Elizabeth (Chase) Helm, 95, formerly of Marion, MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family in Norwell on January 22, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Robert Helm in 2017. Bette was born in Wolfeboro, NH and moved to Newton, MA where she attended Newton High School, Mt. Ida Jr. College, and Framingham State. She trained as a flight attendant and after marrying worked as an Administrative Assistant at Harvard University. She later worked at Needham High School in the Foreign Language Department. Bette and Bob lived in Needham for many years before retiring to Marion, MA in 1978.

Bette is survived by four sons and their wives: Stephen Bradford Helm and wife Julie of Sewickley, PA; W. Jeffrey Helm and wife Cynthia of Scituate, MA, Mark Willard Helm and wife Lynn of Walpole, MA; and Peter Starbuck Helm and wife Jeanne Herrick of Canterbury, NH. She leaves 11 loving grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

As a mother of four sons, she was a dedicated Cub Scouts Den Mother, Sunday School teacher at Christ Church Episcopal Needham, and an active volunteer heading up the high school band parent organizations.

She summered as a child in Mattapoisett. When they moved to Marion Village, they moored their sailboat 'Caprice' in Marion and loved sailing Buzzards Bay. She and Bob were active members of the Beverly Yacht Club, serving as House Chair and on several racing committees. She enjoyed sailing with Bob and BYC on their many cruises to Down East Maine.

Her interests were in many local groups including quilting and knitting, tennis, and especially gardening. Her flowers brought smiles to so many, and her gardens were often on local garden tours.

She loved St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Marion and volunteered at Friendship Tables and Damien's Pantry. Bette enjoyed a love of music, especially playing her organ and piano. She and Bob loved attending the New Bedford Symphony.

A memorial service will be held at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, 124 Front St., Marion, MA on Sunday, March 10th at 1:00 pm.

In Lieu of Flowers, contributions may be made in Bette's name to St. Gabriel's Mission, 124 Front St., PO Box 545, Marion, MA 02738, https://stgabrielsmarion.org/, or to the Alzheimer's Association https://alz.org.

Rayna Lee Caplan, 83, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts died peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Rayna was born in Malden, Massachusetts but grew up in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, the daughter of the late Joseph and Rhoda (Klasky) Caplan. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy and Lasell College.

Rayna raised her family in Lexington, Massachusetts and lived there, in Lincoln, Massachusetts and in her beloved cottage in Mattapoisett for her adult life. The cottage was her home away from home, where she spent weekends and summers, before finally moving down permanently. She warmly welcomed countless friends and family to her cottage so they could enjoy a place she found so special.

Rayna was a voracious reader, an extensive world traveler, skilled trifle maker, expert antiquer, and lover of theater and film. A cultured, inquisitive, adventurous woman who was full of immense joy, Rayna loved others, and was at her happiest when connecting with friends, family and acquaintances.

Rayna was always committed to social justice. During the 1970's, she protested for better housing in Boston and later in life was elected onto committees for Lincoln town planning and housing issues. She marched in Washington in support of gay rights and she was a lifelong advocate for women's rights.

Rayna worked in corporate travel for many years, a profession she loved and one that offered her the opportunity to visit numerous countries. Multiple times per year, for many years, Rayna would fly off to faraway lands, with the zeal and fearlessness of someone many years her junior.

Rayna was an incredibly warm and generous soul, who, throughout her life, gave back to her communities and took immense pleasure in doing so. Whether volunteering at the Lincoln Public Library, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library or the community centers in both towns, caring for the elderly or for children in her spare time, Rayna had a huge heart, which is epitomized in the vast number of deep and lasting friendships she forged along the way.

She is survived by her sister, Gloria Caplan, her step-children, Timothy Norster and Louise Norster Arthur; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her brother, Harvey Caplan.

We will be holding a brief memorial service outside at Ned's Point Lighthouse, 50 Ned's Point Road in Mattapoisett on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10:30am. Immediately following the service, friends and family will gather at Bocca Restaurant, 100 Alden Road in Fairhaven.

For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Lola G. (Semiao) Mach, 93, of Mattapoisett died January 6, 2024 at St. Luke's Hospital.

She was the wife of the late Theodore Mach, Jr.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Manuel G. and Olivia (Tavares) Semiao, she lived in Mattapoisett most of her life.

Mrs. Mach was formerly employed as a clerk at the Star Store for many years before becoming a teacher's aide with the New Bedford Public School System.

Survivors include her son, Steven Mach and his wife Cheryl of Mattapoisett; a brother, Lionel Semiao of New Bedford; a grandson, Pierce Randall of Salem, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Ronald Semiao, Dolores Guellette, Antone Gomes, John Semiao, Manuel Semiao, Jack Semiao, Julia Benton and Mary Camara.

Her Funeral will be held on Saturday, January 13th at 9 am in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday, January 12th from 4-6 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Ingrid Elizabeth Hellgren, born on April 26, 1958, spent the summers of her childhood on Converse Road in Marion with her late grandparents, Harry and Thelma Kramer Ostenfeld; and lived there most recently from 2011 through 2013. The youngest child of the late Tage and Beryl Ostenfeld Hellgren, Ingrid was born in the Poconos of Pennsylvania and lived there for 19 years. She passed away suddenly on January 6, 2024 in Port Charlotte, Florida leaving a void in many hearts.

Ingrid loved Silvershell Beach! It was the first place she wanted to go when she arrived on Converse Road as a child, and her favorite place to relax, read, and think as an adult. Like her grandmother Thelma, a pianist and music teacher, Ingrid loved music, learning several instruments, and attending as many live music events as possible throughout her life, including Friday night band concerts. She also loved to spend time with Gilda at the Stone Rooster, helping with preparations for the regular jazz nights in the summer.

An excellent and very creative cook and baker, Ingrid loved making special things for neighbors and friends, and always kept them laughing with her quirky sense of humor. Along with music and baking, Ingrid loved animals, especially elephants and ponies, though she never had one of her own. However, while a teenager in Pennsylvania, she worked at a wild animal farm where she cared for many exotics including Boa Constrictors, Tarantulas, and a Siberian tiger. Her own pets also included spiders and snakes, as well as a raccoon, squirrel, and many cats. Her beloved dogs, Hooligan, a Jack Russell and Kona, a Golden Lab, loved exploring Washburn Park in the summer, and running along Silvershell in the winter.

Ingrid is survived by her partner, Chuck Trites of Port Charlotte; her children, Carmine P. Crudele (Jennifer) of Plantation and Britt A. Crudele (Tyler Auner) of Tamarac, both in Florida; her sisters, Tonie Y. Waters of Inverness, FL and Janne Hellgren (Jack Boesen) of Marion, and her brother, Peter B. Hellgren of Stroudsburg. She is also survived by her nephews, Christian P. Waters of Cadillac, MI, and Erik L. Waters of Inverness; maternal cousins, Kenneth and Michael Grieve and Kat Gray and their families in Michigan; and her paternal uncle Ebbe Hellgren and cousins Jorgen and Ariel Hellgren and their families in Sweden. She was predeceased by her sister, Christa R. Hellgren, and by her aunt, Joan Ostenfeld Grieve (Tabor '54).

A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday on Ft. Myers Beach in Florida. Remembrances would be greatly appreciated to a food bank or an animal rescue facility.

Beverly A. Briggs (Nickerson), 91, of Marion, MA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 3, 2024 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband Carlton "Carly" F. Briggs. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Edith Nickerson of Marion, MA (formerly of Brockton, MA). Born and raised in Brockton, Beverly spent much of her childhood summering at family homes in both Scituate and later Marion, where she met Carly in her teenage years. Beverly moved to Marion upon marrying Carly in 1952.

"Bev" as she was known, worked with her husband supporting him however she could after Carly successfully launched C.F. Briggs, Inc. in 1964. Bev busily balanced the various tasks in support of the business while caring for her four children and managing the home. This continued until Carly's passing in 1977 and the transitioning of the business to son Dale Briggs.

Being very much a people person, Bev would eventually work at the Marion & Mattapoisett Pharmacy, which she enjoyed immensely. With her fun-loving personality and good listening skills she was loved by both co-workers and customers alike. For leisure activity Bev enjoyed boating, trips to Cuttyhunk, and most importantly time spent with family and friends. She would often meet a few of her many friends for a walk or coffee at Uncle Jon's or Dunkin' Donuts. Bev also spent many enjoyable hours gardening and taking care of her yard.

Bev's wish was to be able to remain at home throughout the course of her life and recent illness. This was accomplished in large part by her granddaughter Nicole who provided much of the day-to-day care and compassion to have this wish fulfilled.

Bev is survived by her brother Robert Nickerson and wife Joan of Brockton, sister-in-law June (Briggs) Martin of Middleboro, son Dale Briggs and wife Laura of Marion, daughter Deb Thornhill and husband Dan of Acton, ME, daughter Diane Lynch of Mattapoisett, and son Scott Briggs of Marion.

Also survived by several grandchildren; Nicole VanDerPol and husband Matt of Marion; Timothy Briggs and fiance Chas Willis of Rochester; Andrew Fatula of Mattapoisett; Jessica Murphy and husband Adam of Rochester; Jennifer Wilson and husband David of Fairhaven; and Brittany Briggs of New Bedford.

Several great grandchildren: Alexandra (Lexi), Isabella, Ava and Matthew Jr. VanDerPol; Hailey and Adam Jr. Murphy; Kynlee, Connor and Kendyl Briggs.

Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to attend her graveside service at Old Landing Cemetery, Spring St., Marion, on January 19, 2024., 11:00 am.

Mary (Weldon) Doherty, 80, of Marion died Thursday, December 28th, 2023 after a period of declining health due to Parkinson's disease. She was born in Mineola, New York on January 26th, 1943 and grew up in Norwalk, CT. She was the cherished daughter of the late Francis J. and Marion (O'Reilly) Weldon. She attended Lauralton Hall in Milford, CT and graduated from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. She spent her junior year at the London School of Economics. After college she lived and worked in New York City where she met her husband. They moved to Marion, MA after the birth of their sons. She was the devoted wife of William J. Doherty of Marion, MA and the loving mother of William J. Doherty Jr. of Fairhaven, MA and Joseph Burke and his wife, Jaime, of Dedham, MA. She was the loving grandmother of William, Jake, and Madison Doherty.

For 26 years, Mary served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences in Plymouth, MA. Mary was thoughtful, gracious, and kind; she was often referred to as an angel on earth. She was ever so curious and inquisitive; asking questions and intently listening to those around her. She lived vicariously through the stories and adventures of those she knew well and those she just met. She loved nothing more than spending time with her extended and loving family and friends.

Mary is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Francis J. Weldon and his wife Patricia, William Weldon and his wife Betty, Patricia Buchbinder and her husband Paul, Ann Tracz and her husband Ron, and Eileen Smith and her husband Dave, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 4th from 4 - 7 pm at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals at 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, January 5th at St. Rita's Church at 121 Front Street, Marion, MA. Interment for family will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Marion, MA. A light luncheon will follow at the Marion Music Hall at 164 Front Street, Marion, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham, MA where Mary was fortunate to be able to participate in multiple Parkinson's related programs. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Alan G. Inman, 82, of Marion, died Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home unexpectedly.

Born in Taunton, he was the son of the late Clayton and Lillian (Rogers) Inman. A longtime resident of Marion, Mr. Inman worked as a utility operator for the Town of Marion Water and Sewer Division for many years. He retired in 1999.

Known to friends and family as "Lanny", he could be found boating on Buzzards Bay in his vessels, "Leprechaun" and "Bossa Nova". He took many trips to Red Brook Harbor and the Chart Room. He enjoyed clamming and quahoging so much that his friends and family also called him "Clamming Lanny".

Alan was an animal lover and enjoyed cat, "Susie". He also enjoyed New England sports teams, especially the Patriots and taking trips to Florida to visit family.

He was the brother of the late Stephen J. Inman and his late wife Virginia Inman.

Services were private.

Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Michael J. Kauranen, 78, of Rochester, died Monday, December 25, 2023 at his home in Rochester after a long illness. He was the husband of Patricia (Stowe) Kauranen. They had been married for 60 years.

Born in Cambridge, England, he was the son of the late Joyce (Chandler) and Uuno N. Kauranen. Mr. Kauranen was a union carpenter and a member of New England Carpenters Local # 346 in Weymouth. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war from 1962 to 1965.

Mr. Kauranen enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping, but most importantly spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Kauranen of Rochester; his children, Terri Vroom and her husband Charles of Wareham; Kerri Correia of Rochester, Michael J. Kauranen, Jr. and his wife Melissa of Wareham and Mark Kauranen and his wife Michelle of New Bedford; his siblings, Maureen Rounds, Kevin Kauranen and Robert Grassi all of Wareham. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, the late Sherri Ashley.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 - 7 pm. A funeral service will follow at 7 pm. Interment will be at a later date.

For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Jean Garvey, 93, of Andover, died peacefully on Monday, December 25, 2023.

Born in Dover, NH, daughter of the late Leo and Evelyn (Morin) Garvey, she spent most of her life living in Washington, D.C. After retiring Jean lived in Jefferson, Maine where she built her own house.

Jean was formerly employed as a linguist for the federal government for many years. She held her pilots license and enjoyed playing the fiddle. Jean liked going out to eat and socializing with others. She loved cats.

Jean was a graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston.

Survivors include her brother, Richard Garvey and his wife Pat of Rochester; her sisters Susie Garvey of Rochester, Mary McLaughlin of Andover; and a sister-in-law Joan Garvey; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Leo, Jr., John, and Patricia.

A private burial will take place at a later date. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Alan O. Stickles, of Marion, MA & Venice, FL, passed away on December 18, 2023. He was the loving husband of Jocelyn M. Stickles whom he was happily married for over 63 years. Born in Springfield, MA, he was predeceased by his parents, Homer and Ethel Stickles of West Hartford, CT and his brother Homer (Bud) Stickles of East Hartford, CT and Edgartown, MA.

He is survived by his wife Jocelyn Stickles of Marion, MA and Venice FL, his sons Robert (Allison Vibert) of Marion, MA, Richard (Jayne Neville) of Port Charlotte, FL, five Grandchildren Sarah Tuetken (David) of North Smithfield, RI, Holly Weeden (Evan) of Mattapoisett, MA, Robert Stickles II (Elisabeth) of Plymouth, MA, Taylor Stickles of St. Petersburg, FL, and Jillian Stickles of Hamden, CT; three great grandchildren Hadlee, Thomas and Madeline.

He attended the University of Connecticut where he was an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, and Class Treasurer of his graduating class of 1959. After completing his military service in the army, he joined the Travelers Insurance Company group Sales Department completing a distinguished thirty-three-year sales management career. In 1993 he established the independent brokerage firm, Stickles Insurance Agency, which his son Robert continues to own and operate.

Al was very active in the Communities he lived in. He was a past Commodore and long-time member of The Beverly Yacht Club serving on many committees and as an active racer. As an avid golfer, he was a member of The Kittansett Club participating in numerous tournaments and as part of the "Wobblers" group. He was also a member of the Pelican Pointe Club in Venice, FL and enjoyed playing golf with friends and mixed tournaments with his wife. Lastly, he was a long-term member of Bay Colony Associates enjoying the many friendships he made.

Al had a great sense of humor, was quick-witted, making his friends smile often. His smile resonated to everyone he met. No matter if it was his nephews, nieces, grandchildren or the neighborhood kids, Al always seemed to be at the epi center of fun.

He loved spending time with his family, never missing his son's hockey, baseball and football games in the younger years and was never happier than when he was with his family. He loved all outdoor activities including playing tennis and golf with Jocey, as well as racing his Bullseye at the Beverly Yacht Club with his 2 sons. Al & Jocey enjoyed a wonderful life together, traveling with friends to numerous destinations, never turning down social events or cocktail parties, often being the life of the party. It was a life well lived, and he will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Community Nurse Home Care, 62 Center Street Fairhaven, Ma 02719.

Baldwin Brothers of Venice is honored to serve the Stickles family.