Elizabeth Celeste Nash of Turners Falls died on December 3, 2017. Her beloved husband Steven Winters and all her family are deeply grateful to the medical personnel and other staff at Baystate Franklin Neurosurgery, Cooley-Dickinson Mass General Cancer Center, Kris Martin and others at Cooley Dickinson palliative care and hospice, the Hospice of the Fisher Home, and all other medical professionals who cared for her with such expertise, kindness, and compassion.

The family also thanks Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener of Temple Israel, Greenfield, who so generously opened her heart and gave of her time and wisdom to Elizabeth and Steve. Through talk, tears, and laughter, Rabbi Andrea helped them find peace, calm, and deeper love as they contemplated together the profound spiritual questions that inform the ending of a person’s time on this earth. Thanks also to the congregants of Temple Israel, who welcomed Steve and Elizabeth so openly and supported them so compassionately.

      We are grateful as well to the steadfast friends and relatives who stood loyally by offering companionship, sympathy, guidance, understanding, tears, hugs, walks, food—whatever Elizabeth asked for or needed. She saw all of you as “pure, shining love,” the only thing, she said, that finally matters.

     Steve will scatter Elizabeth’s ashes, along with those of their dog, Rusty, in a place where she and Steve enjoyed many happy times—a place Rusty would have loved as well. At her request, we will hold no services or celebration of life; she preferred that each of you remember your special relationship with her in your own way, in your own time.

      Elizabeth expressly requested that no one send flowers—in her judgment, “too funeral parlor-y—and too expensive.” Instead, she suggested that you could make a donation in her memory to the American Brain Tumor Association or to any other group or individual doing work you find valuable; plant a tree or some herbs or flowers; or simply try each day to be a blessing in someone’s life. Even small gestures matter: Smile at or say hello to someone, especially someone who doesn’t expect to be so recognized and appreciated.

      Elizabeth’s wishes for all of us: “Stay joyful and curious. Remind yourself every day to wonder at the mysteries and marvels that fill the worlds inside you and around you. Above all else, cherish hope and kindness, for without hope, nothing good can happen; and without kindness, nothing matters. Love deeply. Let people know you love them; and do so now—there is no other time.”

 Service Information