Virginia Cornelia de Ronde Becher, of Hamden, Connecticut and formerly of Marion, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in the early hours of Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the age of 82 after a long illness.

Virginia was born in Manhattan, New York on February 17, 1941 to Marguerite Tansey de Ronde and Richard Peter de Ronde. She was raised in Bayport, New York alongside her younger siblings Richard and Denise. In her early teens, Virginia lived with extended family members in The Netherlands, learning Dutch, attending school and sparking a lifelong love for the country of her ancestors.

Following her return to the United States, Virginia graduated from Bayport High School in 1959 and subsequently obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Keuka College in 1963 and a Master of Library Science from Pratt Institute in 1964. She established a rewarding career as a librarian at American Education Publications, the publishers of My Weekly Reader, from 1965 to 1967 in Middletown, Connecticut.

In 1967, Virginia married Robert MacAdoo Becher at Saint Ann's Episcopal Church in Sayville, New York. Following a move to Massachusetts and Robert's establishment of a general surgical practice in southeastern Massachusetts, Virginia and Robert raised their children Katherine and Robert in Canton, Massachusetts, eventually moving full time to Marion, Massachusetts, where they had previously spent summers since 1984.

Virginia was an active member and leader of many charitable, community, educational and ecclesiastical organizations, including Saint Gabriel's Episcopal Church, The Fortnightly Club of Brockton, The Beverly Yacht Club, Blue Hill Montessori School, Noble & Greenough School, The Park School, Thayer Academy, Fuller Craft Museum, WGBH Boston, Faith in Serving Humanity and the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church.

Virginia loved to cook for her family and friends, needlepoint, read, travel, eat French Toast with real maple syrup, do water aerobics and yoga, go to the beach, host gracious Christmas gatherings, sing and meet new people. Her sense of direction and ability to navigate without a map are legendary. She avoided eating fruit at any cost.

Virginia is survived by her husband, children and siblings; son-in-law Marc de Mul and daughter-in-law Daniela Hochreiter; and grandchildren Willem and Eleonor de Mul and Franziska and Otto Becher.

A light has been extinguished with Virginia's passing, though her elegant spirit will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of all who knew her and seek to emulate her superior ability to listen, curiosity, warm kindness, open-mindedness, ability to see the best in people, patience, unwavering ethical bearing and ever-embracing love.

A memorial service celebrating Virginia's life is scheduled for Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 11:00 am at Saint Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Marion, MA. Condolences may be sent to The Whitney Center at 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, Connecticut, 06517, attention Robert Becher. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a local public library in Virginia's name.

Conrad H. Roy, 75, of Mattapoisett died October 18, 2023 after a long illness at home.

He was married to Janice M. (Gaucher) Roy. Born in New Bedford, son of the late R. Marcel and C. Lorraine (Seguin) Roy, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

Conrad's journey led him through various vocations, with each chapter contributing to a rich and fulfilling life. A proud veteran of the US Navy, he served aboard the USS Independence aircraft carrier. At Vaitses Boat Yard, he honed his craft, demonstrating a deep passion for the art of boatbuilding. In the role of carpenter at Sullivan and Foster Construction, he exhibited a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality. He worked many years running the waterfront operations at Tabor Academy.

The pinnacle of his career was founding Tucker-Roy Marine Towing & Salvage Inc., an endeavor that reflected his love for the sea and maritime operations. Conrad took deep pride in his sons who continue to run the business, a testament to his enduring legacy.

In his later years, he found joy in devising salvage plans and closely monitoring the operation's progress, showcasing his unwavering dedication and passion for the maritime industry.

Conrad was an accomplished sailor, participating (and winning) many races in Buzzards Bay. He loved to sing, especially "Happy Birthday" and "You must have been a beautiful baby" among other show tunes. He had wicked sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh or blush. He especially loved to dazzle family and neighbors with fireworks shows over Mattapoisett harbor.

Conrad leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, craftsmanship, generosity and a deep love for his family. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for the lasting impact he had on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of sharing in his remarkable journey.

Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, Conrad Roy, Jr. of Wareham and Jonathan Roy and his wife Kristen of Rochester; a daughter, Rebecca (Roy) Maki and her husband Matthew of Marion; 3 sisters, Claudette Roy-Viall and her husband Philip of Glocester, RI, Michelle Letendre of New Bedford and Lorraine Roy-Hawkes of Naples, FL; 7 grandchildren, Camdyn Roy, Morgan Roy, Lillian Maki, Tucker Roy, Charles Maki, Ellsea Roy and Henri Roy; his mother-in-law, Constance Gaucher; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

He was the grandfather of the late Conrad H. Roy III.

His visiting hours will be held on Sunday, October 22nd from 4-6 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 23rd at 10 am in St. Anthony's Church. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Conrad's grandson, Conrad H. Roy III, to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038.

Stanley Thomas, 95, formerly of Mattapoisett, MA, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2023. He was the son of the late Irving and Clara Thomas.

Stan grew up in southern New Jersey, where he developed a love for the outdoors through hunting and fishing with his family. He excelled in high school as a varsity athlete, playing basketball, baseball, and track.

Stan served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer during the Korean War. Tall and smart in his uniform, he was featured in military training films. After his service, Stan worked at RCA as a draftsman and later in sales, where he met his wife Carolyn. Stan was actively involved in bowling leagues, golf, coaching school sports, and was a member of the Board of Education. He and his brother were part of a hunting group and they traveled to Maine every November for over fifty years.

After 25 years at RCA Stan moved his family to Maine and worked for Dielectric Communications as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. His love of the outdoors flourished there where he built a weekend ski chalet and spent many happy winters with his family. Stan was actively involved in his children's lives through coaching, participating in Indian Guides and Boy Scouts, and supporting all of their interests including attending their athletic events throughout their school years.

After retirement, Stan and Carolyn moved to Mattapoisett, MA to be closer to their grandchildren. He remained an avid golfer well into his 90's.

In his free time, Stan enjoyed reading, woodworking, and following sports. He initially cheered for his home team, the Phillies, but eventually switched allegiances to the Red Sox and Patriots after moving to Maine. He put his woodworking skills to good use, crafting furniture and frames for his daughter's photography business, and also spent many hours working on home improvement projects with his children.

Stan is survived by his wife Carolyn (Smith) Thomas and daughter Sandra Thomas (Kevin Brown) and son Jay (Kay) Thomas and grandchildren Nicole, Jack, Hallie, and Reilly. He is predeceased by his sister Dorothy Thomas and brother Richard Thomas.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Newfield House, Plymouth, MA.

A celebration of his life is planned at The Village at Duxbury, 290 Kingstown Way, Duxbuy, MA on November 11 at 12 pm.

Michael W. Corrigan of Mattapoisett, formerly of Vienna, Virginia, passed away on October 14th, 2023. He was born on February 25th, 1959, to the late Admiral Donald T. Corrigan and Ann (Welch) in Fall River, Massachusetts. He was raised in Fall River and Somerset. He graduated from Providence College in 1981 then attended the Naval War College/Salve Regina where he earned his MS in National Security Policy and Decision Making.

In 1981, he began a 28-year career with Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Camp Pendleton, California. He was then selected as the Agent Afloat aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN - 68) where he was involved with the Walker Spy Investigation. After being in the Middle East, he returned to Newport, Rhode Island where he was the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Foreign Counterintelligence. In 1990, Mike was appointed Resident Agent in Charge of Earle, New Jersey. In 1995, Mike was assigned to the Joint Counterintelligence Support Branch in the Pentagon as a Senior CI Staff Officer. Mike was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his participation in the Robert Kim espionage investigation. In 2003, Mike moved to the Deputy Assistant Director role for all investigative support. Upon his retirement, he worked for Crossmatch and Sonavation Technology Companies from 2009-2014. He then started his own consulting company until 2017.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathleen (Quinlan), his daughter Katherine, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Carolyn and granddaughter Lily of Washington D.C. He is also survived by sister Beth Tucker, Brother-in-law Tom and sister Caroline. He was also close to his in-laws, Cheryl and Paul Coucci, Tim and Kim Quinlan, Nancy Quinlan and several nieces and nephews.

Mike was the ultimate storyteller who hardly met a stranger. He was a strong competitor who played golf at Newport Country Club for most of his life and earned accolades for Rugby in his earlier days. Mike was a devoted father and husband who always supported his family. Over the past couple years, Mike faced many medical obstacles that he faced with bravery and determination. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of Flowers, please donate on behalf of Mike to the Corrigan Family Scholarship Fund at Providence College.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 19th at 10 am in St. Anthony's Church. The public is invited to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 18th from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Nancy D. (Coleman) Rodrigues, 77, of Mattapoisett died October 10, 2023 at Sippican Healthcare Center.

She was the wife of the late Paul W. Rodrigues.

Born in Cambridge, daughter of the late Edmund F. and Dorothea (McPartlan) Coleman, she was raised in Dorchester and lived in Mattapoisett most of her life.

She was a former member of the Jensen Beach American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed spending time with her family, painting, reading and watching TV.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Fidelis Hospice and Sippican Healthcare Center for the care Nancy received.

Survivors include her daughter, Michelle Bergeron and her husband Wayne of Dartmouth; 2 sons, Paul Rodrigues and his wife Kimberly of Carver and Todd Rodrigues and his wife Maurine of Fairhaven; a brother, Richard Coleman of Fairhaven; a sister, Donna Lopes of Stuart, FL; 6 grandchildren, Ashley, Michael, Corey, Kailee, Kamryn and Kaitlyn; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Paul Coleman and Edmund Coleman, Jr.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, October 22nd at 12 Noon in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her family will receive guests on Sunday from 10 AM - 12 Noon prior to her service. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Douglas A. Nye, 68, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023, in Plymouth Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Plymouth. He was the husband of the late Joanne M. (Boys) Nye.

Dougie was born in Wareham on December 16, 1954, and lived in Marion all of his life. He graduated from Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in 1973.

Douglas worked as a Welder in the Facility Department at Tabor Academy for 30 years.

He dedicated his life to public service and selflessly gave himself to the Marion Fire Department where he served for over 40 years and was Captain of Engine #1. His love for work and family was evident to anyone that knew him, always showing up for both whenever called.

He was a member of the Marion Fire Association. He loved playing guitar, listening to music, and never missed a Nascar race. His fondest memories include these three loves, and spending time sitting on the back deck at his brother, Natie's home.

Survivors include his mother, Rosalind (Abreu) Nye of Marion; 2 sons, Douglas A. Nye, Jr. of ME and Ryan C. Nye of New Bedford; 3 brothers, Nate Nye and his wife, Jody, Steve Nye and his wife, Heidi and Chris Nye and his wife, April all of Marion; his step children, Christopher McCra, Robert McCra, Steven (McCra) Slater and his husband Sean Slater of E. Providence, RI, Angela Cathcart and Keith Cathcart; grandsons, Henry William Nye of New Bedford and Brandon Wilbur; granddaughters, McCayla Dupont and Destany Galary; several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Nathan B. Nye, Sr.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

His graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Evergreen Cemetery, Marion.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc., 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 or to the Dementia Society, P.O. Box 610, Doylestown, PA 18901.

Evelyn Ann Ellis, 73 of Plantation, FL (formerly of Mattapoisett, MA) passed away suddenly on October 2, 2023. She was born on September 23, 1950, in Quincy, MA, (William and Bertha Simpson). Loving wife of Timothy Ellis of Plantation, FL. The loving mother of Sean Ellis and his wife, Kathleen (Davenport) of Medford, MA. Devoted mother of Nicholas Ellis of Plantation, FL. Loving grandmother of Frankie and Declan Ellis of Medford, MA. Dear Sister of William Simpson III and Thomas Simpson of Mattapoisett, MA, James Simpson of Eustis, FL, Priscilla and her husband Kenneth McDonald of Braintree, MA. Also survived by her nieces and nephews.

Evelyn graduated from Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing and had a remarkable 40-year career as a registered nurse, working in hospitals, nursing homes, home health, and case management. Her hobbies focused on the arts, primarily painting and the theater. Evelyn was a caring and loving person who truly enjoyed serving Christ through service to others.

Memorial services will be held at Plantation Baptist Church, 11700 NW 28th Ct, Plantation, FL on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn's name can be made to Sheridan House Family Ministries, 1700 S. Flamingo Rd, Davie, Florida 33325, www.sheridanhouse.kindful.com.

An Additional memorial service will be held at Saint Anthony Church, 26 Hammond St, Mattapoisett, MA 02739 on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, at 10 am. Interment will be held at a later date.

Barbara Bullock Gee (86) of Marion, MA, a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many passed away peacefully at home, after a short illness, on September 28, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born in Schenectady, NY on March 14, 1937, the beloved daughter of Boyd and Grace Bullock. Barbara attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where she studied journalism and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Barbara married Kenneth Gee on October 12, 1957 in Coshocton, OH. She was pre-deceased by her husband Ken in November 2012. Those left to cherish her memory include their three children daughter Judy, of Dover, MA son Clark and his wife Margaret of Marion, MA and son Ron of Golden, CO, three grandchildren Andy Lewis and his wife Lindsay, Amanda and her husband Ryan Schaub of Charlotte, NC, and Austin Lewis of Dover, MA, and one great grandchild Chase Schaub of Charlotte, NC.

Barbara produced special musical events for institutions including the Atlanta Symphony, the Seattle Opera, the National Ballet of Canada, The Red Auerbach Foundation, and the Boston Ballet. Her business theatre career began in 1980 with the founding of Fashion Marketing Inc., producing national designer fashion shows for Vogue Magazine, Chanel, Bob Mackie, Arnold Scaasi, Louis Feraud, Escada, Balmain, Lanvin, Akris, Gucci, Valentino, among others, and trade shows and corporate sales meetings for such clients as Timberland, Avon Products, Titleist, Dupont, Converse, Keds, TJ Maxx, Ellesse and Talbots. Barbara arranged personal appearance events for celebrity talents including Elizabeth Taylor, Izabella Rossellini, and Robert Parish. A tour produced for Sports Illustrated, starring U.S. Jr. Olympic Gymnasts led to an opportunity to produce Easter at the White House, the children's show presented by the First Lady each year on the South Lawn. Barbara produced this show for Mrs. Clinton from 1995-1998. She also directed the theatrical, dance and scenic elements for the Isabella Stewart Gardiner Museum Rembrandt Ball "On the Road to Leiden" in 1999 and wrote, produced and directed a short musical about the life of Elizabeth Taber "Our Fair Lady" in 2015.

Barbara was a long-time member of Sippican Tennis Club, Beverly Yacht Club, and The Kittansett Club.

There will be a celebration of life party (she always loved a good party) at the New Bedford Whaling Museum on Sunday November 12, 2023. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Buzzards Bay Music Festival. Link: https://buzzardsbaymusicfest.com/donate/

Patricia Stoycos Loucks, 85, died on September 27, 2023 at Homestead Village in Lancaster, PA following a long illness. She was born on May 29, 1938 to the late Marshall and Eleanor Ross in Mattapoisett, MA, the small and beautiful coastal town where she grew up. She was a graduate of Chatham College in Pittsburgh, PA where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts. Prior thereto, she attended the Northfield School for Girls in Northfield, MA.

Following college, she moved to New York City and worked as a proofreader for McGraw Hill. Following marriage and the birth of a son, she moved with her family to Cleveland, OH. They relocated to Lancaster in 1966, where she gave birth to a daughter. Over the next 30 years, she worked as a part-time proofreader for The Fulton Press, a real estate agent with Puffer & Associates, and a volunteer in the Fulton Opera House box office.

Patricia was a fiercely devoted wife and mother and dedicated her life to the happiness and well-being of her family. She had many dear friends with whom she enjoyed spending time. She was an accomplished and prolific watercolorist who won numerous awards for her paintings. She was a member of the Lancaster Art Association and displayed her work at local art shows. Her style and technique evolved in her later years from a traditional approach to one involving vibrant opaque colors that often incorporated elements of collage.

Her remarkable imagination, creativity, and vision also manifested with home renovations, which gave her great joy. In 1980, she worked with an architect and builder to transform a stone mill built in 1770 that had provided flour for General Washington's troops during the Revolutionary War into a modern home where she and her family lived for many years.

She was deeply passionate about the eight cocker spaniels that she raised over the years. She enjoyed traveling and went to many interesting destinations, including a walking tour of England, visits to Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, and France, several trips to Greece, the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway, and the Island of Tortolla, British Virgin Islands, a place that she and her first husband loved. She was a member of Highland Presbyterian Church, and later the Unitarian Universalist Church, both in Lancaster.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband of 35 years, Alexander V. Stoycos and her second husband of 23 years, John A. Loucks, both of Lancaster. She was also predeceased by three sisters-in-law, Veronika Ross of Fairhaven, MA; Anna S. Loucks of Cookeville, TN; and Joan S. Mokas of Dayton, OH as well as a stepdaughter, Billie Ann Kuklinski of Charlotte, NC.

She is lovingly survived by her two children, William R. Stoycos, Lancaster, PA and Sarah M. Stoycos, Rockville, MD; her brother, John M. Ross, Fairhaven, MA; two grandchildren, Noah B. Stoycos, Winston-Salem, NC and Alexander L. Stoycos, Lancaster, PA; and four stepchildren and their spouses: John A. and Susan D. Loucks, Colorado Springs, CO; Stephanie L. and Robert H. Burcham, Knoxville, TN; Gregory L. and Karen K. Loucks, Newport Beach, CA; and Michael T. and Deborah P. Loucks, Knoxville, TN. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Harry Mokas, Jr., Dayton, OH, six step-grandchildren, and five step-great grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at Cushing Cemetery, Mattapoisett followed by a meal. Relatives and friends will be invited to a memorial service in Lancaster to be held at Homestead Village at a later date. Memorial gifts in Patricia's name may be directed to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741, (435) 919-3835, bestfriends.org.

Please visit Patricia's memorial page at www.TheGroffs.com

Bob Vanstone, 89, died at home on September 26, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with his daughters, Gail and Marianne by his side.

Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, he was an acclaimed and groundbreaking mechanical engineer, devising and furthering the use of aluminum in aerial fire engine ladder construction which became the bulk of his esteemed career.

Bob enjoyed a few hobbies but his passion was his wooden boat, "DUTCHMAN", which he lovingly maintained for 56 years. From fishing and lobstering in Buzzard's Bay to cocktail cruises on the rivers and canals of Fort Lauderdale, "DUTCHMAN" was his pride and joy, and ultimately was donated to a wooden boat restoration specialist for their collection.

Bob spent his last few years enjoying the view from his waterfront condo, an avid boat enthusiast to the end.