, 88, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Nov. 8, 1915, the daughter of Leonard and Leta (Metcalf) Cross. She attended local schools. After the death of her husband Francis W. Simpson in 1954, she returned to St. Johnsbury and worked many years as a waitress at the Spanish Villa Restaurant. She loved taking day trips with friends and always spending happy times with her family in New Hampshire. She lived many years at the St. Johnsbury House and the past several years at the Canterbury Inn. Survivors include her daughter, Carol (Mrs. Kenneth Price Sr.) of Concord, N.H.; two grandsons, Kenneth Price Jr. of Concord, N.H., and Craig Price of Houston, Texas; two great-granddaughters, Kailie and Olivia Price of Concord, N.H.; a sister, Perlene Loesch of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; a brother, Leonard Cross of Claremont, N.H.; along with many nieces and nephews. A sister, Geraldine Wilkins; two brothers, Milton Cross and Grant Tripp; and a stepson, Wendall Simpson, predeceased her. There will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be held in the spring at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

, 54, of Waterford, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, unexpectedly at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Bob was born June 21, 1949, in Northfield, the son of Alexander and Eunice (Cella) Fontecha. He earned to associate degrees, one from Vermont Technical College, the other from Champlain College. Bob married Jess M. Isham March 22, 1975 at St. John's Catholic Church in St. Johnsbury, he was a member of St. John's Church, a member and secretary at the St. Johnsbury Elks Lodge, an active member on the St. Johnsbury Crime Stoppers Board, and worked as a police officer for the St. Johnsbury Police Department between 1976-1984, he then owned and operated RF Electronics, selling and installing security systems. Bob was a fun and loving person, especially around the holidays. He loved and enjoyed his family very much, we will miss him dearly. He enjoyed astronomy, camping, kayaking, skydiving and motorcycling. Survivors include his loving wife, Jess M., and a son, Kevin, both of Waterford; a daughter, Lisa, and a granddaughter, Courtney, both of Minnesota; a sister, Marion Fontecha of Waterford; four brothers-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to the Silver Towers Camp, Ripton, VT 05766. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with the Rev. Pat Forman celebrant. Calling hours will be Tuesday evening between the hours of 6-8 p.m. at Sayles Funeral Home.

, 77, of Enfield, Conn., returned home to the Lord Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, at Johnson Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 18, 1926 in Morristown, N.J., to Raymond and Julia (Head) Lang. Calvin was raised in the Monroe, N.H., area where he still enjoys many friends. Married for 54 years to Murielle (St.Cyr) Lang, they enjoyed a happy life together with their three children, daughter Deborah and her husband Ian Coubrough of Okinawa, Japan; son, Gilbert and his wife Lori of Manchester; and daughter, Carolyn and her husband Michael Lally of Enfield; their grandchildren James Dumond, Julie McConaha, Ian and Kerri Coubrough, Robert Lang and his wife Jen, Michael Lang and his wife Deborah, Rhonda Burrell and her husband Cameron, Karyn Wesch and her husband John, Barbara Santiago and her husband Alex, Aimee Lally and fianc?e Mike Burby, and Christopher Lally. His joy in watching his family grow was always evident in his 14 great-grandchildren. Calvin enjoyed and loved his four sisters and their spouses, Pauline Cheney, Evelyn and Richard LeBrun, Lillian and Alfred Hampson, Gloria and William Paquette; and also his brother Irving and Nancy Lang. He was predeceased by his baby sister, Phyllis; and his great-grandson, Zackery; and great-granddaughters, Michaela and Emily. Calvin was a former operating engineer and retired from Christie Rigging and teamsters local 671. He loved his country and served his fellow Americans during World War II on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Ticonderoga CV14, where he was awarded the Atlantic Pacific Area Campaign Medal-5 stars, the American Area Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal-2 stars, and a Presidential Citation signed by Harry S. Truman. Calvin was one of 13 founding members of the "Big T" veterans association, also a 50-year member of the American Legion Post 80 and a life member of Amvets Post 18, Enfield. His family will receive friends and family at Browne Funeral Home, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield (Exit 48 off Route 91, Route 220 East 11/4 miles), Tuesday, from 6-9 p.m. Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 383 Hazard Ave., Enfield, Conn. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Shriners Hospital Burn Unit, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114; or to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 383 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT 06082.

, 97, of Lyndonville, Vt., passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville, Vt. She was born Jan. 19, 1907 in Buffalo, N.Y., the daughter of the late John and Mary (Sweetman) Schadler. She was predeceased by her husband, Eugene Rumbarger. She is survived by her three children, Eugene Rumbarger and his wife Marylou of Hohokus, N.J., Carol Williams and her husband Robert Williams of West Burke, Vt., and Nancy R. Lew of West Burke, Vt.; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in Buffalo, N.Y., at a later date. Burial will be in the Acacia Park Cemetery in North Tonawanda, N.Y.

, 54, passed away surrounded by his family Jan. 31, 2004, at his home in St. Johnsbury. He was born June 11, 1949 in Burke Hollow, Vt. Allen is survived by his parents, Milton and Rena Percy of St. Johnsbury; his wife Donna Brown Percy of St. Johnsbury; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Suzanne James Percy of Bow, N.H.; two grandchildren, Lauren and Christopher Percy of Bow, N.H.; three brothers, Kevin Percy and friend Alice Davis of Concord, Timothy Percy of Knoxville, Tenn., and Dale Percy of East Burke; a foster sister and her husband, Marilyn and David Stevenson of Barnet; a foster brother, Gayten Verge of North Troy; his mother- and father-in-law, Elgie Brown and Donald Daley of St. Johnsbury; a sister-in-law and her husband, Jackie and David Young of Sebring, Fla.; a sister-in-law and her husband, Darlene and William Pilbin of Danville; a brother-in-law and his wife, Edward and Sonja Brown of South Wheelock; nieces and nephews; and, of course, Tigger and Taffy. He is remembered locally for his contributions to the community over the last 22 years through his business, Allen's Glass Service in St. Johnsbury. He thoroughly enjoyed his classic car hobby and membership to The Caledonia Classic Auto Club, where he served in several officer positions. He built his 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle from the ground up, ultimately winning multiple awards for his workmanship. An avid outdoorsman, Allen enjoyed spending time with his family at his Wheelock, Vt., camp, hunting, fishing and working on his John Deere tractor. He remained a member of the Elks organization in St. Johnsbury along with his father Milton. His entire family will remember him lovingly. Visiting hours will be held Monday from 7-9 p.m. at Pearson's Funeral Home in Lyndonville, including an official Elks service at 8:30. Funeral services at the First Congregational Church in Lyndonville will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. A burial service will be held in the spring in Burke Hollow. Donations in his name may be made to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, went to his heavenly home Jan. 31, 2004. He was an inspiration to many as he fought a courageous battle against cancer. David was born in Littleton, N.H., March 9, 1944, and was reared in Lincoln, N.H. He graduated from Lincoln High School as class valedictorian. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. He continued the love he developed in the service as an aircraft mechanic by obtaining his aircraft maintenance license and working for American Airlines for several years. Wanting to maintain his home in Texas, he applied to the Fort Worth, Texas, police department, where he worked for 26 years, retiring as a lieutenant. During this time, he obtained his bachelor's degree from Texas Wesleyan, summa cum laude. David retired in 2001 and returned to the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. He was an avid reader, enjoyed nature, walking, jogging, hiking, travel, motor racing and spending time with his wife and cat companions. He was a member of Crossroads Church, where he served as an usher. He is survived by his wife, Donna; his daughter Cynthia (Cyndi) and her husband Bill Crews; his grandchildren, Alex, Marin and Zoe; his mother, Ruth Burbank; his uncle, Clarence Chase; his aunt, Gertrude Chase; several cousins; and his stepson, Randy Salazar. He was predeceased by his father, Charles B.; and his brother, Roger A. Burbank. He also left behind his loving and supportive church family and many friends. A celebration of David's life will be held Feb. 7, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 1091 Meadow St., Littleton, NH, officiated by Pastor Ralph Green. David requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to Crossroads Church, P.O. Box 836, Littleton, NH 03561. The family would like to thank Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and North Country Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care.

, resident of Atria/The Greens in Hanover, N.H., died Friday, Jan. 30, 2004, at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Maureen Hall (1 Mink Drive, Hanover, NH 03755), ending her final earthly chapter surrounded by the loving care of her family and faithful dog, Tippy. Joanna lived each chapter of her life fully and well. The younger of two sisters, she was born to Frederick Jackson Tewksbury and Joanna Belle Sargent Tewksbury, Sept. 28, 1910, also her Dad's birthday. (Her sister, Marjorie Tewksbury Peach, died Sept. 10, 2001, at the age of 94.) Joanna's stories of growing up in a four-generation home in South Ryegate, Vt., suggest very spirited behavior, of course delighting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was frequently seen running to catch the train to high school, two years in Wells River, Vt., and two years in Woodsville, N.H., graduating in 1928. Attending The University of Vermont, where she graduated in the Class of 1932, was remembered as a wonderful part of her life. As a freshman she met her match, Philip Emerson Manning, an outstanding basketball player, dancing partner, and fellow educator. They were married Aug. 15, 1932, and were on their 65th year of marriage when Phil died Nov. 5, 1996. Raising their two daughters, Joanna Phyllis Manning Ellis (married to G. Winston Ellis) of West Newbury, Vt., and Maureen Manning Hall (married to Leland "Pete" Hall) of Hanover, N.H., was her devotion. Angelo Patri was her guide. Understanding that healthy relationships don't just happen, she invested herself in building good relationships within her family, with special attention to her in-laws. This family grew through the years to include eight grandchildren, Jody Barbara, Tim and Stephen Ellis, Susan Hall, Arnold, Matthew, M. Frederick, and Betsy Hall, their spouses; and 15 great-grandchildren. "Being honored" to be Gramma Jo's great-grandchild expresses well the position of esteem she will continue to hold in her family. She remembered her teaching as the most fulfilling work she could have chosen. She blended classroom instruction with commitment to valuing and advising extra-curricular activities, including the well-remembered senior class trips to New York City. This career chapter included 27 years of teaching social studies and business education in Vermont high schools in Danville, Bakersfield, Swanton, Windsor, South Royalton, Randolph, Canaan, Blue Mountain Union, and in Pittsburg, N.H., junior and senior high school. As a retiree she taught 55 Alive classes in Vermont and Florida and importantly, she continued to teach us all through to the very end of her life. Following the example of her parents, she took seriously her responsibility to her church and her community, serving, often as an officer, in the following organizations: Delta Delta Delta Sorority; Diamond Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; Delta Kappa Gamma, National Honorary Educational Society for Teachers; Local and State Retired Teachers Association; Library Trustee; Danville School Board; Vermont Club in Florida; and several community women's clubs. Although born and raised with a strong Presbyterian faith, she became active in a variety of denominational churches wherever she lived. She died as a member of the Danville Congregational Church. Her community commitments followed her into retirement as the Mannings returned to Danville, Vt., to restore their lovely home and enjoy this community that they had served and loved for 14 years between 1933-1947. This was also the chapter that gave them an active community life in Eldorado Village, Largo, Fla. When Phil needed long-term care in 1994, the couple moved to Hanover, N.H., where they lived out the final chapters of their lives with the dignity that comes from accepting life and its changes with humor and courage and faith, continuing to reach out to others, setting a loving example for their family to follow. She gave up her driver's license on her 89th birthday to "be an example to her daughters." Although her short-term memory loss challenged her, her wit and wisdom continued to amuse, amaze and inspire her family, her friends and the strangers she could easily meet. Her recent advice to her 16-year-old great-granddaughter, "take good care of yourself, and don't let anyone keep you from doing that," should appear in all our journals. She believed in doing whatever she did well and will be remembered for the friendships she valued, the poetry she wrote, the poetry and readings she recited, the multitude of handmade works of art she created, the homes she designed, the experiences she instigated, the goals she reached. She was proud to be a true Vermonter. Former students across the state of Vermont and into northern New Hampshire will remember the joy of watching Phil and Joanna Manning on the dance floor. In dancing, as in life, she chose that when there was a choice to sit it out or dance Dance. "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" was Joanna's favorite hymn and her family expresses deep gratitude for that well-led and well-lived life. She was greatly loved and admired and will be greatly missed. Memorial contributions may be made to The Manning Helping Hand Award, in care of Danville School, Danville, VT 05828; or to the church or charity of your choice. Memorial services in Danville and a burial in South Ryegate will be held in the summer.

, 84, of 490 Farr Hill Road, Littleton, N.H., passed away peacefully at the Grafton County Home, North Haverhill, Jan. 31, 2004, with her children at her side. She was born in Somerville, Mass., the daughter of Daniel and Dora (Frost) Higgins. She was raised in the city of Boston, and during her teen years she summered in Bethlehem where she met her future husband. On May 30, 1943, she married Frederick C. Girouard. She followed his lead endlessly and together raised three children. Their adventures led to endless hours of humorous stories for all to share. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an avid hunter and trapper alongside her husband. She was predeceased by her husband in 1998; and son, Joseph, in 1993. She is survived by a son, Jerry and wife Peggy; a daughter, Judy and husband John of Littleton; grandchildren, Tandy and husband Derek Brown, Amanda Emmons, Kalen Whitney, Connor Girouard; great-grandchildren, Brady, Calie, Logan Brown; and her many special friends she held dear to her heart. Friends may call at the Ross Funeral Home, Littleton Chapel, Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Thomas Golden officiating. Burial will take place in the Maple Street Cemetery, Bethlehem. Memorial contributions may be made to Littleton Library, Main Street, Littleton, NH 03561.

, 107, of Ascutney, Vt., passed away in Windsor, Vt., Jan. 31, 2004. Napolean was born in Bath, N.H., Aug. 25, 1896, a son to Joseph and Winifred (Elliott) Boutin. Napolean was a woodsman and owned and operated his own dairy farm. He was employed by Lord's of Littleton and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He had a great love for life and gardening. Napolean was an avid hunter and fisherman. Surviving family members include two daughters, Phyllis Smith of Ascutney, Vt., and Margaret Lord Ferguson of Winston-Salem, N.C.; three sons, Francis Boutin of Lisbon, N.H., Chester Boutin and Louis Boutin, both of West Milan, N.H.; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Two brothers and one son predeceased him. A graveside service will be held in the spring.

, 97, of Lancaster, N.H., died Monday evening, Feb. 2, 2004, at Weeks Medical Center, Lancaster. Mrs. Gunther was born in Island Pond, Vt., one of 12 children, May 21, 1906, the daughter of Arthur and Olivene (Pelletier) Goulette. At 17 years of age she moved to Gilman, Vt., where she met and married John Leslie Gunther. They resided in Gilman for approximately 30 years. During that time she worked at the local mill and operated a taxi service. They later moved to Lancaster where she lived the duration of her life. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed making towels, braided rugs and afghans. Also talented in cooking, she was well-known for her chocolate cakes. She was a community volunteer who enjoyed helping others and gave much of her time to those in need. Most of all she enjoyed the company of others and would often take walks on Main Street to visit friends and acquaintances. She also loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. Family members include two daughters, Arlene Lewis of Lunenburg, Vt., and Arleta Baird of Queensbury, N.Y.; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Mahar and Olivene Tanquay, both of Biddeford, Maine; and many nieces and nephews. Her husband, John, and a grandson, Kevin Allin, predeceased her. Visiting hours will be held at the Bailey Funeral Home, Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at All Saints Church, Lancaster. The Rev. Raymond Ball, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Littleton. Donations may be made in her memory to The Caleb Group, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, 30 Highland Street, Whitefield, NH 03598.

, 77, of Troy, passed away Feb. 3, 2004 at Bel-Aire Health Care Center in Newport, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 13, 1926 in Norton, Vt., the daughter of Alfred and Derilda (Henry) Devost, who predeceased her in August 1949 and June 1994. Viola married Roland J. Laliberty on June 10, 1946 at St. James Parish in Island Pond, Vt. Roland predeceased her in July 1992. She was the loving mother of three children, Walter, Marie and Roland "Beb." Shortly after Viola and Roland were married they moved to Troy where she kept the books for the family business, was an active member of the Ladies of Scared Heart, enjoyed bingo, playing cards, bowling, dancing, shopping, and most of all being out with her friends. Survivors include her son, Roland "Beb" Laliberty and his wife Shannon of Troy; her daughter, Marie L. Jackson and her husband Thomas of Castleton; granddaughter, Kristina M. Jackson of Burke, Va.; grandson, Jeremy T. Jackson of Castleton; granddaughter, Thea Pion of Troy; and grandson, Tyler Pion of Troy. Her son, the Rev. Walter A. Laliberty, predeceased her August 2002. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road, Newport (formerly Sias Ave.), Thursday, Feb. 5, from 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, Feb. 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Troy at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jerome Mercure officiating. Spring interment will take place at St. Ignatius cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in Viola Laliberty's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, 13 Loomis Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 69, of Mt. Eustis Road, Littleton, N.H., passed away Jan. 30, 2004 at the Littleton Regional Hospital as a result of having Leukemia for 2-1/2 years. Arthur was born in Woodsville, N.H., Feb. 18, 1934, a son to Arthur Elmore and Ida (Kendall) Tyler Sr. Arthur was employed by the New England Wire Mill in Lisbon, Littleton and Lisbon Chevrolet, and St. Johnsbury Trucking Company for 29 years. He was a member of the Retired Teamsters Union, the American Legion, the Littleton Senior Citizens, the Bethlehem Country Club and past president of the Lisbon Stump Jumpers. Arthur enjoyed playing pool, camping and was an avid golfer. Surviving family members include his wife of 49 years, Joyce Tyler of Littleton; two sons, Arthur David Tyler of Rochester, N.H., and Jeffrey Tyler of San Francisco, Calif.; two daughters, Janet Dishler of Lockwood, N.Y., and Lisa Tyler-Rogus of Somersworth, N.H.; four grandchildren, Joseph Dishler, Matthew Dishler, Bethany Dishler and Erin Rogus; and one brother, Dexter Tyler of Syracuse, N.Y. His parents; one sister, Madalyn Mudd; and one brother, George Tyler, predeceased him. A memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 6, at the Pillsbury Funeral Home Lisbon Chapel, 77 South Main Street, Lisbon, N.H., at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Lyn O. McIntosh officiating. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Lisbon, N.H., in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in his name to the Oncology Department of the Littleton Regional Hospital, 600 St. Johnsbury Road, Littleton, NH 03561; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03766; or a charity of one's choice.

, 85, of Summerfield, Fla., and Lyndonville, Vt., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004, in Ocala, Fla. She was born May 1, 1918, in Coventry, Vt., the daughter of the late Edward and Vera (Bowen) Lawson. She graduated from Lyndon State College and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Gamma Sorority. Before retiring she was a teacher in the Newark, Del., school system. She was a member of the St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Florida, and the Lyndonville United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, Francis LaClair of Summerfield, Fla.; by her children, Richard Simpson of Glendale, Calif., Keith LaClair of New Castle, Del., Kermit LaClair of Williston, Vt., Ted LaClair of Newark, Del., Barbara Dwyer of Lyndonville, Brenda LaClair of Williston, Marilyn Angiyou of Povurngta, Canada, and Jean Dotzler of New Boston, N.H.; by her two brothers, Robert Lawson of Inverness, Fla., and Edward Lawson of Lyndonville; by her sister, Eva Howlard of Lyndonville; and by 25 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in Florida, Saturday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dan Jones officiating. Services and burial in Vermont will be held early this summer.