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RIP Humphrey 

Obituary for Humphrey 

April 15, 2009 - February 2, 2024

Woburn, MA

Humphrey, an orange tabby feline, age 14, died on Friday, February 2 at the VCA Animal Hospital in Wakefield MA, after a short illness, with his human roommates, Neil P. Marsh and Beckie Hunter, and Dr. Couts at his side.  His brother Nicholas is left to manage the humans. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to MSPCA - Angell Memorial Animal Medical Center  in Jamaica Plain (https://www.mspca.org/), or a no-kill animal shelter in your area.

MEMORIES

Humphrey lived an indoor life in the Hunter/Marsh household for thirteen years, in Cambridge and Woburn. He and his brother arrived on January 31, 2011 from a friend of a friend.  They were named after two wacky brothers in the play Theatre@First was producing, “The Lady’s Not for Burning.”  Humphrey was the sweet, smarter, savvy younger brother to Nicholas, a rather doofy, sometimes clever, humorous fellow.  He had a loud purr, and a distinctive chirpy meow that often heralded his ascent to a counter or the sofa. He had a white tail tip and chin, which distinguished him from his brother for the careful viewer.

The story of his birth was distinctive - Nicholas was born first, then four siblings and then 36 hours later, Humphrey arrived as the surprise sixth in the litter!  They were adopted by a nice lady in Malden, who turned out to be allergic and after trying numerous remedies, reluctantly gave them up before their second birthday. 

He was fastidious in his grooming, and often cleaned his brother’s head.  He found great places to sit that Nicholas came along to join in enjoying.  They enjoyed tussling and chasing - Humphrey usually let Nicholas win.  He would also lick his human roommates, and adored sleeping on them, often covered up except for his head. He adored being brushed and having his tummy rubbed without reprisal. He did not care for “people” food but was a great admirer of Fancy Feast gravy or pate.  Unlike many felines, he had no use for boxes or bags, and toys that cost money were eschewed.  He liked high places such as the top of the bookcase, the top of a round cat condo found discarded by a neighbor, or a window sill in the sunshine.  He did enjoy a catnip indulgence now and again. 

He and Nicholas had different approaches to visitors - Humphrey would come running to be the first to check them out, then retreat to a distance to observe.  Nicholas would then know the person was safe and come for pets. Then leave. Then come back for more pets.

He was completely healthy until the past few weeks - there was talk of him being immortal!  He recently lost half his weight and then refused to eat, hiding in the back closet, tipping his roommates off to his illness and his wish to have them end his suffering.  Many thanks to the kind staff at the VCA, who were charmed by him even in his diminished state, and did their best to make his last days easier.  

He was a bit of a Facebook celebrity, often shown in his favorite spot in the sunbeam on the comforter at the bottom of the bed, the top of the cat tree, supervising traffic from the sunroom window, or helping his human roommates on their computers.  Thank you to his fans online and visitors who enjoyed his adventures, and consoled his brother and human roommates during these sad days.

Sara McKenzie Hunter of Arlington, died at 90 on June 15 at Winchester Hospital of complications from heart failure.

Born in Laurinburg, NC in 1925 to Murphy Grady and Mitt McKenzie, Sara grew up on their tobacco farm.  She was a graduate of Orrum High School, and East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.  A long-time home economics teacher and community volunteer, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Rev. Richard Dowling Hunter.  

Sara’s joy in life was service to others. With Rev. Hunter, she served churches in Michigan, Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts during their lifelong ministry.  She was the first woman elected to the School Board for the Ravena Coeymans Selkirk Central School District in NY where she served for many years, and was President of the New York State UCC Women’s Fellowship.  She was an active member of the Park Street United Church of Christ in Arlington, MA since 2007.  

She is survived by her three daughters: Anne and Rebecca of Cambridge, MA and Elizabeth of Somerville, MA, and their spouses: George Young, Neil Marsh and Jason Merrill; and her beloved granddaughter Alice.  She is also survived by her brother, M.G. McKenzie, Jr. of Lumberton, NC;  her nieces Barbara McKenzie Tervo of Wilmington, NC and Julie McKenzie Jones of Greenville, NC; and their children Ashley, Benton and Caroline.  

A celebration of Sara’s life will be held Saturday, June 18 at 2 pm at the Park Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere Rd, Arlington, MA with a collation following at the church. The Saville Chapel of DeVito Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. http://www.devitofuneralhomes.com