Bethany Bristol

NORTHFIELD, Mass. -- Bethany A. Bristol, 34, of 18 East St., died Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at home. She fought a long and gallant battle with diabetes and its complications with grace.

She was born in Greenfield on April 10, 1969, the daughter of Sherry and Wayne Finnell of Northfield, and Neil and Joyce Bristol of Concord, N.H.

She lived her early years in Guilford, Vt., attending Guilford Central School for kindergarten and first grade.

She moved to Northfield in 1977, where she attended Northfield Elementary School, and graduated from Pioneer Valley Regional School in 1987. While at Pioneer, she was on the softball team and the cheering squad, where she was captain her senior year.

She then graduated from Keene State College in 1992 with a S.A. in child psychology.

After graduation, she worked for Yankee Type Setters in Concord, N.H., for a time. She then worked as a special needs aide in the Northfield and Bernardston schools. She then worked for Verizon as an operator until leaving due to ill health.

She enjoyed reading, her pets, riding on motorcycles, her family, and her “angels.”

Besides her parents, she is survived by brothers Spencer Bristol and his wife, Michelle, of Bernardston; Gary Bristol and fiancé Mary McKena of Manchester, N.H. (Gary is currently serving in Afghanistan); Jeff Finnell of Wardsboro, Vt.; Joel Finnell and his wife, Susan, of Bernardston; and John Finnell and his wife, Sara, of Oak Lawn, Ill.; a stepbrother, Zachary, and a stepsister, Jessica, of Concord, N.H. She also leaves her longtime partner, Joseph Hnath of Northfield, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, April 17, at 1 p.m., at the Mount Hermon Chapel in Gill. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

There are no calling hours.

Donations in her memory may be made to either Hospice of Western New England, 164 High St., Greenfield, MA 01301 or Yankee Family Dialysis, 115 Wildwood Ave., Greenfield, MA 01301.

KIDDER FUNERAL HOME, 1 Parker Ave., Northfield, is in charge of arrangements.u