Doris S. Nahabedian

"PALMER - Doris S. Nahabedian, 84, was taken home by the Lord on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at Wing Memorial Hospital with her family by her side. Born in Palmer, September 23, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Romeo and Ines (Fabiani) Lenard. Doris was a graduate of Palmer High School and a lifelong resident of Palmer, Ma. After graduating from high school she was employed by Palmer National Bank, later known as Bank of New England, and retired as the Branch Manager after a 38 year career. Doris loved to travel and shared many wonderful trips with her husband. She also loved to cook, bake, knit, garden, and play cards with her good friends. Throughout her adult life she performed many civic duties including serving on the Planning Board, the Historical Committee, and the Bicentennial Commission. She also volunteered her time sharing her love for music at Monson Developmental Center, Ludlow Correctional Facility, Holyoke Soldiers Home, and many other retirement communities. Her dedication to assisting those in need brought her to volunteer at Loaves and Fishes, bringing warmth to many during the holiday seasons. Also, Doris instituted a self-help group for people struggling with Agoraphobia at Wing Memorial Hospital. She was a communicant of St. Thomas Church for many years. During this time she wrote, published, and directed seven minstrels as a fundraiser for this church. The latter decades of her life brought her to Bethany Charismatic Catholic Church in Brimfield, where she was the director of music. Her love for performing continued as she again produced and directed shows to raise funds in support of the church. In addition, throughout her life she performed with Quaboag Players, Sweet Adelines and the Dan Kane Singers. She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Pauline Shumway and her husband Msgr. Gregory Shumway, along with her two granddaughters, Danielle Shumway and her partner Angela Bryan, and Nicole Davini and her husband Simon Davini. She also had a special place in her heart for her great granddaughter, Meghan Topor and her great grandsons, Archie and Max Bryan. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband Paul, her son Dennis, and two brothers, Nando and Roy Lenard. She also leaves her sister-in-laws, Catherine and Genevieve, and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, October 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Charismatic Catholic Church, 167 Dunhamtown-Palmer Rd., Brimfield, MA. A calling hour from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. will precede the Mass at the church. Burial will follow at Mass Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers and to honor Doris' memory, the family has requested that donations be made to Bethany Charismatic Catholic Church, P.O. Box 607, Palmer, MA 01069. Please visit www.beersandstor.com for more information."