MAINEVILLE, OH - Joan H (Lanctoe) Markiewicz of Maineville, OH passed away January 1, 2023. Joan was born on May 31, 1942 in Chicopee, MA and was a long-time resident of Holden, MA.

Holden/Rutland - Jeanne Tolomeo, 74, died peacefully at home on Monday, December 19, 2022. She was born in Springfield, the daughter of Louis and Verbina (Benotti) Tolomeo and grew up in West Springfield, MA before moving to Holden with the father of her children, Kim Whitaker. Jeanne graduated from West Springfield High School with the Class of 1966 and started working as a restaurant manager following graduation. She later worked at the Ecotarium in Worcester. At the age of 40, she returned to school at Assumption College in the Continuing Education Program. She studied liberal arts, with a concentration in theological and social sciences, which led to her accepting the role of Geriatric Care Manager at Fletcher Tilton PC in Worcester until her retirement. Jeanne’s passions in life were her faith, her community and education. She attended the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Assumption College where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and greeter. Jeanne was a beloved member of the Friends of the Gale Free Library and had spearheaded the Book Cellar there for several years. She also devoted many hours to administering the Eucharist to the sick at UMass Memorial Healthcare University Campus in Worcester. Jeanne was a lifelong student taking classes at the Worcester Institute for Senior Education at Assumption College. Jeanne will be dearly remembered by her friends and those who’s life she touched during her career and volunteer work. Jeanne will be lovingly missed and remembered by her daughter, Dawn E. Hurley and her husband, Brian of Rutland; her son, Kip T. Whitaker of Barre; her brothers, Anthony Tolomeo of Roanoke, VA and David Tolomeo of Constableville, NY; her sister, Lois Kozikowski; her grandchildren, Connor Whitaker and his wife, Molly, Alexandra Malley and her husband, Liam, Madison Hurley and Samantha Whitaker; two great grandchildren, Emilia and Charles Whitaker; as well as several nieces and nephews. The family will celebrate her life in private. A

HOLDEN - James A. Cottle, 87, affectionately known as“GPC,” beloved husband of the late Ellen (O’Leary) Cottle, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 7, 2022, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. Born in Ardmore, OK, he was a son of the late Stanley and Bessie (Magum) Cottle. After graduating high school in Tulare, CA in 1953, James enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for 28 years in divisions such as the 82nd Airborne and various Special Forces units. Awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” Device for valor, he served in Vietnam with distinction. He also earned an Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster) and a Presidential Unit Citation. He received a bachelor’s degree in 1979 from Central New England College of Technology. After his honorable discharge and military retirement in 1982, James earned his MBA at Anna Maria College in 1985. He then enjoyed a long career with Allegro MicroSystems, retiring after 24 years. Throughout his life, he enjoyed music from country to rock and roll. He was quite the movie aficionado-the old westerns were his favorites. James was also a voracious reader. His home is a media library filled with his collections of albums, books and films. In his spare time, he tended his beautiful flowerbeds and lawn. James was a tremendous sports fan of both men’s and women’s teams. He most enjoyed cheering at the sidelines or from afar for his children and grandchildren. Many will sorely miss his quick wit and country aphorisms. He was a patriot, a man who feared nothing including hard work and loved his family deeply. He will be missed by his daughters Susan Cottle Madden and her husband, Gregory of Silver Spring, MD and Maureen Graffum and her husband, David of Ludlow, and by his son, James Michael Cottle and his wife, Jennifer of Leewood, KS. He is also survived by his two brothers, David and Lesley Cottle and his two sisters, June Yearout and Judy Heaney, all of CA and h

Shirley L. Patch, and Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Shirley L.

May 30, 1919 - October 12, 2022 Dick Hunter was a friendly, warm and caring man with a wonderful sense of humor throughout his long life of 103 years. He had an amazing memory and a great sense of humor. He loved to tell stories about his life with family, friends and colleagues. He was born in Worcester at Memorial Hospital on Memorial Day in 1919 and primarily practiced medicine at Memorial Hospital and the UMass Medical Center. He graduated from Gates Lane School, New Woodland Prep, North High School and Clark University. He was an Eagle Scout and chosen by his troop to attend the 1939 Jamboree in Washington, DC. Dick was thrilled when President, FDR, attended a

Rev. William Willoughby Gibbs, Jr., of Rutland, MA, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2022, at the age of 90. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Martha P.; his loving daughter, Vickie; his loving sons, David and J.F. Daniel; and his cat, Gabby. He is predeceased by one grandson and five nephews. He requested no memorial services or ’fanfare’. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to N.E.A.D.S., or your favorite charity. He lived well and worked hard as a pressman for the Fitchburg Sentinel, as a journeyman carpenter, building many homes including his own, and as a registered nurse. He tried to teach the supreme value of love in all of our lives. He urged that we be kind and keep our hearts right.