Written by William. "Ike was President when I was born on March 18,1960 in Springfield, MA. Passed over on January 30, 2024, I was born to Dorothy Lillian Coderre and John Sylvanus Willard. I am survived by my sister Dorothy Caron of South Hadley and sister-in-law Heather Willard of East Longmeadow. Edwin J. Willard was my big brother. My niece and nephews are succeeding with their families. I was Baptized and Confirmed Roman Catholic. I grew up in West Springfield and was a proud member of the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police at Westfield State University for 29 years. I received a Graduate Degree in Psychology from WSU in 2009. I embraced Buddhism in 2000 and had a decades long struggle with bipolar disorder. Loved literature, poetry and great films like Gosford Park, Moonlight and Fisher King. Cats taught me subtle love, stoicism, and the importance of stretching. I passed along harboring no bitterness in my heart towards any human. Not bad for one lifetime."

"Love your crooked neighbor with all your crooked heart." WH Auden.

Calling hours at the O'Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley will be Saturday February 10th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.