We are saddened to learn of the passing of the following members of the HCC community:
Norene A. Roberts ’66
Marion T. King ’73
James P. Mikaelian ’74
David A. Bernstein ’75
Paul T. Lesieur ’76
Fancis L. LaMagdelaine ’77
Michael F. Slowey ’81
David A. Arnold ’82
Sharon L. Van Buren ’85
Karey Joseph ’87
Shirley A. Zimmerman Toner ’91
Michael A. Guertin ’92
Gerald J. Camerota ’97
Sheila A. Townsend ’98
Dennis R. Bachand
Joanne M. Wrobel ’02
Sandra A. Hills ’03
Zaneta I. Huertas ’06
Pierce H. Jenkins ’08
Mark J. Giannini ’19
Kathryn H. Holmes, retired staff
And these longtime friends and supporters:
Robert A. Gelinas
Sue Ellen Panitch
Victor Panitch
To contribute in memory of a classmate, friend or relative, visit hcc.edu/donate or call John Sieracki at 413.552.2746.
Sue Ellen Panitch, 1935-2023
Panitch was an ardent community activist whose advocacy efforts on behalf of children, the environment, and the City of Holyoke led to her contribution to the success of numerous organizations and causes in addition to Holyoke Community College. These include the Holyoke Conservation Commission, Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Council of Human Understanding, and more. In 1996, the Greater Holyoke Council for Human Understanding presented her with its Human Relations Award. In 2002, the Holyoke Rotary Club presented her with its William G. Dwight Award for her “tireless work and invaluable commitment to the City of Holyoke.” In 2012, she was named one of the Unsung Heroines of Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. In 2015, she was awarded the Pynchon Medal for Distinguished Service to the Community. Holyoke Rows celebrated her with the naming of the City of Holyoke Sue Ellen Panitch River Access Center and Boathouse, in recognition of her long advocacy for the Connecticut River.
She was predeceased by husband, Dr. Victor Panitch, who was also a supporter of the college.
Memorial donations can be made securely at hcc.edu/donate or mailed to to The Sue Ellen Panitch Scholarship at Holyoke Community College, HCC Foundation, 303 Homestead Ave., Donohue 170, Holyoke, MA 01040.