The Rev. Christopher G. Raible

The Rev. Christopher “Chris” G. Raible died on February 10, 2026, at the age of 92 (1933−2026).

Chris is survived by his wife of 71 years, Patricia Woolven Raible, his three children, John Raible, David Raible, and Anne Raible Beasley, six grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may go to Planned Parenthood and/or the American Civil Liberties Union. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be emailed to Anne at anicholson410@gmail.com.

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. 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.

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. 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.

The Rev. James R. Covington

The Rev. James “Jim” R. Covington died on November 12, 2025, at the age of 83 (1942−2025).

Jim is survived by his wife, Suzanne Hall Covington; his daughters, Alexandra Coor and April Accomando; his son, Eric Covington; his grandchildren, Christina Watson, Matthew Accomando, Oliver Coor, Sophie Coor, and Graham Coor; as well as his great-grandchildren, Leddy and Wylder Watson.

A memorial service was held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley, 2021 Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 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 sent to Suzanne Hall Covington, 251 Central Park West, #9d, New York NY 10024.

The Rev. John Fordon

The Rev. John Fordon died on October 4, 2025, at the age of 99 (1925−2025).

John is survived by his daughters, Nancy Guardia, Karen Newell, Susan Fordon, and Kathy Olszewski; his sons, Jeffrey Fordon and Doug Fordon; and stepson, Phillip Reed.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Environmental Defense Fund. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Karen Newell, 86 Chesham Rd., Marlborough NH 03455.

The Rev. Dr. Patrick T. O’Neill

The Rev. Dr. Patrick T. O’Neill died on February 11, 2025, at the age of 77 (1947-2025).

Patrick was born on March 13, 1947, in New York City NY, to William O’Neill and Elizabeth O’Neill. The youngest of seven children in an Irish Catholic family, he was raised with an emphasis on education, ethics, mutual love, and respect. Religion played a central role in his upbringing. He received his early education in the Catholic parochial school system.

As he grew older, Patrick began to question the theology of his church. His youthful impatience led him to wonder why his faith community was not actively engaged in what he considered a pursuit of righteousness. By his sophomore year of college, he had grown disenchanted with the Catholic Church. During this period, his interest in social activism grew, and he became affiliated with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Seeking a spiritual path that aligned more closely with his evolving beliefs, he became involved with the Unitarian Church. His first Unitarian worship service at the Central Unitarian Church in Paramus NJ, was a pivotal experience. He was deeply drawn to Unitarian Universalism’s emphasis on freedom, reason, tolerance, and love—values that resonated profoundly with him. This experience marked a turning point in his spiritual journey.

In 1969, Patrick graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in American history from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City NJ. Following graduation, he spent a year teaching at a public high school in Hasbrouck Heights NJ, before transitioning to social work. From 1970–1974, he dedicated himself as a social worker, gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by individuals and communities. Gradually, Patrick felt a calling to the Unitarian Universalist ministry, recognizing it as a path that would allow him to integrate his passion for social justice with his spiritual beliefs. Following this call, in 1979, he earned his Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Chicago Divinity School and his Doctor of Ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School.

The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was ordained to the UU ministry in 1979. He served as a settled minister for several congregations, beginning with the UU Church of Yakima WA (1979–1982), followed by the Northlake UU Church, Kirkland WA (1982–1985), the First Parish in Framingham MA (1985–1996), and the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington DE (1996–2005). During his ministry in Wilmington, he became a figure of national repute, receiving the 1999 Vision of Justice sermon award, the UUA/UUMA 2001 Annual Stewardship sermon award, and preaching for the Service of the Living Tradition at the 2005 General Assembly. His ministry at Wilmington was powerful and change-making. Under his leadership, the congregation became a Welcoming Congregation and entered into a partnership with a Transylvanian church.

From 2006–2007, the Rev. Dr. O’Neill was an interim minister for the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester PA. Thereafter, he continued his ministry as a settled minister at the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn NY (2007–2011) and later at the Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London (2011–2016). In recognition of his lasting contributions, the First Parish in Framingham MA, honored him as their minister emeritus in 2016.

The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was an excellent preacher, an approachable pastor, and a thoughtful and effective leader. His ministry thrived with pride and pleasure in his high-quality, meaningful sermons, the great spirituality he introduced into the services, and the greater community presence he brought about using talks, meetings, and public presences.

Beyond his congregational leadership, the Rev. Dr. O’Neill was engaged in many denominational committees and interfaith clergy groups. He served the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee and sat on the board of the Starr King School for the Ministry from 2002–2004. He also contributed significantly to the UUMA, serving as a trustee and as a member of the UUMA Commission for Continuing Education. He was a long-time member of the Cedar Hill Study Group (1985–2016) and was the convener of the Northwest UU Ministers Study Group. He taught Thematic Preaching at Andover Newton Seminary.

The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was recognized for his exceptional ministry with several honors throughout his career. He received the Meadville Lombard Billings Prize for Excellent Preaching in 1979 and the O. Eugene Pickett Award for Congregational Growth in 1990. In 2004, his classmates honored him by selecting him to deliver the sermon for their 25^th Ordination Anniversary celebration.

Patrick is survived by his wife of 39 years Patricia Williams; stepdaughter Michelle (Steve); stepson Aaron (Corrina); grandchildren Alison and Jack; sister Nora (Lou); and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35^th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98115. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UUA’s Living Tradition Fund, World Central Kitchen, or Doctors Without Borders.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Patricia Williams at petalpat@aol.com or written here. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

The Rev. Penelope Witte Allderdice

The Rev. Penelope “Penny” Witte Allderdice died on May 23, 2025, at the age of 93 (1932-2025).

Penny is survived by her son, Jacob (Sharon), daughter Frances, and her five grandchildren: Jasper, Morgan, Celeste, Rowan, and Lillian. She was preceded in death by her son Edward, and her husband Bill.

A celebration of life will be scheduled for 2026.

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

Notes of condolence can be written here.