The Rev. Dr. Joyce Harkleroad Smith

The Rev. Dr. Joyce Harkleroad Smith died on May 23, 2025, at the age of 96 (1928-2025).

Joyce was born on September 13, 1928, to William and Pearl Harkleroad. She was raised in Salina and Whitewater KS, in a family of modest means, and endured the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. In 1950, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kansas. Shortly thereafter, she married Dr. Vernon L. Smith, an experimental economist. While raising their three children, Joyce pursued a call to the ministry. She earned a Bachelor of Divinity in 1967 and later a Doctor of Divinity degree in 1984, both from Meadville Lombard Theological School.

The Rev. Dr. Smith was ordained to the UU ministry on November 5, 1967. She served her first ministry at the First Parish in Sherborn MA, from 1967–1972. In 1974, she accepted a call from the River Road UU Congregation in Bethesda MD, where she would serve until 1980. From 1980 to 1985, she was the director of Congregational and Ministerial Services at the UUA. She supported clergy and lay leaders during a pivotal time in the denomination’s development. In 1985, she returned to the parish and served the Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York NY until 1987.

Following that, she was drawn to interim ministry and provided her services to the following congregations: the First Parish in Waltham MA (1987–1988); the UU Congregation of Atlanta GA (1988–1989); the UU Congregation in Stamford CT (1989–1990); the First Parish UU of Arlington MA (1990–1991); and the First Unitarian Church, Portland OR (1991–1992). She retired from her active ministry in 1992 but continued her services. From 1997–2006, she was an affiliated minister at the Valley UU Congregation in Chandler AZ. She also served part-time at various fellowships in Flagstaff and Glendale AZ, as well as offered a short-term ministry in Adelaide, Australia. Through her parish and interim roles, she nurtured congregations through growth, transition, and transformation. She helped expand the visibility and leadership of women in ministry.

The Rev. Dr. Smith was a powerful preacher. She delivered the Berry Street Essay at Palm Springs General Assembly in 1988 and later gave a sermon at the Service of the Living Tradition.

For the past nineteen years, she lived at a senior living community in Kansas City, where she remained active and engaged. She participated in many on-campus activities, starred in several plays, and worked at the volunteer tax help site.Joyce is survived by her children Deborah Emielita, Eric Smith, and Torrie Smith; her grandson Taliesen Graff; and her ex-husband Vernon Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Association, 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210 or Meadville Lombard Theological School, 180 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 700, Chicago IL 60601. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence can be sent to Eric Smith at smith990@gmail.com or by snail mail at 2950 Dean Pkwy., Apt. 1406, Minneapolis MN 55416.

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. Weston A. Stevens

The Rev. Weston “Wes” A. Stevens died on May 11, 2025, at the age of 93 (1932–2025).

Wes is survived by his wife Barbara Stevens; his daughters, Julie Arguelles (Mark) and Heather Wight (Clint); his son David Stevens (Rachel); and four grandchildren, Danica, Drew, Lily, and Taegen.

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 can be written here.

Maxine (Hertel) Steeves

Maxine S. (Hertel) Steeves, 95, died Nov. 13, 2024. Born March 29, 1929, in Fitchburg MA, Maxine was the daughter of Max and Emma (Lamothe) Hertel. After graduating from Fitchburg State Teachers College, she taught in Fitchburg and Leominster. This drive continued later with home tutoring for students and adults with learning disabilities.

In 1952, she married the one and only love of her life, The Rev. Bertrand H. Steeves (save for a lighthearted crush on author A.D. III, which was well known to Bert and the family). Bert died in 2020 at age 94. They were married 68 years.

From 1956–1994, she joined Bert and his calling at the First Religious Society, UU, in Newburyport MA, where she was not just the First Lady but a passionate advocate for justice and civil rights. Here, as the powerful woman she was, she stood by his side fighting against racial injustices, for LGBTQ and Civil Rights, even going as far as to go out in the middle of the night to spray paint over neo-Nazi skinhead graffiti like some kind of ninja for justice. She marched with MLK, Jr. and fostered a small child from Kenya, who grew up to have a large part in South African apartheid.

At home, she hosted dignitaries from across the globe and shared life in a small New England community. In these roles, she maintained her grace, wisdom, and a sense of delightful humor. She was recognized with many accolades including entrance into the Clara Barton Sisterhood, honoring her enduring legacy of courage and compassion.

Maxine and her family enjoyed wonderful summers at their cottage in Fryeburg ME, soaking in its natural beauty and tranquility. She was known to bring English flashcards along on these vacations, much to the dismay of her children. As if that wasn’t enough, she also forced anyone present to play Scrabble (which she always won and knew she would). If you knew the difference between “There” and “Their,” you had her undivided attention. At the age of 72, Maxine became a published author of booklets, “Glimpses of the Past” and “Root and Branches.”

The gift of her life will continue to be treasured by her children: Jonathan R. Steeves, Kathryn W. Steeves and husband Stephen I. Weiss, and Christopher I. Steeves and husband Thomas J. Brewer; five grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. The family will have a burial at Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport, in August 2025, where Bert and Maxine will be laid to eternal rest together.

The Rev. Colleen R. Squires

The Rev. Colleen R. Squires died on October 23, 2024, at the age of 61 (1963-2024).

Colleen was born on March 16, 1963, in Perth Amboy NJ to Elizabeth Louise Fitzpatrick and Robert Anthony Fitzpatrick. She grew up in New Jersey as the youngest of three children in an intact family. Her parents were devout Catholics; faith and church played a central role in guiding their lives. At 14, Colleen moved in with her aunt and uncle, and by 18, she decided to leave the Catholic Church. This break allowed her the freedom to explore other religions and belief systems shaping her perspectives on faith and identity.

She started thinking ahead to college and her future. In 1986, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from Rutgers University NJ. Her college years became a transformative period when she challenged her own beliefs. She took on the role of a college representative speaking to high school students about college life. The Social Studies and Women’s Studies department sought her out as an out-gay student to share her experiences. She had the most rewarding college experience.

In September 1986, Colleen moved to Boston MA, where she began working as a medical secretary at Tufts-New England Medical Center and later at Harvard Medical School-Mass General Hospital. A few months after moving to Boston, she met the love of her life, Linda. Around the same time, she was invited to a wedding at a Unitarian Universalist Church. As she entered the church, she was struck by the banners hanging from the rafters. This was a place of inclusion—a community that honored all beliefs and welcomed all people. She had always believed that religion should unite people in peace and in that moment, she felt truly invited, welcomed, and at home.

Both Colleen and Linda became UUs in 1992. Colleen became involved with the UU church, serving as a lay leader. Inspired by the spirit of inclusion, she felt a calling to ministry. As a UU minister, she wanted to preach meaningful about issues and expose the congregation to a wide variety of teachings, thoughts, and religious practices. Answering this call, she earned her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in 2009.

The Rev. Squires was ordained by the First Parish Church in Dorchester MA on June 3, 2012. Following ordination, she accepted a call to serve as the first minister of the All-Souls Community Church of West Michigan, Grand Rapids MI. She served the congregation until 2024. She set up a widow’s support group and a high school group. Her leadership marked steady membership growth and a spirit of inclusiveness. She guided the congregation toward the proper use of time to build community with one another. In 2015, under her guidance, the church started a Black Lives Matter monthly vigil which continues to this day with other churches in the area. The Rev. Squires had a calming and grounding presence and a genuine ability to listen deeply to those who shared their struggles and concerns with her.

Colleen attended the 50^th anniversary March in Selma AL in 2015, honoring the historic civil rights movement and reaffirming her dedication to justice and equality. She was a founding member of the Hyacinth Foundation, a support network for people with AIDS. She served on the leadership team of the Amethyst Women and was a volunteer for Mass Equality. Furthermore, she was an active contributor to the Rapidian (hyperlocal news source and citizen journalism platform powered by the people of Grand Rapids MI), lending her insightful and reflective voice to complex conversations.

Colleen was a talented artist, loved doing home projects, and enjoyed playing games. She was a compassionate listener and a gifted storyteller, always ready to share a tale that could elicit laughter or provoke thought.

Colleen is survived by her wife Linda Squires; her sister Elizabeth (Fitzpatrick) Golden; her brother Robert Fitzpatrick (Barbara Fitzpatrick); her niece Christine Golden (Marc Bellinger), nephew Robert Golden (Faith Stearns), and cousin Kathy Schmidt (Richard Schmidt). She also leaves behind her brothers Art Squires (Barb Squires), and Mark Squires (Nancy Squires).

A celebration of Colleen’s life was held at 3 pm on December 8, 2024, at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, 2727 Michigan Ave., NE, Grand Rapids MI 49506.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the Rev. Colleen Squires’ name may be made to All Souls Community Church of West Michigan. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry

Notes of condolences may be written here.

Notes of condolence may be written here.

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. 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.

The Rev. Stanley Robert Stefancic

The Rev. Stanley “Stan” Robert Stefancic died on June 28, 2024, at the age of 86 (1937-2024).

Stan is survived by his wife Marianne; his son Benjamin (Sandy); grandchildren Sophie and Ryan; brother Richard (Dolly); niece Erica, and nephew Richie; as well as Marianne’s son Jai (Taraneh). He also leaves behind his former wife, Jean and her husband, Richard.

A private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing or the American Civil Liberties Union <https://action.aclu.org/give/now>.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Marianne Stefancic, 100 Thorndale Dr. Apt. 136, San Rafael CA 94903.

The Rev. Dr. Faith Grover Scott

The Rev. Dr. Faith Grover Scott died on May 6, 2024, at the age of 82 (1941-2024).

Faith is survived by her children Robert Grover, Kathyrn Dickerson, and Margaret Salamack; stepchildren Michael Scott, Rebecca Scott, and Steven Scott; sister Jeanne Harper; three grandchildren and seven step grandchildren.

The interment took place on October 19, 2024, at Murray Grove, Lanoka Harbor NJ.

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

Notes of condolence can be sent to: Margaret Salamack, 923 Myrtle Ave, Albany NY 12208.

The Rev. Elizabeth Boyd Stevens

The Rev. Elizabeth “Betsy” Boyd Stevens died on March 14, 2024, at the age of 91 (1932-2024).

Betsy was born on November 29, 1932, in Boston MA to Elizabeth Bigelow and Robert St. Barbe Boyd. She was raised in Milton and Duxbury MA, and attended Milton Academy through elementary and high school, graduating in 1950. Her family were life-long Unitarians. Betsy led an active extracurricular life, but her prime goal was to get to college. On a part-time basis, she taught sailing and worked in a camp for children with cerebral palsy. She entered Smith College (MA) in 1950 and married in her junior year to a cadet from West Point, who was assigned to Korea after his graduation. During this time, Betsy remained in college and graduated with a major in Sociology (1954). She worked at Jordan Marsh as well as volunteered at Peter Bent Brigham.

For the next twenty years, Betsy and her husband lived in varied Army installations throughout the world. They had a son and a daughter and in 1966, returned to the United States and lived in Alexandria, VA.

After re-locating in Alexandria, Betsy got an opportunity to become active in a parish. From 1971 to 1983, she served the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church, Alexandria VA first as the 2nd grade teacher, then the interim DRE, and then the DRE. She restructured the church’s youth programs, put Unitarian Universalism in the curriculum, and organized bi-yearly trips to the Boston area to teach the youth about their religious heritage. She served the Mt. Vernon church for thirteen years as a strong leader in the intergenerational forums. In 1981, she completed the UU Independent Study Program.

Rev. Stevens was ordained to the ministry of religious education by the First Church and Parish in Dedham MA on February 24, 1985, where she served as a Minister of Religious Education from 1984 to 2003. She helped plan and carry out a well-balanced RE program that enriched the church. The church became more vibrant and caring with a fine RE program. Rev. Stevens equally paid attention to the people of the church, their growth in RE skills, and their growth as individuals in the community. She was an excellent group leader in adult and youth education programs, facilitating discussion, exercising initiative, and interacting effectively.

She retired from her active ministry in the parish in 2003. That year, Meadville Lombard Theological School honored her with a Doctor of Divinity, and in 2004 the First Church and Parish in Dedham honored her as their minister emerita.

Rev. Dr. Stevens was active on the denominational level serving as a designated legal resident for LREDA, MRP advisor, and MRE Focus Group convener. Furthermore, she provided her services to the Continental Women and Religion Committee, the Council on Church/Staff Finances, Good Offices for LREDA and UUMA, the District Minister Advisory Committee, the District Safe Congregation Outreach Team, the UU Historical Society board, and many more. Additionally, she served the Ballou Channing District, Brockton MA from 2001 to 2003.

Rev. Stevens received the Larry E. Axel Award, Modified Residence Program, Meadville Lombard Theological School (1977); and the Angus H. Maclean Award for Excellence in Religious Education, UUA (2001).

In Duxbury, Betsy served as chairperson of the Water Activities Committee for their 350th Anniversary celebration. She was a volunteer for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School “Women Under Way” program, a trustee of the Duxbury Cemetery, and a board member at the Council of Aging. In 2013, she was awarded the Duxbury Community Volunteer Award.

Betsy’s passion was sailing. She won her first season trophy in 1946 at the age of 14. She enjoyed sailboat racing in Duxbury Bay for many summers and received many South Shore trophies through the years. In 1979 and 1981, she won the Massachusetts Bay Women’s Championship.

Betsy is survived by her husband Frederick A. Stevens, Jr., and her two children: Wyatt Stevens (Giselle) and Elizabeth (Lisa) Giannechini (Tony). She also leaves her two granddaughters, Alice Stevens and Libby Giannechini; her sister, Alexandra (Sandy) B. Earle, and one great-grandson.

A memorial service was held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the First Parish Church UU, 842 Tremont St.(Rte. 3A), Duxbury MA 02331.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Duxbury Bay Maritime School, 457 Washington St, Duxbury MA 02332. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be written here.

Barry William Strejcek

Barry William Strejcek, 90, “The Mayor of Oakmont,” died peacefully at home on Apr. 29, 2023, from heart disease and dementia. He was born Oct. 28, 1932, to Doris and William Strejcek and grew up in the Cleveland area. He attended Miami University of Ohio, then served in the Army in Germany during the Korean conflict. He returned to earn a BA in political science and a master’s in labor economics, both from Ohio State.

Barry married his first wife, Mary Jo McPherson, in 1959. They lived in Ohio, Missouri, New Jersey, and Washington DC. Children Kier (1960), Nathan (1962), and Mardi (1969) were born to Barry and Jody. Their marriage ended in divorce. Barry’s working life centered on civil rights and the common good. He was active in the Democratic Socialists of America, founded by Michael Harrington. His career was with the National Urban League, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Barry appreciated that the federal government gave him the opportunity to work towards justice and equality.

In 1976, Barry met Yvonne Schumacher at EEOC; they married in 1980. Their son Brendan was born in 1981. When Barry retired in 1989, they moved to Nevada City, CA, where they were leaders of Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists in Auburn. They were among the founders and charter members of the UU Community of the Mountains in Grass Valley CA. Barry and Yvonne moved to Berkeley in 2004 for her completion of an M.Div. degree at Starr King, and then to Harrisburg PA; Boston MA; and Brighton MI, following the arc of her parish ministry.

They retired to Rossmoor senior community in Walnut Creek CA in 2015. There Barry’s friendliness earned him the moniker, “Mayor of Oakmont,” during COVID in 2020, as he would wave to every car driving by while walking his dog Sammy daily, often wearing his dog mask. His passing is deeply grieved, by his wife of 43 years, Yvonne; his children Kier (Cathleen) of Naperville IL, Nathan (Stacey Moye) of Washington DC; Mardi (Alberto Muciño) of Arlington VA, and Brendan (Chenbo Zhong) of Toronto ONT, Canada; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by great-granddaughter Violet Joan.

A memorial celebration was held Aug. 15 at the Dollar Clubhouse at Rossmoor.