, 96, died Dec. 30, 2004, at The Birches in Concord, N.H. She was born in Inverness, Quebec, the daughter of William and Harriet Little Walker. In the 1920s, her family moved to Barnet, Vt. She received her education at the University of Vermont, Boston University and Concord College of Business. For 20 years, she taught in local high schools, including McIndoes Academy, St. Johnsbury Academy, Peacham Academy and Woodsville High School. She was a member of the Vermont State Teachers' Association and NEA. She was a lifelong member of Barnet Congregational Church and the Monroe Grange and a long-time member of the Woman's Club of Concord. In 1940, she and her husband, Herbert "John" Desrochers, purchased The Old Homestead Inn in Barnet which they operated for 35 years. In 1976, they retired to Concord, N.H., where they spent their remaining years. Gladys was predeceased by her husband, Herbert, in 1982. Four sisters, Sarah, Laura, Gertrude Hoar and Effie Mitchell; and three brothers, William, Harvey and Borden also predeceased her. She is survived by two daughters, Laura of Concord, N.H., and Linda Ward of Boise, Idaho; a son, John and his wife Donna, and their daughter Abbie of Essex Junction, Vt.; as well as several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 2 p.m., at Barnet Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Barnet Congregational Church, Barnet, VT 05821; or McIndoes Academy Association, in care of Carolyn Farman, P.O. Box 24, Barnet, VT 05821.

, 79, of Tobyne Road, Lunenburg, Vt., died suddenly Thursday morning, Dec. 30, 2004, at Holton Point in Lancaster. Mrs. Hicks was born July 24, 1925, the daughter of Francis Neville and Wyola Catherine (Shaw) Wechtel. Catherine married Walter Bartlett Hicks Jr. on April 22, 1946 and they settled in Sea Cliff Long Island, N.Y. After Walter retired in the early '80s, they moved to Lunenburg, Vt., to be near their daughter Virginia "Bonnie" VanDamm and family. She has been a resident of Holton Point since August 2004. She is survived by a granddaughter, Elizabeth Bochtler and her husband Edward of Reston, Va.; a grandson, Bradley VanDamm and his wife Jennifer of Gray, Maine; great-grandchildren include Jonathan Alexander, Nathan Paul, Benjamin Karl, Christopher James Bochtler, Bonnie Olivia VanDamm; and a few nieces and nephews. Her daughter Bonnie predeceased her in November 1989. There are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held Friday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m., at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. The Rev. Gerry Piper of Orleans will officiate. Burial will be in the spring at Riverside Cemetery, South Lunenburg.

, 91, of Sugar Hill, N.H., passed away at his home on Dec. 25, 2004. Bill was born a son to William A. and Ellen (Terry) Norton on Aug. 31, 1913, in Boston, Mass. He attended Roxbury Latin School and Kimball Union Academy. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1938 with a bachelor of science in chemistry. During World War II, Mr. Norton was supervisor of a U.S. Rubber Company ammunition factory in Milwaukee. In 1955, Bill was hired as superintendent of Franconia Notch State Park where he served as general manager of Cannon Mountain until his retirement in 1980. While at Cannon, Bill helped bring the first-ever World Cup Ski Race in North America to Franconia in 1967. He became president of the National Ski Areas Association in the 1970s, and sat as chairperson of the NSAA B-77 American National Standard for Ariel Tramway and Lift Safety Requirements. During his many years with the state of New Hampshire, Bill was recognized by his industry with numerous awards for his dedication to tourism and the ski industry. Among these are the Sherman Adams Award, the New England Council Award, the White Mountain Attraction Association Award, and many others. After his retirement, Bill took over as chief fund-raiser for The Friends of New Hampshire Skiing for his alma mater and received the President's Award for his "Outstanding Contribution to Skiing" for the State University System. He also served the state of New Hampshire as chairperson and member of the New Hampshire Aerial Tramway Safety Board, a division of the Department of Safety. Surviving family members include his wife of 63 years, Sybil S. Norton of Sugar Hill, N.H.; one son, W. Andrew Norton of Campton, N.H.; two daughters, Terry Wilkins of North Andover, Mass., and Laurie Meiners of Basalt, Colo.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Four sisters predeceased William. His family will hold a memorial service in the spring.

, 83, of Groveton, died Friday, Dec. 31, 2004, at Coos County Nursing Hospital in West Stewartstown, N.H., with his family by his side, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Born Feb. 6, 1921, in Whitefield, N.H., a son of George Andrew and Althea (Willey) Langley, he was a lifelong resident of Groveton until he became a resident at Coos County Nursing Hospital in May 2000. "Pop" was a graduate of Groveton High School, Class of 1939. He was a U.S. Navy Seabee, serving during World War II. He was a member of the Gilkey Lodge 101 F & AM, Groveton, and the American Legion Fredonwarell Post 17, Groveton. Before retiring, he owned and operated Langley's General Insurance for 35 years before selling to G.M. Stevens in 1976, and worked for them until 1995. He was one of the founders of "Cans for Kids" and worked with that for several years. He was a past Sweepstakes Commissioner for 18 years; served on the Groveton School Board for many years; and was a past president of the PTA. He was a past selectman and served on the Groveton Foundation for several years. He was very active in the Methodist Men's Club and community volunteer services. He was very active in politics. "Pop" loved to play cards, go for walks, visit with his friends, and collect coins and political pins. The family includes his wife of 63 years, Eleanor M. (Blay) Langley of Groveton; daughter, Carol Ann Lavigne of Groveton; two sons, Dennis Langley of Groveton and George A. "Andy" Langley III of North Conway; three grandchildren, Carla Vaughan, Stephanie Langley and John Bockman; two great-granddaughters, Ashley Vaughan and Jessica Vaughan; one sister, Carolyn Hebert of Manchester; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be held Monday, Jan. 3, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home, 100 State Street, Groveton. The American Legion and the Gilkey Lodge will recite prayers starting at 7:15 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 1 p.m., at the Groveton United Methodist Church, 46 Church St., Groveton. Burial with military honors will be in the spring in the Northumberland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in "Pop's" memory to the Groveton United Methodist Church, 46 Church St., Groveton, NH 03582.

, 93, of Whitefield, N.H., passed away Monday, Jan. 3, 2005. Fred was born a son to Frederick and Ella (Angel) Noseworthy on Dec. 10, 1911, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He graduated from Beebe Junior High School in Malden, Mass., and Bridgeton Academy in Maine, and also attended the New York University. Fred excelled in all sports as a youth, setting Canadian national records in snowshoe racing as well as winning many speed skating and track events throughout his teens and 20s in the Northeastern United States. He and his younger brother, Eric, appeared often on programs at the Boston Garden and Madison Square Garden as skating clowns and giving barrel jumping exhibitions. As a professional in baseball, he worked out for two seasons with the Boston Braves as a utility infielder and played minor league ball throughout the east. Fred began the Fred Noseworthy All-American Ski School in Plymouth, N.H., in the 1930-40s, offering instruction in the "American" style of skiing, a unique blend of Austrian and Swiss movements. He married is wife Janet (Neal) Noseworthy in 1941. Fred was known throughout New England in amateur golf circles. He was the former club champion at Cocheco Country Club, the Rochester Country Club and The Laconia Country Club, all in New Hampshire, as well as the Manakiki Country Club in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. He was also a senior champion at the Duston Country Club in Hopkinton, N.H. Fred belonged to many state and regional senior golf organizations. He was a member of the Mason Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 32 for over 60 years. His early business experience included service with the Daniel Webster Council of Boy Scouts of America, prior to his long career in the insurance business. Starting as a field supervisor with Union Mutual, Fred later moved to the Travelers Insurance Company where he managed operations in Worcester, Mass., Cleveland, Ohio, and Boston, Mass., until his retirement in 1971. Surviving family members include a son, Frederick N. Noseworthy and his children, Justin and Alison of California; a daughter, Lee Williams and her husband Bill of Franconia, N.H., and their son Christopher and his wife Beth Wilkie of North Woodstock, N.H.; his twin sister, Freda Gettman of Melrose, Mass.; a sister, Phyllis Daley of Melrose, Mass.; a sister, Frances Barclay of Topsfield, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews. His wife, Janet (Neal) Noseworthy, predeceased him Dec. 11, 2004. His parents; brother, Eric; and sister, Bernice also predeceased him. A memorial service will be held for Mr. and Mrs. Noseworthy on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church in Littleton, N.H., with the Rev. Barbara Thrall officiating. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to the New England Ski Museum, Franconia, NH 03580.

, 53, of North Concord, died suddenly Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. She was born in Bangor, Maine, May 24, 1951, the daughter of Wade and Pearl (Edgecomb) Phillips. A nurse's aide in Forestville, Conn., for many years, Lena was recently very active in the Community Lunch Program. She was a great collector of stuffed animals, especially cats. Survivors include her children, Henry B. Card III of Terriville, Conn., Lena M. Card of North Concord, Vt., and Carrie L. Bulluss of Bristol, Conn.; a brother, Wayne Phillips of Portsmouth, N.H.; four sisters, Theresa Corcoran of Glenburn, Maine, Marie Curtis of Lincoln, Maine, Helen Parsons of Glenburn, Maine, and Judith Parsons of Old Town, Maine; loving companion, Jeff Hall of North Concord; 14 grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Other survivors include Henry Card Jr. of Seymour, Conn., Kelly Hall of St. Johnsbury, and Jeff Hall Jr. of Hardwick. She was predeceased by her parents. A memorial service will be held at the North Congregational Church, Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 1:30 p.m., with the Rev. Jay Sprout officiating. There will be no visiting hours. Contributions in her memory may be made to Kingdom Community Services, P.O. Box 735, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 49, of Cabot, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 31, 2004, at her residence. She was born Oct. 10, 1955, in Hardwick, the daughter of Lynn and Iola (Bird) Richardson. She attended Hardwick public schools and graduated from Hazen Union School, Class of 1973. On June 12, 1976, she married Gary Vernon Smith in South Walden. They made their home in Cabot for more than 29 years. She was a home knitter for Dia North of Boston at their Stowe location. Diana will be remembered as one of the wonderful people who made donations to Heartmade Blessings, which is a not-for-profit, world-wide group of volunteers dedicated to providing hand-crafted items to those people suffering a loss, tragedy, or going through a rough time that need to be reminded of the simple fact that people care. She enjoyed the time that she spent with her granddaughter, Malorie. Other enjoyments included: crocheting and other needlework which she sold at local fairs, baking, plants, flowers, and feeding and watching the birds. Survivors include her loving husband, Gary of Cabot; her father and mother, Lynn (Bud) and Iola Richardson of Hardwick; a daughter, Joanna Smith of Poultney; two sons, Philip Smith and his wife Tracy of Barre, and Andrew Smith of Cabot; a granddaughter, Malorie Smith of Barre; a sister, Danita Richardson of Wakeforest, N.C.; a brother, Dana Richardson of Denver, Colo.; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at 11 a.m., at the Hope Community Church, Bayley Hazen Road, South Walden, with the Rev. Ernest Machia officiating. Spring burial will be in the South Walden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.

, 80, of Littleton, N.H., passed away Dec. 29, 2004, of heart failure in his Littleton home. Richard was born a son to Fred and Cecelia (Kumle) Symons on Sept. 19, 1924, in Los Angeles, Calif. He grew up in Merced and spent many summers at June Lake with his parents and three brothers. As a teenager, he and his younger brother, David, spent many summer weeks hiking and camping in Yosemite National Park. For his Eagle Scout project, he prophetically built a footbridge in a park in Merced. During World War II, he piloted a B-26 Marauder Bomber on many missions over Germany and northern Italy. At the age of 21, he retired from the military service as an Army Air Force Captain. Richard graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle as a civil engineer. As chief engineer, Richard built railroads and worked on other construction projects for the United States government and other governments in remote corners of the world. He also served as vice president and/or president of three engineering companies. In 1961, Richard left the construction business to become an acting associate professor at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., where he taught graduate students in civil engineering. He declined a long-term professorship to return to the civil engineering and construction industry. Richard retired in 1984 and moved to Peacham, Vt. In semi-retirement, he served as clerk of the works on 11 new or renovation projects in northern Vermont and New Hampshire. He was affiliated with the American Society of Civil Engineering, the American Railway Engineering Association, the American Society for Testing Materials, Tau Beta Pi, an honorary engineering fraternity, and the Stanford Construction Institute. He was an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, and a member of the Dispute Review Board Foundation. In 1996, Richard and his wife Helen moved to Littleton, N.H., where he became a life member of the VFW Howard Shawney Post 816, and also joined the American Legion. Surviving family members include his wife of 53 years, Helen Symons of Littleton, N.H.; a daughter, Sara H. Symons of Leesburg, Va.; a son, Thomas L. Symons, three grandchildren, Thomas Jr., Richard II and Polly, who reside in Upperville, Va.; and his brother, David Symons of Rich Hill, Mo. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at 2:30 p.m., at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union St., Littleton, N.H., with the Rev. Edward Lopeman officiating. The VFW Howard Shawney Post 816 of Littleton will present military rites. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to North Country Home Health, 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561. Daughter's comment: A quiet, unassuming man, our father and Mom's husband, rarely shared his life's achievements with others. This remembrance barely touches upon the rich, fulfilling experiences we shared as a family or how grateful we are that he was and still is a blessing in our lives. I love you, Daddy.

, 78, a longtime resident of Newport, peacefully passed away on Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at North Country Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Barre on Aug. 31, 1926, the son of the late Stanislas and Marie-Ange (Brousseau) Isabelle. During World War II, Leo volunteered for duty in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served proudly in the Pacific Theater as a member of the 4th Marine Division and was an Iwo Jima campaign survivor. In 1950, Leo married the love of his life, Jacqueline "Jackie" Toussaint of St. Johnsbury. They recently celebrated 54 years of marriage and have been lovingly involved in the raising and nurturing of their 10 children, 28 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Leo was a man of faith throughout his life. During a career in business and later in sales with Prudential Life Insurance from 1962-1970, Leo was always actively involved in his church at both the local and Diocesan level. A member of the Knights of Columbus, Leo also made time to volunteer as the treasurer of Catholic Central Elementary School in St. Johnsbury. His interest in and involvement with education continued from 1970-1982 as Leo assumed the responsibilities of business manager for the Sacred Heart School System in Newport. Leo was truly a role model for his family, his community and the students under his care. He lived by the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful." He always reflected the highest standards of integrity and hard work. During his later years, he battled numerous illnesses and cancers with the same strength, courage and fortitude he had demonstrated on the battlefield as a younger man. Leo was predeceased by his daughter, Celeste, in 1976; and later by his sister, Cecile. He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; nine children, Christine Wolf and her husband Philip of Brownington, Vt., Claudette Schoolcraft and her husband Gary of Peacham, Vt., Marc Isabelle and his wife Deborah of Hamilton, N.J., Celeste was next, Bernard Isabelle and his wife Crystal of Dalton, Mass., Donald Isabelle and his wife Carolle of Pittsford, Vt., Brenda Isabelle of Derby, Vt., Brian Isabelle and his wife Allyson of Loveland, Colo., Richard Isabelle and his wife Constance of Derby, Vt., and Suzanne Schmitz and her husband James of Beavercreek, Ohio; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; four brothers, Edward Isabelle and his wife Rose of Agawam, Mass., Hector Isabelle and his wife Marilyn of Barre, Vt., Ellis Isabelle and his wife Jacqueline of Barre, Vt., Romeo Isabelle and his wife Yvonne of Barre, Vt.; one sister, Claire Bashaw of Palm Bay, Fla.; sister-in-law, Gloria Carlton and her husband Jim of St. Johnsbury, Vt.; and nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School Inc., 47 Clermont Terrace, Newport, VT 05855; or the Upper Valley Hostel, 17 East South St., Hanover, NH 03755. A Mass of celebration of Leo's life and homecoming will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 7, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport.

, of Enosburg Falls, Vt., passed away peacefully Dec. 31, 2004, at Northwestern Medical Center after a brief illness. She was born in North Troy, Vt., on March 8, 1928, the daughter of the late Leon and Hilda (Booth) Santaw. She attended the North Troy Schools and graduated from Johnson State College in 1972. She was active in church, serving on various committees, as well as teaching Sunday school, and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star. Most recently, she was a valued member of the Foster Grandparent Program. Zilda and her husband William also lived and worked for many years in Littleton and were active members of the Congregational Church. Zilda is survived by her husband of 60 years, William F. Bocash; her daughters, Marcia Litchfield of Mesa, Ariz., and Valerie Allen of Richford, Vt.; her grandchildren, Lisa Litchfield, Kristy (Litchfield) Baldwin, Michael Litchfield, Katherine (Allen) Dodds, Victoria Bocash, William Bocash II and Michael Bocash Jr.; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Zilda was predeceased by her son, Michael Bocash of Littleton; her grandson, Todd Litchfield; her sisters, Katherine Santaw and Violet St. Onge; and her brother, Edward Santaw. A memorial service to honor Zilda's life will be held on Jan. 8, 2005, at 2 p.m., at the Enosburg Falls United Methodist Church, Church Street, with Pastor Cheryl Heater officiating. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. For those who wish, contributions in her memory may be made to the Foster Grandparent Program, 11 Church St., St. Albans, VT 05478; or to the Enosburg Falls United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 355, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450.

, 79, of Newport, passed away in Newport on Monday, Jan. 3, 2005. He was born in Newport on July 19, 1925, the son of William and Bertha (McKinney) Britch. On June 20, 1964, he married Dorothy (Sanville) Bullis, who predeceased him on Sept. 9, 1975. Mr. Britch was employed by the former R.F. Hamblett Properties for many years and later retired from Bogner Inc. as a maintenance worker. Among his hobbies, he was an avid fisherman on the causeway bridge in Newport and he also enjoyed ice fishing. He enjoyed salmon fishing in his younger years on Clyde Street in Newport. Jack enjoyed spending time at the VFW and on Main Street in Newport, socializing with his friends. Jack is survived by his step-children, Iona Carter and her husband Wayne of Derby, William Bullis and his wife Annette of New Brunswick, Canada, Ester Peck and her husband Terry of Marlborough, Mass., and Connie Rogers and her husband Bobby of Gainesville, Fla.; his sister, Oleta Britch Piette of California; his nieces and nephews, Cheryl Marks of Piedmont, Calif., Gary Armstrong of California, Ricky Armstrong of California, Louis Piette of Washington, Jean Mae McCormick and her husband Dan of Santa Cruz, Calif., Pamela Piette of Vacaville, Calif., Leah Turner of Tracey, Calif., Kim Bryan of North Clarendon, Vt., Francis Britch Jr. and his wife Kathy of Brownington, Trina Gordon and her husband James of Ontario, Gail Fecteau and her husband Dean of Coventry, Debra Hammond and her husband Dale of Newport Center, Roland "Ronnie" Britch Jr., and Crystal M. Britch of Newport; his sisters-in-laws, Gerry Britch of Washington, Pearl Britch of Newport, and Beverly Britch of Newport; 19 step-grandchildren; 37 step-great-grandchildren; 16 step-great-great-grandchildren; and several great-nieces and -nephews. He was predeceased by his step-children, Selden, Rob and Larry Bullis; and by his siblings, Aretta, Hillary, Stanley, William Jr., Stanford, Francis and Roland "Hun" Britch, and Christiline Britch Armstrong. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel, 37 Lake Road, Newport (formerly Bay Street), on Friday, Jan. 7, from 7-9 p.m., where funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Richard Whitehill officiating. Parking and easy ramped entrance in rear of funeral home. Spring interment will take place at the Pine Grove cemetery in Newport. Everyone is invited immediately following the service for a luncheon upstairs at the funeral home.