Iris Lanyon died at the age of 84 at the Kaplan Hospice Center in Danvers following a period of declining health hastened by a battle with COVID -19 last fall.

Iris was a vibrant woman who never shied away from an adventure.  Throughout her life she traveled the world – from her early days accompanying her biologist father on research expeditions; to cruises and tours throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia; and family sailing trips in the Caribbean.  She often served as the group’s tour guide, showing off her unwavering sense of direction.  After each trip she created a scrapbook of photos, brochures and mementos. Her last journey, just 2 years ago, was to her birthplace in Puerto Rico accompanied by her children.

Iris generously shared her talents with a wide community of friends, acquaintances and extended family.  An accomplished cook, she hosted many gatherings at her home, including memorable Three Kings Day parties. Her paella was unequalled.  Iris also was an award winning watercolorist whose work was exhibited in local shows. (including in our own Fellowship Hall) Her subject matter was frequently drawn from her travels. Her paintings grace the homes of family and friends around the world. A social science teacher by profession, she held a BA from Inter American University in PR and an MA in Geography from the University of Florida.  After retiring from teaching, Iris worked as a docent at the Worcester Art Museum and Higgins Armory. While at Higgins she used her talents as a seamstress to design and sew costumes for the children’s program. When she became a grandmother she hand-made dolls and doll clothes for each of her grandchildren.

Iris was born in Ponce, PR.  She came to MA in 1969 and settled in Auburn with her first husband and their children.  After marrying Dr. H. Peter Lanyon in 1980, she moved to Holden where she resided for 30 years.  She was often described as the glue that kept a blended family together. She and Peter enjoyed many years of travel, classical music, great food, laughter and a love of crossword puzzles. (completed only in pen)  Following Peter’s death in 2008, she moved to The Willows in Worcester and began attending UUCW.  A few years ago she moved to the John Bertram House in Salem to be closer to her daughter who was her primary caregiver.  Iris is survived by her daughter Michelle Hagerty and partner Fran; son Larry Wheatley and his wife Elizabeth; step son Peter Lanyon and his wife Vickie; step daughter Jennifer Mier; and eight grandchildren, including Drew and Alison Lanyon, who knew her fondly as “Abuela”.

Rev. Aaron R. Payson

The post Joys & Sorrows – May 4, 2021 first appeared on Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester.

Please join Tom Pierce, the Pierce Family, and friends of Rita Pierce for a celebration of the life of Rita Pierce on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 11:00 am. The service will be conducted online. Please see the link below to register for the service. Rita died on October 16, 2021, following a brief illness. CLICK HERE to view Rita’s Obituary.

Rev. Aaron R. Payson

The post Memorial Service for Rita Pierce, Saturday April 24, 11 am (Online) first appeared on Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester.

We were saddened to hear of the death of Helene Zoe Ostrow (mother of Toni Ostrow) who died on March 23.  Our hearts surround the Ostrow family during the precious and poignant time.  For more information CLICK HERE.

Rev. Aaron R. Payson

The post Joys & Sorrows – March 30, 2021 first appeared on Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester.

We were saddened to hear of the death of Jean Cameron (mother of Betsy Wood – one of our Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry Coordinators).  Jean died on March 20 surrounded by her family.  Her obituary can be found HERE.  Memorial donations in Jean’s memory can be sent to the Be Like Brit Foundation and/or Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry (details in the obit).

A Belated and Very Happy Birthday to Bob Whitney who turned 90 on March 15! 

Rev. Aaron R. Payson

The post Joys & Sorrows – March 23, 2021 first appeared on Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester.

Help Needed for Fire Displacement People.

Two of the people who lived in the house where the three people in Worcester died this past weekend are one of our asylum seekers and his husband.  They lost everything including their beloved cat.  If anyone has anything you might be able to donate – furniture, dishware, clothing, etc. please let me know.  They also have a Go Fund Me page if you feel so inclined.  Thanks for anything you can do to help these two wonderful people. – Denise Darrigrand

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lushaine-get-a-new-apartment-furniture?qid=686b6dad1b92861352b2f5dd3e5ca4cb

Rev. Aaron R. Payson

The post Joys & Sorrows – February 16, 2021 first appeared on Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester.

We keep in our prayers and send good thoughts to Audrey Clary (wife of Ed Clary) who is currently hospitalized with pneumonia and COVID-19 and Carole Howe and Bob Whitney who are at home recovering from COVID-19. 

Rev. Aaron R. Payson

The post Joys & Sorrows – January 26, 2021 first appeared on Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester.

We were heartbroken to learn of the death of Michael Hannon (neighbor and friend of Janet Cutman) who was murdered on September 4.  Design With Nature was founded in the mid 1980’s by Mike. He was an Environmentalist/Biologist intent on helping to save the planet. He was a self-described Defender of Nature. Janet writes of her friend, “Brenda and Mike bought my neighbor’s home on Brooks Pond last May, a year ago. They could not have been happier and neither could the few of us in their immediate area when we realized what wonderful people we got as new neighbors. They LOVE this lake and knew it well. They loved that we do not have gas motors or jet skiis. They love the remoteness and peace here. They loved the home they bought – very small but well-built in the early 1990’s. They put in gardens, power-washed (needed!), stripped and painted and put on a new roof. Mike had just completed swapping out porch bars with the new wire concept – which allows one to sit on the deck and see the lake clearly. He added a huge wooden dock addition so they could sit out over the water. He got a load of wood and split it so they could heat by wood.

He was always smiling and often just there to help, like the other day, I left three boats tied to the dock, thinking I had guests coming the next day. But that did not happen, and hard rain was predicted, so I had to pull all three boats up. He saw me doing this and just appeared so he could make the job go so much easier.”

It is with great sadness that the Office has learned of the death of Lance McKee.  Lance and Kathleen (Kathy) McKee were long-time members of UUCW who moved a few years ago to Portland, Oregon, to be closer to their daughters and families. Both the McKees were active in a variety of UUCW groups over the years.  Most recently Lance was part of the Green Team which helped the congregation envision ways of reducing our carbon foot-print.  A Memorial Service is being planned for Lance, online, on September 20 at 4 pm ET.  To register for the service visit www.tinyurl.com/y4l8qkq7.  Lance’s family has also set up a memorial website.   

Rev. Aaron R. Payson

The post Joys & Sorrows – September 15, 2020 first appeared on Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester.

It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Joan Webster who died on June 19 surrounded by family and her minister, succumbing to the final stages of cancer.  Joan was a member of this congregation for 20 years and was active in a host of social justice efforts, the Committee on Ministry,

Fuutures Team, Accessibility Taskforce and Small Group Ministry. She developed many deep friendships at UUCW and will be greatly missed. A copy of Joan’s obituary can be found HERE.  An online Memorial Service is planned for Tuesday, June 30 at 5 pm (ET).  To attend this gathering, please visit HERE.

Rev. Aaron R. Payson

The post Joys & Sorrows first appeared on Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester.