Constance Keavy Martin, of Mattapoisett, widow of William B. Keavy and Richard A. Martin, passed away on Friday September 30, 2022 at home. She was 84 years old. Constance (Connie) was born in Brighton, MA, on May 18, 1938, daughter of the late William R. Harty and Edna B. Harty. She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas F. Harty.
Connie graduated from Hingham High School in 1956 with highest honors, and the University of Massachusetts at Boston in 1960 Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Secondary Education - English, History and Geography. She later received her Elementary Degree from UMass Boston with honors. Connie received her Reading Degree from UMass Dartmouth.
In 1961, Connie and Bill moved to Mattapoisett as a member of the English Department when Old Rochester Regional High School first opened. She loved all of her students and taught them English, debating, public speaking and drama. At O.R.R. and Apponequet Regional High School, Connie began an innovative remedial and developmental reading program as well as directed the senior play. She taught American and English Literature and devised skits and mini plays to make Literature enjoyable. When teaching English grammar, she taught her students how to diagram a sentence: "A place for everything and everything in its place."
Connie spent 26 years teaching elementary classes at the Sergeant William H. Carney Academy in New Bedford. She had so many fond memories of Carney Academy. Connie also taught adult literacy classes at ORR in the 70's and gave workshops over SouthCoast on making teaching materials for the classroom. She particularly loved using the newspaper in education and the Standard-Times featured articles on her efforts to show students the importance of the newspaper in daily life and learning about the world.
Connie raised her children Shawna and Chris, and often said it was the best time of her life. She was heavily involved in her community and its activities. Connie co-directed the Confirmation program, was a Brownie leader, a PTA member, and member of St. Anthony's choir and Couples' Club. She was a member of the Growth Management Committee and the Village Historic District Study Group. Connie was also a member of the Massachusetts Historical Commission and a co-chair of the evening division of the Mattapoisett Women's Club. She was the first female Cubmaster in the Southcoast between 1976-1978. In 1993, the Mattapoisett Selectmen awarded her a plaque in recognition and gratitude for her town service - "A Giving Spirit".
Connie was an animal lover, adopting two shelter kitties and contributing to the Humane Society, MSPCA and Cause for Paws in Mattapoisett.
Connie was outgoing, fun loving, and passionate about her activities and loves. She loved teaching, quahoging, needlepoint, crewel, rug hooking, and gardening. She was an avid reader and devoted movie buff, recording hundreds of her favorite movies for viewing again and sharing with friends. She was a dedicated "Star Trek" fan.
Survivors include her children, Shawna K. Keavy of Tiverton, RI, and Christopher W. Keavy and his wife Debra of Yarmouthport, two stepchildren, Ann Marie Viscuso and her husband Vincent of Sagamore Beach, and Michael Martin of Plymouth, five grandchildren, Shannon E. Keavy, William J. Keavy, Jacqueline Martin, Timothy Martin and Victoria Martin, and three great-grandchildren, Colton M. Martin, Jackson M. Martin and Lily S. Martin. Connie is also survived by her sister-in-law Ann E. Mitchell and brother-in-law, Robert Mitchell, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday October 6th at 11 AM at St. Anthony's Church, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in New Bedford. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday October 5th from 5-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Ernest A. Deneault, 80, of Ft. Lauderdale died September 30, 2022 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis.
He was the life partner of Robert M. Klein of Ft. Lauderdale.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Ernest H. and Beatrice (Frechette) Deneault, he lived in Mattapoisett, Duxbury and South Yarmouth before moving tp Ft. Lauderdale.
He was formerly employed as a teacher with the Dennis-Yarmouth School System for many years until his retirement.
He was a graduate of Stonehill College, class of 1964.
He had a fondness for Bearded Iris, box turtles and Boston Terriers.
Survivors include his life partner; a brother, Henry N. Deneault and his wife Lola; and a niece, Jacqueline Welham.
His visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, October 4th from 9-10:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 AM in St. Anthony's Church. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. For directions and online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Joseph A. Kobak, Jr., 91, of Mattapoisett, died peacefully on Monday, September 26, 2022. He was the husband of Mary Lou (Horne) Kobak.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Joseph and Florence (Freitas) Kobak, he lived in Fairhaven and Mattapoisett all of his life.
Joseph was an avid golfer and member at Reservation Golf Club. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends and going to Mike's Restaurant. Joseph worked as a teacher, principal, and athletic director for many years in the Mattapoisett and Lakeville school districts.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Kobak; and his daughter Barbara Kobak.
No services are scheduled at this time.

Lois C. (Phillips) Straffin, 81, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on September 22, 2022.
Survivors include her husband, Richard W. Straffin, they were married for 48 years; her 6 children, Glen Jutras, Scott Jutras, Eric Jutras, Donna Nichols, Michael Straffin, Patricia DeNardo and her husband Marc; 12 grandchildren; many great grandchildren.
She was born in Buffalo, NY and lived in Rochester, MA for 36 years. She graduated from Canton High School.
She worked for many restaurants and retail stores in the area.
Lois was a great cook and wanted to make sure everyone was well fed. She loved hosting cookouts and holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving.
She was a longtime supporter of Damien's Pantry where she served on the Board of Directors and ran a team of volunteers for 10 years. She was very religious and faithful and a member of the First Congregational Church in Rochester. She enjoyed attending Bible classes there.
She enjoyed traveling, camping in New Hampshire, dancing with her husband, and she was a voracious reader.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the First Congregational Church in Rochester.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Family Pantry, Damien's Place, P.O. Box 730, East Wareham, MA 02538 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations - WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.

Colby Rose Dowling, 26, passed away on September 21, 2022, in Taunton, MA.
Colby was born on June 15, 1996 in New London, CT, to Dennis Dowling and Wendy Dowling.
Colby graduated from Old Colony High School in 2014 where she completed her Cosmetology degree. She went on to earn an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from the New England Institute of Technology in 2018. She started her career as a hairdresser but her favorite job was counseling children from troubled homes and families. Her dream was to pursue a carrier in either criminal justice or continuing her involvement in helping disadvantaged children. She had an incredible way of connecting with children and providing them with the love and support they needed.
Colby will most be remembered for being a loving daughter and sister. Her friendship, beautiful smile, kindness, generosity and talent will be missed.
Colby is survived by her mother, Wendy; her sister, Baily; her grandparents, Lois and Fred; her aunts and uncles, Margaret, Denise, Jane, Bubba, Tim, Robert, Bryan, Shelley, Susan, Rick, Leslie, and Julie; her cousins, Miles, Nolan, Elaine, Ryan, Drew, Kevin, Julie, Jonathon, Joe, Kenny, Jimmy, Ashley, Nick, Tyler, Freddy, Tommy, Sophia, Palmer, Madelyn, Ava, and Levi.
Colby is also survived by her loving furkids, Nova and Luna. She was a true lover of animals, especially her cats.
Colby is preceded in death by her father, Dennis Dowling.
Colby's Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 10 am in St. Anthony's Church, Mattapoisett. All are invited to meet directly at Church. Her visiting hours will be held on Monday, September 26th, from 4-8 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett.
Memorial donations can be made in Colby's name to CARE southcoast, a volunteer-run, nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue center.

Kathleen E. Hoye DMD 1968 - 2022
Kathy departed our world all too soon after a tremendous, courageous, fierce fight against breast cancer. She chose life at every turn and fought with every ounce of energy she had until peacefully passing, surrounded by her family.
Kathy was an artist, baker of special occasion treats, CrossFit warrior, athletic pole dancer, avid gardener, admirer of eighty's music and so much more. Her Beef Wellington was looked forward to every New Year's Eve with great anticipation and both her Pumpkin and Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecakes were devoured during family holiday meals. She loved spending time in Mattapoisett where she enjoyed paddle boarding, sunning on the sand listening to audio books, taking walks to Ned's Point, and making dishes with quahogs she gathered herself. Competing in Half Marathons with sisters, obsession with sugar skulls and dragonflies, appreciation of beautiful color and detail in all things, aerial silk with her daughters, and spreading joyous confusion in her unique sense of humor were among her many passions.
Kathy was a driving force to be reckoned with and knew what she wanted. She was direct, unyielding, and a perfectionist in her work. When asked what she was most proud of among her many accomplishments, she unhesitatingly answered, "being a mom". Patients held captive in her dental chair were often regaled with stories of her children's escapades and accomplishments or her husband's lack of cleaning skills.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband Kurt C. Federow, and their smart, strong, beautiful daughters, Kiley, Keira, and Krista.
She is also survived by her mother Carolyn J. (Driscoll) Hoye, and her siblings: Kristin Frizzi, Lauren Kavanagh, Meghan Morrison, and Daniel Hoye. Kathy was predeceased by her father, Dr. Charles E. Hoye III, DMD.
Kathy attended Coyle Cassidy High school, graduating class of '86. She obtained a BFA in illustration from RISD, class of '90. After several years of working, Kathy changed direction and decided to follow in her father's footsteps, going through the challenging steps of returning to school to earn her Bachelor's in Biology to successfully apply to Dental school, graduating with her DMD from Tufts in 2003. She went on to purchase her first dental practice in Needham in 2008, before also purchasing her father's Taunton location as her second location in 2012.
Calling hours for Dr. Hoye were held on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home, 350 Somerset Ave., Taunton, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, September 26, 2022, at Saint Mary's Church, 114 St. Mary's Square, Taunton. A lunch reception followed at Riverhouse, 260 W. Water Street, Taunton. To sign guestbook, light a candle, facility or church directions please visit her tribute page at www.hathawayfunerals.com.
Runway for Recovery is charitable organization that helps women and families with the challenges of breast cancer and assisted Kathy and her family during her battle - www.runwayforrecovery.org

After almost 10 years, Thomas N. Tilden peacefully joined his beloved wife Linda on September 20, 2022. Their love story was one for the ages, with a love that was everlasting through everything that came their way. Although their love sparked on a double date where Linda ditched her date for Tom's wisecracks and easy smile, their love grew boundless in the life they built together with special memories riding out to the Cape enjoying days on the beaches of Sandy Neck and throwing huge family gatherings at the 'Tilden Campground'. Together they raised four wonderful children and enjoyed every minute they could get with their 9 grandchildren, who will forever cherish memories of watching the boats pass on the canal with their grandparents.
The Tilden family would like to thank the amazing staff at Sippican Healthcare Center for the dedicated care and love for not only Tom but the entire family throughout his stay there, and for always listening to Tom's gripes if lunch didn't have a pb&j to offer him.
A private service will be held for the family at a later date. In remembrance of Tom and Linda, we ask that you hug someone close and tell them how much you love them. It will never happen often enough.
Arrangements are made by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Allan "Zeke" Snell Hartley, 83, of Rochester, died Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Alden Court Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Fairhaven.
Born in Middleboro, he was a lifelong resident of Rochester. Zeke was an auto mechanic and enjoyed antique cars. He was known for being a smiley, kind and generous man who was well liked by many.
He is survived by his sisters, Margaret Liffers of Rochester and Kim Kleiman of Marshfield, WI and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, the late Nancy Campbell.
Graveside services at Rochester Center Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

John T. Lowney, Jr, 65, of Mattapoisett died unexpectedly from a brief illness September 12, 2022 at Tobey Hospital. Born in New Bedford, son of the late John T and Virginia (Duffy) Lowney and stepson of the late Catherine (Hardiman) Lowney, he lived in Croton-on-Hudson, New York before moving to Mattapoisett in 2020.
John grew up in Marion, Massachusetts. In high school, John received a full academic scholarship to Tabor Academy where he finished in the top 5 of his class. He received his bachelors and master's degrees from UMass Amherst and went on to get his PHD at Brown University in English and American Literature. From there, John taught at Benedictine University in Naperville Illinois for four years and then spent the majority of his career at St John's University in Queens NY. He was the author of three books, The American Avant-Garde Tradition: William Carlos Williams, Postmodern Poetry, and the Politics of Cultural Memory (Bucknell UP 1997), History, Memory, and the Literary Left: Modern American Poetry, 1935-1968 (University of Iowa Press 2006), and Jazz Internationalism: Literary Afro-Modernism and the Cultural Politics of Black Music (New Black Studies Series, University of Illinois Press 2017), and numerous distinguished articles in academic journals, including American Literature, The Langston Hughes Review, Melus, The African American Review, Sagetrieb, and The William Carlos Williams Review. His areas of concentration were 20th Century American Poetry, African American literary and cultural studies, and Jazz literature.
As a professor in the English Department at St. John's for over twenty-five years, John was a dedicated and caring teacher, who nurtured hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students to successful careers. He taught general classes in American Literature, Contemporary and Modern Poetry, and African American Literature as well as specialized classes on the Poetry of the 1930s, Jazz Literature, Modernist New York, and African American Literature and the Civil Rights Movement. The consummate scholar, John was working on a book on Langston Hughes and education at the end of his career. He received grants throughout his career, including the Donald C. Gallup Fellowship in American Literature at the Beinecke Library (Yale University) and a National Endowment for the Humanities Study Grant.
John was an avid Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan. He ran almost every single day and always had a green thumb. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his daughter Jasmine. They went on after-dinner walks, played softball, and took many trips together across the country. He even built her a luxury tree house. He was an amazing father, brother, uncle and friend. He was also a profoundly ethical and thoughtful person. John touched many lives with his dry humor, his quick wit, his keen intellect, and his kindness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his daughter, Jasmine Cross Lowney of Croton-on-Hudson, NY; his former wife, Ashley Cross of New York; a brother, Mark Lowney, and his wife Cheryl, of Marion; 2 sisters, Deborah Suzan, and her husband Mitch of Mattapoisett, and Susan Cain, and her husband Vaughn Neville, of Hornby Island, BC; and nieces Erika Osetkowski, Lauren Smith, Carly DuBeau, and Charo Neville; nephews Mitchell Suzan and Phillip Lowney; great-nieces Mollie, Harper, Charlotte, and Eloise; and great nephews Hudson, Leo, and Lucien.
We would like to thank All American Assisted Living and John's caregiver and dear friend Debbie Messier for the wonderful care provided. In lieu of flowers you may donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.
A memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 2nd at 1 pm in the Wickenden Chapel, Tabor Academy, 86 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd, Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Norma Irene (Harrison) Charbonneau left this world on September 10th after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in 1930 in Acushnet, MA, to the late Irene (Caya Harrison) Dube and Norman Harrison, and was the eldest and only girl in a family of six children. She was the widow of Normand M. Charbonneau who was deceased in 1967. Norma lived and raised her family in Mattapoisett, MA where she worked for years as one of the beloved lunch ladies at ORRHS. In 1983, she moved to Western Mass with her partner of many years, the late Barbara Bumpus, where they resided for decades and owned and operated the popular Box Car Restaurant in Erving, an historic former train station that was the hub of the community. Norma was a heroic single mother of seven, and leaves behind her sons and their families: Michael of Memphis, TN., Stephen of St. Petersburg, FL; the late Thomas of New Bedford; the late Kenneth of Fairhaven; her daughters and their families: Jane N. Cain of Yarmouth Port; Karen C. Zukas of New Bedford; and Nancy C. Case of Northampton, MA. She also leaves behind her brothers Norman and James, the late Robert, Gilbert, and Richard and their families; 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and over 50 nieces and nephews. She was a recent resident at Our Lady’s Haven in Fairhaven. Norma was a lifelong learner, a hard worker, avid world traveler, and a beloved spirit of energy, positivity and good deeds. She loved music, reading “histories and mysteries,” puzzles, gardening, the Red Sox, and watching Jeopardy. She was beloved by many in her communities, both in Western Mass and back home, and was a true inspiration to all who knew her. A wake will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Southcoast Chapel Mortuary, 158 Middleboro Road, (RT.18), in E. Freetown from 4 to 8 pm. A graveside service will be on Friday, Sept. 16 at 12:00 noon at St. Anthony's Cemetery, North Street, in Mattapoisett. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org. Flowers are also welcome.