Holyoke- Doris (Barry) Ponte, 97, (1919-2016) wife of the late John V. Ponte, died Sunday August 21, 2016 in Loomis House, Holyoke. She was a resident of Holyoke for the past twenty years; having previously lived in Venice, FL and Shrewsbury, MA.
Doris was born on April 13, 1919 in Worcester, MA. She was a 1938 graduate of Commerce High School, Worcester; and 1940 graduate of Lasell College, Auburndale. Doris was President of Worcester County Lasell Club for two years; President of Shrewsbury Woman’s Club for two years, Director of Shrewsbury Woman’s Club for 20 years, and President of Thirteenth District President’s Club for one year. She won many awards for her water color and pencil portraits. Doris was a member of the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury. Doris is survived by her two sons and one daughter in law, John B. Ponte of Westfield, Joel B. Ponte and his wife Sharon, of Milton, NH; a daughter, Judith B. Macaulay of SanDiego, CA; a brother, Robert Blett of Westerly, RI; 8 grandchildren, Melissa Macaulay, Tracey Nickerson, Jennifer Ponte, Justin Ponte, Ronald Cunio, Melissa Young, Tara Culcasi, Tim Cunio; and 15 great grandchildren. Doris was also predeceased by her daughter in law, Mary Ellen Ponte; and grandson, Eric Macaulay.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 27, 2016 in Pine Hill Cemetery, 140 West Silver St., Westfield. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Assisting the family is Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, Southwick. www.forastiere.com
