, passed away at her home in Bethlehem, N.H., on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006, surrounded by her family after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Karleen was born in Grass Valley, Calif., on Oct. 7, 1939. She was the daughter of George and Ann (Rasmussen) Thompson. Her father was a concrete engineer, and since his work took the family all over the world, Karleen had the wonderful opportunity to live in many different places. Her love of travel and seeing new things remained a constant passion throughout her life. She attended Littleton High School in 1955, while her father was working on the Moore Dam project. That is when she met her husband, Gus. Her family moved to Messena, N.Y., where she graduated from high school, finally returning to California. She and Gus communicated with each other through numerous letters, and in July 1957, Gus drove to California to find Karleen, and he did. They eloped to Reno, Nev., and were married on July 23, 1957. They returned to Bethlehem for a brief time, moved to California where they lived for several years, then in Colorado, Michigan, and finally settling back in Bethlehem. When their children were young, Karleen and her family camped and water-skied frequently on the numerous lakes in California. She was a Boy Scout den mother and active in the PTA. After moving back to New Hampshire, Karleen and Gus added street rodding to their leisure activities. Karleen loved to swim and absolutely adored the ocean. Her family was a constant source of love and pride to her. She and Gus were avid gardeners. Their gardens were so beautiful; the Franconia Garden Club asked them to be part of their annual tour. Karleen was administrative assistant and treasurer for the Bethlehem Village District, and prior to that, was Bethlehem Town Clerk for 18 years, working a total of 36 years for the town. She is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Gus Sanborn, of Bethlehem, N.H.; her children, Kim Sanborn Brace and her husband Mark of Plymouth, N.H., and Chad Sanborn and his wife Laurie of Gilmanton, N.H.; her grandchildren, Seth and Denali Brace of Plymouth, and Hunter and Karly Sanborn of Gilmanton, N.H. She is also survived by her mother, Ann Thompson of Oroville, Calif.; her brother, Thomas Thompson of Welches, Ore.; and her sister, Suzi McGuffin of Berry Creek, Calif.. She was predeceased by her father, George Thompson of Washington; her sister, Gegee Small of California; and her dearly loved dog, Lacy. There will be a celebration of Karleen's life on Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, at 11 a.m., at the Durrell United Methodist Church in Bethlehem, N.H. The family welcomes friends to join them following the service in the church hall for a reception.

, 94, of Rye, N.H., former longtime resident of Lancaster, N.H., died Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006, at her home. She was born in Barnet, Vt., Jan. 24, 1912, one of nine children to the late Freeman E.W. and Mary S. (Walker) Amidon. Mrs. McLaren was a graduate of Wells River High School, Wells River, Vt., and the Boston School of Domestic Science. She served her internship at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., and after graduation, she worked as a dietician until her marriage in 1940 to Neil W. McLaren. She was a longtime resident of Lancaster, N.H. She moved to Rye in 1993. She and Neil were members of the Lancaster Congregational Church for over 30 years and were very active in church functions. After moving to Rye, she attended the Rye Congregational Church and Calvary Baptist Church in Portsmouth. Throughout her life, she was involved in many activities, including working as a volunteer aide at Weeks Memorial Hospital in Lancaster, visiting shut-ins and traveling. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed bird watching, cooking, and most of all, her family. Family members include her son, James E. McLaren of Charlestown, N.H.; her daughter, June E. McLaren of Rye; family friend, Mary Concannon of Rye; and many nieces and nephews. Her husband died in 1977. She was also predeceased by her eight siblings, Perley, Alva, Winthrop, Theodore, George, Ellsworth, Warden and Richard Amidon. Services will be held at the Lancaster Congregational Church on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, at 1 p.m. Interment will be in the Barnet Center Cemetery, Barnet, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision-Aid for Children, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063; or Portsmouth Home Health and Hospice, 95 Brewery Lane, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

, 90, a former Lyndonville and later St. Johnsbury resident, passed away Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Born Sept. 7, 1916, in New York City, N.Y., he was the son of the late Severin and Fanny (Korpola) Jacobsen. Charles served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married Jean Catherine Grime in Great neck, N.Y., in 1949, and worked for Grand Union supervising the egg production plant, and later for S & H Green Stamps setting up stores. He then was manager of the American Dairy Association of Vermont between the years of 1956-1962, and later with the National Association. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and all-around outdoorsman and he liked to read. Charles is survived by two sons, Richard E. Jacobsen of Homestead, Fla.; William C. Jacobsen of Ouray, Colo.; and a half brother, Jack Jacobsen. A memorial service will be held in the Pearsons Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Lyndon Center Cemetery.

, 81, of Franconia, N.H., passed away on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006, at the Lafayette Center in Franconia, N.H. Frances was born on March 27, 1925, a daughter to Fred L. and Frances (Smith) Stratton, in Winchester, Mass. Frances and her husband, Theodore "Ted" Hultgren, who predeceased her on Jan. 5, 2000, owned and operated the Franstead Campground in Franconia for 40 years. Surviving family members include two sons, Jeffrey R. Hultgren of Littleton, N.H., and William S. Hultgren of Kirby, Vt.; two daughters, Kristen Lundquist of Williamstown, Mass., and Leanne Topolosky of Bow, N.H.; and seven grandchildren. Frances was predeceased by two sisters. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, at 1:30 p.m., at the All Saint's Episcopal Church in Littleton, with the Rev. Barbara Thrall as celebrant. The family welcomes friends to join them in the church hall following the service. A private burial will take place in the Elmwood Cemetery in Franconia, N.H. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater New Hampshire and Vermont Chapter, 10 Ferry St., Suite 427B, Concord, NH 03301-5004.

, 89, of Island Pond, passed away in Bradenton, Fla., Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006. Arrangements will be announced when complete.

, 78, of Burlington, died peacefully Nov. 12, 2006, with her family by her side. Ruth was born May 19, 1928, on the family farm in North Danville, the daughter of Francis McDowell Sr. and Mildred (Ainsworth) McDowell. Ruth spent many happy years on the family farm before moving to St. Johnsbury where she worked for many years at St. Johnsbury Trucking. Later, Ruth and her mother moved to Burlington where Ruth lovingly cared for her mother until her passing in 2000. Ruth is survived by three brothers, Francis McDowell of White River Jct. and his wife Carol, Richard McDowell of Marshfield, Wis. and his wife Pat, and Douglas McDowell of Burlington; and two sisters, Mae Benedict of Bristol and her husband Philip, and June Wold of Gilbert, Ariz. Ruth was predeceased by her father, Francis McDowell Sr.; her mother, Mildred (Ainsworth) McDowell; and her sister, Viola Turner. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

. Joyce passed away Thursday after 83 years of life committed to family, church and community. Joyce began life with her loving parents, George and Marion Whitcher, on June 26, 1923, in Berlin, N.H. After graduation from Berlin High School in 1942, Joyce attended the Fanny Farmer School of Cookery in Boston, Mass. She began her working career using her culinary skills in Florida and then in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a homemaker, one of her favorite family activities was baking. Joyce married Gordon in Berlin, N.H., on May 25, 1945. The couple spent a year living in Flushing, Long Island, N.Y., then moved to St. Johnsbury where Fairbanks Morse employed her husband for 40 years. Joyce had a strong conviction that education was very important and passed this belief on to her children. She worked at W.T. Grant Company and Fishman's Department Store to help finance her children's college educations. She was proud that all four of her children acquired master's degrees. Joyce enjoyed summers at North Pond, near Locke Mills, Maine, starting in 1929 with her parents and two brothers. Her own family continues this tradition, enjoying summer days on the beautiful pond with wonderful friends. Joyce's strong faith and loving dedication to God was expressed in her active involvement at North Congregational Church. Joyce studied the Bible, taking almost every class offered at the church, and lived her life according to its teachings. Her love of music drew her to sing in the choir for over 50 years. She was an active member and past president of the United Workers women's fellowship. She served on several church committees and was proud to be a deacon. In recognition of her many years of dedicated service, North Church named Joyce a deacon emeritus, a title she earned many times over through her faithful ministry of visitation. Many appreciated her weekly visits: the residents at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center, Canterbury Inn and the Sunset Home, as well as private residents who had difficulty getting out. Joyce was an active lifelong member of Eastern Star and joined Mystic Star in 1948. Her current membership was with the Diamond Chapter of Danville. Joyce was a past matron and served several terms as a worthy matron. She was granted lifetime membership for her 50-plus years of commitment. She volunteered at the Fairbanks Museum for many years. Last year she was designated a Museum Fellow in honor of her dedicated service. Joyce, an avid swimmer, enjoyed the St. Johnsbury Academy pool. Just two Fridays ago she completed 72 laps! One of her favorite pastimes was knitting and crocheting items for others to enjoy. She was a member of a snow-shoe/dinner group that remains active after 37 years together. In earlier years Joyce was a Girl Scout leader and enjoyed square dancing with the Maple Center Square Dancers, which contributed to her full and vibrant life. Her loving family consists of her husband, Gordon of St. Johnsbury; two sons, David of Seattle, Wash., and James (Carl) of Lyndonville, Vt.; two daughters, Martha Taub of Sacramento, Calif., and Nancy Zorn of Montpelier; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A joyous celebration of Joyce's life will be held this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the North Congregational Church. Graveside committal services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at the Lary Cemetery in Gorham, N.H. Visitation will be Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home. An Eastern Star tribute will occur near the end of the visitation. Memorial donations may be made to the North Congregational Church Choir, 1325 Main St., Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 89, of Island Pond, passed away in Bradenton, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006. She was born on Sept. 18, 1917, in Charleston, the daughter of Joel and Ila (White) Whitcomb. Erma graduated from Lyndon Teachers College in 1937. In 1959 she returned to get her bachelor of science degree. She taught elementary school in the area. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Women's Club Random Ladies of Island Pond, and the Eagles Club Auxiliary. On Feb. 16, 1940, Erma married John Worth, who predeceased her. She then married John Cahill, who also predeceased her. She is survived by her children, Thomas Worth and his wife Sandra of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Echo Lake, East Charleston, David Worth and his wife Dianne of Island Pond, Diane Lamere and her husband Dale of Island Pond, and Harvey Worth and his wife Debbie of Sewell, N.J.; her stepchildren, Steven Cahill of Burke and Gerry Cahill of Barton; 16 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Ronald Worth. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 1199 Railroad St., Island Pond on Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at the First Congregational Church Island Pond at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Roger Fletcher officiating. Interment will follow at the Lakeside cemetery in Island Pond.

, 60, of Wells River, died at her home on Nov. 17, 2006. She was born in Lynn, Mass., Feb. 13, 1946, the daughter of Alfred and Lilian (DiDio) Doucette. She lived in Wells River since 1985 having moved here from Narragansett, R.I. With a creative and artistic mind, she became the proprietor of the North Country Artworks in Wells River from 2002 to 2005. She took a special interest in working with children, either with her own family or at the Bradford Elementary School. She loved spending time with her precious grandchildren, Eian and Sydney. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Harnden; two daughters, Aimee Harnden of Wells River and Melanie Gonyaw and her husband Shawn of Newbury, Vt.; two grandchildren, Eian and Sydney Gonyaw; her parents, Alfred Doucette and his wife Louise of Cabot, Vt., and Lilian of Massachusetts; and a sister, Judy Polando of Georgetown, Mass. At Patti's request there will be no public service.

of St. Johnsbury passed away suddenly at her Colonial Apt. home Saturday, Nov., 18, 2006. She was born Feb. 12, 1924, in Lancaster, N.H., the daughter of Everett and Frances (Hall) Emerson. Her husband Milton died Feb. 2, 1988. She and Milton had lived in East St. Johnsbury and Gilman; in the 1950s they had a farm in Concord. Selma had worked as a factory nurse for Gilman Paper and Fairbanks. She later worked at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center. She trained at Brightlook Hospital and worked there in her younger years. She graduated from Lancaster High School in 1941. She is survived by one son, Leslie M. Delworth and his wife Sheila of Danville (120 Cormier Rd. 05828); three grandsons and two granddaughters, Leslie Delworth II of Massachusetts, Corey Delworth and his wife Shawna of Waterford, Timothy Delworth of Danville, Cynthia Timson of Florida, and Deanna Robitelle and her husband Rick of Claremont, N.H.; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Linda Fraser and her husband Kenneth of Lancaster, N.H.; two brothers, Fred Emerson and his wife Myra of Lancaster, N.H., and John Emerson and his wife Ann of North Stratford, N.H.; and nieces and nephews, including her two godsons Kenneth and Franklin Fraser. Selma was predeceased by two brothers, Everett and Leslie Emerson and their wives Rita and Dorothy; three sisters, Dorothy Emerson, Faye Hodge and Marion Babcock; and by Milton's sister and brother-in-law, Theda and Glenn Sheldon of Concord and their son Rick. Funeral services will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Wednesday at 10 a.m. Mr. John Sleeper will officiate. Burial will be at the Grove Cemetery in East St. Johnsbury. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Tuesday afternoon and evening 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Selma always supported the Santa Fund. It would be appropriate to make memorial contributions to the Santa Fund, in care of Passumpsic Savings Bank, 497 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

of Groton (1408 Scott Highway 05046), formerly of West Danville, passed away at his home Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, at the age of 76. He was born in Newbury, Vt., on March 31, 1930, the son of Maurice Sr. and Florence (Henderson) Cross. Three children predeceased him, Anthony as an infant, Alexander, age 18, on Sept. 14, 1981, and son Arnold, age 43, on Oct. 17, 1994. Maurice had formerly worked at Ralston Purina and Fairbanks in St. Johnsbury. He retired from the paper mill in South Ryegate. The Crosses moved to Groton in 1987. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, who took such wonderful care of him and kept him home; a son, Andrew Cross and his wife Sue of Walden; three daughters, Amanda Swoyer of Cornish, N.H., Amy Alexander of Penacook, N.H., and Ann Bradtmuller and her husband Warren of Addison; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Edie Cross of Topsham, Maine; and a brother, Robert Cross and his wife Janice of Barre. He was predeceased by his sister, Marbara Wallace. Memorial services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Groton United Methodist Church with Pastor Candace Ricker officiating. Family committal services will be prior to the service at the Danville Green Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer's Association of VT & NH, 10 Ferry St., Suite 427B, Concord NH 03301.

, 73, formerly of the South Whitefield Road, Whitefield, N.H., passed away at the Morrison Nursing Home on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, following a lengthy illness. She was born in Dalton, N.H., daughter of Norman and Myrtle (Placey) Kelly. She was a lifelong resident of the Whitefield area. Mary was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, and enjoyed playing bingo and was an avid animal lover. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bernard Kimball of Whitefield; a son, Bernard Kimball Jr. of Colebrook, N.H.; two brothers, Reginald Kelly of Waterford, Vt., and Floyd Kelly of Lunenburg, Vt.; three sisters, Pattie McBey of Franklin, N.H., Bera Bartlett of No. Stratford, N.H., and Hilda St. Laurent of Lisbon, N.H. There sill be no visiting hours. Funeral services will take place at the Ross Funeral Home, Whitefield Chapel, Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Lunenburg, Vt.

, 76, of 42 Adams Road, died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, at home after a long battle fighting cancer. Richard was born on Sept. 11, 1930, in Hanover, N.H., the son of Hazen and Christine (Lake) Turner. He moved to St. Johnsbury in 1940. Richard graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School in 1949. He enlisted in the Army and served his country from September 1950 until his discharge in July 1952, eight months of which he spent in Germany. Richard married Yolande Poliquin in St. Johnsbury in 1955. In 1958, he, his wife and their daughter Deborah moved to Whittier, Calif. He completed training for the LAPD and worked as a corrections officer for several years. He joined the U.S. Postal Service in Whittier, transferring to the Greenfield Post Office in 1963, from which he retired in 1998 after 35 years of service. After retiring, he worked part-time as a driver for Don Lorenz Inc. Survivors include his daughter, Deborah R. Turner of Northfield; and two sons, Daniel R. and his partner Angela Petrizzo of Hadley, and Dennis E. of Greenfield. He also leaves his twin brother, Robert and his wife Trudy of St. Johnsbury; as well as several nieces and nephews in St. Johnsbury. There are no calling hours. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family with burial in Lyme, N.H. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St., Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301.