Shelburne Falls & West County Independent

09/02/2026

James “Tunnel” E. Valiton

BUCKLAND – James “Tunnel” E. Valiton, 75, passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2026.

Born on Feb. 27, 1951, he was the firstborn son to Barbara (Burton) and Wallace Valiton.

Alongside his siblings, John, Janice and his late sister Joan, he grew up in Buckland, attending Mohawk Trail Regional School, where he was known to be a talented athlete, playing football, basketball, baseball, and track.

James was a man who found happiness in the simple things in life; he had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, home, working, and family. He valued friendship deeply and cherished those he grew up with. He was known for telling stories, enjoyed cooking, gardening and rooting for the Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.

James worked construction in his younger years, but settled close to home as a machinist making quality tools until he retired from Mayhew Steel Products in Buckland.

James was a member of the Rod and Gun Club, where he enjoyed spending time at summer set camp. He was an active member of the Eagles Club in Buckland.

Above all, James enjoyed being surrounded by the people he loved and the freedom to live his life the way he wanted. His love for his roots and tradition were evident in the way he lived.

James is survived by his daughter, Jennifer; his granddaughter, Nyiah James; his brother, John and sister, Janice; his nephews, Ian and Mason, and many cousins, as well as many friends.

He won the hearts of many and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11:30 a.m. in Plain Cemetery, Ashfield, with Jack Cooper officiating.

A celebration of James’s life will follow at 1 p.m. at the Eagles Club. Family and friends are invited to gather together to remember James, share stories, and celebrate the life he lived and the people he loved.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, Shelburne Falls.

09/02/2026

David E. Shields
BUCKLAND — David E. Shields, 77, of Elm St., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026.

He was born in Greenfield on Feb. 19, 1949, the son of Edward and Gertrude (Jones) Shields. He was a member of the first graduating class of Mohawk Trail Regional High School in 1967.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. He was an airplane electrician and achieved the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1974. He continued his service at the Westover Air base as airplane electrician for over 20 years. He was proud of his service and devoted time to veteran service groups.

He was a member of the Charlemont Lions Club for more than 40 years. He was involved in many club activities and regional events for eye research.

He is survived by his brother, Tom Shields, of Charlemont, many cousins, and acquaintances over the years.

He was predeceased by his longtime companion, Beverly Greenough, in 2017.

A visiting time will be held at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls on Friday, Sept. 4 from 12-12:45 p.m. A graveside service with military honors will follow in Arms Cemetery at 1 p.m.

09/01/2026

08/28/2026

Sarah Looman

Sarah Ellen (Smith) Looman, 97, of Shelburne, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Aug. 24, 2026.

She was the daughter of George Edmund Smith and Violet Reola (Page) Smith, born on the family farm on Sept. 25, 1928.

She graduated from Sanderson Academy and finished her college education at Providence Bible Institute in Rhode Island, graduating in 1949.

Following her graduation she returned to the family farm to keep house for her dad and two brothers after her mother died on Jan. 1, 1950. For the next 16 years, as she said in her own words, “I was living at home, helping where needed, and waiting for the Lord to show me my next step in life.” It was in those years that mom hosted many “Good News Clubs,” sharing the Gospel to children in the local communities. Maintaining a very active schedule between church, farm, and babysitting jobs.

Mom married on April 23, 1966, to Michael Looman, giving birth to two sons, John in 1967, and David in 1969. In 1976 she became the primary caregiver for both her boys, often playing catch with them and rooting them on at their games, always making sure they had rides to games and food on the table.

In 1984, Mom once again reinvented herself as a caregiver to local elderly in need, which subsequently led to her caring for Alcid Miller, known to most as Junior, for 18 years. It was here that she again enjoyed moments of great joy as Al came to know the Lord before his passing.

Besides her mother and father she was predeceased by her older sisters, Katherine Mary Parry and Reola Frances Smith, and younger brothers, Edmund Francis Smith and Homer Ellis Smith.

She is survived by her sons, John (Laura) Looman and David (Amy) Looman; grandchildren Jacob (Heather), Luke (Sara), Erika (Ryan), and Brooke.

The family would like to thank two special people in mom’s life, her niece, Charlotte Waynelovich, for her devotion to mom’s health and care over much of the last decade, and Mr. Reginald Lynde who was a steady source of transportation and friendship to mom for many years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church in Colrain, where she was an active member for over 60 years as well as organist for over two decades, attention to Rick Grant.

A Sept. 3 funeral at 5 p.m. is planned, with visiting hours beginning at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Colrain.

08/24/2026

Mary Paine Caron

CONWAY – Mary (Polly) Paine Caron, formerly Mary Bradford Paine (yes, an 11th direct descendent of William Bradford of the Mayflower), passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded in love and presence by her husband Gary; her children, Alexandra, Brendan, Lindsay, and Tyler; and their spouses, Jimmy, Kristin, Katie, and Sharon; her grandchildren, Delaney, Riley, Mackenzie, Matthew, Madison, Mason, Jackson, Logan, Maxwell, Lillian, William, and Elijah; and her siblings and their spouses, David Paine (Gheraldine), Alexander Paine (Cathie), and Elizabeth (Lee) Bell (Mike).

Polly was born on July 12, 1948 in Boston. She was the daughter of the late John and Jane (Patterson) Paine.

Polly was a loving wife, an amazing mother, a devoted grandmother, and an adored teacher of young children. Her career teaching in the infant and toddler program at Smith College Center for Early Childhood Education spanned over 27 years. Families would even attempt to time their pregnancies so that their infants would be lucky enough to have Polly as their caregiver. Polly was a natural at nurturing young children, and she enjoyed helping parents learn and grow as they raised their families.

Polly always saw the glass as half full. She recognized and nurtured the good in everyone. Her laugh was one of a kind, and her smile was infectious. Her warmth, optimism, and ability to make people feel cared for are qualities she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her family was her greatest pride and joy and she leaves behind a beautiful legacy of deep family devotion.

A celebration of Polly’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 in Orleans, MA. Family and friends who would like to join are warmly invited to reach out to a member of the family for details.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in Polly’s memory are asked to do so to the Dakin Humane Society. www.dakinhumane.org.

08/20/2026

Robert T. "Red" Taylor
HAWLEY – Robert "Red" T. Taylor, age 82, passed away peacefully Aug. 7, 2026.
He was born Jan 17, 1944, the son of Verginia and Theron Taylor, Jr.
He loved his dog, Trapper, and his Sunny Dell Farm. He served in the Army National Guard as a cook, he drove truck for Wirthmore Feeds, he worked at Allstates Asphalt for 44 yrs.
He liked collecting guns, hunting, skiing, motorcycling and snowmobiling.
He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Holt. He is survived by his brother, Douglas Taylor, and sisters, Janice Griswold, Sharon Taylor, and Kathryn Welles.
A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

08/18/2026

Thelma Ramona James

COLRAIN – Thelma Ramona James, nee Hughes, age 99, passed away on Aug. 10, 2026 at home in Colrain with her youngest daughter and a grand-daughter at her side.

She was born on July 16, 1927 in Urlings Village on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua as the oldest daughter of Dennis Hughes and Henrietta (Prince) Joseph.

Thelma known to her children and many others as “Mothsy," migrated with her youngest children and her husband to St. Thomas, USVI in 1982 and continued to reside there until 5 years ago when she moved to Colrain to live with her youngest daughter.

Thelma was a woman of boundless energy, full of smiles, great humor and a deep love of God. She was always the light in any room she occupied and never failed to encourage those around her. She was often sought out for advice, prayers and good company. She believed that “a joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22) and strove to bring joy and laughter to others.

Thelma is mourned by her children: Dalma James, Wilbur James, Cleo Hampson, Myron James, Gerro James, Julie Arter, Cindy Churchill, and her stepson Jessie James and his children; her 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends spread across many countries.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lemuel C. M. James; her grandson, Rishaul Nital; and her siblings, Eulynis Joseph, Ashton Joseph, and Lorene Christian.

Celebration service will be held Aug. 22, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Shelbourne. Repast will follow immediately at Fellowship Hall. Attendees are invited (optional) to wear yellow, green, or floral attire to celebrate her life.

Final funeral services and internment will be held in St. Thomas.

08/17/2026

John M. Crowley

CONWAY — John M. Crowley, 83, of Conway, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 at the Baptist Hill Road home where he lived for the past 42 years.

Crowley, as he was commonly called, was born in Presque Isle, ME at the US Air Force Hospital on Dec, 1, 1942, the son of Joseph and Patience (Lyon) Crowley. John was the second of their five children. His father, a doctor, spent most of WWII in England, periodically supervising the transport of wounded vets from continental Europe to England then to the U.S. and back.

As they followed their father’s career after the war, Crowley and his four sisters were constantly on the move. First they lived in Brattleboro, VT; then, in the northeastern coal mining region of Martin, KY; next, in South Bend; and last, in Lafayette, IN. Their education was largely in Catholic schools, but included a few notable years home-schooled by nuns. John would go on to attend Indiana University. Upon graduation in 1965, he moved to New York City. There he worked as a photographer’s printer, an editor of the NYC phonebook, and a documentary script writer of films, including several about car racing, although he did not yet drive. Most importantly, he began writing novels.

In the early 1980s, when asked by his partner (and eventual wife), Laurie Block, what his long-term goals were, John replied without hesitation, “to write enough books to fill a long shelf-books that people will read." This was a goal he achieved.

Of his many published works, titles include Little, Big, The Translator, Four Freedoms, and Ka: Dar Oakley in the Ruin of Ymr. His legacy also includes the scripts for more than two dozen documentary films, the most notable being "America Lost & Found" and the "World of Tomorrow."

Crowley also contributed to works about disability history produced in film, radio, and on the web by his wife. These works include "FIT: Episodes in the History of the Body," the "Beyond Affliction" series, and www.disabilitymuseum.org. For several decades, Crowley also taught creative and screen writing at Yale University.

Another important goal was to one day own a house. This would become John's and Laurie’s place of work and residence in Conway, where the decades until his death were happily spent. He also very much wanted children, a decision he embraced wholeheartedly. Hazel and Zander’s presence gave him the greatest joy of his adult life.

John is survived by his wife, his children, his sister Jo, nieces Anne and Rachel, nephews Liam, Peter, Dan, and Nathan, as well as several grand-nieces, grand-nephews and in-laws. All enjoyed his dinner table tales, gentle manner, and good cooking.

He will be missed, but his legacy beyond family remains readily available via interlibrary loan. His books will carry his heart and spirit forward into the future.

If time allowed, John loved to mull a logic puzzle or draw a caricature. In his last years, art and music brought him peace. John will be buried in a private ceremony.

A public memorial will be announced later this fall.

Local arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit kostanskifuneralhome.com.

08/12/2026

Stop by and support the Bridge of Flowers as well as area artists who are donating 50-100% of sales. This year the show includes work by more than 75 participating artists. Friday through Sunday at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center.

08/11/2026

Herman Herzig

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Herman G. “Sonny” Herzig, Jr., 95, of South Deerfield, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on Jan. 17, 1931, he was the son of the late Herman G. Herzig, Sr. and Raigh M. (Caron) Herzig.

Sonny was raised in Colrain, where he attended local schools and began working at Dennison’s Lumber Mill after school at a young age, learning the value of hard work early in life.

After leaving school, Sonny proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for three years, and one year as an ammunition supplier. Following his military service, he worked at Wells Tool and later became a boiler operator for Kendall Mills in Colrain, where he remained for many years.

Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol B. (Brothers) Herzig, who passed away on May 8, 2019. Together they shared a life filled with adventure and companionship. They especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycling, riding ATVs and snowmobiles on Catamount, and spending time outdoors. In retirement, Sonny and Carol spent 20 winters in Winter Haven, FL. Sonny enjoyed golfing there, although family members often joked he played mostly to make Carol happy.

A man of many interests, Sonny had a special fondness for old Model T automobiles and proudly owned one for a time. He loved working on old car engines and lawnmowers and was a familiar face at local car shows. His mechanical skills, quiet humor, and willingness to lend a hand will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He was also predeceased by his brother, Edward Herzig, and his sister, Judy (Herzig) Tetreault. Sonny is survived by his sister, Betty Ann (Herzig) Cormier of Virginia; his daughters, Susan C. (Herzig) James and Karen R. Herzig, both of South Deerfield; and his cherished grandchildren, Ronda (Churchill) Goshea and her husband, Chris Baranowski, of South Deerfield, Brandon Lively of Greenfield, and Judy Lowry of Turners Falls. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Miranda (Noyes) Saladino and her husband, Joseph Saladino, of Whately, Deven Goshea and his wife, Rocio Campos, of Orange, Nicholas, Jayson and Johnathan Scribner of Greenfield; and step-great-grandchildren, Cody, Connor and Cali Grace Baranowski; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Sonny’s family will remember him as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, skilled mechanic, and a man who found joy in simple pleasures and time spent with those he loved. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no calling hours.

A graveside service with military honors will take place Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m., at West Branch Cemetery, Colrain.