Muriel Antes

1938 - 2023

Muriel Antes

Conway, MA - Muriel Althea (Stetson) Antes, age 85, passed away on December 3rd at Baystate Medical Center in Greenfield, following a period of protracted illness.

Muriel was born on February 28, 1938, the daughter of Herbert and Beulah (Hager) Stetson. She attended Arms Academy of Shelburne Falls, graduating in 1955. She resided in Heath until her marriage to Merrill Antes on April 12, 1958, whereupon she moved to Conway, and lived for the next 65 years.

Throughout her life, Muriel held a variety of jobs. She owned and operated the Village Variety Store, worked at Peck Orchards, and Orchard Equipment. After retirement, Muriel drove for VanPool and delivered Meals on Wheels.

Muriel was an active member of the United Congregational Church of Conway and a forty year member of the Shelburne Falls Grange. In her role as lecturer of the Grange, Muriel organized programs including the annual fair. She also planned, cooked, and served community meals. When her children were younger, Muriel was a leader of both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

In addition to enjoying the company of family and friends, Muriel loved baking, cooking, driving on country roads, hosting large parties (particularly at Christmas), birdwatching, playing Scrabble with her friend Jean, traveling, camping, flowers, VW Bugs, and sending greeting cards (often in questionable taste) to those she loved.

Muriel's life will be measured most by the people she touched. Throughout her life, she acted as a mother to many, in addition to her own children. She made her home a place of sanctuary for anyone who needed it, be they neighbors, her kid's friends, workers on the farm, Fresh Air Kids, or International Exchange students. She had a strong desire to serve her community, especially the disadvantaged. This extended to animals in need that received special attention. For many years, Muriel sent gift boxes to service members overseas, and supported other military service organizations helping to brighten their lives.

Muriel is survived by her children; Michelle Sanger and her husband Peter, Lucille Antes and her husband Bill Haines, Leslee Colucci and her husband Joe, Deidre Antes and her wife Jane Connors, Jason Antes and his wife Anna, Quentin Antes and his wife Elizabeth. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Freyja Bradford, Ashley Dion, Bradford and Nathan Haines, Abigail, Ryan, and Calvin Antes, seven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, as well as accumulated extended family. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Boris.

She was predeceased by her husband, Merrill Antes, and by her siblings Lois Buchaine, Ken, Doug, and Stewart (Bud) Stetson.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 17, at 1pm at the First Congregational Church Of Shelburne. Immediately following the service, there will be a gathering with light refreshments at the Buckland Shelburne Community Hall. All who knew her are welcome to attend. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Muriel's memory and spirit with donations to one of the following organizations;

Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter, 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls, MA 01376; Hilltown Churches Food Pantry, PO Box 161, Ashfield, MA 01330; United Congregational Church of Conway, 44 Whatley Rd., Conway, MA 01341 or operationhomefront.org

"There better not be any grammar problems…Muriel

isn't here to correct our mistakes anymore."