, 55, a Windham, N.H. resident and former St. Johnsbury resident, died Tuesday, March 30, 2004, at the Parkland Medical Center in Derry, N.H. He was born April 14, 1948 in St. Johnsbury, the son of Robert and Verna (Bean) Lumbra. A graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy, he attended Lyndon State College and had worked as a contractor salesman for Somerville Lumber in Pelham, N.H., and Friend Lumber in Hudson, N.H. He also coached girls softball in Windham. Survivors include a daughter, Jamie M. Lumbra of Windham; his fiancee, Jackie Dunn of Windham; his mother, Verna Berube of St. Johnsbury; a brother, Michael Lumbra of St. Johnsbury; a sister, Mary Francis Gardosik of Anaheim, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Friday evening, from 6-8 p.m., at Sayles Funeral Home. A funeral service will be Saturday, April 3, at 4 p.m., at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Jeanette Tweedy officiating.

, 79, of Pond Hill Road, Lunenburg, died Tuesday, March 30, 2004, at the Littleton Regional Hospital. Mrs. Silsby was born in Lancaster, Nov. 30, 1924, the daughter of Clifford and Eleanor (Morse) Colby. Karlene was a homemaker and lifetime resident of Lunenburg. She was a graduate of Lancaster Academy. Family members include her son, George Silsby of Lunenburg; a daughter, Charlotte Cornell of Lunenburg; two sisters, Marilyn Pond and Marcia Pond, both of Lunenburg; six grandchildren, Jason, Kendra and Steven Silsby, Raymond and Ina Whitcomb, and Ellen Nelson; nine great-grandchildren, Nathan and Nicole Silsby, Marc, Christa, and Jessica Poulin, Macaelin and Makenzie Flensburg, Emily Offt, and Leigha Nelson; and nieces and nephews. Her husband, Harry W. Silsby, and a brother, Dana Colby, predeceased her. At Karlene's request, there are no visiting hours. A graveside service will be held Saturday morning, April 3, at 10 a.m., in the Riverside Cemetery, South Lunenburg. The Rev. Steven Bascom, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Littleton, will officiate. Karlene also requested that flowers be omitted and because of her love for animals, donations may be made in her memory to Save a Dog/Save a Cat, P.O. Box 8, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 91, of Littleton, N.H., passed away at the Lafayette Health Center in Franconia on Wednesday, March 31, 2004. Julia was born a daughter to Kenin and Rose (John) Hobert July 17, 1912, in Fort Kent, Maine. Julia was employed by the Veeder Root Company for several years prior to moving to Littleton where she was employed with the Saranac Glove Company. Julia was a member of the St. Brigid Catholic Church in Connecticut as well as the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Littleton. Surviving family members include four sisters, Nellie Tash of North Adams, Mass., Amelia Hobert of Littleton, N.H., Anna Hobert and Cecilia Hobert, both of West Hartford, Conn.; one Godson, Matthew Corey of Manchester, Conn.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Calling hours were held Thursday evening, April 1, from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union Street, Littleton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Rose Catholic Church on Friday, April 2, at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Daniel Sinibaldi as celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Rose Cemetery.

, 54, of Hardwick, died Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at the Copley Hospital in Morrisville following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 6, 1949 in Hardwick. The son of the late Paul and Marion (Chaffee) Hodgdon. He attended Hardwick public schools and graduated from Hardwick Academy, Class of 1968. On Dec. 5, 1970, he joined the Army National Guard of Vermont. Serving his military career in the 1st BN 172nd Armor Co. C Morrisville and Co. D Lyndonville. He retired as first sergeant with over 22 years of service. In his earlier years, Burt worked with his father in the family Wilbert Vault Business in Craftsbury. He operated a dairy farm in Walden for several years; drove bus for Wild Cat Busing; and for more than 20 years, he was director of maintenance and transportation at Twinfield Union School. Burt was affiliated with the United Church of Hardwick. He was an avid Red Sox fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, all sports, Saturday morning trips with Eddy Phelps, his bestest buddy B.A., and the time that he spent with his coworkers, and the students at Twinfield Union. Survivors include two sons, Todd Hodgdon and his wife Darcy of Waterbury, and Bret Hodgdon and his fiancee Nicole Luther of Essex; his companion, Candy McLeon of Hardwick, and her children, Leonard McLeon Jr. of Hardwick, Curtis McLeon of Barre, and Christopher McLeon of Hyde Park; and her 12 grandchildren. Burt is also survived by two sisters, J. Ann Ainsworth and her husband Wendell of Hardwick, and Paula Pecor and her husband Larry of Wolcott; and aunts, uncles, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visiting hours will be held Friday evening, from 6-9 p.m., at the Northern Vermont Funeral Home, 60 Elm St., Hardwick. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 3, 2004, at 2 p.m., at the United Church in Hardwick with Pastor Judy Waible officiating. Burial will be held later in the spring in the Main Street Cemetery in Hardwick. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Vermont Cancer Center, Health Science Research Facility, 149 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05405-0075.

, of St. Johnsbury, passed away in Texas on Thursday, April 1, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 59. She was born Dec. 19, 1944, one of nine children born to Arthur and Margie (Ranney) Mason. She was a 1963 graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy and had worked at St. Johnsbury Trucking. A devoted mother and grandmother, she loved spending time with family. She had been in Texas since last December. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Margie Mason of St. Johnsbury; three daughters: Angela Bolton of St. Johnsbury, Melissa Donlan of Virginia, and Dawn Aguirre and her husband Joe of Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas; eight grandchildren, Tanika, Breanna, Jessica, DJ, Kaleb, Cory, Leanne, and 2-week-old Olivia; two brothers, James Mason of St. Johnsbury and Frederick Mason of St. Johnsbury; three sisters, Jeannette Fleming of Columbus, Ohio, Donna Simpson of St. Johnsbury, Patricia Carter and her husband Lenny of Lyndonville. She was predeceased by two brothers, Arthur Mason Jr. and George Mason, and one sister, Dorothy Lee this past January. A memorial service will be held Tuesday evening, April 6, at 6 p.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert H. Sargent, ret., officiating. Burial will be later in the spring at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions could be directed to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310.

, of 121 Forest Ave. in St. Johnsbury, passed away Thursday evening at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Kimball) Johnson; son Michael of Manteo, N.C.; daughter Kimberly Kidney and her husband David, of Montpelier; four grandchildren, Heather and Brittany Johnson, and Jenna and William Kidney. A complete notice will appear in Monday's edition. Memorial contributions could be directed to either St. Johnsbury Recreation Department or North Congregational Church.

, 85, Of Littleton, N.H., passed away Saturday, April 3, 2004 in the Littleton Regional Hospital. She was born a daughter to John and Ethel (Wetherbee) Shannon in Landaff, N.H., Oct. 15,1918. Gladys graduated from Lisbon High School. She worked several years at the Globe Shopping Center in Littleton in the shoe department. She belonged to the ladies auxiliary of the VFW Howard Shawney Post 816. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and playing bingo whenever she could. Gladys was most known for her open and outgoing friendly attitude that she always carried. Surviving family members consist of one son, Ronald H. Emery of Contoocook, N.H.; one daughter, Cheryl E. Carr of Littleton; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her husband, Howard "Hop" Emery predeceased her June 30, 1993. Graveside committal services will be held Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at 11 a.m., in the Glenwood Cemetery in Littleton with the Rev. Lyn O. McIntosh officiating.

of Royalsborough Road, Durham, N.H., passed away April 2, 2004 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born in the town of Brighton, Island Pond, Vt., Dec. 13, 1926, the son of Marguerite (Blake) Daniels Elie King and Alta Freemont Daniels. He was educated in Brighton Schools and Attended Brighton High School, Island Pond, Vt. He worked for the Canadian National Railroad prior to entering the United States Navy, where he was an ordnanceman in World War II and the Korean War. He was then stationed at Brunswick Naval Air Station until Sept. 26, 1967, after completing his fourth tour of duty. After retirement, he entered into town politics in Durham serving on the board of selectmen and assessor for over 10 years, the planning board for nearly 20 years and most recently on the cemetery committee. He enjoyed repairing and selling mopeds. He and his wife toured parts of Maine, Vermont and Canada. Survivors are his wife, Ethel M. Daniels of Durham; son Dale Daniels and his wife Bethany of Durham; daughter Denise Brady of Durham; grandsons Robert Peacher of Bath, and Kyle Daniels of Durham; granddaughter Shea M. Brady of Durham; brothers Danny Daniels of Rhode Island, and Anthony Elie of Vermont; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Fredrick Elie in 1964, and Lionel John Elie in 1991; sister Karol Ann Smith in 1992; and most recently his mother, Marguerite King March in 2004. A private memorial service will be held for the family members with a burial at sea.

, died of cancer at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndon Sunday afternoon, April 4, 2004 at the age of 52. She was most recently a resident of the Mountain View Residential Home in Concord and had been at The Pines for five days. She was born in Concord Aug. 23, 1951, the daughter of Addie O. Shatney and Robert D. Colbeth. She was educated in St. Johnsbury schools, and at one time had been employed at Palmer Brothers. She is survived by a sister, Pauline Fortin and her husband Chris, now living with Cathy and Dan Currier in Monroe, N.H. (41 Winchester Drive 03771; two brothers, Roger Shatney and Lawson Shatney, both of St. Johnsbury; and nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 6, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church.

, 89, died Saturday, April 3, 2004 in Raleigh, N.C. She is survived by her son, Gerald and his wife Leslie, with whom she made her home in Wake Forest, N.C.; son David and his wife Carol of Graham, N.C.; son-in-law Alphonse Castonguay of Columbia, Tenn. She also leaves five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; and by her daughter, Karen Castonguay.

, passed away Friday, April 2, 2004, at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center. She was born Sept. 9, 1920, in Whitby, Yorkshire County England, the daughter of Arthur and Elaine Brown. Leonora married Elbert E. Gilman June 12, 1942, as they met while serving in the military during World War II. Lee served in the British Royal Air Force radar detection unit. At the end of the war, Lee came to this country via the Queen Mary, bringing her first-born son. She joined Elbert in St. Johnsbury and they had their second and third children. Lee loved the arts and was really quite a talented lady. She was instrumental in getting the Headstart program functional in the state of Vermont. Lee devoted much time and effort to the Umbrella program and at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum as a librarian. While working at St. J. Glovers, she was instrumental in getting better benefits and working conditions in their garment industry. Lee is survived by her three children, Terry Gilman and his wife Patricia, residing in East Concord, Ronald Gilman and his wife Janet in Lyndon, and Susan Gilman Law in Claremont, N.H.; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; three brothers, one living in Canada, one in Australia, and one in England; one sister living in England; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service is planned for Saturday, June 12, at 10 a.m., in Sheffield at the William Dexter Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 Main St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; The Canterbury Inn, where she was very content, 46 Cherry St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center, Employee Activity Fund, 1248 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, 05819.

, 86, died Thursday, April 1, 2004, at his home at 121 Forest Ave., St. Johnsbury. He was born in Derby Line Nov. 6, 1917, the son of Irvin and Ada (Cass) Johnson. Besides his parents he was predeceased by two brothers, Carl and Ralph; and one sister, Merle Knorring. Raymond graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy, Class of 1935, and from Becker College. He married Virginia Kimball Aug. 27, 1949. He is survived by his wife of 54 years; son Michael of Manteo, N.C.; daughter Kimberly Kidney of Montpelier; four grandchildren, Heather and Brittany Johnson, and Jenna and William Kidney; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Margaret Kline. He has one surviving brother, Hubert Paul of Memphis, Tenn.; and nieces, and nephews. Ray was a longtime summer resident of Joe's Pond and served as secretary/treasurer of the Joe's Pond Association. Many may fondly remember Ray's wit in his lighthearted and creative annual spring newsletter sent to all association members. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends at camp, boating and playing tennis, an activity he did most of his life, even collecting a few trophies along the way. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be directed to the North Congregational Church, 1325 Main St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; or to a scholarship fund for kids at the St. Johnsbury Recreation Department, "Caring For Kids," in care of Daniel Kimbell, Passumpsic Savings Bank, P.O. Box 38, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 81, of Barton, passed away in Newport Thursday, April 1, 2004. He was born in Haverhill, Mass., Feb. 12, 1923, the son of Everett and Florence (Perry) Waldron. Ralph served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. He graduated from Bentley School of Accounting and Finance in 1951. After moving to Barton from Haverhill, Mass., in 1979, he worked as an accountant for NEKCA. He was a member of the Masonic Merrimack Lodge in Haverhill. On July 13, 1947, Ralph married the former Arline Bryant, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, Valerie Barczak and her husband Michael of Haverhill, Mass., and Donald Waldron of Helena, Mont.; his grandchildren, Michaela Barczak and Amanda Waldron; and his brothers, Charles Waldron of Norfolk, Va., and Thomas Waldron of Lawrence, Mass. He was predeceased by his brother, Harry; and by his sisters, Leslie and Clara. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Elm Street, Barton, Monday, April 5, from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 6, at the Barton United Church at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Michael Caldwell officiating. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 8, at the First Church of Christ in Bradford, Mass., at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Elmwood Cemetery in Bradford, Mass. Should friends desire, contributions in Ralph's memory may be made to the Parkinson's Action Network, 300 North Lee St., Suite 50, Alexandria, VA 22314.