There will be a funeral service at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Shelburne Falls this Saturday morning at 10:30. (Update: music before the service will begin at about 10 o’clock.) A musical program will precede the service. A burial in Ashfield at the cemetery across from the preschool and reception will follow at our house.
Although there will be a mass, everyone is very much welcome to the service. (I’m not Catholic, for one.) In addition to the traditional service there will be some lovely music performed by a friend of ours, so I think it will be a beautiful service. Laura was particularly concerned about accommodating children and she wanted everyone to feel free to bring their children; you should know that kids can play outside or in the basement below the sanctuary if they are restless, and that Catholics, in general, are very accepting of low level disruptions during services. (Weekly catholic mass is a notoriously casual affair and kids are an ever-present part of the mix.) If there is interest, parents might even coordinate an impromptu child care, but I’ll leave that to others to work out the details at that time.
The burial will be immediately afterwards and everyone is welcome, although for those who don’t want to attend I still want to very warmly welcome you to our house for a reception! I would very much like to see everyone and I am certain that Laura’s family will be touched to by the breadth of love and support among all of you. Many of you remember that Laura and I hosted a party at our house at this time one year ago — the same weekend again as the Ashfield Fall Festival. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will have another fine day for the kids to play and the grownups to chat.
Many people will be coming from out of town and I’ve already been told that vacancies are scarce in the Pioneer Valley, presumably because it’s a holiday weekend and the trees are starting to turn. Hotel chains can be found in Greenfield, Deerfield, and Northampton. There are other smaller places in the hilltowns and more hotels further afield. Maybe someone can add some pointers to the comments with additional suggestions. In addition, I ask that any friends in the area that have room to spare to please email me and I’ll initiate some match ups with out-of-towners that don’t mind sleeping on couches, etc.
Of note, for the many old school friends from Laura’s youth who are still in the Northern Virginia area, we will have a memorial service later this year, probably around Thanksgiving, at Laura’s family’s church in Annandale.
Services
Mon, Oct 6th, 2008 3:25pm by dkulp
Tags: Uncategorized
28 responses so far ↓
1 Deborah Miller // Oct 6, 2008 at 4:08 pm
David,
We have three queen-sized beds available at our house in Holyoke for out-of-town people.
Deborah and Mark
2 Eddie // Oct 6, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Unfortunately, I can’t make it up this weekend. Please know that I’m there in spirit and in intention. I love you all.
3 Karin Ciano // Oct 6, 2008 at 4:43 pm
If anyone needs a ride from the NYC area please give me a shout.
4 Jen Schimmenti // Oct 6, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Should flowers be sent directly to the Church for the service or elsewhere in advance of the service?
I unfortunately have business travel that is preventing me from attending, but know that I will be thinking of everyone that day.
5 Brian // Oct 6, 2008 at 5:36 pm
We live in Florence, MA (about 30 minutes from ashfield) and we have one room with a queen bed, and we have another room that can fit a queen aerobed that we own. Plenty of room for sleeping bags. We do have a friendly but nervous dog, so very young kids (say under 3 ft tall) staying with us is probably not the best idea. You can email me at brian@cs.umass.edu — email twice if you don’t hear back since you might get caught in my spam filter.
6 Susan and Arny Rosenberg // Oct 6, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Other commitments will prevent us from attending, David, but our thoughts will be with you and your family at this difficult time.
7 David // Oct 6, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Regarding flowers, Jen, the church limits the flower arrangements to a couple and that is taken care of. If you’d like to send flowers, our address and other information is on the about page or flowers can be conventionally received by the funeral home. -d
8 Brooke Norton // Oct 6, 2008 at 7:12 pm
We have a guest room with a queen sized bed available in Easthampton.
9 Jeff Blanchard // Oct 6, 2008 at 7:53 pm
We live in Leverett about 21 miles from Ashfield. We have an extra room and have a futon that we can pull out in and plenty of sleeping bags and thermarests. Best for 1-4 people. Kids are welcome. We have three kids (7,9,11), two cats, three sheep, three chickens and lots of frogs. You can email me at blanchard@microbio.umass.edu or call 413-549-3640. Jeff Blanchard
10 Angie // Oct 6, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I know that Nan who owns Elmers bought the house right across the street on Norton Rd and is renting out rooms there currently. There is also Mountain View Bed in Breakfast in Conway, run by Kate O’Shea and Jonnie Schwarts who are truly wonderful folk.
Our hearts are with you David.
11 cristina // Oct 6, 2008 at 9:02 pm
David, I am so sorry that I will not be able to be with you & your family this Saturday. I will definitely be at the memorial service in NoVa.
Love to you & the family,
C.
12 Joseph Jerry // Oct 6, 2008 at 10:05 pm
We would be glad to have visitors use our house. We have a small guest room with a double bed. People would be most welcome to come late, leave early, relax or whatever they please. We are located at 12 West Pelham Road, Shutesbury, MA 01003. Our home phone is 413-259-1705 and work is 413-545-5335.
13 Vesper White // Oct 6, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I keep returning to this page, and looking into Laura’s eyes. I remember the last time I hugged her, her warmth and sweet scent, and I feel cheated all over again that I can’t hug her more.
I was always in awe of her. I am so thankful she is not suffering now.
14 David // Oct 6, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Including those mentioned above, I currently have offers for rooms from 9 families, so do follow up with contacts above or email me if you need a place to crash or need an email address for someone.
15 Tom Duesterhaus // Oct 7, 2008 at 7:45 am
David,
It’s possible that I will be able to make it – I will be in touch soon.
Peace,
Tom
16 Julia Munemo // Oct 7, 2008 at 9:18 am
David, can you post directions or the address of the church?
17 Julia // Oct 7, 2008 at 9:35 am
this is the info for the church:
St Joseph Parish
34 Monroe Ave
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Phone: (413) 625-6405 Fax: (413) 625-6405
18 David // Oct 7, 2008 at 9:42 am
The church is actually located mostly easily at the end of Ashfield St. From McCusker’s grocery at the west end of the iron bridge in Shelburne Falls take Ashfield St straight up the hill (south) right into the church parking lot.
19 Julia // Oct 7, 2008 at 9:43 am
I also want to offer rooms in our home in Holyoke. We are 30 minutes from Bradley Airport in Hartford, CT and live right off Route 91. We are 45 minutes from St. Joesph Parish (according to Mapquest, which isn’t always great)
We have a private 3rd floor wich is open to anyone looking for rooms. One bedroom has a queen sized bed and cable TV. The other bedroom has a surprisingly comfy full sized futon. There is also a full bath and a playroom, so if you have children, this may (or may not!) be a plus. This floor has a seperate back staircase, so you can feel free to come and go as you please. I’m happy to give you a key.
hgolightly30@hotmail.com
Frank & Julia Flannery
20 Betsy Blake // Oct 7, 2008 at 10:08 am
Dear Coleman/Kulp Clan,
Unfortunately obligations here do not allow us to attend on Saturday, but we will be thinking of you (and I’ll be saying some Hail Marys) in the morning. I will catch up with you in NOVA.
Love taps to you all,
Betsy (and Ruben)
21 Susan Rees // Oct 7, 2008 at 11:23 am
David,
Maybe I skipped over this, but does the family want flowers or a donation to a charity?
22 David // Oct 7, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I would love to fill our house with flowers. Laura is forever entwined in my mind with flowers. We have so appreciated the many gorgeous bouquets over the last year, so I don’t know why it should stop now. See also my note about flowers, above.
23 Janet Nassif // Oct 8, 2008 at 12:44 am
Dear David,
I’m so glad that to know Monday’s bouquet was in keeping with your heart. I know that you are burdened w/so many details now but please one more. If you haven’ t already arranged to do so, perhaps you could have a friend record Laura’s service and its special music. I know I’m suggesting to a man who has thought everything out light years ahead, but I I know it will be a beautiful remembrance for you, your sweet daughters and the Coleman and Kulp families in the years ahead. My prayers are with you all,
Megan’s Aunt
24 PJ Coleman // Oct 8, 2008 at 5:48 pm
There are 2 rooms left at The Oxbow Resort Motel in Shelburne Falls as of 5:45pm on Wednesday, 10/08. The rate is $89.
The Oxbow Resort Motel
1741 Mohawk Trail
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
(413) 625-6011
25 David // Oct 8, 2008 at 6:19 pm
But do consider staying with folks who have offered housing here or contact me for more names. There are heaps of offers now.
26 Tom Duesterhaus // Oct 8, 2008 at 10:39 pm
David,
I’m planning on coming on up. Any word on whether there might be any open spaces on people’s floors upon which I might crash?
Tom
27 Lydia York // Oct 9, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Karen Ciano and Dave –
I am coming from NYC area…and giving you a shout!
I’m a bit blog illiterate, so don’t know how to get in touch directly with these fine generous people who have offered places to stay.
york.lydia@gmail.com
28 Rick Adrion // Oct 11, 2008 at 12:34 pm
David – Jackie and I are in Arizona visiting our daughter. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts.
Rick & Jackie Adrion