, 24, a U.S. Marine Corps Reservist from Albany, Vt., died in hostile action in Hadithah, Iraq, on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005. His family was presented with a Purple Heart by the U.S. Marine Corps, which Jesse would have been honored to receive. He was born in Longview, Texas, Nov. 24, 1980, the son of Nathan and Victoria "Vicki" (Murano) Strong. The family moved to Vermont, the family home of the Strongs, in 1987, where they resided in Craftsbury until they moved to Albany in 1992. Jesse was homeschooled by his parents along with his brother, Matthew, and sister, Heather. While in Albany, Jesse was active in youth ministry at the Albany school as well as the Albany Methodist Church. Jesse went on to school at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., graduating cum laude in 2003. He enrolled in Southern Evangelical Theological Seminary in Charlotte, N.C., for one semester. Jesse had joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in Virginia in 2001 and graduated from boot camp at Paris Island where his marksmanship score was the highest of over 500 in the Company. His seminary studies were interrupted in June 2004 when his unit was called to active duty in Iraq. He left for Iraq in August 2004 as a proud Marine who thought it a privilege to give his life for his country. In his younger days, Jesse played baseball, enjoyed bow hunting, bowling, golfing and dancing. He was a natural athlete and perfectionist, competitive but only with himself. He was employed for two years at Ray\'s Market in Irasburg. Jesse leaves his parents, Nathan and Vicki Strong, of Albany; a brother, Matthew, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a sister, Heather, of Grantham, Pa.; paternal grandfather, Horace Strong, of Craftsbury Common; paternal grandmother, Ruth Strong of Craftsbury Common; and aunts, uncles, cousins and many extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Harold and Joenne Murano. A funeral service with full military honors will be held Friday, Feb. 4, at 4 p.m., at Lake Region Union High School, Lake Region Road, Barton. Spring interment will be in the Chamberlain Hill Cemetery in Albany. Friends who wish to offer remembrances during the service are asked to contact Ray DeCelles or leave a message with the funeral home at 586-2818. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Jesse Strong Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1367 Creek Road, Irasburg, VT 05845.

, of St. Johnsbury, passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, peacefully at her Southard Street home. She was the widow of Donald Magoon, who passed away April 11, 1984. In 2001, within three days of each other, she was predeceased by two of her four children, Richard Magoon on June 26 and Ann Broome on June 29. She was born in Beebe, Quebec, on Feb. 24, 1914, the daughter of Matthew Porter Dixon and Ethel (House) Dixon. She was predeceased by her sister, Miriam Woodworth; and brother, M. Donald Dixon. Nana, as she was so affectionately known by many, enjoyed a full and active life. Her fondest memories were of times spent with her family at places such as Lake Memphremagog and Joe\'s Pond as well as spending winters in Florida and taking trips in the motor home when she was able. She loved playing bridge with her lady friends. She was active in the North Congregational Church, a place near and dear to her. She is survived by two children, Joyce McCullock of West Burke, and Robert Magoon and his wife Sandy of South Wheelock; a daughter-in-law, Ginger Magoon of Danville; a son-in-law, George Broome Sr. of St. Johnsbury; 19 grandchildren; her many great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m., at the North Congregational Church with the Rev. Jay Sprout officiating. She will be buried in May at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery next to her beloved husband Donald. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Wednesday evening, Feb. 2, 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Caledonia Home Health, marked for "Hospice," P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury VT 05819; or to North Congregational Church, 1325 Main St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

, 47, of Patriots Drive, Littleton, N.H., passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, after a battle with cancer. Patricia was born a daughter to Carl and Barbara (Fontaine) Gahagan on March 22, 1957, in Plymouth, N.H. She attended Lin-Wood High School. Patricia was involved in the hospitality industry for many years in the Lincoln area. She was employed by the Ink Spot and delivered The Caledonian-Record newspaper for many years and developed many close relationships with her customers. Patricia recently opened her own greenhouse business, Buds and Blooms, which she operated from her home. She was also employed by Littleton Regional Hospital until her recent illness. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens, doing crafts such as dried flowers, and collecting antique furniture. Patricia loved to travel to various areas throughout the United States, especially to the ocean in Wells, Maine, which she did many times in her childhood years. She enjoyed water parks, camping and sitting in front of a campfire even if just in her backyard with her family. Patricia is survived by Roger Merrill and their children, James, Ashley and Amanda Gahagan-Merrill, all of Littleton, N.H.; her mother, Barbara (Fontaine) Gahagan of Lincoln, N.H.; one brother, Hubert Carl Gahagan of Meredith, N.H.; and four sisters, Priscilla Strickland, Mary Ann Huntoon, Barbara Stockton, all of Lincoln, N.H., and Michaela Huntoon of Wallaceton, Pa. One daughter, Nicole Gahagan, predeceased Patricia. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 6:30-8 p.m., at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union Street, Littleton, N.H. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Church. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her memory to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Research Dept., One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001.

, 87, of Whitefield, N.H., formerly of Washington Street, Littleton, N.H., passed away at the Morrison Nursing Home on Jan. 29, 2005, after a long illness. Phyllis was born a daughter to Harold and Maria (Stevens) Hastings on Dec. 6, 1917, in Littleton, N.H. She graduated from Littleton High School in June 1936. On Feb. 19, 1944, Phyllis married Lester A. Goad. She worked for Holly Shoe Company and Connors Hoffman for 40 years. She began working as a secretary and retired as office manager. Phyllis was a member of the United Methodist Church for 73 years. She was a charter member and secretary to the Daughters of the American Revolution - White Mountain Chapter, as well as a secretary for the Littleton Garden Club and secretary and associate member of the Retired Federal Employee of NARFE Chapter 1776. Phyllis is survived by her husband of 60 years, Lester A. Goad of Littleton; a cousin, Sylvia Forge; and many nieces and nephews. Her parents, and three brothers, Merton, Richard and Robert Hastings, predeceased Phyllis. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on May 14, 2005, at 11 a.m., at the Littleton United Methodist Church with Stephen Bascom Sr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Littleton United Methodist Church, Stained Glass Window Fund, 18 Main St., Littleton, NH 03561.

, 23, died peacefully at his home at 500 South Prospect St. in Burlington, Vt., Jan. 30, 2005. Joining him in death was his little cat Casey, whom he loved dearly. Jeff was the beloved son of Karen Blake and Donald Blake of Lyndonville. He is survived by siblings Daniel John Rodliff, his best friend, Michael Diemer and his wife Jill, Kristin Walsh and her husband Brendon, Bethany Bedard and her husband Shawn, Miranda Blake, Rebecca Blake, Stephanie Rodliff Gardner, and Kimberly Rodliff Botelho; his grandmother, Helen Cornelius; and aunt and uncle Ann and Frank Lawrence. He thought the world of his nieces and nephews, Andre, Juliet, Mira, Jonathan, Tr? and Tyler. Jeff was a very family oriented person. He and his long-time girlfriend Ginger were the first ones to show up at any family gathering or activity. He loved to play any kind of sports activity with his brother Dan, and Jeff also loved to golf. His newest interest was playing the guitar, and he also loved to work out. Jeff was an alumnus of St. Johnsbury Academy, and while there, was a drummer in the Academy Band, played varsity track and was captain of the football team, playing the position of quarterback. He worked at the Kiwanis pool for five years as a lifeguard, and taught hundreds of children to swim. Jeff attended the University of Vermont and Champlain College where he was studying accounting. He was predeceased by his father, Stephen Rodliff; and he and Ginger\'s unborn child. Please send any donations to The Jeff Rodliff Athletic Fund at St. Johnsbury Academy to be used for football and track, 1000 Main St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. A celebration of Jeff\'s life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, his childhood church, where he was baptized and confirmed, on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m.

, 95, of Chiswick Avenue, Littleton, N.H., passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005. She was born in Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, daughter of Joseph and Emelie (Morin) Thibodeau. She has resided in Littleton for the past 80 years. Delima was a dedicated homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband Claude in 2000. She is survived by two sons, Robert Brusseau and Claude "Skip" Brusseau Jr., both of Littleton; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the Ross Funeral Home, Littleton Chapel, on Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the St. Rose of Lima Church, Littleton, on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 12 noon. Burial will follow in the St. Rose Cemetery.

, 80, a resident of Main Street, Bennington, Vt., died Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at her residence following a long illness. She was born in Plymouth, Vt., Nov. 13, 1924. She was the daughter of the late John Howard McGinnis and Victoria Adeline (Bellemire) McGinnis. She received her education in Wells River, Vt. Lucille married Norman William Bowley in 1940. Mr. Bowley died March 13, 1989. In earlier years Lucille worked in several mills in the Wells River, Vt., and Woodsville, N.H., area. She also cleaned homes in that area. She enjoyed antiques and painting pictures. She was a professional seamstress and she loved people. Survivors include two sons, Roger W. Bowley Sr. and his wife Shirley of Barre, Vt., and Richard W. Bowley and his wife Barbara of Peacham, Vt.; a daughter, Sharon Millette and her husband Rupert of Bennington, Vt.; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The burial will take place in the family lot in the Blue Mountain Cemetery in Ryegate Corner, Vt. in the spring. If friends desire, contributions in memory of Lucille Irene Bowley may be made to the VNA and Hospice of the Southwestern Vermont Health Care through the office of Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.

, 58, of Jefferson Road, Whitefield, N.H., passed away suddenly Jan. 31, 2005, at the Weeks Memorial Hospital, Lancaster. He was born in Taunton, Mass., son of John E. and Ida (Plaud) Dennen. He lived for many years in Jamestown, R.I., prior to moving to Whitefield a year ago. He was a self-employed general contractor, dba J.E. Dennen Building & Remodeling, Inc. Jack was an avid Harley-Davidson rider and a member of the HOG\'s, a snowmobiler, and a member of the Sno-Kings Snowmobile Club. He was a dedicated volunteer firefighter, having served on the Jamestown Fire Department for 25 years, and most recently with the Whitefield Fire Department. He also loved playing tennis, skiing and especially helping people. He is survived by his wife, Gail (Enos) Dennen of Whitefield; a son, John E. Dennen III of Narragansett, R.I.; a grandson, John E. Dennen IV; 2 K-9 companions, "JD" and "Honey Bun"; three brothers, James Dennen of Islamorada, Fla., Richard Dennen of Rehoboth, Mass., and Charles Dennen of Taunton, Mass. Friends may call Friday evening, Feb. 4, from 7-9 p.m., at the Ross Funeral Home, Whitefield Chapel. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m., at the Whitefield Community Baptist Church, Jefferson Road, Whitefield. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to the Whitefield Fire Department, Whitefield, NH 03598.

, 84, of Torrance, Calif., a St. Johnsbury native, passed away Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005, after a long illness. He was born in St. Johnsbury, Dec. 26, 1920, the last of seven children born to Eugene and Anna (LaChance) Bedard. Lou was a graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy, Class of 1939. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Lou and his wife Bette (Daugherty) had been married for 54 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Renette Hier and her husband Jim of Tigard, Ore.; a stepdaughter, Sharon Belcher of Garden Grove, Calif.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins throughout St. Johnsbury and the greater New England area. He was predeceased by his three sisters, Sr. Juliette Bedard, Bertha Gauthier, and Yvonne Choiniere; and three brothers, Firmin, Robert and Roger. Services for the family will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, at 9:30 a.m., in Torrance, Calif.

, 91, of Willow Valley Manor, Lancaster, Pa., and formerly of York, Pa., and St. Johnsbury, Vt., died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at 9:20 a.m. at Lancaster Regional Medical Center. He was the husband of Evelyn P. (Presby) Elliott of Lancaster and was a pioneer at Willow Valley since 1984. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were married 66 years on April 22, 2004. Born Jan. 28, 1914, in Waltham, Mass., he was the son of the late Ernest H. and Sarah B. (Findlay) Elliott. He retired in 1979 as vice president of personnel and labor relations for McCrory Stores in York. Mr. Elliott was with the company for 47 years prior to his retirement. He was a 1932 graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy, St. Johnsbury, Vt., and was a member of Willow Street United Church of Christ, Willow Street, Pa. In addition to his wife, Evelyn, he is survived by a son, R. Allen Elliott of Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; a daughter, Judy E. Bullard of Beaverton, Ore.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Following cremation, a memorial service will be Friday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m., at Willow Street United Church of Christ, 2723 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, Pa., with his pastor, the Rev. Ron Bohannon, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Street U.C.C. Cemetery. A visitation will be Friday, Feb. 11, from 10-11 a.m., at the church. The Etzweiler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1111 E. Market St., York, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 2997 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion, PA 17356.

, 97, longtime resident of Mountain Avenue, St. Johnsbury, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center, Lyndonville. She was born in Lyndon, June 29, 1907, the daughter of Louis and Emma (Rivers) Lamontagne. Anna had worked many years at the Gilman Paper Co. She took care of her elderly parents at her home until they passed away. Anna loved to garden and was especially fond of her cats and dog. She was predeceased by two brothers, Oscar and Alfred Lamontagne; a half-brother, Napoleon Paul Burke; three sisters, Beatrice Ailes, Eva Priest and Blanche Zemba. Anna leaves nieces, nephews and many cousins. Funeral services will be held at Sayles Funeral Home, Monday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m., with Father Patrick Forman officiating. Friends are invited to meet the family one hour prior to the service. Spring burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. John\'s Church, 49 Winter St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 58, of Highland Avenue, Littleton, N.H., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at the Littleton Regional Hospital. A native of Littleton, LauraLee was born a daughter to George and Laura (Miller) Varney on June 8, 1946. She attended Littleton High School. LauraLee worked in the cafeteria of the Littleton Regional Hospital, was a stitcher for MKF and a seamstress for Quality Stitching. She and her husband, Dennis, founded the White Mountain Frosty Bar which they operated for 15 years, and their daughter continues to operate. LauraLee loved to play bingo, go shopping, crochet, read and travel to Foxwoods with her husband before his passing. Surviving family members include one son, Shane and Jen Parker of Dalton, N.H.; three daughters, Michelle and Ernesto Rodas of Belchertown, Mass., Lorisa Parker and Gary Guyer of Littleton, N.H., Misty Parker of Littleton, N.H.; six sisters, Bernadine Jesseman of North Conway, N.H., Yvonne Fournier of Littleton, N.H., Georgeanna Robichaud of Bethlehem, N.H., Amy Emmons of Bartlett, N.H., Kathy Gowitzke of Bethlehem, N.H., Karen Grammo of Glenn, N.H.; 10 grandchildren, Cara Ann Parker, Keith Victor Parker, Katelynn Ann Wright, Jeremy Earl Coffin, Andrew Wayne Wright Jr., Papcelie Mabel Rodas, Jasmin Priscilla Rodas, Freddie Alexander Vasquez, George Shane Parker, and Patiance Saralee Robinson. Her husband, Dennis F. Parker, one sister, Charlene Brown, and one brother, Richard Miller, predeceased her. SERVICES - The family will receive friends on Monday evening, Feb. 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union St., Littleton, N.H. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Funeral Home, with the Rev. Lyn McIntosh officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of the Littleton Area, 600 St. Johnsbury Road, Littleton, NH 03561.

, 46, of Lyndonville, Vt., passed away Feb. 5, 2005, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital following a valiant battle with breast cancer. Sylvia was born Oct. 29, 1958, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., the beloved daughter of Robert J. and Joyce (Smith) Drummond. She was raised in St. Johnsbury and West Danville and attended area schools. She graduated from Danville High School in 1977 and attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. She was married to John Emerson Morgan on Sept. 15, 1979. He predeceased her in December 1981. Sylvia enjoyed spending quality time with her family and found great joy in her grandchildren. Survivors include her parents, Joyce Drummond of Lyndonville, and Robert Drummond Sr. of Twin Mountain, N.H.; her daughter, Jessie A. Morgan of Lyndonville; her sons, Joshua J. Drummond and Brittney Fraser of Lyndonville, Justin R. Morgan and Lindsay Pruyser of Danville, and Jason A. Morgan of North Danville; her grandchildren, Starlyn Rena Thurston, Adrianna Sylvia Drummond, Trevor Roy Bassett and Jonnathon Emerson Morgan. She is also survived by two sisters, Vicki and Steven Davis of Walden, and Kathleen and Jackson Mitchell of Lyndonville; two brothers, James and Linda Drummond of Bethlehem, N.H., and Robert and Tania Drummond of Littleton, N.H.; and by her close friend, Carroll Bean and his son Zachary. Sylvia will also be missed by 15 nieces and nephews, many aunts, uncles and cousins. Other survivors include her mother- and stepfather-in-law, Marion and Raymond Page of Groton, Vt.; stepdaughter, Chris Morgan of Burlington, Vt.; and sisters-in-law, Barbara and Michael Morrow and Margaret Williams and their families. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lyndon Ward, Route 5 South, Lyndonville. The family will receive friends Wednesday morning between the hours of 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Danville Green Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Sylvia\'s name to the new Oncology Unit at NVRH, 1315 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 49, and his wife Laura Davey Wright, 44, died Thursday evening, Feb. 3, 2005, in Harris County, Texas, as a result of a car/pedestrian accident. Mr. Wright was born April 17, 1955, in Littleton, N.H., the son of William and Dora Colbeth Wright. He married Laurie Cominole of Saranac Lake, N.Y., in 1983. They divorced in 2001. He later married Laura Davey Donnelly on June 28, 2003. He was an auto body repair instructor for St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES in Norwood. Steve is survived by his mother, Dora Wright of Littleton, N.H.; his son, Mark Wright of Saranac Lake; his daughter, Stephanie Wright of Saranac Lake; and his sister, Mrs. Cheryl Cardinal of Littleton. He was predeceased by his father in 1991. Mrs. Wright was born Oct. 20, 1960, in Massena, N.Y., daughter of John and Thelma Daggett Davey. A marriage to Brian Donnelly ended in divorce before she married Steve Wright. She was office manager/dental assistant at Smile Care Associates in Canton at the time of her death. She is survived by her father, John Davey of Massena; her mother, Thelma Davey of Norfolk; her son, Mark Donnelly of Norwood; her daughters, Erin Donnelly of Russell, and Katie Donnelly of Norwood; her brothers, Raymond Davey of Norwood, and Frank Davey of Norwood; and her sisters, Mrs. Thomas LeAnn Saxby of Norfolk, and Mrs. Mark Elizabeth Henshaw of Port Charlotte, Fla. She was predeceased by a brother, Rodney Davey. Joint funeral services for Steve and Laura Davey Wright will be held today, Feb. 10, 2005, at 11 a.m., at St. Andrews Church in Norwood, N.Y., with the Rev. Harry Snow, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Visitation Cemetery in the spring. Visiting hours were held at the Buck Funeral Home in Norwood, Wednesday, Feb. 9. Donations may be made in their memory to the charity of one\'s choice.

, 80, a Lyndonville resident, passed away Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. The daughter of Walter H. and Ellen (Magoon) Baird, Marion was born Dec. 19, 1924, in Coventry. She grew up in East Burke and attended the East Burke School. The family later moved to East Lyndon where she attended and graduated from Lyndon Institute. Marion taught school for a short time at the Lyndon Normal School. Marion was a member of the East Burke Congregational Church. She married N. Dale Wallace Nov. 9, 1946, in East Burke. Dale predeceased her in October 1978. Marion was an avid crossword puzzler, and loved to read and travel. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Marion is survived by five children, David C. Wallace and his wife Mili of Oahu, Hawaii, Bonny E. Mulholland and her husband John of Sutton, Faye W. Randall of Georgia, Vt., Mary E. Wallace-King of Daytona Beach, Fla., and Susan M.W. Longchamps and her husband Chuck of Burke Hollow; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard Baird and his wife Alice of East Lyndon; three sisters, Gladys Aldrich of Gardner, Texas, Catherine Simpson and her husband Wendell of East Lyndon, and Eunice Bishop and her husband Marvin of Wilder. Marion was predeceased by a brother, Rolland Baird; and a sister, Ruth Southouse. There will be no public calling hours. A graveside service will be in May at the Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke. Memorial contributions may be made in Marion\'s name to either the Lyndon Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 401, Lyndonville, VT 05851; or to American Diabetics Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131.