, 82, of Brattleboro died at Eden Park Nursing Home on Monday, October 23, 2006, after a long illness. Mrs. Sheltra was born January 14, 1924, in South Troy, a daughter of Edmund and Agnes Taylor. She attended schools in Troy and Newport Center. On July 26, 1941, she married Merrill Sheltra in Newport Center. She was employed as the elementary school secretary for the Brattleboro Town School District from 1961 to 1988 when she retired. Besides her home, she had many interests. She crocheted and was a member of the Senior Bowlers and the American Association of Retired Persons Brattleboro Chapter, where she was in charge of the soup kitchen one day per week. She was a volunteer gift shop worker at the Brattleboro Retreat and a member of the Order of Eastern Star, the Center Congregational Church in Brattleboro, and the Women's Fellowship of the church. She was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed spending time and traveling with her grandchildren. She is survived by her dedicated and loving husband, Merrill Sheltra, of Brattleboro; by her daughter Sharon Adams and her husband, William, of Wilmington; by her son Douglas Sheltra and his wife, Doreen, of Guilford; by her grandchildren: Gregory, Christopher, Jill and Steven of Wilmington, Mellissa of Guilford, Heidi of Grafton, and Sarah of Brattleboro; and by 14 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Bradley in 1961; by her brother Earl Taylor; and by sisters: Hazel Bean, Leola Pettengill, Helen Willis, and Lillian Tessier. A graveside service was held October 26 at Mountainview Cemetery in Lowell with the Reverend Roger Fletcher officiating.

, 71, of Derby died peacefully with his family at his side at his home on Friday, October 27, 2006, after a long battle with cancer. Mr. Parmenter was born on August 18, 1935, in Newport to Theodore B. Sr. and Catherine A. Parmenter, who predeceased him. He attended graded school in North Troy, and while attending North Troy High, he was well known for his exceptional athletic ability in basketball and baseball. Recently he was nominated for the Athletic Hall of Fame in the Northeast Kingdom, to be presented in 2007. He was born into a Boston Red Sox family and became a Yankee fan. Golf became a passion, watching and playing many courses. He was a member of the United States Air Force for nine years and was stationed in Turkey and French Morroco during his tour of duty. He was a member of American Legion Newport Post No. 21. His 38 years as a car salesman began at Ken Frawley Chevrolet. On March 24, 1956, he married Jessie Piercy of Ayers Cliff, Quebec. They recently celebrated their golden anniversary. He is survived by a devoted and loving family - his beloved wife, Jessie, of Derby; children: Cindy Lynn Johnson of Morgan, Michael Allen Parmenter and his wife, Wendy, of Casper, Wyoming, Theodore "Barry" Parmenter III and his fiancée, Danielle Paquin, of Lakeville, Connecticut, and Valerie Catherine Jasch of Derby; grandchildren: Mickey, Heidi, Justin, and Tyler of Wyoming, Jesse, Trevor, Shawn, and Marti of Casper, and BrodieJasch and Karak Dawn and her fiancé, Ben Walton, of Derby; great-grandson Nathaniel Walton of Derby; by his sisters Donna Rae Parmenter of Apache Junction, Arizona, and Nancy Lee Allen and her husband, Charles, of North Troy; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may offer condolences to the family on Friday, November 3, at 1 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Michael DeSena officiating.

, 93, of Newport died October 27, 2006, at her home. Mrs. McNeal was born November 17, 1912, in Staten Island, New York, a daughter of Burton and Lizzie (Zerva) Kovach. On May 30, 1935, she married Hugh E. McNeal, who predeceased her in 1984. She owned and operated the Panarama View tourist home on Pine Hill in Newport, where she catered to many visiting fisherman who fished off the Newport railroad bridge. Mrs. DuPont of the DuPont Chemical family was a yearly visitor to the home. She operated the Stardust Room dance hall and banquet room, where she prepared and served homestyle banquet meals. It was the first dance hall in the area that could accommodate 400 people. She was an inventor and registered patents both in the United States and Canada. She invented a combination high chair, playpen, and suitcase and a vacuum cleaner. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and operating the dance hall and banquet room. She is survived by her children: Brian McNeal and his wife, Joan, of Newport, Rochelle Moss and her husband, Ron, of Zephyrhills, Florida, Dianne Snelgrove and her husband, Tom, of Newport Center, Baxter McNeal and his wife, Marie, of Newport, Hugh McNeal and his wife, Shirley, of Newport, Burton McNeal and his wife, Mimi, of Newport, Barry McNeal and his wife, Suzanne, of Newport and Brent McNeal and his wife, Sharon, of Newport; by 22 grandchildren; by 17 great-grandchildren; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Darlene Martin in 1993; by a brother, John Kovach; and by a sister, Elizabeth Evacheski. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. McNeal's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.

, 78, of Barton died in St. Johnsbury on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. Mrs. Lacroix was born June 12, 1928, a daughter of Perley and Eva Nault. She worked as a molder, first for Palmer Brothers in St. Johnsbury from 1957 to 1961, then for Newport Plastics, retiring in 1972. She is survived by her daughter Gayle Wormer and her husband, Robert, of Monroe, New Hampshire; by her grandchildren Julie Higgins and her husband, Sean, of Knox, New York, and Christen Wormer and her fiancé, Pierre Gingue, of Baltimore, Maryland; by her great-granddaughter Keara Higgins; and by her sister Arlene Hinton of Barton. She was predeceased by her sisters Lorraine and Vivian. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated October 26 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Barton with the Reverend Daniel Rupp officiating. Interment followed at St. Paul's Cemetery in Barton. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Lacroix's name may be made to the Barton Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 364, Barton, Vermont 05822; or to the Monroe Rescue Squad, in care of Maynard Farr, Monroe, New Hampshire 03771.

, 63, of West Charleston died October 28, 2006, in Newport. Mrs. DiZazzo was born December 25, 1942, in Lynn, Massachuetts, a daughter of Frank and Aurore (Lavoie) Whitcomb. On April 25, 1959, she married John DiZazzo, who survives her. She was a waitress for the Bayview Motel, the Royal Restaurant, and the Border Motel. She enjoyed playing games with her children, gardening, and antique collecting. She was a member of Life in Christ Fellowship Church in Newport for nearly 20 years. She is survived by her husband, John DiZazzo, of West Charleston; by three sons: John DiZazzo and his wife, Judy, of Witchita, Kansas, Lawrence DiZazzo of Everett, Massachusetts, and David DiZazzo and his wife, Rebecca, of West Charleston; by four grandchildren: Lawrence, Joseph, Cynthia, and Caleb; by a great-granddaughter, Katana; by sisters and brothers: Marsha Whitcomb of Lynn, Massachusetts, Lee Whitcomb and his wife, Sarah, of Salem, Massachusetts, Jacqueline Eichel and her husband, Richard, of Lynn, and John Nicoll of Nahant, Massachusetts; and by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel on Lake Road in Newport where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, with Pastor Janet Bishop and Pastor Paul Essaff officiating. Interment will follow in the West Charleston Cemetery. A gathering will follow at the Life in Christ Fellowship Church. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. DiZazzo's memory may be made to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 55, of Albany died unexpectedly in Newport on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. Mr. Chicoine was born in Albany on June 18, 1951, a son of Patrick and Eloise (Rowland) Chicoine. He attended grade school in Albany. On August 14, 1982, he married Gloria Brown and together they made their home on a lot from the family farm in Albany. He was a former employee of Black River Lumber in Irasburg and was more recently employed at Ethan Allen Manufacturing in Orleans for several years. He enjoyed hunting, working on cars, and gardening. He leaves his wife, Gloria, of Albany; two sisters, Cathy Dion and her husband, Alan, of Albany, and Patricia Barakat of South Boston; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; by a brother, Patrick Chicoine; and by a niece, Katie Lindsey. At his request, there will be no funeral. Donations in Mr. Chicoine's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 11 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602.

, 69, died at his Newport Center home on October 29, 2006. Mr. Reed was born May 14, 1937, a son of Frederick and Eleanor (Wardner) Reed, in Bellows Falls. He graduated from Burlington High School. He delivered bakery products for Interstate Brands for 25 years, ran a concrete operation in partnership with his good friend Jerry Boutin, and later worked at IBM. He was first married to Diana Lorraine; they made their home in Williston and later divorced. He married Betsy Judd in 1996, and her family immediately became his. They lived in Hinesburg and Norridgewock, Maine, and in 2001 found their special home high on a hill in Newport Center. A member of the United Church of Newport, he was actively involved in the church's food shelf until his participation was curtailed by declining health. He treasured time spent with family and friends. He was a gift in their lives. He loved children, and during his last difficult year, his grandson Ian was a beacon of hope for the future. He possessed a quick wit, a sense of humor, an infectious grin, and a gentle smile that came straight from the heart. A man of pride, he possessed a keen interest in everybody and everything around him. A hunter, he looked forward to the opening day of bird season and going to deer camp and the opportunity to be with his sons and grandsons. Just walking in the woods, enjoying nature, was a pleasure to him. He always remembered precisely where he had spotted that flock of turkeys, a partridge, or a deer. A professional putterer, he enjoyed retirement, freedom, trips, relaxation, his tractor, gardening, and a competitive game of cards, which always included laughter. He was predeceased by his son Christopher in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Betsy; by children: Rick Reed and his wife, Karen, of Williston, Bruce Reed and his wife, Sherry, of Hinesburg, Cathy Hobart and her former husband, Rick Hobart, of Texas, Tom Reed of New York, Kari Byrnes and her husband, Steven, of Maine, Kirk Ramsdell and his wife, Ros, of New York, and Kate Dutra and her husband, Lamont, of Maine; by his grandchildren: Ben, Luke, and Sara Reed, James and Stephanie Reed, Nate Hobart and his wife, Brandy, Paul Hobart and his wife, Abby, Sean and Ryan Byrnes, and Ian Dutra; by his great-granddaughter Lauren Toussaint; by sisters Virginia Root and her husband, Clermont, and Marlene Hartley; by nephew Michael Herbert and his wife, Marilyn; by sisters-in-law Nancy McGinley and her husband, Paul, and Sally Tryhorne and her husband, David; and by special friend Audrey LaFleur. A celebration of Mr. Reed's life will be held at the United Church of Newport on November 2 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Reed's memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 16 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05401-3828; or to the United Church of Newport food shelf.

, 90, of Poughkeepsie, New York, died Wednesday, October 25, 2006, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Born in East Albany on June 9, 1916, Mrs. McRitchie was a daughter of John and Ann Dennison Sinon. On October 7, 1934, she married William D. McRitchie, who predeceased her in 1980. They made their home in Barton for several years before moving to Pleasant Valley, New York. She graduated from Barton Academy. She was a waitress for many years at Howard Johnsons and other restaurants in Poughkeepsie. She was a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church and the Pleasant Valley Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She was an avid bowler and card player. She is survived by her daughter Ann Ketsdever of Sun City, California; by a brother, John Sinon, and his wife, Pauline, of East Albany; by daughters-in-law Carol McRitchie of Pleasant Valley and Beverly McRitchie of South Carolina; by 12 grandchildren; by 15 great-grandchildren; by four great-great-grandchildren; and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her two sons, Robert in 1975 and William in 1990; by four brothers; and by three sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated October 30 at St. Stanislaus Church in Pleasant Valley. Interment followed in St. Peter's Cemetery in Poughkeepsie.

, 92, of Derby Line died in Newport on Sunday, November 5, 2006. Mr. Murray was born November 25, 1913, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, a son of the late William and Amelia (McDonald) Murray. He attended St. Patrick's Academy and worked for the Canadian Pacific Express for 33 and a half years, retiring early and then working at the Granada Theater. On May 9, 1945, he married Beatrice Perkins, who predeceased him on January 26, 2003. He and his wife played in their own Murray Trio Band, with Mrs. Murray on the piano and Mr. Murray on the drums. They resided on Valentine Avenue in Derby Line all of their 56 years of marriage. He found much comfort and enjoyment nurturing all the homeless cats and feeding squirrels. He was a very generous man, always helping anyone in need. He was a lifetime member of the Stanstead Canadian Legion and a member of St. Edward's Parish in Derby Line. He is survived by his sister-in-law Jacqueline (Gauvin) Murray; by his niece Christine Murray; by his nephew Michael Murray; and by two great-nephews and two great-nieces, all of Sherbrooke. He was predeceased by his sister Wilamina "Billie"; and by his brother Allen "Skinny." Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport on Monday, November 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 14, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Derby Line at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Yvon Royer officiating. Interment will follow at the Derby Line Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Murray's memory may be made to the Derby Line Fire Department, P.O. Box 205, Derby Line, Vermont 05830.

, 82, formerly of East Haven and Island Pond, died Monday morning, November 6, 2006, at Maple Lane Nursing and Retirement Home in Barton. Ms. Hartwell was born January 10, 1924, in East Haven, the last surviving child of the late Percy and Myrtie (Lee) Hartwell. She was a life member of the East Haven Methodist Church and attended the Grace Brethren churches in Island Pond and Irasburg. She was a life member of the East Haven Grange and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in West Burke and Island Pond. She was a former helper at vacation Bible school in East Haven. Traveling, family reunions, and picnics brought her much enjoyment. Survivors include her nephew Waid Hudson and his wife, April, of Island Pond; two nieces, Jane Marie Wilson and her husband, David, of Kansas and Rose Marie Major and her husband, Cary, of Massachusetts; and her cousin Representative Cola Hudson of Lyndon. She was predeceased by her brother Warren Hartwell; and by three sisters: Helen Hudson, Rita Perry, and Doris Hilliard. Graveside funeral services were held November 9 at East Haven Cemetery with John Sleeper officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Ms. Hartwell's memory may be directed to the resident activities fund at Maple Lane Nursing and Retirement Home, P.O. Box 500, Barton, Vermont 05822.

, 86, of Newport died peacefully November 10, 2006, in Derby. Mrs. Cole was born August 6, 1920, in Holland, a daughter of Foster and Maude (Smith) Woodard. She married Gerald Cole, who predeceased her in 1983. She enjoyed cooking, baking, going to yard sales, and taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a Chuck Norris fan, and she was loved by all who knew her. She is survived by her children: Donald Cole of Newport, Mabel Webb of Newport, and Kathleen Cole and her companion, Lawrence Tabor Sr., of Derby; by her grandchildren: Robbie, Corey, and Travis Cole of Newport, Allison Chaffee of Newport, Gary Cole and his wife, Rhonda, of Irasburg, Albert Cole of Newport, Samantha Hadley of North Carolina, Stephen Cole of North Carolina, Stacey Cole of Rutland, Jonathan Cole of North Carolina, Terry Cole and his wife, Tammy, of Brownington, and Donna Rowe and her husband, Rick, of Newport; by several great-grandchildren; and by a brother, Fred Woodard, of Colebrook, New Hampshire. She was predeceased by a son, David Cole; and by 13 brothers and sisters. Funeral services were held November 14 at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel in Newport with the Reverend Roger Fletcher fficiating. Interment will take place Saturday, November 18, at 2 p.m. at Mead Hill Cemetery in Holland. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Cole's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Vermont and New Hampshire, 172 West Main Street, Barre, Vermont 05641-4124.