All Tributes

Jane E. (O’Connell) Lyons, 73, of Springfield, formerly of Holyoke, died Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Baystate Medical Center. She was born and educated in Holyoke, MA a daughter of the late Edward P. and Dorothy F. (Hoffman) O’Connell and was a graduate of Holyoke High School. Jane was employed for many years in the dry cleaning industry as a customer service representative; she most recently was employed with Mirkin’s Cleaners. She was a loyal sports enthusiast who followed...

Nancy Catherine Kanjian, 77, a lifelong resident of Springfield, died on Friday, May 20, 2022 at Heritage Hall West in Agawam. She was born and educated in Springfield a daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Kotnik) Kanjian. Nancy was employed as an accountant for many years. Later in life, she spent time in the real estate industry. Nancy enjoyed traveling to numerous destinations both near and far. She especially enjoyed time spent on Cape Cod, and especially enjoyed her dream vacation to...

Susan Valerie Menard Smith left this world a better place because she was here. Her human body was suddenly taken from us, and her family, friends and associates are devastated. Sue was born on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1958. This was an appropriate birthday for her because she spread love and kindness everywhere she went. She was born to Janice and Kenneth Menard in Holyoke, MA. She attended Holyoke elementary schools. Her family moved to Springfield, MA where she attended Springfield...

Herbert “Bert” K. Buffington, 86, a lifelong resident of East Longmeadow, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022, at Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Bert was born in East Longmeadow on June 29, 1935, the son of the late Dwight and Florence (Kendrick) Buffington. He attended Springfield Technical High School. Bert proudly served our country in the United States Army. He worked as a carpenter for local 336 and retired after forty-five years of service. He...

Jeffery M. Leighton, 81, of Holyoke, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Baystate Medical Center. Jeffery was born in Hampden, Maine on November 16, 1941, the son of the late Julian and Thelma (Merrill) Leighton. He was a graduate of Hampden Academy, and the University on Maine, with a Bachelors degree in education. Jeff was a well known Hypnotherapist in the Springfield area. He is survived by the love of his life Saundra "Sandie" Golden Leighton of Holyoke and her...

Elaine Elizabeth (Howe) Dionisi, 82, of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on June 18, 1939 the daughter of the late Harold C. and Gilberte (Filiault) Howe. Elaine grew up in Claremont, NH and graduated from Stevens High School. She was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church. Elaine worked for Shop Rite and Big Y and retired after many years of service. Elaine enjoyed going to Aruba with...

Ariel O. Serrano, 27, of Springfield, passed away suddenly on Monday, May 9, 2022. Ariel was born in Springfield on November 13, 1994, the son of Eduardo Perez and Brenda Santana. Ariel attended Central High School. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, playing baseball, riding his motorcycle but the most treasured moments were spending time with his loving family and friends. He is survived by his mother Brenda Santana of Springfield and his father Eduardo Perez of Worcester, MA., his...

Rose J. (Silvester) Catalano, 95, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022 at her residence. Rose was born in the Bronx, N.Y., on March 19, 1927, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Rainone) Silvester. Rose was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Springfield, where she was a member of the Woman’s Guild. Rose enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word games and The New York Times Crossword. Rose worked as the executive assistant to the president of Tanenbaum Harber...

Patricia A. (Cratty) Stefanowicz, 80, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Patricia was born in Rockville, CT., on September 17, 1941, the daughter of the late Frank and Maxine (Schlichting) Cratty. She was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School, Class of 1959. As a young woman she loved to go to Misquamicut Beach with her best friends Donna, Kitty, and Mary. After she was married, she enjoyed many weekends with her husband at their home in Vermont skiing and...

With heavy hearts, the Capone family announces the passing of their beloved mother and Noni, Frances C. “Franny” (Monzillo) Capone on Saturday, May 7, 2022, in the comfort of her home. She lost her ten-year battle from a rare neurological disease (PSP) which ultimately stripped her of performing all daily activities. Franny was a fighter, strong until the end. She refused to give in to this disease always choosing to battle another day. If Franny gave you a thumbs up and a smile,...