Vaunita K. Schnell passed away Feb 2, 2026. Vaunita was instrumental in founding the Friends of Hemlock Gorge and served as the first President of our organization.

A Memorial Service for Vaunita is being planned for June in Newton, MA. The family has asked that donations be made to Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Rd., Newton, MA 02459, attention: Vaunita Schnell Scholarship Fund, for an aspiring college student or to the Newton Community Farm, at 303 Nahanton St., Newton, MA 02459, ncfarm.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/ncfarm/donation.jsp or to a charity of your choice, in her memory. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.