Amy L. Gamache-Blood

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Amy L. Gamache-Blood, 46, of Fairhaven and formerly of Marion, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

            Born in New Bedford, daughter of Patricia A. (King) Cullen and her husband Thomas of Rochester and Raymond L. Gamache, Jr. of Dartmouth, she grew up in Wareham where she graduated from Wareham High School, and she lived in Marion until recently moving to Fairhaven. Amy was also a graduate of Wheelock College in Boston.

            A deep thinker, an Earth lover, a stealth sense of humor, and always full of style and grace. Amy’s prized possessions will forever be her two daughters. She had the ability to light up any room with her contagious smile and laughter. A magical and mystical Aunt to all of her nieces and nephews. Her home was filled with positive energy, tinctures, herbs, healing stones and the very best hugs. She was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. May her soul be with us for as long as we walk this Earth.

            Beside her parents, Amy leaves her two daughters, Chloe Jane Blood and her companion Pierre Thibodeau of Wareham and Peyton Elisabeth Blood and her companion Cameron Pierce of Rochester; her maternal grandfather, Milton King of Falmouth; her paternal grandmother, Florence Gamache of Fairhaven; her brothers, Mark Arone and his wife Meagan of Lakeville, Bradford Arone and his wife Danae of Marion and Julian Gamache of Sterling; her sisters, Erin Bishop and her husband Robert of Rochester and Victoria Gamache of Dartmouth; her Godchildren, Abigail Patricia Johnson and Jared Barrows, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Amy was the sister of the late Raymond L. Gamache, III.

            Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7pm in the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven. Her funeral will be Friday, February 25, 2022 at 9am from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Joseph’s Church, Fairhaven. Interment will be in Centre Cemetery, Rochester. For facility directions and memorial register please visit, www.hathawayfunerals.com.

Ronald J. Labbe

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Ronald J. Labbe, 88, of Marion died Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Tobey Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Mary (Morais) Labbe.

            Born in New Bedford, son of the late Emil and Alice (Carrier) Labbe, he lived in New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Marion during his life.

            He was a communicant of St. Rita’s Church.

            Ronald honorably served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

            He was formerly employed as a corrections officer for the Massachusetts Department of Correction for 30 years until his retirement.

            Ronald enjoyed watching TV, playing pool, and spending time with his family.

            He is survived by his wife, Mary; three sons, Stephen Labbe and his wife Stacy, James Labbe and his wife Grace, and Robert Labbe; seven grandchildren, Jared, Elizabeth, Austin, Nicole, Timothy, and Justine Labbe, and Colton Truman; and many nieces and nephews.

            He was predeceased by his sisters, Lorraine Nault and Claudette Labbe.

            His Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 10 am at St. Rita’s Church, 115 Front St., Marion, with everyone meeting directly at the Church. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

FY23 Operating Budget Up 3.38 Percent

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There is still plenty of pencil sharpening and number crunching to be done by Town Administrator Mike Lorenco and the finance team at Town Hall, but the preliminary FY23 general fund operating budget currently stands at $30,913,841, 3.38 percent over expected FY22. The draft budget was rolled out during the February 22 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board.

            Lorenco said driving the increase were such things as retirement payouts up by 8 percent, health insurance up 8 percent, and utility and fuel costs that keep rising. On the revenue side, Lorenco is forecasting a 20-percent drop-off from FY22. He said that it is possible the state’s contribution will increase by $140,000, but those numbers won’t be solidified for some weeks.

            Regarding new growth, Lorenco said that building permits are expected to decrease due to rising material costs, something that directly impacts the building trades. However, a new local meals tax is expected to bring in as much or more than $60,000. He’s projecting a modest increase from local receipts once the books close in July.

            The board and Lorenco also discussed village roadway engineering plans by VHB, Inc. that have been underway for some time. The engineering group has been under contract to produce up to 75-percent engineered drawings as required by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the long-planned roadway improvements to Main, Water and Beacon streets and Marion Road. Lorenco said that the firm was asking for an additional 142 hours to reach the 75-percent mark. The additional time and a new rate schedule could drive the cost up as much as $40,000, Lorenco said.

            Board member Tyler Macallister asked that VHB be asked to justify the increase in hours, given that the original estimates were based on their calculations for how long the project would take to design. Lorenco said he would also look at what monies had already been appropriated by Town Meeting for the project.

            In other business, two local business owners met with the Select Board for hearings to discuss changes to their operations.

            Coming before the board was Michael Sandofsky to discuss his plans for opening a market in the Ropewalk complex on Route 6. While some work had begun, Sandofsky said that no work is taking place now. There were some issues with permits that he believed he had in place. Local building officials did not agree, instead citing that the work that had taken place did not meet Massachusetts State Building Code.

            The board was supportive of Sinofsky’s new business plans, explaining to him that he would need at least one common victualer license but possibly two if the Walrus and Captain DBA is going to be used. These licenses would be necessary for the selling of prepared foods. Sandofsky will also need to apply for a liquor license, as his business model includes the retailing of high-end wines and beer.

            The board continued the public hearing until March 22, but Chairman Jordan Collyer asked that construction permits be in order within 48 hours. The board agreed to keep the project moving in a forward direction.

            Richard Pasquill, owner of Turks Seafood Restaurant, asked the board to consider allowing the outdoor sitting area that was first constructed to keep his business going during the height of the pandemic when indoor dining was restricted. Pasquill said that he reconfigured the interior of the building and now uses two former indoor dining areas for takeout service and prep space. He noted that, in spite of the challenges faced during COVID-19, a better workflow was created for both his staff and serving the public. The space in question is a 30-foot by 60-foot canopied area with 10 tables. The request was unanimously approved.

            The extension of Park Lane, a public way, was discussed with Attorney Patricia McArdle and David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone Inc., representatives for Scott and Margo Atkinson. At issue is that Park Lane, although a public way, was never completed. The Atkinsons have a two-lot subdivision approved on the other side the railroad easement that bisects the unfinished Park Lane roadway.

            The development of the lots has been hung up as engineering and legal issues were resolved. On Tuesday night, it was up to the Select Board to grant permission for a private party to complete a public roadway. The board agreed the 123-foot extension project could move forward pending review and written confirmation by the Fire Department, the Highway Department and a confirming letter from the town’s peer-review consultant.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, at 6:30pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Academic Achievements

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Maeve B. McEnroe of Marion was named to first honors on the Clark University Dean’s List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Fall 2021 semester. Students must have a GPA of 3.8 or above for first honors or a GPA between 3.50 and 3.79 for second honors.

            Isabella Rodrigues of Mattapoisett is among the students named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester. The requirement to make Dean’s List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for that semester. Rodrigues is majoring in Writing, Lit and Publishing and is a member of the Class of 2022.

            The University of Maine recognized 3,102 students for achieving Dean’s List honors in the fall 2021 semester including Grace Magee of Marion and Emma Knox of Mattapoisett

            The following Tri-Town students who were named to the Dean’s List at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for the Fall 2021 semester. In order to qualify, an undergraduate student must receive a 3.5 grade-point average or better on a four-point scale.

            From Marion: Marisa Cofone, Jacob Dorothy, Nicole Wu Sha Fantoni, Lauren Elizabeth Gonsalves, Daniel Yunhui Hartley, Tyler Clark Mann, Dillon Aguilera Romig, Georgia Mary Toland and Isabelle Grace Tse.

            From Mattapoisett: Samantha Lynn Ball, Michael Thomas Barry, Danya Hildreth Bichsel, Mary Clare Butler, Danielle Elizabeth Craig, Aidan Patrick Downey, Megan McGregor Field, Abigail Sarah Horan, Meghan Mary Horan, Ryu Bao Huynh-Aoyama, Victoria Lynne Kvilhaug, Jack Landry LeBrun, Morgan Luisa Mendonca, Samantha Nicolosi, Carly Angel O’Connell, Jonathan Jorge Pereira and Jahn A Pothier Jr..

            From Rochester: Colby Ryan Alves, Erin Patricia Burke, Celia Grace Deverix, Arissa Francis, Sydney Elizabeth Green, Luke Hanson, Amelia Ann Isabelle, Alisha Corinne Mackin, Noah Massaad, Gabriel C Noble Shriver and Raymond Walter Williams.

Michael Edgar Couture

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Michael Edgar Couture died at home on February 18, 2022, in his eighty-sixth year. Born January 23, 1937, to Anna (Olszowy) Couture Piekelniak and Edgar Couture, he was the beloved Godson and nephew of Rose (Couture) and Ernest Quintin.

            He is lovingly remembered by his wife of thirty-three years, Diane Brown-Couture; his son Quintin and his partner Jenny Lee Paiva and grandson Chase Couture, all of Wareham; daughter Jennifer Posey and her husband Kevin, and granddaughters Alyson and Danielle Rentschler, all of Mechanicsville, MD. He is survived by his sister JoAnn Souza and her husband Thomas of Fairhaven and was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth Rose and brother John.

            Mr. Couture enjoyed a long career in journalism, writing for the Standard Times, Palm Beach Post Times, and Boca Raton News, among others. His plays were produced by Gateway Playhouse, Fitchburg State College Theatre Festival, and Culture*Park.

            He is remembered for his kindness, compassion, hospitality, and great love of classical music, theatre, literature, nature, wildlife, and all animals. He spent his early retirement years taking courses at UMass Dartmouth, loved travel, Martha’s Vineyard, and annual trips to Quebec City, his ancestral home. His loved ones cherish memories of his stories, broad smile, and robust laugh.

            The Couture family deeply appreciates the exceptional care and support provided by Community Nurse Home Care. A remembrance service will be held on March 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett, followed by interment at Cushing Cemetery. The family will receive guests from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mattapoisett Land Trust, P.O. Box 31, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, would be greatly appreciated.

Stephen C. Myers

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Stephen C. Myers, 55, of New Bedford died in an automobile accident on February 9, 2022.

            Steve was a lifelong learner with an indomitable spirit and zest for living on his own terms. He had a powerful intellect complemented by mechanical skills, and physical coordination and stamina. He was an avid reader. He recently completed a book on the solar system, and was currently reading about the cosmos.

            He graduated from New Bedford High School, 12th in the Class of 1984. He was a competitive member of his high school’s swim and track team, and he also took art classes at Swain School during his high school years. At a young age, he taught himself to read music, and to play the piano, guitar and other instruments. He completed his freshman year at UMASS Amherst with a major in electrical engineering, when mental illness disrupted his life.

            He loved Zeppo, his pet dog of many years. While he could no longer keep a pet, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with other family pets including the rascally ferrets Toby, George Michael, and so many affectionate family dogs Joel, Beulah, Lucy, Kramer and Cody.

            He recently returned to his guitar playing, and looked forward to weekly lessons with Jeff Angeley. He had also begun composing some guitar pieces for the band he hoped to join one day. His hobbies also included photography. He made a point of taking pictures of family members and his much-appreciated medical providers. In addition to his musical enthusiasm and passion for photography, he was focusing once again on painting and had several still life paintings under composition at the time of his death.

            Steve lived for his daily walks with our Mom, and enjoyed chatting with their neighbors on their route. He had great respect and affection for his niece and nephews, and spoke of their accomplishments and gifts at every opportunity.

            He had been diagnosed with APML leukemia on July 4, 2021. He was on the path to a full remission, and looked forward to his celebration after his final treatment on March 4. The daily contact with the kind and compassionate staff at Brigham Women Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Farber Institute sparked a renewed interest in participating in daily life.

            Our thanks to Dr. Martha Wadleigh, Dr. Humberto Rossi, Christie Ann-Carr at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and every staff member for their warm, compassionate care for Steve during his chemotherapy treatments. Steve lived with a complicated array of medical and mental health issues for many years. We are also grateful for the support of his providers, including Dr. Dolliver, Dr. Alcarez, Dr. Kamenidis, Dr. Mangapit, Dr. Dee and PA Jason Sadeck.

            The daily home visits of his attentive and empathetic Blue Hills nursing team, including Sherly, Rhonda, Kassie, Jesyka, Terri, Sandy, and Katie were one of the high points of his daily life, providing him with professional support and personal connections.

            He was the beloved son of Mary Myers and the late Clement Myers. He is survived by his brother Michael Myers and his wife Paula, their sons John Harry Myers, James Fuller, Justin Fuller and his wife Amber, their sons Logan and Noah; sister Kathleen MMM Myers and her husband Shawn Tansey, their sons Patrick Tansey, Morgan Tansey and his partner Taylor Aslani Vatan; sister Donna Myers-Poitras and her husband Thomas, their sons Hank Poitras and Jack Poitras; sister Judith Grimley, and her husband Michael; sister Eileen Raposa and her husband Joseph, their son Cory Raposa and daughter Sabrina Raposa.

            He was predeceased by his two dear friends, Ken Torres and Joe Aguiar.

            Visiting hours will be Saturday, February 26 from 1-5 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Association, www.alz.org or to the Jimmy Fund, www.jimmyfund.org will be greatly appreciated. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Enforcement Orders Punctuate Meeting

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A light February 14 agenda for the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission was heavy with Enforcement Order follow-ups.

            The commission’s contract agent, Brandon Faneuf, reported on four previously issued Enforcement Orders, not the least of which is the subdivision known as Brandt Beach Village. Commission member Trevor Frances had photographed site conditions that concerned the commissioners, displaying the apparent absence of a conditioned turtle barrier and collapsed erosion controls.

            Faneuf said that he had had a conversation with the town’s peer-review consultant for the project, Ken Motta of Field Engineering. Conservation Commission Chairman Mike King stated that it was necessary to have an all-inclusive discussion with the commission, property owners and Motta to ensure that Motta’s checklist of to-do items is being addressed.

            Faneuf questioned septic systems associated with the project, commenting that it is necessary to confirm that house lots in jurisdictional areas would be adequately serviced by the community septic system. Faneuf also said it is an open question as to whether or not individual notices of intent must be filed for lots in Phase 2.

            An Enforcement Order for unpermitted vista pruning at 58 Pico Beach Road on property owned by Peter Franceschina was discussed, as no word had thus far been received regarding the progress of restoration in the area where cutting had taken place.

            It was noted that when the order was sent to Franceschina last November, the property owner had met with the commission and understood why such cutting was against wetland regulations and/or the need to secure local approvals. Since that time, nothing had been heard from Franceschina. The commission would follow up with a telephone call, it was determined, before taking any further action.

            Another Enforcement Order pending completion had been issued to Brendan Talty for an unpermitted shed. King said a call to the property owner is needed to ascertain his steps in bringing the construction of a shed in a jurisdictional area into compliance.

            In other business, the commission met with Mark Connon for a pier located at 65 Mattapoisett Neck Road. King said the commission had no issues with the plan of record as long as the required Chapter 91 permitting was secured. “It’s in keeping with the waterfront in that area,” he said. Further action was pending the issue of a waterways license.

            A request for a Certificate of Compliance requested by David Meeker, 93 Mattapoisett Neck Road, was tabled until such time as Meeker can certify that a replication area has been successfully completed. Meeker said that he was not aware of the open order of conditions when he purchased the property. King commented, “That happens all the time.”

            There was a discussion between King and Faneuf as to the necessity of the property owner hiring a wetland scientist to confirm compliance or other measures needed to secure compliance. It was unclear to King if the order of conditions stipulated such certification. In the end it was determined that an expert is indeed needed to weigh in on the project.

            A Request for Determination of Applicability by Waldron Realty Trust for the construction of a shed in a flood zone at 32 Pico Beach Road received a negative decision.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, February 28, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

New Play at the Marion Art Center

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The MAC Theater is pleased to present its first play of the season, The Puzzle with the Piazza, written by Mark Dunn and directed by Pippa Asker. The cast includes Oliver Asker, Cynthia Latham, Stephanie Lawrence, Susan Salveson and Susan Sullivan, with Donn Tyler as stage manager, sound and lighting by Steven McManus, and radio characterization by Tristan McCann.

            Show Dates are March 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20, with Thursday, Friday & Saturday shows at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Tickets are $18 for MAC members and $20 for nonmembers. Tickets go on sale to MAC members on Friday, Feb. 18 and to nonmembers on Friday, Feb. 25 at marionartcenter.org/events. All guests must provide proof of full vaccination to be allowed entry into the MAC Theater. Negative tests will no longer be accepted in lieu of vaccination. Each guest must wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth at all times while inside the Marion Art Center.

            Synopsis: The Puzzle with the Piazza, a new full-length comedy-drama by Mark Dunn, author of Belles, Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain and The Glitter Girls, tells the story of septuagenarian Althea Witlin, who has one jigsaw puzzle among her large collection that she’s never worked. It contains 3,000 pieces and she has less than a day to finish it because poor health has forced her to move in with her younger sister … without her puzzles. The Puzzle with the Piazza is a gentle, bittersweet comedy/drama about the fragility of family ties and the often much stronger bonds of friendship that lattice the final years of our lives.

Bike Path Plans, Costs Detailed

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For some time, Mattapoisett Capital Planning Committee Chairman Chuck McCullough has expressed the need for fiscal planning and oversight by the town for the bike path, which has been rolling through the community for more than 20 years primarily being managed by the town’s Bike Path Committee and Select Board via the town administrator. Now its financial planning and debt tracking would be aided by the Capital Planning Committee.

            On February 14, members of the Mattapoisett Bike Path Study Committee and Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path met with Capital Planning. On hand to navigate through the trail of grants, donations, matching funds and easements were Bike Path Committee Chairman Steve Kelleher and FMBP Chairman Rene Pothier. Also adding to the conversation was longtime advocate and FMBP member Bonne DeSousa.

            In a previous meeting held with the Community Preservation Committee (also chaired by McCullough) on February 11, the bike path consortium applied for a $120,000 recreational grant, money planned for necessary predesign must-haves such as easements and appraisals. That sum would become critical to the entire remaining bike path development, the CPC would hear, and would appear on financial spreadsheets provided to Capital Planning.

            The bike path team discussed in brief terms the challenges ahead such as securing the CPA grant, securing other grants for construction of Phases 2a and 2b, and a myriad of “soft cost” non-construction related matters such has wetland studies.

            After reading a letter from Representative Bill Straus in support of the CPA grant request, the conversation turned to the numbers.

            Pothier and Kelleher offered the following for FY23: $489,000, the town’s match previously approved through Town Meeting for work associated with the Industrial Drive improvements; $500,000 for a portion of the Phase 2b Industrial Drive pathway; and $150,000 of which $120,000 is proposed from the CPA grant and matched by $30,000 in FMBP donations.

            In FY24, $285,000 will be needed and proposed to be secured from grants and town match for Phase 2a design, project management and soft costs not associated with construction, and $1,000,000 proposed to be secured by town match and grants.

             FY25 is forecasted to need $30,000 from grants and town match for additional Phase 2a design, project management and soft costs not associated with construction, and $1,000,000 from grants and town match for Phase 2a construction.

            It is currently planned that in FY26 the project will be rolling towards completion while needing $30,000 from grants and town match for remaining project management and soft costs not associated with construction, $1,000,000 for Phase 2a construction, $752,000 for Phase 2b design and construction, and $500,000 for final segments of Phase 2a.

            All totaled over the next four fiscal cycles, the financial documents provided by the bike path consortium estimate that Phases 2a and 2b, also known as the “last mile,” will cost $5,796,000 anticipated to be funded by a variety of grants and town matches.

            During their meeting with the Community Preservation Committee, the bike path advocates explained that before any other monies can be sought through grant applications, much needed predesign work is required that will include conceptual designs for crossing at North Street onto Industrial Drive and easements through the Park Street neighborhood (Phase 2a). Nothing more could be advanced until these stated tasks are completed.

            McCullough referred to the CPA grant as a “stone in the funnel;” no other funds could flow in until these monies are secured. DeSousa also mentioned the need for a consultant to be hired by the town to oversee the completion of the bike path, given the complexity and time investment that a project of this size would require.

            Also coming before the Capital Planning Committee was Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh. For FY23, McIntosh listed: $794,947 needed for design work for repairs to Long Wharf; $30,000 for a harbor management plan; $70,000 for new docks and floats; $18,457 for a patrol boat; and $12,000 for security camaras. For FY24, the list includes: $537,500 for Long Wharf construction costs (a sum repeated for fiscal cycles through FY28 expected to be paid via debt exclusion); $100,000 for repairs to Holmes Wharf; and another $18,457 earmarked for a patrol boat paid via the Enterprise Fund. FY23 requests total out to $941,382 and FY24 at $673,935.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Community Preservation Committee is planned for Friday, February 18, at 5:30 pm. The Mattapoisett Capital Planning Committee plans to meet again on Monday, February 28, at 6:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Capital Planning/Community Preservation Committees

By Marilou Newell

Cynthia Gay Robertson Kirchhoff

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            Cynthia Gay Robertson Kirchhoff, age 54, of Medfield, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022.

            Born in Wareham, MA, July 13, 1967, she was the daughter of the late James Drummond Robertson (1995) and the late Mary Teresa (Athy) Robertson (2003), and raised in Mattapoisett, MA.

            She spent her summers attending Camp Snipatuit in Rochester, first as a camper learning all things offered, and continued serving as a counselor-in-training, unit counselor, and after earning her Water Safety Instructor certificate, she became the Waterfront and Boating Director. Cynthia could also be found at her beloved Ned’s Point Lighthouse in Mattapoisett for its beauty and sentimental significance as one of her mother’s favorite places.

            Cynthia graduated from Bishop Stang High School, class of 1985. She received a BA in Psychology/Liberal Arts from Saint Michael’s College in New Hampshire, class of 1989, spending a semester abroad in Cannes, France. She continued her studies at Bridgewater State College and received her Masters in Elementary Education from Lesley College, class of 1992. She had a keen interest in international cultures and taught English as a second language in Japan for two years. While in Japan, she walked a lot and continued that passion when she returned to the U.S.

            Cynthia’s love of education and research led her to work as an ESOL Orientation Teacher and an Educational Consultant in Tallahassee, FL, as well as an Educational Program Specialist for University of North Carolina, Greensboro (SERVE). Her proudest years were advocating for her own children and working with the Medfield and Sherborn public schools.

            She married the love of her life, Georg Eric Kirchhoff, who shared her zeal for nature and the outdoors, her devotion to fitness – be it at the beach or hiking and mountain climbing in NH. She loved swimming, tennis, walking, camping, singing, and especially animals and gardens. Her most recent hobby was learning to play the fiddle.

            Cynthia dedicated her life to the happiness of her two children, Carl James (15) and Maira Lucile Kirchhoff (13), helping them to achieve their fullest potential as their fiercest advocate. Cynthia and Maira had flower sales which helped connect them to the neighborhood and share her joy for home and community gardening.

            Cynthia’s greatest gift was her ability to network, to connect people, and to make lifelong friends. She was a loyal and generous friend and wanted everyone included all the time! She helped so many other moms who said they did not know what they would have done without her.

            She loved meeting with family and friends, buying takeout food and then swimming, flying kites at Ned’s Point, and buying ice cream on the way home. She was an active supporter of environmental and worthy causes such as Save Buzzards Bay and swam for the annual Save Buzzards Bay fundraiser. She also supported the arts, Mass Audubon and Massachusetts Horticulture Societies.

            Cynthia is survived by her husband Georg Eric Kirchhoff, her son Carl Kirchhoff and daughter Maira Kirchhoff. She leaves three surviving siblings, Bruce Robertson of Mattapoisett, Scott Robertson (Rebecca), South Dartmouth, and Mark Robertson (Debra Vieira), Mattapoisett; her father-law William E. and her mother-in-law Carole A. Kirchhoff, Sanford, FL; and Elizabeth & Douglas Leatham, Marion (Carl & Maira’s Omi & Opi). Cynthia leaves numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and a godchild: Shayne Ball, Luke Robertson, Trevor and Lyndsay Robertson, Robbie & Daniel Southerland, Aislinn & Leah Robertson, Rachael Robertson, Archer & Langden Ball, and Peter R. Marusek (godchild). Predeceasing her, her brother James D. Robertson, Jr. (1989), sister Suzanne B. Robertson (2019), and family’s best friend Dr. Amy A. Gracia, Ed.D. (2020).

            Special gratitude to Medfield neighbors, family friends, and others who have helped the family so much through the past year.

            A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

            Gifts in her memory may be made to a scholarship endowment at Mass Audubon in her name:

Mass Audubon’s Donation Instructions for Cynthia’s Endowed Camp Scholarship

• Click this link:

https://web.massaudubon.org/site/Donation2?df_id=3069&mfc_pref=T&3069.donation=form1

• Select donation amount

• Click “Direct My Gift,” Scroll down to Broadmoor, Natick

• Honoree Information – Scroll down to “In Memory of,” Type in Cynthia Kirchhoff

• Skip “Person to Notify” and “Message for Next of Kin”

• Fill in Bill and Payment Information

• Click donate

            If you wish to write a check, address it to Mass Audubon, Development Office, 208 South Grant Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Write the check out to Mass Audubon, and note that it is for the Cynthia Kirchhoff Endowed Camper Scholarship, Broadmoor, Natick, MA

Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road (Route 6), Mattapoisett, www.saundersdwyer.com.