, CND, known in religion as Sister Saint Lydia Marie, died at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Conn., March 8, 2004, at the age of 80. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt., Sept. 23, 1923, the daughter of the late Joseph R. and Lydia M. Lachance Fortin. She completed her elementary and high school education in St. Johnsbury, received a BA in English from DePaul University, Chicago, and an MA in mathematics from Saint Michael's College, Winooski. Sister Therese made First Profession of vows in the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal in August 1944, and Final Vows in August 1950. Her teaching ministry began in Lewiston, Maine, from 1944-1948. She then taught in Chicago, Ill., from 1948-1956 and Kankakee, Ill., from 1951-52, and again from 1961-67. She served at Notre Dame HS in St. Johnsbury, Vt., from 1957-1960, followed by one year of teaching in Providence, R.I., during 1967-68. In 1968, Sister went to St. Columba in New York, N.Y., where she taught in the elementary school and later served in the parish until 1977. From 1977-1981 she did tutoring for adults and served in parish religious education. She was missioned to Ridgefield in 1981 as a nurse's aide with the senior sisters where she served until she retired in 1995. She spent her final two years at Lourdes Health Care Center in Wilton, Conn. Sister Therese is survived by a sister, Giovanne (Van) Belanger; a brother, Christopher; a sister-in-law, Virginia Fortin; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 11, at 10 a.m., at the CND, 223 West Mountain Road, Ridgefield, Conn. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury, Conn.

, of St. Johnsbury, passed away Monday evening, March 8, 2004, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. He was a long-time resident of Portland Street and had traveled the past year and a half to Lancaster for kidney dialysis. Mr. and Mrs. Lyster had been co-owners/operators of the Wee Hoose on Portland Street. They also operated The Fairground Gardens with his brother Martin and his father Morton. Attention to detail, cleanliness and doing a good job were important to him throughout his life. He was born in Waterford, Oct. 12, 1914, the son of Morton D. and Grace (Hunt) Lyster. He and his wife Catherine (Stephen) Lyster would have been married 65 years this Oct. 11. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; a son, David A. Lyster of St. Johnsbury (472 Portland St., 05819); a daughter, Mattie Barrett and her husband Ronald of Lyndonville (144 Clover Hollow, 05851); four grandchildren, Matthew Barrett and his fiancee Kimberly Guertin, Andrew, Catherine and Kimberly Barrett. He is also survived by Catherine's stepsister, Marion Radford of St. Johnsbury; one niece on the Lyster side, Sheila Claffey; and by five nieces and nephews on the Grady/Stephen side, John, William, Catherine, Jane and David Grady. He was predeceased by his brother Martin H. Lyster and his wife Madeline; and by a sister, Kathleen King Salmone. Funeral services will be held this Saturday, March 13, at 11 a.m., at Sayles Funeral Home, with the Rev. John Marshall officiating. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to the start of the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to North Country Dialysis Center, Weeks Hospital, 173 Middle St., Lancaster, NH 03584.

, 78, a Danville resident, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Vernon was born May 29, 1925 in St. Johnsbury, the youngest of five children, to Arthur H. and Mary (Hodgdon) Perkins Webster. He was raised on the family farm in Danville. Vernon graduated from Danville High School, Class of 1942. On June 12, 1947, he married Luella Dresser, who predeceased him Oct. 10, 2003. They farmed the family homestead until their retirement in 1991, when their son Bebo and his wife Lori took over the farm. He belonged to Danville Congregational Church. Vernon was a member of Cabot Creamery Co-op and a member and past president of Caledonia Farm Bureau. He was an active participant in the running of the ski-tow, which was directly behind the farm. Vernon was an avid soccer and basketball fan of Danville School. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Randall and her husband Paul of Lyndonville, and Doris \"Dode\" French and her companion Wendell Woodard of Danville; three sons, Duane and his wife Diane, Harold \"Bebo\" and his wife Lori, and Jon and his wife Diana, all of Danville; a brother, George and his wife Mildred of Lakewood, Colo.; a brother-in-law, Harold \"Bub\" Dresser and his wife Nancy of Lyndonville; two sisters-in-law, Pauline Patterson and her husband Lloyd \"Pat,\" Helena Carson and her husband Leonard, all of Danville; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Alden; two sisters, Luella Mudgett and Clara Slack; and by a great-granddaughter, Riley Ann French. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 12, at 2 p.m., at the Danville Congregational Church, with Pastor Jim Llewellyn officiating. Calling hours will be Thursday evening between the hours of 6-8 p.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home, located at 525 Summer St. Memorial contributions may be directed to either the Danville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 225, Danville, VT 05828; or Caledonia Home Health, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 37, of Newport, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2004, in Newport, surrounded by her loving family. Christine was born July 5, 1966, the youngest of six born to Floyd and Doris (Austin) Brown. Christine, known to all as Bug A Boo, was a free spirit and lived her life to the fullest. She loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Christine is survived by her beautiful daughter, Chelsea \"Little Bug\" Phillips of Newport, whom she loved very much. Survivors also include her parents, Floyd and Doris Brown of West Charleston; four sisters and one brother, Faye Stocker and her husband Ken of Newport, Linda Basford of Orleans, Gail Sheltra of Orleans, Blaine Brown and his wife Pearla of Irasburg, and Sherry Ingalls and her husband Dennis of West Glover; nieces and nephews, Donna and Daniel Basford of Orleans, Dawn Mann and Kay Jay Sheltra of Georgia, Travis Brown of Burlington, Mark Brown of Irasburg, Marcia Brown of Johnson, and Jeremy and Tonya Brown of Newport; aunts, uncles and numerous cousins; and by a large circle of friends. Friends and family may call at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road, Newport (formerly Sias Ave.), Friday, March 12, from 7-9 p.m., where funeral services will be held Saturday, March 13, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Roger Fletcher officiating. Friends and family may also call at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service on Saturday. Spring interment will take place at the West Charleston Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Christine's memory may be made to STEP ONE Domestic Violence, P.O. Box 1004, Newport, VT 05855.

, 82, of Granite Hill Estates in Hallowell/Augusta, Maine, died at his home early Monday morning, March 8, 2004. He was born in Randolph, April 30, 1921, a son of Charles Warren Leavitt and Alice (Sparrow) Leavitt. The family moved to Pittston where he received his early education. His high school years were spent at Gardiner High School. Upon graduation from Gardiner High School he entered Farmington Normal School, which is currently a unit of the University of Maine System. He earned a bachelor's degree cooperatively with Gorham State College. Subsequently Mr. Leavitt earned a master of science degree from Boston University, a Ph.D in English literature from the University of Wisconsin, and many years later a master of library service degree from Columbia University. Although Charles Leavitt started his teaching career in the public school system in Maine, he taught English and American literature for over 40 years at the college level in Massachusetts, Vermont, Michigan, New Jersey and New York. A major interest in conjunction with his teaching of literature was drama and theater. He staged plays or arranged student attendance at local theaters. For several years he was on the lecture circuit, discussing New York productions on Broadway. The recipient of many honors during his teaching career, Leavitt received last September the Faculty Recognition Award from Lyndon State College in Vermont. The award was instigated by alumni remembering 50 years later the quality and inspiration of his teaching. He was also a member of the May Flower Society of which he took great pride. Leavitt was first married to the late Emily Stewart and then to Virginia Kracke, who survives him. He was predeceased by his brother Robert (a casualty of World War II) and by Richard (A Gardiner businessman) He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Coutts of Randolph and Ft. Myers, Fla., and Dorothy Benner of Pittston; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the spring in Peacham, Vt.

, 67, of Georgetown, Texas, and formerly of Milton, passed away Thursday, Feb. 19, 2004, following a three-year battle with leukemia. The son of Enos and Agnes (Dumas) Johnston, he was born April 15, 1936, in St Johnsbury. Bill grew up in St. Johnsbury and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1955. He then entered the Navy and spent the next five years serving his country. Bill married and moved to Milton, where he raised his family and lived for 30 years. He was employed at IBM in Essex Junction as a machinist for 26 years. He retired from IBM in 1990 and spent his retirement years summering in New England and wintering in Texas. He is survived by his children, Tami Gervais of Enosburg Falls, Cindy Phelps of Georgetown, Texas, Bill S. Johnston of Underhill, and Michael Johnston of Westford; seven grandchildren; a step-sister; his aunt; three nieces; a nephew; many cousins; extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20, 1 p.m., at Sayles Funeral Home on Summer Street in St. Johnsbury. A reception to celebrate Bill's life will immediate follow at Black Bear Tavern. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

, 79, of DeLand, Fla., formerly of Island Pond, passed away in DeLand Thursday, Marh 11, 2004. He was born in Island Pond, Aug. 3, 1924. Walter served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. He retired in 1986 from the Canadian National Railroad after 45 years as a chief clerk. He was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church in DeLand and St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond. He was also a member of VFW Random Post 2309 in Island Pond and American Legion Post 80 in Island Pond. Walter is survived by his wife, Maria Seguin, of DeLand; his brother, Richard Claude Seguin of DeLand and Morgan; and his sisters, Ruth Coutere of Meridan, Conn., and Francesca Ann Jodrey of Gorham, N.H.; numerous nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and -nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Dorothy \"Dolly\" Dawson and Catherine Philippon, and by four nephews and one niece. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in the spring at St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond. Interment will be at the Derby Line Cemetery.

, 74, a former longtime Wells River resident, died March 12, 2004, at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center following an extended illness. She was born in Monroe, N.H., May 3, 1929, a daughter of Robert and Martha (Judd) Hatley. Ruth was an active volunteer as a member of the RSVP in Vermont and New Hampshire, a member of St. Eugene's Catholic Church and Altar Society, and a volunteer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bradford, Vt., for many years. She served as the organist at St. Eugene's for many years and for a brief time was also the organist at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Woodsville, N.H. Music was an important part of her life as she volunteered at area nursing homes playing music and singing songs. She would also entertain at nursing home gatherings and parades as a clown. A talented cake decorater, Ruth made numerous wedding cakes over the years. Ruth married Jasper F. Glynn April 26, 1947, and he predeceased her Feb. 4, 2004. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her stepmother Doris Hatley; one brother Robert Hatley Jr.; two sisters, Marion Murray and Mary Jean Garrow; a son-in-law, Joseph DeAngelus in June 2001; and a daughter-in-law, Valerie Glynn in August 2002. Survivors include one daughter, Paula Dresser DeAngelus of Gansevoort, N.Y.; two sons, Walter R. Glynn of Cottonwood, Ariz., and John F. Glynn of Bradenton, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two brothers, Russell Hatley of San Antonio, Texas, and Richard Hatley of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sisters Marilyn Garrow of Lebanon, N.H., and Rita Stimson of North Haverhill, N.H.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A calling hour will be Wednesday, March 17, from 7-8 p.m., at Ricker Fuenral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 18, at 11 a.m., in St. Eugene's Catholic Church, Wells River, with the Rev. Philip LaMothe officiating. Spring burial wll be in the Monroe Village Cemetery with her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to the Horse Meadow Senior Center, 91 Horse Meadow Rd., North Haverhill, NH 03774.

, 91, of LaCross Road, Westmore, Vt., died peacefully March 13, 2004 at the home of her daughter Lucille Towle in St. Johnsbury where she was surrounded by her family. She was born June 20, 1912 in Barton, a daughter of Donat and Delina (Benie) Jutras. On June 4, 1934, she married Raymond LaCross, who predeceased her Feb. 11, 1991. During her lifetime, she was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Barton and the Westmore Ladies Aid. Mrs. LaCross enjoyed raising her family and working on the family farm. She was a very loving and generous person. She is survived by her children, Loraine Morel and her husband Albert of East Hebron, N.H., Lorette Gathright and her husband James of Northbend, Ore., Lucille Towle and her husband Albert of St. Johnsbury, Roger LaCross and his wife Judy of Westmore, Normal LaCross and his wife Stacey of Westmore, and Dennis LaCross and his wife Brenda of Westmore; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Richard LaCross; and by sisters and brothers. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Elm Street, Barton, Thursday, March 18. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 19, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Barton with the Rev. Daniel Rupp and the Rev. Patrick Forman celebrating a mass of Christian burial. Spring interment in St. Paul's Cemetery, Barton. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Riverside Life Enrichment Center, 2104 East Burke Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851; or to the Hospice of Caledonia Home Health Care, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 80, of Lyndonville, Vt., passed away Friday, March 12, 2004, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, Vt. She was born Sept. 27, 1923 in Baldwin Mills, P.Q., Canada, the daughter of the late Edger and Annie (Thomas) Davis. She is survived by several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, March 17, at 1 p.m., with Dr. Eric Benson officiating. Burial will be late in the spring in Lyndon Center Cemetery, Lyndon Center, Vt. Those who wish may send contributions in her memory to the Riverside Life Enrichment Center, 2104 East Burke Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

, 87, of Bethlehem, N.H., passed away March 13, 2004, after a short illness at Weeks Medical Center in Lancaster, N.H. George was born in Boston, Mass., Feb. 4, 1917, a son of George Edward and Margaret (O'Hara) Tucker Sr. He graduated from Bethlehem High School and served in World War II from 1941-45. During his life he served as a precinct commissioner for the town of Bethlehem, worked on the Moore Dam in Littleton, N.H., and later became a master heavy equipment mechanic for the interstate highway system throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. He leaves three children, George Tucker III and Daniel Tucker, both of Bethlehem, and Anna Miner of Panama City Beach, Fla.; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Lindsay Tucker; two nieces, Jane D. Webster of Wyoming and Patricia Thurston of Connecticut. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, in 1986; a sister, Mary T. Patten in 1966; and a brother Eugene Tucker in 2000. A graveside ceremony will be held in May 2004. Donations may be made to the Meals on Wheels Program of Grafton County Senior Citizens Council, Inc, P.O. Box 433, Lebanon, NH 03766.

, 82, of Littleton, N.H., passed away at his home Sunday, March 14, 2004. Clarence was born a son to Charles L. and Mabel (Howe) Henley on April 3, 1921 in Ipswich, Mass. Clarence served in the U.S. Navy during World War II for six years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Howard Shawney Post 816. He was involved with bridge construction for the majority of his working career. Clarence was a devoted family member and enjoyed craft making with his carpenter skills, building such items as wooden lawn ornaments and wishing wells. Surviving family members include his wife, Katie (Powers) Henley of Littleton; four daughters, Bonnie (Henley) and Bob Poor of Bath, N.H., Bobette (Henley) and Roger Bedor of Bethlehem, N.H., Barbara (Henley) and Kenneth Craigie of Littleton, and Brenda (Henley) and Albert Schlenker of Littleton; one stepson, James \"Mickey\" and Mary Blodgett of Salinas, Calif.; three stepdaughters, Patricia and her husband Ron Stevens of Littleton, Debra Steffen of Inglewood, Fla., and Lorelei and her husband John Hall of Fort Myers, Fla.; one sister, Gertrude York of Beverly, Mass.; several nieces and nephews; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Three brothers and five sisters predeceased Clarence. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 16, at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union Street, Littleton, from 6-7:30 p.m., with a military service at that time. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 17, at the First United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Stephen Bascom officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery with military honors being presented by the VFW Howard Shawney Post 816. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of the Littleton Area, 600 St. Johnsbury Road, Littleton, NH 03561; or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.