Reenie Humpage

1945 - 2025

Reenie Humpage

Hadley , MA - "Reenie", Maureen Ann Humpage, January 20, 1945 – August 5, 2025, peacefully passed away in her sleep at 1:00 AM on August 5, 2025, at the Fisher House in Amherst. Her devoted daughter, Arielle and her dedicated sister, Kathleen were lovingly by her side. Reenie was 80 years old.

Reenie grew up in Winsted, Connecticut, where she attended St. Anthony's Grammar School and The Gilbert High School. She later completed nursing school at St. Luke's in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in Child Development from the University of Connecticut. She and her then husband, Peter Jessop, moved from Connecticut to Western Massachusetts in order for her daughter to attend the Hartsbrook School in Hadley, which was a dream of Reenie's as she valued the tenants and pillars of Waldorf Education.

Reenie was a cherished member of her community and a founding member of Cherry Hill Co-Housing in North Amherst, where she will always be remembered for her warmth, kindness, laughter and community rituals. Throughout her life, Reenie was known for her generosity, her connectedness, and her ability to make everyone around her feel loved and accepted, no matter their circumstance. Her humor, open heart and caring spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Professionally, Reenie dedicated her life to caring for others. She began as a Child Life Specialist at Hartford Hospital where she met long-time friend Loretta Wrobel; they co-founded The Heartroots Feminist Therapy Collective where they ran therapeutic groups for women. She also ran her own therapeutic massage practice out of her home in Amherst, Massachusetts. Her final career was as the volunteer coordinator for VNA & Hospice at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. Her work in hospice had a profound influence on her philosophy around death and dying. She sat with many people in their final moments, offering peace and tranquility as they crossed over. This deep acceptance of death was palpable in Reenie in her final days, as her calm and compassionate presence resonated, even in her own dying process.

Her compassionate nature was evident in the way she nurtured both her family and friends, always ready to offer a listening ear, an empathetic response or silent reverence. Whether it was her witty remarks or her radical acceptance, Reenie made everyone feel appreciated and valued in her presence.

Reenie is survived by her daughter, Arielle Jessop-Humpage, with her significant other, Robert Bieda; her faithful sister, Kathleen Humpage; her dear friend and confidant, Jocelyn Johnson; her goddaughter, Anna Leschen-Lindell; her brother and sister-in-law, Evan and Marti Page; their children, Jon, his wife, Mary Lou, and their son, Ethan; Katherine Page, her partner, Andrew Jacarusso; her steadfast and attentive first cousin, Betsy Richards and her extended family; Harry and Krista Baggot, Kenny and Patty Leech, as well as her friends who were lovingly supportive during her transition. The world has lost one of its most caring souls, and her absence will be deeply felt by her family, friends, and the community she touched so profoundly.

A celebration of life will be held the first Sunday of September, and those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to embrace her example of empathy and laughter, and to carry her spirit forward in their own lives.

Reenie will be missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, generosity, and humor will live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her light.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hospice of the Fisher Home in North Amherst, MA. https://www.fisherhome.org/