The Rev. Michael D. O’Kelly

The Rev. Michael D. O’Kelly died on January 20, 2026, at the age of 91 (1934−2026).

Michael is survived by his children, Karen O’Kelly, Kristen DeVono (Kevin), and Sean O’Kelly; his grandchildren, Michael Harris, Lauren Harris, and Joey DeVono; his sister, Sharon Youngdahl, and his brother, Dennis O’Kelly. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Marilyn O’Kelly.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 PM on February 18, 2026, at his home, 253 Magnolia Ave., Clarksburg WV 26301.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to observe World Harmony Day on July 2, read his writings, engage in thoughtful conversation, or perform an act of kindness in someone else’s life practices— he believed could change the world, one moment at a time. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be shared here.

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.

UURMaPAns Can Access the New Hymnal!

As you may know, the UUA has published a new hymnal, Sing Out Love, in an online format. (More info about this hymnal HERE) Subscription access to this hymnal is available only to institutions. Individuals can browse, but if you want to download, say, lyrics to a hymn, chords, a piano part, or if you want to have your copy transposed into a key you can sing, you have to sign up through an institution, usually, a church.

Your UURMaPA leadership has negotiated (and paid for!) access for retired UU ministers. We can have up to 999 people with log-in credentials, so…really, even if you just want to peak, you can get access.

Just Click this link: Access to Sing Out Love

Fill out the form, click submit, and the Sing Out Love staff will get you all signed up. (Might take a few days…be patient!)

Need help? Email Christine Robinson.

The Rev. Margaret A. Barnhouse

The Rev. Margaret “Meg” A. Barnhouse died on January 13, 2026, at the age of 70 (1955−2026).

Meg is survived by her wife, the Rev. Kiya Heartwood, their two sons, Sam Barnhouse Durrett and Ned Durrett, and five grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepmother, Bethie Barnhouse, her sisters, Ruth Story and Lucy and Joana Barnhouse, her stepsister, Mindy Cardenas, her stepbrother, Miguel Cardenas, and her nephew, Aidan, and niece, Lillia.

Two memorial services are planned. One will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the UUChurch of Brazos Valley, 1719 E 29th Street, Bryan TX 77802. A second service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the First UU Church of Austin TX, 4700 Grover Ave, Austin TX 78756.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brazos Valley. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be sent to dearmegb@gmail.com.

The Rev. Patricia Trudeau

The Rev. Patricia “Pat” Trudeau died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 73 (1952−2025).

Pat is survived by her husband, Wilburn, and her son, Donovan. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Unitarian Council or to a charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be mailed to the Canadian Unitarian Council, and they will forward them to the family, c/o Canadian Unitarian Council, Center for Social Innovation #302-192 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2C2.

The Rev. Harry C. Green, III

The Rev. Harry C. Green died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 82 (1943−2025).

Harry is survived by his partner, the Rev. Linda Hart Green; his children, Christine Green LeLait (Alain) and Harry C. Green IV; and his grandson, Samuel Pitts (Abby). He is also survived by his sister, Penny Green Reid, and by his nieces, Kate Weidenbenner (Barry), Megan Nelson, and Emily Routt. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, James Bradshaw Green.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Story and Song Bookstore Bistro / Center for Arts and Culture, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach FL 32024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amelia Island Museum of History or Doctors Without Borders. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be written here.

The Rev. Robert A. MacDicken

The Rev. Robert “Bob” A. MacDicken died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 85 (1940−2025).

Bob is survived by his wife Eileen Ross; his children from his first spouse Carolyn MacDicken (born Johnson), Mark, Nathan, Eric, and Tabbitha; his stepchildren Rachel and Joshua (Samantha); his grandchildren Ripley, Tulia, Wyatt, Gemma, Jonathan, and Galen; and his brother James.

A celebration of life is being planned for spring 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain, 503 W. State Street, Black Mountain NC 28711. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be shared here.

Nov 20, 2025

The Rev. Dr. Walter F. Wieder

The Rev. Dr. Walter “Walt” F. Wieder died on December 22, 2025, at the age of 81 (1944−2025).

Walt is survived by his wife of 38 years, Janet Wieder; his daughter, Gina Gerger; and his siblings, Joan Wieder, Theresa Wieder, and Mark Wieder.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, 4027 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley AZ 85253, or the Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix AZ 85008. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.”

Notes of condolence may be written here.

Speckulations

By Rev. Dr. Richard Speck
UURMaPA Board President

(From Fall 2025 Elderberries)

Thanksgiving approaches as I write this column, so I want to offer some thanks for those who keep our organization strong. Let me start with thanks to the Fall 2025 Conference Planning Team and Worship Team:
Barbro Hansson, Sonya Sukalski, Jeff Briere, Jef Gamblee, Terry Ellen, Wayne Walder, Anita Farber-Robertson, Joan VanBecelaere, Linda Wright, Sylvia Howe.
The conference had the largest attendance ever, with almost 200 people participating. The programming was stimulating and the stories and odysseys were very moving. We have improved over the years in meeting the moment with themes that are attracting ever more registrants.

Our long time Conference Zoom Master, Jon Claney, resigned in the summer to take a full-time position with First Unitarian Church, Wilmington, Delaware. He did great work for us over several years. Replacing him is Cynthia Becker, a lifelong Unitarian Universalist who has a background in video conferences. She was behind the scenes at our recent conference. She lives in Vancouver, Canada.

I also wish to thank Ann Marie Alderman for her years of service as our Membership Coordinator. She helped us transition from the old way of keeping up—with three separate spreadsheets—to our Church Center system, where we enter the data once and it sorts automatically into areas. We are still getting used to how the system works. Ann Marie had to step down due to personal concerns. We seek a new Membership Coordinator. If you might be interested, contact me, president@uurmapa.org.

I am saddened to announce that our Treasurer, Paul Johnson, has had to resign due to health issues. Paul hoped to complete his term as treasurer, but circumstances prevented it. We are grateful for the work that Paul was able to do, and we hope he can find some well-deserved rest. The board will be appointing a temporary treasurer to complete Paul’s term. The Nominating Committee has proposed a person for the position. The board will discuss it soon.

The board is also working on goals for this year. We laid out broad areas for our work and are now putting substantive plans into place to guide us and allow us to see markers for completing those goals. We are working on strengthening connections (among ourselves, primarily), improving fundraising for the organization, and increasing diversity and inclusion in our membership. Stay tuned for how you can help us fulfill these goals.

The last item I wish to discuss is our annual fund-raising appeal. You will be receiving (or have already received) a letter from me, asking you to financially support our organization. We do not ask for dues to be a member but rely upon each of you contributing what you can to strengthen UURMaPA and our programs. Please give generously when the letter comes.

I close with words from our hymnal, #355 We Lift Our Hearts in Thanks:
We lift our hearts in thanks today for all the gifts of life,
And most, the gifts of hope and love, of wisdom, truth and right.

Yours in the Faith,
Richard Speck, UURMaPA President

Author: Jaco ten Hove

Dec 18, 2025