The Rev. Doddie L. Stone died on September 26, 2024, at the age of 89 (1935-2024). Doddie is survived by her sons Donald Stone and Craig Stone, daughter Cindy Gatioan, as well as her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the First UU Congregation of Terre Haute, 1875 S Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute IN 47803.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Sylvia Oster, 1101 E. Royse Dr., Terre Haute, IN 47802.
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. Patricia V.M. Tummino
Tricia Tummino
The Rev. Patricia “Tricia” V.M. Tummino died on September 20, 2024, at the age of 75 (1949-2024).
Tricia is survived by her brother Peter; her husband Lawrence; her children Annie, Ben, and Joe; and her grandchildren Enzo, Lucia, and Asa.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro, 25 S. Main St, Middleborough MA 02346. A reception will follow.
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.
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. Carl Arthur Hover
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.
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.
Ann & Charles Howe, mid-1980s
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.
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.
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
JEFFREY D. LIEBMANN
The Rev. Jeffrey “Jeff” D. Liebmann died on August 7, 2024, at the age of 68 (1956-2024).
Jeff is survived by his spouse, Jody Liebmann; children: Emily Lemke (Sean); Marcus Goleman; Ashley Stack; Tyler Liebmann; grandchildren: Wolfgane and Scarlett Lemke; brother: Jon Liebmann; as well as numerous nephews.
A celebration of his life will be/was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland, 6220 Jefferson Avenue, Midland MI 48640.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing or the family of Rev. Jefferey D. Liebmann.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Jody Liebmann, 18293 Sorrento St, Detroit MI 48235.
A more complete obituary will follow.
The Rev. Robert C. Sallies
Robert “Bob” Sallies
The Rev. Robert “Bob” C. Sallies died on August 6, 2024, at the age of 92 (1931-2024).
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 will be 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.
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.
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 Backus
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/.
The Rev. Beth N. Williams
The Rev. Beth N. Williams died on August 1, 2024, at the age of 72 (1952-2024). Beth is survived by her brother, Doug Nuber, and several cousins. A celebration of life service was held on October 19, 2024, at Mountain Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Tucson AZ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:
The University of Arizona, Modern Language Bldg, Room 223, 1423 E University Blvd., Tucson AZ 85719.
UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry. Notes of condolence may be sent to Kristi Lewis, 14090 N. Lobelia Way, Oro Valley, AZ 85755.
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. Marjorie Rebmann
Marjorie Rebmann
The Rev. Marjorie Rebmann died on July 4, 2024, at the age of 80 (1944-2024).
Marjorie is survived by her husband Richard Rebmann; her son John Hollovary (Rosaria); daughters Susan Reilly, Camille Panburn, and Araceli Rebmann; stepson Coy Rebmann; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; as well as her brother Brian McConnell (Eileen); and sister Tina Thompson.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 130 Main St, Montpelier VT 05602.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Church of Montpelier. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
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 to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
