Spring 2002

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Carved Runes in a Clearing

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Extended Family

Obituaries: 1970 - 1989

HAROLD BETTENCOURT ’70, ‘76G, 56, of Collingswood, NJ, a former Amherst resident, died Dec. 14 at home. He was born Nov. 3, 1945, in Norwood. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees and a Ph.D., all in education, from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He had moved to New Jersey a few years ago. Mr. Bettencourt was currently teaching in the English department at Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ. He leaves his wife, Virginia Oberlin Steel; three sons, Harry, Colby and Franklin, all at home; and three brothers. . . (Gazette12/17/01) RENE (EADY) BOWDEN ’73, 51, of Springfield, died Tuesday, March 12,2002, at Baystate Medical Center. She was born in Robertsville, South Carolina and has lived in the Springfield, MA area since 1955. She was a graduate of the former Classical High School. She also graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She was a member of Third Baptist Church since 1980, where she had been the secretary for the past 7 years. She also was a member of the Pastor’s Aide, a former member of the Good Samaritan Guild, church financial secretary, and a member of the Social Service. She was a former 21-year employee of Shawmut Bank, where she was manager of the Trust Department and a trust officer. To cherish her memories, she leaves her husband, James Dowden of High Point, NC; a daughter, Jessica Bowden of Springfield, MA; and a step-son, Kenneth Bowden of High Point, NC. She is survived by her father, Samuel Eady Sr. of Springfield, MA; five brothers, Samuel Jr. and Jesse, both of Springfield, Royster of Charlotte, NC, Elijah and Ezekiel, both of Springfield; three sisters, Daphne Hodge, Vivian Bolden and Irene Foy, all of Springfield, MA: four grandchildren, a great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews, and many other loving relatives and friends to mourn her passing. . . (Union News 3/14/02) PAULA (CROOK) CLIFFORD ’73, of Norwood, a teacher and librarian, died Saturday at the Harrington House in Walpole after a lengthy illness. She was 51. Born in Providence, RI, she was raised in Norwood and was a 1968 graduate of Norwood High School. She had lived in Norwood for 40 years. Mrs. Clifford graduated from the University of Massachusetts (at Amherst) School of Education in 1973. She was a teacher and a librarian in the Norwood Public School System for many years. Mrs. Clifford was also active in school and community affairs and served on the Norwood Cultural Council for more than 10 years. Mrs. Clifford worked during the summer for many years as hostess at the Cart Room in Cataumet. She was a member of the Friends of St. Nicholas Committee, which benefits Dana Farber Cancer Research and Martin Walsh Memorial Fund. Mrs. Clifford is survived by her husband, Robert A.; her son, Robert A. Jr. of Norwood; her daughter, Katherine P. of Norwood; her parents, James H. and Margaret (Kenny) Crook of Norwood; three sisters, Maureen Vinson of Newington, CT, Margaret Anschutz of Dallas and Eileen McInnis of Norfolk; two brothers, James H. Crook Jr. of Burlington, VT, and Thomas J. Crook of Foxboro; and many nieces and nephews . . . (Herald3/14/02) BELVA LEVALLE-HARRIS ’74, 50, of Springfield, departed this life on Sunday at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Springfield, she was a lifelong resident, graduating from the High School of Commerce and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She was employed by the Springfield School Department and taught eighth grade English at John F. Kennedy Middle School for the past fifteen years. She was also head of the English Department there. Previously she had been employed by the John Hancock and Liberty Mutual Life Insurance Companies. She was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church. She is survived by a son, John C. Harris Jr.; her mother, Belvha Fleeder Zeigler-LeValle; three sisters, Olivia LeValle-Brace, Diane LeValle-Craig, and Wanda LeValle, all of Springfield; and a brother, John Wesley LeValle Jr. of Columbus, Ohio; a grandson, John C. Harris Ill; five nieces, six nephews, three great-nieces, four great-nephews, a great-great-niece, a great-great-nephew; her son’s special friend, Mona Matos; and her former husband, John C. Harris Sr. . . (Union News3/15/02) JOHN E. BISBEE ’75, 53, of Dummerston, VT, died December 21, 2001, at home of cancer. Born in Gardner, MA, Jan. 13, 1948, he was the son of James and Harriet (Johnson) Bisbee. He graduated in 1965 from Gardner High School and from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. For the past six years, he and his wife, the former Linda Darnell, were innkeepers, most recently at the Hickory Ridge House Bed and Breakfast in Putney. He was also a builder and was accomplished in colonial home restoration, cabinet making and woodworking. He had been a self-help housing supervisor for Rural Housing in Winchendon, MA< assisting families in building their homes. Bisbee was a staff member, director and lifelong supporter of Camp Wiyaka in Richmond, NH. He was an outdoorsman, environmentalist and conservationist. Besides his wife, he leaves a brother, Richard J. of Milford, NJ; five sisters, Carolyn M. of San Diego, CA, Anne Burke of Stowe, Jane E. Crocker of Fitchburg, MA, Sandra M. Dines of Petersham, MA, and Lynne Waite of Worcester, MA; nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins. . . (Recorder12/28/01) OTIS D. BRUCE ’75 , 64, a former Correctional Officer of Springfield, died on Thursday, February 28, 2002 at Baystate medical Center. He was born on May 21, 1937 in Bridgeport, CT and has lived in the Springfield, MA area for most of his life. He graduated from the former Trade High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He was a United States Marine Veteran. He formerly worked as a teacher at various schools in Springfield and as a teacher for Job Corps. He also was a former Police Officer in Washington, D.C. and worked at the former Monsanto Chemical Company in Indian Orchard, MA. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Cecilia (Gibbs) Bruce of Springfield, MA; five daughters, Joya Bruce-Pettway, Denise Bruce, Marlece Bruce-Tuner, Autumn Bruce Craig and Karla Jackson all of Springfield, MA; his mother, Dorothy (Griffin) Bruce; three brothers, George Bruce, Michael Bruce and Stanley Naylor all of Springfield, MA; three sisters, Sandra White of Springfield, MA; 15 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 aunts, Edith Artis and Catherine Jordon both of Springfield, MA: 9 sisters in law; 5 brothers in law; several nieces and nephews; and many other loving relatives and friends including, Julia Gibbs. He was predeceased by his father, Otis P. Bruce and a brother, Frederick Bruce. . . (Union News3/6/02) JOY A. DAVENPORT ’75 , 68, of Shelburne, died 3/7/02 at the Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. Born in Manchester, NH, May 29, 1933, she was the daughter of Herbert A. and Gladys B. (Borstelman) Davenport. She graduated from MacDuffie School in Springfield, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts/social studies from the University of New Hampshire at Durham and in English history from St. Marylebone Literary Institute, London, England. She received her master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an advanced graduate studies certificate in humanistic behavior from UMass. Before her retirement in 1994, she was a teacher at Greenfield High School for 30 years. Previously, she was the dean of students at the Beard School in New Jersey. Other employment included administrator of the U.S. Air Force school dormitories and dean of women at Bushy Park School, Teddington, Middlesex, England. Davenport was past president of the Shelburne Historical Society and a former member of the Shelburne Board of Health. She also was a volunteer for the Shelburne tow clerk and the Shelburne Falls Information Center. Survivors include a cousin, Theodore R. Burghart of Woodbury, CT, and second cousins, Pamela Hogarth, Judy Singer and Kate Sault, all of Connecticut, and Theodore R. Burhart Jr. of Mendon. . . (Recorder3/8/02) CHRISTINE S. DILLARD ’75, 49, of Atlanta, formerly of Worcester, MA, died Tuesday, January 8, in Atlanta. She leaves her sister; a brother; her father; her companion. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and received a master’s degree from Simmons College. Ms. Dillard worked at Integra and Shultz Realty Resources. She was previously a copy editor at the Evening Gazette, and later the Telegram & Gazette, both in Worcester. She had also been a reporter and photographer at The News in Groton, CT. In 1994, she started C.S. Dillard Associates, an appraisal writing firm. She enjoyed photography, writing, and art. She enjoyed horseback riding, and from 1980 to 1982, she was publisher and editor of the Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlar in Auburn, MA. . . (Telegram & Gazette1/12/02) MAKANDA KEN MCINTYRE ‘75G, a jazz musician and teacher, died June, 2001, in New York City at the age of 69. He was born in Boston on September 7, 1931. Ken McIntyre was best known for his work with the saxophonist, Eric Dolphy, on the album, Looking in 1960, and although that association led to him being bracketed with Dolphy in terms of style, he was a significant musician in his own right. He played a veritable arsenal of wind instruments, taking in several of the saxophones (with alto as his favored horn), clarinet, bass clarinet, and the much less usual (in jazz at any rate) oboe and bassoon. He was born Kenneth Arthur McIntyre in Boston, but he changed his first name to Makanda in the early Nineties, and he was known thereafter as Makanda K. McIntyre. The name change came about during a visit to Zimbabwe, when a stranger handed him a piece of paper with that word (meaning "Many skins") written on it. He studied piano as his first instrument, then turned to alto saxophone, and was greatly influenced in the first instance by Charlie Parker. He served in the army, where he continued to play in jazz groups, then studied at Boston Conservatory, graduating BA in 1958 and MA in 1959. He earned a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1975. McIntyre was closely allied with the musicians of the emerging avant-garde movement of the early sixties, variously known as free jazz or simply "the new thing", although his own lyrical, imaginative playing always revealed an affinity with more mainstream jazz styles, as well as a sharp sense of humor. Looking Ahead was his debut album, and he recorded further sessions in the early sixties, including Way, Way, which featured a string section, and Year of the Iron Sheep, with a quartet which included the pianist, Jaki Byard. McIntyre played on Cecil Taylor’s groundbreaking Unit Structures session in 1966, but was unable to secure a full living from playing jazz, and also took up teaching, initially in the public school system, and subsequently as a lecturer and professor of music. He taught at several colleges, including Wesleyan University, Smith College, Fordham University, the New School, and the State University at Old Westbury, New York, where he was the founder and chairman of the American music, dance, and theatre program, and where he became professor emeritus in 1995. He retired from that post in 1996, but continued to teach, both privately and at the New School, until last year. He continued to perform at jazz festivals and to record occasional albums, including a number of discs for the Copenhagen-based Steeplechase label in the seventies. He performed and recorded with other leaders as well, including Beaver Harris’s 360 Degree Music Experience in 1979, with Craig Harris, in 1983, and with Charlie Haden’s Liberation Orchestra in 1990. He often performed solo in the late nineties, using a battery of wind instruments, and also played in duos with his bassist, Wilber Morris. He had recently recorded a new album, A New Beginning, which is now scheduled for posthumous release on the Passin’ Thru label. He is survived by his wife, Joy, two sons from a previous marriage, and two grandchildren. . . (The Scotsman10/18/01) WILLIAM M. BLUESTEIN ’78, President and Chief Operating Officer of Forrester Research, Inc., passed away suddenly on September 4, 2001. He died of an apparent heart attack while on vacation. Chief Executive Officer, George F. Colony will assume Bluestein’s operational responsibilities. "All of us at Forrester are deeply saddened by Bill’s passing," said Colony. "We have lost not only a tremendous leader but also a very dear friend. We would like to express our deepest sympathies to Bill’s family. "Bill’s strong leadership and technology insight greatly contributed to the success of this company," concluded Colony. "During his more than 11-year tenure at Forrester, Bill was instrumental in the success of many major initiatives. As president, he was a close confidant to me and a respected leader to the entire Forrester team. We will miss him greatly." Appointed president in March 2000, Bluestein oversaw Forrester’s domestic and international operations, including its research, sales and marketing, and business development functions. Bluestein’s career at Forrester began in 1990 as an analyst in Forrester’s Computing Strategies research service. He held a number of senior research and executive positions, playing a critical role in establishing Forrester’s position as the leader in emerging technology research. In addition to directing the rollout of Forrester’s eCommerce research in 1994 and the launch of Consumers & Technographics® in 1997, Bluestein’s accomplishments included overseeing the November 1999 acquisition of UK-based Fletcher Research. Prior to joining Forrester, Bluestein was senior editor at Cahners Publishing, and before that, a market research analyst at Honeywell. Bluestein earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. . . (Business Wire9/5/01) BRIAN E. KELLEY ’78, of Marblehead, died last Monday while on a family vacation in Cozumel, Mexico. He was 46. Born in Springfield, Mr. Kelley was raised in Connecticut and Scituate. He earned his degree in business from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an MBA from Boston University. Mr. Kelley was Northeast region vice president for Fine Host Corp. and oversaw many of their largest accounts, including the World Trade Center Boston and Boston Garden in the 1980s. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was an avid reader. Mr. Kelley is survived by his wife, Karla (Eichelberger); three daughters, Alexandra, Christina, and Gabriella, all of Marblehead; six brothers, Stephen of Brockton, William B. of South Easton, Neal of Wenham, Mark of Randolph, Daniel of Palm Harbor, FL, and Christopher of Framingham; one sister, Susan of Woodbridge, CT: his parents, William J. and Elizabeth (Fogarty) of Hingham and Naples, FL; and many nieces and nephews. . . ROBERT J. LABONTE ‘78, 59, of Rochester, NH, passed away on February 7, 2002, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Holyoke, he was the son of the late Leon and Anne (Haber) LaBonte. He resided in South Hadley until locating to Rochester, NH in 1985. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Bob received a bachelor’s degree in Pulp and Fiber Science. He was employed at Lydall, Rochester, NH as a Research and Development Engineer. Prior to working at Lydall, Bob was employed at Texon Papers in South Hadley. Bob was greatly loved and admired by his family, friends, and co-workers, for his intelligence, quick wit, and great fortitude, as he dealt with many serious health issues. He received a kidney transplant, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He is survived by his wife of thirty years Diana (Baer) LaBonte of Rochester, NH; one son, Robert of Rochester; one brother, Daniel of Indianapolis; three sisters, Joyce LaBonte of Worcester, Nancy Leutert and her husband Paul of Mendon, and Joan LaBonte of Chicopee. He was predeceased by a sister, Carol LaBonte Cooper. . . (Union News2/4/02) ANN L. TUROMSHA ’81,42, of Northampton, died Friday. She was born on July 27, 1959, the daughter of the late Ignace & Lottie (Golec) Turomsha. She was a lifelong resident of Northampton and educated in its schools, graduating from Northampton High School. She continued her education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, receiving a communications degree. She was a U.S. Army Veteran, being discharged with the rank of Sargeant. She served in the Communication field and was stationed at Camp Zama in Japan for three years. She had worked at Smith College in the Development office until recently when illness necessitated her leaving work. She was a longtime member of the First church in Northampton, also serving as a Trustee and as a member of the choir. She was a member of the Commonwealth opera, appearing in numerous productions throughout the valley. She was also a member of the University of Massachusetts Marching Band while she attended UMass. She was a tireless advocate for the cause to find a cure for cancer, working numerous fundraisers, speaking at public events and was also a member of the American Cancer Relay for Life team. She leaves three brothers; William of Leeds, Michael of Northampton, and Peter of Chesterfied, and a niece, Sarah. . . (Union News2/18/02) MARY C. NIETUPSKI ‘82G, 54, of Becket, died Monday night at home. Born in Springfield, November 17, 1947, daughter of Joseph A. Auth and the late Evelyn Freeouf Auth, she was a 1965 graduate of Cathedral High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 1969 from Newton College of the Sacred Heart and a Master of Business Administration degree in 1982 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. For the past 20 years, Mrs. Nietupski served as President of Auth Fuels, Inc., in East Longmeadow, retiring in January due to ill health. A devoted and loving wife and mother, she enjoyed traveling, gardening, and vacationing to their home in Nantucket. She leaves her husband, David V. Nietupski, whom she married May 18, 1972. Besides her father of Wilbraham, she leaves two sons, Stephen V. Nietupski of New York City, and Samuel of Becket; four brothers, Joseph of Longmeadow, John of Amherst, David of Greenwich, and Daniel of Arlington, VA; two sisters, Sara Martin of Wilbraham and Eileen of Lusby, Maryland. . . (Union News3/7/02) ANNA D. MILLER ’89, 52, of Northfield, died Friday (12/21/01) at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. She was born January 19, 1949 in Rochester, NY, the daughter of Dean H. and Ruth (Bentley) Parker. She was married on January 10, 1971 to Bradford W. Miller in Portland, Me. She received her BS in Family and Community Service from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1989. She was a dorm advisor at the Northfield Mt. Hermon School from 1985-1989, then became a case coordinator for the Franklin Mediation Service in Greenfield from 1989-1995. She then was a mediation consultant for Quabbin Mediation in Orange from June 1995-November 1995. She then became a mediator, CIT (Crisis Intervention Team)for the Mass. Attorney General Office Program, Boston, in 1995. Next she worked as a SCORE trainer for the Attorney General Office Program and then became SCORE Coordinator at Central High School in Springfield from 1995-1996. She was presently SCORE Coordinator at Holyoke High School, Holyoke. She was a past volunteer with the Adolescent Pregnancy Child Watch Project in Greenfield. She loved gardening, cooking, craft making, quilting, needlepoint and collecting antiques. She is survived by her husband at home; a son, Henry P. of Brooklyn, NY: two daughters, Hattie Friedman of Holderness, NH and Charlotte Miller of Syracuse, NY; three brothers, Peter of Naples, NY, Todd of Texas and Thomas of Rochester, NY; four sisters, Janet Licht of Pittsford, NY, Susan Derrick of Seattle, Wash., Ruth Parker of Webster, NY and Martha Parker of Northfield; and two grandchildren. . . (Union News12/24/01)

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UMASS GATHERINGS:Rallying the troops

SOUVENIR: library memories

PROFILE: The Lyons Family

PROFILE: Jim and Susan Tourtillotte ’85

PROFILE:Jeff Donovan ’91 and Kate Wilson ’89

NO-DOZE DAYS - HOW YOU STUDIED

IN MEMORIAM

Obituaries: 1914-1949

Obituaries: 1950 - 1969

Obituaries: 1970 - 1989

Obituaries: Faculty

RALLYING: Larger image

SOUVENIR: Larger Image

LYONS FAMILY: Larger image

DINER CHIC: Larger image

STAGE PRESENCE: Larger image