The Rev. Robert J. Lewis

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

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. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be written 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.

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>.

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 T. Latham

The Rev. Robert T. Latham died on June 14, 2024, at the age of 92 (1931-2024).

Robert was born on December 10, 1931, in Wichita Falls TX to Floyd Charles Latham and Artie Thelma Latham. He grew up in the Southern Baptist tradition, began preaching at 13, led revival meetings during his mid-teens, and was ordained at 18. Robert received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion and History from Baylor University in Waco TX in 1954, a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1963, and a Master of Theology from Southeastern University in 1966.

His seminary education exposed him to the concepts of mythology and historical and literary criticism, which led to a disaffection with Christianity. Furthermore, his experience as a chaplain during the Vietnam War revolutionized his views toward religion; his cultural perspectives were transformed. In the wake of these transformations, he discovered Unitarian Universalism. Further study of the history, orientation, and social posture of UUism led him to believe that ministry within this body would be a personally gratifying experience. He wanted to use his skills, expertise, and knowledge in ministry to benefit liberal religionists and entered the UU professional ministry in 1969.

Rev. Latham served as a settled minister at the UU Congregation of the Quad Cities, IA (1970–1973); All Peoples Church UU, TX (1973–1976); and the UU Church West, WI (1976–1979). He was a special minister at the UU Church of Las Cruces NM from 1980–1981 and an interim minister at large for the Pacific Northwest District, WA (1981–1985). Subsequently, he served as an interim minister at the Community UU Church, TX (1985–1986); and the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco CA (1986–1987). In 1988, Rev. Latham accepted a call from the Jefferson Unitarian Church, CO where he would serve until his retirement in 1997.

After his retirement, he served in interim ministries at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland CA (2000–2002); the UU Congregation of Princeton NJ (2002–2004); the UU Church of Tucson AZ (2004–2006); and the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington DE (2006–2007). From 2011 to 2013, he served the Pacific Central District as an Interim District Executive. In 2015, the Jefferson Unitarian Church, CO honored him as their minister emeritus.

Rev. Latham was a compelling spiritual and intellectual leader of imagination and commitment stimulating vibrant, dynamic congregational life. His creation of the Committee on Ministry (as opposed to the former Ministerial Relations Committee) and shared ministry were revolutionary in effect, bringing about greater congregational engagement and notable growth. His interim ministry helped congregations transform and grow in membership while regaining the congregation’s spirited attention through the worship experience and advanced workshops.

Rev. Latham made a significant contribution to the denomination serving as a consultant and trainer for the UUA Extension Department. He was co-designer and speaker for the Unitarian Universalist Sunday morning radio program, in Milwaukee WI (1976–1980). During the 1980s, he served the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada districts as UUA International Minister at Large. Furthermore, he chaired the Mountain Desert District committee to create a District Leadership School and designed its program and curriculum. He served as a speaker at the Jefferson Unitarian Church Community Events Forum.

Robert was head of MYTHing Link Consulting which provided a variety of services to liberal congregations and organizations. In the community, he provided his services as a facilitator of a special training program for administrators, social workers, therapists, etc. on Disability and Sexuality for the Texas Department of Human Services. He participated in state, county, and Denver CO area Youth and Violence Program and was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Davenport IA.

He also published several of his works including The Unitarian Universalist Extension Manual (1985), Moving On From Church Folly Lane (2006), A Tale of Boxes (2009), a chapter entitled “The Temptation to Rush the Search” in the book In The Interim (2013), and a brochure entitled “Lessons From Vietnam: Why Nothing Has Changed” (2011), and American Democracy: Suicide Or Revolution? (2020).

He enjoyed writing, travel, reading, hiking, biking, movies, art, music, sports, and poker in his leisure time.

Robert is survived by his spouse Cindy Latham; daughter Sherry Kay Latham; stepchildren Christy Le Lait and Harry C Green, IV; granddaughters Ture and Miranda Latham; step-grandson Samuel Pitts; as well as his great granddaughter Gemma Miller.

A celebration of Robert’s life was held on August 3, 2024, at Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden CO 80401.

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

Notes of condolences may be sent to cynthialatham@comcast.net.

Helen B. Lane

Helen B. Lane, 88, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend to all, passed away suddenly on April 20, 2023.

Helen was born on Feb. 13, 1935, to Virginia DeCamp Beattie and William Douglas Beattie in San Francisco CA. She attended Pomona College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1956. She received a master’s in public health from UC Berkeley in 1960. Helen worked at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla CA, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston MA.

She was very active at First Parish UU in Needham MA, participating in group leadership and fundraising activities. Lately she had been active in Vesper services at the church.

Helen adored gatherings with her mother and sisters to spend time together, where they laughed, told stories, and enjoyed each other’s company. Helen was married to Harry Lee Munsinger (divorced), John Baker (widowed) and UU minister Rev. Edwin Lane (also widowed).

She was preceded in death by her son Dennis Munsinger and her sister Ciele Tewksbury. She is survived by her sisters Genia Simpson and Cynthia Astor, her sons Douglas and David Munsinger, her stepsons Michael and John Lane, seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on June 10 at the First Parish in Needham.

The Rev. Richard D. Leonard

The Rev. Richard “Dick” D. Leonard, who died on November 25, 2022, at the age of 95.

Dick was born on September 24, 1927, in Detroit MI to Richard H. Leonard and Frances J. Leonard. Since early childhood, he had a love for classical music. He began his violin classes at the age of nine, attended the National Music Camp at Interlochen at 14, and was appointed as assistant concertmaster of the National High School Orchestra at 17.

In 1949, Dick received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Yale University following which he graduated with his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, NY in 1952. After graduation, Dick carried out his ministry within the Congregational-Christian framework (1951–1959).

During these years, he found himself steering away from any creedal approach to religion. This made him explore Unitarianism. Soon he realized that he was more Unitarian in outlook than traditionally Christian. With this new direction, he aimed his ministry at teachers and church school families of the Community Church of New York UU and the wider fellowship in the Unitarian movement.

Rev. Leonard was called to serve the Community Church as a minister of religious education in 1959. His nine years of ministry at the Community Church marked the expansion of a church school and youth groups. He introduced new arts programs for Primaries and Juniors and added new curriculum materials.

Furthermore, he was involved with the Social Action Committee and served as vice president of the Liberal Religious Education Directors’ Association. In 1965 he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery AL.

From 1969 to 1977, Rev. Leonard served as a part-time minister of the Flatbush Unitarian Church, in Brooklyn, NY. During those years he conducted services, delivered sermons, officiated weddings and funerals, and performed a large amount of pastoral counseling. Subsequently, in 1979, he was called to the Unitarian Church of All Souls in Manhattan, NY where he would serve until 1997. At All Souls, he chaired their Membership Committee, served as a fundraiser for their special music program, and taught church school. In 1997, he retired from his ministry, whereupon All Souls honored him as minister emeritus.

Rev. Leonard was an inspirational leader who won a place in the hearts of the church members and the community at large. He was Development Director for the Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, at Walden School, and at the Horace Mann School and provided his services as treasurer of the Metro NY Stevens Scholarship Committee.

He also had several of his writing published including “Call to Selma,” “Ports of Call: Journeys in Ministry,” and “Wet Cement” (3 volumes), a collection of vignettes from his personal and professional life. In 2016 in his apartment near Lincoln Center, he founded “Project 142,” a unique concert series designed to support emerging musical talent of all sorts. Dick hosted 160 concerts during his leadership of Project 142, which continues today under the direction of a longtime associate.

Over his life, he learned to play ten musical instruments and was highly skilled in the violin and piano. In his spare time, Dick enjoyed travel and chess. He and his wife, Polly were avid world travelers and visited over 80 countries during their 46 years together.

Richard is survived by his daughters: Elizabeth Leonard, and Suzanne Sykora (Karl Walter Sykora); his step-son, Kenneth Mason (Mia Mason); step-daughter, Martha Mason (Bryce Sommerville); as well as grandchildren: Anthony Bellavia, Joseph Bellavia, Anna Mason Woodward, Lizzy Mason, Jennifer Thilo, Katherine Thilo, Pamela Thilo, and their partners, spouses, and children. He was predeceased by his wife Anna Mary “Polly” Leonard, and by his stepdaughter, Helen Louise Bigelow.

A commitment ceremony preceding cremation took place on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. The memorial service will take place at 11 am on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Unitarian Church of All Souls, 1157 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10075.

In lieu of flowers, donations can go to the Unitarian Church of All Souls (address above).

Notes of condolence can be sent to Elizabeth Leonard, 3 Cedar Street, Waterville, ME 04901, and emails to edleonar@colby.edu.

The Rev. Clarence “Pete” J. LaSonde

The Rev. Clarence “Pete” J. LaSonde died on March 29, 2022, at the age of 93.

Pete is survived by his son, Christopher LaSonde; daughters, Mallory LaSonde and the Rev. Andrea LaSonde Anastos; and son-in-law, the Rev. George C. Anastos; as well as three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A memorial service was held on April 6, 2022, in Marlborough, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hudson Community Food Pantry, 28 Houghton Street, Hudson, MA 01749. UURMaPA will contribute $50 to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences can be sent to the Rev. Andrea LaSonde Anastos, 6842 Pine Arbor Lane South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed.

The Rev. Gertrude V. Lindener-Stawski

The Reverend Gertrude Lindener-Stawski—singer, pianist, scholar, and passionate gardener, whose interest in music led her to Unitarian Universalism and eventually to her calling to ministry—died peacefully on 12 June 2020 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, aged 89.

She was a longtime member of the Prairie Group of UU ministers (1974–2003). In retirement, she became known around Columbia, MO, as an “orchid guru.”

Gertrude Vutz was born on 4 April 1931 in Racine, Wisconsin, to Wilhelm and Mathilde Vutz. After a family move, she grew up in Ohio. and at high school graduation was ranked as the top student in the state.

After earning her B.Mus. in piano at Oberlin Conservatory, OH, in 1952, she and her husband Arthur Lindener lived near Montréal, Canada, but divorced in 1961. She became active in the Lakeshore Unitarian Congregation (SE of Montréal), and eventually earned her ministerial degree from Crane Theological School (Medford, MA) in 1968.

After parish settlement at the United Church of Bethel, VT (1968–73), where she was ordained on 27 October 1968, the Rev’d Ms. Lindener moved to the First Unitarian Society of Madison, WI, as Minister of Education (1973–80). She was called to the UU Fellowship [now Church] of Columbia, MO, in 1980, but took early retirement in 1986, having met and married Conrad Stawski during her tenure there. Twenty years later the church elected her minister emerita.

That church’s present minister, the Rev’d Molly Housh Gordon wrote, “Gertrude was a brilliant woman and a scholarly minister… a kind and welcoming colleague… [Her] legacies to our congregation and to Unitarian Universalism are profound.”

Gertrude Lindener-Stawski is survived by daughter Margo Lindener, son Peter Lindener, and stepdaughter Nina Stawski.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Margo Londoner at 5908 Pine Hill Crescent, Halifax, NS Canada B3H 1E5.

Ruth Helen Langhinrichs

Ruth Langhinrichs

Ruth Helen Langhinrichs, widow of Reverend Richard Alan Langhinrichs, died peacefully on 16 April 2019. Born 30 October 1922 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Susan Smith and Roy Imler, Ruth was the first in her family to graduate from college, receiving her Bachelor of Science in English from Northwestern University in 1944.

Upon graduation, Ruth set out for New York City. She was successful as a writer and editor, working for several magazines. Eventually, she moved to Philadelphia to become an Associate Editor of the Ladies Home Journal. Here she wrote a teen-focused advice column called “Dear Gay Head” that had an estimated 6 million readers in the 1950s.

Ruth was a poet, published author, and playwright. She wrote and produced, “Mermaids in the Basement,” “The Heart of the Limberlost,” “A Night on Walden Pond,” and “Feathers.” At the time of her death, she was working on her memoir, titled An Intricate Life: Almost One Hundred Years in the Making.

After coming to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1965 with her husband and two daughters, Ruth worked tirelessly to promote art, music, movies, drama, and writing. She worked both as an Instructor of English on the Purdue Campus and as a writing consultant at the Writing Center. For many years she was on the editorial board of The Windless Orchard and City Limits. She was also a founding member of Cinema Center, the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, Great Women of Sunday Afternoon, and Sisters over Seventy.

Ruth was also a feminist and advocate for all women. She was a board member for the Women’s Center, and she was a proud delegate to the International Women’s Conference in Beijing, China. She served as the Mayor’s representative to the Area III Council on Aging. She participated actively on many other boards and never shied away from new challenges. She enrolled and graduated from clown school when she was in her 70s, bringing “Lottie” to life. Her lifelong interests included art, mental health, philosophy, religion, and women’s issues. Poetry, cinema, theatre, drawing, and contemporary literature were among her favorite pastimes.

Additionally, she has been deeply engaged with Unitarian Universalism for more than 50 years, and she regularly attended and served the UU Congregation of Fort Wayne in many capacities.

Ruth was the mother of two daughters, Julie (Ben) Langhinrichs of Cleveland, Ohio and Jenny (Marty) Langhinrichsen-Rohling of Mobile, Ala. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Her surviving friends, biological family, and family-by-choice members were abundant and essential to the full life she led.

Memorial gifts may be made to the UU Congregation of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Cinema Center, or to the Women’s Center.

Nick Livingston

Nick Livingston

Nick Livingston — architect, artist, pianist, writer of novels, screenplays and poetry, and spouse of Reverend Ellen D. Livingston — died peacefully on New Year’s Day 2019 at Oak Park Manor in Claremont, California. He was 87 years old.

Nick was born in 1931 in Aurora, Illinois to Olga and Burt Livingston. He graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin with a degree in history, then served in the US Army at the end of the Korean War. After receiving his architectural degree from the University of Illinois, he worked in Africa, Texas, and the Chicago suburbs, designing residential and commercial buildings.

He met his wife, then Ellen Harvell Dohner, in Park Forest, Illinois, where she was serving as lead minister to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Suburbs. They met when he played the piano for services at that congregation and would bring his band for social events.

At the time the congregation had to rent space for their services. Mr. Livingston offered to design and build a modern cedar-framed building on land the church owned in the woods in Park Forest. He not only volunteered his services but followed through on helping to raise money for the project. Three years after the dedication of the new building, he and Ellen became engaged. They were wed in 1982 at the new church building which offered views of the forest through the large windows Mr. Livingston had designed.

Four years after they were married Ellen accepted the call of Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Montclair, California. In August 1986, they moved to California. The Livingstons soon fell in love with the state and have lived here ever since.

Nick transferred his architectural license to California and worked as a freelancer and builder in the inland valley until he retired in 2012. He designed many additions and improvements at the congregation, and served as its maintenance person. As the church’s programs expanded, he designed and built a classroom wing dedicated to and named after him, Livingston Hall.

He was a true Renaissance man, with many talents and accomplishments.

Nick often played the piano for church worship services and social events. He enjoyed playing favorite songs, while friends sang. Sometimes he was accompanied by other musicians with stringed instruments and drums.

As a painter, he had several shows over the years, both in the Chicago area and in California, where his work was shown at the dA Center for the Arts in Pomona, galleries in Laguna Beach, at the Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation, and most recently at Claremont Village Green. All of his works were painted in California and Mexico, where he was inspired by nature’s variety of gorgeous landscapes.

Four years ago he published a novel, Stained Glass Warrior. In it he portrays a young artist from the Chicago inner city who is drafted into the army, and his struggles to survive injuries sustained on the battlefield in World War II. The protagonist developed artistic projects to encourage alternatives to a culture of war.

Although he served in the US Army during the Korean War as a teacher of enlisted men in Germany, he was a man of peace and was passionate about civil rights and the founding tenets of our democratic republic.

The Livingstons enjoyed traveling and had three places they considered their spiritual homes: Cambria, California; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and Ms. Livingston’s birthplace, Boston. They especially enjoyed Hispanic people, culture and places, and traveled to Mexico often.

His family shared that even with his many accomplishments, it was his love of life and people that was his most outstanding gift. A friend said “Nick knew how to have fun, not take life too seriously. He made me and others around him feel important. To him, all of us were. He made me a better person for having known him.”

He leaves behind his wife, the Reverend Ellen Livingston; three stepchildren, Markus and Luke Dohner, and Katherine Dohner Acenas; five grandchildren; his niece Karen Jenneke, her brother David Jenneke, his wife Sandy and their son, Nickolas. Messages of condolence can be sent to Ellen Livingston, Apt 9A, 630 W Bonita Ave. Claremont CA 91711.