of Danville passed away early Friday morning, April 10, 2009, at the age of 83. He was born in Franklin on Aug. 23, 1925, the son of Wallace and Maude (Hamlet) Griggs. He married Jacqueline Pastor May 28, 1988. Wilbur was a custom home builder and took pride in finishing a house from foundation to chimney. His interests were with the great-outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman. He was also a well-known dowser. His family was the center of his life. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline Pastor-Griggs (PO Box 116 Danville VT 05828); his sister Betty Baril and her husband Raymond; eight children, Lawrence Lakus and his wife Hope, Iris Gilbert and husband Richard, Holly Rousseau and husband Larry, Barbara Griggs, Susan Cowburn and husband Bob, William Griggs and wife Jeannie, Sheila Griggs, and Corey Cochran; his grandkids, Lauren and KaitLynn, Richard, Victoria, and Andrew, Randy and Destiny, Tracie, Carter, Carrie, Matt, and Jason, Deena and Cassie, Alicia, and Jenn, Megan, and Seth; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. There will be no services. Memorial contributions could be directed to The American Cancer Society, 121 Connor Way, Ste. 240, Williston VT 05495-1460.

, age 98, formerly of Gilman, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2009, at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Pillsbury Funeral Home located at 101 Union Street in Littleton, N.H. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 14, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Marcel Martel as Celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Rose Cemetery. A complete obit will be printed in a future edition of this newspaper.

, born Sept. 6, 1968, passed away of a heart condition on April 7, 2009, at his home in Pomfret at the age of 40. He had suffered a heart attack when he was 35. Seth was born and raised in St. Johnsbury. He had recently moved back to Vermont after living in Ohio and Pennsylvania for 10 years. Seth had a passion for the arts. As a guitar and piano player, Seth wrote the music and lyrics for all his songs, and there were many. He was a painter, sculptor, writer, and a poet. He had written many children's books, all of which he gave to his precious nieces. For Seth, nothing came before his family. If ever there was a need, there was Seth. He was a man of unwavering dedication and unselfishness. Seth could make you smile with his inexplicable sense of humor. Seth spent his working career doing what he loved; he worked in landscaping and in the restaurant business since his teen years. Seth is survived by many loved ones, his father Gaylon Ely and his wife Susan; his mother Carolann Keys and her husband Steven; brothers Micah and Christopher and Chris' wife Cindy, sister Tracy and husband Dave; nieces Rebecca, Tierra, Paige, Savannah, Marion, Sydney, Darby, and Lydia; Gus and Marcia Hagman and their family with whom Seth spent an extended period of his childhood; Seth's dearest friend David Wylie; and special friends Kandle Klampert, Wes Davies, and Bethany Ridley. Addresses for anyone wishing to mail a condolence: Gaylon at 593 Old Concord Rd., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; Carolann at 41 Merrimack St., Hooksett, NH 03106; Chris at 351 Wagner Rd., North Bangor, NY 12966; Tracy at 709 North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH 05224; Micah at 241 'E' St., Boston, MA 02127. Funeral services will be held at the Third Congregational Church in East St. Johnsbury Tuesday, April. 14, at 11 a.m. The pastor, the Rev. Ann Hockridge, will officiate. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Monday evening 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions could be given to one's local humane society. In St. Johnsbury such contributions could be directed to Northeast Kingdom Animal Shelter, PO Box 462, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 88, Haverhill, N.H., died on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at the Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, N.H., following a brief illness. She was born in St. Paul Abbottsford, Quebec, April 23, 1920, the daughter of Adelard and Eva (Darcey) Chouinard. She was a communicant at the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Woodsville. Theresa married Ernest M. Holmes on April 26, 1943, and was predeceased by him on Sept. 29, 2004. She was also predeceased by four sisters Madeline Cook Louisa Connor and Maria Chouinard, Alice Massey, and four brothers Ernest, Albert, Lawrence Adelard, Chouinard. Survivors include her two daughters, Christina Davis and companion William Boutin of Haverhill, and Susan Okurowski and husband Walter of Hillsborough, N.J.; three sons, Ernest T. Holmes of Haverhill, Myron D. Holmes of Haverhill, and Anthony C. Holmes of Haverhill; three grandchildren, Sarah Davis, Walter Okurowski, and Daniel Okurowski; and five great-grandchildren Lianne and Allison Okurowski, Ella and Mara Okurowski, and Tyler Roden; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be calling hours on Monday, April 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 14, at 11 a.m., at the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 15 Pine Street, Woodsville, NH, with Father Daniel J. Sinibaldi officiating. Spring burial will be at later date in Ladd Street Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, New England Affiliate, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 20852-9813.

, 89, of Sheffield, died peacefully and unexpectedly Friday morning, April 10, 2009, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. She was born June 5, 1919, in Waterford, the only child of James and Avis (Cota) Williamson. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy with the class of 1937. Mrs. Aiken was bookkeeper and co-owner of Paul's Wayside Furniture in Lyndonville. She founded The Fabric Shop beside the furniture store and operated it for several years. The Aikens lived in the former Chase house beside the store and owned Lyn-A stables where they raised Morgan horses. Mrs. Aiken was a former Sunday school teacher and had attended both the Grace United Methodist and Lyndonville United Methodist churches. She loved her pet boxers, cat Charro, reading, traveling, skating, swimming, and riding horseback. One of her fondest memories was the family cruises on Lake Memphremagog. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and enriched the lives of those who knew her. Her beautiful and contagious smile will long be remembered. She is survived by her daughter Lauri Aiken and her spouse Myscha of Lyndonville, daughter-in-law Kimmerly Aiken of Michigan; granddaughter Jessica Brill whom she raised; six other grandchildren: Bryr, Jason, Lyndsay, Penney, Brandon, and Kimberley; eight great-grandchildren; and several good friends. In her later years, Mrs. Aiken made her home in Sheffield with Jessica, husband Matt, and their children Gavin, Alana, and Jada. She became part of their family. She was predeceased by her parents, her former husband Paul Aiken Sr. to whom she was married 32 years, and, just this past February, by son Paul Aiken Jr. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 17, at 2 p.m. at the Guibord Funeral Home. The Rev. Tim Pittman will officiate. Prior to the service, family and friends will gather beginning at 1 p.m. Spring burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Area Agency on Aging, 481 Summer St., Suite #101, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 78, of St. Johnsbury, and formally of Lower Waterford and Wakefield, Mass., died suddenly on April 10, 2009. He was born in 1930 in Melrose, Mass., to John Edward "Ed" and Emily (Burke) Classen, who predeceased him. Ed served his country in the Untied States Coastguard Reserves. He was a member of the American Legion Post 68 in Littleton, N.H., and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 1343 in St. Johnsbury, Vt. He worked most of his life as an automobile broker and is well known in the automotive industry. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his sisters, Mildred and husband John Beebe of Salisbury, Mass., and Emily McLaughlin of Acushnet, Mass.; a brother Charles and wife Jeanette Classen of Glouster, Mass.; children Cathryn Classen of East Bethany, N.Y., Cyndi and husband Randy Miller of Holderness, N.H., Mark Classen of Portland, Maine, Mike Classen of Waterford, Vt.; grandchildren, Eddie and Joe Greeley, Ben and Meredith Classen, Kaitlin and R.B. Hubbard, Casey and Carter Crooks, Tori Williams and Ryan, Terrance, Brianna and Kaligh. As well as four great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A friends and family gathering will be held at Ross Funeral Home, Littleton, N.H., on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., with an American Legion Service to follow at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ed's memory to the charity of your choice.

, age 98, of Gilman, Vt., passed away on Friday, April 10, 2009, at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center. Emma was born on Nov. 18, 1910, a daughter of Alexander and Helen (Bolger) Duguay in Stanhope, Quebec, Canada. She married Paul (Stubby) Lefrancois in 1929 in the St. Theresa Church in Gilman, the first couple to receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the newly erected church. Emma was employed by the Gilman Paper Company for 22 years and by Connors and Hoffman Shoe Company for 20 years. She was a charter member of the Eagles Club in Littleton, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary as well as the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, a past member of the Ladies of the Moose Club in St. Johnsbury, Vt., and a member of the Gilman Senior Center. Emma enjoyed going to club dances in the area with friends well into her 90s. She enjoyed family events and Sunday dinners at Moose Look Restaurant. She always remembered the birthdays of all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Surviving family members include her daughter, Louise Marie Verret; her son-in-law, Charles Aremburg; her sister, Albina Casassa of Pittsfield, Mass.; her brother-in-law René and wife, Elda LeFrancois of Berlin, N.H.; her grandchildren, Tom and wife, Gail Ainsworth of Westmoreland, N.H., Janice and husband, Gary Grover of Hinsdale, N.H., David and wife, Rita Aremburg of North Concord, Vt., Kevin and wife, Eydie Aremburg of Wateford, Vt., Carla Amadon and fiancé, Ed Alanckis of Lunenburg, Vt., Hank Verret of Lancaster, N.H., and Ronald and wife, Martha Verret of Bethlehem, N.H.; 16 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul (Stubby) Lefrancois, her daughter and son-in-law, Rena and Arthur Ainsworth, her daughter, Pauline Aremburg, son-in-law Henry Verret, 11 brothers and sisters, one granddaughter, three grandsons, and special friend, Carl Fisher. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 13, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Pillsbury Funeral Home located at 101 Union St. in Littleton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 14, at 10 a.m. at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Marcel Martel as Celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Rose Cemetery.

, 81, of Lebanon, N.H., died April 9, 2009, at his home. He was born Jan. 29, 1928, in Littleton, N.H., the son of the late Charles Willey and May Eldora (Gibson) Lamb. Mr. Lamb attended Littleton schools graduating from Littleton High School in 1946. After high school Mr. Lamb worked for his father at Northern Garage Inc. in Littleton. He later joined the Air Force retiring from the Air Force Reserve at the rank of Captain in 1968. Mr. Lamb spent three years at the University of New Hampshire and later on graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelors of science degree in 1958. For most of his career, Mr. Lamb worked as a nuclear physicist at the Harry Diamond Laboratories in Adelphi, Md. Mr. Lamb belonged to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, PI KAPPA ALPHA fraternity and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed computers, railroads, aerospace, astronomy and photography. Mr. Lamb also enjoyed sailing and tinkering on cars. He is survived by his wife Carole W. Lamb, a son Marc Lamb of Enfield, N.H., a stepdaughter Renee Pinkham of Little River, S.C., a stepson Seth Pinkham of Los Angeles, Calif., and a sister Rachel Clark of Bethlehem, N.H., and several nieces and nephews. Family and Friends are invited to attend a committal service on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Littleton, N.H., at a later date.

, 54, longtime computer technical writer, died April 12, 2009, in Hampton, N.H. Born Feb. 7, 1955, in Torrance, Calif., she was the beloved daughter of Norma C. Treat of Westford, Mass., and St. Johnsbury Center, Vt., and the late Robert H. Treat. She graduated from Westford Academy and from Framingham State College and worked for many years in the computer industry as a technical writer. She had a life-long love of horses and competed in dressage competitions in college. In addition to her father, she was predeceased by a sister Elizabeth in 1961. She is survived by her son Matthew of Quincy, Mass., her mother of Westford, Mass.; sisters Lydia Corrow of West Burke, Vt., Sarah Algie and husband James of Wilbraham, Mass., brother Charles Treat and wife Jacqueline of Ilion, N.Y., aunts Jean Davis and husband Jack of East Burke, Vt., Cynthia Toussaint of Vestal, N.Y., as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services will be held in Lyndonville, Vt., on Wednesday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at the Guibord Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeanette McKnight will officiate. Burial will be in a few weeks at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions could be directed to either the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 60 Walnut St., Wellesley Hills MA 02481; or to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, New England Chapter, PO Box 541617, Waltham MA 02454.

, 61, Route 302, died peacefully April 11, 2009, at his home after a brief illness. He was born in Fall River, Mass., the son of Robert Sr. and Grace (Babcock) Howarth. He attended Durfee High School and Bristol Community college in Fall River. He worked at various locations in Massachusetts including the Lincoln Park Amusements, Man Power, and as and electronics technician working on contracts for the government. He owned and operated Central Photo in Fall River. He was known in this area for owning Howie's Toy Museum in Lisbon, N.H., for over 25 years. He and his family enjoyed the many guests who toured the museum. His interests included trains, amateur radio, photography and stamp collecting. He is survived by his mother Grace Howarth of Lisbon; his loving wife Linda (Barnett) Howarth, of Lisbon; one sister Joyce Ploof and husband Mike, Puyallup, Wash.; a nephew Jack Amaral and his wife Shari, Spring Hill, Twnn.; and many cousins. Services will be held at the Woodsville Grace Assembly of God, 17 Central St. Woodsville, NH on Friday, April 17, at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the North Country Hospice, 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561 or American Cancer Society, 360 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110-5030 or the New Hampshire Federation for the Blind, 2 Center St #2, Laconia, NH 03246.

, 78, of St. Johnsbury, passed away, April 13, 2009, Monday evening at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Waltham, Mass., on Aug. 8, 1930, the son of Albert and Lydia (Pallo) Wollrath. He married Joan MacLeod, also of Waltham, on March 4, 1956, after serving in the Army in the Korean Conflict. George loved St. Johnsbury. The Wollraths moved to St. Johnsbury in 1969 when George took a position with The Caledonian-Record. He retired as advertising manager in 1995. His organizational skills allowed him to balance his many interests and activities. Civically, he served as a selectman for the Town of St. Johnsbury for several terms. He was currently trustee at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital and president of the NVRH Auxiliary. George was a longtime member of the Grace United Methodist Church and sang in the choir for years. He was a former volunteer at the St. Johnsbury Correctional Center and former president of Caledonia Co. REACT. He enjoyed managing the Tigers Little League baseball team for eight years. He recently received his 50 year pin from the Waltham Masonic Triad Lodge. He always loved to garden, having grown up in his family's retail/wholesale floral business, the largest of its kind in the greater Boston area. He loved to grill, bake, and cook at all the family activities. He is survived by his wife Joan (101 Skyview Terr, St. Johnsbury 05819); four children, John Wollrath and his wife Ann of Groton, Mass., Christine Walker and husband Rick of St. Johnsbury, Robert Wollrath and wife Jasmin of West Melbourne, Fla., Catherine "Katy" Valdez and Paul Rock of St. Johnsbury; 10 grandchildren, Eric, Matthew, and Nick; Charlie and Jessica; Ryan and Julie; Tony, Tyler, and Becka; sister Ann Graves of Westford, Mass. He was predeceased by two brothers Albert Jr. and Ernest as a youngster, and a sister in infancy. Services will be held this Friday, April 17, at 2 p.m., at the Grace United Methodist Church. The pastor, the Rev. John Marshall, will officiate. Memorial contributions could be directed to either, NVRH Auxiliary, PO Box 905, St. Johnsbury VT 05819; or to Grace United Methodist Church, 36 Central St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

passed away peacefully in her home in Lyndonville on April 4. She died of natural causes just a few weeks before her 87th birthday. Mary Bisson is best known to generations of Vermonters as the head of the English Department at Lyndon State College, where she taught for 38 years. She was a mentor and friend to students whose lives were changed by her encouragement and sage advice. She specialized in teaching Chaucer, Shakespeare and Romantic Poetry. Mary had a love for language and a keen appreciation for literature. Her students have gone on to careers in teaching, journalism and writing. Mary was born in Rutland in 1921. She attended Rutland High School, and took her first degree in English from the University of Vermont in Burlington. She enlisted in the Marine Corps and was chosen to be in one of the first groups of women admitted to the Marine Corps in 1944. She held a pilot's license and taught instrument flying to Marines who went on to fight in World War II overseas. When the War was over, she was accepted into Columbia University's elite graduate program in English literature. After completing her Masters Degree she returned to Vermont and began her career as a teacher. By the time she retired, she found herself teaching the grandchildren of her first students. She had a beautiful speaking voice and with her articulate and passionate teaching, she made literature come alive for her students and left them with a lifelong appreciation for the great writers and the arts. Mary is survived by her four children, John Bisson, Jr. of Wilsall, Mont., Mariella (Ellie) Bisson Gubits of Woodstock, N.Y., Jerry Bisson of Vienna Va., and Lunenberg, Vt., (currently serving his country in Kabul Afghanistan), and Michele Bisson Savoy of Hopland, Calif. Mary will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren and great-grandchild, Megan and Nick Bisson in Virginia, Caitlin Bisson-Hoyt and her daughter, Anunziata Nelson, in New Hampshire, and Jordan-Aimee Bisson-Northrop in New Hampshire. Mary will be greatly missed by her devoted caregivers Joanne Whitcomb and Dorise Kelley, and her beloved dog, Skipper, who has found a loving new home through Mary's friend Elise Shartsis in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. A private burial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name to Literacy Volunteers or to an animal shelter/ASPCA.

, 80, died at the Lafayete Center in Franconia, N.H., April 12, 2009. She was born May 25, 1928, in Littleton, N.H., to Hamilton and Ophelia Pollock. She grew up in Littleton where she graduated from Littleton Hish School. In the 70s she move to Bethlehem, N.H. Her Nana helped raise her and wa a large influence in her life. During high school she worked at the New England Telephone Company as an operator. After graduation she worked a short time at J.J. Newberry's and at Ruggles Super Market as a cashier and bookkeeper and then at Ruggles Thriftway as cashier and bookkeeper, continuing her relationship with the Ruggles family for over 60 years. While working at Ruggles Super Market she built her own cottage at Forest lake where she lived summers and later built her own log cabin in Bethlehem, always wearing her sailor hat. At the market she was especially known for her paintings of Christmas scenes on the store's front windows and could be heard happily whistling tunes most of the day. Charlene was a close and "special" friend with the Ruggles family throughout her lifetime, especially with Enola and Gary, enjoying making treks to Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch and sprucing up Enola's former homestead. She loved to read, do crosswords, hunt, fish, ski and hike and nature. Earlier years she was active on a softball team and bowling league. Following the Boston Red Sox was a tremendous highlight of hers. Charlene was widely known for her skillful and talented wood carvings, giving classes to others who shared in her interest. Carving was her life-long passion. She was fascinated by animals and birds and her work reflected perfection. There are no calling hours. Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of the Littleton Area, 262 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561.

, 85, Bethlehem, N.H., passed away on April 14, 2009, at Concord Hospital. Bill was born on Nov. 16, 1923, in Reading, Pa., to William J. and Leona (Lane) Rathman. Bill served in the Navy during World War II on a submarine. After his Navy career, Bill met and married Betty Weddle of Portsmouth, N.H. He attended MacIntosh College obtaining a business degree and did some teaching at the college. He later settled in Moultonborough, N.H., with his wife, Betty Rathman and son, William J. Rathman where he began his own real estate business. In 1967 he was hired to be ticket manager for the new Waterville Valley Ski Area, moving there in 1974 where he enjoyed life with friends and family. Along with ticket manager, Bill also worked at the local Post Office and the golf pro shop where he acquired the nickname "The Oldest Pro." He moved to Bethlehem shortly after retirement to be near family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Surviving family members include his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Laurie Rathman of Bethlehem and grandchildren, Ben and Emily; his brothers, Donald Rathman of Allentown, Pa., and James Rathman of Reading; his sister, Margaret Pflueger of Lebanon, Pa.; and many nieces, nephews and close friends. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Betty Rathman; his parents, William and Leona Rathman; and his sister, A. Josephine Spanier. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 25, at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, located at 101 Union Street in Littleton, N.H., from 1:30 to 3 p.m. A memorial service will immediately follow the calling hours at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, make a donation in Bill's memory to a charity of your choice.

, age 60, Bethlehem, N.H., passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, April 6. Rich was born on June 28, 1948, a son to William and Priscilla M. (Worden) Robinson in Lisbon, N.H. He graduated from Lisbon High school and joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War as a Radio Operator for the 101st Airborne. He was Sate Veterans Department Commander from 1985 to 1986. Rich was instrumental in working with Senator Bob Smith in accounting of Prisoners of War in Vietnam. He was Post-Commander for the VFW Howard Shawney Post #816, as well as District Commander numerous times. He was employed in the shoe industry where he was known as a top cutter. Rich was a Bar Manager for the VFW Howard Shawney Post #816 in Littleton for many years. He was an avid golfer and served as President of the Bethlehem Country Club. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Robinson of Littleton; his step-daughter, Mindy Wagner of Cheshire, Ore.; his brother, James Robinson of Chicago, Ill.; and his half-brother, David McKown of Wells, Maine. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 3:30 p.m., at the VFW Howard Shawney Post #816 in Littleton. Burial will be in the New Hampshire State Veteran's Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H., with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Department of NH-VFW earmarked O.V.E.R. T.H.E.R.E fund, which assists overseas veterans with financial needs, mail to Dana Hussey, VFW Dept Q.M., P. O. Box 6025, East Rochester, NH 03868-6025.

, 80, died at the Lafayete Center in Franconia, N.H., April 12, 2009. She was born May 25, 1928, in Littleton, N.H., to Hamilton and Ophelia Pollock. She grew up in Littleton where she graduated from Littleton Hish School. In the 70s she move to Bethlehem, N.H. Her Nana helped raise her and wa a large influence in her life. During high school she worked at the New England Telephone Company as an operator. After graduation she worked a short time at J.J. Newberry's and at Ruggles Super Market as a cashier and bookkeeper and then at Ruggles Thriftway as cashier and bookkeeper, continuing her relationship with the Ruggles family for over 60 years. While working at Ruggles Super Market she built her own cottage at Forest lake where she lived summers and later built her own log cabin in Bethlehem, always wearing her sailor hat. At the market she was especially known for her paintings of Christmas scenes on the store's front windows and could be heard happily whistling tunes most of the day. Charlene was a close and "special" friend with the Ruggles family throughout her lifetime, especially with Enola and Gary, enjoying making treks to Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch and sprucing up Enola's former homestead. She loved to read, do crosswords, hunt, fish, ski and hike and nature. Earlier years she was active on a softball team and bowling league. Following the Boston Red Sox was a tremendous highlight of hers. Charlene was widely known for her skillful and talented wood carvings, giving classes to others who shared in her interest. Carving was her life-long passion. She was fascinated by animals and birds and her work reflected perfection. There are no calling hours. Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of the Littleton Area, 262 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561.

, 67, of Wells River, Vt., died on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at his residence. He was born in Newbury, Vt., Feb. 24, 1942, the son of Earl and Rhubertha (Oliver) Boyce. George graduated from Newbury High School, Class of 1960. He worked as a plumber and electrician for many years in the area, including Wright's Plumbing and Heating in Bradford, Vt., and later he operated his own business. George enjoyed sports and attending his son's games. He also enjoyed playing basketball and baseball in high school. He always enjoyed hunting, fishing, and racing at Bear Ridge Speedway. During the summer months he was known to "make the rounds" with the residents at Tenney Pond. George was known for his dry Vermont humor and wit. He was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Rhubertha Boyce. Survivors include his three sons: Geoff Boyce of Bradford, Vt., Craig Boyce and his wife Buffy of Montpelier, Vt., and Andrew Boyce of Bradford, Vt.; two sisters: Beverly Wright of Bradford, Vt., and Barbara Welch of Newbury, Vt.; a brother, David Boyce of Newbury, Vt.; three grandchildren: Madeleine, Chloe and Delia; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, April 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. A funeral service will be on Wednesday, April 29, at 1 p.m. at the Ricker Funeral Home, with Rev. Harvey Bartlett officiating. Burial will follow at the Boltonville Cemetery, Newbury, Vt. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cottage Hospital Oncology Department, P.O. Box 2001, Woodsville, NH 03785.

, of Sutton, died suddenly Friday morning, April 17, 2009, in St. Johnsbury at the age of 85. She was born March 6, 1924, in New Haven, Conn., the daughter of George and Leona (Berry) Payne. Following her schooling in Connecticut she worked at Pratt and Whitney for a time. On Aug. 15, 1942, she married Reginald F. Sylvester. In 1954 they moved to Vermont to help work Reginald's parents' dairy farm in Sutton. Later they purchased and worked Windy Hill Farm in Sutton. Betty loved gardening, planting vegetables, flowers, trees, and house plants. She had an amazing green thumb. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading and dairy farming. She is remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Survivors include three sons, Reginald Sylvester and wife Lorrie of Putney, Robert Sylvester and wife Linda of Sutton, and John Sylvester and wife Margarita of Sutton; a son in-law, Cecil O'Keefe of Island Pond; 12 grandchildren, Douglas Sylvester and wife Cecilia, Lisa Sylvester-Mleczko and husband Brian, Robert Sylvester and wife Melissa, Suzette Sylvester, Christina Sylvester-Davis and husband Jonathan, Thomas Sylvester and significant other Stephanie Burgess, William O'Keefe and wife Stephanela, Amber Sylvester and fiancée Billy Spears, Cassandra Sylvester-Gallagher and husband Andrew, Tara Sylvester, Carmon Conn, and Chad Conn; numerous great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and several close friends. She was predeceased by her husband Reginald in 1993; their infant son Douglas; their daughter, Diane O'Keefe; and six brothers and sisters. Graveside funeral services will be held Friday, May 1, at 10 a.m. in the Sutton Village Cemetery with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. There will be no visiting hours. Donations made in her memory may be directed to, Vermont Association of the Blind, 37 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.

, of Sutton, died suddenly Friday morning, April 17, 2009, in St. Johnsbury at the age of 85. She was born March 6, 1924, in New Haven, Conn., the daughter of George and Leona (Berry) Payne. Following her schooling in Connecticut she worked at Pratt and Whitney for a time. On Aug. 15, 1942, she married Reginald F. Sylvester. In 1954 they moved to Vermont to help work Reginald's parents' dairy farm in Sutton. Later they purchased and worked Windy Hill Farm in Sutton. Betty loved gardening, planting vegetables, flowers, trees, and house plants. She had an amazing green thumb. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading and dairy farming. She is remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Survivors include three sons, Reginald Sylvester and wife Lorrie of Putney, Robert Sylvester and wife Linda of Sutton, and John Sylvester and wife Margarita of Sutton; a son in-law, Cecil O'Keefe of Island Pond; 12 grandchildren, Douglas Sylvester and wife Cecilia, Lisa Sylvester-Mleczko and husband Brian, Robert Sylvester and wife Melissa, Suzette Sylvester, Christina Sylvester-Davis and husband Jonathan, Thomas Sylvester and significant other Stephanie Burgess, William O'Keefe and wife Stephanela, Amber Sylvester and fiancée Billy Spears, Cassandra Sylvester-Gallagher and husband Andrew, Tara Sylvester, Carmon Conn, and Chad Conn; numerous great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and several close friends. She was predeceased by her husband Reginald in 1993; their infant son Douglas; their daughter, Diane O'Keefe; and six brothers and sisters. Graveside funeral services will be held Friday, May 1, at 10 a.m. in the Sutton Village Cemetery with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. There will be no visiting hours. Donations made in her memory may be directed to, Vermont Association of the Blind, 37 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.

, of Newton, Mass., and Peacham, Vt., died of cancer in Boston on April 15, 2009. Born in Boston on Aug. 20, 1958, Nick graduated from The Putney School, the University of California, Berkeley, and The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Nick lived and worked in San Francisco before returning to the Boston area in 1989. Nick is survived by his beloved wife, Anne and by his adored children, Elisabeth and Eliot, of Newton; his loving parents, Jane Roberts Gill of Putney, Vt., and Peter Lawrence Gill of Marblehead, Mass.; and by his brothers Jock Gill of Medford, Mass., and Peacham, Timothy Gill of Greenfield, Mass.; and by his sister, Dorcas Gill Gray, of Annapolis, Md. A doting uncle, he will be sorely missed by his nieces Amanda, Megan, Rosie and Sophie, and by his nephew, Ethan. Nick is also mourned by Anne's close family in France and England. Nick was an avid environmentalist, a man of great good humor and boundless compassion, with strong values and intense intellectual curiosity. He lives on in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved him. A memorial service is to be held in June, 2009, in Peacham, where he will be buried. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Putney School, The Jimmy Fund, or Amnesty International.