, an author of young adult literature, died on October 17th, 2009 of brain cancer. Together, with her husband, Harry Mazer, also an author of young adult novels, she had a distinguished career that spanned over forty years and included thirty-three books and many awards, among them a Newberry Honor, the Christopher Award, two Lewis Carroll Shelf Awards, an Edgar, and a National Book Award nomination. She was born on May 15th, 1931 to Jean Garlen Fox and Michael Fox, and grew up in Glens Falls, NY in the middle of her mother's extended family. Early family pictures show Norma scribbling in a notepad or hidden behind a book. By the age of twelve, she had made up her mind be a writer. She briefly attended Antioch College, but dropped out to get married. Her writing apprenticeship began when she was twenty-seven years old and the mother of three small children. She and Harry made a pact to squeeze at least an hour out of every day to write. Frequently, this was at four o'clock in the morning. Soon they were writing pulp fiction for a living. Their stories appeared in True Confessions, True Story and other pulp magazines. Norma considered this her writing apprenticeship, always saying that it taught her about plot, character, pacing and the discipline of writing every day for a living. Within a few more years, she and Harry began to write and publish young adult novels. She was one of the pioneering writers, who, along with others such as Judy Blume and Norma Klein, defined the field of young adult literature in the 1970’s. In 1997, Norma joined the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA writing program in young adult and children's literature. For many years, she was a beloved faculty member and also served as faculty chair. Vermont College of the Fine Arts awarded her an honorary MFA in 2005. She also taught at the National Book Foundation summer writing camp and was a member of the Author's Guild and PEN. Norma was known for her warmth, her clear, incisive mind, and her appreciative laugh, as well as her dedication to her writing students, and her love of nature. She and Harry lived for many years in upstate NY, commuting between Jamesville and New York City. Together, she and Harry created beautiful, wild gardens, transforming bare fields into blooming paradises. She enjoyed long walks, bird watching, and finding wild mushrooms in the woods. They also loved to spend summers on their land in Canada, camping in rustic cabins, which they had built from salvaged lumber, and writing under the pine trees. She spent the last years of her life in Montpelier, VT, where she enjoyed being part of a close-knit community of neighbors, friends, and fellow writers. She is survived by her husband of nearly sixty years, Harry Mazer of Montpelier, VT, three children, Anne Mazer (Fred Schwartz) of Ithaca NY, Joseph Mazer of Montpelier, VT , Gina Mazer (Mark Howard) of East Calais, VT, two grandchildren, Max Futterman of Brooklyn NY, Mollie Futterman of Ithaca, NY, her sisters Adele Machia of Watertown, NY, and Linda Fox of Milan, Italy, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews and many dear friends. Her daughter Susan Mazer predeceased her in 2001. A memorial will be held on Saturday, November 7th at 2 p.m. in the Vermont College of the Fine Arts chapel in Montpelier, VT, followed by a reception. The family is setting up a scholarship fund in Norma's honor for MFA writing students. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fox Mazer Fund –VCFA and can be sent to the Fox Mazer Fund; c/o Executive Director of Institutional Advancement; Vermont College of Fine Arts; 36 College Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, son of William and Dorothy ( Hamilton ) Gallagher, died in his sleep on September 4, 2009, at home in Calais , Vermont. Greg was born April 16, 1936 in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended the Rivers Country Day School located outside of Boston, where his father taught English. He also attended Wentworth Institute in Boston. Greg and his parents lived in Wellesley , Massachusetts and spent summers at their family home in Maple Corner, where he met Harriet Irene Morse. Greg and Harriet were married at the Old West Church on September 9, 1956. Greg worked for the Coca Cola Company in Barre, and also started and operated his own vending machine business. In 1962 he sold his company and lived and worked in New Hampshire, Michigan, and New York before moving back to Maple Corner in 1971 He returned to work for Coca Cola, where he was employed for a total of twenty years. He was also employed at Ormsby's Appliances in Barre as their service manager. Greg then changed careers and worked for many years as a loan originator for Vermont Federal Bank, BankNorth, Northwest Mortgage Co and the Granite Savings Bank until his retirement in 1995. Greg was the top loan originator in Vermont for several years running. Greg loved to travel all over the US and Canada with his wife in their RV. He particularly loved spending summers in Prince Edward Island . He enjoyed bluegrass and fiddle music, dancing with Harriet, good food, and joking around with family and friends. Greg and Harriet also enjoyed attending many community functions together. Greg enjoyed playing the stock market, and was pretty good at it, too. Greg is survived by his wife of 53 years, Harriet; three children: Steven (and Sarah Myers) Gallagher, Jeffrey (and Barbara Paine) Gallagher, of Calais and Heather Gallagher Holmes (and Gary Benjamin) of Woodbury; six grandchildren: Madison and Caleb Holmes, Isaac Gallagher, Jamie and Cameron Moorby, and Sarah Paine; his brother, Phillip (and Pat) Cook, and many nieces and nephews. Greg will also be sadly missed by the family dog, Gypsy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Greg's memory to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641. A memorial service will be held at the Old West Church in Calais on September 20, 2009 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow at the Maple Corner Community Center .

, 72, of Donna Lane, Washington died Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. She was born in Barre City on July 28, 1937 the daughter of Ernest & Geneve (Stacey) Spencer. Jessie attended schools in Williamstown and graduated from Williamstown High School. On August 20, 1960 she was married to Paul S. Goodell in Williamstown, VT. Jessie enjoyed working in her flower gardens, making crafts, playing bingo and gambling, she loved the outdoors, camping, snowmobiling and often watched the birds from her house. Jessie worked for many years at the Community Action Council as a Child Care Food Program Case Worker. She is survived by her husband, Paul of Washington; two sons, Michael Goodell of Woodbury; David Goodell of Barre City; six grandchildren and two grandchildren; sister, Lea Roux of Northfield; aunt, Bernice MacKenzie of Woodridge Nursing Home. She was pre-deceased by and infant daughter, Paula. Funeral services will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial contribution may be made to the American Heart Association, New England Affiliate, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701-4688 or to American Diabetes Association, 1 Kennedy Drive, Suite L8, South Burlington, VT 05403.

, 89, formerly of Huntington, N.Y. and more recently of 89 Trillium Hill in Montpelier died in her home on October 22, 2009. She was born in Westboro, Mass. on Nov. 22, 1919 the daughter of George and Margaret McCabe. She married Fred J. Gorczyk, a class of ’40 graduate of the US Naval Academy on September 3, 1942 shortly before his deployment to Europe for WWII. Due to her husband's 20 year career in the Navy, Patricia moved about the US and Europe often and consequently developed a love for travel that she and her husband pursued until his death in September of 2006. Following her husband's death Patricia moved to Montpelier to live with her son John. She is survived by her son, John Gorczyk and his wife Sue of Montpelier; daughter-in-law, Joan Gorczyk of Williamsburg, V.A.; five grandchildren, John Gorczyk and his wife, Kristen of Concord, N.H.; Jason Gorczyk of Burlington, V.T.; James Gorczyk of Montpelier, V.T.; Andrew Gorczyk of Worthington, Ohio; and Michael Gorczyk of Iwake, Japan; great granddaughter Katherine Gorczyk of Concord, N.H. Patricia was predeceased by her husband and her oldest son Peter, who died in September of 2008. In addition to traveling Patricia loved crossword puzzles, old movies, French cooking, and the opera. Life time highlights included frequent trips to the Metropolitan Opera to hear and meet Luciano Pavarotti, winters spent on the southern coast of Spain with her husband, and vacation trips with her grandchildren. Most of all Patricia loved her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered as always being there for us as a parent, grandparent and friend. She had a quick Irish wit, a ready laugh and a warm smile for all. There will be no calling hours. A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 14th, at 2:00 p.m. at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier. Burial will be with her husband at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, L.I. New York. Memorial Contributions may be made to either Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, Inc., 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or the Peoples Health and Wellness Clinic, 553 North Main Street, Barre, VT 05641.

, 82, first abbess of Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey in Dubuque , Iowa , died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009. Services were held at the abbey's chapel on September 2, with a con-celebrated Mass including the abbott of the Monastery of New Mellary, and the Archbishop of the diocese of Dubuque. She was born Margaret Guare on Nov. 4, 1926 in Montpelier , the only daughter of Thomas and Florence Emmons, and sister to Thomas, John Richard and Paul Guare. She attended St. Michael's High School in Montpelier and graduated from Trinity College in Burlington with a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts. After college, Margaret did graduate work in social service at Fordham University in New York City for one year. During that time, she visited the Cistercian (Trappist) monastery at Mount St. Mary's Abbey in Wrentham , MA , and fell in love with the contemplative lifestyle she found there. She often said that it was the sight of the sisters working in the dairy barn that convinced her of her vocation. Margaret entered Mount St. Mary's in 1951 and was given the name of Sister M. Columba on Feb. 12, 1952, the day she received the habit. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1953, and solemn profession on June 28, 1957. At Wrentham, she held the office of cellarer for many years and was a famous writer of skits and poetry for the community. She left Wrentham to make the foundation of Our Lady of the Mississippi in October, 1964, with 12 other sisters, and was named superior of the new community by Mother Angela Norton, Abbess of Wrentham. In 1970, the foundation became an independent abbey and M. Columba was elected abbess. She remained in that office until 1982. In December, 1982, Mother Columba felt called to help establish a house of prayer among the poor in Cochabamba , Bolivia . She returned to Dubuque in 1987, and shortly thereafter was asked to be the temporary superior for the Trappist sisters in Stapehill , England. She resumed her life in the Mississippi community in 1989. With great joy, Mother Columba celebrated her Golden Jubilee of Profession with the community, her family, and friends, on Aug. 15, 2003. She received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Papal award in April, 2004. Much loved by her family, community, and many religious and lay people, she will always be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her spirit of courage and foresight during the time of renewal after Vatican II. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers Thomas, John Richard and Paul. She is survived by three sisters-in-law, Georgianne, Helen and Claire, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, 8400 Abbey Hill Lane, Dubuque , IA 52003-9576.

, 81, of Hillside Ave., died Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Woodridge Nursing Home. He was born in Montpelier, VT on April 7, 1928 the son of Harry & Elizabeth (McCormick) Hale. He attended schools in Montpelier. Stephen served in the United States Air Force during WW 2 and Korea.. Following his service time he worked as a railroad porter for Central Vermont Railroad. He owned and operated Hale's Custom Meats store in East Montpelier. Stephen also worked for many years for DeCato Brothers Trucking Company of Lebanon, NH. On December 28, 1986 he married Cardeana Sanborn MacAulay. Survivors included his wife, Cardeana, of Woodridge Nursing Home; three daughters, Tesa Duval, Laura Hale, & Leslie Moulton; four step-daughters, Gloria Gora of CT; Joyce Gillander of South Barre; Janet McKnight of Las Vegas; Sharon Snyder of PA and one step-son, John MacAulay of Killington, VT; and several grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by a step-son, Michael MacAulay. A grave side service with military honors will be held at 11:00 P.M., Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodridge Nursing Home Patient Activities Fund, PO Box 550, Barre, VT 05641

, 97, of The Gardens died Sunday, November 1st 2009 at Central Vermont Hospital. She was born on November 5, 1911 in Huntington, VT the daughter of George & Mary (Bleau) Smith. She attended schools in Jericho and graduated from Burlington High School. Ida was married at the age of 17 to Robert M. Hall on December 5th 1928, in Jericho, VT. She retired from the State of Vermont after 28 years in 1973 where she was office manager of the highway department. She was very active within the Montpelier community receiving a Senior Citizen of the year award in the 1970's as well as Washington County's Special Citizens award in 1992 by Governor Howard Dean. Ida was one of the founding members of the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. She also coordinate many rummage sales and bazaars for the Senior Center as well as serving on their board of directors for many years. Ida also cooked at the senior center for their weekly lunches. There Ida participated in painting, rug hooking, ceramic, and square dancing classes. Some of Ida's painting were displayed in the Governor's office. Family members cherish these paintings today. Ida was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Montpelier since 1967 where she baked desserts for Community Lunch, made pies for the chicken pie suppers as well as helping with thrift sales well into her 90’s. Ida enjoyed spending time at her camp in Milton Vermont that she and her husband built in 1957. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends and fishing from the dock. Ida enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and crafting in her spare time. She also liked to cook and bake for friends, family and the community. Survivors include nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband on April 7, 1969, and 2 sisters, Blanche Angell and Marjorie Cassella; and 3 brothers, Earl Smith, Albert Smith and Floyd Smith. There will be no calling hours. A Memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main Street, Montpelier In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be to: Trinity United Methodist Church- Community Lunch Program, payable to TUMC, 137 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 81, died Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the Central Vermont Hospital with his daughter Darleen Aldrich-Sumner and granddaughter, Holly-Ann Sumner at his side. He was born in East Montpelier on April 20, 1927, the son of George Sr. and Pearl Hull. He attended Montpelier High School and graduated from Vermont Technical College. On April 20, 1949, George married the former Barbara Lane in St. Augustine Catholic Church, Montpelier. George worked locally in the granite industry, and many years as a dairy farmer, and owned and operated a heavy equipment. Survivors include his wife 59 years, Barbara Hull of Middlesex; children, Larry Hull and his wife Pauline of Berlin, VT; Douglas Hull and his wife Mary of Barre, VT; Darleen Aldrich-Sumner of Barre, VT; Kimberlee Stevens and husband Healy May of Bolton; grandchildren, Aren Harkness of Michigan, Doug Hall, Jr of Michigan, Ryan Aldrich of New York, Alyson Aldrich of Barre, VT, Telia Utton of Worcester, VT, Jamie Hull of Worcester, VT, Raegan Sumner of Scarborough, ME, Holly-Ann Sumner of Portland, ME, Asley Stevens of Bolton, VT, Amica Stevens of Bolton, VT, Jodi May of Bolton, Dwight Hull Jr-LaPoint and Alicia Hull-LaPoint; many great grandchildren. George is also survived by his siblings, Janet Atkins of Berlin, Sylvia Miller of Barre, Marlene Haines of AZ, Donald Hull of Middlesex, and Kenny Hull of East Montpelier. He was predeceased by his son, Dwight Hull; sisters, Barbara Brown and Rita Hull, and brother Alton Hull. George was a very hard worker with a great spirit for life and family. His great smile and personality will be missed by all. We love you,
Your Family
In honor of his request there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will be held at their home, Sunday February 1, 2009 from 2pm-4pm.

, 75, of Marvin Road died peacefully with his family at his side Thursday, October 15th at Central Vermont Hospital. He was born in Connecticut on April 7th, 1934 the son of Robert O. Irons and Catherine (Rochette) Irons. He graduated from Montpelier High School. He served in the United States Army in Germany from 1957 to 1959. On August 23rd, 1997 he married Betty Lou Hutchins at the Old West Church in Calais, VT. Bob and Betty lived on Marvin Road for many years and raised several children and grandchildren. Bob enjoyed working with his trains, working outdoors, fishing, traveling with his wife, tinkering around the house, ceramics, and wood-working. He was particularly famous for his "hot" chili and fried potatoes. Bob worked for Capitol Stationers as an Inventory Control Manager for over 40 years. He was a member of American Legion Post#59 for several years. He is greatly loved by his children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his loving wife Betty (Edwards) Irons of Berlin, Vermont; his 2 daughters Amy (Hutchins) Klinger of Northfield, Vermont and Candy (DuBois) McNeese of Lynnville, Tennessee; his son Joel Hutchins of Wasilla, Alaska; his 2 grandchildren Robert and Chelsea Klinger; and life-long friend Bella Preedom; several close friends. He was pre-deceased by his life-long friend Vern Preedom. Also surviving are two children from his previous marriage, Jesse Moore of Long Island, NY and Anna Wheeler of Williamstown and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. There will be no viewing hours or funeral services. As per his request. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers or cards to the National Life Cancer Treatment Center in Memory of Robert Irons. You may call (802) 371-4375 or (802) 371-4196 or you may write to the CVMC Fund Development Office at P.O. Box 547, Barre, VT 05641

, 83, of North Street, Montpelier died Monday, October 12, 2009 at Woodridge Nursing Home. Irene was born in Plainfield, VT on February 28, 1926 the daughter of Robert & Edith (Shory) Harvey. She is survived by her husband, F. Judson Kelley of Montpelier, 3 daughters, Ann Murphy of Lakeville, MA; Patti Wheeler of Cabot, VT and Lauren Pemberton of Northfield, VT; 3 sons, Dennis Murphy of Barre, VT; Judson Kelley of Olympia, WA; Scott Kelley of Belfast, ME; 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; many brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by a son, Peter Kelley in 1984. Committal service will be held in the spring time. Memorial contributions in Irene's name may be made to a charity of one's choice.

, 64, of Elm Street, died Sunday, May 31, 2009 at his home in Montpelier. He was born March 3, 1945 in Montpelier the son of the late Gordon Wesley Kidder and Flora M. Gabaree. He attended Montpelier and Waterbury schools and attended St. Michael's High School. Following high school David served in Special Forces in the U.S. Army as a PFC from August 30, 1962 through his discharge on March 2, 1964. David worked as a painter and paper hanger for several area contractor and his uncle, Louis Gabaree. He also owner his own painting service own as "All Paint & Stain". He later was a long distance truck drive doing trips from coast to coast. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 3 and served as Jr. Vice; Sons of the American Legion and was Commander; Montpelier Elks # 924, and a former member of the Mutuo in Barre. David enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his Mother, Flora M. Kidder of Montpelier; daughter, Clarissia Tiffeny Marie Kidder and a son, David Wesley Lee Kidder; sister, Marilyn Kidder and two brothers, Gordon Wesley Kidder, Jr., and Kenneth Edward Kidder; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins. David is pre-deceased by two brothers, Everett Bruce Kidder and Steven Kidder, and sister Yvonne Kidder and his father, Gordon Wesley Kidder, Sr. A grave side service and military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2009 at Plain- Mont Cemetery, Route 2, East Montpelier. Following the service family and friends are invited back to the American Legion for a reception and a time remembrance .

, 93, of Derby Drive, Montpelier died Monday, November 9th, at his home with his wife and family friend at his side. He was the son of Wilmot C. & Antoinette (Normandin) Kynoch and was born on March 23, 1916 in Montpelier. They are both deceased. Bill was a graduate of St. Michael's High School on Barre Street and his class was the first to graduate from the newly built school. He furthered his education attending teletype school in New Jersey. In 1941 he joined the Army and was stationed in San Francisco, Port of Embarkation. He spent three years processing v-mail going over seas to the men. Upon his discharge in 1946, he was employed at the State Post-Office. In 1947, with assistance of the later Perley Tribou, radio engineer, they developed the office of Communications for the Vermont State Public Safety. Bill became chief dispatcher and trained many others to work at different offices throughout the State. After 30 years of service with Department of Public Safety he retired in 1977. He is survived by his wife, Josephine (Petrucelli) Kynoch whom he married in 1946; son, Jeffrey Kynoch and his wife, Anne of Tallahassee, Fl; and a grandson, Carl Kynoch and his wife, Michelle; sister, Elizabeth Ibey and her husband, Donald of Barre; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by two sisters, Marion Roya and Helen Hill. Bill was an avid golfer and was a member of the Northfield Country Club for many years. Along with gardening, crossword puzzles and canning chairs, they fulfilled his life. A Funeral Mass will be held on 10:00 a.m., Friday, Nov. 13th, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Montpelier. Committal & Military honors will be held following the Mass at Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center. There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Church, Elevator Fund, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT or to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, Inc., 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT.

, 92, recently of Jeffersonville, Vt., died on Sept.12 at Berlin Health and Rehab Center in Berlin. Bradford was born in the Horn of the Moon section of East Montpelier, Vt., on April 9, 1917. He was the eldest son of Violette Ireland and Homer Lane. Bradford attended the Horn of the Moon School and later graduated from Montpelier High School in 1936. On June 12, 1940, Bradford married Ruth Lamson and they raised a family on the dairy farm where Bradford had grown up. The farm was productive and featured registered Holsteins that were overseen with care. The family farm was sold in 1982 and Bradford and his wife moved nearby to the County Road where they resided until moving to Jeffersonville in 2007 to be adjacent to family members. Bradford and Ruth were married for 69 years and she still lives independently in Jeffersonville. Bradford was a town assessor for the Town of East Montpelier for 25 years and a member of the forestry board for 15 years. For a short time, he was President of the Granite City Creamery in Barre. Bradford also took an active part in the local historical society. Family always came first for Bradford followed closely by his cows. He loved to landscape his acreage and to ride his lawn tractor. Bradford and Ruth also did a lot of traveling across the US in their RV as well as wintering for many years in St. Petersburg, Florida. One of the favorite things for Bradford to do was to hold newborn babies and rock them to sleep. In his last year, he spent a lot of time playing cards and taking rides up to the Horn of the Moon to see the old farm. Bradford had one younger brother George who lived his later years with his family in Colome, South Dakota and died in 2005. George and Bradford's younger sister Joyce lives in Williamstown, Vt at the Gardens elderly care residential facility. Ruth and Bradford had three sons all of whom still live in the area. Clair Lane is the eldest and lives with his wife Pat in Calais, Vt. David Lane lives with his wife Marsha in Jeffersonville, Vt. The youngest son, Stanley, lives in Johnson. Bradford also had three grandchildren, Amy Sykas married to Steve Sykas of Plainfield, Robyn Lane of Winooski and Rebecca Lane of Burlington. There are also numerous cousins and nieces and nephews living across the country. A memorial service will be held for Bradford at the East Montpelier Meeting House in East Montpelier Center on Sunday, September 27th at 2 PM.. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.

, 64, died Sunday, November 8, 2009 after a long illness at Berlin Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Manchester, NH on November 20, 1944 the daughter of Lynnwood (Bud) & Margaret (Thompson) Durrell. On January 20, 1968, she married Arthur Ledoux in Contoocook, NH who pre-deceased her on Feb. 1, 1996. Linda worked for 20 years for the State of Vermont both with the Motor Vehicle Department and as an administrative assistant for the Material Research Lab at the Agency of Transportation on the Barre-Montpelier Road. She is survived by three children, Andrew Ledoux of Vergennes, VT; Thomas Ledoux of N.C. and Margaret Sykas of Graniteville and four grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, husband and son-in-law, Timothy Sykas. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12th, from 6-8 p.m. at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel in Randolph. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, Burlington VT-NY Office, 1 Kennedy Drive, Suite L8, South Burlington, VT 05403

, 77, of 166 Barre Street died Friday, December 11th, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington after a very brief illness. Bernard was born on October 29, 1932 the son of Perley and Lena (Cady) Leno. He attended schools in Montpelier. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War from March 13, 1951 to his discharge from the service on January 24, 1955. On April 8, 1961 he married Jeanne Seguin in St. Augustine's Catholic Church. They have five children together. Bernie was an auto mechanic for most of his working career. He first worked at Harold Roop's gas station on State Street, later with Richards and Perolini on Elm Street and he continued on when it became Smitty's Service Station. The last 14 years he was a crossing guard for the Montpelier School System. He was a popular crossing guard and enjoyed talking with everyone that he meet. His last assignment was on the corners of School and Main Streets. Bernie loved supporting his favorite sports teams, the Yankees, New York Giants and the Boston Celtics. Baseball being his favorite, he greatly enjoyed the Yankees winning their 27th World Series Championship this year. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, of Woodridge Nursing Home, five children, Michelle Dion and her husband, Mark of Berlin; Bernard C. Leno Jr., and his wife, Vanessa of East Calais; Christine Christensen and her husband, Jon of Waterville, ME; Christopher Leno and his wife, Laura of Montpelier; Crystal Lamson and her husband, Rob of Northfield; 15 grandchildren, Melissa Cadorette and her husband, Jon; Monica Dion; Whitney Leno, Amanda Leno; Nicholas Christensen; Betsy Leno, Andrew Leno, Jennifer Christensen, Tabitha-Lee Leno; Nicholas Lamson; Curtis Leno, Hailey Lamson; Megan Leno; Elyza Lamson, Autumn-Taylor Leno and 1 great-grandson, Riley Cadorette. Bernie is also survived by a sister, Janice Bragdon of Easthampton, MA and a brother, Morris Leno and his wife, Marilyn of Schenectady, NY and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by six brothers, Philip P. Leno, Harold C. Leno, Howard S. Leno, Perley Leno, Jr., Richard E. Leno and Rev. Robert E. Leno. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:00 am, Friday, December 18th, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Montpelier. There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodridge Patient Activity Fund, PO Box 550, Barre, VT 05641. The family would like to thank the nurse and doctors at Fletcher Allen Health Care - Shephardson 4 for their kindness and caring during his brief stay.