, 63, died Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at the Concord Hospice House in New Hampshire after a long illness. Mrs. Santacruce was born in Holland, a daughter of Roger and Eula (Flynn) Sykes, who predeceased her. She attended Derby High School. She owned and operated Colonial Beauty Salon for 35 years. She enjoyed vacationing in Aruba, crafting, completing crossword puzzles daily, and flower gardening. Most important to her was her family, especially her two grandsons, Brandon and Ryan Place. She enjoyed attending their baseball and soccer games. She is survived by her husband, William Santacruce; by one daughter, Lorijo Place, and her husband, Terry, of Concord; by one son, Jeff Santacruce, and his friend, Christine Cook, of Concord; by two grandsons, Brandon and Ryan Place; by two sisters, Lois Carpenter and her husband, Charles, of Derby and Hazel Pellilo and her husband, Roco, of Concord; by three brothers: Raymond Sykes and his wife, Ardis, Morgan Russell and his friend, Jocelyn Davio, of Holland, and Brian Sykes and his wife, Carolyn, of Derby; by sisters-in-law Marjorie Sykes of Holland and Elizabeth Sykes of Island Pond; by brothers-in-law Laurence Judd of Holland and Jack Raitte of Nashua, New Hampshire; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Burial will take place at Mead Hill Cemetery in Holland at the convenience of the family.

, 83, died on Thursday, August 28, 2008, after a brief illness at his home in Westbrook, Maine, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Paradis was born in Island Pond on November 10, 1924, to Joseph Oswald Paradis and Mildred (Bemis) Paradis. He was a military veteran, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in both the United States and England during World War II and in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean Conflict. He married Edith Marion Bartlett of Island Pond on August 12, 1950. In 1966 they moved with their four children to Westbrook, Maine. For 45 years he was employed by the Canadian National/Grand Trunk Railroad, retiring from the Portland, Maine, office in 1986. Mr. Paradis was known for his interests in hunting, woodworking and reading. He was a member of the American Legion Post #80, Island Pond; Island Pond Lodge #44A.F.&A.M.; and the Transportation Communications International Union. He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Edith Paradis, and by two brothers, Clayton Olan Paradis (killed during World War II) and Colin Paradis. He is survived by a sister, Lilla Mae Gardiner of Essex Junction; a son, Lane C. Paradis of Barboursville, Virginia; three daughters, Lou Rae (Paradis) Langevin of Alexandria, Virginia; Lea A. (Paradis) Armstrong of Woolwich, Maine; and Linda E. Paradis of Portland, Maine; six grandchildren and "Dammit," his cat. His children called him the Best Father Ever. A private graveside memorial service will he held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Mr. Paradis' memory may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route One, Scarborough, Maine 04074.

, 85, of Derby died August 25, 2008, in Newport. Mrs. Meunier was born March 28, 1923, in Barton, a daughter of Warner Mitchel and Ada Longley. On June 11, 1945, she married John Meunier, who predeceased her in 1985. She was the original owner of the Green Valley Restaurant in Troy for 17 years. Afterward she cooked at Jay Peak Resort and North Country Union High School. She retired after 20 years. She was a volunteer for many functions at the Elks Club with her husband; he was a lifetime member. She enjoyed traveling, quilting, crocheting, gardening, and cooking. She enjoyed watching wildlife in her backyard and looking at the mountains. She is survived by her daughter Jean Driver and her husband, Albert, of Johnson; by grandchildren Angela Vincelette and her husband, Jonathan, of Morrisville, and Christina Holmes and her husband, Gary, of Johnson; and by great-grandchildren: Jonathan Jr., Ruth, and Luke Vincelette and Peter and Patrick Holmes. She was predeceased by her husband, John Meunier; by her daughter, Mary Lou Meunier; and by her sister, Erma Merritt. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated August 29 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Troy. Interment followed at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Meunier's memory may be made to North Country Hospital, Ron Holland MD Community Dialysis Center, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the American Cancer Society, 121 Connor Way, Suite 240, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 87, of Orleans died on August 30, 2008, at the Bel-Aire Center in Newport. Mr. Decker was born on April 30, 1921, in Orleans, a son of Maurice and Marjorie (Bundy) Decker. On August 29, 1942, he married Laura Wheeler who survives him. Mr. Decker served his country for the Army during WWII. He was a store clerk for the Cole's Market in Orleans for many years. He was a past longtime member of the Newport Elks Club #2155, an active member of the American Legion Post 23, and St. Theresa's Catholic Church for over 60 years. He was a musician and played the drums for the Moonlighters, Newport Volunteer Band, and filled in for the Downbeat Trio Plus One, as well as several different other bands. He was well known as "Happy Harry" at Lanoue's Market. He and his wife were members of Community Circle and enjoyed many trips. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and especially loved family gatherings and their many visits. He spent many hours listening to the Red Sox and St. Louis ball games. Mr. Decker was a man who personified life as it should be. He is survived by his wife, Laura Decker of Orleans, his children, Terrence Decker and his wife, Madeleine, of Orleans; Lori Mayhew and her husband, Larry, of North Troy; grandchildren, Christopher Decker and his wife, Deb, of Texas; Lance Decker of Newport; Daniel LaBarron of Derby Line; Caitlyn LaBarron of North Troy; Megan Simpson and her husband, Devon, of Beebe Plain; and Amanda Effrig and her husband, Mark, of Derby Line; and by seven great-grandchildren, and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a granddaughter Megan LaBarron in 1987, and two sisters, Elizabeth Lancaster and Phyllis Shea. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, at the St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Orleans with the Reverend SixnaundNyabenda celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at the Pleasantview cemetery in Orleans with full military honors. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Decker's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 121 Connor Way, Suite 240, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 88, died peacefully on August 28, 2008, at the Mid-State Medical Center in Meriden, Connecticut. Mr. Davis was born on May 18, 1920, to William Noble and Ethel Sulham Davis. After graduating from Milford High School in New Hampshire, and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, he worked for General Electric in Schenectady, New York. He served in the Army during World War II until 1946. He retired from New England Telephone & Telegraph Company after 36 years of service. He was a life member of the American Legion Riccardi-Hartshorn Post #23 in Milford, New Hampshire, a life member of Masonic Bible Lodge #27, F&AM of Goffstown, New Hampshire, and a member of Masonic Island Pond Lodge #44 ,F&AM in VT. He was past commander of Amoskeag Power Squadron in Manchester, New Hampshire, past district commander of the United States Power & Sail Squadron, and a member of Winooski Power & Sail Squadron in Burlington. He enjoyed sailing, gardening, woodworking, hunting and fishing. He was always active in church and community, served on school boards in New Hampshire and as church treasurer in Westmore. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Goodwin Davis, of 59 years; by his daughter, Jane, and her husband, Ronald Goldberg of Cheshire, Connecticut; by his sons William Davis and his wife, Beverly, of Brownington; and Jeffrey Davis and his wife, Terri, of San Jose, California; as well as grandchildren Paul Goldberg, Jim, Cameron and Ian Davis, and Bill, Andy and Michelle Davis. There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the Westmore Community Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, November 29, at 2 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Westmore Community Church Memorial Fund or the Westmore Ladies Aid Society Scholarship Fund.

, 78, of Derby died August 31, 2008, at her home in Derby. Mrs. Choquette was born July 25, 1930, in Bertrand, New Brunswick, a daughter of Joseph and Louisa (Pinet) Boudreau. On April 1, 1978, she married Regent Choquette who survives her. Among her many hobbies, she enjoyed playing bingo, gardening, sewing, quilting, crocheting, and family reunions. She is survived by her husband Regent Choquette of Derby, her sisters: AlineHache and her husband, Norbert; Corinne Hache and her husband, Jean Paul; and Marie Boucher and her husband, Edgar; all of New Brunswick, Canada; brothers-in-law DonatChoquette and his wife, Jeannine, of Newport; Ernest Choquette and his wife, Louise, of Newport Center; sisters-in-law Martha Fournier and her husband, Paul, of Irasburg; Rita Raboin and her husband, Robert, of Lowell; GerryRaboin and her husband, Norman, of Newport Center; and by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Friends may call from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 5, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport with the Reverend Yvon Royer celebrating a mass of Christian burial. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.

, 75, passed away on September 1, in Saigon, Vietnam. He was born in Burlington on February 11, 1933, the son of the late E. Merriman and Marjorie (Ford) Brown. He attended schools in Burlington and graduated from Barton Academy in 1951. He was a graduate of Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts and taught and coached football at Central Connecticut State College. He had lived in Laguna Vista, Texas, and taught in local schools before retiring to Vietnam. He leaves his wife, Ba, and children: James Brown of Pinole, California; Susan Thompson of Pennsylvania; Lieu and John Jean of College Station, Texas; Binh and Sang Brown of Houston, Texas; and Thieu Brown of Houston, Texas; and six grandchildren. He leaves his brothers and their wives Dr. Edwin M. and Patricia Brown of Richmond, Virginia; and John and Marjorie Brown of Barton. He also leaves a stepmother, Lucy Brown, of Barton. He was predeceased by his parents and first wife, Marlene. Funeral arrangements will take place in Texas.

, 70, of Glover, beloved husband of Norma Lonsdale, died on August 17, 2008, at the North Country Hospital in Newport. A graveside service will be held at a later date.

, 55, of North Haverill, New Hampshire, died September 5, 2008, at his residence, following a two-year battle with cancer. Mr. Rives was born in Barton April 1, 1953, a son of Wright Eliott and Majorie Ruth (Hoar) Rives. He was a graduate of Lake Region Union High School in Orleans and attended Vermont Technical College in Randolph. He married Kathleen Wheeler on June 21, 1975. Together they owned and operated the former Hannah's Hallmark Store in Littleton, New Hampshire. He was previously employed for 18 years with the Butson Family Supermarket chain, based in Woodsville, New Hampshire. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Woodsville. Music played a large role in his life. He enjoyed listening to music and playing his guitar. He was a sports fan, especially of golf and football. He was known to be an avid fan of the New York Giants. His spirited personality was represented in his sense of humor, and he took great pleasure spending time with his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Kathleen (Wheeler) Rives, of North Haverhill; their children: Samuel D. Rives and his wife, Leah, of San Marcos, California, Hannah R. Bingham and her husband, Daniel, of Aurora, Illinois, and Josiah W. Rives and his wife, Karianne, of North Haverhill; four grandchildren: Violet and Wright Rives, Derek Bingham, and Chloe Rives; one sister, Mary LaBranche, of Shelton, Connecticut; two brothers, Christopher Rives of Stuttgart, Germany, and Richard Rives of San Antonio, Texas; one aunt; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The funeral service was held September 9 at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Dan Chamberland officiating. Burial in Horsemeadow Cemetery in North Haverhill will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cottage Hospital hospice room, in care of Patricia Thayer, P.O. Box 2001, Woodsville, New Hampshire 03785.

, 86, died in Tucson, Arizona, on Monday, June 23, 2008, surrounded by members of her loving family. Mrs. Leroux was born in Gill, Massachusetts on November 8, 1921, a daughter of Raoul and Laura (Provost) Messier. A Tucson resident for more than 30 years, she lived most of her life in northeastern Vermont. She is survived by her children: Jacqueline Jacobson of Tucson, Lucille Pacheco of Chesapeake, Virginia, Monique Mitchell of Wayne, Maine, Michelle Stone of Tucson, and Marc Leroux of Agawam, Massachusetts; by her brother Norman Messier; by seven grandchildren; and by six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Lucien; and by her son Marcel. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Barton on Friday, September 12, with a Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at St. Paul's Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Barton United Church.

, 83, of Coventry died September 2, 2008, in Newport. Mrs. Lawson was born March 13, 1925, in Brome, Quebec, a daughter of John and Jennie (Farmer) Thompson. At age two, she moved to East Montpelier. She was educated in East Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School and Lyndon State College. She taught school at the Nelson Hill School in Derby. On January 12, 1945, she married Winston Lawson, and they lived on the family farm until 1979 when they sold it and built a new house on the farmland. Their twins Wayne and Wendell were born August 10, 1946. As a young girl, she was very active in 4-H in Washington County and won many prizes for her Jersey cattle. She carried on her love of animals throughout her life and raised many calves and heifers. She was a member of the Coventry Congregational Church. She was a bus driver for the town of Coventry for more than 25 years. She and her husband were caretakers of the Coventry Cemetery for many years. She was predeceased by her husband, Winston; by her sisters Kathleen and Irene; and by her brother Norman. She is survived by two sisters, Bertha and Mildred of Barre; by her sons Wayne and his wife, Kit, of South Burlington and Wendell and his wife, Nancy, of Coventry; by her grandchildren: Christopher and Keri of South Burlington, Scott and his wife, Christine, of Norwich, Connecticut, and Steve and his wife, Michelle, of Peru, New York; by great-grandchildren: Jeffrey and his wife, Brody, of Norwich, David, Sydney, and Cody of Norwich, and Benjamin and Ethan of Peru; by a great-great-grandson, Connor, of Norwich; and by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held September 6 at the Coventry Congregational Church with Pastor Jiggs Petit officiating. Interment followed in Coventry Village Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Lawson's memory may be made to the Coventry Village Cemetery Association, in care of the Coventry town clerk, P.O. Box 104, Coventry, Vermont 05825.

, 86, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, died Saturday, August 30, 2008. Mr. LaBounty was the beloved husband ofMalina (Rodondo) LaBounty. He is survived by his children Norbert LaBounty and his wife, Barbara, and Anne Marie Smith and her husband, Donald; by stepdaughter Bonnie Bartoletti; by grandchildren Rebecca and Melissa; by stepgranddaughter Karen Tantama and her husband, Dr. Stephen Tantama; by seven great-grandchildren; and by many nieces and nephews. His siblings were Simon LaBounty, Irene Garafolo, Yvonne Slicer,Aldea O'Keefe, Simonne Hayes, Robert "Jake" Bruno LaBounty, Maurice LaBounty, Rudolph "Rudy" LaBounty, Adolph "Pete" LaBounty, and Ludolph "Doc" LaBounty. A graveside service was held September 5 at St. Paul's Cemetery in Barton with the Reverend SixmaundNyabenda Henry officiating. Full military honors were held.