In Memorium

It is with great sadness that we’ve learned that long-time DBSA Boston member Sister Jeane C. Lynch passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022. She was a facilitator of the women’s group for several years, and was active in the mania and bipolar group till she was unable to attend anymore, due to physical health reasons.

As fellow member Art M. said, “Over the years that I knew her, she gave me plenty of support. I know she made quite a few friends at DBSA Boston, so I thought the DBSA community would want to know of her passing. There will be a memorial service in the spring. I will let you know as soon as I do.”

Condolences can be made at Keefe Funeral Home website.

For those who are not familiar with the order that Jeane was a member of, here is their mission statement and address:

Medical Missionaries of Mary Mission Statement
As Medical Missionaries of Mary in a world deeply and violently divided, we are women on fire with the healing love of God. Engaging our own pain and vulnerability, we go to peoples of different cultures, where human need is greatest. Our own belief in the interrelatedness of God’s creation urges us to embrace holistic healing and to work for reconciliation, justice, and peace.

Medical Missionaries of Mary
179 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143-1515

Dear Friends: One of our community members, Steven Frank, left us on July 4, 2021. He was found unresponsive in his apartment on that day. There was a Remembrance Service coordinated by Waverly Places with all DBSA-Boston community invited to attend, on Wednesday, July 21, 12-1 p.m. at Waverly Place, 1010 Pleasant Street, Belmont MA in the lobby. Below are some wonderful words written by Jennifer Hinde, of Waverly Place.

“Steve F. was a valued member of the Waverley Place and DBSA community. He died on July 4th and will be missed by many people that valued his sense of humor and creative talent. Steve was a graduate of Bentley University, Business school, and had been an exceptional computer salesman. Steve loved photography, tennis, the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, heavy metal, and rock music….he never wanted mellow music and for music to be most pleasurable it had to BE LOUD!!! Steve liked to help others with computers and during his career as a computer salesman developed two lifelong friends that he knew for more than twenty years. Steve loved his family, Waverley Place, DBSA, and was a gifted writer and photographic artist.

Steve had a heart of gold and always was available for friends. He often gave people rides or would buy coffee or dinner for a friend that needed a boost of spirit. His tenacious spirit and whiplash smile will be missed by all that knew and loved and supported him.”

Jennifer L. Hinde, LMHC
Employment Specialist
Waverly Place

Dan Sullivan passed away February 7, 2021, after a long hard battle with cancer. He had been with DBSA for a number of years and made many friends. He was a facilitator for both inpatient and outpatient groups, a writer and a speaker at NAMI. Dan also played guitar and sang during our open mic activities. He spread cheer wherever he went. A lifelong Red Sox fan, he will be dearly missed by all of us at DBSA Boston.

Click here to read Dan Sullivan’s remembrance by Steve Lappen.

There was a remembrance service for Dan facilitated by Chuck Weinstein, on Zoom on Sunday, February 14, 2021 ,at 7:00 pm.

Photo of Everett PageEverett Page
On May 9th, 2020, Everett Page, former President and President Emeritus of our organization, left us. He is survived by his loving wife Dot as well as children, grandchildren, and a multitude of friends he made at DBSA-Boston.

Read his elegy by Steve Lappen.
See a photo montage of Everett and friends


Carol Goldman
We are saddened to hear of the passing of another of our Grandparents who started our organization in 1985. Carol was a passionate advocate for DBSA-Boston and was the first Secretary, and it was due to her gumption that the first circle of patients who gathered in the waiting room of Dr. Jonathan Cole took a vote to determine who was the first President, instead of a member self-appointing themself. Carol was a driving force behind the 30th Anniversary Celebration for DBSA-Boston in October of 2015. She and I met with a few other stalwarts to plan and then coordinate this wonderful event. I invite you to see the video of Carol’s speech for that event.  (click here). I remember a few years ago Carol was so pleased to tell me that she had just come back from a trip to the North Pole, and since she visited the South Pole years before that, she stated proudly and with a Cheshire cat smile: “Now I can truly say that I have bipolar attributes!” Carol will be greatly missed, as we loved her so much for her cheeriness, passion, industry, and humor. Carol passed away June 28, 2020.

Click here for Carol’s obituary



Bernie Delman “Bernie was a long time facilitator of family and friends group, I remember Bernie as always being good-natured and smiling.” – Chuck

“It was his smile that’s burnt into my memory. His smile. Beanie Delman’s smile always made my day a little brighter. When it lit up, it was just for you. You were the center of his universe, just for a moment. This is the memory that will always be with me, and if you knew him, it’s also with you. Bernie has entered that part of this journey, where he will live in each of us, in each of our lives where he touched us.My heart also breaks with Jonathan Delman, his son, and Jon’s wife Deborah, and all of Bernie’s family and friends, who miss him, and who will never forget. Each of us is given two dates that we keep for eternity. All, who read this, have one so far. Bernie at 91, was given his second…January 7, 2020. In each of us, his smile lives on…” – Dennis Hagler

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/bernerd-delman-obituary?pid=194965280&affiliateid=1232

Bernerd Joseph “Bernie” Age 91, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at the Ocala Life Care Center. Bernie was a native of Brookline, Massachusetts, and after marrying the love of his life Arline (Glusgol) in 1958, lived in Sharon, MA for over 40 years, before moving to Ocala in 2002. He was a devoted and loving son, husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Survivors include his loving wife, Arline Delman; children, Jonathan (Deborah) Delman, Marcia (Michael) Morris; grandchildren, Andrew and Alyssa Morris and Peter Vondras; and his brother, Alan Delman and his wife Ginger Applegarth. He was predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Gladys Delman, and his sister, Miriam Delman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Boston (DBSA-Boston), http://dbsaboston.netfirms.com/?page_id=118 or to the University of New Hampshire, https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1518/giving/form.aspx?sid=1518&gid=2&pgid=332&cid=937


Ann Marie (Putnam) Whalen 58 life long resident of Newton MA, passed away unexpectedly on April 12, 2020.
A graduate of Newton North High School and Mass Bay Community College. She was employed for the last 22 years as a receptionist by The Village Bank in Auburndale. A smiling face and friend to all that knew her, whether you walked on 2 legs or 4. Annie enjoyed shopping, bowling, all things Disney and the movie Gone with the Wind, and most of all spending time with her dear friends and family. She was a member of DBSA Boston for many years.
See some of Ann Marie’s pictures here and here
She was the beloved wife for 32 years of F Joseph Whalen of Newton MA. Cherished Sister of Gayle and her husband Howard (Buzz) Rummel of Natick MA. Cherished sister of Kathy and her husband Michael DePasquale of North Haven CT. Adored daughter in law to Francis and Lorraine Whalen of Auburndale MA. Adored sister in law to Chris and Christine Whalen of Alton New Hampshire. She leaves many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews who all refer to her as the fun Aunt. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
A Celebration of life will be held at a later date to be determined. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to DBSA Boston P.O. Box 102, 115 Mill St. Belmont, MA 02478.DBSA Boston: (https://dbsaboston.org/?page_id=118)

 


Janice M. LoPrete was a long -time member of DBSA-Boston.  She along with her sister Fran came to DBSA for many years. Janice passed away on February 26, 2020. Beloved daughter of the late James and Helen (Marinucci) LoPrete. Dear sister to Beverly Iannuzzo and her husband Peter of Waltham, Frances Finn and her husband Kevin of Watertown, Nancy LoPrete of Watertown and James LoPrete Jr. of Watertown. Loving aunt to Joseph Iannuzzo and his wife Christine, Peter Iannuzzo and his wife Suzanne, Andrea Cedrone and her husband Cesidio, Dina Scarpelli and her husband George, Kevin Finn Jr. and his wife Heather and Sean Finn and his wife Deanna. Also survived by her great-nieces and nephews Marrissa and Jason Iannuzzo, Jacquelyn and Peter Iannuzzo, Christopher and Austin Cedrone, John and Gianna Scarpelli and Sean Jr and James Finn.

In lieu of flowers donations in Janice’s name can be made to The American Lung Association 1661 Worcester Rd #301, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Boston 115 Mill St. Belmont, MA 02478.DBSA Boston: (https://dbsaboston.org/?page_id=118)
American Lung Association (https://www.lung.org/)

 


Bob Berger of Lexington, a long-time member of the DBSA Boston family, passed away unexpectedly Monday evening March 4th, 2019, at Lahey Clinic & Medical Center in Burlington at the age of 67.

Born on August 6th, 1951 in Evanston, Illinois; son of the late Robert O. Berger Jr. and Dorothy M. “Boots” (Rogers) Berger, Bob was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and lived for a period of time in Boston before moving to Lexington 26 years ago.

Bob attended the Lawrenceville School for high school, he furthered his education receiving an undergraduate and master’s degree from Harvard University in Cambridge. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Law degree. He worked for law practices in Boston and worked in his own practice for many years. Bob was a member of the Boston Bar Foundation and Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS).

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Lucia D’Angio Berger, his devoted and loving daughters Lily Berger of Washington D.C., Lucia Eva Berger of Berlin, Germany, Caroline Berger of Montreal, Canada and Christina Berger of Washington D.C., and many others.

Bob’s friends are respectfully invited to attend Funeral Services in celebration of Robert’s life from the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody St., WALTHAM on Saturday morning March 9th at 8:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River St., Waltham at 9:30 a.m. Visiting Hours will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday, March 7th from 7-9 p.m. and Friday, March 8th from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Parking attendants on duty.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and the Waverley Place of McLean Hospital.

DBSA: (https://dbsaboston.org/?page_id=118)
McLean Hospital. (https://www.mcleanhospital.org/give)

 



MARIE LESSARD-INGELFINGER passed away on October 30, 2018, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston after a nearly 30-year battle with cancer. Her family called her the Energizer Bunny. She kept bouncing back after each bout of cancer. She never gave up and fought her battle to the end with strength and courage. She and her husband Dr. Joseph Ingelfinger were long-time members of DBSA Boston. Dr Ingelfinger actively participated in the DBSA culture, attending the Foundations course in May 2017. Both Marie and Joseph attended the Family and Friends group. She will be missed by everyone at DBSA Boston. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marie may be made to Our Lady Help of Christians Church 573 Washington Street Newton, MA 02458.

 


Janice M. LoPrete died unexpectedly on June 27, 2018, at the age of 69. Ruthie was a long-time member of DBSA Boston. She joined DBSA in March of 2006. She was interested in leading groups and attended the Facilitator’s training in March and November of 2006 and was a facilitator of the Women’s Group years ago. Ruthie was feisty and had a keen sense of justice and was quick to redress a perceived wrong. Her contributions and insights were always welcome at our Facilitator meetings. She was also a kindhearted spirit.

Ruthie was very affected by the deaths of Debbie Mann and Lesley Porter. She was an active member and made donations up until December of 2017. She was well-liked and respected by all.

Born in Adams, she graduated from the former Adams Memorial High School and went on to attend Simmons College in Boston. Her early working years were in retail and she later moved on to philanthropic service. She was well known for providing education and services for women who had experienced domestic abuse.

Ruthie suffered from a chronic illness for the last fifteen years of her life. The family would like to thank those who helped provide for her care during this time.

Ruthie is survived by her brother Michael and his wife Sally, her niece Jillian Palash and her husband Ross, and her nephew Elliot and his wife Laura.

A private burial was followed by a memorial service at Congregation Beth Israel in North Adams, MA at 11:00 AM on Sunday, July 1.

Contributions in her memory can be made to the charity of your choice in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247.

 


 


Robert L. Brodsky Of Andover, MA, passed away on October 22, 2017. Beloved husband of Michelle Brodsky. Devoted father of Scott H. Brodsky, Richie B. Brodsky and his wife Hillary, and Jason C. Brodsky. Proud grandfather of Kat and Sammy. Loving brother of the late Marsha Brodsky. Born in Providence, RI to Ruth Judith (Wolfenson) Brodsky and Richard Brodsky. He graduated from Boston University and was hired by Price Waterhouse. Five years later he opened his own practice as a CPA, which he loved going to every day for over 30 years. As an avid sports fanatic, he introduced his sons to baseball by being their little league coach. He was a passionate season ticket holder to the Patriots, which is a tradition he passed on to his sons. Family was always most important to him. He felt blessed to have two special granddaughters. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to

DBSA-Boston, PO Box 102, Belmont, MA 02478.

 


It is with great sorrow that Arthur Stead ,our past president, has been taken from us on April 25, 2016, He was 42. He will be missed by all at DBSA. Please click on the following link for more information.

 


 

archibald
Jonathan Archibald, a longtime member and friend of the DBSA-Boston community, died March 4, 2016. He was 43. Jonathan attended DBSA groups for many years. Please click on the following link for more information.


lesley
Lesley Porter: 1958–2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lesley Porter on January 29, 2015. A long-standing friend and supporter of DBSA-Boston, Lesley was a Facilitator for and member of the Women’s Group, worked as Administrative Assistant in the office, and was on the Editorial Staff of our newsletter, the Polars’ Express, since fall 2011. A remembrance was held for Lesley at the Wednesday meeting February 4. Dennis H. gave a moving elegy for Lesley “In Time” Elegy for Lesley. One of the members of the Women’s group, Jeannie A. eloquently quoted from Richard Adams in Watership Down: “My heart has joined the thousand, for my friend stopped running today.” Deb M. reminisced, “Lesley also had a great fondness for T-shirt quotes. One I remember that expressed her sense of humor was ‘Despite The Look on My Face You’re Still Talking!’” Susan Reynolds, editor of the newsletter adds, “I will miss Lesley so much – her keen love and knowledge of language, her meticulous proofing, and her wry sense of humor.” In her own words, here is Lesley’s poem, “To the Core,” published in the Summer 2014 Polars’ Express. To the Core


 

debbie-small
In Memoriam to Deb Mann.  It is with great sadness we let you know that Deb Mann, a dear friend, and long-time DBSA Boston member, passed away April 9, 2015. We will gather on Wednesday evening, April 15, 2015, to support each other and remember Deb and her many contributions to DBSA. Chuck Weinstein will lead the remembrance group. It will be a two-hour group.

Elegy for Deb Mann by Dennis Hagler


David H Johnston 2011

In Memoriam to David Hazen Johnston: August 12,2015

It is with deep sadness that we let you know of the death of David Hazen Johnston, beloved son of long time DBSA member Mary Johnston. Many of us know Mary as a gifted Facilitator and Coordinator of DBSA’s Speakers’ Bureau. Please see Mary’s Letter, which includes details about visiting hours, funeral service, dinner, and donations.

Mary’s letter


 

Karl Ackerman
In memoriam to Karl Ackerman: November 21, 2009. Karl Bruce Ackerman Of Medford. Loving Father of Michael D. Ackerman of Cambridge, Rebecca A. and her husband Jorge Rene Serra and Jared E. Ackerman all of Medford. Brother of Robert A. Ackerman of Annapolis, Maryland and Susan L. Ackerman of New York City. Son of the late Thurston F. and Margaret M. (Albo) Ackerman Jr. Former husband of Leslie Kramer of Medford. Late graduate of Medford High School, Class of 1964. Late veteran of the U.S. Navy , served in Vietnam and with the 5th fleet in the Mediterranean. For many years he was active with the Mental Health Advocacy and the Veterans Affairs. Most recently he was president of the Transformation Center, Roxbury, MA. He also was past president of DBSA Boston Belmont, loved and remembered by all.

Loading