, 90, of Burlington, died of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease on Monday, March 13, 2000, in the Burlington Health and Rehab Center with a special granddaughter, Amy, at her side. She was the daughter of Louis and Elmira (Latrelle) Longe. She was the widow of Joseph Gay who predeceased her in 1959. Rita was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was an example of dedication to her faith in the Catholic Church. She will be remembered by all family members as a wonderful and inventive cook, and she was the world’s best bingo player. She is survived by her children, Joyce and Robert Spear of Burlington, James and Jean Gay of Burlington, Janice and Roger Leonard of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Joseph Jr. and Mary Gay of South Burlington, Joanne and Leo Bushey of Warren, Jackson Gay of Winooski, Jean Bolster of Maryland, Jerry Gay of Montgomery, Jane Fisher of Burlington, Jeffrey Gay of St. George, Jennifer O’Neill of Burlington and June and Roger Sordiff of Fairfax; brothers and sisters, Florence Myette of Burlington, Unabelle Karnes of Burlington, Alfred and Joyce Longe of Essex Junction, Raymond and Corinne Longe of Colchester, Edward and Irene Longe of Burlington; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters, Dorena Strong, Dorothy Mayo and Marie Pasho; and by brothers, Donald and Clarence "Sonny" Longe. The family wishes to express their special appreciation to all of the staff at the Burlington Health and Rehab Center for the care given to Rita and all family members during her illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 16, 2000, at 1 p.m. in Christ the King Church in Burlington. Interment will follow in New Mount Calvary Cemetery. Those who wish may make donations in Rita’s honor to the Alzheimers Association, Vermont Chaper, 338 River St., Montpelier, Vt. 05602. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ready Funeral Home, South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington.

- Mistakenly omitted from yesterday’s obituary of Rita V. Gay was that she was also predeceased by a son, John Gay who died in 1959.

, 83, died Monday, March 13, 2000, in the Vermont Respite House after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 18, 2000, at 10 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church in Swampscott with interment to follow in Swampscott Cemetery. Friends may call at the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, Maple Street., Lynn, Mass., on Friday, March 17, 2000, from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Road, Williston, Vt. 05495. Bill’s family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the special staff and volunteers at the Vermont Respite House for their kindness and support.

, 95, of Burlington died on Monday, March 13, 2000, in the Birchwood Terrace Health Care. She leaves her daughter, Mrs. Rita Ouellette of Burlington; three grandchildren, Mary Burnham and husband, Douglas, of Montpelier, Joseph Ouellette and wife, Joyce, of Milton and Jane Watson and husband, Paul, of Essex Junction; also six great-grandchildren. There will be no visiting hours and funeral services will be private.

, 92, died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, at the home of her daughter, Lucille Brigham, following a brief illness. She was born April 18, 1907, in Ontario, Canada, one of 14 children of Medard and Soufranie (Meilleur) Theoret. Oct. 10, 1932, Alice married Almanzor Dutil in Alburg. He predeceased her Jan. 7, 1991. Mrs. Dutil was a member of Holy Rosary Church and the Holy Rosary Altar Society. She is survived by her five sons, Raymond (Kathy) Dutil of Colchester, CT; Paul (Becky) Dutil of Milton, John (Vivian) Dutil of Richmond, Philip Dutil of Willilston, and Claude Dutil of St. George; three daughters, Lucille D. Brigham of Williston, Mrs. John (Pauline) Truax of Essex Junction, and Mrs. Philip (Madeline) Noel of Richmond; 28 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her sisters, Sister Florence Theoret, C.S.C. of New Hampshire and Lucille Brault of Florida; her brothers, Paul Theoret of Massachusetts, Laurence Theoret of Vermont, and Joseph Theoret of California; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Almanzor; sons Roger, George and Louis Dutil; a daughter, Suzanne Dutil; and four brothers and four sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 18, 2000, at 11 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church in Richmond. Burial will take place in Holy Rosary Cemetery in the spring. There are no visiting hours. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of the Champlain Valley, 1110 Prim Road, Suite 1, Colchester, Vt. 05446, or Richmond Rescue, P.O. Box 404, Richmond, Vt. 05477. Gifford Funeral Service, 22 Depot St., Richmond, is in charge of arrangements.

, Religious Hospitaller of St. Joseph at Fanny Allen Community, passed away on March 14, 2000. She was born June 26, 1908, in Burlington, and entered the congregation at Holy Family convent in Burlington, Oct. 7, 1947. She was professed June 6, 1952, at the Motherhouse in Montreal. She was a graduate of Trinity College and attended St. Louis University. She served the sick and the needy in various ministries such as an executive secretary in the accounting department and administrative posts. She was also an accomplished vocalist and organist. She was assigned to various missions at DeGoesbriand Memorial Hospital at Kingston, Ontario from 1974-1989, at the Motherhouse in Montreal, at Notre Dame Hospital in Biddeford, Maine and at the Fanny Allen Community in Colchester. One of her greatest pleasures was a love of nature in all its beauty. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter A. and Elizabeth Callahan Gage. She is survived by a loving brother, Walter A.; and sister-in-law, Beatrice Gage of Williston; a nephew, James in South Burlington; the sisters of the Fanny Allen Community in Colchester; and the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 16, at 2 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel on Fanny Allen Campus. Interment will follow in the Fanny Allen Cemetery in Colchester. Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Chapel. Arrangements by Ready Funeral Home, South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road.

died March 14, 2000, with his family at his side in Fletcher Allen Health Care following a heart attack. He was born in Burlington on Dec. 7, 1928, the son of Larry Sr. and Margaret (Forney) Gardner. He graduated from Burlington High School and the University of Vermont. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army in Japan, where he began a lifelong love of travel and work abroad. Larry was a wonderful and dedicated teacher and taught for many years in Europe and in area schools including South Burlington High School and Pine Ridge School in Williston. In later years, he served in the Peace Corps in Jamaica and Hungary, where he set down roots and formed close friendships. He was a familiar sight in Burlington for many years, driving an SSTA van, and for several summers worked at the Shelburne Museum. He volunteered for the Chittenden County Reparative Board, the Medical School, and other area organizations. Larry enjoyed acting and was rarely off stage. He was a former member of the Essex Community Players and Lyric Theater in addition to enjoying several supporting roles in Vermont feature films. He was an avid gardener and was known to his neighbors wherever he lived as a willing assistant in any horticultural challenge. Larry was a talented whittler and wood carver. His puzzles and Christmas ornaments ("Larry’s balls") were known far and wide. He was predeceased by his parents and niece, Anne. He is survived by his former wife and friend, Betsy Gardner; his children, Kate McDaniel, Geoffrey, and Alex; his two grandchildren, Jake and Max McDaniel; his brother, John; sister-in-law, Flossie;, and nephew, Jamie. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 18, in St. Paul’s Cathedral at 11 am. A reception will follow at The Top of the Square, at One Cathedral Square. Contributions in his memory may be sent to the Cathedral Square Corporation Gardening Fund. The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at FAHC Intensive Care Unit for their compassion and support.

,79, of Verona, N.J. passed away on March 14, 2000. Born in Pine Island, Minn, he lived in Verona for 43 years. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and loving support to his family, especially to his wife Harriet through her lengthy illness. Mr. Gordon graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in engineering in 1942, and worked for General Electric for 42 years until his retirement in 1984. He also taught at the Newark College of Engineering He especially enjoyed creating and repairing anything mechanical and passed his knowledge to others in a loving way. He took joy in seeing his grandchildren grow and being a part of their lives. He served as treasurer of the Altar Guild at the Church of the Holy Spirit for many years. Surviving members of his family are his sister, Joan Gordon of St. Paul, Minn.; and two children, Anne G. Sevee of Vergennes, Vt., and James W. Gordon Jr. of Roselle Park. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Gordon and Elizabeth Sevee, and Laura, Sarah, and Andrew Gordon. He is predeceased by his wife, Harriet Stevens Gordon, who died Jan. 31, 1994. Memorial services were held Monday, March 20, at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Verona, N.Y., Arrangements were by the Prout Funeral Home in Verona.

of Burlington, longtime editor of "Vermont Life" magazine, died March 14, 2000, in his 84th year. Walter was born in Manchester in 1915, the son of Manchester writers and booksellers,Walter and Margaret Hard, and brother of the late Ruth Hard. His wife,Dorothea, predeceased him in 1996. He leaves his devoted sons, Crosby, and partner, Deb, also from, of Burlington, Stephen L. and his wife, Daphne, of South Hero; and his grandchildren, Emery and Stephen Hard and their mother, Andrea Gray, of Burlington. He also leaves cousins, Erma Macy and Mary Louise Bort; and nieces and a nephew in California and New York State. As a child, Walter attended the village grammer school in Manchester and graduated in the 100th class of Burr and Burton Seminary. In 1937, he graduated from Dartmouth College as an English major. He spent summers working in his family’s drugstore. In his junior year of college, he and a classmate toured England and Germany’s Olympic games–on a proud $200 each–as work-away sailors. For a year afterward, he worked as bookstore manager in Bangor, Maine. In 1940, having drawn a low draft number, Walter volunteered for a year in the Army and ended up serving until 1945. He trained in infantry beach landings with the 1st Division’s 27th Infantry and transferred after Pearl Harbor to the new 87th Mountain Infantry, where he served in Colorado, Mt. Rainer, and the Kista Invasion in 1943. He served last as 1st sergeant of Company B 87th in Italy, where he was slightly wounded in the 10th Mountain Division’s push into the Po valley. He returned to the U.S. for discharge on V-J Day, having served every enlisted rank from a $21-a-month private to sergeant major. Back in Vermont, Walter joined the staff of the "Rutland Herald." Starting in 1946, he represented the "Burlington Free Press" as a statehouse reporter. There he met Dorothea Perry of Brattleboro who was working on the staff of Governor Ernest Gibson. They married in 1948 and later made their home in nearby Adamant. In 1946, Walter joined the staff of the new "Vermont Life" magazine as business manager. in 1950, he succeeded founding editor, Earl W. Newton, starting with the spring issue. His career at "Vermont Life" was supported by the late Martha Carter, then Lane Press representative, Proctor Page, and business manager, Peter Sykas. Supported by profits from the production and sale of books and calendars, the magazine was self-supporting by 1973 when Hard retired from state employment. He began work as a book editor the next week with the late Lyman Woods’ Garden Way Publishing Company in Charlotte, under its director, Jack Williamson. Hard continued at Garden Way until retiring in 1979. In 1980, Walter and Dorothea sold their Burlington home and moved to the Cold Hollow Mountains of Bakersfield. After Dorothea’s death in 1996, Walter returned to Burlington. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff and physicans in the Flether Allen Health Care Dialysis Unit. A family gathering in his memory wil take place later this spring. Those who wish, may make donatons in Walter’s memory to the Visiting Nurses Association, 1110 Prim Road, Suite 1, Colchester, Vt. 05446.

, died March 14, 2000, in St. Louis, Mo. He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline Millstone; dear son of I.E. (Helen) Millstone and the late Goldie Millstone; beloved father of David H. Millstone of New York, N.Y., Robert D. (Colleen) Millstone of St. Louis, Susan Millstone (Hans) Schacke of San Diego, Calif, and Michael A. Millstone of Burlington, Vt.; dear stepfather of Katherine Zaborski; loving grandfather of Otis H. Millstone; beloved brother of the late Mary Ann Pappas; special friend of Helen and the late Fred Conway; and our dear uncle, cousin and friend. Funeral service will be held Friday, March 17, 2000, at 10 a.m. in United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63141. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions preferred to the Center of Contemporary Arts, 524 Trinity, St. Louis, Mo. 63130. A Rindskopf-Roth service.

of Waitsfield died Tuesday,March 14, 2000, after a long illness. He was born Jan. 24, 1950, in Charlotte, N.C., the son of the late Winthrop E. Prescott and Mary G. Prescott of Hanover, N.H. He graduated from New Canaan (Conn.) High School in 1968 and from Franklin Pierce College in 1973. He was the husband of Doriann (Perrotti) Prescott and father of Emily, Caitlin and Elisa, all of Waits- field. Surviving sisters are Judy Prescott Eger of McLean, Va., and Linda J. Prescott of Middlesex. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was employed as a carpenter for more than 20 years in the Mad River Valley. He was an avid skier, sailor and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors, especially when sharing these activities with his three daughters. He coached skiing for the Green Mountain Valey School Weekend Program for 10 years and continued to do so until his death. For many years, he was involved with the Harwood Union High School Varsity Ski Team and for the past two years coached the Harwood Boys J.V. Soccer Team. He also was a coach with the Mad River Valley Youth Soccer Program for several years. One of his true pleasures in life was coaching young athletes to help them achieve their potential. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 17, 2000, at 10 a.m. in the Green Mountain Valley School gym. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Harwood Union High School Alpine Ski or Soccer Program, RFD 1, Box 780, Moretown, Vt. 05660 (Attn: Danny McHugh), or Green Mountain Valley School Weekend Program, RR 1, Box 166, Waitsfied, Vt. 05673 (Attn: Doug Lewis).

, 83, died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, in Helen Porter Nursing Home in Middlebury. He was born Dec. 28, 1916, in Vergennes, the son of Charles and Grace (LeBeau) Ringer. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Vergennes and Vergennes American Legion Post No. 14. He was predeceased by his wife, Almary (Thomas) Ringer, in 1984. Theodore is survived by a son, Bradley; daughter-in-law Lise St. Pierre-Ringer; two granddaughters, Jennifer and Lauren of New Jersey; three brothers, Raymond and Frederick Ringer of Vergennes, and Vincent Ringer of Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Peter Catholic Church in Vergennes. Interment will be in Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes. Friends may call at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. Contributions may be made to Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 11, Vergennes, Vt. 05491, or American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate Inc., 12 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vt. 05495.

of Menands, N.Y., (Albany County) died March 14, 2000, at the Birchwood Terrace Health Care Center. Born Sept. 5, 1911, in Germany, she was educated there and came to the United States in 1937. Mrs. Stanko worked as a fur finisher with Beck Furs in Albany. She was the widow of Adolph Stanko. Survivors include a daughter, Carmyn Stanko of Williston, Vt.; two nieces, Emmy O’Brien and Christine DeMaranville, both of Albany, N.Y.; and several great and great-great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, 1200 Central Avenue, Colonie, N.Y. Friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home after 9 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Memory’s Garden in Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to the Birchwood Terrace Health Care Center, 43 Starr Farm Road, Burlington, Vt. 05401.

66, husband of Shirley (Locke) Laplant-Taylor, died Tuesday morning, March 14, 2000, at his home following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Spears Funeral Home on Dickinson Avenue in Enosburg Falls with Pastor Kate Tobey officiating. Interment will be next spring in the East Franklin Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday evening from 7-9 at the Spears Funeral Home in Enosburg Falls. For those who wish, contributions in his memory may be made to the Franklin County Home Health Agency, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, Vt. 05478.

, 81, died Tuesday, March 14, 2000, in Fletcher Allen Health Care. She was born Aug. 25, 1918, the daughter of Gustave and Hermione (Fischer) Paul in Pittsburg, Pa. She attended Textile High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was trained as a professional dressmaker and draftsman. She was a draftsman for the Manhattan Project during World War II. She also worked at Magram’s in Burlington for ten years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, flower and vegetable gardening, cooking, crosswords, knitting, and sewing. She is survived by her husband, Charles Von Bruns of Burlington; her children, Charles P. Von Bruns and his wife, Elaine, of Salem, Mass., and Sharon Von Bruns and her husband, Barry Conolly, of Westford. She also leaves one granddaughter, Hadley Von Bruns of Salem, Mass.; a sister, Margaret Drazen of Jupiter, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Barbara Von Bruns of Burlington; a brother-in-law, Walter Bruns of Colchester; and an uncle Dezzo Pal of Kosice, Solvak Republic. She was predeceased by her son, Kevin Von Bruns, in 1977. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 17, 2000, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home, 71 South Union Street, Burlington, Vt., with burial following in Lakeview Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. Memorial contribuons may be made to The Salvation Army, 64 Main Street, Burlington, Vt. and the Burlington Food Shelf.

, 81, died Wednesday evening, in Fletcher Allen Health Care Center in Burlington. Mr. Beauregard was born in Brandon on July 8, 1918. He was the son of Joseph H. and Lucy (Forsha) Beauregard. He received his early education in local Brandon Schools. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army in the Western Pacific theatre of operations. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Brandon. He was the owner and operator of Tom’s Barber Shop in Brandon for over 50 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brandon. He also belonged to the Brandon American Legion Post 55 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7231. He was a member of Neshobe Country Club and the Vermont State Golf Association. Mr. Beauregard was a past Grand Marshall of the Brandon Memorial Day Parade. Surviving are two sons, Thomas A. Beauregard of Morrisville and David J. Beauregard of Colchester; one sister, Ellen Baker of Proctor; also surviving are three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his first wife, Jessie (Wescott) Beauregard, in Nov. 1982, and his second wife, Nita (Jackson) Beauregard, in May 1988. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Joseph Beauregard, in 1953 and, Theodore "Red" Beauregard, in 1986. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at noon in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brandon. The Rev. Albert "Skip" Baltz, Pastor, will be the celebrant. A private graveside committal service and burial will follow in the family lot in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Brandon. Friends may call at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon on Saturday before the service from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory, to the Burlington Health and Rehabilitation Center, Activities Fund for the Residents, 300 Pearl Street, Burlington, Vt. 05401 Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home of Brandon.

of Panton died in Denver, Colo., on March 15. 2000. He was born Nov. 3, 1919, in New York City, the son of Joseph L. Jr. and Mildred Colegrove Hayden. He was a World War II U.S. Air Force veteran. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1951 with a degree in horticulture and landscape architecture. Mr. Hayden was employed as city arborist in the Philadelphia area for several years and served as president of the Penn-Del Chapter of the American Shade Tree Conference. He also was an extension specialist for Penn State Extension Service. After retirement, he moved to Vermont and managed his Christmas tree plantation at Wind in the Willow Farm in Panton. He is survived by his wife, Doris, of Panton; one son, Joseph IV of Radcliff, Ky.; three daughters, Cheryl Hayden of Shirley, Mass., Lucinda Luckenbill of Wellsboro, Pa., and Anita Hayden of Tucson, Ariz.; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one brother, Edward of Savannah, Ga.; and two nieces and a nephew. Services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2000, in the Vergennes Congregational Church at 2 p.m. with the Rev. William J. Richard Jr. officiating. There will be no visiting hours, but friends will have an opportunity to visit with the family after the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Library for the Blind, Berlin, Vt. 05602. Joe’s loved ones have committed their lives to the care and preservation of nature through his influence. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

, 72, of Burlington died in the Starr Farm Nursing Home on March 15, 2000, following a long illness. He was born in Brattleboro on June 15, 1927, the son of Arthur and Elizabeth (Rich) McDurfee. He was employed as an independent truck driver for many years. He is survived by his children, Richard A. and Donna McDurfee, Linda L. and Stanley Sargent, Pamela M. and Sparkie Robinson, David A. and Lori McDurfee, Deborah J. McDurfee, Kim Merling and Rick Ferris, Lynn Forant and Ed Gravel, and Bruce and Nancy Hazen; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three nieces; and one nephew. During his life, he most enjoyed summer vacations in Maine, flea markets, researching Vermont history and, most important, the association of his children. A prayer service will be held Friday,March 17, 2000, at 2 p.m. in the Ready Funeral Home North Chapel, North Avenue, Burlington. Visiting hours will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the prayer service. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery in Burlington. Arrangements are by the Ready Funeral Service, 934 North Ave., Burlington.

- Mistakenly omitted from yesterday’s obituary of Richard A. McDurfee Sr. was that he is also survived by one sister, Janice (Peg) Chalmers and her husband, Andy

, 97, died Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at his home in Addison. He was born March 24, 1902, in Addison, the son of Charles and Martha (Clark) O’Bryan. Ralph was a member of the Addison Baptist Church. He owned and operated a farm in Addison for more than 75 years. He was a selectman in Addison for many years. Ralph is survived by his wife of 74 years, Grace (Raine) O’Bryan of Addison; a son, Loren O’Bryan and his wife, Nancy, of Addison; five grandchildren, Patrick O’Bryan, Stephen O’Bryan, Gregory O’Bryan and his wife, Debra, Diane and her husband, Barry Tracy, and Joanne O’Bryan; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces. Services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. in the Addison Baptist Church. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery at a later date. There will be no public calling hours. Contributions may be made to the Addison Baptist Church, Addison, Vt. 05491, or Addison Country Home Health Care Agency, Rte. 7, Middlebury, Vt. 05753.

, 91, of Pinecrest Drive, died Wednesday, March 15, 2000, surrounded by her family at the home of her daughter, Elaine Kirby. She was born in Rouses Point, N.Y., on March 5, 1909, the daughter of the late Silas and Jennie (Rochester) Cheeseman. She was married to her first husband, Everett Ratta, the father of her three children. She later married Frank Proulx, who predeceased her in 1966. Mrs. Proulx owned and operated Proulx Market on Pinecrest Drive from 1963 to 1996. She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church and belonged to the Vermont Grocers Association. She loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed the family reunions, picnics, parties and traveling. She is survived by her three children, Evelyn Casey of Burlington, Everett Ratta and his wife, Marcia, of San Diego, Calif., and Elaine Kirby and her husband, Howard, of Essex Junction; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Peggy Cheeseman; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special little buddy, Tyler Bean. She was also predeceased by two brothers and two sisters, John and James Cheeseman, Ethel Stowell Schaeffer and Marion Bushway. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2000, at 11 a.m. in St. James Episcopal Church, 66 Lincoln St., Route 2A. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association, 1110 Prim Road., Colchester, Vt. 05446. Visiting hours will be held Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Ready Funeral Home, Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Drive.

, 87, died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, March 15, 2000, in Clark’s Nursing Home in Vergennes. She was born Oct. 7, 1912, in Lincoln, the daughter of Frank and Mabel (Fenwick) Downer. Betty is survived by a daughter, Violet Smith of Bristol; a son, Martin and his wife, Ruth Stokes, of Florida; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Services will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. in Maple Cemetery in Lincoln. There will be no calling hours. Contributions may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad, Bristol, Vt. 05443. Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol is in charge of arrangements.

, a Burlington attorney for more than four decades, died at her home on College Street on Thursday. Her daughter, Leigh of Charleston, S.C.; and her son, Ben of Olympia, Wash., were at her bedside. She is also survived by a granddaughter and two sisters. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; and a son, Craig. Born in Nebraska in 1924, Mrs. Alexander earned degrees from the University of Nebraska in 1946 and the University of Michigan Law School at Ann Arbor in 1950. She was the first woman law school graduate admitted to the Vermont Bar, in 1955. Mrs. Alexander practiced law in New York City and Geneva, N.Y., before moving to Charlotte in 1954 with her husband, architect Eugene Alexander. Both practiced their professions in Charlotte and then in Burlington, where they raised their family. They shared an appreciation of classical music and contemporary arts and served in several community and cultural organizations. Mrs. Alexander participated enthusiastically in the state Democratic party with a group of young democrats who rejuvenated the party in the 1960s and ’70s, leading to the election of several Democrats to local, state and national offices. As an attorney, she assisted with rewriting the Vermont constitution. Mrs. Alexander was active in many organizations supporting the arts in Vermont. She was instrumental in establishing the Vermont Council on the Arts. She filled various posts with the Vermont Youth Orchestra, served as president of the Burlington Friends of Music, worked on the Lane Series and served as treasurer of the Vermont Alliance for the Arts in Education. Mrs. Alexander’s interests were wide-ranging, and she also was secretary of the Vermont chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and in recent years she contributed frequently to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. Mrs. Alexander and her husband traveled widely in western Europe, northern Africa and the far East. In 1986, they established a second residence in southern Portugal, spending their winters there, where they welcomed visitors from Vermont and introduced them to a warm circle of international friends. Both groups will long remember her as a lightning solver of cryptic crossword puzzles and as a demon scrabble player. Contributions in Mrs. Alexander’s memory may be made to the Vermont Youth Orchestra or the Visiting Nurse Association. Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

, 65, died Thursday, March 16, 2000, in Copley Manor in Morrisville following several years of failing health. He was born in Burlington on July 10, 1934, the son of Rufus and Vella (Drinkwater) Haskins. He had served with the 131st Engineers Division of the Vermont Army National Guard. July 3, 1954, he married Beverly Wheelock in Huntington. "Ped" was a truck driver for many area construction firms until his retirement. He was a member of the Huntington Jaycees and served as assistant chief of the Huntington Volunteer Fire Department for several years. He is survived by his wife, Beverly W. Haskins of Richmond; their three children, Michael Haskins and his fiancee, Jan, of Berlin, Valarie Haskins of Richmond, Todd Haskins and his wife, Rebecca, of Starksboro; six grandchildren, Kasey, Katie, "Zeke," Hilary, Cody and Rachel Haskins; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Haskins. The family would like to thank the staff of Copley Manor for their compassion and devotion to their loved one during these difficult years. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 19, 2000, at 2:30 p.m. in Gifford Funeral Home, 33 Depot St., Richmond. Visiting hours are at the funeral home today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will take place in Maplewood Cemetery in Huntington in the spring. Memorial gifts may be made to Richmond Rescue, P.O. Box 404, Richmond, Vt. 05477.

, 80, died Friday, March 17, 2000, in Helen Porter Nursing Home in Middlebury after a long illness. He was born Nov. 2, 1919, in Lincoln, the son of Morton and Louise (Kelton) Bent. He was an avid outdoorsman, by enjoying nature and the beauty of the woods. Robert is survived by a sister, Margery Wyman and her husband, Eldon of Brandon; two brothers, Daniel Bent of New Sharon, Maine, and Lewis Bent of Corinth, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Erwin Bent; and a sister, Margaret Bent. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol. Interment will be in Maple Cemetery in Lincoln. Friends may call at the Brown-McClay Funeral Home on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until the hour of the funeral. Contributions may be made to American Lung Association of Vermont, 30 Farrell St., South Burlington, Vt.05403.

, born Oct. 28, 1931, passed away March 17, 2000, after a long battle, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Lee was born and grew up on a farm and worked hard all his life. He will long be remembered for his laughter and wonderful sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh and feel good. His sense of humor was with him until the very last day. Lee was most recently president of the Resident Council for several years at his community care facility at Lebanon Center Genesis Elder Care, where he so enriched everyone’s life. There will be a void there without him. It is often said that a person’s wealth is measured by his friends - Lee was a king! His greatest accomplishments, however, were his seven children, Debbie Kittell, Lisa Lumbra, Tim Cyr, Maria Ritchie, Lynn Cyr, Pam Cyr and Susanne McEwen. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2000, at 1 p.m. in the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton. Interment will follow, with full military honors, in the family lot in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends may call at the Kidder Memorial Home on Tuesday, March 21, 2000, from 11 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. For those who wish to make contributions, please send donations to Resident Council Fund, c/o Linda Dion, Lebanon Center Genesis Elder Care, R.D. 1, Box 131K, Lebanon, N.H. 03766

, 68, of Winooski died peacefully at her home Friday, March 17, 2000. She was born in Winooski on Dec. 14, 1931, the daughter of the late Eugene and Anna (Savoy) Greenough. She was a graduate of Burlington High School and Goddard College. She was married in Burlington on March 7, 1959, to Joseph E. Lucia. Audrey was employed in the area for many years, at Abraham’s, in the photography department; with the Head Start Program in Winooski; the Vermont Sweater Company; the Granite State Marketing Company, in the research department; and with the Burlington Free Press as a carrier for more than 20 years. Audrey is survived by her husband of 41 years, Joseph E. Lucia I of Winooski; five children, Ann Marie Edson and her husband, Thomas, of Winooski and Florida, Katherine Marie Lucia of Orlando, Fla., Dennis Lucia of Winooski, Joseph E. Lucia II and his wife, Barbra, of Burlington, Glenn Lucia and his wife, Melissa, of St. Albans; five grandchildren, Amy, David, Scott, Thomas Jr. and Robert; three great-grandchildren; one uncle, Lawrence Savoy of Burlington; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Richard Greenough. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2000, at noon with the Rev. Gerald Bombardier to officiate in the LaVigne Funeral Home in Winooski. Interment will be in Fort Allen Cemetery in Colchester in the spring. Visiting hours will be Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St., Winooski.

, 49, died peacefully in the loving arms of his family and friends Friday, March 17, 2000, in the Vermont Respite House in Williston following a short illness. He was born in Colchester on June 13, 1950, the son of the late Ovila and Juliette (Herbert) Quintin. He attended Rice Memorial High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Marines, where he served in Vietnam for four years as a radio operator. He was married March 3, 1973, to Linda (Laramee). Before his illness,he was employed at IBM. John had many hobbies and interests such as hunting, fishing, cooking, mud bogging, music and playing guitar with his friends and family, and watching sports, especially his favorite football team, the New England Patriots. John was also a very hard worker who took great pride in anything that he did. He was a very loving husband, father and friend, and he had a heart of gold. He is survived by two daughters, Angela Quintin of Colchester, and Shannon Quintin of Essex Center; lifelong friend Linda Laramee of Colchester; two brothers, Philip and Albert Quintin of Essex Center; four sisters, Alice Parrow of Burlington, Del and her husband, Bud LaCasse, of Arkansas, Cora and Bill Martin of Essex, and Roselie and her husband, Lauren Paquette, of Massachusetts; two sisters-in-law, Alida and Ruth Quintin, both of Colchester; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. He was predeceased by two brothers, Ernest and Paul Quintin; one sister, Laura (Quintin) Fleming and her son, Paul; and one sister-in-law, Theresa Quintin and her son, Michael. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 21, 2000, at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Richmond. Interment will be in the spring in Maplewood Cemetery in Huntington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division Inc., 13 Loomis St., Montpelier, Vt. 05602, or to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate Inc., 12 Hurricane Lane, P.O. Box 485, Williston, Vt. 05495. Visiting hours will be Monday, March 20, 2000, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the LaVigne Funeral Home Inc. 132 Main St., Winooski.

, 58, passed away Friday, March 17, 2000, in Fletcher Allen Health Care after a 30-year battle with heart disease. He was born Aug. 9, 1941, in Burlington, the son of George L. and Gladys (Rock) Sorrell. He had been employed at IBM for 20 years and later worked a A & B Beverage in Grande Isle for several years. He was very active with the Grande Isle Fire Department, having been chief for more than 10 years, and had held most of the other offices. He had been a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Grande Isle for most of his life. George was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. When his ailment kept him from going any longer, he took up his video camera and captured many beautiful nature scenes, a new-found hobby which gave him much joy. He leaves his wife of 40 years, Cynthia (Bruce) Sorrell of Grande Isle; four children and their spouses: Robin and Minj Sorrell of South Hero, Scott and Jennifer Sorrell of Essex Junction, Wendy Sorrell of Hinesburg, and Julie and Chad Poland of Willliston; three much-loved grandsons, Dylan and Brian Sorrell and Deagan Poland; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Jack Perry of Grande Isle; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 20, 2000, at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church in Grande Isle. Spring interment will be in Grande Isle Cemetery. Visiting hours are Sunday in the church hall from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to either the Grande Isle Fire Dept. or Grande Isle Rescue. Arrangements are in the care of Elmwood-Meunier Funeral Home, Burlington.

, 77, of Mountain Road, Stowe, passed away in Copley Hospital in Morrisville on Friday, March 17, 2000. She was born in Craftsbury on Oct. 23, 1922, the daughter of the late Elwin and Florence (Mason) Luther. For 18 years, she owned and operated Whitcomb’s Grocery on Wolcott Street in Hardwick. She is survived by a son, Ronald Whitcomb and his wife, Elaine, of West Woodbury; a daughter, Charmaine "Sherry" Lefebvre and her husband, Michael, of Northfield; two sisters, Rebecca Daniels of Greensboro, and Madeline Goyeneche of Arizona; three grandchildren, Gordon "Jay" Whitcomb and his wife, Karen, Dana Collette and Melissa Collette; one great-grandson, Hunter Whitcomb; two very special family members, Victor Collette and Tom Savage; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by two brothers, Mike and Woody Luther. Visiting hours will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no funeral service. A graveside service for friends and relatives will be held in the spring in the Branch Cemetery in Craftsbury and announced at a later date. Contributions may be made in Pearl’s memory to the Lamoille Country Home Health Agency, 55 Farr Ave., Morrisville, Vt. 05661. Arrangements are by the White-Fiess Funeral Home, Brooklyn Street, Morrisville.

, 80, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 18, 2000, in Fanny Allen Health Care in Burlington. He was born Feb. 22, 1920, in Colchester, the son of Joseph and Mary (Peturia) Bessette. George was a retired farmer and had also retired from the Essex Junction School District. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially just being in the mountains of Vermont breathing the fresh, crisp air. He enjoyed playing the bones and the harmonica, gardening, and making moonshine. He leaves his wife, Theresa; his son George "Butch" Bessette Jr. and his wife, Maureen; his daugher Susan Wright; his sisters, Helen Lavee, Betty Bessette and Florence Wolcott; his brothers, Joseph Jr., Edward, Robert and Raymond; grandchildren, Rebecca Lynne Bessette, Angel Mulliss, and Debbie, Donna, David and Dianne Lang; and many nieces and nephews; as well as many close friends. He was predeceased by two brothers; Victor and John Bessette; and two sisters, Hazel Bessette and Isabelle Griffiths. Visiting hours are Wednesday in the St. Rose of Lima Parish Hall in South Hero from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A funeral Mass will follow in the church at 11 a.m. Those wishing may send memorial contributions to the Grande Isle Rescue Squad. Arrangements are by the Elmwood-Meunier Funeral Home, Burlington.

, 84, a resident of VerDelle Village, died Saturday, March 18, 2000, in Northwestern Medical Center. Julia is survived by her daughter, Kathryn and her husband, Lyle Quackenbush, of Fairfax; and other family members. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 15, 2000, at 3 p.m. in the Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton. Gifts in Julia’s memory may be made to the Activities Fund of VerDelle Village, Sheldon Road, St. Albans, Vt. 05478.

, 99, died Saturday, March 18, 2000, in the Verdelle Village ECF in St. Albans. She was born April 16, 1900, in Sweetsburg, Quebec, the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Kirk) Clossey. Miss Clossey had been a resident of Richford since 1928 and was a former resident of Stamford, Conn. She had been employed as a nurse’s aide in area nursing homes. She is survived by a nephew, Lindsey Bickford of New Westminser, British Columbia; a niece, Evelyn Dicks of Allentown, Pa.; and a very dear friend, Edna Wright of Richford. She was predeceased by a sister, Helen Bickford; and a brother George Clossey. Memorial services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Spears Funeral Home, 140 Main St., Richford. Interment will be in thet spring in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Dunham, Quebec.

, 85, died peacefully Saturday, March 18, 2000, at his home. He was born Nov. 28, 1914, in Actonvale, Quebec, the son of Valmore and Angela (LaFontaine) Gevry. His family moved from Canada when Lawrence was 14 years old. He attended schools in Addison and Vergennes. He was a longtime dairy farmer in Addison until he retired in 1996. Lawrence is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cecile (Laframboise) Gevry; a daughter, Joyce and Joe Tarte of Addison; five sons, Roger and Joanne, David, and Rheal and Gail, all of Addison, Leo of Bridport, and Bernard and Jennie of North Ferrisburg; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; four brothers, Gerard, Louis, Paul, and Robert; nine sisters, Colombe Cousineau, Bridget Cousino, Yvette Field, Alice Cousino, Aline Kirk, Claire Aube, Susan Gamache, Joanne Dusten, and Cecile Young; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Roland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Peter Church in Vergennes. Interment will be in St. Peter Cemetery in Vergennes. Friends may call at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes on Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Addison Fire Dept., Addison, Vt. 05491; Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 11, Vergennes, Vt. 05491; Addison County Home Health Care Agency, Route 7, Middlebury, Vt. 05753; or a charity of one’s choice.