passed away with his family at his side at his home in Port Trevorton, Pa., on Aug. 16, 2009. He was born on Feb. 25, 1925, in Lyndon, the son of Morrill and Edith Brown Curtis. He was predeceased in November of 2008 by his wife of 64 years, Norma Weed Curtis. Allen and Norma farmed and drove school buses for many years in Sutton and West Burke and farmed in Barre before moving to Lancaster County, Pa., to farm with their two sons. They also built lake cabins and houses. After retiring from farming, Allen worked as the maintenance manager for The Horst Group, in Willow Street, Pa. After retiring from Horst Group he restored several vintage farm tractors. Allen possessed many skills; electrical, mechanical and construction capabilities. He was a great source of "how to" advice for his children. He was also the Vermont Doubles Tennis Champion when he was attending Randolph Technical Institute and was one of only two people to ride a toboggan off the ski jump at Lyndon Outing Club. He is survived by his four children, Gloria Huse and her husband Michael of Port Trevorton, Joan Todd and her husband, Jack, of Columbia, Pa., Morrill Curtis and his wife, Melody, of Port Trevorton, and Richard and his wife, Cecilia, of Port Trevorton; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. The Curtis family will always be grateful for the care and friendship of his care giver, Marilyn Newman, and all the great nurses from Hospice at Evangelical. Allen will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his love of people, especially his family and extended family, his generosity, his spirit of adventure and lifelong interest in learning. The world never left him behind. The Curtis family will celebrate his life at a private family service in Port Trevorton with graveside services for both Norma and Allen to be held in Sutton, Vt. at a later date.

, 46, of Bethlehem, Pa., formerly of Littleton, N.H., died Aug. 19, 2009, in Berkeley Heights, N.J. He was a graduate of Littleton High School in 1980, Keene State College in 1984 and New England School of Law in 1987. He was employed by the Chartis Insurance Company in Berkeley Heights, N.J. Buddy served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Center of Animal Health and Welfare in Easton, Pa., and associated with the Animal Food Bank of Lehigh Valley, Pa., and Keeshond Rescue Agency. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots and passionate about golfing. He belonged to the New England Law School Alumni and Keene State College Alumni Association. He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Sr., half-brothers, Michael and Steven, and his half-sister, Marilyn. He is survived by his fiancée, Linda Dominquez of Bethlehem, Pa., mother, Carol Chase Ash of Littleton, half-sister, Cynthia Sargentille of Worcester, Mass., as well as nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins and a host of friends. Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home with service to follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Gene Mockabee officiating with interment to follow at the Beth Village Cemetery, Bath, N.H.

, 55, of US Route 3, in North Stratford, died peacefully in his sleep Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at his home. Born May 8, 1954 in Barre, Vt., a son of Orville B. and Kathryn A. (Watt) Canton, he was a graduate of Spaulding High School in Barre; class of 1972. Ron was a co-owner of the North Stratford Market and prior to that he worked for Hayes Ford in Newport, Vt. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time at camp with his family and friends. He was a kind and caring man and will be missed by all who knew him. Ron is survived by his wife of 13 years Cecile (Marier) Canton of North Stratford; four children Amy Canton of Barre, Bill Canton and his significant other Chantel Avery of Barre, Johnathan Cochran of Morrisville, Vt., and Bryan Holcombe and wife Lorna of North Stratford; one sister Karen O'Hara of Barre; one sister-in-law Francine Canton of Morgan, Vt.; along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Orville Canton, Jr.; mother Kathryn (Watt) Watson; step-father Bob Watson; two brothers Gary Canton and Bernie Canton. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton. Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Monday Aug. 24, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Daniel Deveau officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to either Upper Connecticut Valley Home Health; 181 Corliss Lane; Colebrook, NH 03576 or to the Groveton Ambulance Corp.; C/O Sandy Mason; 7 Arlington Ave.; Groveton, NH 03582.

, 69, of Cresco, Pa., died Aug. 23, 2009. She was the widow of Russel E. Speicher with whom she shared 44 years of marriage at the time of his death on Sept. 16, 2002. Born on Sept. 10, 1939, in Chester, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Irving K. and Dorothy (Smith) Jordan and lived in Monroe County, Pa., since 1960. A 1957 graduate of Media High School, she attended Westchester Teacher's College. She worked in the dining room at High Point Inn in Mt. Pocono, Pa., and was food and beverage manager at the Henryville House. She also worked in many capacities at J.A. Reinhardt & Co. in Mountainhome, Pa., where she rose to the level of Quantity Control Manager before leaving the company after many years of service. For many years Betty has been a very active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Mount Pocono, Pa., where she served as Jr. & Sr. Warden, long-time vestry member, director of altar guild, member of the building committee, usher, greeter and many other committees and church activities. She was also involved in the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem where she was on the Commission of Ministry and was a member of the St. Matthew's Society. She was very involved in the community having been past president of the former Barrett Community Club; past president of the Monroe County Federation of Women's Club; den mother for Pack 89 for 17 years; volunteered at the Barrett Friendly Library; was a founding member of the Barrett-Paradise Community Center Without Walls; member of the Merry Red Beary's Red Hat Society of Barrett Township and a board member of the Oaks Senior Housing and the Shepherds of Monroe County. In 1979 she and her husband were named the Arbor Day Citizens of the Year in Barrett Township. Betty was also "band wife" to her husband who was the Pocono Mountain High School band director for many years and they traveled the world after his retirement in 1991. She loved to play cards. Surviving are four children, Russel E. "Rusty" Speicher Jr. and his wife Laurie of Danville, Vt., Darryl K. Speicher and his wife Jackie of Mountainhome, Pa., Marion S. "Molly" Bender and her husband Dennis of Mountainhome, Pa., and John T. Speicher of Mountainhome, Pa.; six grandchildren, Hannah Malabre-Speicher, Ursula Malabre-Speicher, Jordan Speicher, Jacob Speicher, John R. Bender and Dennis Q. Bender; two brothers, I. King Jordan of Washington, D.C., and S. Clay Jordan of Glen Riddle, Pa., and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy "Peggy" Lionel O'Donnell. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Mt. Pocono, Pa. Interment will take place in the memorial garden of Trinity Church immediately following the service. There will be no viewing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial remembrances be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, HCR1 Box 25, Mt. Pocono, PA 18344 or to the Russel Speicher Foundation, in care of Darryl Speicher, P.O. Box 4, Cresco, PA 18326.

, 38, died at her home on Aug. 22, 2009, in Stratham, N.H. She was born in Haverhill, N.H., on March 25, 1971, to David and Patricia (Little) Towle. Wendy was a graduate of Lisbon High School, Class of 1989, and from the University of New Hampshire School of Nursing in 1992. She was employed at Exeter Hospital while attending the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. She graduated in 2003 as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. For the past six years, she has been employed at the Elliott Hospital in Manchester, N.H., as a CRNA. Wendy played basketball while attending Lisbon High School. An avid outdoorswoman, she participated in competitive runs up Mt. Washington and hiked the White Mountains and in National Parks across America. She had successfully hiked all 48 of the 4,000 foot peaks in New Hampshire. Wendy was dedicated to her nieces and nephews and was affectionately known as "Summi." She is survived by her parents, David and Patricia Towle of Landaff, N.H.; two sisters, Beth Miller Clark and husband William of Landaff, N.H. and Dawn Nelson and husband Ted of North Haverhill, N.H.; and her nieces and nephews, Justin Miller and Billy D. Clark and Lilly and Emily Nelson. Towle is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. Calling hours will be on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A memorial service will be on Monday, Aug. 31, at 1:30 p.m., at Ricker Funeral Home, with Pastor Susan Ellery officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of one's choice or to the Appalachian Mountain Club.

died peacefully in his home in Sterling, Va., on Tuesday, Aug. 25, after a short illness. He was born on April 6, 1917, in Fairmont, W.Va. He is survived by his son Jack Manley Jr. and daughter-in-law JoAnne (7361 Willow Brooke Dr., Spring Hill, FL 34606); his daughter-in-law Lois Manley of Ilion, N.Y.; three daughters and two sons-in-law, M. Kathleen Manley (248 Remington Lane, Lyndonville VT, 05851), Susan M. Homyk and Daniel Homyk (12627 Heritage Farm Lane, Herndon VA, 02627), Lynn A. Reichard and Dr. Peter Reichard (8 Cliffside Way Boonton Township, NJ 07005). He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Sr. Mary of the Assumption of Springfield, Mass., and Selma Manley of Forest Hills, N.Y.; his grandchildren, Jon Manley, Joan Schubert, Jeffrey Manley, Janet Austin, Heather Manley, Shannon Manley, Kelley Calkins, Alyssa Homyk, Kaylee Homyk, Thad Reichard and Tess Reichard; as well as eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Mary M. "Rusty" Manley and his son Robert R. Manley. Jack practiced law for almost 60 years; initially in West Virginia, and then in upstate New York where he opened a practice with a boyhood friend. Jack was a family man with a zest for life. He enjoyed spending summers at Piseco Lake in the Adirondacks and Christmas in Vermont. He and his wife Rusty traveled extensively throughout their lives together but there wasn't a family dinner, cocktail hour, birthday celebration, or family social occasion that he missed. He was fond of sailing, a hobby he most recently enjoyed at his camp on Piseco Lake in July 2009, and also loved fishing, skiing, reading and listening to music. Services will be held at the Galilee United Methodist Church in Sterling, Va., on Aug. 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. A committal service will be held at a future date in Ilion, N.Y. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Capital Hospice, 6565 Arlington Blvd., Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042 or Galilee United Methodist Church, 45425 Winding Road, Sterling, VA 20165.

, of 1432 Bristol Place Court, Charlotte, N.C., 28226, passed away peacefully after a stroke on Aug. 28, 2009. He was born June 12, 1931, in St. Jonhsbury, Vt. He was a business graduate of University of Vermont. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Anita Lee Hughes and their three children, Karen Leslie Love of Charlotte, N.C., Robert Carnell Hughes of Mount Laurel, N.J., and Brian Kevin Hughes of Brussels, Belgium; as well as his seven grandchildren, Chris Love, Chelsea Hughes, Jesse Hughes, Cameron Love, Tanner Love, Nyah Hughes and Dylan Hughes. He was the son of Vera May Cote and Walter James Hughes and the brother of Marilyn Joyce Hughes. He will be greatly missed until we are able to have a joyous family reunion in the eternal home of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A Celebration of his life will be held in Charlotte, N.C., at Central Church of God Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at 7 p.m.

, 84, of Main Street, Lancaster, N.H., died Wednesday evening, Aug. 26, 2009, at Weeks Medical Center, Lancaster. Stewart was born Aug. 9, 1925, in Lancaster, a son of Allie and Gladys A. (Lashomb) Foss. Stewart was raised in Lancaster and was a graduate of Lancaster Academy. He served in the U.S Army during WWII at which time he was stationed in the Philippines. He then went on to graduate from Bryant and Stratton College in Boston with an associate's degree in accounting. After residing in Stoughton, Mass., for 10 years, he moved back to Lancaster in 1964 where he and his wife Jean raised their six children. He worked at the Groveton Paper Company until his retirement in 1984. He enjoyed golfing, gardening and fishing. Memberships included John W. Weeks V.F.W Post 3041, Lancaster; the Elks Club in Littleton and the Knights of Columbus. He was a Communicant of All Saints Catholic Church. Family members include his daughter Sharon Foss of Lancaster; five sons, Mark Foss and wife Rita of Warren, Conn., Douglas Foss and wife Cindy of Pittsfield, Mass., Andrew Foss and wife Carole of Belmont, N.H., Thomas Foss and wife Marilyn of Lancaster, and Kevin Foss and wife Janet of Penacook, N.H. Stewart also had 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren as well as two brothers Robert Foss of Florida and Clifford Foss of Riverside, Calif. Three brothers, Howard Foss, Chester Foss and Clement Foss, predeceased him. There are no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday morning, Aug. 31, 2009, at 11 a.m., at the All Saints Catholic Church in Lancaster. Burial with military honors will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stewart's memory may be made to Col. Town Recreation Department, 16 High Street, Lancaster, NH to help with repairs to the Col. Town Community Camps.

, 83, joined the Lord Wednesday, July 22, 2009. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt., on Oct. 8, 1925. She was preceded by her beloved husband of 46 years, Charles W. Prevost, and daughter Genie Kobarg (1948-2003). She is survived by her sister, Jeanette Albanese of White River Junction, Vt., her remaining 11 children, Joe, Anne, Peggy Kendally (Billy), John (Stephanie), Chuch, Bill (Debbie), Gloria Cheely, Carole, Francis (Paige), Christine Martinez (Jose) and Tom (Stephanie), daughter-in-law Marjorie Prevost, son-in-law Richard Kobarg, 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, large extended family and friends.

, 62, of Main Street, died suddenly Wednesday evening, Aug. 26, 2009, at Weeks Medical Center Lancaster, N.H. Mrs. Swenson was born in Lancaster on Dec. 6, 1947, the daughter of Leo and Mabel (Blake) Savage. Lois was a longtime resident of Lancaster graduating from Lancaster Academy. For 20 years she resided with her family in Bridgton, Maine before returning to Lancaster where for many years she was employed at the Double SS Restaurant, Lancaster. She later worked in the kitchen cafeteria at White Mountain Regional High School and for the past nine years has been a nurse's aid at Holton Point, Lancaster. She enjoyed bingo and casino gambling. At one time she called bingo for the Moose Club in Groveton, N.H., where she was also a former member. Lois will be most remembered for the kindness and caring she extended to her family, friends, and community. She had an immense love for her family who often relied on her for strength and determination. Family members include her husband Lyndon W. Swenson of Lancaster; a son Stephen Swenson of Lancaster; a daughter Heather Lee Moody and her husband Jeffrey of McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kan.; two grandchildren Emily and Ryan Moody; two brothers, George Savage and his wife Ellie of New Hampshire; Frank Savage and his wife Merry Jane of Lancaster; four sisters, Diane Peterson of Euclid, Ohio, Linda Martin of Underhill, Vt., Brenda Savage of Gardenia, Calif., Barbara Richmond and her husband Tom of Virginia; and many nieces and nephews. Her father predeceased in 1981 and her mother in 2001. There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be Monday afternoon, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m., at the Christ United Methodist Church, Lancaster. Rev. Ron Bruce, pastor, will officiate. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in her memory to the Lancaster Ambulance Association, Ron Wert, 25 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584.

, 74, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. Walt was born Aug. 2, 1934, in Wolcott, Vt. He moved to Marlborough, Conn., in 1967. Walt was the son of the late Walter and Lauva Hale of St. Johnsbury. He was predeceased by his wife Barbara Geneva (Manzo Hale) in 1994. He was also predeceased by his brothers Glendon, Donald, Kenneth and Stanley; and sisters Patricia and Bonnie. Walt is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Terrie and Greg Haggett; his two sons and their wives, Walter and Christine Hale Jr. and Alan and Teresa Hale; his grandchildren Marisa, Cole, Anthony, Nicholas, and Lizzie, all of Marlborough. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Howard and Phylles Hale of Boynton Beach, Fla.; sister and brother-in-law Marilyn and Louis St. Hilaire of West Burke; sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Howard Jacobs of Manchester, Conn. Brother and sister-in-law James and Darlene Hale of Danville; sister-in-law Ernestine Hale of St. Johnsbury; sister-in-law Nancy Hale of Lyndonville; sister-in-law Janet Hale of St. Johnsbury; and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

, 62, passed away at her home on Mt. Pleasant Street in St. Johnsbury Friday afternoon, Aug. 14, 2009, surrounded by her family. She was born in St. Johnsbury March 30, 1947, the daughter of Adrien and Jackie (Wilkie) Rousseau. On July 14, 1995, she and Fred Turner were married. Where Sandy and Fred lived, she was able to enjoy watching the birds, deer and turkeys. She enjoyed telling Fred how to tend to her flowers! Sandy collected anything regarding her beloved frogs and memorabilia relating to The Wizard of Oz. She enjoyed her job at Caledonia Home Health where she was a homemaking supervisor for all her clients who depended on her. She also tended bar at The American Legion Post #58. She is survived by her husband Fred, her father Adrien Rousseau of Connecticut, daughter Tina Marcotte Mullen and husband Richard Murray of Fairfax, son Peter Marcotte and friend Gayle of Burlington, son Shon Marcotte and wife Billie of Cabot, son Tony Noyes and friend Nancy McBay of Concord, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her aunt who was like her sister and was her best friend, Evie Mulliken and husband Bernie of St. Johnsbury, her aunt Loraine Hayden of West Burke, her brother Chuck Rousseau and wife Diane of Florida, her brother Carroll Rousseau and wife Anita of Tennessee, nieces and nephews, and Fred's extended family. The family is planning a celebration of her life to be held at home next summer. Fred is grateful of all the love and care shown Sandy by everyone at Caledonia Home Health, especially her friend Mary Beth Furr. Therefore, memorial contributions could be directed to Caledonia Home Health, 161 Sherman Dr., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

, 79, of St. Johnsbury, and formerly of Connecticut died Thursday evening, Aug. 27, 2009, while at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndon. She was born April 3, 1930, in New Milford, Conn., the daughter of Clyde and Katherine (Ziggler) Scrum. Ms. Birch worked in Brookfield, Conn., as a P.C. Board assembler for Kimchuck Inc. for several years. She was always willing to help family, friends, and even strangers in need. She was a good cook and made crafts, knitted, and crocheted, sharing her talents with others. Survivors include her four sons, Steven Birch of St. Johnsbury, David Birch and wife Penny of St. Johnsbury, Alan Birch of Newark, and Roger Birch of New York; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; her brother in-law, Wilber Hager of Washington State; her former husband, Ralph Birch of New Milford, Conn.; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Ethel Hager. Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

of St. Johnsbury, a 2nd Lieutenant Field Artillery officer with the U.S. Army, was killed in action in Iraq on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. He served as a fire support officer for the 1st Calvary Division 1-7 "Garryowen." Joey was born in St. Johnsbury on Nov. 5, 1986, one of three children born to Martin and Betsy (Wood) Fortin. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy with the class of 2004. Joey received his B.S. degree in criminal justice in May 2008 from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. The following day he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Army. On May 24, 2008, he and Nicquelle Desilets were united in marriage. He is survived by his wife Nicquelle; his parents Martin and Betsy Fortin of St. Johnsbury; two sisters, Jennifer McKinney and husband Steve of Chesterfield, Va., and Jocelyn Fortin of Penacook, N.H.; his paternal grandmother Virginia Fortin of St. Johnsbury; his maternal grandparents Donald and Sunny Wood of Waterford; his parents-in-law, Raymond and Jeana (Bailey) Desilets of St. Johnsbury; aunts and uncles, cousins, and the extended Desilets family. Services will be held on Monday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. Joey's life and his service to his country will be celebrated at the Alumni Gymnasium located on the campus of St. Johnsbury Academy. The Rev. John Marshall will officiate. Please enter the parking lots located off the South Main Street entrance. At 5:30 p.m. Sunday evening, military personnel will escort his casket into Fuller Hall located on the Academy campus. His casket will lie in state Sunday evening 6-9 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to please enter Fuller Hall via the main entrance off Main Sreet and exit toward Colby Hall to the left of stage. The family will observe his burial services privately. Memorial contributions could be directed to "The Joseph Fortin Memorial Fund," c/o Community National Bank, 857 Memorial Dr., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.