Witty's Funeral Home

Witty's Funeral Home Providing funerals, memorial and cremation services. Founded in 1910, Witty's Funeral Home is honored to provide caring and respectful services.

The funeral home is located in the North Quabbin area in North Central Massachusetts with easy access off Route 2. The Orange location is at 158 South Main Street, Orange, MA 01364 (978) 544-3160.

May 5, 2026Bernice A. SchuttlerORANGE- Bernice A. (Asher) Schuttler, 98, of Chestnut Hill Road, died peacefully at home ...
05/06/2026

May 5, 2026

Bernice A. Schuttler

ORANGE- Bernice A. (Asher) Schuttler, 98, of Chestnut Hill Road, died peacefully at home Sunday morning, May 3, 2026.
Born in Gibson City, Illinois, she was the daughter of Louis Loy Asher and Gesche (Grace) Asher and later moved to California, graduating from high school in Escondido, California.
Bernice was married to John T. Schuttler on July 27, 1957, and she was predeceased by him.
She had been employed by the JC Penney Company for 10 years.
Bernice was an avid traveler and also enjoyed cooking.
After 47 years of living in California, Bernice moved to Orange in December of 2025.
Bernice is survived by her daughters, Donna Jean McKenzie and her husband William of El Cajon, CA, and Marie Fleming and her husband Bud of Orange, MA; grandchildren, Michelle Lynn Gavin, Meredith Marie McKenzie, Jeromey Taylor and Jared Taylor; great grandchildren, Keleigh Miller, Laurel Miller, Nicholas Osterich, Keely Taylor, Hunter Edwards and Decklan Taylor; a great, great grandchild, Emberly Miller; and a sister, Delores Hart of Indiana.
Besides her parents and husband, Bernice was predeceased by a brother, Russell Asher, a half brother, Clarence Asher and a half sister, Lucile Thierer.
There are no calling hours.
A funeral service will be held Monday, May 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, with Fr. Mark Glover of St. Mary’s Church of Orange officiating.
Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernice’s memory should be made to a hospice organization of the donor’s choice.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

May 3, 2026Shirley M. CoffinATHOL- Shirley M. (Pratt) Coffin, 76, of School Street, died Friday afternoon, May 1, 2026 a...
05/03/2026

May 3, 2026

Shirley M. Coffin

ATHOL- Shirley M. (Pratt) Coffin, 76, of School Street, died Friday afternoon, May 1, 2026 at home surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Montague on November 2, 1949, she was the daughter of Harry and Charlotte (Robinson) Pratt and graduated from New Salem Academy in 1967.
Shirley met Bernal Coffin Sr. in 1983 and they were married on May 22, 1993 and enjoyed life together.
Shirley retired from Arcadia Healthcare and previously had worked for Catholic Charities for 18 years as well as over 10 years at the L. S. Starrett Company.
Shirley enjoyed crocheting, baking, photography and painting projects. It was time with her family that gave her most enjoyment especially the many holiday gatherings. She and Bernal also enjoyed many trips to Bennington, Vermont for car shows.
For 13 years, Shirley and Bernal lived in Florida and moved to Athol April 27, 2025. While in Florida, Shirley served as the secretary at their HOA and organized many holiday parties at the recreation hall.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Bernal Coffin Sr. of Athol; grandchildren, Amanda Carey (Tommy) of Warwick, Cody Marshall (Mickey) of Athol, and Hannah Marshall (Tyler Ricko) of Greenfield; great grandchildren, Taylor Carey and Rylynn Gravelle; several nieces and nephews; a sister, Sylvia Carey (Bob) of Shutesbury; and her step children.
Besides her parents, Shirley was sadly predeceased by a son, William Shufelt, a daughter Rebecca Marshall, and her brothers, Leon and his wife Rosie Pratt and James Pratt. She also was predeceased by her cat “PhePhe” and dog “Amy”.
A calling hour will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 12- 1 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange.
Interment will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

04/30/2026

From the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association

A lack of funeral planning will likely leave many Americans in debt, providing more evidence of the value of preplanning and prefunding end-of-life arrangements, a new study has found.
The study, conducted by CardRates.com, an organization dedicated to educating consumers on credit card usage, found that 58 percent of all adults surveyed said they would need to borrow money to pay for a funeral. The study also found that 26 percent would use a credit card to pay for services, exposing the purchaser to often burdensome interest rates.
“Without enough funds available, you may use a credit card you have on hand for all the expenses,” said Erica Sandberg, a consumer finance expert at CardRates.com. “But is it the best financial choice? Not necessarily. Adding $8,000 to a credit card with a 24 percent APR will cost $2,151 in interest if you paid it off in two years.”
The study indicated that 34 percent of consumers would take out a personal loan to pay for funeral expenses. Another 31 percent would borrow the money from family or friends.
The results of the survey highlight the advantages of prefunding funeral arrangements, which advocates have said lifts what can be a weighty burden from mourners already dealing with the emotional toll of death. “Shock and grief can cause you to not think clearly,” Sandberg said.
Prearranging a funeral and prefunding, either through a trust account or use of an insurance policy, relieves families from having to figure out financing on the fly, a decision the survey shows can save thousands of dollars in interest payments.
The need to eventually borrow money for funeral arrangements cuts across all age brackets, the study found. A total of 71 percent of respondents identifying as Gen Z said they would need to borrow, while 58 percent of Millennials said they would need to take on debt. Even older generations are not prepared, according to the study. A total of 51 percent of Gen X respondents and 52 percent of Baby Boomers would need to borrow.
While younger generations’ lack of preparedness is understandable, the failure to play ahead by Boomers and Gen X is concerning, the study reported.
“These are Americans in their peak earning years or approaching retirement, if not already retired, who have had decades to plan, yet still more than half have not,” the study said.
Having discussions now about the eventuality of death and the costs associated with it, even if part of the conversation is about which family members can help financially, is optimal, the study recommended. The survey pointed to what could be a severe financial liability for families as Americans age. Approximately 7,000 Baby Boomers are dying daily, according to government statistics.
“Our data makes it clear: While death is inevitable, millions of Americans aren’t preparing themselves for the costs associated with it,” the study concluded. “End-of-life planning is an essential part of financial planning, but most people don’t treat it as such, even older Americans.”

04/25/2026

April 25, 2026

Irene M. Ballou

ORANGE- a graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Warwick Center Cemetery, Orange Road (Route 78), Warwick for Irene M. (Baker) Ballou, 92, who died December 16, 2025.

04/25/2026

April 25, 2026

Carol Haskins

ORANGE- A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10 a.m. at South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange, for Carol (Hadley) Haskins, 81, who died February 13, 2026.

April 22, 2026Lawrence G. Carey Jr.WARWICK- Lawrence (Larry) Guy Carey, Jr. passed away at the age of 96 on April 20, 20...
04/22/2026

April 22, 2026

Lawrence G. Carey Jr.

WARWICK- Lawrence (Larry) Guy Carey, Jr. passed away at the age of 96 on April 20, 2026. Lawrence was born the third of 10 children to Lawrence Guy Carey, Sr. and Hattie (Taylor) Carey on December 27, 1929 in Warwick, MA. He married the love of his life, Catherine (Corbett) Carey, on August 19, 1949. They remained devoted to each other until Catherine’s passing on May 1, 2016. Lawrence and Catherine were parents to three children: Michael R. Carey (Lynn) of Swanzey, NH; Cherie (William) Mc Comb of Hubbardston, MA and Colleen (Joseph) Paul of Warwick, MA, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He also leaves his last living sister, Barbara Comptois, of Wi******er, NH and many nieces and nephews, including his niece Paula Thorp, of North Orange, MA.
Larry started his career working with his father logging in the woods of northern Massachusetts near Warwick, MA. After moving to Chicopee and finally Ludlow, MA, he worked at the Uniroyal Tire Plant in Chicopee, MA until it closed in 1980. He then returned to Warwick where he lived on Pine Street overlooking Moores Pond until he moved to Broadview Assisted Care in Winchendon, MA and then more recently to Applewood Nursing Home in Wi******er, NH.
Larry’s proudest achievements were his beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His passion was writing poetry that he shared with children and friends. He also wrote three books, The Town Barn Isn’t There Anymore; Caleb, Caleb, Caleb; and Caleb’s Sojourn.
Larry loved the town of Warwick and served as a town selectman for 7 years from 1991 to 1998 and was often referred to as “Mr. Warwick”. He also served as president of the Warwick Historical Society for many years. His happiest times were spent on the shore of Moores Pond where he would hold court daily visiting neighbors and friends when they would pass by.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Metcalf Memorial Chapel in Warwick, MA. A reception following the service will take place at the Warwick Town Hall.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

April 17, 2026Mary R. ThibaultATHOL- Mary Rose Thibault, 82, passed away on 04-09-2026 surrounded by her daughters and G...
04/17/2026

April 17, 2026

Mary R. Thibault

ATHOL- Mary Rose Thibault, 82, passed away on 04-09-2026 surrounded by her daughters and God. Mary lived her life with compassion, strength, and unwavering faith.
Born in 1943 in Montague, Massachusetts, Mary Rose was raised in Orange and was the eldest of twelve children in a large Italian-Scottish family. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Gelinas and Eleanor MacDonald (Superchi), and her adoptive father, David MacDonald.
Mary graduated from Maria Assumption Academy in Petersham, Massachusetts, and went on to pursue a meaningful career in nursing. She dedicated decades to caring for others throughout Massachusetts before relocating to Daytona Beach, Florida in 1994. After retirement, she kept her nursing licenses active in both Massachusetts and Florida “just in case” someone needed her, helping others was simply who she was.
Above all, Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. As a single mother of four daughters; Lisa Ellis of Athol MA, Michelle Langlois (Edward) of Ormand Beach FL, Laura Chase of Athol MA, and KrysAnn Swan (Keith) of Royalston MA, she raised her family alone with strength, perseverance, and unconditional love.
Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Sheena, Amanda, Andrew, Crystal, Kymberly, Tyler, Nicholas, Dakota, Serene, Jacob, Taryne, and Kassidy. She was also blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren: Hayden, Alyvia, Kymber, Aisling, Emanuel, Murphy, Logan, Coraline, Cason, Wrenley, and Róisín; and she was predeceased by great-grandchildren Oliver and Peyton. Mary is also survived by her loving siblings: Thomas MacDonald, Michael MacDonald (Sheila), Diane Barnes, John MacDonald (Jane), Timothy MacDonald, Mark MacDonald, Steven MacDonald, Joan Varner (Randy), William MacDonald (Tracey) and Patricia Mallett (Peter) and she was predeceased by brother David Jr.
Mary’s life was one of quiet strength and constant giving. She found joy in caring for others, in her creativity, and most of all, in the family she built and nurtured. Her warmth, resilience, and love will live on in every life she touched.
Mary’s services will be held in Athol, MA at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, on May 29th at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Gethsemane Cemetery in Athol.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

04/13/2026

William L. Berry Jr. ( CHANGE OF SERVICES)

PETERSHAM - William Leftwich “Bill” Berry Jr., 82, of North Main Street, died peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026.
A Memorial service will be held on May 2, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Parish, Unitarian Church, 1 Common Street, Petersham. Military honors will be rendered at 11 a.m. at the William L. Berry Jr. flagpole on the Petersham Common.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in the Petersham Town Hall, on the common, following the flagpole services.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Petersham American Legion Post #415, 8 Camel Hump Road, Petersham, MA 01366 for the care of the William L. Berry Jr. Memorial flag and flagpole.
Witty’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.

April 13, 2026Jordiana L. GravesASHBURNHAM- Jordiana Graves, 35 years old, of Ashburnham, MA, passed away on April 11th,...
04/13/2026

April 13, 2026

Jordiana L. Graves

ASHBURNHAM- Jordiana Graves, 35 years old, of Ashburnham, MA, passed away on April 11th, 2026. She was surrounded by her family and the deep love they had for her.
She was born on November 29th, 1990 to Kenneth and Kelli Graves. Jordiana attended Ralph C. Mahar, and spent the majority of her career in the medical field.
Jordi loved spending time with her friends and family, playing games and singing. She had a deep love for music—whether attending a live show of her favorite artist with friends or writing song lyrics and poetry with her favorite cup of tea and her dog, Paisley, by her side. Jordi cherished visiting her family, spending days in her parents’ pool, and gathering around the campfire together at night. She loved being outdoors, surrounded by nature, and had a genuine love for animals. Over her lifetime, Jordi had many pets—from dogs and cats to rabbits and chickens—and she loved them all. But most of all, anyone who knew Jordi would talk about her infectious laugh and the smile that lit up every room she entered. She loved people deeply and wanted everyone to be happy.
Jordiana is survived by her mother, Kelli and her brother, Zakari Graves.
She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Graves.
Per Jordiana’s wishes, the family will be celebrating her life in private.
Jordiana will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all that knew her.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

04/10/2026

April 10, 2026

David Gillis services announced.

ORANGE- Calling hour on April 24, 2026 from 9:30- 10:45 a.m. at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A Mass of Christian Burial Will be held at 11 a.m. on April 24th at St. Mary's Church, 19 Congress Street, Orange, with Fr. Mark Glover officiating.

Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.

April 10, 2026William L. Berry Jr.William Leftwich Berry Jr.PETERSHAM - William Leftwich “Bill” Berry Jr., 82, of North ...
04/10/2026

April 10, 2026

William L. Berry Jr.

William Leftwich Berry Jr.
PETERSHAM - William Leftwich “Bill” Berry Jr., 82, of North Main Street, died peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026.
Bill was born on October 31, 1943 in Washington, D.C, to William L. Berry Sr. and Marianna Irene (Trowbridge) Berry. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Fitchburg in 1962.
Bill enlisted in the United States Army on November 26, 1962 and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class on October 12, 1965.
On April 11, 1964, Bill married Katherine “Kay” (LaPointe) in Petersham. Kay had invited Bill to a hayride in 1960, which turned out to be the beginning of their courtship which continued through his time in the service. Together they raised their two loving sons, and enjoyed 62 years of marriage.
Following his time in uniform, Bill continued to serve the Army as a civil servant, first in Hartford, CT and then at Fort Devens, MA. Bill worked alongside his brother Ed as a surveyor for the family business, Berry Engineering, started in 1971 by Bill, his father, William Sr., and brother-in-law William Leaders. Bill and the business retired in 2010.
Bill, a very active member of the Petersham community, served as a Selectman for 13 years. He faithfully raised the town flag every day for thirty plus years, for which the town dedicated the flagpole to him on May 29, 2017. He proudly participated in and organized the town Memorial Day activities, and enjoyed driving the Grand Marshall in the town’s 4th of July parades in his ’67 Cadillac convertible.
He was an avid supporter and sponsor of the River Rat Race, a life member and Past Commander of the Petersham American Legion Post #415, member and trustee of the Athol-Orange Elks Lodge #1837, and a cooperator of Athol Savings Bank. Bill received the Community Citizen Award presented by Petersham Grange #95 in 1997.
Bill enjoyed horseshoes, family gatherings (the bigger, the better), but most of all being a proud and loving husband, father and “Grampa Bill”. Bill was always willing to help everyone he met.
Bill is survived by his wife, Katherine “Kay” Berry; sons, James Berry (Laura) and John Berry (Jennifer); grandchildren, Mark Berry and Sophy Ratliff (Trey), Brittany Adams (Nick), Coty Iozzo (Juliette) and Jordyn Berry; great grandchildren, Jack and Weston Adams; sister, Elinor Hutchinson (Carl); brothers, Edward Berry (Jeanne), Alfred Berry (Jill) and Robert Berry (Sharon); and many nephews, nieces and friends.
Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his son, Mark William Berry, a brother, James, and his sisters, Charlotte Kennan and Alice Leaders.
William L. "Bill" Berry Jr. Obituary
A Memorial service will be held on May 2, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Parish, Unitarian Church, 1 Common Street, Petersham. Military honors will be rendered at 11 a.m. at the William L. Berry Jr. flagpole on the Petersham Common.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in the Petersham Town Hall, on the common, following the flagpole services.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Petersham American Legion Post #415, 8 Camel Hump Road, Petersham, MA 01366 for the care of the William L. Berry Jr. Memorial flag and flagpole.
Witty’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Orange, MA
01364

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