The Rev. Patricia V. M. Tummino

The Rev. Patricia “Tricia” V. M. Tummino died on September 20, 2024, at the age of 75 (1949-2024).

Tricia was born on September 1, 1949, in Boston MA to Van Horne Morris and Marion “Betty” Gilmore. She was the middle of three children and was raised with her brothers in Hingham MA, where she nurtured an early love of nature, making frequent visits to the ponds to find turtles and snakes. She attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, received her Bachelor of Arts in English in 1971, and engaged in full-time high school teaching until 1979, thereafter doing part-time teaching for a few years while being primarily a mother and homemaker.

In 1991, Tricia discovered the First UU Society of Middleborough, Middleboro MA. She found a spiritual home that offered her the opportunity to be in significant conversation together, be present to one another during the hard times, and witness together the times of joy. She felt it was like coming home. She attended worship services and adult education programs, taught church school, served on the Religious Education Committee, the Parish Committee, and as a Chairperson of the Welcoming Congregation Committee. In January of 1993, she became an office administrator.

Tricia’s increasing involvement in parish and religious education committee work, and very satisfying and affirming opportunities to preach and lead other aspects of the church service, drew her to ministry. For her, being in the ministry meant sharing with others and walking together in community to find wholeness. Following this call, she graduated from Harvard Divinity School with her Master of Divinity in 1998.

Rev. Tummino was ordained by her home congregation, the First UU Society of Middleborough MA on September 27, 1998, where she returned as a settled minister (1998–2010). During her tenure, she skillfully and successfully modeled shared ministry and helped foster a very welcoming environment, supported growth, and encouraged participation at all levels. She planned programs for new members and sparked various new programs for all members. She helped develop a safe congregation plan, created the Safety Committee, and formed a Committee on Ministry. The church became a teaching church (a site for ministerial intern placement). Under her leadership, the church became a happening place, with attractive levels of activities and friendliness. In 2010, she retired from her active ministry.

Rev. Tummino’s meditations and sermons were always thoughtful, insightful, and accessible. She demonstrated compassion and kindness in listening and pastoral care. A 2004 article in the Middleboro Gazette described her as a “Champion of Difficult Causes” as she prepared to officiate same sex marriages after Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize same sex marriage. She always stood for what she believed in and was ready to help people in need.

She served the denomination as the Ballou Channing UUMA Chapter leader. In community, she provided her services as a member and board of the Middleboro/Lakeville Community Counseling Center.

In her leisure time, Tricia enjoyed reading, hiking in the woods, walking, and listening to music. Her passions included folk music and rooting for the Red Sox team.

Tricia is survived by her brother Peter; husband Lawrence; children Annie, Ben, and Joe; and grandchildren Enzo, Lucia, and Asa.

A memorial service was held on November 2, 2024, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro, 25 S. Main St, Middleborough MA 02346. Notes of condolences may be written here.

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

Membership System Upgrade!

May, 2025

Some of you may already be aware that we have made a major upgrade to our membership system! The new system gives you direct access to make changes and update your information. We have created this new system to both simplify access to membership data and also make our information more secure.

The new system is straightforward and we hope you will have no problem updating your information. Here is a set of easy-to-follow instructions for “How to Enter UURMAPA.Churchcenter.com and Change Your Information.”

It is very important that you access the new system and verify that the information we have there is correct. This ensures that you will be able to receive all UURMaPA information, including messages from “Announce” and quarterly issues of Elderberries.

Here’s another way to learn about this new system:

Before you log into ChurchCenter, Jon Claney has prepared an informative video to help you do that. Watch it here:

youtu.be/_71ReowqTXk

Then, to verify and/or update your UURMaPA Membership information, please go to uurmapa.churchcenter.com

If you have a question or need assistance, Richard Speck has kindly agreed to be our “ambassador” for this transition and will do his best to assist you. Contact him at rgspeck@comcast.net.

The Rev. Robert J. Lewis

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

Robert was born on July 25, 1931, in Heltonville IN, to the Rev. Paul S. Lewis and Lillie Lewis. Raised in the household of a fundamentalist Hoosier minister, he attended DePauw University in Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree (1953). He then pursued a Master of Divinity at Drew University in New Jersey, graduating in 1956. Following graduation, Robert served as a Methodist clergy member from 1956–1958. However, he soon realized that the Methodist Church was not the best fit for the development, application, and expression of his theology. Consequently, he transitioned to a role as a junior executive at Indianapolis Goodwill Industries (1958–1959).

During his college and seminary years, Robert was introduced to the Unitarian and Universalist theologies through books and encounters with Unitarian Churches. While living in Indianapolis, he began attending All Souls Church. This deepened his connection to Unitarian Universalism. It was there that he met Sylvia Kelsey while singing in the church choir. In 1959, he married Sylvia, and the couple moved to Hagerstown MD, where Robert ran the Goodwill Industries Office and served as a part-time minister of the Unitarian Fellowship of Hagerstown. Under his leadership, the fellowship grew, added new activities, and experienced renewed vitality. In 1960, Robert was welcomed into fellowship, paving the way for his ministry in the UU tradition.

In 1961, the Rev. Lewis accepted a call to become the first minister of the River Road UU Congregation, Bethesda MD. He served the congregation until 1968, with his inspiring leadership from the pulpit drawing people to church and fostering a growing community. During his tenure, the church building was built, the Religious Education program expanded, and active and effective leadership flourished within the congregation. Following his time at River Road, the Rev. Lewis served the UU Church of Silver Spring MD, from 1969–1973. His ministry there was marked by profound empathy and compassion, and his sermons moved many, leaving a lasting impact on the church community.

The Rev. Lewis held leadership roles within the broader denomination, serving as Chairman of the Greater Washington Association of Unitarian Universalist Churches and the Joseph Priestley District Annual Meeting Planning Committee.

In community, Robert served on the board of the Citizens for Clean Air, Greater Washington Area, and the Community Psychiatric Clinic in Bethesda MD. He was an active member of the ACLU, Maryland Suburban Fair Housing, Planned Parenthood, and the Association for Humanistic Psychology.

While he was not ministering to a congregation, guest preaching, performing weddings or memorial services, Robert occupied himself in many and varied jobs: employment counselor, cab driver, marketing bricks, as a night watchman at Maryland Clay, selling fish at Eastern Market, and day laborer, helping build Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt MD).

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. Notes of condolences may be written here.

The Rev. 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.

Notes of condolences may be written here
<https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/c-arthur-hover-obituary?id=56218038#guestbook>.

A more complete obituary will follow.

Ann Clark Howe

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.

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.

Contributions in Ann’s memory may be made to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic or a charity of your choice.

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>.

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. 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.

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 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/.

UURMaPA Purpose and Background to Latest Amendments by Board

On March 16, 2023, the Board of UURMaPA voted unanimously to amend the Purpose of UURMaPA as described in our organization’s by-laws. This vote came at the end of a year of study of whether UURMaPA should have a covenant or alternatively a change in our Purpose.

The first phase of this process was a discussion about whether our purpose would be well-served by including a covenant as part of UURMaPA membership. That discussion led the Board into a deeper dive about why we have never been a formal membership organization with boundaries that include affirmation and enforcement of a covenant. We found enough ambivalence about a covenant last year that the Board proposed a different approach. Recognizing that our governance philosophy has been to trust an empowered Board, and that our by-laws do not include annual meetings or votes, the Board put forward, instead of a covenant, a proposal for amendments to the Purpose of UURMaPA. The Board invited feedback in writing to this proposal following the Fall Conference in late October, after which any next steps or a final Board vote would be considered.

Seven UURMaPA members sent written responses. Three of these were broad reflections on the changing ministry that did not speak directly to thePurpose statement. Two responses were critical of the proposed changes and recommended simplifying or abandoning the proposed changes. One response focused on the phrase “anti-oppressive attitudes” in the last sentence, describing it as “vague” and “subjective”. This person hoped that the statement could be “more succinct and less ambiguous”. The Board considered these reflections and did not find them persuasive.

One response that we did find persuasive came from Rev. Scot Giles, who
encouraged us to include a reference to the guidelines and codes of conduct of the UU Society for Community Ministers, alongside that of the UUMA, since we have members who prefer to affiliate with UUSCM rather than the UUMA. We thank Scot for this suggestion. After review of the comments and discussion about our options, the following proposed amendments to the Purpose along with the Giles suggestion was moved, seconded and passed by a unanimous vote:

“In faithfulness to the Unitarian Universalist tradition and to the guidelines and code of conduct of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association and the Unitarian Universalist Society for Community Ministries, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Retired Ministers and Partners Association embody in our lives and our conduct with each other the values that we proclaim on behalf of our faith. Our purpose is to be an inclusive multicultural community that serves the interests and enhances the well-being of retired Unitarian Universalist ministers and their life partners through informational communication, periodic membership gatherings, and other supportive programs and activities. As a Unitarian Universalist organization of professionals and partners, we recognize that fulfilling our purpose calls us to cultivate anti-oppressive attitudes and practices consistent with our shared values, thereby promoting our collective well-being.”

The Board sees this as an appropriate step and a conclusion to this stage of the ongoing conversation among us about what UURMaPA means to us, and how we can continue to thrive as an inclusive organization welcoming future generations of retirees. In her written response, Marilyn Sewall wrote: “So much these days is mere ‘virtue signaling,’ and I hope we do not become a part of this phenomenon, which is simply empty rhetoric.” The Board has taken Rev. Sewall’s challenge very seriously, and we encourage UURMaPA members to do the same. We see the Purpose change as one small step among many steps to be taken to enhance the quality of our relationships and the courage of our conversations.

Barbara Bowman Prairie

Barbara Bowman Prairie died on August 4, 2024, at the age of 85 in Cincinnati OH, surrounded by her daughters, Adrienne and Karen, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

Barbara was born on May 4, 1939, in Memphis TN, to Eugene C. Bowman and Mary Irene Wilke Lowe Bowman. Barbara was an active Girl Scout throughout her youth and attended Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley MA, where she majored in Chemistry. While in NYC she met and married Rick Prairie then moved to Champaign IL, where their children were born. They settled in Cincinnati, divorcing in 1973. During her time in OH, Barbara was active at St. John’s Unitarian church, worked as a counselor at the Margaret Sanger Center, and raised her daughters as a single mom with very limited resources.

In 1982, Barbara and Karen moved to the Washington DC, area where she worked at All Souls Unitarian Church and then to Boston in 1985. Barbara served as the General Assembly Administrator for the Unitarian Universalist Association for the next 17 years until her retirement.

She and husband Rev. Michael Boardman retired to Berea KY, on a whim, and thrived in this small arts and crafts college town. Her door always open, Barbara hosted international students and others in her fully furnished basement apartment. She hosted the annual neighborhood Labor Day party, garden tours, fundraisers, a three-day UURMAPA Board meeting, and more. Upon Michael’s death, she catalogued his whole library.

Barbara was an insatiable tourist. She loved traveling and seeking off the beaten track attractions. If you mentioned your door was open for a visit, she would absolutely show up as an enthusiastic guest. An excellent correspondent and engaged friend, she kept in touch with everyone no matter where she was, sending postcards from every location, as well as her annual Groundhog Day letter.

Valuing experiences over material gifts, family members were treated to trips with Barbara all across the US. Each grandchild chose their own destination for their 10th birthday celebration! She enjoyed sewing, pottery, macrame, woodworking, knitting, quilting, dancing, gardening, and innumerable other media.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Gene Bowman; daughters Adrienne Cruise, Karen Prairie; stepdaughters Katherine Boardman and Sheila Boardman; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Boardman (2005), and partner, David Oldham (2023).

A Celebration of Life was held September 28, 2024 in Cincinnati.