, 88, of Newport died in Newport on Wednesday, November 26, 2003. Mrs. Royea was born in Derby on September 29, 1915, the daughter of Joseph and Edith (Brunelle) Snay. She was a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport. She enjoyed her family. In 1942, she married Harry Royea Sr., who predeceased her in 1981. She is survived by her children: Miriam Carr of Newport, Harry Royea Jr. of Derby, and Carolyn Elliott and her husband, Charles, of Newport; by her brothers Robert Snay and his wife, Kay, of Vero Beach, Florida, and Fredrick Snay and his wife, Mary, of Newport; by her sisters Joyce Bushaw and her husband, Wilfred, of South Burlington and Phyllis Badger of Milton; by her grandchildren: Bernand Royea, Sheryl Kimball, Michelle Kelley, Teresa Liberty, Glenn Elliott, Melanie Elliott, and Courtney Elliott; by ten great-grandchildren; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandson Timothy Carr; by her brothers: Howard, Richard, George, Charles, and Edward Snay; and by her sister Charlotte Snay. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Royea's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Vermont Affiliate, 77 Hegeman Avenue, Colchester, Vermont 05446.

, 26, of Lowell died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, November 25, 2003. Mr. Richardson was born in Morrisville on September 23, 1977, the son of Dwight and Cynthia (Cassidy) Richardson. He worked as a mechanic for CCS in Morrisville. He was an active member of the Lowell Fire Department. He enjoyed four-wheeling with friends and snowmobiling in the winter. He is survived by his parents, Dwight and Cynthia Richardson, of Lowell; by his grandmother Ilene Richardson of Lowell; by his brothers Wayne Richardson and his wife, Melanie, of Lowell and Brian Richardson and his wife, Angel, of Lowell; by his nieces and nephews: Jacob and Cierra Richardson of Lowell, Alex Richardson of Lowell, and Alyssa Hamel of Brownington; and by several aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his grandparents: Percy Richardson, Aletia Martell, and Richard Cassidy. Funeral services were held November 29 at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes in Newport with Pastor Duane Hodgeman officiating. Interment followed at Mountainview Cemetery in Lowell.

, 89, of Greensboro died at Maple Lane Nursing Home in Barton on November 26, 2003.Ms. Metraux was a cultural anthropologist associated with the American Museum of Natural History in New York. She was an active researcher, teacher, and writer on broad aspects of anthropology and collaborated on many books and articles with anthropologist Margaret Mead. She conducted her own research in Haiti, Montserrat (British West Indies), and New Guinea. She is survived by her brother Paul F. Bubendey of Vero Beach, Florida; by her son, Daniel A. Metraux, of Staunton, Virginia; and by her grandchildren Katherine Metraux of Sacramento, California, and David Metraux of Syracuse, New York. Burial will occur during the summer in Greensboro.

, 68, of Lowell died at her home with her family by her side on Saturday, November 29, 2003, after a long battle with cancer. Mrs. Gosselin was born on April 15, 1935, in Lowell, the daughter of Woodrow and Barbara (Souther) Bickford. She worked as a nurses' aide at Bel-Aire Quality Care Nursing Center for 14 years. She enjoyed painting, working in her flower garden, and spending time with her cats. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Gerard Gosselin; by her daughters Jennifer Gosselin of Lowell and Lisa Hilliker and her husband, Brent, of Norton; by her grandchildren Emily and Nathan Hilliker; by her brothers: Gary Warner of Connecticut, Vernon Warner of Lowell, Austin Warner of Pennsylvania, and Roy Warner of Florida; and by her sisters Connie Laplume of Westfield and Susie Arel of Lowell. Funeral services were held December 2 at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend John Genco officiating. Spring interment will take place at Mountainview Cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Gosselin's memory may be made to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, a longtime resident of Island Pond, died in Lyndonville on Wednesday, November 26, 2003. Mr. Caouette was born in Lewiston, Maine, to Mathilda and Emile Caouette. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1941 and served during World War II for five years in Europe. In 1943 he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for meritorious conduct as a rail transportation officer in North Africa. It was a rare and happy occasion when he met his sister Priscilla and brother Robert in Italy during the war. His brother Bert was a prisoner of war in Nuremberg, Germany. When the war ended, he returned home aboard the Queen Elizabeth along with 14,000 others returning to their homeland. In July 1941, on his first furlough from the U.S. Army, he married Lorraine Osborne, and they were blessed with six children. They celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary on July 5, 2001. He was proud of his community of Island Pond in which he lived all of his life. He loved the people, the four seasons, and the tranquillity of a small town. Until he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in the summer of 2000, he could be seen taking his daily walk around the village and visiting with the townspeople. He had a great sense of humor and the desire to make people laugh. He was always up for a good joke. Throughout his life, he served his community in many ways including serving as selectman from 1962 to 1966. He was also an active member and past commander of Brighton Post No. 80 of the American Legion. He was presented with his life membership by the post in 1996. He was employed by the Canadian National Railroad until his retirement in 1983. For years he made the trip from Island Pond to Portland, Maine. He also was conductor on many of the special passenger trains that traveled to Island Pond. He was an avid collector of sports memorabilia, which he collected from all over the United States. A visit to the Caouette's home always included a tour of his "sports museum," which he displayed proudly. He was an avid hockey fan, and some of his best times were spent attending hockey games with his good friend, Gaetan Vallieres. His legacy will live on in his six children. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lorraine; by six children: Richard of Rutland, Linda Goulet and her husband, Craig, of Island Pond, Janis and her husband, Burton, of Island Pond, Christine Hill of Fair Haven, and Eileen Bailey and Teresa Caouette of Island Pond; by his grandchildren: Christopher Goulet of Derby, Janet Warner of Canton, New York, Justin Goulet of Island Pond, Chad Phillips of Burlington, Tiffany Barnes of Essex Junction, Jodi and Craig Barnes of Island Pond, Michal Hill of Blacksburg, Virginia, Katherine Hill of Fair Haven, Anna Hill of Fair Haven, Katrina Caouette of Rutland, Jacob Bailey of Burlington, and Peter Bailey of Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and by seven great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated November 29 at St. James' Catholic Church in Island Pond with the Reverend William Morgan officiating. Interment followed at Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond with full military honors. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Caouette's memory may be made to Brighton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Island Pond, Vermont 05846; or to St. James Catholic Church, P.O. Box 407, Island Pond, Vermont 05846.

, 42, a former resident of Craftsbury, died Friday, November 28, 2003, in Whittier, California, following a long battle with cancer. Born in Seoul, Korea, on September 20, 1961, Mr. Brown came to live in Craftsbury with his American family - Arnold and Judith Brown, Belinda, Gretchen, and Timothy - in November 1964, just in time for a happy Thanksgiving. He was the first foreign adoption arranged by the Vermont Children's Aid Society. He attended grade school and high school in Craftsbury, graduating from Craftsbury Academy in 1979. He served in the U.S. Navy, traveling around the world on the Midway. He lived with and loved his family, his former wife, Huch, and their children: Bobby, Diana, and Elizabeth. He was a good provider and enjoyed improving his home in Long Beach, California. According to his brother Tim, "Chris lived life right, at home and school, with family and friends, in the U.S. Navy and at work for the gas company in Long Beach." A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 7, at 3 p.m., at the United Church in Craftsbury Common with Pastor Avril Cochran officiating. Contributions in Mr. Brown's memory may be given to a scholarship fund being established in care of Craftsbury Academy, Craftsbury Common, Vermont 05827.

, 82, of Derby died in Newport on Friday, November 28, 2003. Mr. Allen was born in West Charleston on December 8, 1920, the son of Harley and Kathleen (Lafoe) Allen. He loved fishing, working with wood, and sightseeing. He is survived by his sister Ruth Goddard of Derby. He was predeceased by his sister Arlene Poulin and by three brothers. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

, 84, of Hardwick died Friday, December 12, 2003, at Copley Hospital in Morrisville. The Reverend Whitcomb was born August 15, 1919, in Brownington, the son of the late Ralph G. and Gertrude (White) Whitcomb. He attended the Brownington Center public school and graduated from Orleans High School in 1937. He later graduated from Eastern Bible Institute in Green Lane, Pennsylvania. On June 28, 1947, he married Florence Elizabeth Fortune in Barton. He was a man of great faith. He shared his ministry for more than 50 years through radio broadcast programs and as pastor in Patten, Maine, and in several Vermont towns: Northfield, Barton, North Troy, Lyndonville, East Charleston, and Hardwick. He retired in 1992. He was a member of the Touch of Grace Church in East Hardwick. He enjoyed singing and British MG cars. He was a self-taught mechanic. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Florence; a son, the Reverend Timothy Whitcomb, and his wife, Mary, of Schenectady, New York; a daughter, the Reverend Esther Hood, and her husband, the Reverend Thomas G. Sr., of Adams Center, New York; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Beatrice Berggren of Danbury, Connecticut, and Joyce Westover of Barton; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services were held December 16 at Northern Vermont Funeral Home in Hardwick with the Reverend Ernest Chaves officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in the Reverend Whitcomb's memory may be made to the Touch of Grace Church building fund, 101 Vermont Route 16, East Hardwick, Vermont 05836.

, 70, of Derby Line died at his home on Sunday, December 7, 2003. Mr. Westover was born in North Troy on December 10, 1932, the son of Lester and Bessie (Sylvester) Westover. On March 10, 1953, he entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on March 4, 1955. He worked as an inspector for over 30 years at Union Butterfield in Derby Line. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Alfred Pepin Post No. 798 of Newport and a past president of the Border Zone Dart League. On April 8, 1955, he married Hazel Davio, who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Allen Westover and his wife, Suzan, of Derby, Randy Westover and his fiancée, Lisa Bathalon, of Derby, Larry Westover and his wife, Theresa, of Southbridge, Massachusetts, and Lana Preston and her fiancé, Wayne Goff, of Wolcott; by seven grandchildren; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers and one sister. Graveside services will be held in the spring at North Troy Village Cemetery with the Reverend John Genco officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Westover's memory may be made to Derby Line Ambulance Service, in care of Brian Fletcher, P.O. Box 105, Derby Line, Vermont 05830.

of Guilderland, New York, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 11, 2003. Mr. Provencher was the son of the late Alfred and Alice Gokey Provencher and was born and raised in Barton. His social nature was enriched by his sense of humor and love of storytelling. He was intensely protective, loyal, and proud of his family. His friends, young and old, were numerous and an important part of his life. He was most happy when being with family and friends. He was an avid skier, tennis player, and bicyclist. He loved to ride his bike for many miles, stopping to visit with family and friends. Throughout his life, he was involved in learning, teaching, communications, and media. He had a love of photography and left beautiful pictures of his family and friends from his travels. He graduated from St. Michael's College with a bachelor of arts in English, from Fordham University with a master's degree in educational administration, and from the State University of New York at Albany with a master's degree in educational communication. He served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant from 1951 to 1954 and the U.S. Army Reserves from 1956 to 1963. He worked for over 30 years as a teacher with most of his work being done in the Guilderland central schools. He worked as a teacher of English and social studies and taught many young people to drive in summer school. He was instrumental in starting the use of instructional television in Guilderland schools. In 1966 he served as the junior-senior high audio-visual director and then became the media director at Farnsworth Middle School. A booklet, "Instructional Television, the Guilderland Experience" was produced by WMHT in 1978 as a resource for public television stations across the country. He was a past member of the Fort Hunter Fire Department and a former teacher and director of the religious education program at St. Madeleine Sophie's Church. He will be missed by his beloved children, to whom he passed on his love of humor and stories: Kathryn Provencher and Gregory Giorgio of Altamont, New York, William and Joan Provencher of Madison, Wisconsin, Thomas and Christine Provencher of Rotterdam, New York, Michael and Linda Provencher of Redondo Beach, California, Elizabeth Provencher Rabet and Jean Pierre Gueniat of Versailles, France, and John Provencher of Troy, New York, for whom he was a best friend. He was also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Ben and Dan Provencher, Shawn, Amy, Amanda, and Genna Provencher, Darcy, Dylan, and Zoe Provencher, and Bastien and Jordan Rabet; by his dear sister Mary Anne Lisk of Londonderry, New Hampshire; by his sister-in-law Genia Provencher; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his adored brother Raymond Provencher and sister Hazel Lucier. A Memorial Mass was held December 17 at St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Guilderland. Those who wish may make contributions to Unity House, 3229 Seventh Avenue, Troy, New York 12180; or to Ellis Hospital Foundation, 1101 Nott Street, Schenectady, New York 12308.

, 59, of North Troy died on Sunday, December 14, 2003, in Newport after a long illness. Mrs. Messa was born in Waterville on November 9, 1944, the daughter of the late Charles William Duffy Sr. and the late Beatrice Rose Quienty Duffy. She married Donald M. Messa on May 29, 1971. She loved her family and was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was very creative and gifted with numerous talents. The projects she undertook and her determination were amazing. Her strength, humor, and hospitality taught her family much and leave them with many warm and joyful memories. She is survived by her husband, Donald Messa, of North Troy; by four daughters: Brenda Bean and her husband, Micheal, of Burlington, Elena Demers of Newport Center, Christine Messa of Brookline, Massachusetts, and Mary Messa of North Troy; by three grandchildren: Mark Demers Jr., Daniel Demers, and Jennifer Bean; by the following brothers and sisters: Charles and his wife, Ethel, of Waterville, Grace Langlois and her husband, Thomas, of Belvidere, Irene Morin of North Hyde Park, Ralph and his wife, Roberta, of Waterville, Roger and his wife, Becky, of Hyde Park, Arnold and his wife, Charlene, of Johnson, and Deborah Hodgson and her husband, John, of Waterville; and by many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. She was predeceased by a sister, Jean Burnor. Funeral services were held December 16 at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend David Lisner officiating. Spring interment will be held at Waterville Mountain View Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Messa's memory may be to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 71, of Orleans died peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2003, at her home with her family at her side. Mrs. Mason was born on January 21, 1932, in Brownington Center, the daughter of David and Lida (Simineau) Provencher. She owned and operated a restaurant in Barton. She also owned a lunch wagon, traveling to many fairs in the area. She enjoyed knitting, playing cards with family and friends, going to garage sales, and collecting rooster and chicken figurines. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 28 of Jay Peak and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post No. 798 of Newport. She was married to David Charles Mason Sr., who predeceased her on December 6, 1992. She is survived by her children: Arnold Sargent and his wife, Merna, of Alberta, Gerald Sargent and his wife, Julie, of British Columbia, Ronald Sargent of Alberta, Marilyn Sargent of Alberta, Mary Sargent of Ontario, Francis Mason and his wife, Brenda, of Southboro, Massachusetts, and Paul Mason of Lanexa, Virginia; by her stepson David Mason Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Southboro; by her sister Rita Norway of Orleans; by her special friend and companion, Richard Chase, of Newport; by 15 grandchildren; by several great-grandchildren, and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Donald Sargent. Funeral services were held December 17 at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend Daniel Rupp officiating. Spring interment will be in St. John's Cemetery in Irasburg. Should friends desire contributions in Mrs. Mason's memory may be made to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 71, of Albany died at his home Thursday, December 11, 2003, after recent heart surgery. Mr. Horner was born in Albany on July 31, 1932, the son of the late Aaron Forrest Horner Sr. and the late Grace Poutry Horner Carter. He attended grade school in Albany. He joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Korean War. He married Elaine Marsh Burbank on November 4, 1967. They made their home in Albany, where he worked many years on Brow's potato farm and retired after 18 years with the Vermont Department of Transportation in the highway department, in January 1995. He was a former member of American Legion Post No. 23 of Orleans and the Albany Fire Department, and a member of Albany Historical Society and Albany United Methodist Church. After his retirement he served as custodian of the church and did lawn work. He enjoyed spending time with his family, spoiling his grandchildren, and traveling to Maine. He leaves his wife, Elaine Horner, of Albany; a son, Paige Horner, and his friend, Jodie Peck, of Albany; two daughters, Joanne Chase and her husband, Rudy, of Craftsbury and Lauren Michaud and her husband, Carl, of Montpelier; seven grandchildren: Karen Mason, Valerie Mason, Nick Chase, Troy Michaud, Ben Michaud, Paige-Desmah Horner, and Ayla-Kaid Horner; a sister, Josephine Bowen, of Morrisville; three brothers: Aaron Jr. "Bay," Phillip, and Robert Horner, all of Albany; his mother-in-law, Mary Marsh, of Vergennes; sister-in-law, Joan Marsh-Reed, of Vergennes; a brother-in-law, Stewart Marsh, of Ferrisburgh; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held December 14 at Albany United Methodist Church with Pastor Nathan Strong officiating. Final interment will be in Albany Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Horner's memory may be made to Albany Fire Department, in care of Jonathan Rowell, chief, P.O. Box 316, Albany, Vermont 05820; or to Albany United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 167, Albany, Vermont 05820.

, 75, of East Hardwick died December 14, 2003, at Copley Hospital in Morrisville. Mr. Hodgdon was born in Barton on February 2, 1928, the son of Archie and Mildred (Leno) Hodgdon. He married his wife, Leona Hodgdon, on June 19, 1999, in Newport. He formerly worked in electronic manufacturing. He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He is survived by his children: Debbie Keller of Barnagat, New Jersey, Gail Morse of New York, Penny Vanaman of Bennington, Karen Hodgdon of Baranagat, and Max Hodgdon II of Barnagat; by his stepchildren: Terry Hodgdon of Montpelier, Rebecca Laramee of Coventry, Mona Arruda of Barre, and Greg Hodgdon of Fairfax; by brothers and sisters: Richard Hodgdon of Derby, Archie Hodgdon of Craftsbury, Robert Hodgdon of South Naknek, Alaska, and Mary Sylvester of Coventry; by 22 grandchildren; and by eight great-grandchildren. Services will be at Hope Community Church in South Walden on Friday, December 19, at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

, 60, well-known businessman of Derby, died peacefully at home December 11, 2003, with his family at his side. Mr. Crowe was born May 24, 1943, in Derby, a son of the late Harold and Mary (Carr) Crowe Sr. He was a self-employed car salesman for Crowe Auto Sales of Derby for many years. He and his wife, Paula, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada. They traveled to every state except Hawaii. He enjoyed the car business and the many friends he made. He also enjoyed his home, his pond, and taking care of every tree on the property, which he planted. He enjoyed studying and reading about World War II, and he loved having family gatherings. He also was a fan of country music, and he played the guitar. He is survived by his wife, Paula Crowe, of Derby; by four children: Harold "Chip" Crowe III of Barre, Tammy Crowe of Newport, Erika Crowe of Plantation, Florida, and Tiffany Crowe and her friend, Tod Pronto, of Derby; by a granddaughter, Abagail Crowe, of Rutland; by two sisters, Patricia Gosselin of Granby, Massachusetts, and Nancy Durivage and her husband, Dorman, of Lowell; and by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel December 15 with the Reverend John Genco officiating. Spring interment will be in Derby Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Crowe's memory may be made to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.