, 61, of Newport died on August 1, 2009, in Newport. Ms. Boutin-Aiken was born in Springfield, Vermont, on August 15, 1947, a daughter of Geneva and Louis Boutin, who predeceased her. She loved karaoke, country music, and helping others. Ms. Boutin-Aiken had a heart of gold. She was very devoted to her daughter, Lynn Daggett of Newport, who survives her. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Private Craig Daniels, who is serving in the U.S. Army stationed in Maryland, and Amanda Daggett of Newport. She also leaves behind two sisters: Waneta Tew of North Carolina and Linda Horn of Newport Center; her brother Raymond Boutin of Detroit, Michigan; very close friends Leona Glover of Island Pond, Glen Andrus of New York, Ray Marsh and his companion Erin of Newport Center, Marion Cole of Island Pond, and Joanne Diaz of Merrimack, New Hampshire. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 6, at 2 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel on Lake Road, Newport with the Reverend Fred Barker officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 1 p.m. until the hour of the funeral. Interment will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond at a later date. Should friends desire, contributions in Ms. Boutin-Aiken's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division Inc., 121 Connor Way, Suite 240, Williston, Vermont 05491.

, 84, of Newport died peacefully on July 29, 2009, at his home, with his loving family at his side. Mr. Cheney was born March 5, 1925, in Newport, a son of Leo and Thelma (Morse) Cheney Sr. On January 23, 1947, he married Jeannette Chilafoux, who predeceased him on January 9, 2005. He entered the United States Navy on May 25, 1943, during World War II and was stationed on the USS Vincennes, USS Halford, and USS Castle Rock. He was decorated with the Asiatic Pacific, American Area Victory, and Philippine Liberty Medals. He was honorably discharged on May 4, 1946. After the war, he worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad for 42 years and retired as an engineer. He loved trapping, hunting, fishing, playing golf, carpentry, cooking at the family cookouts, and especially playing pinochle with his brothers. He held memberships with American Legion Post 21 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 798 of Newport. He is survived by his children: Francis E. Cheney Jr. and his wife, Donna, of Newport, Linda Caron and her husband, Alfred, of Troy, Mary Poulin of Newport, Dana Cheney and his wife, Kathy, of Newport, Bonnie Stone of Irasburg, and Marie Cheney of Newport; by his grandchildren: Francis III, Christina, Jessica, Jordon, Lisa, Laurie, Joe, James, Tammy, Ryan, Angie, Dana, Joshua, Rodney, Rhonda, Tyra, Jaime, Brandy, Marc, and Michalea; by 30 great-grandchildren; by three great-great-grandchildren; by his sister Diane Renihan and her husband, David, of Jupiter, Florida; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Jeannette, he was predeceased by brothers: Leo, Walter, Edgar, Erwin, Donald, Robert, and Wayne Cheney; and by sisters: Barbara Warner, Donna Lontine, and Beverly Britch. Funeral services were held in Newport on August 3 with the Reverend Michael Reardon officiating. Interment with military honors followed at Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Cheney's memory may be made to North Country Hospital, Ron Holland MD Community Dialysis Center, in care of Wendy Franklin, development office, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 90, of Newport, a well-known and active businesswoman, died July 31, 2009, in Newport. Mrs. Choquette was born September 27, 1918, in Stanstead, Quebec, a daughter of Frank and Ozema (Perra) Bessette. On October 18, 1941, she married the love of her life, P. Conrad Choquette, who predeceased her in 1997. Mrs. Choquette was a legal secretary in Rock Island, Quebec, and a court interpreter for the Orleans County Court. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and former president of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was active in St. Mary's Catholic Church and taught classes where she mentored young couples. She also enjoyed traveling to Florida. She is survived by her children: Connie Sauter and her husband, Albert, of Mckinney, Texas, Paul Choquette and his wife, Jane, of West Palm Beach, Florida, Robert Choquette and his wife, Lori, of Springfield, Oregon; by her daughter-in-law, Jeanne Choquette of Tucson, Arizona; and by the following grandchildren: Thomas Choquette, Scott Sauter, Debbie Glasser, Marc Sauter, Julie Choquette, Katherine Blake, Jacqueline Gordon, Vicky Larson, Jill Cummings, and Beth Jackson; by 18 great-grandchildren; and by two sisters: Therese Perant of Montreal and Madeline Thompson of Magog, Quebec. She was predeceased by a son, Richard Choquette, in 2003, by a granddaughter, Andrea Choquette, in 1981, and by a great-grandson, Trace Morgan Jackson, in 2004. Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 4, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newport with the Reverend Michael Reardon S.D.V. celebrating a Mass of Christian burial. Interment followed in St. Mary's Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Choquette's memory may be made to the Newport Elks Club Silver Towers, P.O. Box 888, Derby, Vermont 05829.

, 66, of Newport died peacefully on July 27, 2009, in Newport. Mrs. Savage was born March 4, 1943, in Brockton, Massachusetts, a daughter of Joseph and Evelyn (Baxter) McKeown. On June 11, 1970, she married Donald Savage Sr., who predeceased her on February 13, 2001. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards and bingo, making crafts, and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her children: Donald Savage Jr. and his companion, Susan Conn, of Jay, Linda Denomme and her fiance, Robbie Cole, of Newport, and Thomas Savage and his partner, Brandon Wilson, of Newport; by five grandchildren: Alisha Taylor, Kassandra, Zachary, Donald Savage III, and Travis Cole; by her sisters: Shirley Ross and her husband, Walter, of Framingham, Massachusetts, twins Mary Holbrook and Marilyn Maraglia of Brockton, Pearl Pepin and her husband, Ernie, of Brockton, and Alice Seaver of Lexington, Kentucky; by numerous nieces and nephews; and especially by her pet parrot G.B. She was predeceased by her brother Sonny McKeown; and by sisters: Blanche Gilannclli, Beverly Maraglia, and Gladys Council. Funeral services were held July 30 at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel in Newport with the Reverend Richard Whitehill officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Savage's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1460, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 99, of Newport died peacefully August 5, 2009 in Derby Line. She was born November 1, 1909, in Sutton, Quebec, the daughter of James and Edna (Hart) Thomson. On October 1, 1938, she married John H. Gariepy who predeceased her. She attended schools in Canada and came to Newport in 1946 and has made her home here since. Mrs. Gariepy was a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport and the Daughters of Isabella. She is survived by two children: John R. Gariepy and his wife Linda of Newport, and Pauline Monahan of Wakefield, Massachusetts; also by seven grandchildren and their spouses, 20 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Douglas and Harold Thomson, and a son-in-law, John Monahan, in 2007. Funeral services were held on August 10 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Reverend Michael Reardon S.D.V. celebrating a Mass of Christian burial. Interment followed at the St. Mary's Cemetery. Should friends desire contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

, 67, of Derby Line died peacefully on August 8, 2009, in Newport, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born October 7, 1941, in New London, Connecticut, a son of Kenneth and Evelyn (Withey) Saxton. On August 1, 1964, he married Cecile Stillman, who survives him. Mr. Saxton was a journeyman, machinist, and inspector for Electric Boat General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, where he retired in 1997. He also worked for the Security Department at Foxwoods Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut. His family and grandchildren were his life. He is survived by his wife, Cecile Saxton of Derby Line; four children: Michael Saxton and his wife, Rose, of Marlborough, Connecticut, Michelle Tarryk and her husband, Daniel, of Derby, David Saxton and his wife, Pamela Morrone, of North Stonington, Connecticut, and Jennifer Saxton and her companion, David Tillinghast, of Jewett City, Connecticut; and by the following grandchildren: Nicholas, Dennis, Jonmichael, Katherine, Katelyn, Anastasia, and Adam Saxton, Melissa Villegas and her husband, Frank, Kellie Tarryk, Stacie Tarryk, Stephanie Tarryk, Staff Sgt Emily Logan, Andrew Logan, James L. Williams III, and Raymond Williams; and by great-granddaughter, Andrea Messier; by a brother, Arthur Saxton, and his wife, Cheryl, of Stonington, Connecticut; by two sisters, Virginia Jones of Stonington, Connecticut, and Shirley Perry of Groton, Connecticut; and by aunts, uncles, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and by a grandson, Daniel J. Tarryk, Jr. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday August 16, at the Derby United Church with the Reverend Fred Barker officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Derby United Church Building Fund, Derby, Vermont 05829.

, 66, of West Glover died suddenly on August 6, 2009, at his home. He was born August 8, 1942, in Stanford, Connecticut, a son of John and May (Sheriden) Smith. On May 17, 1986, he married Ruth Dowley who survives him. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Mr. Smith was a truck driver for 18 years, then retired from Poulin Lumber in 2004. Among his hobbies, he enjoyed golfing at the Barton Golf Club, boating, fishing, and camping. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Smith, of West Glover; three children: Stacy McCarthy and her husband, Tim, of Cheshire, Massachusetts, Kendra Whittemore and her husband, Dakota, of Greensboro, and Stella Smith of West Glover; by a grandson, Ryan McCarthy of Cheshire, Massachusetts; by a brother, John F. Smith of West Glover; by a sister, Peggy O'Brien of Connecticut; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Private graveside services were held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Future Farmers of America, in care of Bill Stevens, Lake Region Union High School, Orleans, Vermont 05860 or to the Glover Ambulance Squad, c/o Suzanne Gibeault, P.O. Box 64, 48 County Rd, West Glover, Vermont 05875.

, 77, of Rutland died August 4, 2009, in Rutland. He was born January 7, 1932, in Derby Line, a son of Leland and Helen (Heyer) Wood. Mr. Wood served in the United States Army and graduated from the University of Vermont. He also graduated from Boston University where he received a master's degree. He was an educator and a principal for Lake Region Union High School for a total of 34 years. On May 30, 1959, he married Marlene Cashin who survives him. He was a member, past president and a founding member of the Lake Salem Association. He enjoyed his cottage on Lake Salem for 46 years. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and he loved his family and their visits to the cottage as well as their home in Rutland. He is survived by his wife Marlene Wood of Rutland; two sons: John Wood and his wife Penny of Stratham, New Hampshire, and Robert Wood and his wife Patricia of Newport, New Hampshire, and by the following grandchildren: Geoffrey Wood and his wife Christina of Dover, New Hampshire, Michael Wood of Dover, New Hampshire, Laura Wood of Stratham, New Hampshire, Christopher Wood and Katherine Wood both of Newport; by a sister Nancy Shumski and her husband Henry of Burlington; and by the following nieces and nephews: Debbie and Kevin Smith of Derby Line, Linda and Kevin Prell of Connecticut, and Scott and Julia Shumski of Jericho. Funeral services were held August 8 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend Jake Kocis officiating. Interment followed in Derby Village Cemetery with military honors. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Salem Lake Association, in care of Andrew Major, 67 Major's Drive, Derby, Vermont 05829.

, 82, died Friday, August 7, 2009, surrounded by her loving family at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Doris was born June 3, 1927, in North Troy. She was the oldest child of Clarence and Irene (Arel) Morse. She attended school in North Troy, Windsor, Weathersfield Bow, which are all in Vermont. As a young child Doris and her family moved often, giving her many opportunities to meet new people and share those friendships with anyone who would listen. In her adult life she and her family moved many times before settling down in her small home in Windsor. Doris was a kindhearted person who loved life and the wonderful people in it. She loved late night crafts with her sisters, and she was always ready for camping, a hand of cards, or going to a dance. Most of all, it was a joy for her to spend time with family and friends. Though Doris' job for most of her life was cooking, the most rewarding was that of wife, mother and grandmother. She was a faithful woman and stuck by the people she loved most. She is survived by four children: Clarence Breault and his wife, Theda, Rene Verge and his wife, Cheryl, Donna Paul and her husband, Mike; and Ike Verge; by six stepchildren: Barbara Vashaw and her husband, Raymond, Kathy Ovitt and her husband, Kevin, Patty Borcuk and her husband, Fred, and Dickie, Fred, and Michael Wright; by 29 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter; by four brothers and three sisters: Frank Morse, William Morse and his wife, Kathie, Richard Morse and his wife, DeeDee, Gordon Morse and his wife, Shirley, Pearl Landry and her husband, Bob, Florence Dow, and Shirley Remick; by two sisters-in-law, Esther Wright and Bertha Davis; and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; by one son, Allen Breault; by two daughters-in-law, Alice Breault and Katha Verge; by one brother, Clovis Morse; and by three husbands: Matthew Breault, Adlore Verge, and Richard Wright Sr.

, 78, of Derby died peacefully on August 13, 2009, in Newport. Mr. Choquette was born June 24, 1931, in St. Sabine, Quebec, a son of Edeas and Rosa (Jette) Choquette. Because he could neither hear nor speak, he attended a specialized school for deaf people in Montreal at age seven, where he continued his studies for eight years. He pursued learning throughout his life, driven by his curiosity and zeal for knowledge. He was never afraid to ask questions about anything with which he had little familiarity or experience. On April 1, 1978, he married Jacqueline "Jackie" Boudreau, who predeceased him on August 31, 2008. He worked in many aspects of production at the Kraft Cheese factory for 37 years before retiring. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish in North Troy for 40 years before transferring membership to St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church in Newport. He was a member of the Newport Council of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed participating in the Newport McDonald's weekday 9 a.m. coffee club, playing cards with family and friends. He enjoyed playing bingo. He is fondly remembered as someone willing to lend a hand to family and friends whenever needed. He and his wife loved to travel in the Canadian Maritime Provinces and to many parts of the United States. He is survived by two brothers, Donat Choquette and his wife, Jeannine, of Newport and Ernest Choquette and his wife, Louise, of Newport Center; by three sisters: Martha Fournier and her husband, Paul, of Irasburg, Rita Raboin and her husband, Robert, of Lowell, and Gervaise Raboin and her husband, Norman, of Newport Center; and by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members, including Diane Choquette, who was more of a "daughter they never had" than a niece to both Regent and Jackie. He was predeceased by one brother, Ulysse. Funeral services were held August 17 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church with the Reverend Michael Reardon celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment followed in St. Mary's Cemetery in Newport. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Choquette's memory to the Vermont Council of Independent Living, 11 East State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602-3008

, 48, of Barton died suddenly on August 13, 2009, in Newport. Mrs. Coderre was born January 28, 1961, in St. Albans, a daughter of Arthur and Abbie (Clapper) Ashline. She became the beloved wife of Raymond Coderre Sr. when they married on September 12, 1981. Together they raised two children, Raymond Coderre Jr. and Tara-Lynn Coderre. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, gardening, and knitting. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Coderre Sr., of Barton; by her son Raymond Coderre Jr. and his girlfriend, Jessie Bushey, of Orleans; by her daughter Tara-Lynn Coderre of Barton; by brothers: Donald Ashline, Philip Ashline, and Steven Ashline and his wife, Mary Jane, all of St. Albans; by sisters: Arthea Lafoe and her husband, Roland, of Barton and Robin Ashline and Diane Adams and her husband, Bob, all of St. Albans; by her brother-in-law Eugene Coderre of Orleans; and by several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Paul Ashline; and by her sister Rosalie Coderre. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Theresa's Cemetery with Father Taurinus Muchunguzi officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Coderre's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 47, of Albany died suddenly at his home on Wednesday afternoon, August 12, 2009. Mr. Drew was born in Rutland on June 9, 1962, to Freeman and Bernadette (Reynolds) Drew. He is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Renee M. (Collins) Drew, whom he married December 3, 1994. His former wife and her husband are Cheryl and Steve Heath of St. Johnsbury. He is survived by his children: Paul F. Drew and his companion, Melissa Wheelock, of Newport, Lance St. Arnault of St. Albans, Shawn Gero-Drew of Albany, Tabitha St. Arnault of Albany, and Stephanie Gero-Drew of Jay, New York; by adopted son Robin Nolan and his friend, Christina Dupree; by eight grandchildren; by sister Delores Drew of St. Johnsbury; by two brothers, Bill Drew of Lyndonville and Garth Drew of St. Johnsbury; by adopted brother Randy Lakin of Albany; by sisters-in-law: Jullie Barnier and her companion, Jimmy, of Essex Junction, Shellie Partlow and her husband, Jeff, of St. Albans, and Kellie Baker of New York; by his mother- and father-in-law, Jean and Darrence Hakey, of Swanton; and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Freeman and Bernadette Drew; by two special friends, James and Caitlin Flannery; and by mother figure Ardelle Newland. He worked as a logger all of his life. He was an avid fisherman of all seasons. He was the first one on the ice and the last one off. He loved the outdoors, hunting, and NASCAR, his favorite car racer being Jeff Burton. He loved spending time with his family, running in the demolition derby, and watching football, especially the Green Bay Packers. He was ten years sober, and all his family and friends are very proud of him for his choice in life. His spirit will be felt by all who loved him and understood his plight in life. He entered the United States Army and was stationed with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he obtained rank as sergeant. A celebration of his life was held August 18 at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel in Newport. Interment with military honors followed in the Lyndon Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Drew's memory may be made to the Vermont Lung Association, 372 Hurricane Lane, Suite 101, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 91, of Leominster, Massachusetts, died in his sleep Sunday evening, August 9, 2009, in his home surrounded by family. Before his death, Mr. Drury wrote the following notes contributing to his own obituary: "He was born at home at 790 Main Street in North Leominster to parents Ralph S. and Florence M. (Farnsworth) Drury, January 9, 1918. He attended Leominster schools through high school class of 1936 and graduated in 1941 from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Shortly after graduating, he was drafted, however, his stay in the Army lasted only nine months because of asthma. "He worked for 40 years at the former Simonds Saw and Steel Co., mostly as a cost estimator in the office of the Fitchburg plant. He was a fourth generation member of the First Church in Leominster Unitarian Universalist. Always very interested in his family genealogy and in local history, he was chairman of the historical committee of his church and produced a two hundred and fiftieth anniversary book for it in 1993, plus a Troop 1 of Leominster Boy Scout history book. He was formerly a member of the planning board of the city of Leominster and for many years had been a member and secretary of the city of Leominster Historical Commission. More later." Mr. Drury went on to become historian for the city of Leominster Historical Commission, where he was a member for 30 years, until his death. He was instrumental in and a contributor toward the 2006 publication of Combing Through Leominster's History, the first history book of Leominster since 1853. One particular interest was in the history of the Houghton family of Leominster, and of the renaming of Houghton Street to North Main Street in 1874. In 2008 the square at the corner of Main Street and North Main Street was named Houghton Square, and a dedication was held this May to honor the efforts made by Mr. Drury. Mr. Drury was a unique and beloved man who lived his life, to the very end, with intent and particular attention to detail - in his conversations, his actions, and even his wardrobe. He loved music, particularly the big band era. He was always excited to try anything new, whether a new gadget or an interesting food. He was proud to be a lifelong Republican. Most important to him were the members of his family and the history each is creating. As he said recently while reflecting upon his life, "I am proud of all the things I have done." He is survived by three daughters: Ann Drury of Leominster, Judy D. Young of Glover, and Barbara Drury of Westminster, Massachusetts; by two grandchildren, Sherwin A. Young and Emily J. Young, both of Portland, Maine; by cousin Florence "Buddy" (Enholm) Tainter of Leominster; by brother-in-law William Hart Jr. and his wife, Mavis, of Hanover, New Hampshire; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Doris M. Drury, in 2003; and by his sister Jane Graffagnino of Columbus, Georgia, earlier this year. A memorial service was held August 15 at the First Church Unitarian Universalist Leominster. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Stained Glass Window Restoration Project at First Church Unitarian Universalist of Leominster.

, 77, of River Edge, New Jersey, died August 4, 2009, at his summer home in Barton. Mr. Schuffenhauer was born in Brooklyn on June 22, 1932. As a child, he vacationed in Vermont with his parents. After serving as a Naval photographer during the Korean War, he graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology and went on to a successful career as a printing production manager. He became a summer resident of Barton in 1974 and spent the next 35 years enjoying the Northeast Kingdom with his wife and family. He enjoyed attending auctions and collecting vintage postcards of the area. He was the beloved husband of Gail (Ridley) Schuffenhauer; the loving father of Kenneth and his wife, Nora, of River Edge, and Glenn and his wife, Susan, of Decatur, Georgia; and the adored grandfather of Kelsey and Steven.

, 58, of Holland died peacefully August 22, 2009, at home. Mrs. Deskins was born October 8, 1950, in Waterbury, Connecticut, daughter of Angelo and Louise (Spallone) Carriero. She graduated from the University of Connecticut and worked as a bookkeeper and accountant. She loved gardening, country music, especially attending the annual Country Music Association Festival in Nashville, Tennessee, and rescuing pugs. She was predeceased by her father; and by her brother John. She is survived by her mother, Louise; by her children Damian Deskins and his wife, Abby, and Ana Deskins, all of Holland; by two beautiful grandchildren, Kaya Macayla and Iliana Maitland of Holland; and by her special friend John Joly of Holland. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, at the Holland Methodist Church with the Reverend Don Gerber officiating. Interment will follow in Mead Hill Cemetery in Holland. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Deskins' memory may be made to her favorite charity, Pug Rescue of New England, or to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756.

, 77, of Brookfield, Massachusetts, formerly of Spencer, Massachusetts, died July 15, 2009, in Rose Monahan Hospice House in Worcester, Massachusetts, after suffering a stroke. Mr. Fortin was born in Irasburg, a son of George and Emmercienne Fortin. He graduated from Orleans High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany from 1952 to 1954. He moved to Spencer in 1954, but before leaving Vermont he worked as a meat cutter for Ste. Marie's Market in North Troy. He worked at the F.W. Madigan Company in Worcester for 32 years, followed by ten years in the Spencer-East Brookfield School System before retiring. He enjoyed car races and baseball discussions with his sons. He was the master foreman for all his family members' building projects. He will truly be missed. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Rita Fortin; four daughters: Deborah Johnson and her husband, Paul, of Atlanta, Georgia, Anita Trepanier and her husband, Ed, of East Brookfield, Jeannette Fortin of Spencer, and Laura Merwin and her husband, Mike, of Ware, Massachusetts; two sons, Michael Fortin and his wife, Elizabeth, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and Eddie Fortin of Brookfield; sister Evelyn Upton and her husband, Harold, of Parker, Colorado; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by three brothers: George, Roland, and Leo; and by one sister, Annette.

, 83, of Coventry died August 22, 2009, at his home. Mr. Keement was born May 25, 1926, in Newport Center, a son of John and Alice (Rivard) Keement. He was raised on the family farm in Newport Center. He worked at various jobs throughout his life, including as grader operator in the maintenance department for the city of Newport for 19 years. After his retirement, he worked for himself hauling cattle for area farmers. He especially enjoyed attending the commission sales in Orleans. He loved all animals and he most always had a dog or two. He was always available to lend a hand to family and friends when needed. He loved his family and always enjoyed their visits. He enjoyed watching television, especially Western shows. He is survived by children: John Keement Jr. and his wife, Kerry, of Coventry, Mary Lantagne and her husband, Bernie, of Morgan, Laurie Keement and her friend, Larry Moss, of Newport, Debora Chaput and her husband, Francis, of North Troy, Linda Kudla and her husband, John, of Brownington, and Ila Chilafoux and her husband, Starlyn, of Orleans; by 17 grandchildren; by 23 great-grandchildren; by two brothers, Vincent Keement Sr. of Derby and Tony Keement and his wife, Betty, of North Carolina; by two sisters, Mary Labrecque of Derby and Margaret Hancock and her husband, Wendall, of Newport Center; and by the mother of his children, Sadie Watters, of Albany. He was predeceased by one great-grandchild; and by his sister Agnes Hardy. Funeral services were held August 25 at a Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend Michael Reardon officiating. Interment followed in St. Mary's Cemetery in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Keement's memory may be made to the Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, The family of Bethany McAlister is saddened to announce her unexpected death at the young age of 21 on August 18, 2009, in Newport. Ms. McAlister, a resident of Hyde Park, was born December 22, 1987, in Newport, a beloved daughter of Donald and Debra Ann (Valley) McAlister. She loved spending time with family. She took great pride in being called "Auntie." One of her many passions in life was animals. She enjoyed listening to music and hanging out with her friends. She always greeted people with smiles and hugs. She took pride in being in the first class to graduate from Wheeler Mountain Academy in Barton. Her absence will leave a big hole in the hearts of those who loved her. She is survived by her loving mother, Debra Ann Valley, and her companion, Randy Towns; by her father, Donald McAlister Jr., and his wife, Angelina; by her devoted brother Jason McAlister and his daughter Brionna; by two half-brothers, Colin and Kenneth McAlister; by stepsister Monica; by two stepbrothers, Corey and John; by memere Hilda Valley; by grandmother Donna Schofield; by grandfather Donald McAlister Sr. and his wife, Chris; by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; and by her very special friend Jay Medley, who had a special place in her heart. A celebration of her life was held August 22 at a Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport. Interment followed in Derby Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Ms. McAlister's memory may be made to Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 72, of Derby died August 19, 2009, in Newport. Mrs. Wood was born August 10, 1937, in Newport, a daughter of Stanley and Mary (Ranny) Sargent. In 1957 she married Arthur Wood, who predeceased her in 1974. She loved her dogs, especially Duke. She was a hard worker and she was always ready to help anyone in need. She is survived by two brothers, Charles Sargent of Massachusetts and George Sargent and his wife, Bonnie, of Charleston; by two sisters, Caroline Dopp and her husband, Larry, of Derby and Charlotte Vinal and her family of Newport; by several nieces and nephews; by her sister-in-law Mae Reed; her special caretakers and cousin Tammy Verge and Kevin Hayes, with whom she lived for the past six years. She was predeceased by her son Frank Wood; and by her soul mate of 29 years, Henry Bergeron. A graveside service was held at the Derby Cemetery August 21 with the Reverend Richard Whitehill officiating.