Eva M. (Newbury) Otten

Eva Mae (Newbury) Otten passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026. She loved to travel but for six months she visited six different hospitals for at least eight stays. This was not how she wanted to travel.

Eva was born in the hospital in Gardner in 1943 and grew up in Athol. Her parents, Alice and Robert Newbury were fully involved in her activities. A lot of the activities was playing music on her clarinet. She talked about being in numerous bands and at one point was either playing concerts or practicing with her band every night of the week. She started a music studio in the 60’s teaching students music after school. She also started the Petersham youth band giving the students a head start before heading to Mahar.

When her brother became old enough to join scouting the whole family became involved. While working as a volunteer she earned scoutings highest award, the Silver Beaver. This was lucky for her future husband, Peter, whom she met in scouting. She was the trainer for Cub Scouts, he was the greenhorn Scout Executive. But she saw something in him and they married in 1987.

Eva was a music teacher at the Mohawk District schools, first at both BSE and Colrain Central in the early 70’s where she was responsible for over 500 students who wanted to learn music. Later she taught just at BSE. She not only taught classroom music but also instrumental and every year put on a show (musical or variety). She taught for 34 years and as you walked downtown with her she would point out all the people who had been her students. There were many of them. She lived in Shelburne and Buckland for over 50 years loving the village of Shelburne Falls before moving back to Athol.

Beyond school Eva served as President of the Mohawk District Education Association, the Franklin County Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts, was one of the founders and conducted the Franklin County Elementary Music Festival, was the conductor of many middle school musicals at Mohawk, conductor of the Shelburne Falls Military Band and simply seldom said no if asked to help out.

After Peter and Eva married they would spend many summers on the road during school vacations. First in a camper and later using AirBnB’s. During their almost 39 years of marriage they succeeded in visiting every state in the USA, as well as stops in Canada and many of the European countries.

After retirement they both continued to travel all over the country and Europe visiting family and seeing new sights. She always enjoyed telling all of the stories about her travel

She loved her family. She always looked forward to visiting her brother Robert and wife Alice in Rochester as well as the in-laws in multiple states. There were 17 nieces and nephews and now some 20 great nieces and nephews around the country and beyond. For years she and her husband ran what they called “rent a kid” where any of the nieces or nephews could come and visit for a week or so before going home again. She loved each visit as if the kids were her own.

Please in lieu of flowers consider a donation to the Senior Center in Shelburne (SCF, P.O. box 464, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370) or to a special music program of your choice.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 1:00PM at Mack Family Funeral Homes, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA.

A private ceremony for the immediate family and burial will take place at the convenience of the family.