George Joseph "Pucky" Abair, Sr.
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, 82 of Websterville Road, Barre Town and formerly of Montpelier died Saturday, August 20th at Woodridge Nursing Home.
George was born in Montpelier on January 26, 1929 the son of Joseph and Helena (D’Arthenay) Abair. He attended St. Michael Grade School and graduated from St. Michael’s High in 1946, where he played basketball all four years of high school. He was known to many as "Pucky".
Pucky started a 44 year career with the State of Vermont Highway Department in 1947. As an engineer, he worked on the Interstate I-91 and I-89 Highway Projects as well as other roads in Vermont. He retired from the State in 1991.
He served in the US Army during to Korean War being stationed in Germany as a tank commander from 1950-1953.
George was married to Clarice Russell in Barton, VT on July 1, 1950. Together they raised their two sons, George, Jr. and Mark on Tremont Street, Montpelier as well as their camp on Shadow Lake in Glover. Clare died on August 26, 1991. In 1998, Pucky moved to Fort Pierce, Florida and later moved back to Vermont in 2008 to live with his son, George, Jr.
Pucky was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins and the New York Giants. Over the last several years he was an avid Norwich University Ice Hockey fan, attend all home games and listening to the away games on the radio.He specially enjoyed playing Pinochle and talking to his many long time friends. He a life member of the Montpelier Elks, VFW # 792 and American Legion # 3.
Survivors include his son, George J. Abair, Jr. and his wife, Mary Donald-Abair of Barre Town; and his two canine grandogs, Sophie and Raven; two granddaughters, Margaret Abair of Montpelier and Sarah Abair of Barre; sister, Janice H. Abair of The Arbors, Shelburne, VT; daughter-in-law, Tammy Abair of Montpelier. He is also survived by Marina D’Arthenay and her daughter, Courtney D’Arthenay of Pembroke, Ont. Canada and Jennifer L. D’Arthenay and Kimberly D’Arthenay.
George was predeceased by his wife in 1991, his son, Mark on January 27, 2000, daughter-in-law, Connie Abair on May 2, 1998 and cousin, John "Jack" D’Arthenay on April 12, 2001.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday evening from 7-9 pm at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 25th at St. Monica Catholic Church, Barre. A luncheon for family and friends will follow the mass. At the conclusion of the luncheon committal prayers with military honors will be offered at the Green Mount Cemetery, Montpelier.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, New England Division " Road to Recovery", 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.
Albert A. Alexander
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, 74, of Pinewood Road, died November 1, 2011 at his home in Montpelier.
A lifelong resident of Montpelier, he was born January 15, 1937, the son of Charles and Doris (Smith) Alexander. He attended Montpelier Schools and graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1955. On February 19, 1966 he married Priscilla Lane of Montpelier.
“Dumpy”, as he was affectionately called, worked for the Montpelier Post Office for 35 years as a rural mail carrier. He served honorably in the U.S. Marines Corps for 4 years, then as a member of the Army Reserves, and the Vermont National Guard, retiring in January 1997 with a total of over 30 years in the military.
He was well known as a football referee and baseball/softball umpire, both of which he enjoyed doing for over 25 years. He had the honor of being head referee for the 1992 VT/NH Shrine Football game in Hanover, NH. For many years he was a member of the Montpelier Fire Department as a call fireman. “Dumpy” was a sportsman who looked forward each year to deer season and spent many summers on the course at the Montpelier Country Club.
He was an active member of the Montpelier VFW and the Montpelier Elks Club.
In addition to his wife Priscilla, Dumpy is survived by his daughter Susan List-Levy and her husband Peter of Cambrillo, CA and his son Master Sergeant David Alexander and his wife Jessica of Fallbrook, CA; seven grandchildren, Rachel List, Michelle List, Madison Levy, Nicholas Levy, Jillian Levy, Samantha Camacho Giannone and Gunner Alexander, all of California. He leaves his siblings Allen (Butch) Alexander of Middlesex and Roberta Bushey of East Montpelier as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert and his sister Alice.
Funeral services with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday November 4, 2011 at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel in Randolph Center, VT.
Please omit flowers and memorial contributions may be made to Lamoille Area Cancer Network, PO Box 38, Lake Elmore, VT 05657.
Dennis Dwight Bador
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, 49, Calais Road, Worcester died at his home on Friday, March 25, 2011; Surrounded by his loving family and best friend.
He was born in Passaic, NJ on July 1, 1961, the son of Knorbert & Dorothy (Burns) Bador. He received his education in New Jersey and U-32 High School.
Dennis was a self-employed contractor in the Central Vermont area. He, his son, his brother and brothers-in-law worked together in building, roofing, remolding, carpentry and general construction for several years.
He married Roxie Beauregard on June 1, 1985 in Worcester, VT.
Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling and working on classic cars including his 1968 Dodge Charger and cherished his family and friends most of all.
He is survived by his wife, Roxie; two daughters, Angela Bador and Sabrina Bador-Morse and her husband Chris; son, Justin Bador and his fiancé Krystle Frantz; two grandchildren, Elizabeth & Emily Morse; brother, Cliff Bador and grandmother, Madeline Bador; brother-in-law and best friend, Robert Beauregard and his wife Ginger, all of Worcester. He is also survived by a nephew, Tyler Bador, and nieces, Cortney & Justine Bador as well as many other nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Dennis was predeceased by his father, Knorbert on Dec. 28, 2010 & his mother, Dorothy Bador on Jan. 13, 1995 grandmother, Angelia Krauss on Jan. 21, 2001 and his brother, Scott on Sept. 19, 2005.
Funeral service will be held at the Worcester United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 3rd at 3:30pm. A reception will follow the service at Worcester Town Hall.
At Dennis's request there will be no calling hours. His burial will take place in the spring at Worcester Mountain Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Roxie Bador.
Emerson Francis Baker
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, 93, died Monday, March 7, 2011 at his home, with his family beside him.
Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, March 29, 1917, he was the son of Ida Frances (Lorentzen) Baker and William Emerson Baker. He attended Gloucester schools, graduating from Gloucester High School in 1934. He served in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps from 1935 to 1937 in Weston and Danby, Vermont.
In 1937 he was hired as a map draftsman by the Vermont Highway Department. He spent several years in the Vermont National Guard. In 1941 he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In September 1946 he rejoined the Vermont Highway Department’s Planning Division in Montpelier as head of the Mapping Section. He became Mapping and Road Inventory Engineer. In 1973 he transferred to the Vermont Tax Department to head the newly established statewide tax mapping project in the Property Valuation & Review Division in Montpelier and Waterbury. After conceiving and instituting the statewide orthophotomapping project known as the Vermont Base Map, he retired from state service in 1979. For the following two years he was retained by the Property Valuation Division as a consultant, and during that period also served as a mapping consultant to the State of Louisiana. In 1981 he retired permanently from the state, and for several years produced tax maps of a number of towns in Vermont for a tax-mapping consultant.
In June 1954 he married Shirley Martin, of Barre. They had two children.
Throughout life he had many interests, including boating, picnicking and traveling with Shirley, rifle marksmanship, hunting and fishing, photography, and maintaining his home and grounds. He passed on his love of fishing and fixing things to his son, Mike.
He served on many committees relating to mapping, was a long-time member of the American Society of Photogrammetry, and a life member of the American Congress on Surveying & Mapping, the Vermont Society of Engineers, and the Vermont Society of Land Surveyors. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd & 4th Degrees, and a life member of the Montpelier Lodge of Elks.
For many years, he was a volunteer at Central Vermont Hospital, Washington County Mental Health and several other organizations. He enjoyed a lifelong love of the English language, and copyedited many books, magazines, technical reports and periodicals. He passed on his love of grammar and maps to his daughter, Cathy. His granddaughter Claire has fond memories of playing “Bones” and sharing M&M’s with him.
In the early 1980s he joined Vermont Chapter 112 of the National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni, and in 1992 became Secretary, was elected President in 1994, and served in that capacity until June 1999, remaining on the Board of Directors.
Besides his wife of 56 years, Shirley, he is survived by his two children, Mike of Barre, VT and Cathy Czajkowski (husband Chris) of Hunt Valley, MD, and his grandaughter, Claire Czajkowski of Portland, OR. He also leaves his sister, Esther Neelon of Danvers, MA and his sister, Mary Tineo of DuPont, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters, Alice Claude and Marge Reger.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Wilson Cemetery, Barre Town, in the Spring. Arrangements are in the care of Guare & Sons Funeral Home
Contributions in his memory may be made to help create a Vermont C.C.C. museum and statue by mailing to the VT C.C.C. Alumni Association, C/O VYCC, 1949 E. Main St, Richmond, VT 05477, or Central VT Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Rd, Barre, VT, 05641 or Central VT Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05602
Eleanor Nichols Barber
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went to be with Jesus and her beloved husband, Phillip, on August 27, 2011. She had been living at Berlin Health and Rehabilitation this past year, battling the effects of dementia for many years.
Eleanor was born at home in Weare, New Hampshire on June 8, 1918. She was the only child of Albert and Ruth (Edwards) Nichols. Eleanor graduated valedictorian from Weare High School in 1936, and went on to attend the University of New Hampshire for 1 and1/2 years and then Concord Business College for 2 years.
After graduation, Eleanor worked for Merrimack Farmers Exchange in Concord, N.H. She met the love of her life, Phillip T. Barber, on the train in September and they were married on December 18, 1943. Eleanor became Phillip’s part time secretary when he went to work for the Department of Corrections in Montpelier.
Eleanor was a member of the Bethany United Church of Christ, the Mother’s Club, and the Order of the Eastern Star in both Henniker, NH and Montpelier, VT. She was most proud when Dad and the Sigma Phi Fraternity Alumnae made her an honorary Sigma Phi Sister.
Cooking and gardening were Eleanor’s forte. She was especially adept at baking pies; particularly apple pies. She often remarked that some of her happiest moments were spent in the early morning out weeding the garden! She was a wonderful homemaker, raising two children and always supporting all her family’s endeavors by being present to encourage and cheer them on. She was an avid crossword puzzle worker, a staunch Red Sox fan, and soap watcher. Visits to Duxbury, Mass. and six years of visits with her daughter in Olympia,WA, and trips to Weare to visit family and friends were among her most treasured memories. Her smile was infectious and her kindness will be missed by all who knew her.
Predeceasing Eleanor was her loving husband, Phillip T. Barber, on December 8, 1993. Survivors include her daughter Janet Barber Matzelle of Olympia, WA, Dana Nichols Barber and his wife, Cecile, of East Montpelier, VT, two grandchildren, Jennifer Bond and her husband, Mark Gilliam of LA, CA, and Phillip Scott Barber of East Montpelier, as well as a niece, Lucy Robinson, and two nephews, Stephen and Anson Young.
A celebration of life will be held at Bethany United Church of Christ on Wednesday, August 31, at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany United Church of Christ’s Music Fund, 115 Main St., Montpelier, 05602.
EAST MONTPELIER - Raylene C. Blanc
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, 77, of Codling Hill Road in East Montpelier, died on Friday, April 15, 2011 at Central Vermont Medical Center.
She was born in Hartford CT on May 28, 1933 to T. Raymond Clark and Arlene Blanche (Chenery) Clark.
Raylene graduated from Montpelier High School and Fisher Junior College in Wellesley, MA. She married Eugene J. Brunelle Jr. 1955, was married to John C. Cook Jr. in 1972, and, in 1985, to Fernando Blanc.
She is survived by children Steven E. Brunelle of East Montpelier, Alison C. Brunelle of Williamstown, Holly Wilkins and her husband ,Joe, of Elmore, Jeff D. Cook and his family of Rutland; grandchildren David J. and Patrick R. Wilkins of Elmore; and brother, T. Wayne Clark and his wife, Helen of Eastbrook, ME.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Poplar Hill Cemetery in North Montpelier. All friends and relatives are invited to join in our celebration of Raylene’s life.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Bu5rlington VT 05401.
Montpelier, VT - Charles A. Bloom
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, 90, peacefully passed away at sunset, surrounded by his loving family at Heaton Woods on June 21, 2011.
He was born in Johnstown, Penn., the son of Elizabeth Holsopple Bloom and Henry Bloom in 1920. In 1945, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Jane Lewis, in his hometown.
He entered the air force in 1941 and rose to the level of captain. In 1946, he received an honorable discharge after an airplane crash. After leaving the military, he and his father built the home that would eventually house his four children.
He started working for Bethlehem Steel as a draftsman. While raising four children, he took night courses to become an engineer and rose to the level of chief draftsman.
After a very successful career at Bethlehem Steel, Charles and Dorothy followed their grandchildren to the state of Vermont in 1983 and settled in Middlesex, Vermont, on the old Bailey Farm. With his daughter Colleen, Charles helped turn the farm's barn into Onion River Animal Hospital. He also renovated his children's Middlesex homes and designed many toys for his grandchildren. (His family claims that Charles developed one of the first skateboards in history by putting rollerskate wheels on a wooden board in the early 1950s.)
Charles is survived by his wife; his daughter Charlotte Grimme and her husband of 43 years, Jon Grimme; his daughter Dr. Marilyn Hart and her partner James Powers; his son John (Jack) Bloom and his partner Raymond Leppard; his daughter Dr. Colleen Bloom; grandchildren Otis, Charles and Michael Hart and Leo Crain.
There will be a memorial service at 1:00 pm on Friday July 1 at Heaton Woods. A second memorial will be held 11:00 am on August 1 at Trinity United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. A committal service and military honors will be held at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery following the reception.
Donations are gratefully accepted in his name to Heaton Woods, 10 Heaton Street, Montpelier, VT or Trinity Methodist Church, 137 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.
Montpelier, VT - Robert W. Bond
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, 88, of Montpelier passed away at his home on Saturday, August 20, 2011. At his request there will be no calling hours. The family will hold a private committal service in the near future at the Berlin Corners Cemetery.
East Montpelier, VT - On Monday, May 23, Leon John Boucher
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died at his East Montpelier home from complications due to esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by family.
Leon was born November 18, 1928, at Heaton Hospital in Montpelier to John and Stella Boucher. He graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic School in Montpelier in 1947 and attended EC Goodwin Technical School in New Britain, CT.
He married his high school sweetheart, Jean Marie Cyr, on October 1, 1949 in Washington, VT. Shortly afterwards, he was drafted into the US Army in support of the Korean War. He served in Munich, Germany until 1952.
In 1956, he began a 30-year-career with the US Postal Service, retiring in 1986 as postmaster of Montpelier. In the 1980s, Leon helped initiate the expanded zip code system called “Zip + Four,” which aids mail sorting and efficiency, and is still in use today. He also represented management at arbitration and had special assignments with the US Postal Rate Commission.
In retirement Leon enjoyed part time jobs with Walker Motors and Vermont National Bank.
One of Leon’s great passions was alpine skiing. He served on the ski patrol at Mad River Glen, and he skied at Stowe Mountain Resort from the 1950s until the 1980s. He also enjoyed memorable ski trips to Tuckerman Ravine in the 1960s with his son Donald and daughter Lynda. He also skied in the Rocky Mountains and in the Swiss Alps.
In the 1990s, he settled on Jay Peak as his favorite mountain, achieving the honorary title of ski ambassador. He skied nearly every day of the ski season from 1986 to 2009.
Leon was an avid motorcyclist, traveling North America with his wife to rallies on their Honda Gold Wing. They made memorable trips to Nova Scotia and British Columbia.
Leon particularly enjoyed watching his son Randy play baseball, and he loved to watch his granddaughter Alexis play soccer and basketball.
Throughout his life, Leon has been civic-minded. He helped found the Montpelier Amateur Hockey Association when his son, Todd, participated in youth hockey programs. He was a past president and scholarship chair of the Montpelier Kiwanis International Club. Leon served as an usher at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church in Montpelier, where he was a lifelong parishioner.
Leon is survived by his wife, Jean Marie Cyr Boucher of Montpelier; his daughter, Lynda Boucher Downing, and her husband, David Downing of Montpelier; three sons, Donald Boucher and his wife, Carol Neudorfer Boucher of Essex Junction; Randy Boucher and his wife, Jane Howe Boucher of Montpelier; and Todd Boucher and his wife, Sarah Meade Boucher of Northfield; five grandchildren: Aaron Downing of Montpelier; Lance Downing of Anchorage, Alaska; Ian Downing of Montpelier; Alexis Boucher of Montpelier and Solange Boucher of Northfield, and one great granddaughter, Elizabeth Downing.
He is also survived by his sister, Muriel Boucher of Montpelier, and nieces, nephews and cousins.
All who knew him will remember Leon’s stoicism and dry sense of humor. Leon and the family are indebted to oncologist Dr. Steven Ades, MD, and his staff at Fletcher Allen Health Care for the exemplary care he received. Upon being diagnosed with cancer in 2009, Leon’s wish was to ski again. Despite life threatening complications, Dr. Ades told Leon, “Never Give Up Hope.” Leon never gave up and he skied the slopes of Jay Peak for the last time in March 2010. He had a memorable day skiing with his sons Donald and Todd, his daughter-in-law Jane, his granddaughter Alexis, and his ski “buddies.”
A memorial service will be held at St. Augustine’s Church, 16 Barre St., Montpelier, on Friday, May 27 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
At Leon’s request, there will be no calling hours. Interment will be at Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leon’s memory to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road-Berlin, Barre, VT 05641 or Saint Augustine’s Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.
Montpelier, VT - Mary G. Brenneman
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, 85, of Merrill Terrace and formerly of County Road in East Montpelier, died Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Woodridge Nursing Home.
She was born on April 23, 1926 in Norton, MA, the daughter of Phillip Ambrose and Helen (Whitaker) Gavin.
She was a 1944 graduate of the Northampton School for Girls in Northampton, MA. In 1948, she received a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY where she was a member of the St. Lawrence chapter of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Later she achieved a Master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Chicago in 1966.
She was a professor at Johnson State College where she taught anthropology and served as President of Faculty Senate. She and her husband Ted also raised dairy goats and dairy cows at their farms in Worcester and Marshfield supplying all the goats milk for Boston, MA at one point.
Mary was a devoted parishioner of St. Augustine’s Church where she was a member of the Liturgy committee and of the Catholic Daughters and a vital member of the soup kitchen. As part of her work on the Liturgy committee she helped establish the Adoration Chapel, which today thrives.
Mary was very active with Food for the Poor, the third largest help giving organization in the nation. As part of her work with Food for the Poor, she went to Jamaica to visit the poor and to learn their way of life. In learning this way of life, Mary’s own life was changed. This change opened her heart and she became a giver both in Jamaica and in Montpelier, Vermont.
Mary was a avid artist and displayed her water colors in various shows, for example at the City Center in downtown Montpelier. In her spare time Mary was a devoted gardener and had a special knack for growing plants. She also loved to fish and has passed this devotion on to all of her children.
In October of 1963, she married Walter "Ted" Brenneman while both were attending the University of Chicago. They lived in Chicago for three years, then returned to Vermont for teaching careers at Marlboro College, Johnson State College and the University of Vermont.
She and her husband did research in Ireland on the holy wells, or sacred springs, of Ireland for fifteen years. They took several teams from Earth Watch to assist them in gathering the data. All of this culminated in the publication of a book “Crossing the Circle at the Holy Wells of Ireland”, published in 1995 by the University of Virginia press.
Survivors include her husband, Ted, of Montpelier; four daughters, Edith Leslie Wheelock and her husband John of Colchester, VT, Tracy Gandin and her husband Dan of Middlesex, Laurie Covington and her husband Steve of Palmdale, CA, and Valerie Whitaker of Wilmington, NC; two sons, Robin Whitaker Wright and his wife Christine of Bailey, CO, and Gavin David Wright and his wife Karen Marie of Essex, VT; three sisters, Sarah See of Jacksonville, FL, Phyllis Robinson of Sarasota, FL and Carol Arnold of Amherst, MA. She enjoyed all 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and beloved friend, Clare.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 8th from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home on School Street in Montpelier.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, May 9th at St. Augustine’s Church. Committal prayers will be offered following the mass at the Doty Cemetery in East Montpelier Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Montpelier, VT - Shirley S. Burley
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, formerly of Lansdowne, PA, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2011, at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center, Berlin, VT. Her two sons — Don and David — had been by her side.
Shirley was born November 23, 1920, in Defiance, Ohio, the daughter of Carl and Agnes Smith. She graduated from Defiance High School in 1938 as class valedictorian and remembered giving her valedictory speech along side of Ohio Governor Martin L. Davey. In 1942, Shirley graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.
While auditing an economics class at Ohio State University, she met her instructor, Orin E. Burley. After working together at the Office of Price Administration, where Orin was the “State Executive,” they were married on April 14, 1946. Shirley borrowed her wedding dress from her best friend, Betty Kirtley, who was also her maid of honor.
Shirley and Orin then moved to Philadelphia, where Orin joined the faculty of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. After their first son, Don, was born in 1949, they moved to a house in Upper Darby, PA. Their second son, David, was born in 1950. While raising both boys, Shirley went back to school and earned a Masters Degree in American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Shirley remained in the same house in Upper Darby until February 2010, when she relocated to Berlin, Vermont, to be near David and his family.
Shirley was very active. She was a board member of the Lansdowne, PA, YMCA from 1968 to 1980 and again from 1982 to 1987. She met great friends through service to the “Y,” including Nancy Runk, who now lives in Morgan, Vermont, and Hank Van Zanten, who lives in Springfield, PA. She was also a board member of the Riverview Presbyterian Church (now Calvary-Riverview) in Drexel Hill, PA, where she taught Sunday school. In addition, Shirley was chairman of the Women’s Group at Rolling Green Golf Club, Springfield, PA, for many years.
Her favorite sports were tennis and golf. Her greatest tennis achievement was becoming the Town of Defiance champion while still in high school. As she told the story, after losing the second set in a best-of-three championship match, her fans convinced her opponent to change the match to best-of-five and she went on to win the next three sets and the championship. Shirley was also a member of a women’s golf team at Rolling Green, but her crowning achievement in golf was a hole-in-one at Rolling Green. She also loved to play cribbage and bridge and was still playing cribbage until her final days.
Shirley is survived by her two sons — Don of Washington, DC, and David of East Montpelier, VT — and their families — Don’s wife Bridget and their children, Anne and Michael, and David’s wife Virginia and their children, Aaron, Hannah, and Cassie. Shirley’s family is especially grateful to her friends from Pennsylvania who helped her so much in her last years there, including Nancy Runk, Jerry and Linda Carothers, and Beth Ann Maas.
Shirley will be remembered fondly for her sense of humor, wonderful knitting, independence, resourcefulness, and resilience, and for the love that she gave to her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local YMCA, YWCA, or other youth organization.
Wells River, VT/ Montpelier, VT - Elizabeth (Bess) Callahan
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, 67, formerly of Montpelier, Plainfield and most recently Wells River passed away Monday, February 7, 2011 at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, NH.
She was born on September 25, 1943 in Littleton, NH the daughter of Carl & Linsley (Dougherty) Walker.
Elizabeth married David Callahan on June 14, 1969 in Huntington Massachusettes.
She was a wonderful and loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother, she dedicated her life to her three children, grandchildren and many others that became a part of her family. She will be greatly missed.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband, David of Wells River, VT; two daughters, Laura Callahan and her partner Matthew Hemphill of Montpelier; Jennifer Hoffert and her husband, Jefferson of Asheville, NC; son, David Callahan of Montpelier; sister, Sally Kusek of Great Barrington, MA; four grandchildren, Faith Hemphill, Jennifer Caldwell, Grace Hoffert, and Julia Hoffert; three step-grandchildren, Mary Alice Caldwell, Spencer Caldwell, Jr., and Karen Caldwell; nieces, Pam Mercer, Gail Kusek and nephew, John Kusek.
She is pre-deceased by a son-in-law, Spencer Caldwell, Sr.
A private burial will be held at Green Mountain Cemetery in Montpelier followed by a memorial service that is open to the public on Friday, Feb. 11th, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 297 Vine Street, Berlin/Barre, VT 05641 beginning at 11:00 am.
MONTPELIER - James Norman Ian Cameron
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passed away peacefully at his home in Montpelier, Vermont on March 23, 2011, surrounded by the love he so richly deserved. He was 96.
Mr. Cameron was born in Motherwell, Scotland on November 22, 1914. His parents were John Samuel and Janet (Trainer) Cameron; he was the youngest of seven children. His siblings Betty, Jean, Jesse, Millicent, William and Helen all passed before him.
Mr. Cameron immigrated to the United States in 1926 on the SS Caledonia. The family settled in Flushing, N.Y.; he graduated from Flushing High School in 1933. An outstanding athlete, he played baseball, basketball and soccer. He was recognized by the New York World Telegram in 1932 as the top scholastic soccer player in New York City. Mr. Cameron continued to play soccer until 1941, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He played with many championship teams, including the Flushing Juniors, the Amici Athletic Club, and the Bridgeport Soccer Club which won the Connecticut Amateur Soccer Championship in 1936 and 1937. He was invited to play with the 1936 Olympic team but had to decline due to family obligations.
During WWII Mr. Cameron served in the Pacific Theatre as a Radioman, 1st Class, on the USS Chandeleur, an AV-10. He was a “Plank Owner”, a member of the original crew, and was present for four of the five battle stars earned by the ship: Guadacanal, Marianas (capture of Saipan), Western Caroline Islands (capture of Palau Islands) and the assault and occupation of Okinawa. His association with his mates from the Chandeleur continued until his death. He attended numerous ship reunions, the last in 2009 accompanied by his son Scott, in Johnson City Tennessee. His name will be read in the Hall of Honor when the crew reunites again in September.
Following his discharge in 1945 Mr. Cameron returned to New York. He married Dorothy June Schneider in 1946. Although employed full time he returned to school at night, earning a degree in banking from Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutger’s University. Jim and Dorothy had two children, Jean Elizabeth (Gai) and John Scott Cameron. They raised their family on Fourth Avenue in East Meadow, a neighborhood filled with friends who mutually nurtured and supported each other, and whose children and grand children continue to maintain close relationships to this day. Jim and Dorothy also maintained a second home in Clearwater, Florida, for many years. They were members of Calvary Lutheran Church in East Meadow, and he was an incorporator and ardent supporter of the Long Island Lutheran High School.
Mr. Cameron had a successful career in banking and finance. He left a vice presidency of the Lafayette National Bank to strike out on his own in 1954. He founded Installment Credit Corporation in Rockville Center, N.Y. and ran the company until 1973, when he retired. In 1956 he became an organizer, Director and major stockholder of the Eastern National Bank (ENB) in Smithtown, New York. The bank was acquired by Chemical Bank in 1972, and he served on the Board of Chemical Bank, Suffolk, until 1973.
An avid, competitive golfer, Mr. Cameron was a member of the Hempstead Country Club in Hempstead N.Y. and the Cove Cay Country Club in Clearwater, Florida. He and his son, Scott, played hundreds of rounds together, especially after Jim and Dorothy relocated to Vermont, where they joined the Montpelier Elks Country Club. Scott was unable to beat his dad at the game until he reached the age of 89. They played their last round of 18 together, in a parent-child tournament, when Jim was 94 years of age.
His daughter, Jean, died in 1993, an event which broke his heart but not his spirit. Jean’s children, Matthew Erik Gai and Lauren Elen Gai, were a continuing source of pride to him. He maintained a close relationship with his son-in-law, Dennis Gai, and also came to know and love Dennis’ second wife, Barbara, and her children Dawn and Craig. His son, John Scott Cameron, lives and practices law in Montpelier, Vermont. Scott’s wife, Cathy, became a second daughter to him, and he was her father on earth. Their children, William and Brent Marcellus, loved and were loved by him. Mr. Cameron was happy and proud when Matthew and his wife, Jennifer Giacobbe, gave birth to his great-grandson Cameron MacAllister Gai last year. He was delighted by grandson Bill’s decision in June 2010 to name one his twin boys James Cameron, and was devoted to his great grandchildren John Silas and David Ian Marcellus.
Jim and Dorothy moved to Montpelier, Vermont in 2003, finding a new home at Westview Meadows, an independent living community where they made many new friends. He loved the Wayside Restaurant and believed Pizza Hut made the finest pizza in town. He was a favorite of the veteran waitstaff at both places, people who knew how to handle a demanding customer. His life was shaken again in 2006 when his wife of 60 years passed away; he never intended to outlive her. But his family and his new friends at Westview made his life worth living, so he kept at it despite the loss of his bride.
Mr. Cameron’s last months were difficult. His mind remained sharp until the end, but his vision and hearing had been in decline for years, and his legs failed him in the last three weeks. On Tuesday night he told Scott, Cathy and grandson Brent that he was ready to go home, and on Wednesday morning he passed away peacefully with his son at his side.
Jim would want us to thank his caregivers, both paid and volunteers, for their loving kindness. Linda Brooks, Sandy Gaffney, John Lieff, Charles Heventhal, Brent Marcellus, Tammy Terry, Ellie Corrow and Brian Resnick helped to provide round the clock care. Cathy and Scott were always present. The nurses and therapists from Home Health and Hospice, including Albert Koch, Lauren Bailey, Barbara Allen, Deb Sanguinetti and others, were outstanding. He wanted to give a special thanks to Al Merritt for bringing piper Ian McHarg up to his room a few nights before he died to hear the tunes of glory one more time. Charles and Al were his boys at Westview Meadows, and he appreciated their friendship and support.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Cameron are being handled by Barber & Lanier in Montpelier, Vermont and MA Connell Funeral Home in Huntington, New York. Viewing in Montpelier at Barber & Lanier on Saturday, March 26, from 2 pm to 4 pm. Viewing in New York will be at MA Connell Funeral Home in Huntington from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm on Monday, March 28, with the funeral service at 11 am at MA Connell on Tuesday, March 29. Donations in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Jean Cameron Gai Scholarship Fund at Long Island Lutheran High School, Brookville, New York.
Lake Elmore, VT - Veronica T. "Ronnie" Cano
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, 85, of Lake Elmore died Thursday, June 16, 2011 at her home.
She was born on March 9, 1926 in Camden, NJ, the daughter of Anthony & Anna (Petruzzi) Auletto. She attended Saint Rose Lima and Haddon Heights High School in Haddon, NJ. She was employed by RCA during the war.
Ronnie met the love of her life, Victor "Chic" Cano, while strolling upon the Board Walk in Atlantic City while he was stationed in the US Army Air Force in New Jersey. Upon his return at the end of the war, she and Chic were married at Saint Theresa’s in Runnemede, NJ and returned to Vermont residing on Berlin Street in Montpelier until the late 70's. They were married for 60 years and have three children. Mr. Cano died on October 30, 2006.
She worked for a period of time at the National Clothes Pin Company of Montpelier, VT. For over twenty years, Veronica worked side by side with her husband at National Life Insurance Co., Printing Department. After they retired, they moved to their summer home on Lake Elmore. She was a member of The Most Holy Cross Church of Morrisville.
Veronica is survived by three children and their spouses; Joan Dusablon and her husband, Ron of South Burlington, VT; Paul Cano and his wife, Susan of Lake Elmore and Victoria McDonald and her husband, Ernest of Plainfield, VT; grandchildren, Audrey Whipple, Rory McDonald, and Veronica Dusablon, step-grandchildren, Ronnie and Kenny Dusablon, step-great grandchildren, Ethan, Cailin, Faith and Brice.
Ronnie is also survived by a sister, Marie Crupi of Hallandale, Florida and pre-deceased by her siblings, Annajane, James, and Joseph and survived by sixteen nephew and nieces.
Calling hours will be held 2:00- 4:00 pm, Saturday, June 18th at Guare & Sons Funeral Home.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Monday, June 20th at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, New England Chapter, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.
PORT TOBACCO, MD / BERLIN, VT - Martha J. Carlson
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, 65, passed away unexpectedly Monday January 17, 2011 following a sudden illness. Martha was born February 13, 1945 to Jane and Dudley Blaine in Barnet Vt. She graduated Peacham Academy, Peacham, Vermont in 1963..
Martha was married to Wesley Masure and is survived by their son Wesley, his wife Carrie, and their three sons, Wesley, Zachary,and Tres. Martha was predeceased by her husband Carl Carlson of Berlin. She and Carl spent summers in Alaska fishing and relaxing with friends.
Martha retired from Central Vermont School District and moved to MD to enjoy spending time with her Sister Sandy Richardson, Sandy's husband John and her nieces Cathy Thompson, Jannette Williams, nephew Phil Belknap and their families. Martha is also survived by another niece Kim Belknap of Texas, cousins Cynthia Simpson and Jean Rieken, as well as her husband and lifetime friend Craig Salmon.
Visiting hours will be held at the Barber and Lanier Funeral Home, 139 Main St., Montpelier, VT Sunday January 23rd from 11- 12:30 with a memorial service at 12:30.
MONTPELIER - Helen M. Carlyle
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, 90, formerly of Moretown and most recently of Montpelier, died Sunday, July 10, 2011 at the Mayo Nursing Home in Northfield.
She was born in Middlesex on Oct. 2, 1920 to Charles and Dora (Barlow) Cooney. She spent her early childhood in Middlesex Center and attended schools in Middlesex Center, Duxbury and Johnson. Helen was married on July 2, 1937 to Kenneth John Carlyle, who died Jan. 27, 1986. She was a former member of the Waterbury American Legion Auxiliary.
Helen was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and bird watching at her home in Moretown. She loved hearing a good joke and especially sharing it with others. The most precious thing in life for her was her children and nothing made her happier than getting together for a family reunion where everyone looked forward to her homemade beans.
She is survived by daughters Ruth Richardson of Williamstown, Cheryl Brown and her husband, Gary, of Moretown, Lisa Baroffio and her husband, Dean, of Northfield, Julie Moody and her husband, Brian, of East Montpelier; sons Francis W. Carlyle and his wife, Ann, of Ocala, FL, Kenneth Carlyle Jr. and his wife, Betty, of Ocala, FL and Robert Carlyle and his wife, Sarah, of Barre; and sisters Bernice Cooney of Montpelier and Janice Dunster and her husband, Melvin, of Waterbury and her brother Charles Cooney of South Hero. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, including great and great-great-children, as well as nieces and nephews. Helen is predeceased by her parents, her firstborn daughter, Helen, and eight brothers and sisters.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011, at 11:00 AM at Barber & Lanier Funeral Home, 139 Main St., Montpelier. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05495.
PLAINFIELD - Margaret F. Carty
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, 87, a longtime resident of Plainfield, died peacefully March 31, 2011, at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin. She was born in New York City on May 1, 1923, the daughter of Egyed and Margaret (Hudeczek) Colman. Margaret graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1940 and attended Hunter College. She and the late Cyril F-A Carty resided in New York City and Pennsylvania before relocating to Vermont in 1951.
She lived the rest of her life in the Marshfield and Plainfield area. She considered raising her three children to be her greatest accomplishment. She was famous in Plainfield for making candied apples at Halloween. After her children left the nest, she worked as an administrative assistant for the Vermont Department of Social Welfare and retired in 1985. She treated co-workers like family, supporting them in ways that went above and beyond her job description such as organizing skits, softball games and other morale-boosting activities.
She wrote a book entitled "Christmas in Vermont" published by The New England Press. As a way of giving back, she knitted hundreds of hats and donated them to children and adults. She was upbeat and positive; kind, intelligent and inquisitive; had a wonderful, wry sense of humor and enjoyed playing pranks. She liked baseball, smiley-face buttons and cats. She was innovative and had a couple of inventions patented. When asked how to best live one's life, her advice was, "Stick it out."
She is survived by three children: John W. Carty and his wife, Mary, of Mesa, Ariz.; Thomas F-A Carty and his wife, Lorna, of Barre, Vt.; and Lucy M. Blue, of Plainfield. She is also survived by a sister, Lillian Hetherman, of Eastpointe, Mich.; four nieces and nephews; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that any donations be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, NH 03086.
She said, "Death is not an end, but only the beginning of another phase of nature."
Private family services will be held at a later date.
MORETOWN - Leo Mario Ciampi
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, 81, a lifelong resident of Jonesbrook Road in Moretown, died May 11, 2011 at home, in the comfort of his family.
He was born on August 12,1929 to Mario Ciampi and Myrle (Hoadley) Ciampi. He attended the former one room school house on Jonesbrook Road.
Leo enlisted in the United States Army on August 28, 1950 and was honorably discharged on May 24, 1952. He worked as a mechanic while in the service, and spent part of his time in Germany. He married Dorothy I. Hale of Middlesex on September 21, 1953 and they made their home on Jonesbrook Road.
He worked for the State of Vermont as a mechanic for many years, until his retirement in 1985. He enjoyed tinkering on trucks, tractors, chainsaws and basically anything mechanical. He also made and collected knives of all kinds.
Leo is survived by his wife, Dorothy; sister, Francine of Connecticut; daughters Victoria and her husband Robert Graves, Norma and her husband, Jason Maloney; and son, Mario Ciampi, all of Moretown. He also leaves four grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents; sister, Geraldine "Babe" Varelli; and brother, Aldo Ciampi.
There will be no calling hours. A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00am, Monday, May 16, at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre VT 05641.
Beverly Ann (Wagner) Clough
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, 55, of Cedar Hill Apartments, Montpelier died December 24th, 2011 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
She was born on January 4, 1956 in Waterbury, CT to the late Raymond and Beatrice (Draper) Wagner.
On July 28, 1973, she married Dennis L. Clough, Sr. in Essex Jct., VT. They made there home for years in Waterbury and later settling in Montpelier.
Bev had a love for dolphins, owls, unicorns, horses and loved collecting salt and pepper shakers along with a variety of knick knacks. Bev loved playing cards, dice, yahtzee, and mastered very well on how to cheat, but the suspense was fun. Bev’s biggest love was her family. She was one who always helped somebody in need.
Survivors include her husband, Dennis of Montpelier; three daughters, Patricia Wagner of Barre; Chrystal Bennett of Graniteville; and Tina Henry of Montpelier; two sons, Dennis L. Clough III of Barre; and Jason Clough of Williamstown; fifteen grandchildren; three brothers, Floyd and Richard Wagner of Barre and Raymond Wagner of Newport; four sisters, Roberta Daniels of Johnson; Diane May of Newport; Barbie Armstrong of Bolton and Patty Vance of Barre; and several nieces and nephews.
Beverly is predeceased by a son, Dennis L. Clough Jr., and a sister Shirley Wilford, and her parents.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held 3:00 pm on Friday, December 30th at the Salvation Army, 25 Keith Ave, Barre, VT 05641.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Beverly Clough Memorial Fund, c/o Patty Vance, 11 Chatot Street, Apt. # 38, Barre, VT 05641.
Montpelier, VT - Robert Clinton Cody
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, 86, died peacefully Sunday, March 6, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 30, 1924 in Burlington VT to Richard and Lillian Cody. Bob was a lifelong resident of Montpelier.
After graduating from St. Michael’s Elementary and St. Michael’s High School, Bob attended Williams College Naval Officer Candidate School. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1945, he returned to Montpelier and joined his father and siblings in the family business.
Bob married Janice M. Bacon, his high school sweetheart, on October 28, 1947 at St. Augustine’s Church. They lived their entire married life on Elm Street in Montpelier. Anyone who met them, knew theirs was truly a love made in heaven. A devoted husband, father and family man, his family cherished his love and wisdom that he so freely shared. Bob imparted life lessons in every living room story centered around family, faith, loyalty, patriotism, and living one’s life to the fullest.
A lifelong member of St. Augustine’s Parish he served in many capacities for the Monsignors and Sisters of Mercy. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, and Knights of Columbus. He served on the Board of the Vermont National Bank for over 20 years. He was a proud citizen of Montpelier and served on various civic committees.
Together with his parents and siblings, the Cody family was pivotal in many community enterprises. In his early years, Bob worked with his father and brothers in the family business, Montpelier Ice Company. There are central Vermonters who still remember those ice deliveries. The family enterprise grew into a myriad of businesses - the Strand Theater, Paramount Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Strong Theatre, Moonlight and Twin City Drive In Theaters, Capitol City Bowling Lanes and numerous buildings in downtown Montpelier. In 1956, Bob and his brothers embarked on a new venture purchasing the Chevrolet franchise and later MidTown Chrysler. Over time he became the sole owner and president of Cody Chevrolet, Inc. and operated the business until his death. The American car business was his passion. His loyal employees will surely miss “the Boss”.
A huge sports enthusiast, he was a 4-year letterman in Basketball and Baseball at St. Michael’s High, State and New England Champion candlepin bowler. Bob was an avid tennis player, known to his tennis friends as the “human backboard.” He was one of the founding members of the Central Vermont Tennis Association. He supported and guided his children and grandchildren through years of basketball, baseball, track, tennis, and swimming. All through the years and right to the end, he followed the Yankees, Notre Dame, and Duke.
Besides his loving wife Janice, Bob leaves his seven children, Diane M. Patno and her husband William of Montpelier, Gen (Ret) Richard A. Cody and his wife Vicki of McLean, VA, William P. Cody and his wife Paula of Montpelier, Cathi A. Cody-Hudson and her husband Peter of Burlington, Robin C. Nicholson and her husband Mark of Barre, Robert C. Cody II and his wife Dena of Montpelier, and Lauri A. Cody and her husband Carl of Attleboro, MA. He also leaves his fifteen grandchildren: William Patno II, Robert Scott Patno, Cody Patno, Maj. Clinton Cody, Maj. Tyler Cody, Maj. Jason Cody, Maj. R. Todd Cody, CPT (Dr.) John Cody, Stephanie Cody, Christopher Hudson, Colin Hudson, Robert Cody III, Carson Cody, Hanna Fritz and Nicholas Fritz as well as his five great-grandchildren: W. Cole Patno, Jadyn Patno, Eli Patno, Austin Cody and Zachary Cody. Bob also leaves his brothers Rayden J. Cody and his wife Ann, Conrad M. Cody and his wife Bettie, Donald M. Cody and his wife Yolande, his sister, Mary C. Bashara and her husband Frederick as well as many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews, who will miss Uncle Bob’s fried chicken. He is predeceased by his parents Richard and Lillian Cody, Jan’s parents Arthur and Constance Bacon and his aunt and uncle Nellie and Joseph Ziter.
Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be held Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 2:00 PM at St. Augustine’s Church in Montpelier.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: St. Augustine’s Parish, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier VT 05602.
Shelburne, VT - Jane White Cooke
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, 98, formerly of New York City and more recently of Montpelier, Vt., died on May 8, 2011 at her daughter’s home in Shelburne, surrounded by her family.
Born Frances Jane White in Montclair, N.J. on January 10, 1913, she was the daughter of William Penn White and Frances Kenison. After her father died when Jane was nine, her mother, a resourceful and independent woman, took her three daughters to Tours, France and Lausanne, Switzerland, where they lived in pensions for two years. While abroad, Jane attended school, became fluent in French and developed a lifelong love for art.
Early in her life she loved to draw and often said, “for some reason I was able to capture a likeness.” Upon graduating from high school in New Jersey, she moved to New York City to take classes at the Art Students League and attend the National Academy of Design, where a prolific career was launched. At the Academy, she made many friends, among them, Robert McCloskey, whose baby ducks she kept in her bathtub while he wrote the children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings.” After the Academy she was awarded a fellowship to study art in Florence, Italy, where she rented a studio on the Costa San Giorgio and led a bohemian life, devoted to painting and fun.
In 1937 Jane married a childhood friend, Dr. Whitfield Hawkes, and returned to New York City from Italy. Together they had two children, Frances Ann “Holly” and Stephen Whitfield. Dr. Hawkes died in the South Pacific during WWII in 1943. Three years later, Jane married Alistair Cooke, a British-born reporter for the BBC and Manchester Guardian. They had a daughter, Susan Byrne, in 1949.
Jane was devoted to her family and her art and had a studio in Manhattan. Although she loved the vibrancy of the city, her favorite place was the family’s beach house on the North Fork of Long Island, where she spent more than 60 summers; it was her spiritual home.
Jane created hundreds of paintings, including portraits, still lifes and landscapes of her beloved Long Island. Her paintings of Nathan Milstein and Alistair Cooke reside at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and hundreds of her paintings are collected at janewhite.org.
Inspired by seeing different places, Jane’s art is a testimony to the inspiration she derived from the trips she and Alistair took around the world. They regularly stayed in London and in San Francisco, where they had family and many friends.
Although Jane and Alistair’s circle of friends included many renowned individuals, she was not swayed by fame or fortune. Being married to a public personality was not always easy for Jane, but her art and devotion to her family rescued her from the glaring spotlight of her husband’s fame.
In 2004, Alistair died and Jane remained in Manhattan for two years before moving to Vermont to be closer to her daughter, Susan, and her family. As was her wont, she made good friends in Vermont, spanning generations. Until the last week of her life, she enjoyed her evening ritual of scotch and soda, a cigarette and lively conversation.
Jane died on Mother’s Day morning with her daughter Susan at her side. She is survived by her daughter, Holly Hawkes Rumbold, and her husband Henry, of London, England; her son, Stephen Whitfield Hawkes and his wife, Paula, of Healdsburg, Calif.; and her daughter, Susan Cooke Kittredge, and her husband, Charlie, of Shelburne, VT. In addition, she leaves a stepson, John Cooke, of Jackson, Wyo. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and their families, including 12 great-grand children.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 29 at 1 p.m. at the Old Meeting House in East Montpelier Center.
Berlin, VT - Percy Quentine Coppins
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, 90, of Weston’s Trailor Park , Berlin and more recently of Woodridge Nursing Home died Friday, May 6, 2011.
Percy was born in Montpelier on February 19, 1921 the son of Ray Elmer & Ada Lulu (Wheeler) Coppins. He received his education in Montpelier Schools and graduated from Montpelier High.
Following his education he served in the United States Army during World War II from October 26, 1942 until his discharge on Feb. 1, 1946. He was stationed overseas and was in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He was a member of the VFW # 792, Montpelier.
He married the former Arlean A. Demers in Berlin, VT on January 16, 1953. Mrs. Coppins pre-deceased him on August 11, 2006.
Percy was a plumber for approximately 40 years, 20 of those years as a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 693. He retired in 1983.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, reading, watching sports, including New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox and NASCAR and following his favorite driver, Bill Elliott.
Survivors include his six children; Cheryl Blake, Hardwick, VT; Linda Bedard of Orange, VT; Bonnie Brassard, Orange, VT; Jane Collins, Williamstown, VT; Robert Coppins and William Coppins both of Virginia; 11 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Percy was predeceased by his wife, and two sisters, Betty Hudson and Beverly Schaefer.
Calling hours will be Friday evening, May 13th from 6-8 pm at Guare & Sons Funeral Home.
A grave-side memorial service with military honors will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, May 17th at Berlin Corners Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 118 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-4401.
Montpelier, VT - Susan May Coryell
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passed away peacefully on August 6, 2011 at the Central Vermont Hospital.
She was born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on August 4, 1950 the daughter of Susan and Harry Coryell.
She attended the Stranaham High School and graduated in 1968. After college, Susan worked as a teacher. While living in Ft. Lauderdale, she attended the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Susan took on the challenge of being a single parent by adopting two Russian born children, Rebecca and Miranda Coryell, to whom she devoted her life.
Survivors include her two daughters, Rebecca and Miranda Coryell of Montpelier; a brother Harry Coryell, and friend and godparent to her children, Cindy Harris.
Susan was a wonderful mother, sister, and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
There will be no calling hours.
A funeral mass will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, November 12, 2011 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Montpelier.
MONTPELIER, Vt. - Careening down a Vermont mountain on the back of an all-terrain vehicle driven by a 16-year-old boy, without having taken the time to find a helmet, John Curran
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was looking to reach the town of Rochester, isolated by flooding left by the remnants of Hurricane Irene. Mainly he was looking for a story.
Curran, who died Saturday of a heart attack at age 54 as he mowed the lawn at his Montpelier home, will be remembered as someone who moved fast when a big story was breaking and as a devoted and proud husband and father. He carried a cub reporter’s excitement and enthusiasm into his sixth decade, still thrilled by the slices of life he got to witness as a journalist.
He was known among his Associated Press colleagues _ he had worked in Charleston, W.Va., Boston and Atlantic City, N.J., before coming to Vermont _ for his dedication to the job and for a beautiful writing style that seemed to come from a great ear for what people were telling him.
“John found joy in reporting about people,” said Kathleen Carroll, executive editor of the AP. “From the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey to the mountain communities of Vermont, he loved nothing better than meeting people and telling their stories to the world. We will be poorer indeed without him.”
Evan Berland, AP’s deputy editor for the East who worked with Curran in New Jersey, said Curran talked about stories with colleagues with “a wide smile and sometimes a disbelieving shake of his head, and it was easy to see why the people he interviewed opened up to him and that the news was endlessly fascinating to him.”
He wrote about the height of beauty, as when the Miss America pageant moved from Atlantic City after more than eight decades.
“Before the slot machines, before the cheap buffets, before The Donald, there was Miss America,” Curran wrote then. “Born of a Boardwalk publicity stunt, she accidentally became an American icon, thanks to years of televised crownings watched by little girls staying up late to see the black-and-white telecast from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For 84 years, Atlantic City was Miss America _ and Miss America was Atlantic City.”
And when the news was harsh, he could cut the ugliest of human events down to their essence. Just this past week, this appeared under his byline: “”A drifter admitted Thursday to beating a 79-year-old woman to death with a hammer as she made biscuits in her home.”
The AP’s news leader in Vermont as correspondent in charge of the Montpelier bureau in an age of dwindling media resources, Curran pushed his staff of three writers and a photographer to work harder but set the pace by working harder than anyone else himself. He balanced extraordinary drive with compassion, telling staffers with health or personal problems, “Your health comes first” or “Your family comes first.”
As “the new guy,” Curran was greeted with some skepticism when he arrived in the summer of 2006 in a state where seventh-generation Vermonters debate with fifth-generation Vermonters about who’s really a native. Eyes would roll among Statehouse press corps veterans when maple syrup or some other Vermont stereotype crept into his early stories.
But Curran was a quick study, and it wasn’t long before he developed a deeper understanding of his adopted home. Vermont has an extraordinary communitarian nature. Town Meeting Day, when residents gather each March to decide whether to pave a road or put a new roof on Town Hall, is still a state holiday. Neighbors help one another in times of trouble, a fact on ample display in Irene’s wake.
“The Aug. 28 storm knocked out hundreds of roads and bridges in the state, damaged or destroyed more than 700 homes and left some Vermont towns stranded,” Curran wrote on Sept. 10. “But it has also generated countless of acts of kindness, from community house-guttings to citizen-led road rebuilding projects, from missions of mercy for stranded homeowners to volunteer days cleaning the mud out of schools. In the process, it has burnished a civility that some up here refer to as ‘the Vermont way.’"
Born in New York City and raised near Buffalo, N.Y., as the son of the former Mary Sullivan and Bob Curran, a longtime columnist for the Buffalo News, Curran grew to be a devoted family man. He often spoke of his wife, Tricia, as “my beautiful bride,” and brimmed with pride about his son, Patrick, a sophomore at Georgetown University, and his younger daughters, Julie and Mary Grace.
On the way, he served time in the U.S. Army and got a journalism degree from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y.
Curran loved jokes and puns, had an encyclopedic knowledge of pop music and always added a big charge of energy to a room, colleagues said.
“For years, he started every morning with a corny joke for his colleagues, but there was never a doubt he was serious about his craft,” Berland said. “On the rare days Curran didn’t file a news story in New Jersey, he often produced two the next. ‘It’s my Catholic guilt,’ he would say, and was apt to add that the AP wasn’t paying him to not have stories on the wire.”
Moretown, VT - Gordon Chester Currier
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, 89, Jones Brook Road, Moretown, died Monday, August 22, 2011 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Jct., VT.
He was born in Lyndon, VT on November 6, 1921 the son of Percy and Mabel (Anair) Currier.
Gordon married the former Eunice Ellen Fletcher in Barnet, VT on October 16, 1940. Mrs. Currier pre-deceased him on March 13, 2000.
He served in the US Army during World War II in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Theater from September 1943 through his discharge in October 1945.
Following his military service, he worked in the granite industry as a sandblaster in various granite sheds in the Barre -Montpelier area. He retired in the early 70's for health reasons. He operated a farm in Marshfield, Vt.
He was a member of the VFW # 792 and the American Legion Post # 3.
Survivors include four daughters, Lynn Shaw of Moretown, VT; Ginny Donaldson of Davenport, Fl; Helen Wilder of Montpelier; Cindy Reed of East Montpelier; son, Gordon P. (Joe) Currier of Marshfield, VT; 11 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by two grandchildren, Justin & Larry Reed.
At Gordon’s request there will be no calling hours. A grave side service be held at Eaton Cemetery, Marshfield, VT at 11:00 am, Monday, August 29th.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice.
Cathy Jean Davison
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, 53, of Berlin died on Monday, June 27, 2011, at the Central Vermont Hospital in Berlin, VT
She was born on November 9, 1957 in Montpelier, the daughter of Robert and Nada (Sears) Kelley.
She graduated in the class of 1975 from Union 32 High School. Following that she attended the Vermont School of Cosmetology.
On October 22, 1983, she married Robert Davison, Jr. in Montpelier.
She began her career as a hairstylist at the Klip n’ Kurl. She later worked for a number of years at the Chittenden Bank. Most recently she was the Office Manager for Technical Planning and Management in Waitsfield.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Northfield, VT. For many years she played in softball league around the area. She enjoyed camping and playing yahtzee with her family. She also enjoyed playing cards and would often take trips to the casinos in Montreal and Connecticut.
Survivors include her daughter; Heather Davison and her companion Matt Brace of Berlin and their daughter Lillian Brace; parents, Robert and Nada Kelley of Berlin; sisters, Linda Salls and her husband Junior of Greensboro Bend, and Lisa Bailey and her husband Wayne of Berlin; brothers, Robert Kelley and his wife Mary Lou of Berlin and Kerry Kelley and his wife Sam of Montpelier; Step children, Jean Daneu of Massachusetts, Maureen Corbeil of Waterbury Center, and Steve Davison of Waterbury Center.
Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30am on Friday, July 1, 2011 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 10:30am. A committal service will follow at the Berlin Corners Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Berlin, VT 05641 or to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center: Amy Schrom, Office of Development, Hinman 7070, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001.
BARRE - April L. Despault
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, 47, of South Main Street in Barre, died Saturday, April 2, 2011, at her residence.
She was born in Springfield, MA on April 25, 1963 to Earl and Marion (Bianchi) Cutler.
She attended schools in Waterbury and married Robin Despault on April 16, 1988 in Waterbury.
April was employed as a waitress at Angelino’s and the Capital Plaza in Montpelier and cared for her handicapped sister for ten years. She attended the United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Robin Despault, of Barre; her mother, Marion Cutler, of Barre; and her sister, Michelle Cutler, of Barre.
Private burial will be in the Cutler Cemetery in East Montpelier.
Memorial contributions may be made to Washington County Mental Health.
Montpelier, VT - Kendall Dowen
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, 55, of Middlesex passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 21st, 2011. Kendall was born in Keene, NH and raised on Elm Street in Montpelier.
Kendall is predeceased by his mother, Nancy (McGoff) Dowen and father, Paul Dowen, his grandparents Christine and Robert Jeffrey and his great-grandmother Mary Tevyaw.
Kendall leaves behind two daughters who he loved dearly, Kendra, 23, of San Diego, CA who works in a Residential home for emotional/behavioral adolescents and Allyson, 20, currently a Junior at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. Kendall will be missed by his long-time friend and ex-wife, Penny Dowen, also of Middlesex.
Kendall is survived by 2 brothers, Bradford of Brookfield and Jeff of Montpelier, a nephew, Silas Dowen of Middlesex and two nieces Rachel Dowen of Sonoma, CA and Faye Dowen of Barre.
Kendall joined the Navy for 3 years after high school. He was stationed in Sigonella, Sicily in 1979 where he met his life-long friend, Penny Dowen, and also on the USS Forrestal stationed out of Jacksonville, FL. After three years of service Kendall moved back to the Burlington area where he worked for DON-VAC Construction in Williston and then the Burlington School District for 10 years before falling ill and retiring.
Kendall has always been a one-of-a-kind father. He lived his life for Kendra and Ally. He dedicated his life to making a better life for them. What can you say for a man that gave his all ... not to just his daughters but also to those he knew! Kendall loved talking, he loved having an hour conversation in Shaw's while someone is waiting in the car for him! Kendall touched many, many lives...ranging in age of 6 years old to 90. Kendall loved going to basketball games and cheering on his girls ... and their teammates. You would hear him yelling, "take it to the hoop", you knew Kendall was in the House!
Kendall lived his life the "Montpeculiar Way", as he would say, the way he wanted to live it and trying to make the best life for him and his girls. If you asked what Kendall is doing at any given time, more than likely, he was running errands for the girls or taking them something to eat or going to the house for the homework they left behind. He was a great dad, a great friend, and we will miss him dearly.
Calling hours will be at Guare and Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier on Saturday, September 24th, from 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. with a Memorial Services immediately following. This will be a celebration of Kendall's life and his girls are asking that you please wear nice colors for attire, limited black.
In lieu of flowers, the girls would like to suggest donations be made to the American Heart Association in Kendall's name.
MASHPEE, MA – John Joseph (Jay) Downs
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, 75, ormerly of Montpelier, VT passed away on February 7, 2011 after a lengthy illness.
Jay was the son of John and Marguerite (Doyle) Downs. He was born in Montpelier, VT, on June 1st, 1935. He attended Saint Augustine Elementary School and in 1953 graduated from Saint Michael’s High School. In 1957 he graduated from College of the Holy Cross, with a bachelor of arts majoring in Economics. He served on the Sanctuary Society, Student Congress, Intramurals, Glee Club and the Varsity Quartet.
In the late 1950s he served with the Vermont National Guard. During his Army career, due to his initiative, readiness to compete and will to succeed Jay was recognized by the United States Army for having graduated as Honor Graduate in his Field Communications Crewmans Course. Furthering his desire to learn, he attended graduate school at Boston College earning a masters degree in Economics. He was employed by New England Life Insurance Company and Massachusetts Blue Cross & Blue Shield, where he was Assistant Vice President, Actuarial and Underwriting. Following his career at Blue Cross & Blue Shield he joined M&R Services (affiliated with Milliman & Robertson Consulting Actuaries, Seattle, WA) as Executive Director of Administration and Systems, Cape Cod, MA. In the mid to late 1990s, Jay went to work for the State of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health as Capitol Projects Coordinator.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Valerie (Simms) Downs of Mashpee, MA. In addition to Valerie, Jay’s survivors include his daughter Julia Anne, and husband Todd Conover of West Newbury, MA; his daughter Tricia Lynn of Boston, MA; and his daughter Nina Lyn Innocenti, and husband Alastair Ross-Bell of London, England. In addition to his children, he is survived by five granddaughters Madeline, Audrey, and Kate Conover of West Newbury, MA, and Olivia and Anna, of London, England.
The funeral Mass for Jay will be at Saint Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, at 11am, Friday, February 11th. Prior to the 11am Funeral mass, a calling hour at Guare and Sons Funeral home will take place from 9:30-10:30am, at 30 School Street, Montpelier, VT.
Donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, McCarthy Care Center, 73 Service Road, East Sandwich, MA 02537.
Timothy Martin Drew
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, 39, of Northview Terrace, Waterbury Center and formerly of Montpelier, died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, at Waterbury Dam as a result of a drowning accident.
Tim was born in Berlin , Vt. , on Sept. 1, 1972 , the son of L. Leonard and Marion (Martin) Drew. He received his education at St. Michael’s Grade School, Main Street Middle School and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1990.
For more than 15 years, Tim worked as a bartender at various local establishments. In 2008 he entered the Community College of Vermont to study social services. He became a passionate student and excelled in the classroom. In 2010 he transferred to Johnson State College to study psychology and sociology with an emphasis in substance abuse and treatment. He earned numerous awards and scholarships for his academic performance, including being named to the president’s list.
Tim was passionate about golf and was a Montpelier Elks Country Club champion; he enjoyed visiting Ireland to learn about his heritage; he loved his extended family and took charge of the “family artifacts” following his father’s death. Tim’s warm smile and quick wit will be missed by his family and friends.
Tim is survived by his mother, Marion Drew of Montpelier; two sisters, Kathleen Warren and her husband, David of Burlington Flats, N.Y.; Colleen Drew of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.; five brothers, Brian Drew and his wife, Karyl of Hanover, N.H.; Shawn Drew of Westerly, R.I.; Kevin Drew and his wife, Jane of Foxboro, Mass.; Dennis Drew of Montpelier; and Thomas Drew and his wife, Mary of Salisbury, Vt. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Tim was predeceased by his father, Coach Lenny Drew on Feb. 14, 2001 .
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011 , from 2 to 5 p.m. at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A private memorial service will be held after calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tim’s name may be made to Johnson State College, c/o Sally Laughlin, Alumni Office, 337 College Hill, Johnson, VT 05656 or to VSAC, P.O. Box 2000, Winooski, VT 05404.
Montpelier, VT - Paul R. Fargo
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, 83, formerly of 155 Main Street, Montpelier died on Thursday, January 27, 2011, at the Berlin Health and Rehab Center.
He was born in Richmond, VT on April 5, 1927 the son of Howard and Mary (Vanier) Fargo. He attended school in Richmond, VT and graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre in 1946.
Paul worked for the former Marvin-Cooley Dairy as a milk delivery man from 1957 to 1969 and continued his employment with Booth Brothers Dairy until 1982. He served as Sexton at St. Augustine’s Church and Cemetery from 1982 to 1997. As the cemetery sexton, he found great honor in overseeing maintenance and burials.
Mr. Fargo is a member of St. Augustine’s Church.
He is survived his wife, Lucille Hopkins and a niece, Marie Dupont. He is predeceased by a brother, John J. Fargo and a sister, Ann Marie Atherton.
A funeral mass will be held 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at St. Augustine Church. Calling hours will be held prior to the mass, from 9:30-10:30 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Augustine’s Cemetery, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.
EAST MONTPELIER - Joan Fitch
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, 60, died Friday, October 21, 2011 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, VT. She was born in Williston, VT on October 16, 1951 to Elwood and Virginia (Mongeon) Hempstead. She graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School in 1970. She married Larry Fitch on July 31, 1971, in Williston.
Joan became a LPN after graduating from the Fanny Allen Memorial School of Practical Nursing and became a RN after receiving her Associates degree from the State University of New York. She later obtained her Bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont. She worked at the Central Vermont Medical Center on the medical-surgical floors, in the intensive care unit, and the emergency room. She then worked for Berlin Family Health and most recently, she was the school nurse at Montpelier High School.
She was a member of Christ Church in Montpelier. Joan played in the Catamount Pipe Band for several years. She is survived by her husband of East Montpelier; her mother, Virginia Hempstead, of Williston; daughter, Nicole MacHarg and her husband Iain and step-granddaughter Aileen of Marshfield; son, Sean Fitch, of Middlesex; sisters, Marian Hempstead of North Kingston, RI, Paula Morin of Winooski, Roberta Schilling and her husband, Gary, of Churchville, MD; brothers, Douglas Hempstead of Lawrence, MA, Thomas and his wife, Tracey Hempstead, of Milton, David and his wife, Tracy Hempstead, of Williamsburg, VA; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 28 2011, at 11:00 AM at Christ Church, State Street, Montpelier. Calling hours are on Thursday from 7pm-9pm at the Barber & Lanier Funeral Home, 139 Main St., Montpelier. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gateway for Cancer Research, 1336 Basswood Rd., Schaumburg IL 60173.
WATERBURY - Mary G. Fries
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of Waterbury, Vermont died on Wednesday September 14, 2011 in Montpelier after a brief illness.
She was born in Washington DC on July 9, 1924, the daughter of William and Mary (Thompson) Grubbs. She attended school there. Before moving to Vermont she was a resident of Wilmington, Delaware and Geneva, Switzerland. In 1982 she was graduated, as an Adult Learner, from the University of Vermont, where she studied gerontology. Mary Fries was employed in the Physical Therapy Department at UVM and later at the Department of Aging and Disabilities in Waterbury. She was a community volunteer and a member of the Congregational Church of Waterbury.
Mary Fries had been a resident of Heaton Woods in Montpelier since 2005. She is survived by her three children (Susan Fries-Laffaille of Paris, France, David Fries of Seattle, Washington and Donald Fries of Great Barrington, Massachusetts) and their partners, by three grandchildren (Helene Laffaille and Paul Laffaille of Paris, Genevieve Fries Colony of Seattle) and by one great-grandson, Samuel Collin Laffaille of Paris.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, to the Waterbury Ambulance Service or to Heaton Woods.
Barber & Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. There will be no calling hours. A notice will be published when arrangements have been made for a memorial service.
North Middlesex, VT - Barbara Iona Gallagher
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, 71, of N. Middlesex died on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at the Central Vermont Medical Center.
She was born on September 29, 1939 in Montpelier, the daughter of Andrew and Shirley (Hart) Stark. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1958. Barbara worked as a restaurant manager for 26 years, for the Sykas family at the Lobster Pot Restaurant. After retiring from the restaurant, Barb worked as a Customer Service Supervisor for Harry’s Department Store for several years.
On November 25, 1974, she married Donald J. Gallagher, Sr. in Montpelier. Don was the love of her life and together they raised four children in Montpelier. In 1987 they moved to their home in North Middlesex, enjoying the quiet countryside. They enjoyed sharing their home with the many dogs they took in and cared for over the years.
Barbara was a fantastic cook, and loved to share her passion with her grandchildren, friends, and family. She was known for making everyone their favorite dish or dessert whenever she had the opportunity. Spending time with her grandchildren was Barb’s favorite thing. She had loving memories of all their times together, especially family vacations in Maine. Having friends and family gathered around a table to enjoy a game of cards and the dishes she would make provided her the greatest happiness. Barb also enjoyed being a member of the Montpelier Cribbage League.
Survivors include her devoted husband, Donald of North Middlesex; daughter, Iona Kemp of North Middlesex; three sons, Eric Kemp and his wife Linda of North Middlesex; Donald J. Gallagher, Jr. of Chicago, IL; and Lenny Gallagher and his wife Cara of Waterbury, VT; grandchildren, Eric Kemp and his wife Serena; Kristy (Kemp) Pirie and her husband, Gordon; Samantha Kemp; Kayla Gallagher; Mike Gibbs II; and Briana Gibbs. She is also survived by a sister, Rodina Lamell of Georgia and several nieces, nephews and special friends.
She was pre-deceased by a sister, Bertha Stark and a brother, Andy Stark.
At her request an informal Memorial service and luncheon will be held at the VFW in Montpelier, on Friday August 26th from 1:00-3:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.
Barb and her family are most grateful for the loving care she received from everyone at Home Health. A special thanks to her Personal Aides and Nurses Sherry, Camille, Sharon, Robin, and her guardian angel Cindy Barney, whom Barb thought of as her own family. In addition, a special thanks for the companionship of her friends, Nickie Gabaree and Nada Kelley.
CALAIS - Louis Garcia, Jr.
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, 72, of Calais, VT died Saturday, July 2, 2011 at his home surrounded by family and friends.
Lou was born in Barre, VT on April 23, 1939, the son of Louis Garcia, Sr. and Laura (Bullock) Garcia. The family moved to Burlington in 1950, where he graduated from Burlington High School in 1957. After serving in the US Navy Reserves, he attended and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1963. A move to Pennsylvania in 1963 took him to the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and Temple University, where he graduated with a Master's in Education. He taught art in the Pennsbury School District in Bucks County PA for 30 years.
Lou was a loving, giving, sensitive, and humble man. He sensed goodness and touched his friends and family with that same sense. He loved the outdoors, whether it be while hunting, browsing flea markets, or simply walking in the woods. He loved his art, from painting to creating beauty from natural materials. He also loved music, from good old "rock and roll" to 12 bar blues, and especially, of late, to music made by his four grandchildren.
He loved Vermont, spending summers in Calais and returning for good after retiring in 1996. Since then he made many friends through his dart game and shooting pool at the Montpelier Senior Center.
Lou is survived by his wife Robin, his son Chris and daughter-in-law Jeannie, and four grandchildren, Collin, Emily, Chris, and Joe.
A memorial service will be held at the Old West Church in Calais on Saturday, July 23, at 2PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Hospice, 600 Granger Rd., Barre, VT 05641.
James Lucius Gauthier
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, of Cassie Street in Barre Town, passed away on December 16th 2011 surrounded by his family, who admired and loved him dearly.
Born in Montpelier, Vermont on June 23, 1934, Jim was the son of Lucius and Dorothy (Bissell) Gauthier. His father passed away (too) early in Jim’s life and Jim spent a fair portion of his childhood on his grandfather Bissell’s farm in Middlesex, helping with the chores and trying to stay out of trouble.
Jim attended schools in Montpelier and Middlesex and eventually joined the Navy in 1951 at the age of 17 years old. He served aboard the destroyer USS Vesole-878, deployed as part of the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean. Jim was honorably discharged in 1955 holding the rank of Boilerman First Class.
Shortly after his discharge, he was fortunate enough to have met a lovely young woman named Shirley Mason, whom he fell in love with, and eventually convinced to marry him. Jim and Shirley were wed on March 14, 1956 and went on to have three children, nine grandchildren and (to date) three great grandchildren. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in 2011.
Jim started work for Norwich University in Northfield beginning in 1955, as a temporary job, handling the supplies, maintenance and repairs for the mess hall. This temporary position lasted for 41 years, until his retirement in 1996. If you wanted to eat at Norwich, you had to go through Jim.
Summertime meant Harvey’s Lake, in West Barnet, Vt. as Jim and Shirley managed camps for various Owners and spent a portion of every summer entertaining their children and grandchildren “at the beach”.
After retirement, Jim dabbled in making wooden toys and furniture for our family. Many of Jim’s grandchildren have sat in the small chairs, pushed around the toys, wrote at the desks and rode in the sleds that “Papa” built. Jim and his dog, Brandy, spent many hours cruising the streets of Barre-Montpelier, visiting friends and causing civil unrest.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, three children; Timothy and his wife, Vicki of Barre Town, Vt.; Keith and his fiancée Jennifer Klein of Germantown, Md.; Kerry and her husband Peter Oparowski of Williamstown, Vt.
Jim has nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren (in order of age): Eric Gauthier, his wife Michelle and their daughter Ava of Driggs, Idaho; Courtney Gauthier and her fiancée Andrew Whiteford of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.; Kate (Oparowski), her husband Rick Townley and their daughter Jane, of Omaha, Nebraska; Ian Gauthier of Clifton Park, NY; Gwyn Gauthier of Barre Town, Vt; Anna Gauthier of San Francisco, California; Jessica Oparowski and her son Carter of Williamstown, Vt.; Laura Oparowski of Williamstown, Vt.; and Emily Gauthier of Rome, Italy.
Jim is also survived by three brothers: Wendell of Barre, Vt.; Donald of Montpelier, Vt.; and Wm. Arnold of Olympia, Washington. He is predeceased by his older sister, Phyllis Relation of Montpelier, Vt. He also has many nieces and nephews.
Jim’s children and grandchildren wanted to say the following about their beloved “Papa”;
Papa was friendly, sociable, outspoken, and loved to share jokes and stories, and we've all inherited his gregariousness and sense of humor--I will miss our "joke duels"--, his sense of honesty and a strong work-ethic. Papa was always there for me and my family with "fix-its:" an endless supply of advice, support, and generosity (and, when all else failed, physical and emotional duct tape). I love you, Papa, and thank you for all that I am. (Tim)
Papa was a gregarious, warm, fun-loving man who could take a distant acquaintance and make them feel like an important member of our close-knit, loving family. Animals adored him and children often mistook him for Santa Claus because of his beard, jolly demeanor and generous spirit. A part of you lives on in all of us, Papa, and you will never be forgotten. (Vicki)
Papa had a personality like his voice and his laugh-- it filled the room. Whether he was telling a yarn from his navy days, a bawdy joke, or a story about his cat and dog, Papa always made you smile. He was generous with his time and touched everyone who met him. They say that a person dies as they lived; James Gauthier died surrounded by loved ones, amidst laughter, tears, and fond reminiscences. (Ian)
Papa always wanted to put a smile on everyone's face and make people laugh. He was always genuine, had a good heart, and was very giving. I think everyone in the family has a piece of furniture he made for each of us. I love you Papa and thank you for lighting up our lives. (Gwyn)
Jim’s legacy is in the way that he touched the lives of every person that he met. He is unforgettable to all who have known him; generous, reliable, honest, playful and funny. Jim was a child-at-heart. This is part of what made him such a joy to be around and gave him the ability to lift the spirits of all who crossed his path.
Papa was devoted to his family. His love was sincere and unconditional. He taught his family how to tell a great joke, how to fix “darn-near” anything, how to be unapologetically true to yourself, how to welcome someone into your home and your life, how to find the humor in any situation, and, most importantly, how to be a loving and devoted son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
A hole will be left in the hearts of all who have had the honor of knowing Jim Gauthier. (Kerry, Peter, Katie, Rick, Jane, Jessica, Carter and Laura)
Our Dad was a man with a huge heart and a sense of humor that was unparalleled. He taught us to have a positive outlook, that a joke could diffuse almost any situation, to have a sense of self, to have a hard work ethic, to never let someone step on you, to figure out how to make it work, to always be happy and never let things just happen.
He cared for our Mom and she cared for him. He was a man that truly believed that family was everything and that without them …………..well, what was the point? Papa lived and loved with a grin and an attitude that made you want to grin back. That is, if you got the joke.
Dad could fix almost anything, except a broken heart. This family is now full of broken hearts. Our world will never be the same. (Keith)
As I walked through the door, the first time I met Jim, he greeted me with open arms, a smile from ear to ear, laughter to be heard around the world and the blessing to call him Papa. His off-beat sense of humor, constant laughter, non-stop jokes and stories full of hysterics, anecdotes, love of food, family and laughter will keep my heart full through the ups and downs in life, for as long as I live.
I am eternally grateful to Papa, as well as his family, for all the acceptance and love that has been granted to me, as well as for his son Keith, the apple that fell right on the roots of his father’s tree. My life has been truly enriched by Papa’s heart and unforgettable bellowing laughter. It was a true gift to know you and the world’s greatest gift to me…… calling you Papa.(Jennifer)
Papa never let an opportunity pass to delight someone or to make them laugh with one of his stories or jokes. He taught us with his actions that everyday life can be ordinary, or it can be an opportunity to make someone smile.... and isn't that what life is all about? (Courtney)
Papa lived vibrantly, joyfully, eccentrically, and full of humor. He was the ultimate grandpa for his grandchildren; he was our original Santa Claus. We will always remember his hand painted trucks, hand built wooden Christmas toys, colorful jokes, and his easy smile. Much love Papa. (Anna & Emily)
There will be no calling hours.
The internment will be held on June 22, 2012 at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Randolph, Vt. with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vermont National Guard.
Montpelier, VT - March 2, 1953 – November 14, 2011 Garth G Genge
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, age 58 lead by example; he loved passionately; he motivated others to be engaged and confident in themselves; was curious and interested in countless topics and loved to have jazz, blues and rock music playing most times of the day.
He loved his work with housing and community development in Montpelier and central Vermont, and before that Brooklyn. He was a fifth degree black belt in Tai kwon do; held a masters degree in photo journalism from Boston University, and was a talented and meticulous carpenter.
Garth held self esteem and harmony within himself.
His most precious and fulfilling roles were of husband and father. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, son Alec, daughter Arielle, sister Pamela, sister Andrea Blythe and brother in law Dr. Jack Mancus, seven nephews, one niece, several intimate and cherished friends, dogs Otis and Lacy, and countless others who looked to him as a father figure, brother, teacher and friend.
In lieu of flowers, Garth would appreciate donations to the Central Vermont Community Land Trust, 107 North Main Street Barre, VT.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held 3:00 pm on Friday, November 18, 2011 at the Montpelier City Hall Auditorium.
MONTPELIER - Edward Ghiringhelli
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, 79, of Gould Hill Road, died Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Berlin Health and Rehabilitation in Berlin, Vt.
He was born in Montpelier on February 14, l932 to John and Ilene (Dwire) Ghiringhelli. He attended Montpelier schools and graduated from Montpelier High in l950. He entered the United States Marine Corps Reserves in l949 and went on active duty in l950, serving until l952.
Edward was formerly married to Janis Graham.
He was retired from the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation.
His memberships included Montpelier Elks Lodge, Aurora Lodge #22 F& AM, Montpelier Gun Club and Barre Rifle and Pistol Club.
He is survived by his son, John Ghiringhelli and his companion, Valerie Stark, of Montpelier; daughter Christine Ghiringhelli and her companion, Michael Duprey; grandsons, Christopher and Connor Duprey of Barre. His closest friend and cousin, Raymond Alvarez; his cousin Evelyn (Alvarez) Trono of Burlington, and family and friends.He was pre-deceased by his son Michael Ghiringhelli.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 11:00 am at Barber & Lanier Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Montpelier.
Calling hours are Tuesday, November 8 from 5pm until 7pm. Burial will be in the Green Mount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the American Cancer Society.
SHELBURNE - Janet French Gillette
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, age 98, died peacefully on the morning of August 10, 2011 at her last residence, Wake Robin, in Shelburne, Vermont.
Jan was born January 23, 1913 in Rochester Vermont, the daughter of Edward Sanborn French and Helen Campbell French. She attended Emma Willard School and later graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Wellesley College with a Masters degree in American history. She married Robert Stone Gillette in 1939.
She was very active in many civic affairs, including serving on the Vermont state college board for 12 productive years.
She is survived by her daughter Deborah Gillette Law of Sun Valley, Idaho, two grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her husband, Robert, her son Ned Gillette and her sister Betty French predeceased her in 1998.
She was a wonderfully unique woman and a pillar of strength. Her ethical principles were a guiding light for all of those around her. Her sense of humor was always uplifting. And she was the model corporate wife, supporting her husband Bob Gillette in his role as President of Rock of Ages in Barre, Vermont and Chairman of National Life Insurance Company in Montpelier, Vermont.
Jan instilled her strong New England sense of values and responsibility in both of her children. She and husband Bob were also strong supporters of their son Ned's efforts in becoming a national collegiate champion in cross-country skiing, in gaining a birth on the 1968 Grenoble Olympic ski team, and in carrying out numerous innovative and daring expeditions throughout the world.
Through all of her life, she has developed close and warm relationships with her many friends, particularly in Vermont and Cape Cod. Though diminutive of frame, she had giant character, with a witty rejoinder and charming demeanor. She has been an inspiring example of living responsibly, being self-sufficient and contributing productively.
A September memorial service will be scheduled in Falmouth, Massachusetts.
MORGAN/MONTPELIER - Stanley C. Goodell
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, 82, of Morgan and formerly of Montpelier, died peacefully on April 5, 2011, at his home.
He was born in Montpelier on August 14, 1928, to Carroll and Ruby (Shorey) Goodell. He was raised by his grandparents, Harry and Etta Shorey. He graduated from Montpelier High School and Coyne Electrical School in Chicago. He was self employed in television sales and service and operated Goodell’s TV in Montpelier for most of his career. He especially enjoyed weekends on Lake Seymour and spent his retirement years there.
Stanley is survived by Marilyn Warburton Goodell, his wife of 60 years, whom he married on October 21, 1950; son, Peter W. Goodell of Montpelier; brother, Donald Goodell and his spouse, Helen, of Merced, California; and half-sister, Elizabeth Camire of Furlong, Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by a sister, Evangeline.
A private service will be conducted at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Burial will be in Plainmont Cemetery in East Montpelier. Donations may be made to the North Country Dialysis Center, c/o North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport VT 05855-9820
Special thanks to Dr. Trembley, Dr. Sisson and the staff of the Newport Dialysis Center and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
Montpelier, VT - Mr. Edward J. Gora
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, resident of Montpelier, Vermont and formerly of Northport, New York, passed away on September 9, 2011.
Mr. Gora graduated from Seneca Vocational High School in Buffalo, New York. He served in the US Army, Infantry Division during World War II in the European theatre where he earned both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Upon discharge from the Army he attended Canisius College in Buffalo, New York and later graduated from St. John’s University Law School with an LLB degree. He was admitted to the New York State Law Bar in 1952.
Prior to coming to Vermont in 1972, Mr. Gora had been employed as a Tax Attorney by the United States Steel Company in New York City for thirteen years. He was the former Director of Sales and Use Tax for the State of Vermont. He participated in ERASTA (Eastern Regional Association of Sales Tax Administrators) proudly representing Vermont. He retired from the Tax Department in 1991.
Mr. Gora was a member of St. Augustine’s Parish. He volunteered his time in the choir, as a lector, and served on the parish council. For many years he helped senior citizens prepare their tax returns as a volunteer in the Montpelier Senior Center. He performed countless acts of kindness, helping people in need.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Irene of Montpelier, daughter Marie Louise and granddaughter Carolyn of Chappaqua, NY, his son Peter of West Berlin, his son Michael, daughter-in-law Anahi and grandson Javier of Stowe, VT, a sister Irene Mosner of West Seneca, NY and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Mr. Gora was predeceased by his parents Sophie C. and Peter Gura and two sisters Eleanor G. Jarnot and Mary G. Jurka.
Calling hours will be Thursday, September 15, 2011 from 6pm to 8pm at Guare and Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street in Montpelier. The funeral mass will be 11 am on Friday, September 16 at St. Augustine’s Church on Barre Street.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine’s Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.
No. Attleboro, MA/Worcester, VT - Lillian Rita Gourlay
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, 85, a long-time resident of East Street, No. Attleboro, MA, died on Saturday, February 5, 2011.
She was born in No. Attleboro, MA, on June 13, 1925, the daughter of George and Lillian (Boule’) Flanagan. She attended schools in Norton and No. Attleboro, MA graduating from No. Attleboro High School.
In 1947, she married Charles Hebert Gourlay of Attleboro Falls, MA. They later divorced.
In 1966, she began working for Pylon Company in Attleboro, MA. In the mid-80's Pylon was purchased by Augat and later the plant moved to Cape Cod. She continued with her job traveling 70 miles each way. Everett Charles bought Augat and moved the business to Warwick, RI. She remained in her position for 40 years, and after a remarkable 9065 consecutive days of work, Lillian retired in 2003 at the age of 78. She worked for the Norton Bleachery before her marriage and was a former Miss Chartley.
Lillian generously dedicated time to her family and many friends as well as to Camp Shady Pines, the No. Attleboro Twirlettes, the Degree of Pocahontas, and the McKeon School of Dance. She attended Grace Episcopal Church.
Survivors include her three daughters; Lynn D. Danahy and husband Jack of The Villages, FL; Norma J. Lang and husband Steve of Worcester, VT; Judith E. Lang and husband Tom of Worcester, VT; six grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and their families including 9 great grandchildren and 15 step-great grandchildren.
She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Carolyn Flanagan, and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held in No. Attleboro in the Spring. A notice will be published announcing the date of the service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Ruth Rhind Recreational Area, mailing address at 43 South Washington St. No Attleboro, MA 02760
Helen S. Guare
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, long-time resident of Montpelier, died on Tuesday, January 11, 2011.
Helen was born on November 8, 1922, in Wakefield, MA to Robert Schefisch and Rose Smith Schefisch.
After graduating from Wakefield High School in 1940, she moved to Montpelier to attend the Heaton Hospital School of Nursing. After her graduation in 1944, she took a position as nurse with the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary. On December 1, 1945, she married J. Richard Guare at St. Joseph’s Church in Wakefield, MA. They lived in Boston until the late 1940s, when they returned to Montpelier. They lived for many years at the Emmons family homestead on the corner of Main and Emmons Streets.
She was an active member of St. Augustine’s parish for many years, and devoted her life to raising five children. She also assisted her husband as a partner in the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. She enjoyed her many summers spent at the family’s camp on Lake Groton, and in retirement years traveling internationally with her husband. In her final years, she enjoyed her comfortable life at Heaton Woods, and the care she received at Woodridge Nursing Home.
She is survived by her five children; Philip A. Guare and his wife Susan, Thomas R. Guare and his wife Eleanor, Margaret M Bouffard and her husband James, John R. Guare and his wife Anne, and Paul S. Guare and his wife Lynn; by her grandchildren Tonya, Sarah, Anna, and Billy; by her step-grandchildren Bradley, Brett, Stephen and Shane; by four great grandchildren; by her sisters Ruth Carter and Ann Puleo; and by her sisters-in-law Georgianne Guare and Claire Guare. She is pre-deceased by her husband Richard (Dick); her sister Rita, and her brothers Paul and Robert.
Calling hours will be Thursday, January 13, 6-8 pm at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will take place at St. Augustine’s Church on Friday, January 14 at 11 am. Memorial contributions may be sent to Heaton Woods Activity Fund, 10 Heaton St., Montpelier, VT 05602; and also the Woodridge Nursing Home Activity Fund, PO Box 550, Barre, VT 05641.
Montpelier, VT - VanWyck “Bud” Haring
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, 91, passed away on May 6, 2011.
Born in Nyack, New York, on May 1, 1920, to Roswell J. (Roz) and Ida (VanWyck) Haring. "Buddy" as his friends knew him, lived most of his life in Nyack. He moved to Waterbury Center, Vermont with his wife, Helen, after he retired in 1985. Bud resided in Montpelier with his daughter, Susan, and son-in-law, Brian, from 2005 until November 2010 before moving to Lincoln House in Barre.
A multiple sport athlete, Bud graduated from Nyack High School in 1938 where he was selected for the All-Rockland County basketball team his senior year.
He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Bush, in Jacksonville, Florida on August 29,1942.
Bud enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in March, 1942. The World War II veteran retired as a Marine Captain following his South Pacific tour of duty prior to his discharge in August of 1945. He served as a flight navigator for medical air transport missions while stationed in San Cristobal in the Solomon Islands.
Following the war, Bud worked for R.J. Haring Radio and T.V. for nineteen years. He owned and operated Nyack Amusement and Bud’s Vending Service through 1985. He operated Bud’s Sharpening Service while residing in Waterbury Center.
Bud served as president of the Nyack Lions Club and Nyack Housing Authority. He was a long-standing member of the National Association of Approved basketball officials – officiating both high school and college basketball games. He was a member of the Nyack Field Club for over 25 years and was an active volunteer for the Nyack Ambulance Corps.
Bud and Helen were also long-term members of the esteemed Saturday Night Poker Club (SNPC).
A lifelong handyman, Bud built his original home in Nyack, was an accomplished carpenter, and spent his retired years building doll houses, bird houses, and hand-crafted furniture for his great-grandchildren.
An avid New York Giants fan, Bud always had time to offer his analysis of the football team’s performance based on his decades of following the team.
But his true love was his bride of 65 years, Helen, who pre-deceased him in 2007. Bud’s adoration and care for Helen was part of his core being and lived with him until his own death. His journey to join her has ended.
Survivors include his four daughters whom he loved dearly: Gail Lacy of Middlesex, Vermont; Nancy Haring of Fort Lee, New Jersey; Susan (and Brian) O’Regan of Montpelier, Vermont; and Robin (and Steven) Mears of Montpelier. Bud also leaves a sister, Roberta Siegriest of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Additionally, Bud leaves his eight grandchildren (Dan, Brian, Alison, Michael; Sean, Kate, Tim and Caitlin and their families) and four great-grandchildren (Scarlet, Joshua, Serena and Liam) – all of whom were very special to him. His photograph displays posted in his living room were constant reminders of the joy he experienced from all of his descendants.
Thanks to staff at Lincoln Home in Barre; Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center and Woodridge Nursing Home and for all of their assistance, support and kindness to Bud during recent years.
A memorial service will be held in early summer.
Cards and notes are welcome. Any contributions can be directed to: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Ruth Elizabeth Hathaway
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passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2011 at the age of 78. Her children, reunited by her passing, were by her bedside at Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center. There was an atmosphere of compassion and genuine caring and the family is sincerely grateful to the staff for their kindness.
Ruth was born in her parents’ bedroom in Highland, New Jersey on January 4th, 1933. She was the youngest child of Albert Leroy Hohwald and Mary Sophia (Gould) Hohwald.
Ruth’s life became one of caring for others. She became an R.N. and an advocate for those less fortunate and most importantly a devoted mother. She had an absolute unconditional love for her children. She also had a great sense of justice and compassion for people. It was her kindness to the world around her that she and Richard shared so well.
Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard Hathaway on September 1st, 2005. She was also predeceased by her sister Laura Yingling. She is survived by her brothers Warren Hohwald, Gilbert Hohwald and his wife Wilma, by her sister Nancy Gibson, and her brother in-law Dean Yingling and many nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her sons Peter Wires and David Hathaway and his partner, Monique Payne, and by her daughters Sarah Hathaway and Nancy Cunningham and her husband Jon and their three children, Larkin, Colby and Caroline.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law Carol Delemos and her husband Edward and their children as well as her brother- in- law Walton Hathaway and his wife Peggy and their children.
Ruth had an extended community around her which was like family including Gail Bradley and Joanne Brooking. They made it possible for Ruth to care for her family in the best way possible, especially as her Parkinson’s Disease progressed. Ruth was a gentle and kind woman whose love and devotion continues on in the lives of her children and those who had the privilege to know her.
A private family service will be held at the Friends Meeting House in Plainfield, VT.
The family asks that any contributions in Ruth’s name be made to the Plainfield Friends Meeting, PO Box 215, Plainfield, VT 05667 or to The Central Vermont Community Action Council Fuel Assistance Fund, 195 US Route 302-Berlin, Barre, VT 05641.
Ruth Agnes Heney
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, 82, a lifelong resident of Montpelier died on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Woodridge Nursing Home.
She was born on December 13, 1929, the daughter of the late William J. & Ruth (Ledden) Heney.
Ruth received her education at St. Michael’s Grade School and graduated from St. Michael’s High School and also attended Trinity College in Burlington. She was a communicant at St. Augustine Catholic Church.
Ruth’s professional career was in banking and insurance in Burlington and Montpelier areas. She enjoyed vacation trips to the ocean on Cape Cod and later in Maine & Florida.
Ruth is survived by her sister, Mary Heney Wheeler, Montpelier; sister-in-law, Mary Heney of Montpelier; several nieces & nephews and twice as many grand nieces & nephews, as well as several cousins and loyal friends. Ruth was predeceased by her brother, Lawrence (Bud) Heney.
Burial and committal prayers will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, November 23rd at Green Mount Cemetery, Montpelier followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am from St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier. A memorial reception will follow the Mass in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Heaton Woods Activity Fund, c/o Peggy Rocque, 10 Heaton St., Montpelier, VT 05602; or Woodridge Nursing Home Activity Fund, PO Box 550, Barre, VT 05641.
The family is forever grateful to the staff of Heaton Woods and Woodridge Nursing Home for the care and comfort Ruth received.
MONTPELIER - Sylvia M. Hennebury
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, 86, passed away February 7, 2011 in Daytona Beach, FL. Sylvia was born May 1, 1924 to George and Emma (LeClair) Buswell in Montpelier. She attended Montpelier High School.
Sylvia married Thomas Hennebury, Jr. on March 8, 1942. They made their home in the Montpelier – Waterbury area. Sylvia worked for several years as a bookkeeper for the Vt Dept of Forest and Parks. Thomas predeceased her in November 1982. Sylvia later moved to Holly Hill, FL and lived with her son.
Sylvia led a quiet life, enjoying reading, word puzzles and NASCAR. But her greatest joy was her family.
Besides her husband, she was predeceased by a son in 1965, Thomas Hennebury, III. She was also predeceased by two brothers; Francis and George and four sisters; Winifred, Alice, Dorothy and Mildred.
Survivors include a son, Kenneth (Mike) Hennebury of Holly Hill, FL, a daughter, Susan Austin and her husband, Tony of Franklin, TN, two granddaughters, Jessica Rollins and Melissa McGhee and one great-granddaughter, Emily McGhee. Also surviving are three brothers; Roy, Larry and Eugene and one sister, Connie and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will beheld Saturday February 12, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Barber & Lanier Funeral Home, 139 Main St. , Montpelier. Calling hour from 01:00 PM until time of service.
Later burial will be in the Green Mount Cemetery.
Orange, VT - Donna L. Hight
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died at Rowan Court Health and Rehabilitation Center on October 28, 2011 after a long illness.
She was born in Burlington on May 22, 1935, the 8th of 11 children born to Luther Andrew and Mattie Edith (Root) Roque. Raised on the family farm in Grand Isle, she was educated in local schools and Cathedral High School in Milford, CT.
She spent summers working at the Island Villa (Grand Isle Lake House) and at 16 became a nanny for the Briggs family, owners of the hotel, and relocated with them to Milford.She later worked for Burndy Corporation prior to returning to Vermont in the early 1960s to work for her late uncle John B. Roque and his wife Winifred (Jewell) Roque at his inn in Grand Isle.
On April 6, 1968, Donna married Delmar Dean Hight, Jr., son of Winifred (Jewell) Roque and Delmar Hight, Sr. Mr. Hight was a salesman and musician. They made their home in Orange, Vermont. They had one daughter, Leslie Jewell Hight.
During this period, Mrs. Hight worked for Sprague Electric in Barre until she was disabled by Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Mrs. Hight was determined to stay as active as possible despite the degenerative nature of her illness. For many years she was a companion and caregiver to her mother-in-law. She raised a wide variety of animals, and was particularly fond of birds, both domestic and wild. She enjoyed pleasure trips by car, card games, knitting, crocheting, quilting, needlepoint, word puzzles and reading.
She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, her mother-in-law, and siblings, Ivan Roque, Eric Roque, Patricia Devino, and twin brother Donald Roque.
She is survived by her daughter, Leslie, of Montpelier; six siblings and their spouses: Ilow and Pauline Roque of Solvang, CA; Edward and Lu Farmer of Underhill, VT; Reginald and Jeannine Roque, and David and Mattie Benoit, all of Las Vegas, NV; Faith (Lindeau) and Marvin Grathen of Fort Worth, TX; Vivian Leppi of Laguna Niguel, CA; a sister-in-law, Nola D. Foley and her husband, Earl of Tavares, FL; numerous nieces and nephews including her former caregiver Judith (Devino) Bluto of Grand Isle, and her friends and caregivers at Rowan Court Health and Rehabilitation Center.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November, 2nd, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier. Burial will be in the family lot in West Topsham Cemetery.
Those wishing to make memorial donations may send them to the Patient Activities Fund, Rowan Court Health and Rehabilitation Center, 378 Prospect Street, Barre VT 05641 or the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation, Inc., PO Box 1208, Fortson, GA 31808.
Gary Andrew Holmes, Sr.
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left his earthly life unexpectedly Saturday, August 6, 2011 .
He spent 67 years here, after being born July 29, 1944 , the third child of five, to Richard J. and Ruth E. (Buzzell) Holmes.
After his schooling in Montpelier, he worked with his father for 19 years at ERCO as a refractory mason, enjoying his Dad’s companionship and “wise words of wisdom” while traveling to different jobs sites around Vermont, and at times, New Hampshire and Maine. Later he worked several different jobs, ending last Friday with 12 years of service at Lamoille Trash & Lamoille Kennels in Morrisville, a job he loved because of the interaction with his many customers.
Many may remember seeing him frequently “thumbing” a ride to work from Morrisville to Johnson, and back.
He really enjoyed visiting with different people. The family would like to thank all whose kindness helped brighten his day!
Everyone loved Gary ’s stories and his joking around! Especially when it came to his beloved NY Yankees, and the rival Red Sox fans! He was also an avid New York Giants fan!
Gary enjoyed family outings and swimming at Crystal Lake, Christmas gatherings, riding Vermont back roads, watching old John Wayne movies, playing cards, listening to the older country music of Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, etc. He loved hanging out with friends.
His memberships included the VFW, American Legion, and at one time, the Moose Club.
He and his first wife Dolly had three children: Gary Jr., Adrian, and Crystal. Later he married and divorced Joyce Emerson.
Gary’s “belly laughs” and joking will be greatly missed by all especially, his family: Gary Jr., his wife Christina, and children Patrick and Peter, all from Johnson; son Adrian Sr., his wife Rebecca, and children Adrian Jr. and Marcus, also of Johnson; his daughter Crystal (Holmes) Bresette and her husband Joe of Washington, VT; and his friend, and former wife, Dolly Bisson of Barre.
He also leaves behind two brothers, Ronald (Diane) Holmes of Texas, and Francis Holmes of East Montpelier; two sisters, Sandra Holmes of Graniteville, and Ruth A. Holmes of Montpelier; nephews Rick, Randy, and Rodney Holmes and their families, all of Texas; Michael Holmes and family of Montpelier; and niece Emily Holmes of Montpelier; his aunts, “Evie” Holmes, and Norma Velander, as well as many cousins.
Gary had many other “family” members and friends, from childhood to the present, including the Dalton family and Walbridge family of Barre-Montpelier, and the Clark family from Middlesex; as well as his many friends from the Morrisville-Hyde Park area.
Calling hours will be Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street , Montpelier , VT , with a graveside service on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. at Berlin Corners Cemetery .
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation, in Gary ’s memory, to the VT Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601.
Berlin/Greensboro Bend, VT - Mary Alice (Polk) Houghton
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, 87, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Copley Hospital in Morrisville, VT.
Born on December 15, 1923 in Boca Grande, FL, she was the daughter of William and Matilda (Kersey) Polk. She met Paul Houghton in 1947 and they were married on April 15, 1948. They had been married 62 years at the time of his passing on August 15, 2010.
Mary and Paul moved from Boca Grande to Littleton, NH and then settled in Montpelier in 1952. She lived there until October 2010 when she moved to Greensboro Bend to live with her daughter, Jean. Over the years Mary worked outside the home from time to time but she was primarily a mother and grandmother to her large family. Her son, David was born in Boca Grande. Daughter Jean Ann and son Paul, Jr. were born in Central Vermont. She and her husband also loving raised their two nephews, Norman and Michael Scolaro.
Mary was a lifetime member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She and Paul enjoyed socializing and spent many hours playing cards and partying with friends. Mary was an easy going woman with a pleasant disposition. She was never known to complain, even as her health diminished over the past few years.
Mary is survived by two sisters: Mrs. Dorothy Millard of Homestead, FL; and Gloria Conte of Hemet, CA.; and one brother, Darrell Polk and his wife, Margaret of Boca Grande, FL; her five her children: David Polk and his partner, Sandra Davis of Defuniak Springs, FL; Jean Ann and Fred DeMag of Greensboro Bend; Paul Houghton Jr. of Barre; Norman and Diane Scolaro of East Calais; and Michael and Diane Scolaro of Montpelier. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. A great-great grandson is due in September.
In addition to her husband, Mary is pre-deceased by three sisters: Pansy, Betty, and Billie Jean.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday evening, August 17 from 6-8 pm at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier.
A graveside service will take place on Thursday, August 18 at 1 p.m. at the Berlin Corners Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Woodridge Nursing Home Activities Department, PO Box 550, Barre, VT 05641.
Montpelier - Lifelong resident of Montpelier, Ashley Hunting Hudson
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, 86, of Berlin Street and formerly of Emmons Street, died Saturday, April 9, 2011 at his home.
Ashley was born in Montpelier on February 11, 1925 the son of Henry B. Hudson & Marguerite (Hunting) Hudson. He received his education in Montpelier Public Schools and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1943.
He served during World War II in the US Army Air Force from June 23, 1943 to his honorable discharge on Jan. 16, 1946. His war service included the China-Burma-India Theater and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater with the 14th Air Force in the 308th Bombardment Group where he was a gunner and radio operator on a B17 Liberator.
Ashley met Doris J. (Joss) Josselyn while she attended Vermont Junior College, they were married on October 20, 1946. They lived on Emmons Street for many years where they raised their three sons, Ashley (Skip), Bruce, and Dana.
Ashley started his insurance career with American Fidelity in Montpelier. He went on to work for Vermont Mutual and then joined his father Henry and brother Jack in Brown Insurance Agency where he was Vice-President for many years.
Ashley was a member of Aurora Lodge #22 F & AM and the York Rite Masons. He was also a past Potentate of Mt. Sinai Temple # 3. Ashley was an avid tennis player all his life and enjoyed being outside working in his yard and gardens.
He is survived by his sons, Bruce Hunting Hudson and his wife, Ayla of Montpelier and Dana Vaughn Hudson of Montpelier; grandchildren, Adam Hunting Hudson and his wife Janet of Washington D.C., Jonah Hudson of Plainfield, VT, Ashley Elizabeth Hudson and partner Chris of Colchester, David Hudson and his wife Ashley of North Carolina, and Gregory Hudson of Burlington.
He was predeceased by his wife Doris J. Hudson on September 30, 2006 and a son, Ashley “Skip” Hudson on February 25, 2010.
At Ashley’s request, there will be no calling hours or funeral service and burial will be in the Hudson Family lot in Plain-Mont Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, c/o Mt. Sinai Temple #3, P.O. Box 742, Montpelier, VT 05601
Montpelier, VT - Mark Hughes
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, Sr, 89, formerly of Prospect Street in Montpelier, but most recently of Greensboro Nursing Home, died on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 in Greensboro.
He was born December 23, 1921 in Montpelier, the son of Harry and Rose (Loiselle) Hughes. He attended St. Michael’s school in Montpelier.
In 1940, he enlisted in the United States Army, served during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945.
Early in his career, he worked as a stone cutter at various stone sheds in the area. During most of his career, he owned and operated Hughes Custom Plaining in Barre.
On April 25, 1947, he married Helen Edgerley at St. Augustine Church. Mrs. Hughes predeceased him on March 22, 2010.
He told people that he had a good life. He enjoyed time with his family. He was a Red Sox fan and loved watching baseball. He loved traveling the back roads of Vermont looking for treasures at lawn sales. He enjoyed playing cards and bingo. He found gardening relaxing and fun. What people will remember most about Mark is he had a great sense of humor and he loved to make people laugh.
He was the loving father of three children; Joanne Hughes Jewett of Orange, Gary Hughes of Williamstown, and she was predeceased by her oldest son, Mark E. Hughes, Jr.
He is also survived by three grandchildren; Chris, Lewie, and Megan; two great grandchildren, Myha and Eva; a son-in-law Jay Jewett; a daughter-in-law, Judy Hughes; a cousin Danalda Chenette and her husband Bernie; Jackie Bussiere of Northfield and Lorraine Muncil of Burlington. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was also predeceased by five sisters and one brother.
Calling hours will be held 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 1:30 pm. A reception will follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Foodbank, 33 Parker Road, Wilson Industrial Park Barre, VT 05641.
Edward (Ed) Robert Jangraw
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, of Avery Apartments in East Barre, VT passed away on August 26, 2011, at the Veterans Hospital in White River Jct., VT. Mr. Jangraw was born March 10, 1935 in Middlesex, VT the son of Robert Woodworth and Estelle (Hill) Jangraw.
He attended Middlesex and Montpelier schools and then enlisted into the U.S. Army and served for three years. For many years, he worked as a mason in Vermont, New York and Florida.
Mr. Jangraw enjoyed ice fishing, hunting and especially watching the New York Yankees, his favorite team. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Montpelier Elks, and a past commander and life member of the American Legion.
In his retirement years he moved to Florida and it was there that he and Elizabeth (Betty) Chase of Barre, VT were married. They both enjoyed the game of golf and played tournaments in many different clubs throughout Florida, Vermont and New Hampshire. They also enjoyed card playing with their many friends. Ed had a great love for horses and worked as a caretaker for the horses on the ranch owned by George Steinbrenner, the former owner of the NY Yankees.
Mr. Jangraw is survived by his brother Richard Jangraw and his wife, Carolee, of Quinton, VA, his sister, Patricia Farnsworth and her husband, Eugene, of Myrtle Beach, SC., by his sister-in-law, Bette Jangraw, of Gorham, NH. and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves Elwin Griffith, a very close friend. Elwin drove Ed to the Veterans Hospital in White River Jct., VT for his scheduled doctor's appointments for the last few years and this was very appreciated by Ed's family.
Mr. Jangraw was predeceased by his mother and father, his wife, Betty, his brother, John Jangraw, and his young great-nephew, Brian Wu and grand-niece, Karen Michele Jangraw.
Funeral arrangements will be made by Guare & Sons Funeral Home, School Street, Montpelier, VT.
There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at the Middlesex Center Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2011.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Central VT Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or to the Brian Wu Scholarship Fund, c/o Matthew Saladino, Guidance Counselor, Gorham Middle High School, Gorham, NH 03581.
Orange, VT - Jay Jewett
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passed away on Sunday June 26, 2011, after a year long battle with lung cancer. His final days were at the Gifford Hospice and Palliative Care Facility in Randolph surrounded by his family, his friends, and his beloved wife Joanne. Jay was born in 1956, one of six children and a twin, born to Fred and Eleanor Jewett of Marshfield, Vermont.
Jay is survived by his wife Joanne, his three step children Chris, Lewie, and Megan and his step grand children, who he particularly cherished, Myha and Eva. Jay's surviving siblings are; Joan Leach of Plainfield, Lois Franks of Calais, Gloria Brimblecombe of Marshfield, Maurice (Pete) Jewett of Barre Town, and his twin brother, Jon Jewett of East Montpelier, Vermont. Jay is also survived by many nieces and nephews who all live in Vermont.
Jay graduated from Twinfield Union High School in 1974. In March 1984, Jay took over the operation of the water and wastewater treatment facilities for the Town of Plainfield, he worked there for 27 years until his passing. Jay joined the Masons, Wyoming Lodge #80 in Plainfield, Vermont in 1983. Jay rose through the chairs finally becoming Master of the lodge. Jay particularly enjoyed the degree work associated with being a Mason and was often called upon to perform degree work over the years.
Jay wanted to particularly thank his brother, Pete Jewett, his brother in-law, Norm Franks, and his niece, Holly Goldman for taking him to his treatments and providing companionship during his illness. Additionally, Jay wanted to thank his niece Debbie Franks, who is a nurse at Ascutney Hospital for attending to him and supporting him in his final days.
The Guare and Sons Funeral Home of Montpelier, Vermont is in charge of the arrangements. A wake and Masonic Funeral Service will be held at Masonic Hall in Plainfield, Vermont on Thursday, June 30, 2011 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The Masonic service will be performed at 7:30pm. Flowers can be sent to Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier, Vermont and donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Gifford Memorial Hospital, Hospice and Palliative Care Facility in Randolph, Vermont, 44 North Main Street, Randolph, Vermont 05060.
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