O'Brien Family Funeral Home

O'Brien Family Funeral Home Family owned and operated funeral home serving South Hadley and the surrounding communities.

Sara-Jane LawrenceSara-Jane (Wright) Lawrence passed away quietly in Springfield, Massachusetts, on April 17, 2026. Her ...
04/25/2026

Sara-Jane Lawrence

Sara-Jane (Wright) Lawrence passed away quietly in Springfield, Massachusetts, on April 17, 2026. Her son, Stephen, was with her when she died.

Sara was born on August 27, 1944, in Kitchener, Ontario to Gordon and Velma (Blackmore) Wright. Gordon’s job moved them to the U.S..

She graduated from Wheaton High School in 1962 and then attended the College of Wooster, Ohio, where she met her future husband, Peter Lawrence and many lifelong friends.

Sara and her husband moved to Columbus, Ohio, where their son, Stephen, was born and later to Lexington, Kentucky, where their daughter, Kaddee, was born.

In 1968, the family moved to Hawaii, where they lived until 1970. Sara and the children then moved to Fairhaven, Massachusetts, where they lived until the children both graduated from high school.

Sara went on to a successful early career in media sales in Washington D.C., then transitioned into educational planned giving in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. After retirement she continued to give back to her community by serving on several boards and volunteering for New England Public Media.

Sara traveled extensively, far, and wide. Most of all she enjoyed surrounding herself with loved ones. She spent as much time as possible with her extended family and friends in as many beautiful places as she could.

She was an elemental force, a moral mentor, a reliable friend, and a good human.

She is survived by her son Steve, daughter Kaddee, granddaughter Mackenzie and her large extended family and circle of friends, all of whom will miss her terribly.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to New England Public Media (nepm.org).

The O’Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

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Dorothy N. SchenkerDorothy N. (Sullivan) Schenker, 85, of South Hadley, passed away on April 22, 2026, leaving a legacy ...
04/25/2026

Dorothy N. Schenker

Dorothy N. (Sullivan) Schenker, 85, of South Hadley, passed away on April 22, 2026, leaving a legacy of love for family and friends. She was born in Holyoke on September 6, 1940, the daughter of the late John & Jennie (Mclovsic) Sullivan. She graduated from Holyoke High School in 1958. She was first employed by New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. where she met the love of her life, Bill. They married on May 19, 1962.

Dorothy was caring and lived her life in full, going out with friends, traveling and spending time with her family. She had friends from around the world, even a King. She retired from the Hampshire County Probate Court.

Dorothy was predeceased by her sisters Joan (Edmund) Contois and Marie (William) Gaffney and her brother John (Joan) Sullivan. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend Bill, her son Kurt and his wife Sheila along with their children William, Alexander, and Marissa. She is also survived by her son Karl as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. She enjoyed the many good times shared by all.

The family will receive visitors at St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday May 9, 2026 at 9:30am followed by a funeral Mass at 11am. Burial will be at the discretion of the family. Dorothy's family would like to thank the staff of the Dharma ward at the Center for Extended Care at Amherst for all that they did for Dorothy during her stay there.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association. The O’Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

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Richard A. NarkiewiczRichard A. Narkiewicz, 84, died Thursday, April 16th, in Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, M...
04/22/2026

Richard A. Narkiewicz

Richard A. Narkiewicz, 84, died Thursday, April 16th, in Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, MA surrounded by his family after a brief, but heroic battle with myeloid sarcoma. He endured several major surgeries and chemotherapy treatments at multiple hospitals, facing them bravely and with a strong will to fight. He was born February 3, 1942, in Central Falls, RI, son of the late Aloysius and Anna Narkiewicz. He grew up in North Attleboro, MA on a 100-acre farm and graduated from North Attleboro High School in 1959. Richard served proudly in the US Army for four years, from 1964 to 1968, receiving an honorary discharge. His time in the Army took him to Germany and other parts of Europe that he remembered fondly. He met the love of his life, Lucille Savard, in 1966 on a blind date set up by their mothers, who were coworkers and friends. They would marry three years later in 1969. They built a home on a parcel split off from the family farm and raised their family there, on Lindsey Street in North Attleboro. Richard was an amazing musician and accomplished accordion player, instilling a lifelong love of music in both of his sons. He was also a talented mechanic, working to repair the muscle cars of the era before changing professions a few years later to become the Stockroom Manager for 34 years at Valley Resources, a natural gas utility company in Cumberland, RI. He retired in 2002 to then relocate to western MA to be closer to his family who had already migrated there, settling in South Hadley. Richard and Lucille loved spending time during the summer at their condo at Loon Mountain in the White Mountains of Lincoln, NH, with their two sons, Ken and Doug, as well as other family and friends. Richard and his family also loved traveling to Florida for Disney vacations, another of their favorite destinations, ever since they first honeymooned there. Richard enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating, camping and the outdoors. He could fix nearly anything and was great with all things mechanical, especially cars and small engine repair. He also never met a chicken parm dinner that he didn’t like, and loved watching YouTube while enjoying a great, heaping bowl of cheese puffs and an orange soda. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Lucille, as well as his sons Douglas and Kenneth, along with Kenneth’s wife Lisa (DeMoura) and their son, his only grandson, Ethan. Being Ethan’s Dziadziu (Polish for Grandpa) was his greatest joy. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be announced at a future date. For more information or to make condolences online please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

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Gerald "Jerry" MintonGerald “Jerry” Minton, 90, of South Hadley, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home in Lo...
04/15/2026

Gerald "Jerry" Minton

Gerald “Jerry” Minton, 90, of South Hadley, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home in Loomis Village on April 14, 2026.

Born in April 1935 in South Lyon, Michigan, Jerry was the eldest child of Ernest Minton and Catherine Alma Minton (née Rankin). His early life was marked by both hardship and resilience; after losing both of his parents in a plane crash at the age of 14, he went on to build a life defined by determination, a lovely dry wit and enduring devotion to family.

Jerry graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1956 where he frequently sailed aboard the historic training vessel Eagle, once helping to furl the mainsail during a hurricane. Following his service, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in 1958 and his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1965.

Jerry started his career working on radar installations in both the United Kingdom and Alaska. He then spent the majority of his professional time with Exxon, working in New Jersey, New York and Houston. His work took him around the world, including managing the installation of early large-scale computer and data systems across the company’s European headquarters. For four years during this time, he and his family lived in Belgium, an experience that deepened his lifelong love of travel. Jerry accepted an early retirement package and embraced a long and active life after employment.

Though naturally reserved and often a man of few words, Jerry was deeply devoted to those he loved. He was a steady presence, building a comfortable life from modest beginnings and ensuring that all three of his children were able to attend college.

Throughout his life, Jerry was an avid traveler, exploring destinations across the globe—from China and Russia to Bhutan and India, from Costa Rica to Tokyo, and all throughout Europe. He meticulously documented his journeys with photographs and journals, and even in his later years could recount his travels in remarkable detail.

In retirement, Jerry remained intellectually engaged. After moving to the Loomis Communities in 2009, he became active on their financial committee. He also ran investment groups, served on the board of the Northampton Montessori School, and developed a love for strategy board games, regularly joining his son Joe’s weekly game nights. He enjoyed advising his children in their professional careers and always supported them taking on their array of interesting endeavors, which were well outside of his more mainstream corporate career.

Jerry found great joy in his grandchildren, including college planning assistance with Jessica and Vanessa, chess matches with Nico (never giving an inch), sharing his love of watches & cars with Orion, being amazed by Jonah’s running acumen and being impressed with Luca’s dive into real estate.

Jerry was predeceased by his first wife, Genevieve (“Genny”) Minton (née Miller) and his second wife, Cynthia (“CC”) Minton (née Walker). He experienced world travel with these two loves-of-his-life and felt incredibly lucky to find CC after his high school sweetheart Genny died at 64 from health complications. When each had their health struggles, Jerry stood steadfast by their sides.

He is survived by his daughter, Pandra Williams, her husband Michael, and their daughters Jessica and Vanessa; his son Leon Marucchi, his wife Christine, and their sons Nico, Jonah, and Luca; and his son Joe Minton, his wife Kelly, and their son Orion. He is also survived by his sister, Rosemary Miller (“Sis”) and predeceased by his youngest sister, Karen Geffert (née Minton). Jerry is further survived by the additional family he was so happy to gain later in life in Cynthia’s daughters, Jennifer Anne Stark and Andrea Marie Stark, along with their husbands, Michael R. Schnoering and Christopher J. Tickner.

Jerry is loved and greatly appreciated by a very extended family of his nieces and nephews, many of whom have reached out to tell stories of Jerry’s generosity and kindness. Jerry will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of learning & travel and for the support he provided to others. He was an avid reader who found contentment in the simple pleasure of sitting in his easy chair, always with a book close at hand. He will be remembered as well for the steady, thoughtful, practical way he moved through the world and the lasting impact he had on those fortunate to know him.

Consider raising a toast to Jerry when you travel on your next new adventure.

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We’re excited to host the South Hadley/Granby Chamber “Spring Fling” this Saturday!📅 Saturday, April 18⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM📍 O...
04/15/2026

We’re excited to host the South Hadley/Granby Chamber “Spring Fling” this Saturday!

📅 Saturday, April 18
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 O’Brien Family Funeral Home parking lot

Bring the kids and stop by for a fun, free community event—local vendors, games, and plenty of goodies to go around.

Rain or shine—we’ll be here. Hope to see you!

David M. FernandesDavid M. Fernandes, 71, of Ludlow, passed away on April 7, 2026, under the care of Baystate Hospice.Bo...
04/13/2026

David M. Fernandes

David M. Fernandes, 71, of Ludlow, passed away on April 7, 2026, under the care of Baystate Hospice.

Born on July 4,1954 in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Manuel Fernandes and Florence (DeRosa) Fernandes.

David worked as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service, dedicating 37 years of service to the Holyoke Post Office.

He is survived by his former wife, Rosalind Forti of Ludlow; his two sisters, Kathy Black of South Hadley and Lori Cardinal and her husband Rich of South Hadley; his nieces and nephews, Amy DelMonte, Mark DelMonte (Destiny), Brett Cardinal (Julie), and Amanda Cardinal; his great-niece, Ella Cardinal; his great-nephew, Atlas DelMonte; as well as his brother-in-law, Anthony Forti and sister-in-law, Mary Forti.

David was a proud Coast Guard veteran and a man who valued hard work and independence. He built his home in Ludlow alongside his father, a project that reflected both his skill and determination. He also operated a vacation rental home business in upstate New York.

A man of faith, David sang in the choir at St. Patrick’s Church in South Hadley and was a former member of Cursillo. He enjoyed his many trips to Portugal, visiting Madeira and also the Azores, which he especially loved and was home to his maternal grandparents. He had a deep love for animals, especially his Australian Shepherds, and in his retirement, he found joy in driving his dune buggy with his loyal companion, Dexter, by his side.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, followed by a funeral home service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ludlow Veterans’ Assistance Fund, Ludlow Veterans’ Services, 487 Holyoke Street, Ludlow, MA 01056; or to Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.

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Monica M. LindbergMonica (Fournier) Lindberg passed away on March 27, 2026 under the devoted care of Harmony House and B...
04/13/2026

Monica M. Lindberg

Monica (Fournier) Lindberg passed away on March 27, 2026 under the devoted care of Harmony House and Baystate Home Health (Hospice), with loved ones present.

Born on January 3, 1936 in North Troy Vermont, Monica was proud of her French-Canadian heritage and her early formative years on East Hill farm, attending a one room schoolhouse. Together with her parents, Gerard and Juliette (LaChance) Fournier, and her sister Lucille, the family eventually moved south, settling in the Aldenville section of Chicopee.

Monica attended St Joan of Arc grammar school in Chicopee among a tight knit group of peers who kept in touch afterwards over the miles via correspondence and across decades through reunions. She was a proud graduate of Cathedral High School and was grateful for the foundation her education provided her, and for the enduring friendships formed there.

Attention to detail and diligence were hallmarks of Monica’s meaningful work experiences. She brought her work ethic to Stonybroook AFB, the Advertising Corporation of America, roles in the Plains School PTA, and work as a paraprofessional for South Hadley Public Schools. Her professionalism, institutional knowledge, and steady presence were evident during her long tenure as Public Affairs Specialist at Westover Air Reserve Base. Monica cherished the friends she made at Westover, stayed in touch with them over the years, and loved the many outings she had with those incredible people. Post “retirement”, Monica brought her thoroughness to her position as a South Hadley election worker and many years at the BIG E where she deftly staffed the information booth.

Monica thrived on her friendships and on being a good neighbor throughout the phases of her life. She cherished her days venturing to Birdland in NYC on the train with girlfriends and being part of the thriving Karen Drive/Leaping Wells Reservoir neighborhood where she lived with her family for decades. In her final neighborhood on West Summit Street she continued to establish strong bonds, and the family is grateful for the community there.

Language, communication, and music were vital components of Monica’s life. She was a formidable conversationalist and fond of crossword puzzles. Her love of music spanned genres and she attended numerous jazz concerts in venues great and small. Her grandsons’ band performances brought great joy to her and had top billing in her heart. She was a regular walker in her Canal Park neighborhood and cherished her decades of walks along Ogunquit Beach.

Monica is survived by her children, Karen Grycel and her husband Ed of Wilbraham and Karl Lindberg and his wife Nicole (Remy) of Granby. She was deeply devoted to and is lovingly remembered by her grandsons Jacob (Ally) Grycel of Littleton, Ethan (Lee) Grycel of Wilbraham, Dalton Remy and his wife Jessica of Fresno, California and Neil Lindberg of Granby. She also leaves her dear great-granddaughter, Charlotte Remy of Fresno, California, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and family friends with whom she had steadfast relationships.

Monica was predeceased by her sister Lucille Choquette of Holyoke and brother-in-law Norman Choquette, and her nephews, Bruce and Mark Choquette of Chicopee.

Monica and her family are grateful for the years of care and critical interventions provided by staff at the Damour Cancer Center and Infusion Services, particularly Dr. Prarthna Bardwaj and NP Candace Bignell. The humanity and expertise of Baystate’s Home Health Hospice workers (Laura DiPaola , Mary Ann Catanzaro ) and resource nurses were integral to Monica’s well-being in her last months. The welcoming embrace of the Harmony House hospice home in Chicopee, led by Tania Spear provided crucial final comfort. Our family would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation for Baystate CNP Theresa Lind for her wit and wisdom in truly caring about and for Monica.

Arrangements were entrusted to O’Brien Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services of South Hadley. Informal visiting hours will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Monica to Baystate Home Health Services (Baystate Health Foundation) and Harmony House of Western Massachusetts.

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Rosemary LaneRosemary Lane, 70, of School Street, passed away April 3rd at Cooley Dickinson Hospital after an illness. B...
04/07/2026

Rosemary Lane

Rosemary Lane, 70, of School Street, passed away April 3rd at Cooley Dickinson Hospital after an illness. Born in Holyoke to Norman and Mary Lane, Rose attended South Hadley schools before working at Sunoco Paper in Holyoke and later becoming manager of the Franco Club in Holyoke. Rose was predeceased by her parents and two brothers Jeffrey and John. She is survived by her sister-in-law Cheryl Lane, three nephews Justin, Jeffrey and Brandon and her dog Odie, who is being cared for by her beloved friend Chris Grzelak and many loving cousins and friends. Rose enjoyed riding her motorcycle, vacationing with family and friends and taking Odie to the park and out for ice cream. She was a devoted friend to many and will be missed by all! Her funeral will be Wednesday April 15 at 10:30 am at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley followed by burial in St. Rose Cemetery.

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Robert ChauvinRobert Chauvin, 87, died Saturday April 4th in Cooley Dickinson Hospital. He was born April 6, 1938 in Hol...
04/07/2026

Robert Chauvin

Robert Chauvin, 87, died Saturday April 4th in Cooley Dickinson Hospital. He was born April 6, 1938 in Holyoke, son of the late Napolean and Rose Chauvin. He grew up in Springfield on St. James Ave. and graduated from Cathedral Grammar School and later Springfield Trade High School. He met the love of his life Sandy in 1956 at Hampton Beach and would marry four years later. He became a licensed electrician at age 22, working in Northampton and Holyoke before his last 20 years with Local 7 in Springfield. He retired on May 28, 1998, the same day as his wife. Bob served in the US Coast Guard for eight years, from 1958 to 1966. Bob and Sandy loved spending time during the summer months in Portsmouth and Rye, NH. Bob and Sandy also loved to travel overseas, especially France, Spain, Italy, Croatia and Greece. They took five Mediterranean cruises, and also travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for over 25 years. They spent 21 years wintering in Florida and enjoyed French genealogy for family and friends and playing tennis together for 45 years. They lived in Granby since 1961. Bob was predeceased by his wife Sandy in 2019. He leaves his daughter Doreen Beard and her husband Garry, son Robert Chauvin and his wife Jennifer, sister Linda Gebhart and four grandchildren Rachael Turner and her husband Charlie, Merideth Beard, Brenna Bartos and her husband Colby and Luc Chauvin and two great grandchildren Nora and Rosemary. Calling hours at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley will be Friday April 17th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

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Cynthia Anne MintonWith hearts and hands interlaced in grief and gratitude we announce our mother Cynthia Anne Minton (n...
03/30/2026

Cynthia Anne Minton

With hearts and hands interlaced in grief and gratitude we announce our mother Cynthia Anne Minton (née Walker), passed away gracefully, and attended by her daughters, on March 21st, 2026, at the age of eighty-six. Born in 1940 in Meadville, PA. the eldest child of Marie Louise Walker (née Carlbergh) and Frank Morse Walker, Cynthia was preceded in death by her sister Sally Anne Walker and brother Brian Douglas Walker.

A vibrant 17-year resident of the Loomis Community in South Hadley Massachusetts, Cynthia, or C.C. as she was known to her friends there, lit up any room she entered and was game for anything, taking roles in theatre performances, singing in the chorus and enjoying art-making. She truly was at the center of things, the life of any party and especially skilled at creating Halloween costumes. She continued to hone her seamstress skills well into her 70’s.

Our mother was a vivacious and creative woman, beautiful and stylish. Growing up in Belmont MA. and Chatham N.J. we have memories of her sewing original designs for a boutique in Harvard Square, in countless productions at the Chatham Community Players, hand sewing barbie clothes, engaging in community environmental actions, trekking us through the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge, rescuing cats (usually keeping them) and being a stickler for a good breakfast. Not your usual suburban mom, she introduced us to NYC when we were quite little walking us through museums and teaching us to skate at Rockefeller Center. She held art sales on the front lawn to promote artist friends and was the first one on the block to sport a s**g haircut. She was proud of completing a B.A., interrupted by marriage and motherhood, before her older daughter graduated college.

For many years Cynthia owned White Cat Antiques (FL. and Prince Edward Island), and loved collecting unique Victorian and art deco jewelry, fine China, and antique furniture. Cynthia held administrative positions with private practices, non-profits, and in the financial offices of Colleges and Universities, her final position, before traveling the world with her husband Gerald Minton, was as Assistant Bursar of Stetson University College of Law in Florida.

Holding her memory are her daughters, Jennifer Anne Stark and Andrea Marie Stark (daughters of the late Andrew Paul Stark), and their husbands Michael R. Schnoering and Christopher J. Tickner, her niece Kirstin Marie Walker and her sons Drew William Himelein and Evan Alexander Himelein, nephew Troy Vincent Walker and his children, Caroline May VanDuzer, Erin Eddina Habas, and Dylann Tuesday Walker and Benny Walker, son of Brian Douglas Walker.

Cynthia will be forever in the heart of her husband of 20 years, Gerald Minton, 90, of South Hadley MA. The intrepid pair explored the world together for over a decade, filling photo albums with images of camel riding, cruises and exotic meals, creating lasting memories and collecting sharable stories.

Cynthia will be lovingly remembered by Gerald’s son Joe Minton, wife Kelly and especially by their son Orion, who deeply cared for his “Nana”.

She will be dearly missed by Leon (son of Gerald Minton) and wife Christine Marucchi, and their sons, Jonah, Nico, and Luca, Pandra Williams (née Marucchi) (daughter of Gerald Minton) and husband Michael and their daughters Jessica and Vanessa.

Our mother passed away auspiciously on the Spring Equinox, a liminal time of transition and balance. We are grateful for the life she led, the challenges she overcame and the release she has been given.

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John "Jack" P. LeonardJohn “Jack” P. Leonard, long time resident of South Hadley MA, passed away peacefully on March 19t...
03/22/2026

John "Jack" P. Leonard

John “Jack” P. Leonard, long time resident of South Hadley MA, passed away peacefully on March 19th 2026 at Holyoke Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born in Pittsfield, MA on December 6th, 1939 to Therese and Francis Leonard. He grew up in the flats of Holyoke with his siblings Donald, Joan, and Charlene alongside many close, lifetime friends. Jack is predeceased by his mother, father, and brother Donald. He attended Holyoke Catholic schools before enlisting into the United States Navy in 1957. As a Logistics Specialist, Jack was stationed in New London, Connecticut and spent time deployed to the Mediterranean during the Beirut crisis. Jack speaks fondly of his time in the military and was always proud of his service. Upon completion of his enlistment with the Navy, Jack went on to begin his career back home as a mechanical engineer and met the love of his life, Joy Bernier. The couple married and went on to have six children: Kim, Timothy, Wendy, Thomas, Kathleen, and John II. Jack is predeceased by his wife, Joy and two of his sons, Timothy and John II.

Jack emphasized an importance on family and connection. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cards, and spending time with his family, friends, and pets. One of his greatest joys was cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in their sports and activities. A man of many talents, Jack was an incredible writer and storyteller. He was often recognized and published, winning many awards. He had a great love for cooking and has shared and passed down cherished recipes. Jack had a great love of community. He was very involved with St. Patricks' Social Center for many years. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at both South Hadley and Holyoke Senior Centers.

He is survived by his sister Joan of South Hadley, sister Charlene of Virginia Beach, Virginia, children Kim (Marc, her partner) of Granby, Wendy of South Hadley, Thomas (Carly, his wife) of Chicopee, Kathleen (Lorenzo, her partner) of Madison, CT as well as grandchildren Kelly, Jennifer, Jon, Francis, Haylee, Mark, Madelynne, Shawn, Jonathan, Jordan, Madison, Robert, and Casey as well as eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who will cherish all the wonderful memories with gratitude as he reunites with his beloved wife Joy and their two sons.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 26, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at O'Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church in South Hadley on Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 11a.m. Burial and Military Funeral Honors will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Parkinsons Foundation at parkinsons.org/donate.

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Jean E. BrunellJean Elaine (Ormsbee) Brunell, 88, of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, held c...
03/20/2026

Jean E. Brunell

Jean Elaine (Ormsbee) Brunell, 88, of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, held close by the family she cherished throughout her life.

Born on July 25, 1937, in Claremont, New Hampshire, Jean was the eldest of four children and the daughter of the late Fred Wesley Ormsbee and June (Fisher) Ormsbee. From an early age, she carried a quiet strength and a steady kindness that would shape every chapter of her life.

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband, Sheldon Brunell, her high school sweetheart and lifelong companion. They married in August 1958. She was also predeceased by her brother, Dean Ormsbee.

In retirement, Jean found her greatest joy in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader, a devoted crossword solver, and a familiar presence at Barnes & Noble and the local library. She cherished visits to Maine to spend time with her son and his partner, and she delighted in the energy of her grandchildren and their friends, who made her feel forever young. Jean will be remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and the unconditional love she offered to all who knew her.

She leaves behind her loving family: her sons, Matthew Brunell of South Hadley, and Mark Brunell and his partner Steven of Portugal; her daughter, Tammy Clark and her husband Ralph of South Hadley; her sister, Sally Paquette and her husband Robert of Holyoke; her brother, Jack Ormsbee and his wife Terry of Easthampton; her grandchildren, Emily Jacques and her husband Andrew of Chicopee, and Chandler Clark and his wife Danielle of South Hadley; and her three great-grandchildren, Peyton, Gemma, and Wesley, who brought her endless joy.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Harmony House and to all of Jean’s hospice caregivers for the tenderness and dignity they provided in her final days.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley. A funeral service will follow at 5:30 pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jean’s honor may be made to: Harmony House of Western Massachusetts, c/o Gina Mazza, 66 View Street, Chicopee, MA 01020.

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South Hadley, MA
01075

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