The Rev. Doddie L. Stone

The Rev. Doddie L. Stone died on September 26, 2024, at the age of 89 (1935-2024).

Doddie was born on October 2, 1935, in Champaign IL to Dorothea and Harold Johnson. She lived in Chicago IL before moving to Sullivan IN with her family. Doddie graduated from Sullivan High School, following which she received her Bachelor of Arts from Evansville College IN (1957). She taught 4^th grade for many years, receiving Teacher of the Year in California. In 1984, she earned her Master of Arts from John F. Kennedy University, CA. She then retired from her teaching to enter the Unitarian Universalist Seminary. In 1995, she graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry with her Master of Divinity.

The Rev. Stone was ordained to the UU ministry on March 31, 1996. She served her first ministry as a ministerial consultant to the Sierra Foothills UUs, Auburn CA (1995–1998). Thereafter, she was an interim minister for the UU Society of Laconia NH (1998–1999). From 1999–2002, Rev. Stone served the UU Congregation of the South Jersey Shore, Somers Point NJ. At South Jersey Shore, she helped to make the congregation and the larger movement visible through participation with interfaith clergy. In 2002, she retired from her active ministry.

The Rev. Stone was a leader in the UU Women and Religion (UUW&R) activities in the Pacific Central District. She was one of the writers for the UUW&R’s booklet “Revolution by Resolution: Celebrating 30 Years of Women and Religion.” She provided her services to the First UU Congregation, Terre Haute IN as their membership/growth chair (2008–2010). She preached once a month, served on the Pastoral Care Committee, and baked pies for their fundraising activities.

Doddie was a participant in the Shanti project working with AIDS survivors. She was a political activist and made three trips to Nicaragua and El Salvador. Her passions were Peace, Women’s Rights and Abolition of the Death Penalty.

Doddie is survived by her sons Donald Stone and Craig Stone; daughter Cindy Gatioan; as well as her nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the First UU Congregation of Terre Haute, 1875 S. Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute IN 47803.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First UU Congregation of Terre Haute, PO Box 3225, Terre Haute IN 47803, or to the Mt Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek CA 94596. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Sylvia Oster, 1101 E. Royse Dr., Terre Haute IN 47802.

The Rev. Patricia V. M. Tummino

The Rev. Patricia “Tricia” V. M. Tummino died on September 20, 2024, at the age of 75 (1949-2024).

Tricia was born on September 1, 1949, in Boston MA to Van Horne Morris and Marion “Betty” Gilmore. She was the middle of three children and was raised with her brothers in Hingham MA, where she nurtured an early love of nature, making frequent visits to the ponds to find turtles and snakes. She attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, received her Bachelor of Arts in English in 1971, and engaged in full-time high school teaching until 1979, thereafter doing part-time teaching for a few years while being primarily a mother and homemaker.

In 1991, Tricia discovered the First UU Society of Middleborough, Middleboro MA. She found a spiritual home that offered her the opportunity to be in significant conversation together, be present to one another during the hard times, and witness together the times of joy. She felt it was like coming home. She attended worship services and adult education programs, taught church school, served on the Religious Education Committee, the Parish Committee, and as a Chairperson of the Welcoming Congregation Committee. In January of 1993, she became an office administrator.

Tricia’s increasing involvement in parish and religious education committee work, and very satisfying and affirming opportunities to preach and lead other aspects of the church service, drew her to ministry. For her, being in the ministry meant sharing with others and walking together in community to find wholeness. Following this call, she graduated from Harvard Divinity School with her Master of Divinity in 1998.

Rev. Tummino was ordained by her home congregation, the First UU Society of Middleborough MA on September 27, 1998, where she returned as a settled minister (1998–2010). During her tenure, she skillfully and successfully modeled shared ministry and helped foster a very welcoming environment, supported growth, and encouraged participation at all levels. She planned programs for new members and sparked various new programs for all members. She helped develop a safe congregation plan, created the Safety Committee, and formed a Committee on Ministry. The church became a teaching church (a site for ministerial intern placement). Under her leadership, the church became a happening place, with attractive levels of activities and friendliness. In 2010, she retired from her active ministry.

Rev. Tummino’s meditations and sermons were always thoughtful, insightful, and accessible. She demonstrated compassion and kindness in listening and pastoral care. A 2004 article in the Middleboro Gazette described her as a “Champion of Difficult Causes” as she prepared to officiate same sex marriages after Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize same sex marriage. She always stood for what she believed in and was ready to help people in need.

She served the denomination as the Ballou Channing UUMA Chapter leader. In community, she provided her services as a member and board of the Middleboro/Lakeville Community Counseling Center.

In her leisure time, Tricia enjoyed reading, hiking in the woods, walking, and listening to music. Her passions included folk music and rooting for the Red Sox team.

Tricia is survived by her brother Peter; husband Lawrence; children Annie, Ben, and Joe; and grandchildren Enzo, Lucia, and Asa.

A memorial service was held on November 2, 2024, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro, 25 S. Main St, Middleborough MA 02346. Notes of condolences may be written here.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Membership System Upgrade!

May, 2025

Some of you may already be aware that we have made a major upgrade to our membership system! The new system gives you direct access to make changes and update your information. We have created this new system to both simplify access to membership data and also make our information more secure.

The new system is straightforward and we hope you will have no problem updating your information. Here is a set of easy-to-follow instructions for “How to Enter UURMAPA.Churchcenter.com and Change Your Information.”

It is very important that you access the new system and verify that the information we have there is correct. This ensures that you will be able to receive all UURMaPA information, including messages from “Announce” and quarterly issues of Elderberries.

Here’s another way to learn about this new system:

Before you log into ChurchCenter, Jon Claney has prepared an informative video to help you do that. Watch it here:

youtu.be/_71ReowqTXk

Then, to verify and/or update your UURMaPA Membership information, please go to uurmapa.churchcenter.com

If you have a question or need assistance, Richard Speck has kindly agreed to be our “ambassador” for this transition and will do his best to assist you. Contact him at rgspeck@comcast.net.

The Rev. Robert J. Lewis

The Rev. Robert J. Lewis died on September 6, 2023, at the age of 92 (1931-2023).

Robert was born on July 25, 1931, in Heltonville IN, to the Rev. Paul S. Lewis and Lillie Lewis. Raised in the household of a fundamentalist Hoosier minister, he attended DePauw University in Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree (1953). He then pursued a Master of Divinity at Drew University in New Jersey, graduating in 1956. Following graduation, Robert served as a Methodist clergy member from 1956–1958. However, he soon realized that the Methodist Church was not the best fit for the development, application, and expression of his theology. Consequently, he transitioned to a role as a junior executive at Indianapolis Goodwill Industries (1958–1959).

During his college and seminary years, Robert was introduced to the Unitarian and Universalist theologies through books and encounters with Unitarian Churches. While living in Indianapolis, he began attending All Souls Church. This deepened his connection to Unitarian Universalism. It was there that he met Sylvia Kelsey while singing in the church choir. In 1959, he married Sylvia, and the couple moved to Hagerstown MD, where Robert ran the Goodwill Industries Office and served as a part-time minister of the Unitarian Fellowship of Hagerstown. Under his leadership, the fellowship grew, added new activities, and experienced renewed vitality. In 1960, Robert was welcomed into fellowship, paving the way for his ministry in the UU tradition.

In 1961, the Rev. Lewis accepted a call to become the first minister of the River Road UU Congregation, Bethesda MD. He served the congregation until 1968, with his inspiring leadership from the pulpit drawing people to church and fostering a growing community. During his tenure, the church building was built, the Religious Education program expanded, and active and effective leadership flourished within the congregation. Following his time at River Road, the Rev. Lewis served the UU Church of Silver Spring MD, from 1969–1973. His ministry there was marked by profound empathy and compassion, and his sermons moved many, leaving a lasting impact on the church community.

The Rev. Lewis held leadership roles within the broader denomination, serving as Chairman of the Greater Washington Association of Unitarian Universalist Churches and the Joseph Priestley District Annual Meeting Planning Committee.

In community, Robert served on the board of the Citizens for Clean Air, Greater Washington Area, and the Community Psychiatric Clinic in Bethesda MD. He was an active member of the ACLU, Maryland Suburban Fair Housing, Planned Parenthood, and the Association for Humanistic Psychology.

While he was not ministering to a congregation, guest preaching, performing weddings or memorial services, Robert occupied himself in many and varied jobs: employment counselor, cab driver, marketing bricks, as a night watchman at Maryland Clay, selling fish at Eastern Market, and day laborer, helping build Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt MD).

Robert is survived by his wife of 64 years Sylvia; his children Janet Lewis (Wayne) and Drew Lewis; grandchildren Kelsey Strouse (Andrew), Lily and Lanni Solochek; great granddaughter Samantha Joy Litwin; brother Wilford Lewis; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A memorial service was held on October 26, 2023, at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd, Bethesda MD 20817.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing or the Greenbelt Community Foundation or Unitarian Universalist for Social Justice. Notes of condolences may be written here.

The Rev. Carl Arthur Hover

The Rev. Carl Arthur Hover died on August 15, 2024, at the age of 88 (1936-2024).

Arthur is survived by his wife, Ellen Dionna; his two children: Carla Hover and Carl Hover; and five step-children: Jonathan Wolf, Carol Wolf, Pamela Wolf MacMahon, Adam Wolf, and Franklin Wolf. He was preceded in death by his two sons: Kenneth Arthur and Carson Monroe.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the UU Congregation of York, 925 S George St, York PA 17403.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UU Congregation of York PA, or the Unitarian Universalist Society for Ministerial Relief, c/o Rev. Susan Suchocki Brown, 80 Mill Glen Rd., Winchendon, MA 01475.

Notes of condolences may be written here
<https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/c-arthur-hover-obituary?id=56218038#guestbook>.

A more complete obituary will follow.

Ann Clark Howe

Ann Howe, 99, of Raleigh and spouse of the late Rev. Dr. Charles A. Howe, died peacefully on August 14, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by family. Ann Elizabeth Clark was born in Richmond VA on October 18, 1924, to the late William Baker Clark and Louise Graham Clark.

Ann grew up on the family farm in Buckingham County VA. She entered college at age 16 and graduated from Westhampton College, University of Richmond, Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She also earned a master’s degree in organic chemistry at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

She met Charles Howe at UNC after he returned from service in WWII and they were married in 1947.

Ann was an instructor in chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez, worked as a research assistant at UNC, and then spent a decade at home with her children. She was an elementary science teacher at the Lab School at the University of Chicago while her husband was a seminary student.

Ann then received a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1970. She was a Professor of Science Education at Syracuse University, the head of the Department of Math and Science Education at North Carolina State University, and the head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Maryland. She was the first woman to hold a faculty position in her department at both Syracuse and N.C. State.

Her professional accomplishments are too numerous to detail here but included leadership roles in professional organizations, including President of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (1983–84), a Senior Fulbright Scholar in Chile, editorial roles with professional journals, and the author of numerous journal articles and two books. In retirement, Ann became a painter and was a member of Cary Gallery of Artists.

She was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh NC, where she served in various leadership roles. A person of great energy, curiosity and optimism, Ann balanced her professional achievements with a full family life, a love of travel, nature and gardening, and enjoying her many friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, and her brother, William B. Clark Jr. She is survived by daughter Judy Howe (Robert Harangozo) of Yonkers NY, daughter Margie Chenery of Raleigh, and son David Howe of Albany NY; grandchildren Patricia Chenery, Sally Howe, Nora Howe, and Caroline Harangozo; her sister, Martha Bell; her sister-in-law, Jean Clark; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the UU Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Avenue, Raleigh NC.

Contributions in Ann’s memory may be made to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic or a charity of your choice.

The Rev. Walter S. LeFlore

The Rev. Walter S. LeFlore died on August 12, 2024, at the age of 72 (1952-2024).

Walter is survived by his wife Yvette LeFlore; his two children Alison LeFlore and Eric LeFlore (Audrey); grandchildren Nicholas Inferrara, Joseph Inferrara, and Elias LeFlore; brother Ivens LeFlore; and his two sisters Loretta Wells and Pat Francois.

There will be two celebrations of life services for Walter. One will be held at 1 pm on August 24, 2024, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, 2015 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke VA 24015. Another will be held at 2 pm on September 14, 2024, at the First Parish Church of Stow, 353 Great Rd, Stow MA 01775.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roanoke Reparations Group. Checks can be sent to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, 2015 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015. Please mention Reparations in the memo
line. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences may be written here:
<https://www.lotzfuneralhomesalem.com/tributes/Walter-LeFlore#share-a-memory>.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.

The Rev. Jeffrey D. Liebmann

The Rev. Jeffrey “Jeff” D. Liebmann died on August 7, 2024, at the age of 68 (1956-2024).

Jeff was born on July 5, 1956, in Barberton OH to Henry and Helen Liebmann. He was the youngest of three sons. When Jeff was 10, the family moved from Ohio to Pittsburgh. When he was in sixth grade, he found a place for himself in school plays. His opportunities to sing and act very early in life stood him in good stead following the transition to Pennsylvania and for many years following.

Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry (1978) and a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Organizational Development (1979), both from the University of Pittsburgh PA. Following graduation, he worked at the University of Pittsburgh as an analyst and Manager of Strategic Planning (1980–1992) and then as an assistant to the Provost (1993–2008).

Jeff was raised in a non-denominational church. He visited various churches during his teen years but was unaffiliated with any denomination. At age 30, he came across a brochure from a UU church. This led him to the East Suburban UU Church in Pittsburgh (1989). Soon, he was president of this small, lay-led congregation. In 1991, he moved to the Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. He led primary grade classes for two years, took on junior high class, and moved up with youth into the high school class. He wrote and published religious education curricula across the country.

During years of his lay leadership, he felt proud of his work and felt happy being with the UU community. His extensive experience promoting religious education for junior and senior Unitarian Universalist youth inspired him to promote youth ministry across the Association. He felt a call to this ministry. He wanted to help youth bridge not just into young adulthood but into meaningful adult membership in the UU churches. Becoming a UU minister, he wanted to model a religious life and live in covenant with others. He wanted to empower congregations to regularly assess their covenant, find meaning in the experience of worship, and maintain long-term health and vitality. Following this call, he graduated with his Master of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School (2010).

From 2010 to 2011, Jeff served the UU Congregation of Smithton PA as their consulting minister. He was ordained by the UU Fellowship of Midland MI on November 6, 2011, where he served for six years (2011–2017). At Midland, the Rev. Liebmann excelled at ministry with historically marginalized individuals. He mentored lay leadership and worked closely with the board to develop long-range planning. He supported the RE program, offered several Adult RE classes, and brought children into the services. He increased the number and variety of intergenerational worship services and helped facilitate the growth of activities attractive to both young adults and parents with children. From 2017–2018, he served at the UU Congregation of Columbia MI. His ministry at All Peoples, Louisville KY (2018–2019) helped prepare the congregation to find their next called minister.

The Rev. Liebmann inspired young people he worked with to live their religious beliefs by fostering youth empowerment and developing youth leadership. He impacted Unitarian Universalism with his strong leadership and curriculum development skills. He was heavily involved in UU activities and outreach to the denomination. He sat on the board of the Michigan UU Social Justice organization, was an adult leader on the Ohio-Meadville District Youth Adult Committee for ten years, and program consultant for Lifespan Faith Development for the Ohio-Meadville District.

In community, he provided his services as a consultant for the Woodland Hills School District Board and as governing board chair for the Family Foundation Early Head Start Program (2001–2006).

Some of his works are “Sacred Threads” (Asian religions), “Thinking the Web” (moral issues), “Truth and Meaning” (Western religions), “Dare to Know” (Humanism and Western philosophy), “Heresy Apparent” (Unitarian Universalist history), “Paradigms Lost and Regained” (the construct of youth), and “Living in UUville” (Unitarian Universalist principles).

In his leisure time, he enjoyed collecting stamps, Matchbox cars, comic books, and various genres of books and he loved to sing.

Jeff is survived by his spouse Jody Liebmann; children Emily Lemke (Sean), Marcus Goleman, Ashley Stack, Tyler Liebmann; grandchildren Wolfgang and Scarlett Lemke; brother Jon Liebmann; as well as numerous nephews.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland, 6220 Jefferson Ave, Midland MI 48640.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. Notes of condolences may be sent to Jody Liebmann, 18293 Sorrento St, Detroit MI 48235.

The Rev. Robert C. Sallies

The Rev. Robert “Bob” C. Sallies died on August 6, 2024, at the age of 92 (1931-2024).

Bob was born on August 10, 1931, in Cleveland OH, to Mabel Tilton Sallies and Dorritt Sallies. He grew up in New Hampshire at the Weirs in Laconia and attended Laconia High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire (1954); Master of Sacred Theology (1965), and doctorate in church management (1981) from Andover Newton Theological School in Newton MA.

The Rev. Dr. Sallies was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry on October 31, 1965. He served the Universalist Church of Westbrook, ME, from 1965–1968 and was the Northeast District Minister and District Executive from 1968–1980. From 1980–1988, he was Vice President of Finance for the UUA.

The Rev. Dr. Sallies served as a trustee of the UUA. He worked with the UU Service Committee and the Religious Education Committee at conferences at Ferry Beach ME.

In Norway ME, Bob served on the Norway School Board and the Planning Board, and as moderator of Town meetings. He was a former president of the Weary Club and a member of Friends of Norway Library. He was also active on the Maine Council of Churches.

Bob and his wife Margie loved children, and their home at Round Pond was filled with them every summer. They also had many dogs and cats, from which they drew great pleasure.

Bob is survived by his wife of 71 years Margie Garrison Sallies; daughter E. Elizabeth Sallies; sister-in-law JoAnn Bolt Garrison; a larger number of nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, great-grand-nieces, and nephews, as well as one great-great grand-niece.

A memorial service was held at 2 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the First Universalist Church of South Paris, 36 Pine St, South Paris ME 04281.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Universalist Church of South Paris, 36 Pine St, South Paris ME 04281. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences may be written here.

Christine Lilly Backus

Obituary for Elderberries, written by Chris’s niece, Alisha Lilly Sarang-Sieminski, who took care of Chris in her last years. Edited for length by Eleanor Richardson.

Christine Lilly Backus, known as Chris or Christy, embarked on her final adventure July 14, 2024, at the age of 77. Born Oct. 15, 1946, in Eugene OR, Chris and her husband of 53 years, the Rev. Andy Backus, lived in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, California, Vancouver BC, and Bellingham WA. She came back to the Boston area for the past 2 years to live near family.

Chris attended Moorestown Friends School (NJ). She earned a B.A. from Goucher College (MD), and an M.A. in Education from Harvard. Returning to her alma maters, Christy was an art teacher at the Friends School and Art Librarian at Goucher for a time.

Christy’s life with Andy was the stuff of quirky romantic comedies, deep love, and joint adventures. Their collaboration was a testament to their shared love of laughter and storytelling. They were excellent party hosts, especially on New Year’s Eve, their wedding anniversary. She joined forces with Andy to co-write the play “Older But Not Wiser (Younger But Not Cute),” which, true to form, was a hit at the Bellingham (WA) Theater Guild.

Christy shared a deep involvement in the UU church with Andy, not simply a minister’s wife and church member, but an active participant in the larger community, as a frequent attendee of UUA General Assembly, founding member of the UU minister’s partners group, and an active member of UURMaPA, including editing Elderberries. In recent years, she found a spiritual home at the Unitarian Church of Sharon MA. Christy knew every song in the UU songbook without looking.

Chris was always willing to lend a hand. Together, she and Andy boated the waters of the East and West coasts, taking on leadership roles within the Power Squadron at Semiahmoo Yacht Club in Bellingham. As a Commodore, she took pride and joy in teaching others about boating safety. Throughout her life, Christy was active in social justice, and canvassed for local candidates she believed in.

As her capacity changed due to dementia, her core qualities still shone through and she was beloved by all of those who helped care for her. And one could absolutely imagine her making jokes about how being “demented” her whole life was finally catching up to her.

Chris leaves behind nieces Alisha Sarang-Sieminski and Hema Sarang-Sieminski and their children (her grand-niblings), her sister Deb Lilly, and countless extended family and friends.

As we say our goodbyes, let’s not forget to smile and be kind to one another; after all, that’s exactly what Christy would have wanted. Donations in Christy’s memory can be made to organizations that support democracy and reproductive rights – things she worked for throughout her life. Also to the UU Church of Sharon MA. UURMaPA will contribute to the UU Church of Sharon.

Christy’s memorial will be held at the Unitarian Church of Sharon on Saturday, August 24 at 3 PM, with a teatime reception to follow. A remote option will be available and the Zoom Link can be found on the church website: https://www.uusharon.org/calendar/christy-backus-memorial-service/.