Finding a specific tribute in the MassLive obits Westfield MA section can feel like a maze. You're likely here because you're looking for a friend, a former neighbor, or maybe you're doing that deep-dive genealogy work that keeps you up until 2:00 a.m. It happens. Westfield is a tight-knit city, and the way we record our history—and our losses—has changed a lot over the last decade.
The truth is, searching for "obituaries" isn't as simple as it was when we just unfolded the morning paper. Today, MassLive acts as the digital home for The Republican, which has been the paper of record for Western Massachusetts for a long time. But because the digital archives are so massive, you often end up clicking through five different pages just to find a single name.
Where Westfield Lives and Says Goodbye
When you search for MassLive obits Westfield MA, you’re mostly looking at the digital extension of The Republican. This covers everything from the Whip City to the hill towns. Because Westfield has its own distinct identity, people often expect a dedicated "Westfield-only" portal. Honestly, it’s more of a filtered view within the broader Hampden County database.
Most of these notices are powered by Legacy.com. If you’ve ever noticed that every obituary site looks vaguely the same, that’s why. Legacy handles the hosting for MassLive. This is actually a good thing for you. It means if someone passed away in Westfield but had family in, say, Florida, the guestbook is accessible to everyone.
Why the Search is Sometimes Frustrating
Have you ever typed a name into the search bar and gotten zero results, even though you know the person passed away last week? It’s usually a date range issue. The MassLive search default often resets to the last 30 days. If the service was held six weeks ago, they "disappear" from the immediate view.
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You've gotta be specific. Use the advanced search filters.
The "Local" Alternatives People Forget
While MassLive is the big player, Westfield has its own local pulses. The Westfield News is a huge resource that many people overlook when they get stuck on the MassLive site.
- The Westfield News: They often carry more localized, "neighborly" details that the larger regional papers might trim.
- Funeral Home Direct Sites: This is the pro tip. If you know which home is handling the arrangements—whether it’s Firtion-Adams on Broad Street or Westfield Funeral Home on Western Ave—go straight to their website.
Why? Because funeral home websites are usually updated 24 to 48 hours before the notice hits MassLive. If you're trying to find service times for a funeral happening tomorrow, the funeral home’s "Current Services" page is your best bet.
Recent Westfield Notices (January 2026)
Just to give you a sense of what's currently in the system, several prominent Westfield residents have been honored recently. For instance, James Edward Crawford, a 92-year-old veteran and a fixture in the community, passed away on January 6, 2026. His service at Baystate Medical Center was a reminder of the deep roots many Westfield families have here. Another recent notice includes Karey A. Mulvenna, a Westfield High grad from the class of '92, whose passing at age 52 touched many who worked with her at MassMutual.
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Tips for Researching Older Records
If you're looking for someone who passed away in the 1990s or earlier, the standard MassLive obits Westfield MA search might let you down. The digital transition for many local papers only goes back so far.
For the old stuff, you need the NewsBank archive. MassLive provides access to The Republican archives dating back to 1824. It’s a paywall-heavy experience sometimes, but for serious researchers, it's the gold mine.
Expert Note: If you're a Westfield resident with a library card, check the Westfield Athenaeum website first. They often provide free access to these newspaper databases so you don't have to pay the daily fee on the commercial sites.
How to Place a Notice Yourself
If you're on the other side of this and need to submit an obituary, it’s basically all handled through a portal called "ezads" on the MassLive site.
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- Deadlines: They are strict. If you want a notice to appear in the Sunday print edition of The Republican, you usually need it submitted and paid for by Friday afternoon.
- Cost: It’s not cheap. They charge by the line. Adding a photo (which you should definitely do) adds a flat fee.
- The "Self-Service" Option: You can do it yourself, but honestly, most people let the funeral director handle it. The directors have direct accounts and know the formatting requirements that keep the price from skyrocketing.
The Guestbook Culture
One thing about MassLive obits Westfield MA that people love (or sometimes find weird) is the Legacy Guestbook. It’s a digital space for condolences.
I’ve seen guestbooks stay active for years. Families often keep them "sponsored" so they don't close. It becomes a weird, beautiful digital memorial where people post "Happy Birthday" messages to the deceased five years after they've passed. It’s a very Westfield way of staying connected.
Moving Forward with Your Search
If you're still hitting a wall, don't just keep refreshing the same page.
First, check the exact spelling. I can't tell you how many people search for "Smith" when the legal name in the system was "Smyth."
Second, broaden your geography. Many Westfield residents are listed under "Springfield" or "Holyoke" because that's where the hospital was located. The system sometimes defaults to the city of death rather than the city of residence.
Next Steps for You:
If you are looking for a recent service, head directly to the Firtion-Adams or Westfield Funeral Home websites first to confirm times. If you are doing historical research, log into the Westfield Athenaeum's digital portal to bypass the MassLive paywalls for older archives. This will save you time and likely a few bucks in subscription fees.