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Obituaries

Sallie Jo Doores VanSant, 61, of Housatonic

Sallie earned a Master of Social Work degree from Smith College in Northampton and practiced locally as a psychotherapist with much of her practice focused on helping children.

Jonathan Ross, 45, of Great Barrington

He could fix almost anything yet his greatest gift was to make people laugh. With a sharp wit and the ability to impersonate anyone, he could always bring a room to laughter.

Dorothea A. Miller, 84, former Glendale Postmaster

After her mother-in-law’s retirement in 1966 Dorothea became the Postmaster for the village of Glendale, a position she held until her retirement in 1992.

Mary Romano, 99, of Great Barrington  

Mary loved to perform. She was very active in her local Senior Center in New York where she would sing, dance and act in their various programs up until she was 80 years.

Harold Lewin, 85, founder of Music & More

Harold was a multi-faceted musician ... A kindred spirit -- someone who loved bringing great music to life more than merely putting on flashy performances -- he was an authentic inspirational model." -- Daniel Stepner, Artistic Director of Aston Magna Festival.

Kenneth Craig Hall, 61, of Lee: Rockwell model and ‘volunteer’s volunteer’

The organization that he dedicated a greater portion of his life and time to was the Boy Scouts of America. He helped countless young men attain the rank of Eagle Scout, proudly seeing both sons attain the rank in 1997 and 2002.

Paul S. Batacchi Sr., 89, of Sheffield  

During his tour he served with the Infantry in Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland, and received the Eame Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Susan M. O’Connor, 50

Sue lived by her favorite word “Ohana.” “Ohana” means family and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.

Josephine Dellea, 103

Josephine moved to West Stockbridge as a child and was educated in West Stockbridge Schools. She later worked for Austin Riggs Center and West Stockbridge Village School.

Trinity Renee Raifstanger, 39

Trinity was an outstanding beauty inside and out, who touched the lives of everyone she knew. She leaves a legacy of awareness, inspiration and hope.

Mimi Mishcon, 90, teacher, therapist, sculptor

Mimi was the dedicated matriarch of a successful, blended family, as well as having been an exemplary daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

Alice O. Howell, 91, writer, Jungian scholar, poet, astrologer

A writer, poet, astrologer, and Jungian Scholar, she lectured around the world, published nine books, and taught courses at the Jung Institutes of Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. She is recognized as a pioneer in linking psychology and astrology.

Alta L. Skorput, 97

Alta Skorput earned her Master’s degree in Education and taught third grade for many years at the Stockbridge Plain School in Stockbridge.

Rudolph Lloyd Hoeltzel, 80

If life is a journey, he made the most of it, embracing it wholeheartedly with a tireless quest for knowledge, and a great love of the arts, literature and above all nature. He spent some of his happiest times transforming the landscape around his home and hiking, either the Appalachian Trail, of which he completed over 2,000 miles, or with the local Monday Mountain Boys.

Ernest Schnesel, 84

He was recently honored by Fairview Hospital and was an integral part of the building of Priscilla's House at Construct.

Nola Watson Lawrence, 89

Nola was one of several senior citizens recognized by Gov. Deval L. Patrick for her life-long commitment to the African-American community in the Berkshires.