.
 
She was a graduate of the Massachusetts School of Art and did graduate work at New York University. She was formerly an art supervisor for ten years in the Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. elementary school system.
 
She was a member of the Hampden school committee for six years and was active in Sunday School work at Hampden Federated Community Church.
 
She had served as art supervisor in East Longmeadow public schools for the past ten years. She taught art in grades 1 through 9 from September 1954 until 1959 when she was relieved of the junior high grades due to the increased enrollment and the opening of the addition to Birchland Park School. Since that time she had taught in Center, Pleasant View, Mapleshade, and Mountain View Schools.
 
She was the wife of Howard H. MacMullen, professor of physical education and director of placement at Springfield College and director of the Springfield College Day Camp.
 
Besides her husband, she leaves two sons, Charles and Howard H. Jr., both at home, and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett of Hampden. 
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. MacMullen's marker in New Southwick Cemetery, Southwick, MA.
 
Birchland Park Junior High School
 
 
 
Miss Denise Humberston
(1938-2023)
English, 1962-1966
 
 
Miss Humberston in 1960 (college graduation photo).
 
Denise C. Humberston passed away on Saturday, Sep. 23, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center at the age of 85.

She was born in Springfield in 1938 to Katherine and Robert G. Humberston.
 
She attended Springfield schools, graduating from the High School of Commerce in 1956. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Westfield State College in 1960.
 
Denise had a geaching career which spanned almost fifty years. She taught at Birchland Park School in East Longmeadow and at Thaddeus Kociuszko Junior High School in Enfield, CT. Most of her tenure was spent teaching in the Springfield school system, where she taught reading and social studies, finishing her long career at Kiley Middle School.

As a young woman in the 1960s, Denise was active in the Young Republicans and the English Speaking Union. She liked to travel and spent a year living in England.
 
She enjoyed live theater and in her earlier years was involved in community theater productions and school musicals.
 
A lifelong collector, she loved looking for books and bargains at tag sales and church fairs. 
 
In personality, Denise was lively, generous, curious, and caring. She was quick to connect with others, was the first to offer help when needed, and was a good friend to all she knew.

Denise was devoted to her family. She was a steadfast and loving companion to her mother, Kay, who died in 1999. She doted on her nephew, Nicholas, and happily logged many babysitting hours after school and during school vacations. She will be remembered by her family for her concern and constant support, her many acts of kindness, and her prodigious good humor.

She leaves her brother, Robert R. Humberston, her sister-in-law, Maggie Humberston, and her beloved nephew, Nicholas Humberston, along with many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzeheimer's Association.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Marjorie Anderson
(1937-2023)
Home economics, 1959-1966
 
 
 
Mrs. Anderson in 1966 and later in life.
 
Marjorie F. Anderson, 85, passed away on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones, after a long illness.

Born in Springfield on Jul. 28, 1937 to the late Daniel F. and Marguerite Ryan, Marjorie leaves behind her children Michael Anderson and his wife, Karen of Westfield; Jennifer O'Neill and her husband, Michael, also of Westfield; Moira Centracchio of West Springfield; and Brien Anderson and his wife, Phoebe, also of West Springfield; and six grandchildren. 
 
The family would like to thank Genesis Healthcare and Beacon Hospice for the care and comfort they provided Marjorie.

(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mrs. Anderson's remains are interred in St. Mary's Cemetery, Westfield, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Anderson in June 1966. Photo courtesy of Kristine Kasmer Sinicrope.
 
 
Mrs. Dorothy "Dottie" Carmody
(1928-2022)
Librarian, 1965-1968
 
Dorothy Olson Carmody, "Dottie," 93, of Homewood in Frederick, MD, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Mar. 31, 2022.

She was born Nov. 14, 1928 in Natick, MA. She was the daughter of the late Edward A. and Gerda Olson.

After high school, Dorothy attended Tufts College. She worked as a teacher and then became a school librarian in East Longmeadow, MA. She worked as a school librarian for the Longmeadow, MA public schools until her retirement in 1988.
 
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Sawyer Sockol and her husband, Richard A. Sockol; and son, Dana E. Sawyer. She had two grandchildren.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory would be appreciated to Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21701.
 
(Excerpted from the Frederick News-Post newspaper, Frederick, MD.
 
 
Mrs. Eileen Worthing
(1926-2022)
Mathematics teacher, 1960-1982
 
 
 
Mrs. Worthing in 1948 (college graduation photo) and with her husband, John in 2011.
 
Eileen (Flynn) Worthing, 95, died peacefully on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 in West Springfield.
 
Eileen has united with the love of her life, John, married for over 70 years, who predeceased her in January of 2021.
 
Born to the late Thomas and Catherine (Hadlock) Flynn in West Springfield on Apr. 26, 1926. She graduated from Westfield State Teacher's College and taught math and science in the Springfield area for 33 years.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA.
 
Please click here for a lovely article on the Worthings from 2011. 
 


Mr. Richard "Roz" Rozkuszka
(1935-2021)
Science teacher, 1964-1992
 
 
 
Mr. Rozkuszka in 1975 and later in life.
 
Richard Rozkuszka, 86, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Jul. 20, 2021, following a long battle with Alzhiemer's. 
 
He was born on Flag Day, Jun. 14, 1935, to the late Ted and Regina (Dembrowski) Rozkuszka. Richard grew up in Russell, MA and was a 1953 graduate of Westfield High School. He graduated in 1963 from the Hampden College of Pharmacy and earned a Master's in Education from Westfield State College in 1969.
 
Richard joined the Air Force National Guard at Westfield-Barnes Airport and was activated in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. He served in Phalsbourg, France as a weather observer with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
 
Richard married Paula Zisk on Jul. 11, 1965 in Middlefield, MA. Richard, or "Roz," as he was known to his many friends, colleagues, and students, taught middle school science at Birchland Park School in East Longmeadow, MA for 28 years, retiring in 1992. Roz was also a pharmacist, and began his pharmacy career in 11963 at independent pharmacies in Pittsfield and Westfield, MA. Later in his pharmacy career, he worked for Genovese and Fay's Drug Stores, and retired from CVS Pharmacy in 2009.
 
Richard has a passion for vehicles and military history, and loved sharing his extensive knowledge. His hobbies included restoring a WWII 1942 Jeep, which he would bring to many local parades and cruise nights, along with his 1911 Ford Model T, and a 1973 red, white, and blue AMC Super Jeep. He enjoyd Volkswagen Karmann Ghias and BMWs, and was know for having the cleanest cars around. Richard also enjoyed traveling, particularly to Europe. He was a resident of West Springfield for 50 years, and enjoyed spending the winter months of his retirement in Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
 
Richard leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Paula (Zisk) Rozkuszka; beloved daughter Rozlynn (Rozkuszka) Desilets; son-in-law, Bobby Delets; and two grandchildren, all of Medfield, MA; along with many cousins. During his final months, Richard received wonderful care from the staff of Care Resolutions of Medfield, MA and Care Dimensions Hospice of Danvers, MA, or to the Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield MA 01101.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Fl. 17, Chicago IL 60601 or to the Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield MA 01101.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Rozkuszka's headstone in Paucatuck Cemetery, West Springfield, MA.
 


Mrs. Violet Benoit
(1924-2021)
Physical education teacher, 1959-1985
 
  
 
Mrs. Benoit in 1967, 1985, and later in life.
 
Violet Alice (Kissel) Benoit passed away on Monday, May 3, 2021. She lived a full life in her 96 years.

Born in Staten Island to immigrants from Slovakia, she grew up during the Depression and learned to live simply and with gratitude for what she had, like drinking coffee and eating rye bread with her father in the early morning hours, and sledding and skating with all the neighborhood kids.

She attended Ithaca College during the war time, where she studied all things physical, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor's in Science degree and her sights on teaching physical education.

She met her husband, Dave during a reunion weekend, and they married soon after to begin their new life together. They had six children over 16 years and lived in Baltimore, southern Germany, and Staten Island before settling in western Massachusetts in the late 50s.
 
Violet returned to her work as a physical education teacher in 1960 and gave her energy and enthusiasm to the girls at Birchland Park Junior High School in East Longmeadow for about 25 years.
 
Violet loved to ski and she gave that gift to all of her children. She also could clear the dance floor when she stepped onto it with her husband and a Glenn Miller tune. She loved flowers and birds, gardening and travel, a good story, and a reason to celebrate. Her final party raged from 1-4 a.m. two weeks before she passed, and included her best friend, Bridget, her dog friend, Lenny, light-up hats, and lots of funky music.
 
Violet is now free and reunited with her husband of 74 years, two of her children (Jeanne and Glenn), her family of origin, and many beloved pets.

Those who remain to carry on her spirit include her children Suzanne, Scott, Dave, and Robin; (chosen daughter) Bridget; seven grandchildren; and eight great-granchildren. 

She would remind you all to enjoy every moment.
 

Mrs. Benoit in 1966 on the ball diamond at Birchland Park Junior High School.
 
 
 
Mrs. Benoit's headstone in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA. The letters and numbers at the top designate the headstone's location, in Section OB, Row OO, Site 77B.  The inscription for her husband, David W. Benoit, is on the reverse side of the headstone. Mr. Benoit served as a First Lieutenant (1st LT) in the United States Army during the Korean War. Photos by Steve Sawyer.
 
 
Dr. Joseph Cangro
(1932-2021)
Industrial arts, 1964-1972
 
 
 
Dr. Cangro in 1971 and later in life.
 
Joseph Martin Cangro, 88, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center. He was born Nov. 11, 1932 in East Longmeadow, MA to the late Louis A. Cangro and Josephine (Mercieri) Cangro.
 
Joe was a longtime resident of East Longmeadow and attended Pleasant View Elementary School. He graduated from Springfield Trade High School, class of 1960. He earned an industrial engineering degree from Western New England College (WNEC) in 1967. He also received an MBA degree from WNEC in 1970 and an Education Doctorate Degree from UMass in 1972.
 
Joe was employed by Package Machinery Company in East Longmeadow for thirteen years, from 1950-1963. He then changed careers to become a school teacher in math, science, and industrial arts to grades 7-12 in East Longmeadow public schools from 1964-1972. In that year, he became employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education. Joe started as an education specialist, then became a team leader in charge of occupational education programs throughout the Western Massachusetts area.
 
Joe leaves his loving wife of 30 years, Marilyn (Bingham) Cangro of Huntington and East Longmeadow; his sister, Mildred D'Amato; his nephews Matthew D'Amato of East Longmeadow and Richard D'Amato and his wife, Margaret of Greenville, RI; his brother, Felix Cangro and his wife, Felicia of East Longmeadow; his stepdaughter, Tracey (Sarafin) Jacey and her husband, Paul Jacey of Noank, CT; his three grandsons; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his two brothers, Michelangelo and Louis Cangro, Jr.; his three sisters, Etta Cangro, Joyce (Cangro) Hall, and Rose (Cangro) Petruzzello; and a stepson, Christopher D. Sarafin.
 
Joe was a member of St. Michael's Parish in East Longmeadow and the Holy Family Parish in Russell, MA. He was a member of the E. L. Planning Board for many years. He loved watching the Yankees and playing golf with his brother and stepson. He enjoyed family dinners, especially during the holidays, and he cherished the many visits to Cape Cod with his wife, Marilyn.
 
Joe's family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Baystate Medical Center for their kind and loving care they showed Joe during his stay with them.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Francis DeSantis
(1931-2020)
Guidance counselor, 1964-1969
 
 
Francis J. DeSantis, 88, of Sixteen Acres in Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 in Bradenton, FL.
 
Son of the late William P. and Katherine A. (Tosi) DeSantis, Fran was born in Worcester, MA on Jul. 13, 1931.
 
Enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17, he served in the Korean War as a communications specialist, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.
 
After his military service, Fran spent his life educating and enriching the lives of others; as an elementary school teacher in Springfield, a guidance counselor in East Longmeadow, and as the Director of Guidance for Holyoke schools. He also helped prisoners continue their education as an educational psychologist for the Connecticut prison system.
 
Fran was a proud member of the Brigham Lodge of Masons in Ludlow, the Melha Shriners, Elks Lodge #61, and the Connecticut Education Association. 
 
In retirement, Fran was able to indulge his passion for golf while continuing to learn new things. While he enjoyed traveling, he also loved spending time with family and friends at his homes in Massachusetts, Florida, and Maine.
 
Winning or losing while playing cards around the table, Fran will always be remembered for his big smile, great sense of humor, and undeniable sportsmanship.
 
Predeceased by his brother, William, he is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Virginia (Morey) DeSantis of Springfield; a devoted daughter, Kathleen McBride and her husband, Jim of Springfield; and a son, David DeSantis and his wife, Heidi of Ludlow.
 
Fran was loved dearly by his six grandchildren and also leaves behind his two great-granddaughters.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. DeSantis' headstone in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA. He served as an Airman First Class (A1C) in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
 
 
Mrs. Estelle Krause
(1917-2019)
English teacher, 1961-1986
 
 
 
Mrs. Krause in 1977 and in 2016.
 
Estelle L. (Leikin) Krause, age 102, passed away on Sunday, Jun. 30, 2019 in Quincy, MA. Estelle moved from Springfield to Brookdale Quincy Bay in 2014.
 
She was born in Springfield to the late Anna (Rosenberg) and Leon H. Leikin, a prominent Springfield dentist. A longtime Springfield resident, Estelle graduated from Classical High School, as did her mother and her children.
 
Estelle earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at American International College. Estelle's volunteer experiences from reading to blind young adults triggered her interest in becoming an educator. She taught English for 25 years at Birchland Park Junior High School in East Longmeadow. It delighted her to run into adults who had been her students many years before.
 
At age 97, Estelle passed her Massachusetts driver's road test again, then promptly gave up driving when she moved to Quincy to be near her daughter.
 
Estelle married the boy downstairs in her parents' two-family house - the late Paul Krause, a Springfield newspaperman who was chief photographer and produced the rotogravure section for the Sunday Republican. Paul was a Navy flight instructor and photoreconnaissance pilot based in Guam during World War II.
 
Following her husband's death in 1993, Estelle lived independently in her Springfield condo at Georgetown. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing bridge. Estelle also volunteered for many years as a docent at the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum in Springfield.
 
Estelle is survived by her daughter, Karen Krause Lippincott and her husband, Joe of Quincy, and her son, attorney Peter Krause and his wife, Gail of Plantation, FL. She also leaves three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Krause celebrates her 100th birthday in 2017.
 
Note: In 2009, Mrs. Krause was was inducted into the East Longmeadow Public Schools Educators Hall of Fame.
 
 
Mr. Paul Tarsa
(1939-2017)
Mathematics teacher
 
 
Mr. Tarsa in 1969.
 
Mr. Tarsa began working in the East Longmeadow Public School system in 1961. He taught mathematics during our time at Birchland Park Junior High School, then at ELHS for the four years we were there. Please click here for his tribute on the ELHS Faculty page.
 
 
Mr. John Bowler
(1932-2016)
Social studies teacher, 1962-1983
 
 
 
Mr. Bowler in 1974 and later in life.
 
John J. Bowler, age 84, of Holyoke, died on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 at Holyoke Medical Center.
 
He was born in Holyoke, son of the late James and Helen (Sullivan) Bowler, attended Holyoke schools, and was a 1950 graduate of Holyoke High School. John also graduated from Holyoke Community College and The College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee.
 
He was a teacher in the East Longmeadow Public School system for over tweny years, retiring in 1983. John was a communicant of Our Lady of the Cross Church and a member of the Holyoke Lodge of Elks, #902.
 
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary L. (Walsh) Bowler in 1980. John leaves a son, Michael Bowler of Holyoke; a grandson, Tatum; two brothers, Thomas and George Bowler, both of Holyoke; a sister, Elizabeth Frisino of Holyoke; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by three sisters, Mary Lorraine, Eileen Festa, and Joan Woods; and three brothers, James, Joseph, and Daniel.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John to Providence Ministries, Holyoke, MA.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Angelo Correale, Jr.
(1927-2014)
Director of Athletics, ELHS, 1962-1963; Assistant Principal, Birchland Park Elementary and Jr. High School, 1963-1964; Supervising Principal, Center and Pleasant View Schools, 1964-1966; Principal, Mountain View School, 1966-1967; Principal, Center School, 1967-1969; Principal, Meadow Brook School, 1969-1989
 
    
 
Mr. Correale in 1962, 1965, and later in life.
 
Educator, coach, community servant, father, family man and East Longmeadow Lions Club Citizen of the Year in 1998, Angelo "Angie" Correale, Jr., 86, passed away April 12, 2014 at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke.
 
A veteran of the United States Army during World War II, Mr. Correale was born April 27, 1927 to the late Angelo and Jennie (Bialecki) Correale.
 
An Amherst High School graduate, he attended Boston University and obtained his BA and M.Ed from Springfield College where he was affectionately known as "The Sunderland Ghost" when playing football, and is recognized as one of the top running backs in the college's football history. "Angie" was a standout outfielder on the baseball team, hitting .480 in 1949, a record that still stands. He subsequently was inducted into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
He was a past president of the Springfield College Alumni Council, recipient of the school's prestigious Edward Norris Tarbell Medallion for his service to his alma mater, and a fifteen-year volunteer assistant football coach.
 
Mr. Correale was a teacher, football coach and athletic director at East Longmeadow High School, an assistant principal at Birchland Park Middle School, and principal at Center School, Pleasant View School, Mountain View School, and Meadow Brook School in East Longmeadow.
 
He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Elizabeth (Stadler) Correale; devoted sons, David Correale and his wife, Deborah of West Chester, PA and James Correale and his wife, Helen of West Wareham, MA; five beloved grandchildren, and many other family members. Mr. Correale was predeceased by his daughter, Nancy and brother, Herman Correale.
 
The family would like to thank the staff at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke for their wonderful care and support.
 
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Soldiers' Home, Holyoke, MA.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
Note: In 2010, Mr. Correale was was inducted into the East Longmeadow Public Schools Educators Hall of Fame.
 
 
Mr. Correale, principal of Meadow Brook School, on Mar. 10, 1989, at a retirement party at Hampden Country Club for Mrs. Joan Winton, one of our Mapleshade School fifth grade teachers; Mrs. Jean Keely, a secretary at Meadow Brook School; and Mrs. Cal Hutchinson, a second grade teacher at Meadow Brook School. Left to right: Mrs. Winton; Mrs. Carol Beach, a teacher who was not retiring; Mr. Correale; Mrs. Keely; and Mrs. Hutchinson.
 
 
Mr. Correale's marker in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Mr. Edward Lundrigan
(1933-2013)
Mathematics teacher, 1961-1965
 
  
 
Mr. Lundrigan in 1966, in an undated photo, and in February 2013.
 
On Monday, Apr. 29, 2013, Edward Maurice Lundrigan, Jr., of Brimfield, was involved in a fatal car accident and entered into eternal life. 
 
He was born the son of the late Edward Maurice Lundrigan, Sr., and Margaret (McAleer) Lundrigan.
 
After graduating from Cathedral High School in Springfield, Edward attended St. Michael's College in Vermont, and graduated with a degree in chemistry. He began work as an engineer in the relatively young field of nuclear reactors. He was part of the team that worked on the USS Longbeach, which was the first nuclear surface craft in the U.S. Navy. However, this work did not prove fully satisfying, and he entered a long career as an educator, teaching mathematics at the junior high level as a prelude to his nearly twenty years teaching AP physics at Classical High School in Springfield.
 
During his time as a teacher he earned an M.Ed. from Elms College and a C.A.G.S. from American International College. He finished up his teaching career at the new Central High, retiring more than fifteen years ago.
 
In addition to his teaching, Edward was active in many causes, most notably the Pro Life movement. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and was a professed member (30+ years) of the Secular Franciscan Order. He also taught CCD and a course in conservation long before "going green" was popular.
 
Edward loved fishing, watching Red Sox games and old movies, playing cribbage, and spontaneously bursting into song - often with an Irish brogue. 
 
Edward met the love of his life, Sandra, while she was a teller at the Worcester Federal Savings Bank in Springfield, Massachusetts. They shared forty-five years of marriage until her unexpected death from cancer last year. They were both devout in their Catholic faith, and were active members of St. Christopher's Church in Brimfield where they worshiped for over forty years.
 
Since his beloved Sandra's death he only grew in appreciation of the great gift she had been in his life. He followed her inspiration and continued to strengthen his relationship with his children and become a more peaceful person in general. He left this world in a chariot of bulky Detroit steel, ironically selected by him as a protection against such accidents. It was Sandra's car which he drove to feel a connection to her. He now joins his love in their eternal home. So long "Big Ed."
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Lundrigan's headstone in Saint Anne Cemetery, Sturbridge, MA.
 
 
Miss Joan Bereswill
(1933-2012)
English teacher
 
 
 
Miss Bereswill during our senior year at ELHS and about 2007.
 
Miss Bereswill began working in the East Longmeadow Public School system in 1959. She taught English during our time at Birchland Park Junior High School, then at ELHS for the four years we were there. Please click here for her tribute on the ELHS Faculty page. 
 
 
Mrs. Winifred Reynolds
(1910-2006)
Chairman, social studies department, 1958-1971
 
 
Winifred Blackmer Reynolds died the night of Nov. 20, 2006 at the age of 96.
 
A resident of Wilbraham, MA since 1958, she was born in Hyde Park, MA in 1910. She grew up on a farm in then rural Sudbury where she developed a lifelong interest and love for the earth, gardening, animals and nature. After graduating from Sudbury High School she attended Tufts University from which she graduated in 1932. After graduation she began teaching in Walpole, pausing after her marriage in 1938 to Arthur Warren Reynolds, Jr., and commenced teaching again after raising her three children.
 
As in her first job, she taught history, government and social studies in Harwich, Whitinsville and finally East Longmeadow. She had a love for teaching and her students had an appreciation for their differences and individuality which she encouraged.
 
The last few years of her life were spent in an assisted living facility with occasional brief stays in hospitals and nursing homes where her desire to help others, her usual good humor and high spirits often brightened the lives of others around her.
 
She leaves three children, Martha Clark of Ludlow, Ann French of McLean, VA, and Frederick Reynolds of Wellfleet; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
 
If anyone wishes to make a contribution in her memory, she would have been pleased to have contributions made to an organization of their choice that promotes and works to protect the environment.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Reynolds in June 1966. Photo courtesy of Kristine Kasmer Sinicrope.
 
 
Inscription on Mrs. Reynolds' headstone in Adams Cemetery, Wilbraham, MA.
 
 
Mr. Norman "Gary" Bunce
(1943-2006)
Science teacher
 
 
Mr. Bunce taught science at Birchland Park Junior High School from 1965-1967, before transferring to ELHS. Please click here for his tribute on the ELHS Faculty page. 
 
 
Mr. Allan Pash
(1928-2006)
Physical education teacher, Birchland Park Jr. High School, 1954-1970 (department chairman, 1966-1970); Physical education teacher for elementary schools, 1970-1986
 
 
Mr. Pash in 1981.
 
Allan Pash, 77, of Island Falls, ME, and formerly of East Longmeadow, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2006 in Crystal River, FL.
 
Allan was born on Dec. 6, 1928 to Robert and Ruth (Maynes) Pash. In 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
 
He graduated from Springfield College, earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He was a retired physical education teacher with thirty-three years of service in the East Longmeadow school system.
 
He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and was an avid sports fan.
 
He is survived by his wife, Eugenia; his children, Jeff, Gail, and Kim; his stepchildren, Greg, Amy, Julie, Annmarie, Jackie, and Laura; seven grandchildren; brother, David and Robert; and sister, Emily. 
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
  
 
Left: Age five with his younger sister, Emily. Center: Age fourteen. Right: Playing baseball in high school. 
 
   
 
Left: A private in the U.S. Army in 1946. Center: Graduating from Springfield College. Right: Mr. Pash later in life. Photos courtesy of Mrs. Eugenia Pash.
 
 
Miss Mildred Robbins
(1911-2004)
Librarian; second grade teacher at Center School
 
 
Miss Robbins in 1930, during her senior year at the High School of Commerce.
 
Miss Robbins served as the Birchland Park Junior High School librarian from September 1964 until June 1965, when we were in seventh grade. Please click here to see her tribute under Center School, where she served as one of our second grade teachers.
 
 
Mrs. Barbara Bonin (later Mrs. Barbara Larch)
(1920-2003)
Home economics teacher, 1963-1985; mother of classmate Jeanne Bonin LeFevre
 
 
Barbara Bonin Larch, age 82, died on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2003 at a local nursing home.
 
She was born in Springfield, MA, May 4, 1920, the daughter of the late John and Mildred (Johnson) Newell.
 
She retired after twenty-two years of service from Birchland Park School as a home economics teacher. She graduated from Connecticut College in 1942 with a Bachelors in home economics. She later went on to receive her Masters in Education from UMass of Amherst.
 
She was a volunteer at the Shriners Hospital and in the Open Pantry of Springfield. She also volunteered at Princeton Hospital in New Jersey.
 
A veteran of World War II, she served as a captain in the U.S. Army at Walter Reed Army Hospital. 
 
She was a founding member and participated in the choir and the vestry at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in East Longmeadow.
 
She was predeceased by her first husband, William Bonin, in 1960 and later was predeceased by her second husband, William Larch, in 1995. Her children, William Bonin of Cupertino, CA; John Bonin of Springfield; Peter Bonin of Springfield; and Jeanne LeFevre of North Oaks, MN; a brother, Dr. Dana Newell of W. Hartford; a sister, Edith Buckley of E. Longmeadow; as well as eight grandchildren survive her. A brother, Jack Newell also predeceased her. 
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Open Pantry Community Services, Springfield, MA or to the Shriners Hospital, Springfield, MA .
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Victor Mushenski
(1922-2003)
Industrial arts teacher, 1956-1981 (department chairman, 1966-1981)
 
    
 
Mr. Mushenski in 1974, 1975 and in the mid 1980s.
 
Victor Mushenski, 80, of Hadley, MA, died on Monday, Jan. 14, 2003 at home.
 
Born Jul. 20, 1922 in Hadley, he was the son of the late Alexander and Amelia (Cendrowski) Mushenski.
 
He was a 1940 graduate of Hopkins Academy. In 1942 he received a degree in commercial floriculture from the Stockbridge School at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.
 
Mr. Mushenski taught industrial arts for many years at Birchland Park Junior High School in East Longmeadow, MA, retiring in 1981. An avid gardener, he also enjoyed woodworking and oil painting.
 
He leaves a sister, Sophie Tylunas of Northampton; and nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Stephen Mushenski and Zygmond Mushenski; and two sisters, Regina Russell and Stella Russell, died earlier. 
 
(Excerpted from the UMass Magazine Online).
 
 
Mr. Mushenski's marker in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Hadley, MA. He served as a Pharmacist's Mate First Class Petty Officer (PHM1) in the United States Navy during World War II.
 
 
Mr. Richard Hellstein
(1930-2002)
Science teacher, 1956-1968 (department chairman, 1966-1968)
 

Richard L. Hellstein, 71, of 332 Sibley Avenue, West Springfield, died on Saturday, Jun. 22, 2002 at home.

Born in Hartford, CT, he had lived here since 1944. He retired in 1985 from Enfield High School where he was a guidance counselor. Previously, he was a science teacher and coordinator for the East Longmeadow school system.
 
His retirement years were spent doing what he loved to do, fishing, farming, and working with his son, Mark, at Environmental Compliance Service.
 
He was a communicant of St. Thomas Church and was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He was also a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club where he served on the Noble View commiteee.
 
He leaves his wife of forty-seven years, Barbara (Allen) Hellstein; a son, Mark Hellstein of Agawam; a daughter, Cynthia Walsh of E. Lyme, CT; two brothers, Theodore of Westfield and Thomas of Kansas City, MO; a sister, Jeanne Kennedy of Sun City, AZ; and his grandchildren, Michael and Maryellen Walsh, and Hannah and Riley Hellstein. 
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Western New England, Inc., Springfield, MA or to the American Cancer Society.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Hellstein with unidentified student on a field trip to Haunted Hollow.  Photo courtesy of Arlene Breau.
 
 
Mr. Hellstein in June 1966. Photo courtesy of Kristine Kasmer Sinicrope.
 
 
Headstone of Mr. and Mrs. Hellstein in Paucatuck Cemetery, West Springfield, MA.

 
Mr. Hellstein's marker. He served as a Commissaryman Petty Officer 3rd Class (CS3) in the United States Navy during the Korean War.
 
 
Mrs. Doris Kites
(1910-2001)
Secretary to the principal
 
 
Doris M. (Rust) Kites, 90, of East Longmeadow, died on Friday, Apr. 27, 2001, in a Harwich, MA nursing home. 
 
She was a secretary to the principal at Birchland Park School for more than seventeen years. Born and raised in Springfield, she was a longtime resident of East Longmeadow.
 
She was a member of the First Congregational Church, the East Longmeadow Council on Aging, the Senior Bowling League at Shaker Bowl, and a fifty-year member of the Eastern Star Corona.
 
Her husband, Courtlandt L. Kites, died in 1977. She leaves a son, Courtlandt L., Jr., of Harwich; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. 
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jeff Kites Memorial Fund of the East Longmeadow Scholarship Foundation.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Douglas Habel
(1927-2001)
English and social studies teacher, 1959-1961; chairman, English department, 1961-64; assistant principal, 1964-1968
 
 
 
Mr. Habel in 1967; Mr. and Mrs. Habel in the early 1990s.
 
Douglas P. Habel, 73, of Lower Hampden Road, Monson, an area educator, died on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2001 at Wing Memorial Hospital in Palmer.
 
He was head of the English department at Monson Junior-Senior High School, from where he retired in 1981. He was also head of the English department at Birchland Park Junior High School in East Longmeadow and vice principal at Birchland Park.
 
Born in Springfield, he lived in Monson since 1960 and received a bachelor's degree in journalism, psychology, and economics from American International College in Springfield.
 
He was a member of the First Church of Monson where he was an usher, served on the board of religious education and board of trustees, and was a member of the Men's Club. He was a World War II Navy veteran.
 
He was a member of the school building committee and coached Little League for the Parks and Recreation Department. He was past patron of the Carrie A. Cushing Order of Eastern Star, former member of the Day Spring Lodge of Masons, and corporator for the Monson Home for Aged People.
 
He leaves his wife, the former Pauline Peterson; a son, Lt. Col Douglas P., Jr., of Woodbridge, Va.; two daughters, Dale P. Benoit of Monson and Susan H. Emmanouilidis of Natick; a sister, Dorothy H. Moore of Shelton; and four grandchildren. 
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Habel's headstone in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA. He served as a Radioman Petty Officer Third Class (RM3) in the United States Navy during World War II.
 
 
Mrs. Dorothy Gladden
(1915-1999)
English teacher, 1960-1983 (department chairman, 1964-1970)
 
 
 
Mrs. Gladden in 1974 and later in life.
 
Dorothy F. (French) Gladden, 83, of 395 Porter Lake Dr., Springfield, a longtime East Longmeadow teacher, died Tuesday, Jul. 6, 1999 at a local nursing home.
 
She taught  at the Birchland Park Junior High School, now Birchland Park Middle School, for twenty-three years, and retired in 1983.
 
Born in Malden, she was a graduate of Bridgewater State Teachers College, received her masters from Boston University, and was a forty-one-year city resident.
 
Her husband, Douglas Gladden, died in 1983. She leaves three sons, Douglas W. and Donald E. of Brimfield, and Robert F. of East Longmeadow; two daughters, Janet K. Gladden and Mary Elizabeth Lancaster of Springfield; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Miss Mary Donovan (later Mrs. Mary Rubins)
(1941-1998)
English teacher, 1963-1965
 
Mary L. (Donovan) Rubins, 57, of 57 Beacon Circle, Springfield, died Monday, Oct. 19, 1998 at Baystate Medical Center.
 
She was a substitute teacher at East Longmeadow High School. (Note: Mrs. Rubins, who we knew as Miss Donovan, also taught English at Birchland Park Junior High School from February 1963 until the end of our seventh grade year in June 1965).
 
She was a graduate of Classical High School and a 1962 graduate of the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee.
 
She lived in East Longmeadow before returning to Springfield three years ago. She was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church.
 
She leaves two daughters, Marta Afonso of Chicopee and Tanya Rubins of Boston; two sisters, Kathleen D. Pierson of Belchertown and Jeannie Donovan of Watertown; one brother, William Donovan of East Longmeadow, and several nieces and nephews.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
Note: Mrs. Rubin's sister, Jeanne Donovan, was a member of our class from first through ninth grades.
 
 
Miss Donovan in 1965. Photo courtesy of Jeannie Donovan.
 
 
Mr. Robert Godfrey
(1921-1995)
Mathematics teacher, 1965-1966
 
 
 
Mr. Godfrey during World War II and in 1956.
 
Robert L. Godfrey, 74, of 194 Central St., Gardner, Mass., a retired state employment counselor, died on Friday, Nov. 1, 1995 in Heywood Hospital after an illness.
 
He leaves three sons, Richard B. Godrey of Suffield, Conn., Clark D. Godfrey of Long Island, N.Y., and Kenneth A. Godfrey of Kensington Conn.; two daughters, Judith Conley of Mill Valley, Calif.; and Lois Wye of Washington, D.C.; four grandchildren, and nephews and nieces.
 
He was born in Kansas City, Mo., son of Andrew and Bertha (Long) Godfrey, and lived here many years. He graduated from Westfield State College.
 
A veteran of World War II, Mr. Godfrey graduated from the Army Air Forces Bombardier School in Texas in 1944. He served as an aircrew member with the rank of  flight officer at Westover Air Force Base, MA; Langley Field, VA; and then in the India Burma Theater in Karachi, India (flight officer was a United States Army Air Forces rank, equivalent to today's warrant officer, used during World War II from 1942 to 1945).
 
He was married in 1945. Following the war, served as a bombsight maintenance officer at Boca Raton Army Airfield, FL. In 1946, he reenlisted as a master sergeant and was  promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in 1947. 
 
In 1950, while serving in Japan, he suffered from a stroke. He was sent to a hospital in California. After a lot of physical therapy he was able to walk, with a limp. He never regained the use of his left arm. In 1951, he retired from military service.
 
In addition to teaching mathematics at Birchland Park Junior High School, Mr. Godfrey held many jobs during his career, working as a file clerk, cost accountant, life insurance salesman, production planner, metal stamper, and for eighteen years, as an employment counselor for the state of Massachusetts. He was awarded both a bachelor's and master's degree. 
 
He was an active member of the First Unitarian Church and a member of the Gardner Chapter 70, Disabled American Veterans; Audubon Society; World Wildlife Fund, and the National Geographic Society.

Memorial donations may be made to First Unitarian Church, Garner, MA. 
 
(Excerpted from the Worcester Telegram Gazette newspaper, Worcester, MA and information sent to us by Mr. Godfrey's son, Richard).
 
 Mr. Godfrey's remains are interred in Wildwood Cemetery, Gardner, MA. 
 
 
Mr. Joseph Novicki
(1915-1991)
Science teacher, 1963-1966
 
 
Mr. Novicki in 1942 (college graduation photo).
 
Joseph S. Novicki, 76, of 763 White St., Springfield, a retired mathematics and science teacher, died on Sunday, May 10, 1991 in Baystate Medical Center.
 
He retired in 1985 after having taught at East Longmeadow's Birchland Park Junior High School, the former Buckingham Junior High School, and Forest Park Junior High School. He was also a home tutor for the city of Springfield, and was at one time a waiter and bartender at the former Highland Hotel and the former Turner Night Club, both in Springfield.
 
He also worked for Reuben and Donnelly Advertising Co. of Washington, D.C. for a year, and was a sales representative for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and Connecticut General Life Insurance Co., both in Springfield, and Harold Kent Ford Co., in Chicopee. He had also been manager of the Bel Air Motel on Riverdale Rd., West Springfield, from 1952 to 1962.
 
A lifelong resident of Springfield, he graduated from the former Technical High School in 1932 and American International College in 1942.
 
He attended the Annapolis Naval Base Officers Training School, and served in World War II as a lieutenant in the Pacific theater.
 
He was a communicant of St. Paul's Church, and a life member of Springfield Elks Lodge 61.
 
He leaves his wife, the former Therese Griffin; a son, John of Kenmore, N.Y.; and a brother, Fred of Palmer. 
 
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mr. Novicki's remains are interred in Calvary Cemetery, Chicopee, MA.
 
 
Mr. Stuart Crapser
(1920-1986)
Principal, Birchland Park Elementary and Jr. High School, 1959-1972; administrative assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, 1972-1979
 
 
 
Mr. Crapser during our time and in 1979.
 
Stuart Crapser, 65, of Freedom, N.H., formerly of East Longmeadow, Mass., and a former 21-year school administrator in East Longmeadow, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 1986 in Cape Coral, Fla.
 
He was a graduate of Mount Herman School, Northfield; Weslyan University, Middletown, Conn.; and received a master's degree from Springfield College.
 
He was a Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War, and received the Navy Cross, Silver Cross, and several air medals. He retired from the Navy Reserves in 1970 with the rank of captain.
 
He leaves his wife, Cecelia Crapser; a son, Douglas, of Sturbridge, Mass.; a daughter, Donna Stuart of North Conway, N.H.; a brother, Theodore, of Waynesboro, Va.; a sister, Mary King of Philadelphia; and two grandsons. 
 
Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, East Longmeadow, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Daniel O'Connor
(1930-1974)
Social studies teacher, 1962-1974
 
 
Mr. O'Connor in 1959 (college graduation photo).
 
Daniel F. O'Connor, 44, of 207 Mountain Rd., Wilbraham, East Longmeadow school teacher, died on Monday, Nov. 4, 1974 in the Medical Center of Western Massachusetts.
 
Mr. O'Connor taught grade 8 at Birchland Park School, and was with the East Longmeadow school system for ten years. He formerly taught at Chester High School for four years.
 
A native of North Adams, he attended Williamstown schools and graduated from North Adams State College. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict.
 
He was a member of the East Longmeadow Teachers Association.
 
Besides his wife, the former Helen Grant, he leaves a son, Kevin N. at home; his mother, Mrs. Ann (Bazydlo) O'Connor of Adams; and a sister. 
 
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mr. O'Connors remains are interred in Eastlawn Cemetery, Williamstown, MA.
 
 
Mr. Harvey Cadwell
(1912-1965)
Mathematics teacher, 1957-1960; guidance counselor, 1960-1962; math teacher, 1962-1965
 
 
 
Mr. Cadwell in 1934 (college graduation photo) and later in life.
 
Harvey G. Cadwell, 53, of 440 Porter Rd., East Longmeadow, died on Saturday, Aug. 21, 1965 in Sagamore while visiting his sister.
 
Born in Woburn, Dec. 16, 1911, son of the late Charles and Irene (Graham) Cadwell, he had been a mathematics teacher for six years and a guidance counselor for two years at Birchland Park Junior High School, East Longmeadow.
 
He graduated from Kingston High School and Bridgewater State College and received his master's degree from the University of Massachusetts.
 
He was past president of the East Longmeadow Teachers Association and a member of First Baptist Church of East Longmeadow, American Legion Post 293, and Harmony Lodge of Masons in Northfield. During World War II he saw Army Air Corps action in the South Pacific.
 
Before coming to East Longmeadow he taught in Wendell and Northfield and was associated with the General Electric Co.
 
He leaves a brother, William F. of Kingston; five sisters, Mrs. Grace Forni of Sagamore, Mrs. Frances Knight of Newburyport, Mrs. Maude Blodgett of Jacksonville, Fla., Mrs. Emma Hartley of Cambridge, and Mrs. Flora Cole of Kingston; and several nieces and nephews. 
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mr. Cadwell's remains are interred in Evergreen Cemetery, Kingston, MA.
 
Birchland Park Elementary School
 
 
Mr. Frederick Lafayette
(1937-2023)
Sixth grade teacher, Birchland Park Elementary School, 1962-1968; principal, Pleasant View School, 1968-1979; principal, Mapleshade School, 1968-1996 and 1998-1999; principal, Mountain View School, 1986-1987; Interim Superintendent, E.L. Public Schools, 1996-1997; Acting Superintendent, E.L. Public Schools, 1997-1998.
 
 
 
Mr. Lafayette early in his career and later in life.
 
Frederick Robert Lafayette, 85, of Ludlow, MA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
 
Born in Ludlow, son of the late Willard and Loretta (Goodrow) Lafayette, he was a lifelong resident and 1956 graduate of Ludlow High School, where he played football and basketball.
 
Frederick began his post-high school studies at American International College, majoring in accounting with a minor in education, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960. He went on to earn his Master's Degree in Education from Westfield State College, and a certificate of advanced graduate studies from Springfield College.
 
Frederick proudly served in the United States Army from 1960-1968, earning the rank of sergeant.
 
He was the principal of Mapleshade School in East Longmeadow, then Interim Superintendent before retiring in 1999.
 
Frederick was very involved in the communities of Ludlow and East Longmeadow. In Ludlow, he served on the Council on Aging, the Board of Directors for the Ludlow Tennis Club, and the Ludlow Emergency Planning Committee.
 
After retiring, he was an active member in the Ludlow Senior Center, and served as Chairman of the Council on Aging for the new Ludlow Senior Center, of which he was extremely proud. He was also a participant and director for the Massachusetts Senior Games.
 
One of his proudest moments was being inducted into the Ludlow Athletic Hall of Fame and East Longmeadow Public Schools Educators Hall of Fame.
 
He coached both youth and high school baseball and football for the towns of Ludlow and East Longmeadow.
 
Frederick is survived by his wife of 63 years, Roberta Ann Bachta, whom he married in 1959. He was the beloved father of Michelle Slotnick and husband, Barry; Marc Lafayette and wife, Karen; and Brian Lafayette. He was a loving grandfather to six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frederick's memory to Friends of the Ludlow Senior Center.
 
(Excerpted from the Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mr. Lafayette, left, and Mr. Angelo Correale, on the occasion of Mr. Lafayette's retirement on Jun. 27, 1989.
 
 
Mr. Richard Francis
(1933-2015)
Fifth grade teacher at Mapleshade School, 1958-1959; Birchland Park Elementary School, 1959-1961 and Mountain View School, 1961-62; 6th grade teacher, Birchland Park Elementary School, 1962-1984
 
 
 
Mr. Francis in 1958 (college graduation photo) and later in life.
 
Richard "Dick, Dickie" Francis passed away July 15, 2015 at home in Longmeadow, MA. 
 
He was born in Boston, MA on Mar. 21, 1933 to the late Norma Mae Pittiford and Ernest Westly Francis and grew up in Roxbury. He attended English High School in Boston, then joined the Army, serving during the Korean War.
 
He graduated from Suffolk University in Boston and moved to Springfield and married Agnes Foster, also of Roxbury. He taught at several schoosl in East Longmeadow but primarily the 6th grade at Birchland Park School. After retirement, he returned to teaching as a substitute in East Longmeadow and then in Enfield, CT.
 
He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Norma Bernice "Birdie" White. He will also be deeply missed by his loving wife, Agnes of 49 years, and their children, Gina Francis-Wilson and husband, Robert of Springfield, and Richard Francis of Longmeadow. He leaves two cherished grandchildren and a step-granddaughter, Tiffany, of North Carolina.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 

Mr. Francis and Laura Moore, ELHS 1974, at Dunkin' Donuts on Maple St. in East Longmeadow on Nov 12, 2010. At this time, Mr. Francis told Laura he was still teaching school as a substitute four days a week in Enfield, CT. Photo courtesy of Laura Moore.
 
 
Mr. Francis' marker in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield, MA. PFC stands for his rank of Private First Class in the U.S. Army.
 
 
Mrs. Mary Russell
(1911-2004)
Sixth grade teacher, 1963-1973
 
 
 
Mrs. Russell in 1933 (college graduation photo) and later in life.
 
Mary Gallant Russell, mother of Jane McCaffrey of Westport, CT, died peacefully at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, five weeks after the death of her husband of sixty-four years, Robert D. Russell. In death, as in life, their lives were closely aligned. She was 92.
 
For the past year Mrs. Russell and her husband lived at Waveny Care Center, having moved there from Sunrise Assisted Living in Wilton when she became unable to manage independently. They had moved to this area from Florida in 1999 to be near their daughter.
 
Born in Northboro, Mass. in 1911, she was one of six children of the late James and Stella Bond Gallant. She graduated from Boston Teachers College in 1933 and, after volunteering to teach in Boston for a year, was hired to teach French and Latin in Medfield, Mass. where she met her future husband, the high school history teacher and football coach. Depression regulations prohibited two members of a family from working at government expense, so theirs was a lengthy engagement while they helped to provide for their widowed mothers and many sisters and brothers.
 
Their marriage, in 1939, began with a nine-week summer camping trip across the United States, the first of their many travels together. As the Navy wife of an itinerant lieutenant commander during World War II, she set up homes for her husband and, eventually, four children in Pensacola, Fla.; Nathitoches, La.; San Diego, Calif.; and Athens, Ga,; finally settling after the war in Medford, Mass.
 
In 1955, she returned to her teaching career, financially supporting the family while her husband earned his doctorate in education. Until her retirement in 1974 she taught in various capacities - middle school history and English in Arlington and Belmont, Mass.; fifth grade in Highland Park, Ill., where her husband was first hired as school superintendent; then sixth grade in East Longmeadow, Mass.
 
Retirement was celebrated with a year-long retracing of their honeymoon camping trip across the country, this time with a pop-up camper trailer instead of the tent. The Russells visited Africa and the Middle East, Canada and Mexico, made several trips to the Caribbean islands and South American, and toured Europe by car, weaving in visits to family and friends. By the time the two slowed down they had visited forty-nine of our fifty states, missing only North Dakota.
 
Mrs. Russell is survived by three sisters, Estelle Gallant (Sr. Mary Anthony, SMSM) of Waltham, Mass., Josephine Sullivan of Winchester, Mass., and Winifred Wickes of Bloomington, Ind.; four children, Jane McCaffrey of Westport, Judith Federico of Vienna, Va., Robert, Jr. of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Martha Schwope of Concord, Mass.; eleven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
 
Mrs. Russell's interest and commitment to education carried over even after death, as she donated her body for medical research to Yale Medical School. 
 
(Excerpted from the Westport News newspaper, Westport, CT).
 
 
Mr. John Kaynor
(1918-1991)
Sixth grade teacher, September-December 1963
 
 
Mr. Kaynor in 1941 as a member of the Yale University track team.
 
John C. Kaynor, 72, of 15 Thomas Drive, West Springfield, an environmental activist and retired state worker, died on Tuesday, Mar. 5, 1991 at home.
 
He was a job counselor in the Northampton, Chicopee and Springfield offices of the Massachusetts Division of Employment Security from 1964 until his retirement in 1984.
 
After retirement, he devoted his time to environmental issues. He was a member of Advocates for a Safe Environment, and an active supporter in the activities of Clean Water Action.
 
Born in Springfield, he attended Springfield Schools, and graduated in 1938 from the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Conn. He attended Yale University, and left in 1940 to join the Naval Air Corps.
 
He was a fighter pilot aboard the carriers USS Yorktown and USS Franklin in the Pacific theater during World War II. The Yorktown took part in the Battle of Midway in June 1942, and the Franklin was severely crippled by Japanese bombs off Okinawa in March 1945, but managed to steam back to America.
 
After the war, Kaynor received his bachelor's degree at Springfield College. He later moved to West Springfield.
 
He was the son of the late Congressman William Kirk Kaynor.
 
He leaves his wife, Barbara Graham Kaynor; three sons, Edward Kaynor of Westminster, Colo., Bruce Kaynor of Boston, and Andrew Long of the Feeding Hills section of Agawam; a daughter, Pamela Secord of Dallesport, Wash.; four brothers, William of Suffield, Alan of Wilbraham, Kenneth of West Hartford, and Edward of Amherst; seven grandchildren, and his former wife, Elizabeth Judd Jaynor.
 
A sister, Gratia Deane, died last year. 
 
Memorial contributions may be made to Advocates for a Safe Environment, Springfield, MA, or to Clean Water Action, Northampton, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
Note: Mr. Kaynor taught sixth grade from September to December 1963. He was replaced by Mrs. Phyllis Walsh. 
 
 
This poignant photo was taken when Mr. Kaynor was a child. As mentioned in his obituary, Mr. Kaynor was the son of Congressman William Kirk Kaynor, whose district included East Longmeadow. Congressman Kaynor passed away on Dec. 20, 1929 when the airplane in which he was a passenger crashed after taking off from Bolling Field, Washington, D.C. In this family photo, which appeared in the Dec. 21, 1929 edition of the Springfield Daily Republican, Mr. Kaynor, third from left and identified by his first and middle name, "John Chapin," is about 11 years old.
 
 
Mr. Kaynor's headstone in Woodland Cemetery, Granville Center, MA. 
 
 
Mrs. Cora Connelly
(1898-1986)
Remedial reading teacher, Center and Pleasant View Schools, 1949-1950; 2nd and 3rd grade teacher, Center School, 1950-1951; 6th grade teacher, Birchland Park Elementary School, 1951-1954; social studies, math, and science teacher, Birchland Park Jr. High School, 1954-1955; 6th grade teacher, Birchland Park Elementary School, 1955-1966
 
 
Mrs. Connelly, left, and third grade Mapleshade School teacher Mrs. Adella Olin in 1983. Photo courtesy of The Reminder.
 
Cora B. (Blanchette) Connelly, 88, of 75 Pleasant St., East Longmeadow, a retired elementary school teacher here and in West Springfield, died on Saturday, Jun. 28, 1986 while visiting her daughter in Baltimore. 
 
Mrs. Connelly taught sixth grade locally at the Birchland Park School. She taught at the Mitteneague School in West Springfield. 
 
Born in Hartford, she lived in New Haven, Conn., and then in Springfield before moving to East Longmeadow in 1946. 
 
She attended MaGill University in Montreal and received her teaching degree from New Haven Normal School. 
 
She was a communicant of St. Michael's Church and a member of the Golden Agers, Catholic Womens Club, and the East Longmeadow Historical Society.
 
Besides her daughter in Baltimore, Jeanne Sears, she leaves a son, John H. of Holden; a brother, Armand Blanchette of the Fiskdale section of Sturbridge; eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Connelly's headstone in St. Michael's Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Helen Macaulay
(1903-1975)
Sixth grade teacher at Birchland Park Elementary School, 1958-1960; Mapleshade School, 1960-1962; and Birchland Park Elementary School, 1962-1967
 
 
Mrs. Macaulay in her earlier years.
 
Mrs. Helen C. (Culver) Macaulay, 71, of 910 Stony Hill Rd., Wilbraham, who taught nine years in Birchland Park Junior High School, East Longmeadow, died on Thursday, Mar. 13, 1975 in Agawam. 
 
She retired from Birchland Park Junior High School in 1967. Prior to that position she taught several years in Glenwood School, Springfield.
 
Mrs. Macaulay was a graduate of Westfield State Teachers College. 
 
She helped to establish the PTA in several area communities and was active in local Campfire Girls and Girl Scouts. She was former superintendent of Chicopee Federated Church Sunday School and a member of Wilbraham United Church.
 
She leaves her husband, Frederick J. Macaulay; a son, Robert W., assistant chief of the Wilbraham Fire Department; a sister, and a granddaughter. 
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mrs. Macaulay's remains are interred in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
Mapleshade School
 
 
 
 
Mrs. Dorothy Searles
(1933-2024)
Fifth grade teacher, 1959-1965
 
 
 
Mrs. Searles in 1954 and in 2004.
 
Dorothy May Record Searles, 90, of Minoa, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.
 
She was born in Athens, VT and grew up in West Brattleboro, VT. 
 
In 1951, Dorothy graduated from Brattleboro High School and then went on to attend Castleton University in Vermont.
 
Dorothy married William Robert Searles in 1951. She was an elementary school teacher for the Minoa and Chittenango School Districts before retiring in 1992.
 
She enjoyed traveling, riding her bike, reading, listening to Irish music, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
 
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, William Searles; brothers Floyd Record, Searle Allen, and Cedric Allen; and grandson, Jonathan Dahlgren. She is survived by her daughters, Colleen (Denis) Dahlgran, Colette (Anthony) Leonard, Ann (Stephen) Riale, and Kathy Searles; a brother, Samuel Record; nine grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and newphews.
 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
 
(Excerpted from the Syracuse Standard newspaper, Syracuse, NY).
 
 
Mrs. Elizabeth Fitzgerald
(1933-2016)
Fourth grade teacher, 1955-1959; 3rd grade teacher, 1959-1961
 
 
Miss Fitzgerald in 1955 (college graduation photo).
 
Elizabeth B. "Betty" (Brusnicki) Fitzgerald, 82, of East Longmeadow, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Jul. 5, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.
 
Born in Springfield, VT to the late Thaddeus and Sophie (Klachinski) Brusnicki, she was a resident of East Longmeadow since 1970. In 1951, Betty graduated from Classical High School in Springfield and went on to receive her bachelor's degree in 1955 from Springfield College as a member of the first graduating class of women. She graduated with praise, cum laude.
 
Betty was a third grade elementary school teacher at Mapleshade Elementary School in East Longmeadow and then went to work at MCS for 28 years as a caregiver, where she was dedicated to the mentally and physically disabled, until her retirement.
 
Betty was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church in Springfield and was a strong believer in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She was an avid New England Patriots and Red Sox fan and enjoyed knitting and making beautiful blankets for her grandchildren and family members. 
 
For years, Betty would walk every morning. She was an outgoing and vivacious woman who lived her life with strength and bravery. She loved her family dearly and had a wonderful sense of humor which she passed on to her children.
 
She will be dearly missed by her loving husband of 55 years, Donald D. Fitzgerald of East Longmeadow; her three children, Ted Fitzgerald of California; Beth King and John Boozang of Longmeadow; and Tom Fitzgerald and his wife, Sandra of California; her sister, Pauline Rauch of Ludlow; four grandchildren; and by several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Wanda Janicki and her daughter-in-law, Paris Fitzgerald.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty's memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts, Boston, MA or to the Baystate VNA and Hospice, Springfield, MA.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mrs. Fitzgerald's remains are interred in St. Michael's Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Marjorie Hall
(1928-2013)
Third grade teacher at Pleasant View School, 1953-1954; Mapleshade School, 1954-1961; and Mountain View School, 1961-1978

   

Mrs. Hall in 1949, 1990, and later in life.

Marjorie M. Drinkwater Hall of Plainfield, CT and East Longmeadow, MA passed away on Friday, Dec. 27, 2013 at Bride Brook Health and Rehabilitation Center with her family beside her.

 
Marjorie was born in Springfield, MA on Jun. 25, 1928, the eldest daughter of the late Arthur and Clara (Dunphy-Sharp) Drinkwater. She was a graduate of American International College class of 1949, at the top of her class, with a double major, fluent in three languages.
 
She married W. Douglas Hall in 1958, and they were married for thirty-two years until his passing in 1990. She taught third grade in the East Longmeadow, MA and Plainfield, CT school systems for over thirty years. In addition to her teaching, she and her late husband Douglas owned and operated an antiquarian book business for twenty years, where she enjoyed traveling throughout New England, finding many Early American treasures. Marjorie was a member of The Massachusetts Mayflower Society, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
 
Marjorie was precedeased by her brother, Richard (Dick) Drinkwater; her sister, Lois Drinkwater Docherty Wilson; and her longtime companion, Jack Romanoff of Canterbury, CT. She is survived by her nieces, Laurie Ann Drinkwater, Dr. Patricia Docherty Ramsay, Kathleen Docherty Keane, Tina Drinkwater Umland; her nephews, Richard Drinkwater, William Docherty, Charles Docherty, Jr., and twenty-five great and great-great nieces and nephews.
 
She was very proud of her lineage and role as the matriarch and family historian and we salute her for a life of achievements and success as an educator, businesswoman, and most of all as our beloved Aunt Marge. 
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Hall's marker in Greenlawn Cemetery, East Longmeadow, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Joan Winton
(1929-2013)
Second grade teacher, Pleasant View School, 1958-1959; 5th grade teacher, Mapleshade School, 1962-1964; remedial reading teacher, 1964-1966; speech therapist, 1966-1989
 
 
 
Mrs. Winton as she looked while teaching us fifth grade, and with her daughter, Cheri Winton Gaetz in 2009. 
 
Joan S. Winton, 83, of Leesburg, FL, passed away on Aug. 10, 2013.
 
A graduate of Windsor High School, Windsor, CT, she earned her bachelor's degree at Mt. Holyoke College. She was awarded a Master of Education degree from Westfield State College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in special education from American International College.
 
Mrs. Winton's first teaching assignments included serving at the Clark School for the Deaf in Northampton, as a fourth grade teacher in Agawam, and as a teacher for the hard of hearing at the Elias Brookings Elementary School in Springfield.
 
In 1958 she joined the East Longmeadow school system as a second grade teacher at Pleasant View School, and in 1962 was appointed to the Mapleshade School faculty as our fifth grade teacher. Two years later, she became a remedial reading teacher for the East Longmeadow school system, and later a speech pathologist until her retirement in 1989. She also served one year as the principal at Meadow Brook School.
 
She is survived by her daughter, Cheri Winton Gaetz, ELHS 1974, one granddaughter, one grandson, and two great-granddaughters.
 
(Excerpted from articles in the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Retirement party at the Hampden Country Club on Mar. 10, 1989 for Mrs. Winton, Mrs. Keely, and Mrs. Hutchinson. Left to right: Mrs. Winton, Mrs. Carol Beach, a teacher who was not retiring; Mr. Angelo Correale, Meadow Brook School principal; Mrs. Jean Keely, a secretary at Meadow Brook School; and Mrs. Cal Hutchinson, a second grade teacher at Meadow Brook School.
 
 
Mrs. Winton in 2013 with, left to right, her daughter, Cheri Winton Gaetz, ELHS 1974; great-granddaughter, Melanie Ansted; grandson, Chris Defaut holding his daughter, Alexis; and granddaughter, Katie Ansted.
 
 
Mr. Michael Egan
(1939-2006)
Fourth grade teacher, 1961-1965
 
 
Mr. Egan in 1961 (college graduation photo).
 
Michael F. Egan, 67, of Feeding Hills, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006. 
 
Born in Springfield, son of the late Michael and Mary (Harrington) Egan, he was a 1957 graduate of Agawam High School and a 1961 graduate of American International College with a degree in education.
 
Michael worked for Holland America and retired from The Greek Lines. Michael's thoughts were that it was too bad that you couldn't read his biography.
 
He leaves a son, Sean Egan of California; a brother and his wife, Peter T. and Doreen Egan of Feeding Hills; and two nieces, Shaunessy Egan and Kyleigh Egan of Feeding Hills. He was predeceased by a brother, Patrick Egan. 
 
Donations may be made for children with cancer to Griffin's Friends, c/o Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
Note: During a phone conversation with Peter Egan, Mr. Egan's brother, Peter mentioned Mr. Egan led a very colorful life during his time in the cruise ship industry following his teaching career. 
 
 
Miss Barbara Ruel
(1939-2000)
Fourth grade teacher, 1961-1962
 
 
Miss Ruel in 1961, during her senior year at American International College.
 
Barbara J. Ruel, 61, of Granby, MA, a former teacher, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000 at a South Hadley nursing home.
 
She was a thirty-seven-year teacher in the Granby public school system and retired in 1999.
 
Born in Holyoke, she was a graduate of South Hadley High School and American International College. She was a member of the Granby Library Trustees, the Granby Women's Club, and active in local theater groups.
 
She leaves a brother, Robert N. Ruel and a nephew, Russ Ruel, both of Granby. 
 
Memorial contributions may be made to Granby Friends of the Library, c/o Granby Public Library, Granby, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
Note: Miss Ruel taught one year in the East Longmeadow Public Schools system, from 1961-1962, before moving to Granby, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Lillian Meacham
(1907-2000)
Third grade teacher at Mapleshade School, 1958-1961 and Mountain View School, 1961-1966
 
 
Mrs. Meacham in 1927 (college graduation photo).
 
Lillian L. Meacham, 92, of Ely Road, Monson, a longtime area teacher and artist, died on Sunday, Jun. 11, 2000 at a local nursing home.
 
She was an elementary teacher in Westhampton, East Longmeadow, and Monson, and retired in 1966. She was an artist and exhibited in many area art shows.
 
She was a 1927 graduate of Westfield Normal School (now Westfield State College).
 
Born in Fairfield, Conn., she lived in Monson for eighty-two years. She was a member of First Church of Monson for more than fifty years and a former member of the Senior Center and the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
 
Her husband, Lawrence P. Meacham, died in 1995. She leaves a son, Lawrence P. "Skip," Jr., of Flanders, NJ; a daughter, Heather L. Hall of St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. 
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Trustees of Reservations for the Peaked Mountain Reservation, Beverly, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Meacham's headstone in Hillside Cemetery, Monson, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Carol Ogilvie
(1916-1999)
Fourth grade teacher at Birchland Park Elementary School, 1953-1955 and Mapleshade School, 1955-1968
 
 
Mrs. Ogilvie in the late 1970s.
 
Carol W. (Griffiths) Ogilvie, 83, of 103 Pleasant St., East Longmeadow, died on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999 at a local nursing home.
 
She taught in the town schools from 1953 until her retirement in 1968. She also taught in Foxboro and Walpole.
 
Born in Foxboro, she lived here since 1953 and was a member of the First Congregational Church and the Daughters of the Nile.
 
Her husband, David L. Ogilvie died in 1993. She leaves a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Robert Broome of Fountain Inn, SC; a daughter and son-in-law, Elinor and Wayne Hoffman of Tariffville; grandchildren Christopher Hoffman of Hartford, Daniel Hoffman of Spartanburg, SC, David Broome of Phenix City, AL, and Michelle Bryant of Liberty, SC; and great-grandchildren Caitlyn and Courtney Bryant. 
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Springfield, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union and Springfield Union-News newspapers, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Left to right: Mrs. Jessie Griffifth (Mrs. Ogilvie's mother); Mapleshade School fourth grade teachers Mrs. Esther Kindig and Mrs. Blanche Stanley; and Mrs. Ogilvie in August 1957 at Mrs. Ogilvie's home at 103 Pleasant St., East Longmeadow. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Ogilvie's daughter, Barbara Broome.
 
 
 
Left: Mrs. Ogilvie with her daughter Elinore in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Right: Mrs. Ogilvie with her husband, David in 1970. Mr. Ogilvie, who passed away in 1993, served as an auxiliary policeman in East Longmeadow for thirty years, retiring with the rank of sergeant. Photos courtesy of Barbara Broome.
 
 
Mrs.Ogilvie's headstone in Greenlawn Cemetery, East Longmeadow, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Esther Kindig
(1906-1999)
Fourth grade teacher, 1955-1963
 
 
 
Mrs. Kindig in 1928 (college graduation photo) and in 1970.
 
Esther (Newell) Kindig, 93, of Craig Drive, Springfield, died on Sunday, Aug. 1, 1999 at home.
 
Born in Springfield, she lived in Ohio before moving here in 1948. She was a school teacher in Springfield and East Longmeadow for many years and a member of Trinity Methodist Church in Springfield.
 
Her husband, Clyde D. Kindig, died in 1978. She leaves a son, Kenneth, and daughter, Patricia Cox, both of West Springfield; a brother, Morgan Newell of this town; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. 
 
Memorial contributions may be made to Kamp for Kids, Westfield, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
  
 
Mrs. Kindig in 1973, in 1975, and with her husband, Clyde in 1978. Photos courtesy of Mrs. Kindig's son, Kenneth.
 
 
Mrs. Kindig's marker in Forest Meadows Memorial Park and Mausoleum Central, Gainesville, FL.
 
 
Miss Effeea Pappas (later Mrs. Effeea Roupas)
(1935-1997)
Third grade teacher at Center School, 1958-1959 and Mapleshade School, 1959-1961; 4th grade teacher, Mountain View School, 1961-1964
 
 
Mrs. Roupas with student Lou-Ellen Hoffman in 1969, when she was teaching sixth grade at Williams Middle School in Longmeadow.
 
Effeea "Faye" (Pappas) Roupas of 48 Taylor St., East Longmeadow, a retired Longmeadow school teacher, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 1997. 
 
She began her teaching career at the former Center School, and she taught for many years at the Williams Middle School, Longmeadow. She also participated as a teacher in the Overseas Dependency Program for children of military personnel stationed abroad.
 
A lifelong resident of East Longmeadow, she was a graduate of the former Classical High School, Springfield, and she received her bachelor of science degree in education from American International College, both in Springfield. She also received her master of arts degree from the graduate school at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
 
She was a co-founder and instrumental in creating and developing Center Hill Park on the site where the former Center School was located. She served on the East Longmeadow Cultural Committee, was active in the East Longmeadow Garden Club and Naturalist Club of Springfield, and she previously sang with the Springfield Symphony Chorus.
 
She leaves her husband, Theodore G. Roupas; a sister, Ruth Pappas of East Longmeadow; and several cousins.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Center Hill Park, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA .
 
(Excerpted from the Sunday Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Roupas' marker in Billings Hill Cemetery, East Longmeadow, MA. Photo credit: Mark Wing.
 
 
Mrs. Adella Olin
(1903-1992)
Second grade teacher, Pleasant View School, 1947-1949; 4th grade teacher, Pleasant View School, 1949-1951; 3rd grade teacher at Pleasant View School, 1951-1952; Center School, 1952-1955; and Mapleshade School, 1955-1968
 
 
Birchland Park sixth grade teacher Mrs. Cora Connelly, left, and Mrs. Olin in 1983. Photo courtesy of The Reminder.
 
Adella P. Olin, 89, of Mary Esther, Fla., a former East Longmeadow, Mass. teacher, died Tuesday, Jul. 14, 1992 in a local hospital.
 
Born in Springfield, Mass., she lived there until moving to Florida in 1986.
 
She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and Brage Lodge of the Order of Vasa.
 
Mrs. Olin taught in East Longmeadow schools from 1947 to 1968 and briefly in the mid-1920s.
 
She leaves a son, Richard E. of Mary Esther; four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Springfield, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union and Springfield Union-News newspapers, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mrs. Olin's remains are interred in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Blanche Stanley
(1903-1985)
Fourth grade teacher at Birchland Park Elementary School, 1951-1955 and Mapleshade School, 1955-1969
 
 
Blanche I. (Cormier) Stanley, 82, of La Place, LA, formerly of Commonwealth Ave., Springfield, died on Sunday, Dec. 15, 1985 in a La Place nursing home.
 
She was formerly a teacher in the Hampden and East Longmeadow public school systems and a substitute teacher in Springfield.
 
A native of Marlborough, she lived in Springfield forty-five years before she moved to Louisiana in 1980.
 
She was a graduate of the former Framingham Normal School and Springfield College.
 
She was a communicant of Holy Name Church and a former member of the Framingham Teachers Club.
 
She leaves two sons, John R. Sr., of Kingwood, Texas and Somers, CT, and Arthur D. "Bucky" of Destrehan, LA; a brother, Carlton Cormier of Plymouth and Cocoa Beach, FL; a sister, Frances Boudreau of Georgia; fifteen grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Stanley at Mapleshade School in 1957. Photo courtesy of Barbara Broome.
 
 
 
Left: Mrs. Stanley in the classroom during our fourth grade year. Right: Mrs. Stanley with Dale Goddard. Photos courtesy of Arlene Breau Wolfe.
 
 
Mrs. Stanley's fourth grade class. Front row: Janet Betterley?, Bruce Lindwall, Nancy Bryson, Kathy LaBerge, Linda Bates, Dale Goddard. Row 2: Bob Wenning,  Paul Duquette, Scott Coles, JoAnna Sturtevant, unknown girl, Derek Larsen, Dave Carpenter, Paul Lieberwirth, unknown girl, Kendra Bowker. Row 3: Allison Lipp, Carolyn Buck, Cathy Chapman, Carol DuBois, Diane LaFave (partially hidden), Nancy Birtwell, unknown boy (hand over face), Doug Keith (tall and partially hidden), Dean Florian, Scott Moore, Rich Malmstrom, Marsha Coons. Photo courtesy of Arlene Breau Wolfe. 
 
 
Mrs. Stanley's headstone in Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, MA. Photo courtesy of Bob Riopel.
 
 
Mr. Melvin Coons
(1918-1969)
Supervising Principal, Center and Pleasant View Schools, 1956-1957; Principal, Mapleshade School, 1957-1968; Curriculum Coordinator, E.L. Public Schools, 1968-1969
 
  
 
Mr. Coons in 1965 and in an undated photo.
 
Melvin H. Coons, 50, of 74 LaSalle St., East Longmeadow, curriculum coordinator for East Longmeadow schools and former principal of Mapleshade School, was dead on arrival Monday, Mar. 17, 1969, at Wesson Memorial Hospital, Springfield, after he suffered a heart attack.
 
Mr. Coons came to East Longmeadow in 1956 and served a year as the first supervising principal of Center and Pleasant View schools. He was principal of Mapleshade School from 1957 until October, 1968, when he was named specialist and consultant for research and evaluation of curricula and program study, the first man to be appointed to this spot.
 
Before coming to East Longmeadow, he served five years as teaching principal at Ervingside School, Millers Falls, and a year and a half as principal of Center School, Montague. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Maine.
 
A native of Woodland, Me., he was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II.
 
Besides his mother, Mrs. Cora A. (Perkins) Coons of East Longmeadow, he leaves his wife, the former S. Elizabeth Laughlin; two daughters, Miss Celia E. and Miss Marsha J. Coons, both at home; and two sisters, Mrs. Marshall Caron of Boca Raton, Fla., and Mrs. Harold Cox of Grass Valley, Calif.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
Note: Mr. Coons' daughter, classmate Marsha Coons Winslow, passed away in 1986. Please click here for her tribute.
 
 
Mr. Coons during our time at Mapleshade School. Photo courtesy of Arlene Breau Wolfe.
 
 
Mr. Coons' headstone, along with that of his daughter and our classmate, Marsha Coons Winslow, in Greenlawn Cemetery, East Longmeadow, MA.
 
Mountain View School
 
 
 
Miss Ruth Rietzel
(1924-2017)
Sixth grade teacher at Birchland Park Elementary School, 1957-1961 and Mountain View School, 1961-1966; 4th grade teacher at Mountain View School, 1966-1969 and Meadow Brook School, 1969-1986
 
 
 
Miss Rietzel in 1948 (college graduation photo) and during her time at Mountain View School.
 
Ruth A. Rietzel, 92, passed away on Feb. 16, 2017.
 
Ruth was born Jul. 15, 1924 in Attleboro, MA to the late Herman A. and Annie (Sharrat) Rietzel.
 
Miss Rietzel was a teacher in the Monson, Belchertown, and East Longmeadow school departments. She retired from East Longmeadow in 1986 after 38 years of teaching.
 
Ruth was a member of the Quaboag Rebekah Lodge #169 and served as a past president. She was also a member of the Massachusetts Retired Teachers' Association.
 
Ruth was predeceased by her parents, and her brother, Ellis Rietzel, and his wife, Florence.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Frances Dutille
(1935-2015)
Fourth grade teacher, 1960-1964
 
 
 
Mrs. Dutille in 1957 (college graduation photo) and later in life.
 
Frances (Perrin) Dutille, 79, passed away at Baystate Medical Center on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. 
 
Fran was born on Mar. 22, 1935 in Lowell, the daughter of the late Peter and Sabina (Kimborowicz) Perrin. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Keene State College.
 
She was a fourth grade teacher at Mountain View School in East Longmeadow before working as the manager of the gift shop at the Massachusetts Audobon's Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. She was an active volunteer in her commiunity and her beloved church, St. Michael's in East Longmeadow where she served as a communicant and on the Parish Council.
 
Fran had a strong passion for cooking and gardening. Her greatest love, however, was her family. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Peter Perrin.
 
Fran is survived by her husband, Frank Dutille of East Longmeadow; her sons, Mark Dutille and his wife, Beth and their children, Victoria and Ryan of East Longmeadow; and Paul Dutille and his wife, April and their children, August, Lula, and Sabina of Lexington, KY; her daughter, Denise Novotny and her husband, Gregory and their children, AJ and Evan of Auburn, NH; her sister, Patricia Moriarty and her husband, Paul of West Springfield; and her brother, Christopher Perrin of Rutland, VT.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Whispering Horse Therapeutic Riding Center, East Longmeadow, MA.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Dutille with some of our classmates. Photo is blurry, so it's a bit difficult to see. Left to right: Chris Edwards? (left arm extended), Ross Overlock, Jarl Weyant, unknown boy, unknown boy, Jonathan Tooher? (very back with only right side of forehead showing), David Wieland (in front), unknown girl (looking sideways), Brenda Misitano, unknown girl, Mrs. Dutille, Liz Lasek, Susan Waterman, Lois Melbourne, unknown girl (in back holding camera), unknown girl, Lisa Italiano, unknown girl (in back), Gail Vagts. Photo courtesy of Jeannie Donovan.
 
 
Mrs. Dutille's crypt in the Most Holy Reedemer mausoleum in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Miss Dorothy Corbett
(1924-2013)
Fifth grade teacher, Center School, 1950-1952; physical education teacher at Birchland Park Jr. High School, 1952-1955, and Center, Pleasant View, and Mapleshade Schools, 1955-1962; 5th grade teacher, Mountain View School, 1962-1968; 3rd grade teacher, Mountain View School, 1968-1971; 5th grade teacher, Mountain View School, 1971-1980
 
   
 
Miss Corbett in 1948, 1954, and in 1977.
 
Dorothy R. Corbett, 88, died on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 in Baystate Medical Center.
 
Dorothy was born in West Springfield, daughter of the late Arthur and Doris Corbett, and was a retired school teacher in the East Longmeadow School system.
 
She began as a fifth grade teacher at Center School in 1950-1952. She then taught physical education at Birchland Park Junior High School until 1955 when she was transferred to Mapleshade, Center, and Pleasant View schools in the same capacity. In 1962, Dorothy resumed classroom teaching as a fifth grade teacher at Mountain View School.
 
She leaves ten nieces and nephews across the country.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union and The Republican newspapers, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Miss Corbett's fifth grade class. Row 1: Steve Geoffrion, Doug Kenyon, David Radebaugh, Peter Blyth. Row 2: Donna Anderson, Nancy Jenne, Heidi Hiller, Brenda Misitano, Monica Barry, Kathy Denniston. Row 3: Elizabeth Lasek, Paula Seligman, Donna Fiorentino, Teresa Villamaino, Gail Vagts, Jeannie Donovan, Ellen Zimmerman. Back two rows of boys: Ed Kopec, Tom Sullivan, Tim Lynch, Bob Clark, Kim O'Brien, Danny Brenton, Fred Merchant, Ross Overlock, Chris Edwards, David Wieland, Steve Corey, Jonathan Tooher, Joe Roy, Paul McNamara. Photo courtesy of Donna Fiorentino.
 
 
Miss Corbett's marker in Meeting House Hill Cemetery, West Springfield, MA. It was photographed prior to her passing, so her year of passing had not yet been added.
 
 
Mr. Alfred Allen
(1921-2006)
Fourth grade teacher, 1961-1990
 
  
 
Mr. Allen in 1963, 1965, and 1981.
 
Alfred D. Allen, 85, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Apr. 24, 2006 while surrounded by his loving and faithful family.
 
He was born in Chicopee Apr. 11, 1921 and was a 1938 graduate of Chicopee High School.
 
He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-nine years, Wilma (Paschall) Allen. He also leaves his three daughters, Debra Donnelly of Springfield; Brenda Long of Ludlow; and Wilma Turgeon of Indian Orchard. Alfred will be missed by his three loving sons-in-law, Ben, Mark, and Barry; a sister, Margie Curtright of Arizona; his five grandchildren, David and Daniel Kelley; Jonathan and Joel Belanger, and Rachel Turgeon; and five great-grandchildren, all of whom will see him again in heaven.
 
He was a Christlike example to everyone who met him. He was a World War II veteran with the Headquarters Co., 3rd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Parachute Regiment. He recently received the bronze star in 2004.
 
He worked as a firefighter at Westover Air Force Base for ten years and went on to become an elementary school teacher in East Longmeadow for over thirty years, retiring in 1990.
 
He served on the Chicopee School Committee for a total of eighteen years and on the Board of Aldermen for four years. He was instrumental in bringing organized soccer to Chicopee in 1961 and brought teams from all over the world to compete at Szot Park and the former Brooks Field.
 
Memorial donations in Alfred's name may be made to the missionary fund of First Central Baptist Church, Chicopee, MA.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mountain View School opened in Sep. 1961. Here, in Aug. 1961, Mr. Allen and Mr. Edward Sheldon, principal, are in a typical classroom. They are looking over the wooden folding doors that enclosed the cloakrooms. When the doors were closed, a built-in fan blew warm air over the childrens' coats and dried them during wet days and in the winter. Photo courtesy of the Springfield Union.
 
 
Mr. Ronald Sarazin
(1940-2005)
Sixth grade teacher, 1961-1966
 
 
 
Mr. Sarazin in 1961 (college graduation photo) and in 1969.
 
Mr. Sarazin taught sixth grade at Mountain View School from 1961-1966 before transferring to ELHS as a social studies teacher. Please click here for his tribute on the ELHS Faculty page. 
 
 
Mrs. Carol Young
(1936-1993)
Fifth grade teacher at Birchland Park Elementary School, 1960-1961 and Mountain View School, 1961-1985; 4th grade teacher, Mountain View School, 1985-1992
 
 
 
Mrs. Young in 1957 and in 1967.
 
Carol (Wrightson) Young of 139 Edgewood Ave., Springfield, a teacher for many years, died on Wednesday, Jul. 28, 1993 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
 
She was a teacher in the East Longmeadow schools for thirty-three years, and retired last year. She also had taught in Trumbull, Conn. for two years.
 
Born in Worcester, she attended schools in Montague's Turners Falls section, and was a graduate of Turners Falls High School. She was also a graduate of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and a member of Chi Omega.
 
She settled here later, and was a communicant of St. Mary's Church. She belonged to the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
 
Her husband, Willard H. Young, Jr., died in 1969. She leaves two sisters, Joan Mullaney of Manchester, Conn., and Ellen T. Wrightson of Haverhill; and two nephews, Michael L. Mullaney of Boston and John R. Mullaney of Manchester. 
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mrs. Young's remains are interred in Saint Michael's Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Miss Elsbeth Beeh
(1917-1992)
Fourth grade teacher at Mapleshade School, 1957-1961; Mountain View School, 1961-1969; and Meadow Brook School, 1969-1974
 
Elsbeth L. Beeh, 74, of 209 The Meadows, Enfield, Conn., a retired fourth grade school teacher in East Longmeadow, died on Sunday, Feb. 23, 1992 at home.
 
She retired in 1974. 
 
She worked at Shainigan Resins Co., and Springfield Bronze and Aluminum Co. during World War II.
 
Born in Plainfield, N.J., she was a graduate of Pembroke College.
 
She leaves no known survivors. 
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Miss Beeh's remains are interred in Hillcrest Park Mausoleum, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Miss Beeh, third from left, in 1939 while she was a student at Pembroke College. Photo courtesy of Brown University.
 
 
Miss Clementine Poirier
(1893-1984)
Art teacher, 1961-1963
 
 
 
Miss Poirier in 1939 and 1960.
 
Clementine V. Poirier, 90, of 215 Fort Pleasant Ave., Springfield, Mass., retired art teacher and supervisor, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 1984 in Mercy Hospital.
 
Born in Canada, she lived in Springfield 60 years and also taught French in schools in the Springfield area and in Suffield, Conn.
 
She was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church, and a founder and first president of the Cercle Des Dames Francaises.
 
She was a member of the Federation Feminine Franco-American, its executive board, and the Association of Retired Teachers.
 
She leaves a niece, Muriel Leslie of Mount Laurel, N.J.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Miss Annette Deely
(1902-1982)
Fifth grade teacher at Pleasant View School, 1944-1947 and Center School, 1947-1948; 4th grade teacher at Center School, 1949-1951 and Birchland Park Elementary School, 1951-1952; 3rd grade teacher, Pleasant View School, 1952-1954; 5th grade teacher at Birchland Park Elementary School, 1954-1955; Mapleshade School, 1955-1958, Birchland Park Elementary School, 1958-1961; and Mountain View School, 1961-1964; floating teacher, 1965-1966
 
 
 
 
Miss Deely in 1921 (college graduation photo) and in 1944.
 
Annette E. Deely, 79, of 115 Burbank Rd., Longmeadow, retired twenty-two-year teacher in the East Longmeadow School system, died Tuesday, May 11, 1982 in a local nursing home.
 
She was born in Springfield and lived here all her life.
 
She leaves a brother, John Deely of Longmeadow. 
 
Donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Springfield.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Miss Deely's remains are interred in Saint Michael's Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
Note: Miss Deely graduated from Westfield State College in 1921 at age 19. The alumni relations office at Westfield State told us it was not unusual for teachers to graduate at that age in the 1920s.
 
Center School
 
 
 
Mrs. Sally Spolzino
(1933-2016)
First grade teacher at  Center School, Jan. 1959 - Jun. 1959 and Pleasant View School, 1959-1962; foreign languages teacher, Birchland Park, Jr. High School, 1963-1964
 
 
Mrs. Spolzino in 1955 (college graduation photo).
 
Sally Lucy (Cassarino) Spolzino, 82, of Punta Gorda, FL (formerly from Somers, CT and Hampden, MA) passed away on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. 
 
Sally moved to Punta Gorda from Connecticut in 1998. She was born in the North End of Boston and graduated from Tufts College, majoring in the Romance languages.
 
Sally taught elementary school in East Longmeadow, MA and French and Spanish for many years at Soule Road and Memorial Schools in Wilbraham, MA. She was also a bilingual counselor in Holyoke public schools.
 
She leaves behind a husband of 56 years, Ralph Spolzino of Punta Gorda; a daughter, Stephanie Spolzino; and a granddaughter, Adrianna Spolzino-Watson, both of Somers, CT. She was preceded in death by her parents, Santo and Filomena Cassarino, and her brother, Sebastiano Cassarino.
 
Memorial contributions can be made in Sally's name to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, New York, NY.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Spolzino and her husband, Ralph in 2012.
 
 
Headstone of Mrs. Spolzino in Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL. Her husband, Ralph's details will be inscribed on the reverse side when he passes. He served as a corporal (CPL) in the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
 
 
Miss Beverly Royce
(1931-2009)
First grade teacher at Center School, 1957-1961 and Mountain View School, 1961-1966; third grade teacher, Mountain View School, 1966-1981; second grade teacher, Meadow Brook School, 1981-1990
 
 
Beverly Ann Royce of Rogers Rd, East Longmeadow, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 at Baystate Medical Center.
 
She was born in Springfield, the daughter of the late Burchard A. and Sarah (Clow) Royce. She attended local schools, graduating from Classical High School in 1948 and American International College, receiving her B.A. in 1952 and her M.A. in 1958.
 
She taught school in Belchertown for five years and in East Longmeadow for thirty-three years.
 
She was a member of the NEA retired teachers and the MTA retired teachers and a member of the Daughters of the Nile. She also was an active member of First Park Memorial Baptist Church, serving on boards and commiteees, a deacon of the church board of Christian eduation, a member of the fellowship committee, administrative council, and a Sunday School teacher.
 
She is survived by her nephew, Jonathan B. and his wife, Catherine Royce of Colorado; a great-nephew, James and his wife, Michelle Royce; a great-grand-nephew, Ian Royce; and several cousins, including Harriet Royce of Wales and Barbara Anderson in Missouri.
 
Beverly was grateful for her many friends who were so helpful to her.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the memorial fund of First Park Memorial Baptist Church, Springfield, MA.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Miss Royce's marker in Wales Cemetery #4, Wales, MA.
 
 
Miss Anne Batchelder
(1934-2005)
Second grade teacher, 1960-1961
 
 
Miss Batchelder in 1956.
 
Anne Batchelder, 71, passed away on Jul. 5, 2005 in Bowling Green, VA. 
 
She was a graduate of Classical High School and Springfield College, and attended Colby Junior College and the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma. 
 
In January 1960, she was appointed as a second grade teacher at Center School, replacing Miss Gay Clough, who left to be married that month. 
 
She remained at Center School until June 1961, then taught in Vallejo, CA from 1961 to 1962, at which time she returned to Springfield to teach at Homer Street School.
 
(Excerpted from articles in the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA and her entry in the Social Security Death Index).
 
 
Miss Batchelder's marker in Lakewood Cemetery, Bowling Green, VA.
 
 
Miss Mildred Robbins
(1911-2004)
Second grade teacher at Center School, 1957-1961 and Mountain View School, 1961-64; librarian, Birchland Park Jr. High School, 1964-1965; 5th grade teacher, Mountain Veiw School, 1965-1969
 
 
Miss Robbins in 1930, during her senior year at the High School of Commerce.
 
Mildred M. Robbins, 92, of Westfield, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004 at home.
 
She was born Jul. 6, 1911 in Springfield, daughter of the late Henry G. and Stella M. (Gifford) Robbins. She was a graduate of the High School of Commerce in Springfield, the Leslie School in Boston, and received her B.A. degree from Springfield College.
 
Mildred was an elementary teacher in the East Longmeadow School system for many years, retiring in 1969. She also taught school briefly in Connecticut and Oregon. 
 
Mildred leaves several nieces and nephews.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Noble VNA and Hospice, Westfield, MA.
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Miss Robbins' marker in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Barbara Feinberg
(1931-2003)
First grade teacher, 1957-1958
 
 
Mrs. Feinberg in 1953.
 
Barbara B. (Breitbart) Feinberg, 71, of Wilbraham, died Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003. 
 
She attended high school in New York City and was a graduate of Westfield State Teachers College. Prior to her arrival at Center School, she had a full year of experience as a first grade teacher and wide experience as a substitute teacher, with considerable substitute work in local schools.
 
She leaves her three children, Marc, David, and Sheree; a brother, Sheldon Breitbart; and four grandchildren.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA and her entry in the Social Security Death Index).
 
Note: Mrs. Feinberg began teaching first grade at Center School in September 1957. She taught us from September 1958 until she resigned on Dec. 31, 1958 for maternity leave. She was replaced by Mrs. Sally Spolzino for the remainder of the year. 
 
 
Mrs. Feinberg's headstone in City of Homes Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Margaret Smith
(1906-1999)
First grade teacher, 1948-1969
 
Margaret E. Smith, 93, of Fayetteville, NC, a former teacher, died Sunday, Nov. 14, 1999 at a Fayetteville nursing home.
 
She started teaching in 1948 and was a first grade teacher, head teacher, and assistant principal at the former Center School in East Longmeadow for many years. She retired in 1969.
 
Born and raised in the Chicopee Falls section, she lived in Longmeadow for fifty-nine years before moving here. She was a graduate of Cathedral High School and the Fitchburg Normal School (now Fitchburg State College).
 
She was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Longmeadow.
 
Her husband, Harold J. Smith, died in 1996. She leaves a daughter, Judith Smith Ryder of Fayetteville; three granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren. 
 
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, Longmeadow, MA or to the Village Green Nursing Home, Fayetteville, NC.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Smith and students with East Longmeadow Fire Chief Mark Bourgeoise in 1964 or 1965 as he shows off one of the town's fire trucks during Fire Prevention Week. The students, from left to right: Christine Cormier (Todd Cormier's sister), John Douglas, Gary Yeomans, and Sarah Scheumann (Bill Scheumann's sister).
 
 
Mrs. Smith's marker in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Chicopee, MA.
 
 
Miss Barbara Brown (later Mrs. Barbara Fitch)
(1934-1984)
Second grade teacher, 1956-1961
 
 
Barbara A. (Brown) Fitch, of Falmouth Heights Road, Falmouth, Mass., died yesterday morning at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston after a 14-month battle against cancer. She was 50.
 
The wife of Falmouth optometrist Edward H. Fitch, Mrs. Fitch was born in Boston, grew up in Springfield and had lived in Falmouth since 1961.
 
A graduate of LaSalle Junior College and American International College in Springfield, she taught second grade in East Longmeadow and Falmouth prior to her marriage to Dr. Fitch.
 
Mrs. Fitch was a communicant at St. Patrick's Church in Falmouth. She was a third-grade teacher in the Confirmation of Christian Doctrine program and one of the founders of the church's scholarship program. She was also vice-president and director of the Falmouth Hospital Auxiliary.
 
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Fitch leaves two daughters, Karen M. and Susan E., both of Falmouth; a son, Jonathan C. of Falmouth; her mother, Bertha L. Brown of Holiday, Fla.; and a brother, Donald L. Brown of Broadbrook, Conn.
 
(Excerpted from The Boston Herald newspaper, Boston, MA and a local newspaper in Falmouth, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Fitch's marker in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.
 
 
Miss Barbara Muir (later Mrs. Barbara Grant)
(1937-1983)
Second grade teacher, 1959-1962
 
 
Barbara (Muir) Grant of Scituate, MA, former Wilbraham resident and East Longmeadow school teacher, died Monday, Sept. 26, 1983 in a one-car accident in Norwell.
 
A native of Springfield, and 1955 graduate of Technical High School, Springfield, she was a 1959 graduate of Bridgewater State Teachers College.
 
She taught second grade at Center School, East Longmeadow, from 1959 to 1962 and was an exchange teacher in Puerto Rico in 1963.
 
She was a former member of Wilbraham United Church.
 
She leaves a daughter, Melinda Grant of Scituate; two stepdaughters, Dawn C. Grant of Honolulu, and Barbara A. Grant of Los Angeles; a stepson, Albert W. Grant of Marshfield; two sisters, Beverly Brown of Pottstown, Pa., and Nancy Weston of Centerville; and two grandchildren.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Grant's headstone in Woodland Dell Cemetery, Wilbraham, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Jessie Thomas
(1911-1982)
Cafeteria Supervisor
 
Jessie E. (Smith) Thomas, 70, of 22 High St., East Longmeadow, retired supervisor of the Meadow Brook School cafeteria, died Tuesday, June 15, 1982 in Baystate Medical Center, Wesson Unit.
 
Born in Springfield, she lived in East Longmeadow 2 years. She was a member of the Easter Star, Dorcas Guild, the Senior Citizens of East Longmeadow, and the First Congregational Church.
 
She leaves her husband, Deane E. Thomas; two sons, Edward B. and Daniel D., both of Springfield; two daughters, Deanna D. Otkowski of Bloomfield, Conn., and Roberta G. McMachon of Spokane, Wash.; a sister, Alice M. Allen of Springfield; and twelve grandchildren.
 
Donations may be made to First Baptist Church, East Longmeadow or to the Jimmy Fund, Boston, MA.

(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Thomas (center) with neighbors Jim Crocker and Mrs. Barton. Photo courtesy of Jim Crocker.
 
 
Mrs. Thoma' headstone in Baptist Village Cemetery, East Longmeadow. Her husband, Deane's name is inscribed above hers.
 
 
Mr. Ernest Carrington
(1895-1975)
Custodian
 
Ernest J. Carrington, 79, of 47 Newbury Ave., East Longmeadow, died Saturday, Mar. 8, 1975 in St. Petersburg, Fla. 
 
He was formerly employed as a janitor for the East Longmeadow School Department.
 
He leaves his wife, Mrs. Goldie (Chapman) Carrington; four sons, Ernest J. of Westfield, Elmer K. of West Springfield, William S. of East Longmeadow, and Clifford W. of Boston; three daughters, Mrs. Lois A. White of Belchertown, Mrs. Florence E. Pomeroy of East Longmeadow; and Mrs. Emily Felder of Palos Verdes, Calif.; twenty-five grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Medical Center of Western Massachusetts.

(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 Mr. Carrington's remains are interred in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield, MA. 
 
 
Mr. Carrington and his wife, Lydia in 1970.
 
Pleasant View School
 
 
 
Miss Carolyn Blossom
(1934-2024)
Second grade teacher, 1958-1960
 
 
 
Miss Blossom in 1954 (college graduation photo) and later in life.
 
Carolyn Blossom passed away at New Journey Residence in Eveleth, MN on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.
 
She was born on Jul. 5, 1934 to Bradford and Dorothy Blossom.
 
Carolyn was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Edwin L. Blossom; sister-in-law Patricia Pendergast Blossom; and special niece, Stacy M. Blossom.
 
Carolyn was a lifelong learner as well as a wonderful teacher and preacher. She taught grade school music for a number of years on the East Coast.
 
At the age of 40, she was baptized at Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester, CT, and later attended and graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts.
 
Following seminary, she worked for the Pioneer Clubs, a Christian boys and girls program out of Wheaton, IL, providing opportunities for children to learn about Jesus and grow in their faith. As a trainer for the programs' teachers and other leadership, she traveled all around the country.
 
Carolyn was a musician who enjoyed music very much and played the trumpet, piano, organ, directed choirs, and sang in the soprano section. She was also a gifted artist who painted in oil and canvas.
 
In 1986, Carolyn came to Cook, MN to visit friends who were vacationing on Lake Vermillion and fell in love with the area so much that she purchased her first home there in 1997. While in Cook, she was adopted by a cat who came to her door, whom she named Luther. Later, she sold her in home in 2005 and she and Luther moved to Virginia, MN for a number of years.
 
Carolyn was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook and later on at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Virginia. She continued to teach and share her love for Jesus with children's after school programs as well as lead numerous Bible studies. A voracious reader, she continued to dig deeper into scripture and theological studies, and enjoyed other genres of literature.
 
Carolyn was an avid walker and proponent for eating natural foods. She worked as a bookkeeper for Natural Harvest in Virginia for a number of years. She enjoyed gardening. 
 
A woman of deep Christian faith, she trusted God to provide for her needs.
 
Carolyn is survived by a nephew, Tom Blossom; his son, Jack of Alameda, CA, who loved her and will miss her very much; cousin, Leslie Blossom of Belchertown, MA; as well as several dear friends. Blessed be the memory of Carolyn Blossom.
 
(Excerpted from the Mlaker Funeral Home website, Cook, MN).
 
 Miss Blossom's remains will be interred at the Littlefork Lutheran Cemetery, Field Township in Cook, MN.
 
 
Mrs. Barbara Harrington (later Mrs. Barbara Palmer)
(1922-2013)
First grade teacher, 1951-1959
 
 
Mrs. Palmer in her later years.
 
Barbara Wells Palmer died on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013 at St. Patrick's Manor in Framingham, where she had resided for a number of years.
 
She was born on Nov. 8, 1922 and turned 90 this past November. Barbara was well known in Wellesley and the surrounding communities for her educational playgroups for young children. She had a knack for arts and crafts and was very creative, especially in the projects she did with her young students.
 
Barbara was born in Springfield, MA and was the only child of Fred Warren Wells and Florence B. (Courtemarsh) Wells. She grew up in Springfield with her dog, Mugsy. 
 
Barbara graduated from Tech High School and Springfield Teachers College. She went on to teach elementary school for many years.
 
She was the beloved wife of the late Douglas Wright Palmer; loving mother of Douglas Wells Palmer of Wellesley; Elizabeth Wright Davidson of Sagamore Beach; and daughter-in-law, Melanie A. Palmer. 
 
She is survived by her two grandchildren, Timothy Wells Palmer and Torianna Wells Palmer, as well as eight nieces and nephews. 
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carmelite Sisters of St. Patrick's Manor, Framingham, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Needham Times newspaper, Needham, MA).
 
 
Miss Barbara Fitzgerald
(1933-2004)
Second grade teacher at Pleasant View School, 1959-1961 and Mountain View School, 1961-1969; kindergarten teacher, Meadow Brook School, 1969-1989
 
 
Miss Fitzgerald in 1954 and in 1964.
 
Barbara A. Fitzgerald, 71, died Wednesday, Jul. 21, 2004 in Wellfleet, MA.
 
Born in Springfield, she was a 1950 graduate of the former Classical High School and a 1954 graduate of Westfield State Teachers College. She was a teacher for the East Longmeadow schools for thirty years.
 
Survivors include a sister, Mirium "Patsy" Gibbons of Englewood, Colo.; five nieces and nephews; and her fiancé, William Britton of Wellfleet. 
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
 
(Excerpted from the Cape Cod Times newspaper, Hyannis, MA).
 
 Mrs. Fitzgerald's remains are interred in St. Mary's Cemetery, Westfield, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Ruth Steele
(1914-2001)
First grade teacher, Center School, 1935-1938; 3rd grade teacher, Center School, 1938-1943; 2nd grade teacher at Pleasant View School, 1956-1976 and Mapleshade School, 1976-1981
 
 
Mrs. Steele in the mid 1980s.
 
Ruth (Fowler) Steele, 86, formerly of Fairview St., East Longmeadow, a longtime area teacher, died Thursday Feb. 8, 2001 at a local nursing home.
 
She taught in the town public schools from 1935 until her retirement in 1981. In East Longmeadow, she taught at Center School and was the head teacher at the Pleasant View and Mapleshade elementary schools.
 
Born in Worcester, she graduated from Worcester State Normal School (now Worcester State College) in 1934, and lived in East Longmeadow for sixty-six years. A member of the First Congregational Church, she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and belonged to the Dorcas Circle.
 
Her husband, Charles H. Steele, died in 1978. She leaves a son, Robert W. of East Longmeadow; two brothers, Walter H. "Buster" Fowler, Jr., of Worcester, and John A. Fowler of Spencer; a sister, Barbara Grant of Worcester; and two grandsons. 
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congretational Church, East Longmeadow.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
Note: In 2007, Mrs. Steele was inducted posthumously into the East Longmeadow Public Schools Educators Hall of Fame.
 
 
Mrs. Steele and her husband, Charles, in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Photo courtesy of Bob Steele.
 
 
Mrs. Steele's marker in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
 
 
Mr. Ovide Carmel
(1904-1998)
Custodian, 1958-1960
 
 
Mr. Carmel at his retirement celebration in 1974.
 
Ovide R. Carmel, 93, died Sunday, Mar. 22, 1998 in a local nursing home.
 
He was the owner and operator of the former Carmel Lumber Co. in East Longmeadow. He also worked at the Milton Bradley Co. for twenty-two years and was a custodian at Mapleshade School in East Longmeadow.
 
He was born in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, and lived most of his life here.
 
He was a communicant of St. Michael's Church. He was a member of the East Longmeadow Senior Center.
 
His wife, Marie (LaFleche) Carmel, died in 1982. He leaves three sons, Richard L. of Marlborough, Conn., Francis E. of Agawam, and John "Harry" of Worth, Ill.; three daughters, Claire T. Redin of Wellfleet, Jeanne F. (Zuccala) Peterson of Easthampton, and Sylvia A. Redin of East Longmeadow; seventeen grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren.  
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
Note: Mr. Carmel served as the custodian at Pleasant View School from 1958 to 1960. In May 1960 he was transferred to the position of head custodian at ELHS, serving as the clerk of the works and a representative of the school department to receive equipment until the school opened on Sep. 7, 1960. 
 
 
Mr. Carmel's headstone in Greenlawn Cemetery, East Longmeadow, MA.
 
 
Mrs. Jessie Munro
(1909-1992)
First grade teacher at Pleasant View School, 1954-1961 and Mountain View School, 1961-1964
 
 
Jessie W. (Elphinstone) Munro, 83, of 20 Meadow St., Ludlow, a retired twenty-eight-year teacher, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 1992 in Ludlow Hospital.
 
She taught at elementary schools in East Longmeadow and here before her retirement in 1972.
 
She was a member of the Ludlow Education Association, the National Retired Teachers Association, and the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
 
Born in this town, she lived here most of her life. She was a graduate of Ludlow High School, and a 1929 graduate of the North Adams State Teachers College.
 
She worshipped at the Union Church of Christ, and belonged to the Friends of the Senior Center and the James W. Hannum Chapter of the Eastern Star. She was also the chaplain of he Ludlow Golden Agers, and a member and active volunteer at the Ludlow Senior Citizens Club.
 
Her husband, William N. Munro, died in 1979. She leaves a son, William N. of Ellington, Conn.; a daughter, Geraldine Shaw of West Springfield; six granddaughters, and a great-granddaughter.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Senior Center, Ludlow, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union-News newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Mrs. Munro's marker in Island Pond Cemetery, Ludlow, MA.
 
 
Miss Gertrude Holland
(1894-1983)
Miss Holland's 44-year career was entirely at Pleasant View School, from 1920-1964. She served as principal, 1920-1955; assistant principal, 1956-1957 and 1959-1964; 6th grade teacher, 1920-1946 and 1948-1951; 5th grade teacher, 1920-1923 and 1939-1940; 3rd grade teacher, 1951-1958; and 2nd grade teacher, 1962-1964. 
 
 
Gertrude K. Holland of 414 Chestnut St., Springfield, retired principal and teacher in East Longmeadow schools, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 1983 in Longmeadow.
 
Miss Holland was the former principal and a teacher at Pleasant View School in East Longmeadow, with forty-four consecutive years of service.
 
She started teaching at Pleasant View School in 1920, and in addition to seving as principal or assistant principal, she taught many citizens of East Longmeadow, including some third generation students. She was best known for her interest in the progress and welfare of each child.
 
She was a member of the Elementary Principals Association, a life member of Congress of Parents and Teachers Association, and a member of the Hampden County chapter of the Massachusetts Retired Teachers Association, Friends of St. Joseph, the Cathedral Womens Guild, and Century Club of St. Francis Chapel.
 
She leaves a sister, Marian Holland, with whom she lived, and several cousins, including Mrs. Edward Tremble of Longmeadow and Mary and Raymond Holland of Springfield. 
 
Donations may be made to Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MA.
 
(Excerpted from the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
A surprise presentation to a veteran teacher and surprise memorial tributes to the wives of two recently deceased East Longmeadow School Committeemen were made Tuesday night at the annual East Longmeadow PTA Council banquet at Mapleshade School. Shown left to right are Miss Gertrude K. Holland, a teacher and principal in East Longmeadow for more than thirty years, holding a lifetime PTA membership presented by Mr. William Barclay, Jr., retiring PTA Council representative from Pleasant View School, as they watch Robert J. Jarvis, school superintendent, presenting the memorial tributes to Mrs. Richard P. Eldridge and Mrs. A. Richardson Goodlatte. Article in May 17, 1961 edition of the Springfield Union newspaper.
 
 
Miss Holland's headstone in St. Michael's Cemetery, Springfield, MA. Her name is on the bottom row.
 
 
Miss Teresa Slowinski
(1930-1982)
First grade teacher, 1958-1959
 
 
Miss Slowinski in 1948 (high school graduation photo).
 
Teresa Slowinski, 51, a resident of Norwich, Conn., passed away in March 1982.
 
She attended the Perry Kindergarten Normal School, Boston; Lesley College, Cambridge; and Boston University; and taught in Watertown and Pembroke before teaching at Pleasant View School.
 
In September 1958, she was appointed to teach first grade at Pleasant View School. In January 1959, due to an illness which was expected to last for an extended time, she was replaced by Miss Gay Clough. She resigned at the end of the school year.
 
(Excerpted from articles in the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA and her entry in the Social Security Death Index).
 
 
Miss Slowinski's headstone in St. Joseph Cemetery, Norwich, CT. Her inscription is at the bottom and reads, "1930 Teresa C. 1982"
 
Young Folks' Kindergarten
 
 
The Young Folks' Kindergarten met on the first floor of the Methodist Church.
 
 
Mrs. Doris Woodworth
(1923-2008)
 Kindergarten teacher
 
 
Following the Young Folks' Kindergarten graduation ceremony. Left to right: Donna Anderson, Mrs. Doris Woodworth, and Susan Wolcott. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Laurys Anderson.
 
Doris E. (Weiher) Woodworth, age 85, died on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at Seaview Retreat, Rowley, MA. Her loving husband of over thirty years, Chester L. Woodworth, predeceased her in 1989.
 
Born and raised in New Rochelle, NY, Mrs. Woodworth received her occupational therapy degree from Columbia University and then was employed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Shriner's Hospital in Springfield. She later returned to occupational therapy as the director of the Junior League Workshop Kindergarten for handicapped children in Springfield.
 
An accomplished artist, she enjoyed both watercolors and pastels. Mrs. Woodworth was also a dedicated Christian and attended the First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow. She later was an active member for over thirty years of the Bethany Assembly of God in Agawam and more recently attended the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Hampden.
 
She and her late husband "Chet" were founding members of the Longmeadow Field and Tennis Club and vacationed regularly in the summers in Chatham, Cape Cod.
 
Mrs. Woodworth is survived by a daugher, Ann and her husband Tomas Sevastano of Newburyport; her twin brother, George Weiher of Nanuet, NY; a sister, Shirley Dillon of Delray Beach, FL; and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Lois VandenBout.
 
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Springfield Rescue Mission, Springfield, MA or to the World Missions Fund of Bethany Assembly of God, Agawam, MA. 
 
(Excerpted from The Republican newspaper, Springfield, MA).
 
 
Kindergarten class photo. Front row: Dennis Plante, Jarl Weyant, Bruce Lindwall, Scott Moore, Gail Taylor, Carol DuBois, Judith Bliss, Malcom White, Leslie Bergeron. Row 2: Patricia Hendrick, Bruce Moore, Paul Stilphen, Brian Falk, Diane Tower, Deborah Hanson, Susan Wolcott, Christine Bortle. Row 3: Linda Bates, John McLane, Allan Phillips, Clark Swanson, Janet Betterley, Donna Anderson, Linda Mottle, Jeanne Symmes, William Kenyon, David Gallerani, Joan Stack, Stephen St. Marie. Not pictured: Peter Ouellette. Photo courtesy of Mary Darling Studio. 
 
 
Mrs. Woodworth's headstone in Longmeadow Cemetery, Longmeadow, MA.
 
Community Cooperative Kindergarten
(Classes held in the Congregational Church)
 
 
Mrs. Margaret Tull
(1906-1979)
 Kindergarten teacher
 
 
Mrs. Margaret Tull, 73, passed away on Feb. 1, 1979 in Flemington, NJ.
 
She was the kindergarten teacher at the Community Co-operative Kindergarten, East Longmeadow, from 1956 through 1959.
 
Mrs. Tull studied kindergarten work at college, taught kindergarten for five years in Pittsburgh, PA public schools, and was director of the kindergarten department in the South Congregational Church Sunday school for six years. She served as president of the Springfield YWCA and as vice-president of the United Fund of Greater Springfield.
 
 Mrs. Munro's  remains are interred in Monticello Cemetery, Monticello, IL.
 
(Excerpted from articles in the Springfield Union newspaper, Springfield, MA and her entry in the Social Security Death Index).
 
 
 
Kindergarten class photo. Front row: unknown boy, David Sand, Lynne Kinney, Bruce Cohen?, Thomas Ouellette, Jane Passburg, Ellen Bonneville, unknown boy, Thomas Murray. Row 2: Nancy Bryson, unknown boy, Susan Waterman, Andrea Burger, Andrew Farquharson, Nancy Burritt, Susan White, Douglas Milroy, Nancy Birtwell, Janet Gorrod?, Mrs. Tull. Row 3: John Haetinger, Nancy Blaisdell, Lawrence Cooper, unknown girl, Lawrence Bradley, Paul Seligman, unknown girl, Ralph Nooney, Alison Cox, unknown girl, Dale Goddard. Photo courtesy of Mary Darling Studio.
 
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Please contact us if you have a photo of any of these teachers or staff members you'd enjoy sharing.