NEKG - 2006 Obituaries

, 101, of Derby, passed away in Derby on Friday, March 31, 2006. She was born in Beebe, PQ, on Jan. 13, 1905, the daughter of John and Mary (Major) Ashman. Winnifred was a former member of the Rebekah's in Derby. She adored horses and enjoyed handcrafts, crocheting, baking cakes for all her grandchildren, and van rides at Derby Green to the ice cream parlor. On Aug. 6, 1924, Winnifred married Richard Ellam, who predeceased her on June 29, 1987. She is survived by her siblings, Elsie Townsend of Montreal, PQ, Vernice Middleton of British Columbia, Canada, and Guy Ashman of Beebe, PQ; six grandchildren, Veda Gonya and her husband Dennis of Charleston, Roy Ellam and his wife Betty of Derby, Marsha Archer and her husband Bill of Derby, Craig Ellam and his wife Joanne of Derby Line, Gregory Ellam and his fiancee Debra of Morgan, and Sara Gregory and her husband John of Newark; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Irwine in June of 1994; by her siblings, John Jr., Harry, Edward, Viola, Inez, Ralph, Vivian, Henry and Alice; by her grandchildren, Richard, Roger, Bradley and Ross; and by her great-granddaughter, Jennifer. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 3, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road, Newport (formerly Sias Ave.) at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Roger Fletcher officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday. A reception will follow the service at the Derby Line Fire Department. Interment will take place in the spring at the Derby Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Winnifred's memory may be made to the Derby Green Nursing Home Activities Fund, C/O Lori Eastman, Derby Green Nursing Home, Derby, VT 05829.

, 62, of Cedar Street, Tilton, N.H., died at Franklin Regional Hospital on March 30, 2006. Gordon was born in Concord, Vt., on Nov. 19, 1943, the son of Raymond Clinton Summers and A. Laurette Messer. He was raised in St. Johnsbury and was a Tilton resident for several years. Mr. Summers served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-65 and attained the rank of Airman Second Class. Following his military service, he worked in law enforcement for over 20 years, including working with the Franklin Police Department, Exeter Police Department and as a correctional officer for Merrimack County Corrections. He later worked at Tilton School and Polyclad Laminates in Franklin. Mr. Summers was currently employed at Manchester Airport as a security inspector for TSA (Transportation Security Agency). A natural athlete, Gordon enjoyed participating in local sports activities. He was also a member of the Laconia Elks Lodge 876, Laconia VFW Post 1690, Laconia American Legion Post 1, and Laconia Rod and Gun Club. Mr. Summers was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Tilton. Family members include three children, Jason J. Summers of Tilton, Robert Summers of Hill, N.H., and Gordon Mobbs of Laconia, N.H.; four grandchildren, Cordell, Socorra, Brittany and Tyler; two brothers, William Summers of Laconia, and Frank Messer of Dracut, Mass.; five sisters, Frances McCrea of Concord, N.H., Raylene Provencher of Northwood, N.H., Carolyn Bruso of Penacook, N.H., Jean Beaule of Alaska, and Janet Gilman of Vermont; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Bruce James Summers; and a sister, Joyce Metcalf. Visiting hours will be held Monday, April 3, from 6-8 pm at Paquette-Neun Funeral Home, 104 Park St., Northfield, N.H. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday, April 4, at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, Route 140, Belmont, N.H. Burial with military honors will follow at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, N.H. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Summers may be made to a charity of one's choice.

, born Dec. 16, 1907, passed away on April 1, 2006, at the Lafayette Center. Having lost both parents, Clara migrated to Boston from Newfoundland to join her sister. Clara was age 13 at the time. She met and married Donat H. Godbout in Sugar Hill, N.H., and married in 1929. Clara was a loving wife, mother and grandmother to all. There wasn't a time when she wasn't working until 1981 when she became sight impaired. She was predeceased by her husband, Donat, in 1964. She leaves two children, Loretta G. Silver and Donald H. Godbout and their spouses Willis and Nancy; her grandchildren, Bonnie Silver West and John of Colorado Springs, Colo., Steven Silver and his wife Ann of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Kevin and Karen Godbout of Seattle, Erin Ann Godbout of Sugar Hill, Bryan Godbout of Crested Butte, Colo., and Alicia and Greg Champagne of Beverly, Mass.; great-grandchilden, Nicholas Silver, Nina Silver, Kimberly West and Mark West, Elizabeth Champagne, Claire Godbout, Nicole Godbout, Bailee Gravalin, Morgan West and Brooke West; and one great-great-grandchild, Mia Westbrook. How blessed we were to have enjoyed five maternal generations. Clara was also predeceased by her longtime companion, Edward Wessells of Sugar Hill, N.H. There will be no calling hours and the family has scheduled the burial ceremony for Saturday, April 29, at noon.

, 70, of 103 Harrison Ave., St. Johnsbury, passed away Monday, March 20, 2006, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, surrounded by her family. Jane was born Oct. 16, 1935, in St. Johnsbury, the daughter of George and Evelyn (Brooks) Wilkins. Jane was a 1953 graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy. On Oct. 1, 1955, she married Roger G. Donna at Notre Dame des Victoires Church in St. Johnsbury. They celebrated 50 years of marriage with their family this past fall. Besides being a loving wife, mother and grandmother, Jane was always very dedicated to her work, retiring from the state of Vermont 10 years ago. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church and was very strong in her faith. She always enjoyed a good book, crossword puzzles and being with her family almost every Sunday. She is survived by her husband, Roger; their children, Larry, Stephen, David, Susan and Linda and her husband Tim Hartwell; grandchildren Anne, Cami and Paul Donna and Timothy and Christopher Hartwell; her sisters, Priscilla Barrett and Beverly Robinson; a brother, Stanley Wilkins and his wife Mary; a sister-in-law, Georgette Wilkins; and Roger's family, Claude and Mary Jane Donna, Gemma and Gerard Chaloux, Gertrude and Robert Turner, Dorothy and Reg Leonard, Robert and Sara Donna, and Normand and Susan Donna. She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Kenneth, Robert and his wife Elfrieda, and Richard and his wife Anne Wilkins; brothers-in-law Roland, Barrett, Donald Robinson and Gordon Lynaugh; and Roger's parents, Leo and Marie Donna. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 24, at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church on Main Street in St. Johnsbury with Fr. Patrick Forman officiating and Fr. Richard O'Donnell, Fr. Lance Harlow and Fr. Karl Hahr as concelebrants. Deacons were the Rev. Mr. Bill Brown, the Rev. Mr. Bernier Mayo and the Rev. Mr. Raymond Desilets. The readers were her nephew Mark Wilkins and niece Lisa Warren. Pall beaters were her nephews Robert Wilkins, Richard Barrett, Donald Robinson, Mark Wilkins, Maurice Chaloux and Frank Chaloux. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery on in May 5. The family of Jane Donna would like to thank all those who have helped in any way throughout this most difficult time. By sending food, cards, flowers, masses in memory of Jane, and the many gifts to the Good Shepherd Foundation. We have been blessed by the very special love shown to us and to Jane. A special thanks goes to Fr. Patrick Foreman and Fr. Richard O'Donnell, as well as Rod Sayles for their assistance during these past few weeks. Thanks also to the Elks Home for the luncheon after the funeral. May God bless you all. Roger, Larry, Stephen, David and family, Susan, and Linda and Tim and family.

, of Hardwick, passed away April 2, 2006, after an illness, at the age of 77, while at home surrounded by his family. He was born Feb. 28, 1929, in Waitsfield, Vt., the son of Cecil J. Neill and Frances Seeley Neill, both deceased. Cecil graduated from Waitsfield High School in 1947. He married Gertrude Bellavance on July 28, 1962, at St. Norbert's Church. After high school, he worked on a family farm in Waitsfield. He then served in the Korean War for the United States Army during 1951 and 1952. Upon returning to the states, he began driving truck for P & NE Trucking of Pittsburgh, Pa. He then went to work for Williams Trucking and Rossi Trucking, both of Barre, Vt., hauling granite to Ohio and steel back to New England. He retired in 2002 after suffering from an illness. Cecil was awarded the Mack 1,000,000 Mile Award in 1972 by P & NE Trucking for not having an accident during that period of time. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 007. Cecil is survived by his wife, Gertrude of Hardwick; daughters Patricia Lemay and her husband Michael and sons Troy and Zachary of Hardwick, and Carolyn Greaves and her husband Perley and sons Philip, Bradley and Daniel of Walden; a son, James and his children Joshua and Jennifer of Anchorage, Alaska; his sisters, Barbara Allen of Derry, N.H., and Evelyn Allen of Riverton, Vt.; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 8, at 11 a.m., at St. Norbert's Church in Hardwick. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice of St. Johnsbury, Vt.

, 93, of McGinty Road, Dalton, N.H., passed away at the Morrison Nursing Home, Whitefield, on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, following a brief illness. He was born in Dalton, son of Frank and Lura (Grant) Ramsdell. He was a lifelong resident of Dalton, only leaving town in times of illness or to visit his daughter in Kentucky. He was a mill worker, and retired from the Gilman Paper Company, Gilman, Vt. He was a member of the NRA, the Dalton Congregational Church, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was predeceased by his wife Edla. He is survived by a son, Chester Ramsdell of Dalton; a daughter, Rebecca Murdock of Vine Grove, Ky., three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Willard Ramsdell of Whitefield; and a sister, Katherine Stockwell of Whitefield. Friends may call at the Ross Funeral Home, Whitefield Chapel, on Saturday, April 8, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday at the Dalton Congregational Church at 1 p.m. Burial will take place in the spring in the Cushman Cemetery, Dalton. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to the Dalton Congregational Church.

, of 45 Brunelle St., St. Johnsbury, died at home with her two sons at her side, April 7, 2006, at the age of 80. Mary Ann, also known as Mollie, was born in Springfield, Mass., on Feb. 12, 1926, the only child of Rufus LaCroix Stevens and Sydney (Betton) Stevens. Mollie was raised in the family home in South Lynnfield, Mass. She graduated from Wakefield High School in 1943 and Middlebury College in 1947. Her education continued with a year of graduate work at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, and a year of secretarial school in Boston. Mollie worked for the U.S. government beginning in 1949. Her first overseas assignment returned her to Paris from 1951 - 1954. She then had temporary assignments in New York and Washington, D.C., before being assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines in 1956. There she met and married Thomas Chesbrough in 1957. Mr. Chesbrough was transferred to Bombay, India in 1959. Their two sons, William in 1959, and David in 1961, were born in Bombay. In 1967 they were transferred back to Manila for six years. After Mr. Chesbrough's retirement from Standard Oil in 1973, the family came to East Barnet. Mollie leaves her two sons and their families: William, his wife Deirdre and their three children of Burlington, Vt. (46 Converse CT. 05401); David, his wife Allison and their two children of Waterford (883 Daniels Farm Rd., Waterford VT 05819). Services will be held Thursday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home in St. Johnsbury. Good friend and neighbor, Mr. William Kennedy, will officiate. Burial will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody, Mass. Her family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the East Barnet Ladies Chapel Society, c/o Marilyn Drown, 2587 Barnet Center Rd., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2006. He was the son of Bartholomew and Vilettie Somers of St. Johnsbury, Vt. He follows his brother, Gilbert Somers, and sister, Leona Whitehill. Most recently, Les and his wife Dorothy had moved from Locust Grove, Va., to Poolesville, Md., to be closer to their daughter, Cheryl King, and her family. He is a graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy. He managed J.J. Newberry stores in Maine, New York, and Vermont before settling in Lebanon, N.H. Leslie owned his own business there, Farmers Fruitland, on Miracle Mile. When he sold his business in the 1960s, he went to work for Split Ball Bearing. He was soon promoted to an office job and then product engineering where his math skills and pursuit of perfection were used to check engineering calculations and product specifications. Leslie was a hunter, fisherman, and gardener and still loved a good game of cards, cribbage, poker or bridge. He was a lifelong Mason. He was a wonderful father of two girls, and a faithful husband of 67 years to Dorothy Ogden Somers. Leslie is survived by his wife; his daughter, Deanna Somers of Kernersville, N.C.; his daughter, Cheryl King and her husband Bob of Germantown, Md.; grandchildren, Steven King of Boyds, Md., Jonathan King of Carolina Beach, N.C., Katherine King of Germantown, Md., Heidi Frears of Jacksonville, N.C., and Kristin Tavernier of Kernersville, N.C. Burial will be at Barnet Center Cemetery in Barnet, Vt.

of Newark, Vt., formerly of Lynn, Mass., died Thursday, April 6, 2006, in her home following a lengthy illness. She was the wife of the late Clifton Surette. Born in Lynn, daughter of the late William and Elsie (MacQueen) Loring, she was raised in Lynn and attended Lynn public schools as well as Lynn English High School. Prior to her retirement in 1993, she worked as a nurse's aide in Union Hospital of Lynn. She leaves four children, Steven Surette, Lee Surette, Susan and Steve White, all of Lynn, and Sandra Surette of Vermont; one sister, Gladys Renaghan of Duxbury; four grandchildren, Jennifer O'Brien, Katie Surette, and James and William O'Meara; one great-grandchild, Carol Ann O'Brien; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Marjorie Reid and Marlene Tinkham. Funeral from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple St., Lynn, on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Funeral service in St. Stephen's Memorial Episcopal Church at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be held Monday from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date.

, of Main Street in Lyndonville, passed away at NVRH on April 7, 2006. She was born July 31, 1928, in Laconia N.H., to Ethel Hayes and Dennis Robitaille. She had a brother Dennis who died in 1929. She was a lifelong resident of Vermont with most of her adult life spent between Newport and St. Johnsbury. She began work at 16 years old in Eastman's Drug Store and WT Grant Co. She was waitress in several places, but most of all she was devoted to her family. At age 50, she went back to college to study human services; her final work years were in the Northeast Kingdom Mental Health drop-in center on Railroad Street. She married Harold Lee in 1946 and they had a family of seven children. In 1979, she was married a second time to Leroy Maltby; he died in 1990. She belonged to the VFW Post 793 in St. Johnsbury and was a lifetime member there, at one time holding the office of chaplain and junior vice president in the ladies auxiliary. She also belonged to the American Legion Post 30 in Lyndon. She leaves behind five sons, Michael Lee and his former spouse Cindy, Dennis Lee and his wife Sharon, Patrick Lee, Bruce Lee and his wife Cynthia, David Lee and his wife Deborah; two daughters, Robin Allen, Misty Vela and her husband Jesse; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; her cousins Herbie Berry and Walter Berry. Family will receive visitors at the Sayles Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m., officiated by John Sleeper. Memorial contributions could be directed to Lyndon Rescue, P.O. Box 401, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

, 86, formerly of Holly Street Woodsville, N.H., died April 7, 2006, at the Grafton County Nursing Home. She was born in Fairfield, Maine, on Nov. 13, 1919, the daughter of Harold and Alice (Pooler) Lawrence. She worked as a nurses aid for the New Hampshire Home for the Elderly in Glencliff, N.H., for many years. Jeannette was a communicant of the St. Josephs Catholic Church, Woodsville. She was predeceased by her husband John Henry Battis on Dec. 15, 1980, her brother William F. Lawrence on Feb. 29, 1984, and her sister Eva May Cloutier on Aug. 25, 2002. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Irene Gagne of Gorham, N.H., Harold Lawrence of New Hampton, N.H., Richard Lawrence of Berlin, N.H., Rene and Nancy Lawrence of Berlin, Lorraine and Bob Bedard of Enfield, Conn., Roger and Sue Lawrence of Gorham, Linda and Don Carrier of Berlin, and Geno and Dot Lawrence of Berlin. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 12, 2006, at 11 a.m. at St. Josephs Catholic Church. Father Daniel J. Sinibaldi will officiate. Burial in the spring at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Woodsville.

, 86, of Columbia, N.H., passed away early Tuesday morning, April 11, 2006, at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook, N.H. Mrs. Frizzell was born Nov. 1, 1919, in Sugar Hill, N.H., daughter of the late Scott and Bertha (Hutchinson) Jesseman. She attended school in Canaan, Vt., graduating in 1937, and married her late husband, Kenneth E. Frizzell, on Sept. 16, 1939. She was primarily a homemaker, but worked at the Gilman Paper Company, and in Littleton at Profile Cleaners and the Littleton Shoe Shop. Together, she and her husband owned and operated the Little Country Store in Danby Four Corners, Vt., and the Brownington Country Store in Brownington, Vt. She was a lifetime member of the Mohawk Grange for over 70 years, a member of the Upper Coos Pomona Grange and affiliated with the Stratford Grange. Her interests included crocheting, knitting, and tatting and quilting. But her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Mrs. Frizzell is survived by two sons, Robert Frizzell and his wife Audrey of East Charleston, Vt., and Kenneth Frizzell Jr. and his wife Grace of East Charleston, Vt.; four daughters, Edie Jones and her husband Gary of Riviera Beach, Fla., Joan Henry and her husband Charles of Claremont, N.H., Carol Bolduc and her husband Henry of Haverhill, Mass., and Genie Davis and her husband Martin of East Charleston, Vt.; a brother, Eddie Jesseman of Haverhill, N.H.; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Frizzell was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 61 years, Kenneth E. Frizzell; a brother, Fred Jesseman; and a sister, Edith Wells. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2006, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook with a Grange Service to be held Thursday evening at 7 p.m. by the Mohawk Grange at the funeral home. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, April 14, at 11 a.m., at the Trinity United Methodist Church with the Reverend Randall Scheri officiating. Expressions of sympathy in Mrs. Frizzell's memory may be made to the Mohawk Grange, in care of Ann Woodard, P.O. Box 306, Colebrook, NH 03576; Stratford Grange, in care of Patricia Allin, 44 Spur Road, North Stratford, NH 03590; or to the Upper Coos Pomona Grange, in care of Frances Pepau, 348 Percy Road, Stark, NH 03582.

, 77, died April 10, 2006, at the Grafton County Nursing Home, North Haverhill, following an extended illness. She was born in Oakland, Calif., June 8, 1928, the daughter of Everett and Anna (Brostrom) Chaney. Following college, she became a bank bookkeeper in California. She married Karl A. Kepler on June 26, 1949, in Santa Barbara, Calif. She was a staff member of the Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada, and also at Appalachian Bible College in Bradley, W.Va. Norma served alongside her husband during his many pastoral assignments around the country, including two separate times in Corinth Center, Vt.; Dividing Creek, N.J.; and as interim pastor at the Groton Baptist Church in Groton, Vt. Norma served as town clerk and treasurer in Vershire, Vt., from 1986-1990. She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, Woodsville, and also a member of the Oxbow Chapter of the DAR, and a charter member of the Yolo County Chapter of the DAR in California. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, the Rev. Karl A. Kepler of Wells River; two daughters, Nancy K. Bean and her husband Ron of Woodbridge, Va., and Donna R. Kepler of Arlington, Va.; two sons, Kenneth H. Kepler and his wife Fiona of Kimball, Mich., and John C. Kepler and his wife Amy of Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.; and four grandsons and one granddaughter. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, April 12, from 6-8 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. The funeral service will be on Thursday, April 13, at 11 a.m., at the Ricker Funeral Home with the Rev. Dan Chamberland, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Central Cemetery, Dunstable, Mass., on Friday, April 14, at 1 p.m.

, 90, a Burke Hollow resident, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2006, at her home surrounded by her family. Born Oct. 3, 1915, in Eden, Vt., she was the daughter of the late Mahlon and Eva (Sullivan) Deblois. She moved to Burke Hollow at the age of 2 and spent the rest of her life there. She married Bernard A. Sylce, and enjoyed crafts which included sewing, needlework and dolls. She was very ingenious in all her crafts. Ila was a member of the Burke Hollow Meeting House. She was interested in the well-being of others and sent many cards of concern to help cheer and show that she cared. Her family was very important to her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Ila made many contributions to the Burke Hollow Meeting House as well as assisting her husband in the cleaning of it for many years. Ila is survived by her son, Mike Sylce and his companion Sue; daughters, Judy Gorham, and Vicki Brooks and her husband Bob; three grandsons, Chris and Josh Sylce, and Steve Brooks; four great-grandchildren, Kelly, Andy, Ryan and Aiden Brooks; a sister, Marjorie Blake and her husband Clifton; a sister-in-law, Dorcas O'Neil; and many special nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Howard and Harold Deblois; and a sister, Irene Wilkie. A graveside service will be held at a later date. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Ila's name to the Bernie Sylce Memorial Fund, 212 School St., West Burke, VT 05871.

, 86, a Lyndonville resident, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center. Born March 22, 1920, in Warren, Vt., she was the daughter of the late Charles C. and Josie (Robinson) DeFreest. She graduated from high school in Waitsfield. She then graduated from Lyndon Teachers College. Lois married Donald Beattie on Aug. 3, 1941. She taught school at the West Burke Graded School, Lyndon Campus School, and Lyndon and Corner School. Lois enjoyed teaching school, downhill skiing, biking, walking, flower gardening and birds. Lois is survived by her husband, Don of Lyndonville; two sons, David and his wife Susan of Eliot, Maine, and Brian and his wife Brenda Stewart of Lancaster, N.H.; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; a brother, David and his wife Marlene of Warren, Vt.; and a sister, Eleanor Martin and her husband Wallace of Rochester, Vt. She was predeceased by two brothers and one sister, Donald, Harold and Kathleen Story. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 14, at 10 a.m., at the Lyndonville Congregational Church with the Rev. Joan Vincent officiant. Interment will be at a later date in the Lyndon Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Lois' name to the Lyndon Town School, First Grade Class Teaching Tools, 2591 Lily Pond Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

, 87, passed away at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin on Tuesday evening, April 11, 2006, following a long period of declining health due to Parkinson's disease Born in Ryegate on Feb. 26, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Pearl and Millie (Whitehill) Heath. On Feb. 27, 1939, she married Raymond H. Rexford in East St. Johnsbury. Mr. Rexford passed away on Nov. 19, 2001. Amelia was a 1937 graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy. Prior to moving to Waterbury in 1951, Raymond and Amelia raised their family on farms in Conway and Bethlehem, N.H. Amelia worked for several years at the former Aylward Nursing Home prior to her 20-year career as a psychiatric technician at the Vermont State Hospital, from which she retired in 1981. Amelia was a long-time member of the Emerald Rebekah Lodge 33 of Waterbury, and the Waterbury Congregational Church. In her younger years, she enjoyed sewing, knitting, painting, shopping trips with her family and baby-sitting her grandchildren. Amelia is survived by her children, Howard Rexford and his wife Georgia (Libby) of Waterbury, Frank Rexford and his wife Ronda (York) of Lakeland, Fla., Ruby (Bolio) Rexford of Waterbury, Sheryl Parsons and her husband Fred of Washington, and Carolyn Farnsworth and her husband Brian of Bastrop, La.; 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; her sisters, Annabelle Parker of St. Johnsbury, and Sylvia (June) Kendall and her husband Tom of Meadow Vista, Calif.; as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by an infant son; a grandson and granddaughter; a great-grandson; and a sister, Helene McKenzie of Wilder. Amelia's family would like to thank the staff at Woodridge Nursing Home for the more than three years of excellent care they provided her. A celebration of Amelia's life will be held at the Waterbury Congregational Church on Tuesday, April 18, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow in the church dining room. Private committal services will take place in the Waterbury Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Waterbury Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 95, Waterbury Center, VT 05677.

, 77, of Hardwick, a retired dairy farmer, passed on to God, Thursday, April 13, 2006, at Copley Hospital in Morrisville. He was born in Johnson, Sept. 5, 1928, the fifth of 11 children born to Leo and Mildred (Reynolds) Grimes. On Dec. 24, 1949, he married Elenore Greene. Ray worked in milk plants for 20 years. His dream from a young child was to own a farm, which he purchased in 1971 in Albany, Vt., and enjoyed until failing health forced its sale. In 1996, Ray and Elenore moved to their home on Granite Street in Hardwick. He leaves his loving wife, Elenore of Hardwick; and felt very blessed with his four children, Erwin A. Grimes and his wife Sue of Craftsbury, James Grimes and his wife Linda of Concord, Darlene Ingalls and her husband Allyn of Johnson and Cheryl Grimes of Hardwick; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters, Erna Bartlett and Rachel Colbeth, both of Greensboro Bend; two brothers, Merton Grimes of Hardwick and Kenneth Grimes of Morrisville; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Arlan, Bernard and Richard Grimes; and three sisters, Etta Grimes, Phyllis Putvain and Lolita Putvain. A graveside funeral will be held Monday, April 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Hardwick with Pastor Ernest Machia officiating. Contributions in his memory may be made to David's House, P.O. Box 660, Lebanon, NH 03766.

, 80, of Coppermine Road, Monroe, N.H., died April 14, 2006, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, N.H. Mrs. Ward was born on Feb. 16, 1926, in Littleton, N.H., the daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Baker) Fadden. She dairy farmed with her husband, Howard B. Ward Sr., and later with her long-time companion, Kenneth Chamberlin. A lifelong Monroe resident, Mrs. Ward enjoyed traveling and crafts such as needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, sewing and rug hooking. She always tended a large garden and enjoyed canning and pickling and making jams and jellies from her harvest. She loved animals and held a special fondness for horses and for her pet birds and the wild birds and geese. Family was a very important part of her life. She was a "mother to all" and certainly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all of their friends. Mrs. Ward was predeceased by her husband, Howard, on July 20, 1967; a granddaughter, Mary Barbara Edwards, on April 19, 2004; two sisters, Constance Parker and Sarah Ward; and a brother, George Fadden. She is survived by her longtime companion, Kenneth Chamberlin of Monroe, N.H.; her children, Howard B. Ward Jr. and his wife Deborah of Monroe, Harlow C. Ward and his wife Joan of Monroe, Barbara Fifield and her husband Mike of Fairlee, Vt., Terrill J. Griffis and her husband Kyle of Salisbury, N.C., Theodore J. "Ted" Ward and his wife Fey of Monroe, Kermit H. Ward of Monroe, and Barrington H. Ward and his wife Delia also of Monroe; two brothers, Edgar Fadden and his wife Dale of Pineville, Ore., and William Fadden and his wife Susan of Sheffield, Vt.; a sister, Karen Jewell and her husband Ashley of Troy, W.Va.; 24 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 18, 2006, from 6-8 p.m., at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, N.H. The funeral service will be at the North Monroe United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at the North Monroe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 2001, Woodsville, NH 03785; Monroe FAST Squad, in care of Robert Regis, 233 Stanton Road, Monroe, NH 03771; or to Woodsville Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 101, Woodsville, NH 03785.

, of East Ryegate, passed away Friday, April 14, 2006, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, N.H., at the age of 84. He was born in Wolcott on April 1, 1922, the son of Ermine P. and Myrle (Davis) Boardman. Jerry spent some of his childhood living with Myron and Lee Wheeler. Jerry enlisted in the United States Army (1939) until the end of World War II when he participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He spent his working career with the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Jerry was a quiet and reserved man who enjoyed his camp, farming, gardening, working on small engines and especially taking long walks with his dog "Penny." He was a member of VFW Post 793. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Evelyn Smith Boardman of East Ryegate; children, Gerald Robert Boardman Jr. and Daniel Boardman of Danville, Bonnie Boardman and friend Peter Emmons of St. Johnsbury, Jane Bronson and her husband Elliott Kaplan of Gilsum, N.H., Susan Delaures and her husband Ray of West Springfield, Mass., Paul Boardman of Hillsboro, Ore., Ellen Zieske and her husband James of Wilmington, Mass., James Boardman of Hillsboro, Ore., and Sheila McCarthy and her husband Kevin of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Darlene Jewell and her husband Sean of St. Johnsbury; brothers and sisters, Robert and Myrle Leithead of St. Johnsbury, Elizabeth Riche of Carthage, N.Y., Wendell (deceased) and Norma Boardman of St. Johnsbury, Karlene Smith of Palmetto, Fla., Merle and Dale Wheeler of Lyndonville, Ray and Eleanor Skinner of Lyndonville, Clara Wheeler Grabowski of St. Johnsbury, Floyd and Doris Wheeler of Chula Vista, Calif., and Carroll and Lois Wheeler of St. Johnsbury; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Steve, in 1953. Jerry was married to Benita (Miller) Passut for 30 years. A memorial service will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Michael Murray officiating. Burial will be in the Wolcott Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be given to the Cottage Hospital, 90 Swiftwater Road, Woodsville, NH 03785.

, of East Ryegate, passed away Friday, April 14, 2006, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, N.H., at the age of 84. He was born in Wolcott on April 1, 1922, the son of Ermine P. and Myrle (Davis) Boardman. Jerry spent some of his childhood living with Myron and Lee Wheeler. Jerry enlisted in the United States Army (1939) until the end of World War II when he participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He spent his working career with the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Jerry was a quiet and reserved man who enjoyed his camp, farming, gardening, working on small engines and especially taking long walks with his dog "Penny." He was a member of VFW Post 793. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Evelyn Smith Boardman of East Ryegate; children, Gerald Robert Boardman Jr. and David Boardman of Danville, Bonnie Boardman and friend Peter Emmons of St. Johnsbury, Jane Bronson and her husband Elliott Kaplan of Gilsum, N.H., Susan Delaures and her husband Ray of West Springfield, Mass., Paul Boardman of Hillsboro, Ore., Ellen Zieske and her husband James of Wilmington, Mass., James Boardman of Hillsboro, Ore., and Sheila McCarthy and her husband Kevin of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Darlene Jewell and her husband Sean of St. Johnsbury; brothers and sisters, Robert and Myrle Leithead of St. Johnsbury, Elizabeth Riche of Carthage, N.Y., Wendell (deceased) and Norma Boardman of St. Johnsbury, Karlene Smith of Palmetto, Fla., Merle and Dale Wheeler of Lyndonville, Ray and Eleanor Skinner of Lyndonville, Clara Wheeler Grabowski of St. Johnsbury, Floyd and Doris Wheeler of Chula Vista, Calif., and Carroll and Lois Wheeler of St. Johnsbury; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Steve, in 1953. Jerry was married to Benita (Miller) Passut for 30 years. A memorial service will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Michael Murray officiating. Burial will be in the Wolcott Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be given to the Cottage Hospital, 90 Swiftwater Road, Woodsville, NH 03785.

, 86, died April 16, 2006, at her residence, 453 Rum Hill Road, Bath, N.H. She was born in Newbury, Vt., Nov. 4, 1919, the daughter of Leon Edgar and Annie (Powers) Mason. As a young girl she attended the Groton schools and then graduated from McIndoes Academy in McIndoe Falls, Vt. Lois married William N. Brill on Nov. 26, 1938. She worked alongside her husband driving dump truck for their own Woodsville Sand and Gravel. She was a 67-year member of the Pine Grove Grange 298, of Bath, Mt. Gardner Grange 325 of Woodsville, a member of the Bath Congregational Church, and a former member of McLures Student and Alumni Band. She was involved with the Cottage Hospital Auxiliary and was a candy striper at the Cottage Hospital in Woodsville. In her spare time she enjoyed reading and doing puzzles. She also took great pride in her lupines at her home and watching ducks in her pond. She was predeceased by her husband, William N. Brill, on Sept. 5, 1988, and a brother, Lyle Mason. She is survived by two sons, William N. Brill of Campton, N.H., and Jack L. Brill of Woodsville, N.H.; three daughters, Gloria J. Welch of South Ryegate, Vt., Sylvia B. Wheeler of Woodsville, and Bonnie L. Long of Groton, Vt.; two sisters, Dorothy Moore of Gorham, N.H., and Arlene M. Thompson of Haines City, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 19, from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 22, at 1 p.m., at the Ricker Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Dwight White officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bath Congregational Church, in care of Mr. Everett Russ, Treas., Pettyboro Road, Bath, NH 03740; The Friends of Bath, in care of Mrs. Beverly Woods, Treas., P.O. Box 165, Bath, NH 03740; or to the Pine Grove Grange, in care of Mrs. Beverly Woods, P.O. Box 165, Bath, NH 03740.

, 79, devoted husband and loving father, of Island Pond, died suddenly April 15, 2006, at his home in Island Pond. He was born Nov. 13, 1926, in Lisbon Falls, Maine, a son of Alden and Mildred (Tyler) Littlefield. On March 21, 1945, he married Clara E. "Betty" Bryson, who predeceased him on Aug. 9, 1995. Larry was a border patrol inspector and retired from the U.S. Immigration after 32 years of service. He attended Aviation Engine School, Class of 1943, for two weeks just prior to entering the U.S. Navy on Nov. 30, 1943 until Oct. 3, 1947. He re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy Fleet Band on Jan. 2, 1948 until Aug. 3, 1949, with an honorable discharge after he served in many combat missions as a gunner on a quad 40 gun. Larry was a 32nd degree Mason and life member of the Oak Lodge of Free Masons in Illinois, and he was a member of the KORA Temple of the Shriner's in Lewiston, Maine. Among his hobbies he enjoyed photography. He held membership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 798 of Newport and the Disabled American Veterans. He is survived by a daughter, Peggy Lee; and by a son, Alden "Bud" Littlefield of Island Pond; and his partner, Terry Gray of East Haven. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Sheila Moran and her husband Mike and their children of Burke, Va., and Jessica Nicely and her husband Dave and their children of Gilbert, Ariz.; a sister, Arlene Dehetre of Auburn, Maine; a nephew, Randy Dehetre of Auburn, Maine; and a niece, Brenda Moss and her husband Dave of Maine. He was predeceased by a sister, Lucille Mullen. Friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 1199 Railroad St., Island Pond. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 20, 2006, at the Morgan United Church with the Rev. Michael DeSena and the Rev. John Genco co-officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeside Cemetery, Island Pond. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Morgan United Church, Morgan, VT 05853.

, of Winooski, Vt., went to her eternal home on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, from the Vermont Respite House in Williston. She was born May 15, 1957, in St. Johnsbury, the daughter of Glendon and Agnes (Santaw) Fox. Sandra graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy and attended Lyndon State College. She served a year and a half mission in Los Angeles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and continued to be active in her church. Sandra was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband of 14 years, Rene Carpenter; their children, Etienne, Elijah, Silas and Joy Carpenter of Winooski; stepchildren, Rene Carpenter Jr. and his wife Angela of Bristol, Jackie Wooten and her husband Mike of Waterville, Carol Johnson and her husband Tom of South Royalton, and Crystal Carpenter of Salt Lake City, Utah; her father, Glendon Fox and his wife Chrystal of Danville; her mother, Agnes Anderson and her husband Bacil of Enosburg Falls; her sisters, Norma Racine of Louisville, Ky., Nancy Newton and her husband Park of Georgia, Susan Tanner of Swanton, and Monica Burnor and her husband Kevin of Enosburg Falls; two grandmothers; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visiting hours are scheduled for Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Elmwood Meunier Funeral Home, 97 Elmwood Ave., Burlington. The funeral will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 400 Swift St., South Burlington, followed by interment at the New Mount Calvary Cemetery on Plattsburg Avenue in Burlington. Contributions to a trust fund for Sandra's children would be welcomed. Checks payable to the Chittenden Bank (for Sandra Carpenter's Children's Fund), may be mailed to P.O. Box 1055, Williston, VT 05495.

, 75, of St. Johnsbury, died with his family by his side Wednesday, April 20, 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in St. Johnsbury on Jan. 18, 1931, the son of O. Dean and Jennie (Cassidy) Hale. Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanne (129 Green St. 05819); five sons, David and his wife Lyric of Chicago, John of St. Johnsbury, Jimmy of Philadelphia, Gary of West Burke, and Stephen of New York; a sister, Eleanor Roy of St. Johnsbury; a brother, John and his wife Jeannine of Barnet; five grandchildren, Curt and his wife Yoko of North Danville, Meghan of St. Johnsbury, Adam of St. Johnsbury, Jennie of Chicago, and Erin of Chicago; and three stepgrandchildren, Harmony, Devin and Aria. Richard was an outstanding athlete while attending St. Johnsbury Academy where he graduated in 1949. He then went on to study at the North Hampton Business College before returning to St. Johnsbury to assist his father in running O. Dean Hale, a men's clothing and sporting goods store previously located in the Hale Building on Main St. Richard eventually purchased the business which he and his wife Jeanne ran as a men's and ladies' clothing store until 1981. Richard continued his career in men's clothing at Caplan's Army Store where he had been employed for the past 20 years. Richard had a great love for the outdoors and was an avid skier and golfer. In 1959 he won the President's Cup tournament at St. Johnsbury Country Club. He especially enjoyed spending time at his camp on Jobs Pond in Westmore, but his true passion was with his artwork. Richard was a wonderful watercolor painter and even won multiple blue ribbons at the Caledonia County Fair. He also enjoyed touching people's lives through his self-made greeting cards, a hobby in which he took exceptional pride. Above all else Richard was a loving father, grandfather and devoted husband. He touched the lives of those who knew him, whether they be a family member, friend, or customer, and his presence will be greatly missed by many. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, April 24, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Sunday from 5-8 p.m. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to the "American Cancer Society." Please mail these memorials by June 8, in time for the Relay For Life event at St. Johnsbury Academy, to: The Club at Old Mill, Attn: Stephanie Davis, 49 Perkins St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

, 85, of Guildhall, Vt., died early Thursday morning, April 20, 2006, at Weeks Medical Center, Lancaster, after a lengthy illness. Mr. Hodge was born in Guildhall on Feb. 22, 1921, the son of John and Winifred (Daniels) Hodge. Raymond was educated at the Guildhall Village School and was a graduate of Groveton High School. He also attended St. Johnsbury Vocational School. His employment included working for Fred W. Peaslee in Guildhall; Wyoming Valley Paper in Northumberland; Beechers Equipment in Lancaster; and Robert Wentworth, carpentry. He retired from James River Corporation, Groveton, in 1986. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving with the 767th Military Police Battalion during World War II. Ray enjoyed gathering with friends and family, hunting, fishing and playing cards. He was a 17-year member of the American Legion Post 17, Groveton; a 60-year member of the Benton Lodge 88 F & AM, Guildhall. He was also a former member of Wilena Benton Chapter Eastern Star, an avid member of the NRA and was a member of the Guildhall Community Church. He was an active member of the Guildhall Old Home Day activities and the Community Chest; he served his local government as cemetery commissioner and water commissioner. Family members include his wife of 58 years, Edith "Winnie" Rowell Hodge of Guildhall; three children, Sharon Bissonnette and her husband Clement of Winooski, Jeffrey Hodge of Guildhall, and Sharon Bacon and her husband Dennis also of Guildhall; a sister, Marion Klinefelter and her husband John of Guildhall; two granddaughters, Manessa Rae of Londonderry, and Martha Rose of Tahlequa, Okla.; a grandson, Mitchell Bissonnette of Winooski; a great-granddaughter, Molly Elizabeth of Londonderry; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, John Harold, Stuart Ida, Carlos Shepard, and an infant brother; and sisters, Gertrude Keysar, Florence Polkay, and Grace Grondin. A visiting hour will be held Saturday, April 22, from 1-2 p.m., at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A Masonic service will held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow at the Guild Hall, in Guildhall, Vt. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to Weeks Medical Center, Intensive Care Unit, 173 Middle St., Lancaster, NH 03584; Country Village Center-Genesis Elder Care, 91 Country Village Road, Lancaster, NH 03584; or a charity of one's choice.

, 87, of North Troy, passed away peacefully in Newport on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, in the arms of his family to join his wife Dorothy, who passed away on Dec. 20, 1997. He was born in Poultney on Oct. 31, 1918, the son of Harold E. and Lydia (Wiesner) Haynes. On Aug. 11, 1940, Harold married the former Dorothy Toof, who predeceased him in 1997. He is survived by his daughter, Karleen Haynes Denton and her husband Roland of North Troy; his grandchildren, Cris Choquette and her husband Randy of North Troy, and Terri Medley and her husband Doug of North Troy; his great-grandchildren, Monica and Bryan Choquette, and Aaron, Andrew and Derek Medley; his brother, Richard Haynes and his wife Florence of Poultney; and his sister, Evelyn Monroe and her husband Charles of Poultney. He was predeceased by an infant sister, Ruth Marie Haynes; and by a sister-in-law, Barbara Haynes. Harold was a 1939 graduate of UVM. He owned and operated Haynes Real Estate in North Troy since 1954. He held memberships with the Orleans County Board of Realtors, the Vermont Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. He and his wife Dorothy also owned and operated "Dot's Shop" in North Troy. He held many offices for the town of North Troy, and his contributions to the community were endless. With the Kiwanis Club in Troy, he was one of the founding fathers and the first president of Jay Peak, and was honored last year at the 50th anniversary of the mountain. He was a current member of the North Troy Planning Commission, a member of the First Congregational Church of North Troy since he moved there, and a member of the North Troy Masonic Lodge for 65 years. He held offices with the Vermont State Chapter of F.F.A. and taught vocational agriculture at North Troy High School and Newport Center Schools from 1939 to 1967. He then taught horticulture and vocational agriculture at North Country Union High School, and also taught other vocational skills to area students such as welding, woodworking, public speaking, etc. With the agricultural department, he created the Land Lab on the Quarry Road, where he helped to acquire the land and plant the trees for students to study and sell Christmas trees. He was founder of the North Troy Tennis Program. He formed the Tri Town Natural Resource Committee and created the North Troy walking trail along the Missisquoi River. He was active in Tranquil Gardens, which he was instrumental in acquiring the land and getting it started. He oversaw the beautification of the village of North Troy. He was a big help to his granddaughter at the B & D grocery Store in North Troy for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his early days, and also used to trap. Four words to describe Harold: Adviser to everyone; a Naturalist; a Creator; and an Optimist. His motto was "appreciate life and live it to the fullest." Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road (formerly Sias Ave.), Newport, on Sunday, April 23, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 24, at the First Congregational Church in North Troy at 1 p.m. with the Dr. Richard O'Hara and the Pastor Rick Shover officiating. Interment will follow at the North Troy Village Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Harold's memory may be made to the North Troy Cemetery Association, in care of Georgette Lalime, North Troy, VT 05859; or to the First Congregational Church of North Troy, in care of Edna Cushing, P.O. Box, North Troy, VT 05859.

, 56, of Canaan, N.H., died Wednesday, April 19, 2006, at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on April 26, 1949, the son of Earle and Loraine (Santaw) Adams Sr. He attended schools in Hartford, Vt., and was a graduate of Hartford High School. On July 23, 2001, in Enfield, N.H., he was married to Christine Campbell. He had been employed for 23 years as a site foreman of Pizzagalli Construction Company in South Burlington, Vt. Mr. Adams had many enjoyments - he was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, flea markets, traveling to Florida for vacations in the winters and spending time at his home. He also enjoyed the using the Internet. He is survived by his wife, Christine Adams of Canaan, N.H.; two sons, Nathan Adams of Fairfax, Va., and Daniel Adams of St. Johnsbury, Vt.; two stepsons, Ty Peavey of Enfield, N.H., and Chad Peavey of Claremont, N.H..; five grandchildren; his first wife, Marcia Moran of West Danville, Vt.; four brothers, Alan "Bunky" Adams of Hartford, Vt., Steve Adams of Royalton, Vt., Gregory Adams of Hardwick, Vt., and Hugh Cofransesco of Parker, Ariz.; two sisters, Carol Rogers of Unity, N.H., and Mary Adams of Colchester, Vt.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one son, Patrick Adams. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 24, 2006, at 12 noon, in the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ in Hartford, Vt., with the Rev. Janice Chilek officiating. There are no calling hours. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Special Olympics Vermont, 368 Avenue D, Suite 30, Williston, VT 05495.

of Sutton, Vt., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Keene, N.H., died April 19, 2006, in Keene. She was born in Rainelle, W.V., May 31, 1916, daughter of Howard Lowell and Helen (Bishop) Gray. She graduated from Rainelle High School in 1934 and Ohio University in 1938 with a bachelor of science degree in medical technology. She worked in a research laboratory during World War II, which was investigating infectious disease. There she met Dr. Morton Hamburger whom she married in 1943. She and Morton lived on several military bases and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, after the war, where she raised their three children. She moved to Sutton, Vt., in 1977 where she enjoyed living until moving to Keene, N.H., to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Hanspeter Weber. In Vermont, she volunteered at the Lyndon Institute school library for many years. She was a frequent student at Lyndon State College where she took pleasure in learning various subjects and younger students enjoyed her mentoring. She enjoyed nature, traveling, hiking, bird watching, and she cross country skied until her 85th year. Her great love was classical music and she played piano beautifully until the end of her life. Virginia could play most any song from sheet music and sometimes she accompanied joyous sing-alongs. She will be remembered as a friendly and kind soul who endeared many with her easy smile and gentle good nature. Her three children, Susan, Robert and John; their spouses, Hanspeter, Kari and Kate; two grandchildren, Jesse and Emily; two great-grandchildren, Miles and Nina; and five step-grandchildren, Katie, Alex, T.J., Alana and Aren survive her in death. The funeral service will be held on today, April 22, 2006, at 11:30 a.m. at the Sumner Knight Chapel in Woodland Cemetery.

, 78, of Lyndonville, succumbed to cancer and died Sunday evening, Jan. 1, 2006, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born May 1, 1927, in Needham, Mass., son of the late Grant A. and Elsene L. (Dresser) Hodges. Alan was raised on his parents' dairy farm in North Danville with his brother Guy. At the age of 17, Alan enlisted the U.S. Navy and saw action in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he graduated from Vermont Technical College in 1947. On June 26, 1951, he married Virginia Hall of South Wheelock. Together they successfully operated a dairy farm in Sutton for 15 years. In 1966, the Hodges launched their own farm supply merchandising business servicing over 300 farms in the Northeastern Vermont and New Hampshire area until they retired in 1992. An avid hunter, hiker, and outdoorsman, Alan and his family enjoyed many memorable days at their camp on Walden Mountain. He was a member of the Masonic Crescent Lodge #66 of Lyndonville, and the VFW post 10038 of Lyndonville. Survivors include his wife of nearly 55 years, Virginia H. Hodges of Lyndonville; their two children, Pamela Hodges-Woodworth and her husband Fred of East Montpelier, Vt., and Michael Hodges and his wife Cheryl of Pine Bush, N.Y.; eight grandchildren, Sarah, Fred, Kelly, Laurie, Joshua, Esther, Lydia and Grace; a great-granddaughter, Ava; a sister-in-law, Annabelle Hodges of North Danville, Vt.; nieces; nephews; and two very close friends, Leonard Cantin of East Haven, Vt., and Hap Hutchins of North Danville, Vt. Besides his parents, Alan was predeceased by his brother, Guy A. Hodges. Graveside services with military honors will be held Monday, May 1, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Lyndon Center Cemetery, with the Rev. David Colwell officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Alan Hodges' memory may be directed to Caledonia Home Health Inc., P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819-0383.

, 92, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died Friday, April 7, 2006, at the Reformed Presbyterian Home after a brief illness. Peg was born Dec. 26, 1913, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and grew up in Montclair, N.J., the daughter of William Park, a shipping executive and former sea captain, and Marian (McAllister) Park. After graduating from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pa., in 1935, she completed secretarial studies and worked in New York City until 1937, when she married J. Paul Wilson, a now-retired pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. With him, she made a home first in Barnet, Vt., where their children Phyllis and James were born, and then in Youngstown, Ohio, where Lauren (Gibson) and John were born. Returning to Vermont in 1952, Peg took a position teaching business courses, and later English literature, at Peacham Academy. In 1970, their children grown, the couple moved to Cyprus, where Peg taught at the American Academy in Nicosia. In 1972, they returned to retirement spent in several homes in the Pittsburgh area. For a number of years in the 1980s and 1990s, they summered and hosted family reunions at a Barnet retirement property they purchased with two of their children. Peg shared with everyone she encountered her passion for the contingent beauty implicit in ordinary things. She decorated her homes with ornaments that she created from found artifacts and rescued from the decaying natural world: wall hangings crafted from antique sickles and rusted gearboxes, lamp shades from autumn leaves, etchings on preserved fungi, Christmas ornaments from thistle seed pods. Her life included periods of carefree delight - "salad days" as a privileged teenage flapper in a gracious North Jersey suburb and semiretirement on the Mediterranean paradise of Cyprus - as well as astonishing hardship - Depression-era parson's wifery in plumbing-free northern Vermont and inner urban homemaking in gritty, mid-century mid-America. Her influence on those around her was consistently redemptive, sharing Christ with the heartsick, Puccini with the passionate, Melville with the adventuresome, Wyeth with the wistful, Knowles with the questioning and, for herself, Frost: "We saw leaves go to glory,/ then almost migratory/ go part way down the lane,/ and then to end the story/ get beaten down and pasted/ in one wild day of rain." Peg also is survived by grandchildren Kimberly Gibson Northcutt, Nicole Wilson Rubin, Kurt Gibson, Damon Wilson and Caedmon and Maya Ricker-Wilson; and great-grandchildren Joshua, Jacob and Luke Northcutt and Naomi and Benjamin Rubin. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on July 15 at the Walter Harvey Meeting House, Mosquitoville Road, Barnet, with internment at Walter Harvey Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Walter Harvey Meeting House.

, 93, ended his journey on this earth in the early morning of April 20, 2006, at his home in Franconia, surrounded by his loving family. "Ham," as he was affectionately known by many, had been recently diagnosed with lung cancer. He died as he had lived - with courage, fortitude and dignity. He was born in St. Paul, Minn., the son of Francis "Frank" J. and Angelina (Maher) Ford, the second of five children. As a young man, flying was his passion and calling. He organized "The Cloud Club" for men who were interested in learning how to fly and soon acquired his own license. In subsequent years he was a glider pilot instructor in the Army Air Force and a primary flight instructor for the U.S. Army Air Corps. An eye infection forced him to choose another vocation and he retired from the Army Air Force in 1945. In 1934 Hamilton was married to Rachel Gutenkauf of St. Paul. His desire to start a fly-in business for skiers and hunters brought him to Franconia with his family, and an attraction to the Old Man of the Mountain convinced him to stay. The family operated Copper Cannon Lodge and later, Rae Ford's as innkeepers. Over the years he established additional family-operated businesses including Franconia Hardware Inc., Franconia Services Inc., Franconia Gas Inc., and Ford Family Ventures. Hearkening back to his youth and a camping experience provided for underprivileged youth by the Volunteers of America and James J. Hill of St. Paul, Ham made a promise to himself to help other children in need. Thus Copper Cannon Camp for Underprivileged Children was established at Copper Cannon Lodge in 1963. With the help of funding from the N.H. State Elks Club and numerous contributors, it moved to a new wilderness site in 1976 on 46 acres of donated land. It is estimated that well beyond 6,000 children have attended the camp. Over the years Ham has been instrumental in founding many area organizations, including the Ski 93 Association, The Robert Frost Place, the Bancroft House, the N.E. Ski Museum, and the Franconia Area Heritage Council. In addition he spearheaded the effort to contain the construction of I-93 through Franconia Notch to avoid disturbing the Old Man of the Mountain. It was Ham's foresight that influenced the establishment of the Catholic Church in Franconia as a mission church of St. Rose of Lima Church. He encouraged the bishop to purchase the abandoned Baptist Church and move it to a lot on Main Street already owned by the diocese. It was subsequently named Our Lady of the Snows Church. He was an active parishioner until just before his death. In recent years he has been a volunteer at McKerley Health Care Center (now the Lafayette Center) in Franconia, a fund-raiser for Copper Cannon Camp, and a supporter of the Franconia Children's Center. Ham was the recipient of several awards as a result of his contributions to community betterment from The N.H. State Elks Association, the Knights of Columbus, the Littleton Rotary Club, and the Franconia Fire Department. He was named "Outstanding Grafton County Volunteer 1988." Hamilton is survived, and deeply missed by, his daughter-in-law Wendy Ford of Waldoboro, Maine; son Kenneth and his wife, Linda, of Franconia; daughter, Donna Ford Whipple, and Nathan Hughes, of Tamworth, N.H.; son, Dennis and his wife Bunny of Easton; daughter, Linda Ford Brown and her husband Greg of Franconia; and son, Michael and his wife, Barbara, of Franconia; his 16 grandchildren: Mark Ford and his wife Heather, Margaret Ford New and her husband Matt, Amy Ford, Eric Ford and his wife Evelyn, James Ford and his wife Katia, Kristin Ford Henslee and her husband Eric, Sarah Whipple and her husband Michael Dennis, Benjamin Whipple, Bentley Ford, Matthew Ford, Kate Audet Smith and her husband Mark, Jonathan Audet, Jeremy Audet, Megan Audet, Andrea Ford and Kelsey Ford; step-grandsons, Tristan and Travis Brown; and his nine great-grandchildren, Aiden, Abigail, and Alden Ford, Madeline and Reily New, Christopher Ford, Ryan Dennis, Mikayla and Alaina Smith. In addition to his siblings, Beaumont Ford, Patricia Enright, James Ford, and Lorraine Schwalbach of Minnesota, he was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Rachel (2004), and sons Robert (1942) and Thomas (2005). Donations in his memory may be made to Copper Cannon Camp, P.O. Box 124, Franconia, NH 03580. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, High Street, Littleton, N.H., on Tuesday, April 25.

, 67, of St. Johnsbury, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday morning, April 26, 2006. He was born in St. Johnsbury on July 24, 1938, the son of Leo and Marie Louise (Poliquin) Donna. He served in the Air Force in the 1950s and worked his entire career at Fairbanks, retiring as a drafting engineer. A son Kerry, one of his four children, passed away from cancer Nov. 9, 1995, a disease to which Robert also succumbed. He was also predeceased by his mother-in-law, Yvette Reeves. He is survived his wife Sara (Reeves) Donna (45 Donna Dr. 05819); three children, Brian Donna and Tracy Noyes and their daughters Tosha and Courtney of St. Johnsbury, Keith Donna of Farmington, N.H., and Todd Donna of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter-in-law: Valerie Donna of Berlin, Vt., and her daughters Karen and Doris and Doris' two children Alexis and Jillian; two stepchildren, Jeffrey Bean of Lyndonville and his daughters Shannon and Kristen, Jennifer Bean and Norah Quinn of Barnet; three brothers, Claude Donna and his wife Mary Jane of St. Johnsbury, Roger Donna of St. Johnsbury, Normand Donna and his wife Susan of Bunnell, Fla.; three sisters, Gemma Chaloux and her husband Gerard of St. Johnsbury, Gertrude Turner and her husband Robert of St. Johnsbury, and Dorothy Leonard and her husband Reg of St. Johnsbury; brother-in-law, Timothy Reeves and his wife Polly of South Royalton, Vt.; nieces and nephews; and of course his beloved cats Smokey and Josie. Services will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 1 p.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard Phillips leading the service. Committal services will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. Memorial contributions, marked in Bob's memory, could be made to either: DHMC Norris Cotton Cancer Center (for cancer research), 1 Medical Center Dr., Lebanon NH 03766; or to Caledonia Home Health (marked for "Hospice"), P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 66, died April 27, 2006, at his home in Lisbon, surrounded by his loving family. "Roy," as he is known by many, and "Papa" by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt., on Feb. 12, 1940, to Kenneth and Josephine (Paquin) Hudson. Roy was raised in the St. Johnsbury area and graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School in June, 1958. Roy then joined the U.S. Army and served from 1958 to 1962. Roy married Barbara Boutin of Lisbon on March 12, 1970. Roy and Barbara have lived in the same house for the last 36 years, which Roy renovated. Roy worked for Town of Lisbon as part of the road crew, and then he worked several years for Presby's driving trucks. He then joined on with Sugar Hill Furniture Factory, in Lisbon as a truck driver. After several years of driving truck he then ventured out on his own and started his own business in carpentry, which was known as Roy Hudson & Son Carpentry. Roy's work was well-known such as two of the three Ross Funeral Homes, numerous houses and businesses. There wasn't anything Roy couldn't accomplish such as electrical, plumbing, and complete renovation. Roy's skills as a carpenter will live on in his son who owns his own carpentry business since Roy took sick in 2003. That business is known as Ken Hudson Carpentry and Snow Plowing, also of Lisbon. Roy also snowplowed for two decades, which he enjoyed immensely, especially when accompanied by one of his children or grandchildren. Roy was a member of the Lisbon Methodist Church for three decades. Roy was an avid race car fan, with his favorite driver being Jeff Gordon, No. 24. Roy raced his own race car for several years, No. 43, and then his son Kenneth, followed in his footsteps almost 30 years later, which Roy was crew chief. Kenneth raced for several years before retiring, but the two of them remained loyal race car fans, visiting several car races together. Roy suffered several strokes in the last five years, one which left him disabled in 2003. Since 2003, Roy has been living at home surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren. Roy suffered a serious stroke last month, which consequently took his life. Roy is survived by his wife Barbara and their two dogs, Misty and Morgan; four children and their spouses, oldest daughter Leota and her husband Michael Robinson of Lisbon, his daughter Melonie and her husband Wade Dimick of Lisbon, his daughter Jennifer and her husband Roger LaFlam of Littleton, and his son Kenneth and his wife Christine Hudson, also of Lisbon. Roy is survived by his eight grandchildren, which were all the apples of his eyes - his oldest Kip and his wife Christina Robinson of Dalton, Kotie Fenoff of Littleton, Hillary and Halen Leavitt and Hudson Dimick of Lisbon, Jocelyn LaFlam of Littleton, and Kenneth Roy and Kolonie Hudson of Lisbon. He is also graciously survived by his three great-grandchildren, McKenna Robinson of Lisbon, Kotie Robinson of Dalton and Kaden Rangel of Littleton. Roy is also survived by a brother, Ranson Sr. and his wife Ginger Hudson of Concord, Vt. Roy leaves three nephews, Ranson Hudson Jr. of Concord, Vt., Eric and his spouse Jessie Hudson of Kirby, Vt., Spencer and his spouse Heather Hudson, also of Concord, Vt. He also leaves eight great-nieces and great-nephews and several nieces and nephews on his wife's side. He leaves a vast network of friends, both young and old, who will greatly miss him and who brought him such happiness and pride in past years. Roy was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Hudson, in December of 1966; his mother, Josephine Hudson, in July 2001; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arthur and Clara Boutin. Roy touched many lives, and he will live on in all of our hearts and treasured in all of our souls. Roy's wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel privileged to have had such a great man, "our hero," with them for so many years, and take comfort in knowing that he is with the family who has been waiting for him. We will miss you, Dad. Visiting hours will be held at Ross Funeral Home, Lisbon Chapel, today, April 29, 2006, from 6-8 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, April 30, 2006, 1 p.m., at Ross Funeral Home, Lisbon Chapel, with the Rev. Lynn Winter. Burial will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery. A reception will be held immediately after at the home of Roy and Barbara's. Memorial donations be made in his name to Lisbon Regional School, 24 Highland Ave., Lisbon, NH 03585. The donations will go toward the Educational Foundation. Roy's four children graduated from Lisbon, two grandchildren have graduated, and five grandchildren and one great-grandchild currently attend Lisbon Regional School.

, age 88, an East Haven resident, passed away Thursday, April 27, 2006, at the North Country Hospital in Newport, following a brief illness. The daughter of Howard L. and Emma L. (Gittins) Oakes, she was born July 24, 1917, in Waterville. She graduated from Cambridge High School, Class of 1936, and married Max E. Flanders of Fletcher on Sept. 14, 1940, in Jericho. Edna was a farm wife, helping her husband with the chores for many years. She also worked for a time as an auditor for the town of Fletcher. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Cambridge, and for a time baked at Ann's Bakery in St. Albans. Edna is survived by her husband, Max E.; a son, Kirwin and his wife Sharon, all of East Haven; granddaughters, Lorilee Drown and her husband Russell of Danville; Wendy Flanders of Denver, Colo.; great-grandsons, Russell Drown Jr. and Robert Drown of Danville; niece, Kay Flanders of Burlington; and a sister-in-law, Ora Flanders of Fletcher. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions may be made in Edna's name to the Caledonia Home Health & Hospice at P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 2, at 10 a.m. at the Pearsons Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. John Sleeper, officiant. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. in the Binghamville Cemetery in Fletcher.

, 67, of Waterford, went to be with her Lord on Monday, July 31, 2006, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, surrounded by friends and family. After two years of employment with St. Johnsbury Trucking, she chose to be a homemaker until all of her children were in grade school. She then was privileged to work at the Waterford School for eight years. After that she chose to begin a career in the business world. She worked five years for Surgical Associates and 18 years for Ophthalmology Associates. She truly appreciated the confidence and trust given to her by doctors Thomas and Houle, as well as her staff, and many cherishable moments and friendships by the staff and patients, too. She retired in 2002. The beginning of her walk with the Lord was at the Union Baptist Church in her teen years. She and her husband have resided in Waterford and Passumpsic since 1960. Since that time, she devoted most of her community activities around the interests of her children and in serving her Lord in various ways at the Passumpsic Community Baptist Church since 1960. Survivors include her loving husband of 48 years, George K. Urie; a daughter, Karen and her husband Ernie Thompson of Sheffield; a son, Brian Urie of Bristol, N.H.; a daughter, Brenda and her husband Michael Mammoliti of Vergennes; two cherished granddaughters, Becky and Julie Thompson of Sheffield; a very special sister and friend, Marianne Derosia of Campton, N.H.; her brother and his wife, Wayne and Elaine True of Candler, N.C.; a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law who have been just like family; and with many nieces and nephews who were very loving and supportive. She was predeceased by her mother and father, Hayden J. and Ernestine True; and a son in childbirth. There will be no visiting hours. Funeral services will be held Friday, at 10 a.m., at Passumpsic Community Baptist Church. Cremation will follow the service with family burial services at Passumpsic Cemetery the following day. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Passumpsic Community Baptist Church, P.O. Box 126, Passumpsic, VT 05861.

of Lyndon passed away unexpectedly after suffering a seizure at Willoughby Lake Monday afternoon, July 31, 2006. He was born in Redbank, N.J., Aug. 20, 1983, the son of Jeffrey Lefebvre and Christine (Graham) Corrow. Only this past May 15, he lost his mother suddenly in an automobile accident, a loss with which he really hadn't begun to deal; he is with her now. Andrew worked with his brother Neil at Lefebvre Tree Works. He was a tremendous athlete; hockey, baseball, football - anything he tried he was good at. And he loved his nephew, Tristan. Besides his nephew Tristan, he is survived by his brother Neil of Lyndon Center (P.O. Box 247, 05850); his father Jeff Lefebvre and Robin Allen of Lyndonville (P.O. Box 346, Lyndon Center 05850); his paternal grandparents, Gordon and Rebecca Lefebvre of Island Pond (P.O. Box 185, 05846); stepfather Larry Corrow of Lyndonville; aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by an infant sister Adrien, and, of course, by his mother Christine. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. The Rev. Richard O'Donnell will celebrate his Mass, as he did for his mother. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Friday from 5-8 p.m. Memorial contributions could be directed to the Vermont Epilepsy Foundation, P.O. Box 6292, Rutland VT 05702.

, 88, of Sias Avenue, Newport, died peacefully Aug. 1, 2006, at the Newport Health Care Center. She was born on Oct. 11, 1917, in Guilford, Maine, a daughter of John Lyman and Eurma P. (Dore) Potter, MD. In December 1939, she married William A. Fyfe III, who predeceased her on Dec. 23, 2004. She held memberships with the American Legion Auxiliary Post 21 of Newport; United Church of Newport; Alumni of LaSalle Junior College; and Newport Woman's Club. Mrs. Fyfe liked her flowers, interior decorating, studying genealogy of the family members, traveling with Bill both in the United States and Canada, and several European countries. She also loved antiques, reading and cooking, even at the Orleans County jail. She also volunteered at the Newport Chamber of Commerce as well as for other organizations. She was a loving wife and mother, and enjoyed her many friends. Barb attended Deering High School in Maine, and graduated from LaSalle Junior College. Mrs. Fyfe was extremely involved in any of her husband's many projects, spending many hours and days in Montpelier when the House was in session. She is survived by her children, John A. Fyfe of Newport, Andrea Fyfe Smith of Derby, and William A. Fyfe IV and his wife Mary Jo of Colchester; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Geraldine Ashley of Maine; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, William A. Fyfe III, and a sister Madeline Soifer. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2006, at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport with the Rev. Joy Toll Chandler officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to North Country Renal Dialysis, care of Wendy Franklin, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855.

, 74, of Landaff, N.H., died in his home on July 28, 2006, after a courageous battle resulting from complications of diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Mr. Schofield was born on Jan. 5, 1932, in Weston, Mass., son of the late Arnold and Mary (Mara) Schofield. He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Schofield, to whom he was married for 7 years. Mr. Schofield's life was filled with a passion for both animals and music. His love for horses began as a child when he worked summers and weekends at a neighboring horse farm in Weston, Mass. He continued to enjoy them as an adult and achieved a life's dream of owning his own horse for several years which he kept in Landaff. His love for music was also aroused at a young age when he was recognized as a boy soprano soloist singing taps at local memorial services. Throughout his life, he remained active in church choirs, community choruses, and drama organizations, including Lisbon's Upstage Players. He became a fan favorite as a local entertainer, singer, accordionist and harmonica player. He and his wife, Donna, played in two local bands - "The North Country Ramblers," led by Helen Sargent, and "Trudy and the Pioneers," led by Trudy Keeler, both of which enjoy strong followings at venues that include the Darling Inn, Littleton Senior Center, Horse Meadow Senior Center, and the Enterprise Grange in Lyndon, Vt. Mr. Schofield enlisted in the South Boston Army Base on Dec. 29, 1950. After attending boot camp in Fort Bragg, N.C., he graduated on June 1, 1951, from Fort Benning, Ga., as a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division. After volunteering to serve in Korea, he was assigned to the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in which he served on the frontlines as a "Rakkasan." Loosely translated, it means "falling down umbrella man," the closest word for paratroopers in the Japanese language. He was a field wireman, responsible for telephone communications from the Regimental Command Post to four rifle companies and artillery. In later years and as a veteran and member of the Littleton VFW organization, he was honored to be selected as an annual soloist at the Memorial Day ceremonies in Littleton, N.H. Mr. Schofield worked many years as a construction laborer in Weston, Mass., before moving to New Hampshire in 1974 to work with his brother, Conrad, in the Schofield Septic Tank Service. He retired in 1993 from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation Bureau of Traffic after 15 years of service. In addition to his wife, he leaves three children, Sheila Jesseman of Merrimack, N.H., Stephen Schofield of New Haven, Conn., and Harding Schofield and spouse Joanna Schofield of Concord, N.H.; one brother, Conrad Schofield of Landaff, N.H.; nine stepchildren; 25 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and many friends both in the USA and Nova Scotia, Canada. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Douglas and Howard. The Schofields wish to thank all of their family, friends and neighbors, as well as the staff and volunteers from the North Country Home Health and Hospice organization for the wonderful support they have received during the past year. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m., in the Lisbon Methodist Church with burial immediately afterward in the Landaff Cemetery, Landaff, N.H. A light reception is being offered by the family at the Landaff Grange Hall following his burial. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Country Home Health and Hospice, Inc., 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561.

, 53, a longtime resident of East Albany, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2006, at her home in the loving care of her family. She was born in Newport, Aug. 6, 1952, the daughter of Gerard and Denaige (Casavant) Tremblay. She attended grade school in Albany and was a graduate of Lake Region Union High School in 1970. She trained as a beautician in Manchester, N.H., and was employed at Iola's in Newport for a few years. On Oct. 2, 1971, she married Ronald Niles in East Albany. They have made their home on her family farm on the Creek Road. When her daughters were in school, she went to work as a janitor at the East Albany School, later becoming the elementary school secretary. She held that position for about 20 years. A loving farm wife, Rita enjoyed her family, her garden, sewing, dancing and listening to music. Survivors include her husband, Ronald; four daughters, Nicole Libby and her husband Monte and Courtney Farrar and her husband, Tim, all of East Albany, Nannette Lantagne and her husband Bryan of West Glover, and Casee Niles and her fiance Matthew O'Brien of Springfield, Mass.; a brother, John Tremblay and his wife Carolyn of East Albany; four sisters, Gertrude Brien and her husband George of Georgia, Yvette Lamarche and her husband Ronald of Corinth, Maine, Jeanne Smith and her husband Robert of Lunenburg, Vt., and Aline Mierjewski and her husband Edward of Lutz, Fla.; six grandchildren, Preston and Peyton Libby, Brittney, Nicholas, Noah, and Bailey Lantagne, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, at the St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in East Albany with Fr. Dan Rupp officiating. Interment of her ashes will be in the St. John of the Cross Cemetery in East Albany. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, VT-New Hampshire Affiliate, P.O. Box 2496, Manchester Center, VT 05255.

, 76, died Friday, July 28, at her home on Sugar Hill Road in Easton, N.H. The daughter of Robert and Dorothy (Stoddard) Riordan, she was born on May 7, 1930, in South Bend, Ind., the third of nine children. She attended Rosarian Academy High School in Palm Beach, Fla., and graduated from St. Joseph's Academy High School in South Bend in 1948, after which she attended Purdue University. Joan's father was registrar and economics professor at Notre Dame University, and it was at a Purdue-Notre Dame football game that she met Notre Dame student Jerome Mark Laboe, of Monroe, Mich., whom she married on June 23, 1951. After living in several different states, the Laboe family moved to Jaffrey, N.H., in the summer of 1971. Attracted by the beauty of the White Mountains, Jerry and Joan relocated to Easton in 1994. Joan was an accomplished oil and watercolor artist. A devout Catholic, she donated her paintings to pro-life charity fund-raising efforts. Her passion for nature, which inspired much of her artwork, also kept her walking and gardening as well. She was a prolific reader and was involved in politics throughout her lifetime. In Easton, she had been vice president of the Kinsman Valley Club and was checklist supervisor for elections. Joan's husband, Jerome M. Laboe, predeceased her on Aug. 18, 2004, as did her brother Thomas in 2002. She is survived by her eight children, Michael of Liverpool, N.Y., John of Bow, N.H, Christopher of Santa Clara, Calif., Kevin of Birmingham, Mich., Dennis of Concord, N.H., Kathy and Suzanne of Rockville, Md., and James of Northwood, N.H; 24 grandchildren; and seven of her eight siblings, Michael, Patrick, Marcia Leonard, Terrence, Judith Goddard, Daniel, and Elaine Pickett. Calling hours will be Wednesday, Aug. 9, 4-6 p.m. at Ross Funeral Home, 282 West Main St., Littleton, N.H. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Aug. 10, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 113 Upper Plain, Bradford, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Eugene's Altar Society, P.O. Box 357, Wells River, VT 05081, and The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, North American Headquarters, Griffin Road, P.O. Box 196, Elmhurst, PA 18416.

, 76, died Friday evening, Aug. 4, 2006, at Weeks Medical Center, Lancaster, N.H. Mr. Brown was born in Berlin on Nov. 12, 1929, the son of Elwin and Lyndall (Call) Brown. John resided in Lancaster and Guildhall, Vt., most of his life. He was employed as a truck driver for Perras Lumber Company for the past 32 years. He served in the U.S. Army during Korea and was a member of the John W. Weeks VFW Post 3041 in Lancaster. Family members include his wife Dorothy (Baird) Brown of Guildhall; a son Kevin Brown of Sheffield, Vt.; two stepdaughters, Tina Ramsdell of Bethlehem, N.H., and Patricia Senter and her husband Douglas of Ryegate, Vt.; grandchildren Katelynn and Randy Senter; two brothers, Clarence Brown of Whitefield, N.H., and William Brown of Lancaster; a sister Edith Chessman of Lancaster. There are no visiting hours. A celebration of John's life will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Perras Treasures Hall in Northumberland, N.H.