, 68, of Waterford, Vt., beloved wife of Freddie H. Kenney, passed away at home Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. She was born in Hanover, N.H., on May 27, 1941, the daughter of the late George and Sybil (Stone) Boyd of Woodsville. A 1959 graduate of Woodsville High School, Gloria was very pleased that 23 of the 36 members of her class turned out for the 50th class reunion she helped organize this past summer. Gloria retired after 23 years at NVRH where she was employed as a help desk coordinator, having previously worked at Sears for 12 years. She loved to travel and reflect on the many bus tours and trips she and Freddie were fortunate to have taken, including to Ireland, Alaska, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She also enjoyed spending time on the coast of Maine. She was an avid Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics fan. She enjoyed reading, playing bingo, going to stock car racing, and most of all, spending time with her family and her two cats, Billy and Buddy. She is survived by her husband Freddie; their son Gary Kenney and wife Jacqueline of Littleton, N.H.; their daughter Cyndi Kenney and Kevin Holbrook of St. Johnsbury; four grandchildren: Kasie Pilgrim and Jamie Kenney, Marie Sheehan and Johnathan Sheehan; and one great-granddaughter Addison Pilgrim. She is also survived by three step-children: Phillip Kenney Sr. and wife Barbara of Guilford, Conn., Rhonda Lopes and husband Joseph of Peace Dale, R.I., Kevin Kenney of Hope Valley, R.I.; six step-grandchildren: Phillip 2nd and Kristen, Sara Beth, Robert, Allysa and Shannon. Also surviving her are her sister Reita Jones of Woodsville, N.H.; Freddie's two sisters and brother: Helen Bedor of Lyndonville, Mary Letourneau of St. Johnsbury, Floyd Kenney of Twin Mt., N.H.; Freddie's step-brother Steve Burgess and his wife Nancy of Lyndonville; nieces, nephews, and their families. She was predeceased by two brothers: Andrew and Clifford Boyd, her sister Betty Dresser, Fred's sister Hilda Daigle, and a step-son Peter Kenney of Peace Dale, R.I. Services will be held Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home. The Rev. John Marshall will officiate. A light reception will follow across the street at the Fr. Joseph A. Lively Center. Please omit flowers. Rather, memorial contributions could be directed to either: CALEX, PO Box 570, St. Johnsbury VT 05819, or to the NVRH Auxiliary, PO Box 905, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

, 99, of Greensboro Bend, died peacefully on Nov. 22, 2009, at Copley Hospital in Morrisville following a brief illness. Yvonne was born on Aug. 6, 1910 in Berlin, N.H., to Joseph and Laura Marceau. She attended Guardian Angel Catholic School in Berlin before her family moved to Walden where she completed her education at the Walden School. On Oct. 24, 1931, she married Alexander Messier and they bought a farm in Greensboro Bend where they both lived out their lives. Yvonne was Alex's partner on the farm and worked beside him in the barn and fields while also taking care of their home and family. After he passed away, she was a home knitter for many years. While she never drove, she did travel and had many adventures in the last years of her life including visiting the Grand Canyon, her sister in Florida, and riding on a motorcycle on her 95th birthday. She loved to garden and lived for the spring when she could get out into her flower and vegetable gardens. Even this summer she continued to garden, can and freeze vegetables. Once she retired from knitting, she kept herself busy in the winter making quilts for all of her family and friends. When she ran out of family, she continued to make quilts and donated them to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network for fundraisers. She was a member of St. Michael's Parish in Greensboro Bend and felt blessed. Every visit ended with her exclaiming how lucky she was. She is survived by her three children, Ernest Messier and his wife Blanche, Raymond Messier and his wife Florence all of Greensboro Bend, and Evelyn Gauthier of Hardwick; four siblings, Aldea LaBree of Hardwick, Albert Marceau of Clover, S.C., Margaret Jackson of Lakeland, Fla., and Janine Bissonette of Danielson, Conn., five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a special foster grandson. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Alex in 1979, and five brothers, Ovila, Frank, Paul, Ralph, and Robert Marceau. A memorial mass will be celebrated by Father Peter O'Leary at 11 a.m. on Nov. 27 at St. Michael's with committal to follow at St. Michael's cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Yvonne's memory can be made to the Hardwick Rescue Squad, PO Box 837, Hardwick, VT 05843.

, 91, died peacefully on Tuesday morning, Nov. 17, 2009, at the Blue Spruce Home for the Retired in Bradford, where she resided and had excellent care for over eleven years. She was born March 1, 1918, in Riverside, Mich., the daughter of Wilbert and Myrtle (Cavanaugh) Waters. She came to Vermont as an 11 year old. Beulah and her family lived on Pike Hill in the town of Corinth where she attended grade school. She then moved in with the Pratt Family in Bradford so she could attend Bradford Academy, where she met and married Carlton W. Gray on Sept. 20, 1936. He predeceased her in 1977. She was his calm partner in the running of the East Thetford Commission Sales, where she was the wife, mother, friend and bookkeeper, for over 30 years. When she retired (semi) she learned how to swim, ride a bicycle, play golf, went to art classes and was an avid crossword puzzler. She was always ready for an adventure, that hopefully would come her way, on any given day. She was a member of the First Congregational Church on Thetford Hill. She leaves behind her four children, Edna Torrey and husband, Eugene of White River Jct., Joyce Benway and husband Gerald of Danville, Herbert Gray and wife Rebecca of East Thetford, and Laurence Gray and wife Stella of Sun City West, Ariz.; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, neices and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Morris Waters and sisters, Stella Knapp and Ruth Dexter. The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea is assisting with arrangements for services which will be held at a later date to be announced. Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church on Thetford Hill, Thetford Center, VT 05075 or to the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 330, Thetford Center, VT 05075.

, age 99, a long time resident of St. Johnsbury, passed away on Nov. 22, 2009, at the Green Mountain Nursing Home in Colchester, Vt. She was born in Newbury, Vt., on June 3, 1910, the daughter of Clarence G. and Mabel Hatch Byers. She attended schools in Wells River before transferring to St. Johnsbury Academy, class of 1928. She was employed by Franklin Hovey, DDS, as a dental assistant until her marriage to Bernard Clark Johnson of St. Johnsbury following his graduation from Middlebury College in 1932. The couple was married for 52 years, and together were active supporters of the St. Johnsbury school system, South Congregational Church, St. Johnsbury Academy, the Boy Scouts of America, and numerous other civic organizations. Helen was an avid bridge player. She was a member of South Church for 80 years and a life long member of Eastern Star. She was a Cub Scout den mother and, together with her husband, organized the first Cub Scout Gold & Blue Banquet. Above all else, she was a committed homemaker, and her home was always open to young people. She was predeceased by a daughter, Joann Helen Dittman. Survivors include a daughter, Virginia McMains and husband James of Genesee, Idaho; a son, Richard Clark Johnson and wife Mona of Harrisonburg, Va.; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at 1 p.m. at Sayles Funeral Home. Her current pastor, the Rev. David O'Brien from the First Baptist Church of Burlington, will officiate at the service. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with her husband and daughter. Contributions in her memory may be directed to South Congregational Church or St. Johnsbury Academy.

finished her work here on earth Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, and no doubt is already busy in her Maker's garden, nurturing puppies, bluebirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, flowers and children. She was born March 12, 1925, in Meredith, N.H., the daughter of Joseph F. Jr. and Sadie King. In 1927 the family moved to a farm in South Wheelock where she grew up attending Chandler Pond School, and graduated from Lyndon Institute in 1942. She married Earnest G. Emery and they settled in Kirby in October 1949, where they raised their five children. She is survived by her eldest daughter, Shirley Connor of Slippery Rock, Pa., who helped care for her these past few months, and her youngest son, David F. Emery, who cared for her the past few years. Also a wonderful brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Alberta King of St. Johnsbury; her grandchildren which she took great pride in helping raise: Michael Willey and wife Patricia of St. Johnsbury Center, Lori Cihon and husband Ken of Slippery Rock, Pa., Shawn K. Brooks of Nebraska, Barry E. Brooks and wife Tina of Lyndon; eight great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, and three children: James E., Jean E., and Robert L. She served her community as Cemetery Sexton, 1st Constable and a Tax Collector with compassion. She was a pioneer in busing children to school, joining other women who established their own bus routes, which included Virginia Greer of East Burke, Ethel Jones of South Kirby, and Erma Baker of South Wheelock. She loved each and every child, and drove bus for 22 years. Kirby's older neighbors will remember her tireless work in putting on dances at the Town Hall, and trying to raise money to bring running water to the Brookside School. She was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary, Lyndonville Post #10038. While her passion for hunting, fishing and cooking were legendary, her non-judgemental attitude and acceptance of whatever life handed her with a beautiful smile is what made her an institution to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Should you wish, memorial contributions in her memory can be made to the family, to carry on her tradition of feeding birds and wildlife during the coming winter months, at 952 North Kirby Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851. There will be no calling hours (at her request) and no services.

83, of Symes Pond Road, East Ryegate, Vt., died Nov. 27, 2009, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, Vt., following a lengthy illness. He was born in Barnet, Vt., Aug. 16, 1926, son of Kenneth N. and Jane (Heath) Murray. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Dec. 21, 1944, and served until his discharge on June 29, 1946. He joined the Navy Reserves on June 30, 1946, and was recalled to active duty in 1951. He was honorably discharged on June 29, 1954. Robert was a self employed dairy farmer in Ryegate until the mid 1960s. During the 1970s he worked at the Linfield Ward Farm in North Monroe, N.H. Later he began his own carpentry business, which he continued until his retirement. He attended the Calvary Baptist Church in Woodsville, and was a member of the Farm Bureau. Robert married Lola Smith on May 22, 1948, in Wells River, Vt. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lola (Smith) Murray of East Ryegate, and their children Linda Bradshaw and husband Bernie of Monroe, N.H., Sherry Carlson and husband David of Carbondale, Ill., Robert N. Murray and wife Caren, and Timothy Murray, both of East Ryegate; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret Strobridge of West Barnet, Vt., and Christie Hersey of Groton, Vt., and a brother, Donald M. Murray of East Ryegate; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by four sisters, Jessie Welch, Roberta Gibson, Annie Page, and Hazel Lancaster; two brothers, Kenneth B. Murray and Norman W. Murray. Calling hours will be Monday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H., with Pastor Dan Chamberland of Calvary Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Blue Mt. Cemetery, Ryegate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, P.O. Box 905, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 2001, Woodsville, NH 03785 or Calvary Baptist Church, 20 Elm St., Woodsville, NH 03785.

, 80, of Lyndonville, died Saturday afternoon Nov. 28, 2009, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born March 3, 1929, in Walden, Vt., the son of Henry and Rosa (Mernier) Patoine. In 1959 he married Jeannette LaChance. Leo worked in the Maintenance Department at Vermont Tap & Die Co. in Lyndonville for more than 30 years. He was a musician who played the guitar and gave guitar lessons for many years. On his small farm in Lyndon he raised beef, pigs, and chickens. He also grew a vegetable garden and was proud of his potatoes. Leo was considered a "Jack of All Trades," working on his home and repairing whatever needed to be fixed. Hunting, fishing, playing cribbage, and reading westerns brought him much pleasure. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jeannette Patoine of Lyndonville; two sons, Louis Patoine and wife Cheryl of Walden, and Armand Patoine of Lyndonville; seven grandchildren; seven brothers: Clement Patoine of Sutton, Frank Patoine and wife Elsie of Walden, Victor Patoine and wife Kathy of Wolcott, Bernard Patoine and wife Cecile of St. Johnsbury, Guy Patoine and wife Rolanda of Hardwick, Lawrence Patoine of Hardwick, and Andy Patoine of Sutton; five sisters: Theresa Rayta and husband Don of Hyde Park, Marguerite LaBree of Lyndonville, Lucille Keene of Hardwick, Denise Adams of Canaan, N.H., and Angelene Deschamps and husband Louis of Hardwick; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Henry Patoine; and a son, Philip H. Patoine in 1992. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Lyndonville with the Rev. Patrick Forman celebrant. Friends may call on the family Wednesday evening from 6-8 at the Guibord Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery at a later date.

, 50, of Laconia, N.H., died on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, N.H. He was born in Franklin, N.H., March 12, 1959, the son of Roger G. and Alice (Aremburg) Pierson. Andy graduated from Woodsville High School, Class of 1978. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1983 and was stationed in Florida and Japan. He worked for several years for Hitchner Manufacturing in Littleton and Milford, N.H. Most recently he worked for Bodycote Thermal Processing in Laconia. He lived in Milford, N.H., for 20 years and in Laconia for the past eight years. Andy was a member of the American Legion Post #1 in Laconia and was a past commander of the Milford American Legion Post. He was also a member of the Masons and the Bektash Shrine of Concord, N.H. He played soccer, basketball, and baseball in high school and was a passionate Red Sox fan. He was predeceased by his father, Roger G. Pierson on May 11, 1979, and three brothers, Rodney, Tommy, and R. Scott Pierson. Survivors include his mother, Alice (Aremburg) Pierson of Woodsville; two sisters, Joanne Pierson of Woodsville and Cathy Ricker and husband Kenneth of Groton, Vt.; two brothers, Dale Pierson and wife Anita of Woodsville and Ron Pierson and wife Karen of Hartford, Vt.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St. Woodsville, NH. A funeral service will be on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. at the Ricker Funeral Home with Pastor Susan Ellery of the Woodsville United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Manchester Office, 249 Canal St., Manchester, NH 03101 or the American Legion Post 1, 849 N. Main St., Laconia, NH 03246.

, 83, of Poland, Maine, formerly of West Danville, Vt., died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, at his residence in Poland. He was born in Worcester, Mass., to Homer and Emily (Zottoli) Raboin. He faithfully served his country in the United States Navy, seeing duty in the South Pacific during WWll. He later married the former Nancy Oslund in 1951. Mr. Raboin worked as a parts manager at Chaffins Garage for 28 years. After leaving Chaffins he moved to Craftsbury, Vt., in 1974 where he owned and operated Raboins Village Store for 13 years, retiring in 1987 and moving to West Danville, Vt. He was an active member of the North Country Iwo Jima survivors. In 2002 he moved to Poland, Maine. He is survived by his wife Nancy, to whom he was married for 58 years; son Donald and his wife Bonnie of St. Johnsbury Center, Vt.; and a daughter Maria of Poland, Maine. Four grandsons, one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter. He was predeceased by a son Roger in 1990. At the family's request, private family service will be held at a later date, officiated by Jane Larrabee. Friends may attend a visitation with the family on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and on Sunday Dec. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 132 Roberts Brook Lane in St. Johnsbury Center, Vt. For more information please call Hastings Store in West Danville, Vt., at 684-3398.

, 92, of Lyndonville, beloved wife of Francis T. Silva, passed away Friday Nov. 27, 2009. She leaves her husband, "Fran"; and children, Peter Akley (Nancy), Jeanne Akley Elliott (Arthur), Raelyn Silva (Chris Soavé), and Tom Silva (Lauri); eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and her loving caregivers at the Pines. Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in her memory may be directed to either Lyndon Institute for the John H. Elliott Library Fund, P. O. Box 127, Lyndon Center, VT 05850, or the Pines Rehab. and Health Ctr., Employees Activities Fund, 601 Red Village Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851. A full obituary of Erma's life will be printed at a later date.

, 82, of Orleans, Vt., passed away with her loving family surrounding her at Maple Lane Nursing Home in Barton on Tuesday Nov. 24, 2009. Ruby was born in Granby, Conn., on April 17, 1927, to Clarence and Bernice (Gray) Sylvester of Sutton, Vt. She enjoyed sewing, playing cards, puzzles, fishing, partying, flowers, birds and especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Ladies Auxillary #10038 VFW in Lyndonville and worked at the Barton Cleaners for many years. She is survived by Clifford (Jim) Pearo, her buddy and partner in crime; her eight children: David Patten and his wife Lorraine of Sutton, Joanne Root and her husband Mike of Brownington, Bruce Patten and his wife Jackie of North Carolina, Cindy Stone and Ron Boucher of Newport, Alice Couture and her husband Peter of Irasburg, Arty Stone and his fiancée Nancy Gosselin of Derby Line, Elwin Stone and his wife Caroline of North Troy, Elaine McAdam and husband Kenny of Brownington. She is blessed to have 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She is survived by two sisters: Opal Randall of Orleans, and Fayelene Hall of Lyndonville. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters, Lila, Eula and Orene, and brothers Reginald (Bill), Roland and Lloyd. A graveside service to celebrate the life of Ruby will be held on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at the Sutton Village Cemetery at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Don Vincent officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Sutton Baptist Church in Sutton. In lieu of flowers, you may send contributions to the Oncology Department at North Country Hospital, Prouty Drive, Newport, VT or to Maple Lane Nursing Home, 60 Maple Lane, Barton, VT 05822.