Shelburne Falls & West County Independent

11/03/2026

Stephen K. Grant

HAWLEY – Stephen K. Grant passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Oct. 29, 2026.

Steve was born on May 5, 1943 in Norwood, MA, to Edward and Aldea Grant. He graduated from Dedham High School in 1961, then continued his education at Babson College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Subsequently, he received his master’s degree from Northeastern University and his doctorate in economics from Clark University.

A gifted teacher, he taught at Northeastern, at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, at New England College, and finally at North Adams State College, retiring in 1998. While at North Adams, he served several years as chair of the economics department.

During his time at New England College, Steve met his wife, Jane. They married in 1973 and moved to Hawley in 1977. There Steve chaired the Zoning Board of Appeals for several years, was instrumental in starting the Hawley volunteer fire department, and organized the parade for Hawley’s bicentennial celebration. He and Jane thoroughly enjoyed their home in Hawley, especially their gardens, ponds, and wildlife, but after his retirement, they also took time to explore the United States, including driving twice to Alaska.

Steve was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Charles; and his sister, Joan. He is survived by his wife and his three sons, of whom he was very proud, and their families – Charles and his wife, Anne; Joshua and his wife, Annette; and David and his wife, Janae; and his nine grandchildren, Ashlie, Jarrin, Baylynn, Jenna, Declan, McKenna, Breccan, Andrew, and Benjamin.

Calling hours will be Thursday, Nov. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Smith Kelleher funeral home in Shelburne Falls. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Shelburne Falls on Friday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Doane cemetery in Hawley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Joseph’s parish, the Hawley Fire Department, or the charity of one’s choice would be welcome.

10/29/2026

10/29/2026

Carol Buker

CONWAY – Carol A. Buker, 74, passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2026 with her family by her side.

Born in Troy, NY, on June 13, 1952, Carol was the daughter of the late Philip and Norma (Shippee) Buker. She grew up with a strong sense of community and dedication to her education, graduating from Greenfield High School in 1970. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Baptist College in Philadelphia, PA in 1974.

Carol dedicated 44 years of her career to Sweeney Ford Lincoln Mercury (now Ford and Toyota of Greenfield) retiring in 2018. Known for her welcoming spirit and tireless work ethic, she was exceptionally popular with her customers and built lasting relationships throughout her decades of service.

Carol’s family was the center of her world and she took great pride in her role as an aunt and partner. An avid animal lover, she had a deep affection for dogs — especially Labrador retrievers — and leaves behind her faithful companion, Skyler, who brought her immense joy.

She is survived by her loving partner, Susan Conley; her brother, David Buker; her nieces, Jennifer Wallner and Sara Johnson; and nephew, Eric Gray; as well as many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. Carol was predeceased by her sister, Ruth Gray, and her nephew, Christopher Buker.

Her gentle spirit, kindness, and unwavering support for those she loved will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Per Carol’s wishes, there are no services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

10/28/2026

Exercise your right; vote

Tuesday, Nov. 3 is the state general election in Massachusetts. In Shelburne, the polls are open from from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in COWELL GYMNASIUM, 51 Maple Street. In Buckland, the polls are open at TOWN HALL, second floor, on State Street from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

10/26/2026

10/26/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DjdwKrhGP/

10/22/2026

Leah Teece

Leah A. (Kane) Teece, 77, formerly of Belchertown, Shelburne Falls, West Springfield and Indian Orchard, passed away Oct. 10, 2026.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls.

A memorial mass will be celebrated Friday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 34 Monroe Ave., also in Shelburne Falls.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at www.alz.org.

10/20/2026

Lois Holm

BUCKLAND – Lois Elaine Everett Holm of Buckland passed away on Oct. 3, 2026 at the age of 94.

The first child to George and Barbara (Lamont) Everett, Lois was born in Springfield, MA on Jan. 8, 1932. Three years later she helped welcome her sister, Janice.

On the Christmas of her eighth year, Lois received a gift that would influence her career decision to become a nurse. Her enthusiasm for the toy medical kit not only sparked her interest in nursing, but also led to an impressive collection of toy implements and cases.

Life was difficult during World War II, but troubles seemed distant and Lois’s world felt safe until an uncle died overseas in 1945. In the same year, the family moved to Bernardston, where her father had purchased a small farm. Lois was a first-rate farm hand who managed any chore asked of her.

She entered Powers Institute as a gifted student and graduated in 1949 with honors and varsity letters in volleyball, basketball, and softball.

In June of 1952, Lois received her cap and pin from New England Baptist Hospital in Boston and became a registered nurse in the same year.

Her close friend and classmate, Elise Holm, introduced Lois to her brother, Harold, who had just returned from his US Army service in occupied Germany. Lois was hesitant yet curious and the match led to 55 years of marriage and four sons.

A lifelong learner, Lois received a master of education degree at Antioch University of New England. Lois’s career path was one of enthusiastic service and tireless advocacy for childhood health and education. She held various positions, including West County coordinator for Headstart, school nurse for Buckland, Shelburne, and Colrain schools, and as Early Childhood Coordinator at Mohawk, where she helped implement the innovative side-by-side program.

In her free time, Lois enjoyed quilting, knitting, and sewing, along with reading and gardening. Lois loved visits from family and friends and her home reflected her warm and welcoming personality. Lois was an avid community volunteer and congregant at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Greenfield.

Lois’s favorite color was green. She loved sunflowers, tulips, and pansies. Her favorite season was spring and her favorite painting was “Under the Summer Window,” painted in 1932 by Robert Strong Woodward.

Above all, Lois loved her family. As a mother, she was patient, kind, and caring, strict and fair. She imparted many lessons to her sons, including the principles of humility, generosity, determination, and kindness.

Lois was a fan of the Mohawk Warriors, the Red Sox, and the Patriots. She enjoyed cheering for David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia. Terry Francona was the only manager she ever respected. She loved the Tom Brady Patriots but did not think much of the other guy. Lois reserved her loudest cheers for her sons.

Lois was proud to call Buckland home. She volunteered her time at the Buckland Historical Society, the Senior Center, and the election polls until she was 90. She was also a library trustee and served homebound patrons with regular book drops.

Lois lived in her Buckland house for 60 years. Her favorite tree was the sugar maple that stood outside her kitchen window for 51 years. She spent her final years at Meadowbrook in Granby, CT near third son Erick and his family.

Lois is survived by her sons, Harold E., Jr. (Chip) and Dianna (Kinsman) Holm of Kennebunk, ME; Christopher E. and Lori Ann (Levy) Holm of Wheat Ridge, CO; Erick B. and Lisa (Twomey) Holm of West Granby, CT; and Timothy S. Holm of Buckland: grandchildren, Gregory and husband Gabriel, Angela, Benjamin and wife Elaina, Emily, Lily and Evan; four great-grandchildren; three nieces; and three nephews. She was predeceased by husband, Harold; infant daughter, Candace; sister, Janice; and niece, Gretchen.

A memorial service for Lois will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 7 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 23 Long Avenue, Greenfield, MA. Pastor Jeffrey A. Galbraith will officiate. The family invites all attending to a luncheon following the service from 12 to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Lois with your time, talent, or treasure to the charity or public service of your choosing. Focused gifts in her name to the Buckland Public Library, the Buckland Historical Society, the Buckland Recreation Area pool, The Senior Center in Shelburne, or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will be appreciated.