Adams Cemetery Commission Finds Way for Lefebvre Memorial Bench
ADAMS, Mass. — The family of Jeffrey Lefebvre will install a memorial bench next to his grave in Bellevue Cemetery.
The Cemetery Commission agreed Thursday to sell an undocumented non-lot in section R that abuts Lefebvre's grave to accommodate a stone memorial bench.
"He was one of the town's stewards and the family wanted to put a memorial bench in addition to a memorial stone," Commissioner Bruce Shepley said. "We are in agreement."
Lefebvre was a constant in the town of Adams and heavily involved in youth football for more than two decades, local government and organizations such as the Maple Grove Civic Club, American Legion Post 160 and Berkshire Lodge of Masons. He was a longtime town meeting member.
He died in the fall of 2019 at the age of 65.
Lefebvre's family approached the commission late last year to inquire about the memorial bench. But the commissioners were unable to commit because per the bylaws, only one monument is allowed on a single plot.
After seeking more information, they found that this additional 9-foot by 4-foot lot would allow them to work around the bylaw.
Shepley said there are stipulations and nothing can be buried on the lot, it must maintain the proper footing, align with other monuments, and follow all other cemetery regulations.
"It can't impede mowing or upkeep at the cemetery," he said.
The town will sell the small plot for a fee based on its size.
In other business, Commissioner James Taylor asked the commission to again consider an above-ground mausoleums for cremations.
"I think we need to discuss this in the future and go back to it," Taylor said. "We have to figure out different ways of financing it because we are dealing with a lot of cremations and something will have to happen sooner or later."
Shepley said he agreed but really the commission cannot move until Bellevue Cemetery undergoes a survey. He said they have to find out how much room is left and how quickly it will fill up.
He said ultimately the decision lies with the Board of Selectmen.
The commission also look to change some language in the fee schedule and instead of charging for "ground thaw" between Dec. 1 and April 1 there will simply be a "winter charge."
Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kolis said the propane ground thawer is not always used but workers still need the ability to charge for snow, mud, and ice removal.
Shepley said he was in favor of this but wanted to review language in the commission's bylaws first.
Kolis added that directional arrows will no longer be used at funerals.
"People don't follow them. When they are put out, people just go their own way," she said. "So they haven't been using them."
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