Lissa "Lisa" A. (Sylvia) LaBelle, aged 76 passed away on October 13, 2025 at the Royal Skilled Nursing Facility in Fairhaven, MA from Alzheimer's. She was the daughter of the late Grace Hammond and Ernest Sylvia. Predeceased by her sister Donna Sylvia of Palm Harbor FL. She is survived by her sister Patricia "Patty" Dearth and her husband Lee of Palm Harbor FL. She leaves behind three children Billy "Shawn" LaBelle of Rochester MA, Daniel "Danny" LaBelle and his wife Maria of Mattapoisett MA, daughter Deborah "Debbie" Charette of Wareham MA. She was aunt to Samanth "Sam" Freeland of Oldsmar FL and Andrea "Andy" Davison of Tampa FL. Grandmother to Amber LaBelle, Christoper "Chris" LaBelle, and Ava Hardy.

Lisa's early years were spent in Clearwater, FL, where she graduated from Dunedin High School and attended beauty school. She later moved to Southeastern Massachusetts and worked in retail. Lisa enjoyed dancing, swimming, Disney movies, trips to the zoo, and family holidays. She was happiest when playing on the floor with her grandchildren during their younger years.

Lisa was a gentle soul who always held a deep longing to return to her childhood hometown. At a future date, private services will be held, and her ashes will be returned to her hometown to be spread in the gulf.

Her children extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Nemasket Healthcare, The Royal Healthcare of Fairhaven and Trinity Hospice Services for their dedication, compassion, and support throughout her final years.

Her services will be private. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Wilfred F. Demarais Jr, 79, of Mattapoisett, MA passed away at Tobey Hospital on October 13, 2025 surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Will was born in Greenfield, MA on April 15, 1946 to Roseanna (Chagnon) and Wilfred Demarais, Sr. He was brought up in Colrain, MA and graduated from Arms Academy in 1969.

He joined the U.S. Air Force and his love of traveling began while being stationed in several states and Thailand. In 1971 he married Nancy (Webb) who he met in 1962 at a Grange square dance in Williamsburg, MA. They were married in Silver Spring, MD and later moved back to Northampton and Easthampton, MA.

Besides his wife he is survived by his daughter Tanya Rottler and her husband, James, granddaughters Abigail and Hannah and great grandson Jason. He also leaves two sisters, Cecile Carr (Joel) and Marie Jardine, and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents and his grandson, Daniel Rottler.

Will retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Leeds, MA in 2008. In 2010 he was given a new life with a kidney transplant, donated by Nancy, and was able to start traveling again. He loved visiting new places, especially in Arizona and Florida and any cruise port. His favorite cruises were to Alaska and the Panama Canal. He also enjoyed crafts, fishing, reading and playing with Jason.

His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 23rd at 11:30 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett, followed by burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice.

William "Doc" J. Doherty passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025. He was 84 years old. Doc was born in Brockton, MA, on August 21, 1941, and was the cherished son of the late William J. and Claire (Burke) Doherty. He was a graduate of both Portsmouth (Priory) Abbey in Portsmouth, RI, and Georgetown University Business School, Class of 1964. Doc began his career as a commercial real estate broker with Charles Noyes & Co. in New York City. After the family relocated to Marion, MA, he spent several years with Codman & Co. in Boston before opening his own commercial real estate business. Doc enjoyed golf, was an avid reader, and was well known for some memorable one-liners. He especially got a kick out of his grandchildren, always telling them to "shake the envelope" before opening their birthday cards. Doc was predeceased by his devoted wife of 55 years, Mary Weldon Doherty, and his sister, Paula Lehan, of Brockton, MA. He is survived by his sons, William J. Doherty, Jr. of Fairhaven, MA, and Joseph Burke Doherty (Jaime) of Dedham, MA, and his grandchildren Will, Jake, and Madison Doherty. He also leaves behind his nieces, nephews, and many loving cousins. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 18th, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals at 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett, MA. A private burial will immediately follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Marion, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manomet Conservation or Gnome School of Surf. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

With profound sadness and abiding love, we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" E. Keegan, 82, of Mattapoisett, who entered eternal rest on October 5, 2025, at 3:30 PM, the Hour of Mercy.

Bob's life was a testament to faith, family, and quiet strength. Raised in Roxbury, Massachusetts, by his devoted mother, Bob was an only child who never knew his father, but he grew into a man of deep conviction, guided by the light of the Church and the love he cultivated in his own home.

From a young age, Bob's spiritual foundation was strong. He served faithfully as an altar boy at St. Patrick's Church in Roxbury and St. Philip's Church in Roxbury and was an active member of the Legion of Mary, embracing a life of service, humility, and devotion. His Catholic faith was not just a belief, it was the compass by which he lived, and the comfort that sustained him through life's trials and triumphs.

Bob married his beloved Joyce in a sacred ceremony officiated by Fr. William J. Connolly. Their union, blessed by God, endured for 60 beautiful years. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Joyce was his partner, his confidante, and his greatest joy. Their marriage was a shining example of grace, patience, and enduring devotion.

Professionally, Bob was a skilled foreman with Local 17, specializing in HVAC systems for hospitals and prisons throughout Massachusetts. His work was meticulous, his leadership respected, and his dedication unmatched. He believed in doing things the right way with integrity and precision. Bob's hands built comfort for others, and his heart built a legacy of care.

A member of the Knights of Columbus, Bob continued his lifelong commitment to faith and fellowship. He was a man of quiet generosity, always ready to help a neighbor, mentor a friend, or offer a prayer. His friendships were deep and lasting, marked by loyalty and mutual respect.

Bob's life was not defined by titles or accolades, but by the love he gave and the family he devoted his life to. A faithful husband to Joyce for 60 years and a loving father, he found his greatest joy in the home they built together. He is predeceased by their first daughter: Mary. He is survived by his children: Pamela Chan, and her husband John; Robert Keegan, and his wife Ramune; Catheryn Keegan; Joseph Keegan, and his wife Maureen; Matthew Keegan, and his wife Kaitlin; and Therese Keegan. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Gabriella, Katrina, Kierra, Bridget and Peter; his adopted family: Jessy and Binu and their children, Rion and Roma; and a community of friends who were blessed to know him. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing Bob has returned home to the Lord he served so faithfully.

His Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 11 am at St. Anthony's Church, 1359 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will be Monday, October 13th from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Bob's memory, honoring his lifelong commitment to service and compassion. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdywer.com.

Rest in Peace, Bob. Your faith was your foundation, your family your joy, and your life a quiet triumph of love.

Henry Stopka, 95, of Rochester, passed away on October 3, 2025, at Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven. He was the husband of the late Nancy A. (Lake) Stopka. They were married for 60 years. He was the son of the late John and Alexandria (Ostrawski) Stopka.

He was born in Wareham and lived in Rochester since 1957.

He began his military service in the U.S. Air Force and was a Korean War Veteran. He then joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served for 30 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Firefighter. He also served in the Massachusetts National Guard.

Mr. Stopka worked in civil service at Otis Air Force Base as a firefighter for 26 years. He also worked for Decas Cranberry Company for many years. He and his wife were commercial quahog fisherman, a job which he and his wife enjoyed very much.

He was a member of the Tri Town Veteran's Association, and he enjoyed gardening. Most of all he loved his family and attending various family events and being surround by his loving family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Stephen Stopka of Middleboro, Deborah Veary and her husband, Kenneth of Rochester, Gary Stopka and his wife Anne Marie of Rochester, and Jennifer Thomas and her companion Dennis Lynch of Fairhaven; 5 grandchildren, Justin Thomas, Ryan, Trevor, Caitlin, and Jethro Stopka; a step granddaughter, Heather McIvor and her husband, Thomas; a great granddaughter, McKenna Thomas; many nephews and nieces. He was the father of the late Jeffrey Stopka.

Visiting hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 or online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

David Roy Anderson, known and admired for his intellect, eloquence, and the rare ability to welcome all points of view with kindness and grace, died peacefully at home with his loving wife Phoebe Girard at his side, on October 3, 2025. He was 92.

Born March 16th,1933 in Westbrook, Maine at the beginning of the New Deal, raised by loving and able civic-minded parents and grandparents, David grew up in small-town Maine -- Caribou, Dover-Foxcroft, Gorham -- before attending Bowdoin College and Harvard Law School. He would go on to shape and be shaped by the distinctive places he called home: Washington, DC; Arlington, Virginia; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and his maternal family's homeplace since1857, "Silvercroft," in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.

Being "free and able to advance my political beliefs" was a value that David lived by. This took on many forms including participating in local and state political groups, joining the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King's March on Washington, advocating for those on the margins, or those often overlooked. As an attorney in Washington, DC, David was most inspired by several of his pro-bono assignments like representing the indigenous people of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands for reparations from nuclear testing in the 1950's.

Beyond being a devoted father of three, his joys included a life-long love of literature, book collecting, family history, writing letters to the editor, a good hand of cribbage, the Boston Red Sox, visits with his grown children and their families, and any and all time with his marvelous wife. David always took the greatest delight in spending time with the people who kept it interesting such as his childhood chums, college classmates, personal connections, church communities, non-profit boards, and a Thursday-morning gathering of friends known affectionately as "the Rant."

David was predeceased by his first wife Maryse Haan Anderson, his sister Joan Farnsworth and so many dear friends that he cherished deeply. He is survived by his wife Phoebe Girard, three children: Marc Anderson and partner Mary; Chuck Anderson, and wife Jennifer; and Kate Anderson; his five grandchildren -Rachel, Parker, Samuel, Marcel and Muriel- and in his own words; "so very many amazing people who are so good to me."

His funeral services will be held at Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church St., in Mattapoisett on Tuesday October 28th, at 11:00am. An act of kindness is the greatest gift. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library Trust Purrington Lecture Series, P.O. Box 475, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, and/or the Mattapoissett Congregational Church Capital Campaign Fund are welcome and appreciated.

Elizabeth (Bette) Willis Scholter passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025 at the home Bette and Ed built. She was 88. Bette was born on February 17, 1937, daughter of Elton and Doris (Adams) Willis. She grew up in Needham and graduated with the Class of 1955. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Lesley University in 1959. On January 2, 1960, Bette married Edward A. Scholter, whom she met in Mattapoisett, where she spent her summers. Ed and Bette lived and raised two children, Ellen and Eric, in Mattapoisett. They enjoyed traveling around the world and experiencing many cultures.

Bette volunteered as a member of the New Bedford Rescue League board, Wampanoag Kennel Club, and served as a docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum for 20 years.

Bette is survived by her daughter Ellen, and children Justin Gracia, Ethan Gracia, Anya Walker; and her son Eric and his wife Kim and their son Evan, son-in-laws Michael Gracia and Scott Walker, cousin Laura McLeod and her beloved cat, Randall.

Arrangements are private, In lieu of flowers please make a donation to an animal rescue of your choice.

Ralph G. Washburn was born on April 16, 1931 to parents Ralph E. and Pearl Washburn. He attended New Bedford Vocational High School where he learned a lot about electronics. Shortly after World War II, he built a ham radio station on the family farm. Later on, he earned a living fixing TV's for customers of the family hardware store. He eventually went to work for Sippican Corporation in Marion as a test technician. He had a long career with Sippican and advanced into many of their product design and testing areas. Some of the equipment he worked on was in the Apollo space program. One of these was the warning system that alerted the crew of Apollo 13 that they "had a problem". Traditionally, advancement usually involved stepping into management positions. Ralph was not interested in that so they designed a new position of principle engineer that he held until retirement. With only a GED high school education, he was still able to be awarded 7 patents during his time at Sippican.

His love of electronics also extended into the realm of audio. He had an early interest in audio recording and was a very early purchaser of a reel-to-reel tape recorder. After retirement from Sippican, he operated a recording business that recorded the concerts of several local groups including musical performances at Tabor Academy, the Sippican Choral Society, and the Tri Town Band. He recorded most of the early years of the annual Buzzards Bay Music Fest.

He married Phyllis Mattson on May 16, 1952. They had three children, Peter, Debbie, and Charlie.

Ralph loved vacations in Vermont and ice cream. He enjoyed photography, classical music, raising roses, and good stereo systems. He built and flew a Benson Gyrocopter which looked similar to a very small helicopter, but the rotor blades were unpowered.

He and Phyllis adopted mute swans in Marion Harbor. They published a book called "Good Morning Sam" about their friendship and adventures with a handicapped swan that couldn't fly. Phyllis wrote the story and Ralph provided the photographs. They were known around Marion as the "Swan People" and often had many onlookers when they fed Sam and his friends at the Old Landing. They launched their son Peter's skiff and rowed it exactly one time to follow Sam. The next time the skiff had a brand-new Honda 5hp outboard! From there, they went to a 27' trawler named Cygnus Olor which is the Latin genus for mute swans, all so they could be closer to Sam and his friends.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Phyllis, his three children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His Funeral Service will be Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 11 am at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Little Neck Cemetery, Marion. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, October 8th from 4-7 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Pamela A. (Hoyt) Newell, 83, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully at home on September 30, 2025, surrounded by her family after a long illness.

She was the wife of the late Piatt Andrew Newell.

Born and raised in Fort Fairfield, Maine, Pamela was the daughter of the late Albert F. and Ella L. (Armstrong) Hoyt. She graduated from Fort Fairfield High School in 1960. Shortly after, she moved to Boston, where she worked as an administrative assistant until her marriage in 1970. She then settled in Mattapoisett, where she would spend the rest of her life.

Pamela was a devoted mother and grandmother who found deep joy in the company of her family and friends. For more than 30 years, she looked forward to her weekly Monday afternoon Mahjong games with close companions. She loved to entertain and often hosted gatherings in her home. A lifelong animal lover, she cared for many cherished dogs and cats over the years. She was an avid reader who especially enjoyed mystery novels and loved sharing that passion with friends through her book club. She was also a longtime member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church and served on several church committees over the years.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Newell, and her husband, Joseph Smith, of Dedham; her son, Peter Newell, and his wife, Eileen, of Mattapoisett; four cherished grandchildren, Ella Modzelewski, Samuel Modzelewski, Piper Newell, and Reese Newell; a niece, Joyce Nelson of Florida; and a brother-in-law, James Newell, and his wife, Sally, of Vermont. She also leaves behind cousins David Armstrong, Dale Armstrong, and Linda Hayes, all of Fort Fairfield, Maine; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Gatsby.

Pamela was predeceased by her sister, Natalie Nelson; her sisters-in-law, Paula P. Doty and Nancy C. Newell; and her brothers-in-law, Henry H. Newell and James J. Doty.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 10th, from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11th, at 11 am at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the ASPCA.

Barbara Louise Rohrback McManus, 86, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a long and courageous journey with Parkinson's disease.

Barbara was born in York, Pa., to Martin Rohrback and Dorothy Myers, who raised her in Hagerstown, Md., where she attended North Hagerstown High School. After losing both parents in her teens, she lived with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse B. Humphreys, in Braddock Heights. Barbara attended Hood College for two years before transferring to Boston University, where she was elected to the Delta Phi Alpha National German Honorary Society and earned a bachelor's degree in Germanic arts and literature. She later attended Katherine Gibbs School.

It was in Boston where Barbara met Gilbride, the love of her life, and an exciting new chapter began. They lived on Commonwealth Avenue during the early years of their marriage before moving to a fairytale, stucco home nestled in the woods of Milton. There, they raised their two children and created a lifetime of beautiful memories, a golden retriever always within arm's reach. Barbara and Gil lived life to the fullest, traveling extensively with friends and family as they golfed, skied, and danced their way from one memory to the next--good times were the itinerary, and laughter was the soundtrack. Barbara's love, devotion, and impeccable taste transformed their houses into homes, filling each room in Milton, Pawlet (Vt.), and Marion, with a palpable, welcoming warmth. She relished their decades of family vacations together in Sea Island, Ga., and in Vero Beach, Fla., where she and Gil eventually lived as "snowbirds" with some of their dearest friends.

Nicknamed "Gunner" in her teens for her skill on the basketball court, Barbara could pick up any new sport with ease and enthusiasm. She enjoyed many years of tennis at Dorset Field Club and Sippican Tennis Club before catching the golf bug and retiring her racket for a driver and endless rounds at Kittansett, The Country Club, Riomar, and wherever friends and travel took her. She had never strapped on skis before meeting Gil, but Barbara learned the sport with instant and astonishing effortlessness. Long after the dynamic duo's knees could no longer take the impact of long runs and moguls, Gil continued to brag about his bride's smooth turns, and her jaw-dropping style even on the slopes--conspicuous Bogner suits and fur hats that embarrassed her children to no end, but boy did she wear them well. She enjoyed many years of skiing with her family at Stratton Mountain, followed by memorable trips to Vail, Alta, and Snowbird.

Throughout it all, Barbara was a pillar of quiet strength. She gave herself wholeheartedly to what mattered most--raising her children and providing her family with the most loving life possible. Once the grandchildren started rolling in, "Mum" became "Mumma Boo," and then, for efficiency, "Boo." In her final years, Boo returned to Marion, where she lived with her daughter and her family until her passing. The end of Barbara's life was filled with an abundance of laughter and love, entertaining teenage antics, angelic caregivers, endless football, golf, and tennis on the TV, and, much to her pleasure, the delightful bookend of one last golden retriever to love.

Barbara's legacy of love and devotion to family will be carried on by her daughter, Anne Rohrback McManus; her son-in-law, Matthew Hurlbut; their four children--William, Lila, Natalie, and Teddy; her cherished cousins, Wendy Myers Heinz and Sandra Myers Hamilton; and her daughter-in-law, Melissa McManus, and her daughter, Barbara. She is now lovingly reunited in an infinite embrace with her husband, John Gilbride McManus, and her son, John Gilbride McManus, Jr., along with countless other treasured friends and relatives.

Anne and her family extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers and schedulers at Attentive Home Care and Cahoon Care Associates, to the fabulous Sheila, and to the Community Nurse hospice team, for adoring Mumma Boo and going above and beyond to ensure that she was cared for by real-life angels in the hours when they needed to be off at work and school.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara's name to Community Nurse Hospice (https://www.communitynurse.com/), or The Michael J. Fox Foundation (https://www.michaeljfox.org/).

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Barbara and her son John will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Saint Gabriel's Church (124 Front St., Marion), followed by a reception at The Kittansett Club (11 Point Rd).

For information about the service and to leave messages of remembrance, please visit Chapman Funerals and Cremations (2599 Cranberry Hwy, Wareham), or online at www.chapmanfuneral.com.