, 86, of Newport died in Derby on Tuesday, June 24, 2003. Mrs. Whipple was born on March 30, 1917, the daughter of Antonio and Leda (Bouchard) Marineau. She was born and brought up in Montpelier, and after graduating from St. Michael's High School in 1934, she went to work for a bank in Montpelier. She and her husband, Ross, were married in 1940 and had three children. They lived in several different Vermont communities before moving to Newport in 1956, when they started a television and chainsaw business. The business moved to Union Street in 1959 and became Rice-Whipple, Incorporated, from which she retired in 1984. During all those years she did the books and served their many customers in her friendly and caring manner. The fact that she was bilingual was a big asset to the business. Over the years she and her husband traveled to several different countries and enjoyed owning a home in Florida. She was a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church and derived a great deal of pleasure any time the family could get together. The family reunion in 2000 was the best because it was the first time all of the family members were able to be together at the same time. Her other passion was playing cards weekly with her poker group ladies for over 30 years. She is survived by her husband, Ross, of Newport; by her children: Val Whipple and his wife, Lorraine, of Newport, Linda Clark and her husband, Darrel, of Florida, and Lee Whipple of South Hero; by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Don Whipple and his wife, Louise, and their children Jonathan and Sydney of Newport, Todd Whipple of Newport, Chris Whipple and his wife, Betsy, of Colchester, Tamara Sterling and her husband, Jon, and their children: Justin, Chelsea, and Seth of Woodstock, Tracey Landry and her husband, Dave, and their children Briana and Arica of Wilder, Cory Clark and his wife, Kelly, of Loudon, New Hampshire, Sara Whipple of Oregon, and Scott Whipple of Burlington; by her special granddaughter and great-granddaughter Nikole Brainard and her husband, Lindsey, and Maya Brainard; by her sister Marguerite Bancroft and her husband, Charles, of Florida; by sisters-in-law: Helen, Donna, and Leah and her husband, Ken; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by six brothers and by two sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 27 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church with the Reverend Leo Bilodeau officiating. Interment followed at Newport Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Whipple's memory may be made to the St. Mary's Renovation Fund, 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 95, of Barton died in Barton on Friday, June 27, 2003. Mrs. Ober was born in North Westminster on September 27, 1907, the daughter of William and Adella (Clark) LaClair. She graduated from Vermont Academy in 1925. She studied voice in Boston and was well-known in the Bellows Falls area as a soloist. She graduated from Keene State College in 1932 with a business degree. She worked in the Saxtons River area all her life. She was a music and classroom teacher at Kurn Hattin School and music director for the Kurn Hattin Band, which was one of the first elementary school bands in New England in the 1940s and 1950s. She also worked at Vermont Academy as head bookkeeper and served as the Saxtons River Village treasurer and treasurer of Christ's Church after she retired. She enjoyed corresponding with family and friends from her hometown area. She moved to Monitor Manor in Barton in 1991 and went to live with her daughter in 1998. She was an avid reader. She absolutely loved her family and spending time with them. On August 14, 1941, she married Frederick Ober, who predeceased her on October 3, 1977. She is survived by her children Mary Kay Hunt and her husband, Dalton, of Barton and Frederick Ober Jr. and his wife, Harriet, of Morrisville; by four grandchildren; by 13 great-grandchildren; by six stepgrandchildren; by seven nieces; and by four nephews. She was predeceased by five brothers; by two sisters; and by three nephews. Funeral services were held at Christ's Church in Saxtons River on July 1 with the Reverend Michael Caldwell officiating. Interment followed at Saxtons River Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Ober's memory may be made to Vermont Academy, Saxtons River, Vermont 05154; or to Barton Public Library, Barton, Vermont 05822.

, 80, a lifelong resident of Springfield, Massachusetts, died Sunday afternoon, June 22, 2003, at Mercy Medical Center. Mr. Makrianis was born July 22, 1922 in Springfield, where he was educated. He was the son of the late Nicholas and Diananto (Pilalas) Makrianis and a graduate of Technical High School, class of 1940. He was employed as a driver for over 20 years with Williams Distributors of Springfield, retiring in 1985. He had previously been employed in the same capacity with Liberty Liquors for over 15 years. He was a member of the Teamsters Local No. 404 and was an avid sports fan playing on many intracity baseball and bowling leagues. He was an avid New York Yankees fan, and most recently his passion was to relax and enjoy a John Wayne movie. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Antoinette "Toni" (Diette) Makrianis, formerly of Barton; by one daughter, Tricia Makrianis, of Boston, Massachusetts; by one sister, Dina Sarandis, of Augusta, Georgia; and by several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He was a brother of the late George Makrianis of Chicopee, Massachusetts, who died in 1994. His funeral was held June 27 at Sampson's Chapel of the Acres in Springfield, followed by services in St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral with rites of committal following at Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield. Contributions in Mr. Makrianis' memory may be directed to the Visiting Nurses Association of Western Massachusetts, 28 Appleton Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040-9907; or to the Arthritis Foundation Chatham Center, Suite 450, 29 Crafts Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02158.

, 77, of Newport died in Newport on Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Mrs. Laber was born in Graniteville, Quebec, on October 8, 1925, the daughter of Chauncey and Clarene (Sloan) Brewer. After graduating from high school, she moved to Springfield and worked at the Whelon Drug Store. On October 26, 1946, she was united in marriage to Earl Laber at the family farm in North Derby. She was partly responsible for starting Green Mountain Electric Supply and for many years worked there as a bookkeeper and salesperson. She was a very hard worker, loving all the people who came in, and she made friends very easily. She was a very special person, always helping others. She was a great help and support to her husband and family. She was naturalized in 1991 and became a U.S. citizen. She was a born-again Christian and one of the core group that started the Cornerstone Evangelical Church, now in Derby. She enjoyed cooking, church activities, spending time at camp, and helping and visiting people in need. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Earl Laber, of Newport; by her sons: Gary Laber and his wife, Jocelyn, of Derby, Scott Laber and his wife, Patricia, of Derby, and Gregg Laber and his wife, Patty, of St. Albans; by her grandchildren: Seth Morvay and his wife, Kristal, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Nathan Laber of Derby, Justin Laber of Derby, Ellen Swenson and her husband, Paul, of Newport, Kurt Laber and his wife, Shelley, of Orleans, Ryan Laber of Derby, Joshua Laber of St. Albans, Jenna Laber of St. Albans, and Jeremy Laber of St. Albans; by her great-grandchildren Samuel Swenson and Emma Laber; by her brother Elwin Brewer and his wife, Agnes, of Morgan; by her sister Sandra Kalenowski and her husband, Rich, of Mechanicville, Maryland; and by several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Garth Brewer. Funeral services were held June 28 at Cornerstone Evangelical Church with the Reverend Calvin Fox and the Reverend Daryle Cook officiating. Interment followed at Marlington Cemetery in Graniteville. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Laber's memory may be made to the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 37 Elmwood Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05401; or to the Alzheimer's Association, Green Mountain Chapter, P.O. Box 1139, Montpelier, Vermont 05601.

, 69, of Newport, died peacefully Tuesday evening, June 24, 2003, at Bel-Aire Quality Care Nursing Home, following a brief illness with cancer. Mrs. Knight was born in Springfield on November 6, 1933, the daughter of Clifton and Thelma (Martin) Landman. She lived in Jamaica, Vermont, for many years, moving to Newport two years ago. She is survived by her children: Brenda Bischoff-Kennedy and her husband, Robert, of Newport, Norman Bischoff of Newport and New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Curtis Bischoff of Morgan, and Amy McGurn and her husband, Michael, of Merritt Island, Florida; by 12 grandchildren; and by three great-grandchildren. There will be no services. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Knight's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division Incorporated, 13 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602.

, 86, of Newport died in Newport on Sunday, June 29, 2003. Mrs. Geoffrey was born in St. Dominique, Quebec, on June 15, 1917, the daughter of Eugene and Fleur-Ange (Viau) Sicard. She worked for Newport Plastics Corporation, Sonny's Dress Shop, and North Country Hospital. She was a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church, the Daughters of Isabella, Community National Bank's Community Circle, and the Forever Young Club in Newport. She enjoyed traveling with Community Circle, playing cards with family and friends, gardening, and driving her car. On June 28, 1937, she married George Geoffrey, who predeceased her in 1983. She is survived by her children: Florence Coogan and her husband, John, of Albany, New York, Jeannine Besaw and her husband, Gene, of Derby, Leo Geoffrey and his wife, Evelyn, of Newport, Claire Lavoie and her husband, George, of Newport, Raymond Geoffrey and his wife, Shirlene, of Newport, Andre Geoffrey and his fiancée, Lucy Laframboise, of Derby Line, and Marcel Geoffrey and his wife, Darlene, of Newport; by 16 grandchildren; and by 13 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers: George, Joseph, and Roger Sicard; and by her half-brother Eli St.Onge. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 1 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport with the Reverend Larry Ridgely officiating. Interment followed at St. Mary's Cemetery in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Geoffrey's memory may be made to St. Mary's Renovation Fund, 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to Forever Young Club, 74 Main Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 74, of Scarborough, Maine, died at his home on June 23, 2003. Mr. Foss leaves behind a legacy of love having lived his life fully. He was born in Shapleigh, Maine, a seventh-generation native Mainer, the eldest son of Hiram B. and Nellie Pillsbury Foss, and attended school in Casco, Maine. Married to the love of his life, Norma Davis Foss, 53 years ago, he found his true calling as husband and father. He lived an extraordinary life of devotion to family and friends, dedicated to his community and church. He was employed at the Portland Pipeline Corporation for 43 years and took pride in his work. He loved spending time with his family, especially his eight grandchildren, and also enjoyed tracing the family genealogy. He had family and friends in Orleans County. He was predeceased by his wife, Norma, in 2001; and by his grandson Eric Foss in 1999. Surviving are three children: Wendy J. Grannell and her husband, Peter, of South Portland, Maine, Gail S. Tilton and her husband, Roland, of South China, Maine, and Glen D. Foss and his wife, Connie, of Waterville, Maine; a brother, Robert Foss, and his wife, Sue, of Old Town, Maine; three sisters: Beverly Cloutier and her husband, Raymond, of Hampton, New Hampshire, Marjorie Swett and her husband, Glendon, of South Portland, Maine, Priscilla Ware and her husband, Joseph, of Gardiner, Maine; and seven grandchildren: Andrea, Nathan and Meghan Grannell, Kimberly and Daniel Tilton, and Ryan and Katie Foss. A celebration of his life was held June 28 at Thornton Heights United Methodist Church in South Portland with the Reverend Richard Swan officiating. Burial follow in Brooklawn Memorial Park in Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Camp Ray of Hope, 304 Main Street, P.O. Box 200, Waterville, Maine 04903-0200.

, 68, died at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on June 25, 2003. Mr. Coutu was born in Newport on November 6, 1934, the son of Joseph Henry Coutu Sr. and Yvonne Marie Trahan. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1952. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War aboard a sub chaser. He worked most of his life for the United States Postal Service, for many years as a carrier walking 15 miles a day, and for the latter part of his career as assistant postmaster and then postmaster of the Newport Post Office. He was a longtime member of the American Legion and other civic organizations. He was scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop No. 4 from 1968 to 1972. As a youth he attended the national Boy Scout Jamboree in 1950. He was an active member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church parish. He was a co-founder of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association. He greatly enjoyed fishing, hunting, and curling. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Braunda Darling Coutu; by his five children and their families: Daniel and Carol Coutu of Amherst, New Hampshire, and their four children: Christopher, Matthew, Dawn, and Steven, Michael and Chieko Coutu of Newport and their three sons: Hayato, Ricky, and Bobby, Charles and Deborah Coutu and their three children: Corey, Marc, and Bryea, Catherine and Steve Garrison and their daughter Gretchen, and Ronald Coutu and his friend, Dee Tiedeman, of Troy; by his sisters Therese Harvey and her husband, James, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Irene Fontaine of Walden, New York; by a brother, Jean Pierre Coutu, and his wife, Beatrice, of Newport; and by 13 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; by a brother-in-law, Adrien Fontaine; and by a brother, Jacques. Funeral services were held June 28 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport with the Reverend Leopold Bilodeau officiating a Mass of the Resurrection. Interment followed at the St. Mary's Cemetery in Newport with full military honors. The family would appreciate donations in lieu of flowers to the Children's Miracle Network, 4525 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117.

, 70, of Newport Center died at his home on Friday, June 27, 2003. Mr. Amidon was born in Springfield on November 6, 1932, the son of Harrison E. and Florence (Vincent) Amidon. He spent two years at Notre Dame University, followed by eight years in the seminary, and was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1961. After graduating from the seminary, he served as a passionist priest for 13 years. Upon returning to Vermont, he worked for the state as an alcohol and drug rehabilitation counselor, and in later years, he indulged his passion for skiing by working at Jay Peak Resort. He was a member of Newport Benevolent Protective Order of Elks No. 2155 and was a very active supporter of Native American education, Maryknoll Missionaries, and Catholic Relief Services. On June 19, 1974, he married Mary Kay Dreher, who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Gemma Dreher and her husband, Rhon Rupp, of Milford, New Hampshire, Mary Kay Dreher and her husband, Jay Strand, of Randolph, Paul Dreher of Burlington, Steve Dreher and his wife, Tonya, of Francistown, New Hampshire, and David Amidon and his wife, Karen, of Seattle, Washington; by his grandchildren: Jakob, Claire, and Daniel Rupp, Gabriel, Paul, and Natalie Strand, and Isabel Dreher; by his brother David M. Amidon and his wife, Jan, of Granby, Connecticut; and by several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, at Sacred Heart Church in Troy at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jerome Mercure officiating. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memoriam Charitable Trust in Mr. Amidon's memory at Passumpsic Savings Bank. Funds will be distributed at the family's discretion to the St. Joseph's School for Native Americans in Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, Catholic Relief Services, and Maryknoll Missionaries.

, 85, of Westfield and Colchester died on May 22, 2003, in Burlington of a brain aneurysm. He served in the Pacific and was on the Coolidge when it sank. He worked at Blodgett Supply Company for 40 years. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Emida; by three children; by grandchildren; and by great-grandchildren.

, 86, of Derby Line, passed away in Morrisville on Wednesday, July 2, 2003. Mrs. Wheeler was born in Island Pond on February 9, 1917, the daughter of Leon and Ella (Gammon) Currier. She attended Lyndon Normal School, earning her teaching certificate, and taught for several years at Holland and Derby Line schools. She enjoyed painting and writing poetry. She had a book of poems published, and won several contests with her writing. She was also interested in genealogy and family history and enjoyed collecting old buttons and bottles. She loved to fish, including teaching her grandchildren several life qualities such as patience and persistence through this wonderful sport. She liked to play cards with family and friends and enjoyed playing jokes and tricks on anybody in her presence. Her children said "that she made damn good doughnuts and pies." She and her husband enjoyed dancing at the old Red Wing in Derby and the Grand View Pavillion in Island Pond. On June 12, 1941, she married Pearce "Percy" Wheeler, who predeceased her on December 24, 2002. She is survived by her four children and their children: William and Bonnie Wheeler of Derby Line and their daughter Kristi Wheeler Barry and her husband, Craig Barry; James and Joan Wheeler of Greensboro Bend and their children: Thomas and his wife, Kim, Tracy, Nancy Doyon Wheeler, and Devon Ross; Randolph and Victoria Wheeler of Colchester and their children Kathleen and Christopher; and Margie Wheeler Sisco and her husband, David, of Williston and their children: Brian, Daniel, and Laura. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Claude Seguin; and by eight great-grandchildren: Madison Barry, Alicia and Erika Wheeler, Ashley, Christopher, and Kylie Bowman, Cassidy Doyon, and Kadin Ross. She was predeceased by her sisters Marjory Seguin and Florence Richards. A graveside service was held July 8 at Derby Line Cemetery with the Reverend Roger Fletcher officiating. Interment followed. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Wheeler's memory may be made to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 96, died Sunday, July 6, 2003, at the Newport Health Care Center. He leaves his daughter-in-law Barbara Leavens-Pratt of Island Pond; his grandchildren: Steven Pratt, Sherry Green, and Laurie Duggan; three great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law Rose-Aima Pratt; his brother-in-law René Pratt and his wife, Francoise; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Madeleine Coe. A funeral service will be held July 10 at the Funeral Parlor Yves Houle & Frére of Richmond, Quebec.

, 88, of Lancaster, New Hampshire, and formerly of Gorham, New Hampshire, and Jefferson, New Hampshire, died on Friday, June 20, 2003, at the Country Village Health Center in Lancaster, where she had resided since March. Mrs. Philippon was born in Rock Island, Quebec, on January 20, 1915, the daughter of Walter and Hazel Pelon Seguin. She grew up in Island Pond. A resident of Gorham for many years, she was a member of Holy Family Parish. She was a past member of Gorham Senior Citizens. She enjoyed her family and church activities. Over the years, she had made many cakes, especially wedding cakes, and enjoyed making crafts and such. She was predeceased by her husbands: Watson Wheeler, Gerard Poliquin, and Allen Philippon. She is survived by two sons, Richard Wheeler and his wife, Barbara, of Union, Maine, and Arthur Poliquin and his wife, Lynn, of Olympia, Washington; by a daughter, Pauline Tuttle, and her husband, Robert, of Jefferson; by 13 grandchildren; by numerous great-grandchildren; by several great-great-grandchildren; by two brothers, Claude and Walter Seguin of Island Pond; by two sisters, Ruth Couture of Meriden, Connecticut, and Ann Jodrey of Gorham; and by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husbands and her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Walter Wheeler; and by a sister, Dorothy. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on June 24 at Holy Family Church in Gorham. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Lancaster.

, 80, of Bluff Road, Newport passed away in Glover on Sunday, July 6, 2003. Mr. McDonald was born in Cleontownship, Michigan, on September 10, 1922, the son of Albert and Hazel (Brown) McDonald. He made a career in the U.S. Air Force. After retiring from there he worked for several aircraft companies, retiring from Boeing in 1985. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Newport Alfred Pepin Post No. 798 and a member of the NCO. On June 2, 1972, he married Gertrude Bryant, who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Pamela Ulmer and her husband, Robert, of Stuart, Florida, Sharon Wonderlie and her husband, John Sr., of Southbridge, Massachusetts, Randy McDonald of Worcester, Massachusetts, Shawn McDonald and his wife, Cindy, of Wales, Massachusetts, Keith McDonald of Southbridge, Massachusetts, Kimberly Barns and her husband, Dave, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and Claudine Remillard and her husband, Al, of Spencer, Massachusetts; by his daughter-in-law Lindy McDonald of Newport; by his sister Sandra Croft of Sweetwater, Tennessee; by 13 grandchildren; and by seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Rodney in 1982. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. McDonald's memory may be made to Union House Nursing Home, Activities Fund, Glover, Vermont 05839.

, 67, of Newport died suddenly on July 1, 2003, in Morrisville. Mr. Johnson was born March 21, 1936, in Newport, a son of Ernest and Ruth (Fordyce) Johnson. On October 10, 1954, he married Shyrlee Prebor, who predeceased him. He was foreman and equipment operator for the city of Newport for 15 years until his retirement due to an injury. He also served in the Army and was a member of Newport American Legion Post No. 21. He enjoyed his work with the city crew, but especially with the Newport Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter, captain, and engineer for over 29 years under chiefs Malcolm Wallace and Leo Parenteau. He enjoyed traveling and camping with his late wife. It became a big priority in their lives especially after his retirement. They were seasonal campers at Lake View Campground in Eden where he was the campground maintenance man the last couple of years. He is survived by his son David Johnson Jr. of Columbus, Ohio; by his mother-in-law, Enid Prebor, of North Carolina; by a special nephew, Steve Place; by his friend, Bette Trucotte; and by other nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Ruth Johnson Place. A memorial service was held July 7 at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend Roger Fletcher officiating. Interment followed in Pine Grove Cemetery with full military honors. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Johnson's memory may be made to the Newport Fire Department, in care of RJ's Friendly Market, Main Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 51, formerly of Craftsbury, who was born February 4, 1952, died June 5, 2003. Mr. Colameco was an educator at Philadelphia public schools and the Devereaux Foundation from 1972 to 1977, an educator at Greensboro Bend, Craftsbury, and Stowe schools from 1978 to 1995, an educator at international schools in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia from 1995 to 2003, and an author of novels, a children's book, several volumes of poetry, short stories, and a play. Mr. Colameco died of a rare form of leukemia after a courageous six months in the hospital in Philadelphia. He consistently showed his contagious humor and love of life during this ordeal. He died peacefully at home in hospice care with his wife, Anne, at his side one week after learning there was no medical cure. His wife, Anne Moore, and his friends from Vermont and around the world invite all who loved him to a memorial celebration of his life as an educator, writer, and remarkable human being on Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the home of Rob and Linda Libby. A reception and luncheon will follow the memorial service from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Readings and performances of his writing and favorite music will be from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information please call Rob or Linda Libby in Craftsbury at (802) 586-7574. A map to the Libby's house will be available at Craftsbury Academy. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Colameco's wish was to help the children and town of Craftsbury, a place he held dear in his heart. He admired and appreciated the foresight of the Craftsbury Academy Trustees in setting up a trust fund for the good of Craftsbury Academy in the early days of the twentieth century. He enjoyed the thought that his death might in some way enrich the town and school as it moved into the twenty-first century. Donations to Craftsbury Academy may be sent to the school at P.O. Box 73, Craftsbury Common, Vermont 05827. He additionally wished to help the homeless children of Jakarta. Tolong Anak Anak, or Help the Children, was created to provide homeless children with an education. All who donate in Mr. Colameco's name will receive a printed copy of his collected poems.

, 89, of Newport died on July 4, 2003, in Newport surrounded by her family. Mrs. Bissonnette was born January 14, 1914, in Montréal, Quebec, a daughter of Alfred and Adrienne (Bolte) Desjardins. On November 15,1943, she married Leon Joseph Bissonnette, who predeceased her on December 3, 1967. During her lifetime she was employed by a florist in Montréal and later by the A&W of Newport as a short order cook and by Newport City Motel as a chambermaid. Among her hobbies, she enjoyed playing bingo, dancing, knitting, crocheting, painting, drawing, and Tuesday evening dinner trips with her daughter Pauline. She is survived by two daughters, Susan Piette and her husband, Normand, of Westfield and Pauline Gage and her husband, Larry, of Newport; by six grandchildren: Robert Cote, Michelle Mitrani, Raymond Cote, Larry Gage, Paul Gage, and Meagan Gage; by six great-grandchildren: Cody, Shelbi, Victoria, Caitlyn, and Damion Gage and Drew Stone; by a sister, Adrienne Lemieux, of Ottawa; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Bernadette Pagan; and by a brother, Fred Desjardins. A celebration of her life was held July 7 at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel in Newport with the Reverend Jerome Mecure officiating. A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date upon the arrival of her grandson Paul Gage from Iraq. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Bissonnette's memory may be made to the Cancer Society, in care of Carol Loux, North Country Hospital, Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 70, of Newport died July 12, 2003, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Mr. Smith was born June 24, 1933, in Cabot, a son of Edwin and Clara (Carpenter) Smith. He graduated from Cabot High School and later from Vermont Technical College in Randolph. On June 30, 1958, he married Marilyn Bates, who survives him. He began his career as a land surveyor with Truline Surveyors of St. Johnsbury. He also was employed in the early 1970s by Dufresne-Henry Surveying Company, which sold Truline in 1994 to Mr. Smith. He ran this as proprietor until his retirement in 2001. He held memberships with the Land Surveyors Association and North Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury where he served on the investment committee and was senior deacon and chairman of the business committee. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Smith, of Newport; by two sons, Brian Carl Smith of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and Alan Robert Smith and his wife, Susan Ellen, of Burlington; by a stepgrandson, Christopher Brian Smith; by a brother, David Smith, of Cabot; by a sister, Olive Larson, of West Springfield, Massachusetts; and by several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport with the Reverend Jay Sprout officiating. A memorial service will follow the graveside service at 3:30 p.m. at North Congregational Church. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Smith's memory may be made to Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756.