- Audrey Shirley, 84, of Newport Center, VT, passed away of natural causes on March 28, 2012 in Newport, VT, very soon after becoming ill. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2012 at the Newport Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Meals on Wheels, Area Agency on Aging, 59 Waterfront Plaza #14, Newport, VT 05855.

– Sonya Rose “Sonny” Diamond died March 28, 2012 at her home surrounded by her loving family and caregiver. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if contributions were made in Sonny’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 5430 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy, Dallas, TX 75240. Service information: Funeral Service Sunday, April 1, 2012 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Northwest Highway Chapel at 1 p.m. Burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery.

– Waneta Mary Wagner, 94, of Newport, passed away March 15, 2012 at Bel-Aire Residence in Newport. Friends may call from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport where funeral services will be held immediately following at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Martha Peck officiating. Interment will take place directly after in the Lyndonville Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Derby Line Ambulance Service, in care of Brian Fletcher, P.O. Box 105, Derby Line, VT 05830, to Orleans Essex V.N.A. and Hospice, Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, VT 05855, or to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, VT 05855.

– Ernest A., 73, of Phelan, California passed away on March 29, 2012. There will be a memorial service in California April 14th.

– E.C. Michael, 49, of Rush, New York passed away suddenly on March 29, 2012 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport, VT with the Rev. Martha Peck officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Newport, VT. A luncheon will follow the interment at the East Side Restaurant in Newport. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, VT 05855.

– Madeleine Y., 86, entered eternal life on April 7, 2012 at the Bel-Aire Nursing Home and Rehab Center in Newport, Vermont after a period of declining health. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 13, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Newport at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012 before Mass at the Curtis–Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 37 Lake Road in Newport. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the S.J.B. Scholarship Fund, in honor of Chapter NO34 (Newport) for Newport and Vermont students: S.J.B. Educational Foundation, P.O. Box F, Woonsocket, RI 02895.

– Richard Bernard, 80, of Irasburg, VT, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, April 9, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Orleans, VT with the Rev. Tim Naples celebrating a Mass of Christian burial. Members of 3rd and 4th degree Gibbons Council Knights of Columbus will be in attendance for honor detail Monday evening at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Most Holy Trinity Parish’s Maintenance Fund, 85 St. Paul Lane, Barton, VT 05822.

– Judith Rivard ("Judy"), age 72, of Newark, DE, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2012 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE followed by a celebration of her life at VFW Post 475. She will be laid to rest at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery and part of her ashes put into Lake Memphremagog in Newport, VT.

– Rachel Ann, 64, of Morgan, Vermont, passed away April 7, 2012 in Newport. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be sent to Raymond Durgin, P.O. Box 623, Derby, VT 05829.

– Will, 71, of Glover, Vermont, died suddenly in his home Friday, April 6, 2012. A celebration of his life will be held at his home on Daniels Pond on April 14, 2012 at 3 p.m.. Please car pool for space. Contributions in Will’s name can be made out to the professional and dedicated team of the Glover Ambulance, PO Box 64, West Glover, VT 05875 or to the outstanding, committed Glover Library, 51 Bean Hill Rd., Glover, VT 05839.

– Monique M., 85, of Derby, VT, passed away on April 9, 2012 in Derby surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Derby Line where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Friends may call from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport, Vermont. Members of the Daughters of Isabella Clermont Circle will be in attendance for prayers at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April, 14 2012 at the funeral home and they will also have an honor detail at St. Edward’s Church at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Derby Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to: American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

– Jeannette, 88, of Sherbrooke and formerly of Derby Line died April 10, 2012 in Sherbrooke, Que. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Derby Line where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in St. Edward’s Cemetery in Derby Line, VT. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of VT, 300 Corner Stone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05495.

– Michael Gordon, 53, of East Charleston, VT died on Saturday, April 7, at home with his partner at his side, Shelia Libby. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

– Elaine Margaret, 84, of Anchorage, AK, completed her sojourn here on earth early Easter morning, April 8, 2012. In Anchorage, a Mass will be held In Loving Memory to celebrate Elaine’s life at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 9 a.m. On April 21, 2012, a visitation will be held at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 37 Lake Rd., Newport, VT from 8:30-10:30 a.m. A formal Mass will follow at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 11 a.m.

– Jeremy A., 31, of Newport passed away suddenly on April 12, 2012 in Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport with Pastor Bob Lillis officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 10 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. Interment will follow in West Village Cemetery, West Charleston, VT. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Church On The Hill, c/o Pastor Bob Lillis, P.O.Box 93, Newport, VT 05855.

– Byron L., 89, of Irasburg, VT passed away suddenly on April 12, 2012 at his home. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at the Irasburg United Church with Pastor Rick Shover officiating. Interment will follow in Irasburg Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Ronald Holland Dialysis Center, North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855.

– Richard R., 89, of North Troy, VT passed away April 13, 2012 in Newport, VT. Friends may call from 9:15-10:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in North Troy with the Rev. Ladislaus Whelinde celebrating a Mass of Christian burial. Interment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery in North Troy, VT. Should friends desire contributions in his memory may be sent to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 522 Strawberry Acres, Newport, VT 05855.

- March 24, 1921-December 14, 2011, On December 14, 2011 Ruth Champagne, lovingly known as "Nanny," passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Ruth was born on March 24, 1921 in Irasburg, Vermont where she enjoyed long walks and skipping stones.In her early twenties, she moved to Newport and married Henry Champagne, Jr., who predeceased her in 2002.Ruth was an original founding member of the VFW Post 798 Lady’s Auxiliary.Ruth was such a talented and giving woman. She loved crocheting, sewing, square dancing and gardening. Her family is blessed with many hand-made items that will be passed on for generations. Even the sisters at Sacred Heart benefitted from Ruth’s generosity, as she would bring them vegetables from her garden. Ruth also worked at Slalom Ski Wear until she retired at age 65.One of Ruth’s favorite pastimes was playing Bingo. This love of Bingo has been passed down to her great-granddaughters. Another passion of Ruth’s was photography. She captured every important moment of her great-grandchildren’s lives for 18 years. These scrapbooks are a wonderful gift that will last forever.Words cannot express the footprint she has left on the hearts of those who were lucky enough to be loved by her. Nanny is survived by her only daughter, Christine LeBlanc and son-in-law Gaston “Sonny” LeBlanc, Jr. formerly of North Troy, Vermont; two grandchildren: Todd LeBlanc and wife Keli, Kimberlee LeBlanc Fowler and husband Timothy; three great-grandchildren: Kathryn LeBlanc, Kelsea Fowler and Abbey LeBlanc.Internment will be held on April 27, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Irasburg Cemetery. All who would like to attend are invited.Her family misses her terribly but take comfort knowing that she is certainly square-dancing with our Lord.

– Patricia M., 80, of Newport passed away peacefully on April 16, 2012 in Newport surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in North Walpole, NH on Saturday April 28, 2012 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Steven Lapine celebrating a mass of Christian burial. Interment will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery Drewsville, NH. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

– Todd Hayden, Sr., 46, of Derby, VT, passed away suddenly on April 18, 2012 at his home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport, VT with the Rev. Steven Rines officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the family: Robert and Murline Skinner, 274 Meadowbrook Drive, Newport, VT 05855.

– Sister Marcelline M., FCSCJ (Sr. Claire Marie), a Daughter of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, passed away after a long illness on April 20, 2012 at the Mount Sacred Heart Provincial House Infirmary in Littleton, New Hampshire. Visiting hours were held at Mount Sacred Heart, 226 Grove Street on Sunday, April 22, from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Mount Sacred Heart Chapel on Monday, April 23, at 11 a.m. Interment will take place in St. Mary Cemetery, Newport, Vermont at 3 p.m. the same day.

– Horace A., 95, of Newport, VT passed away April 23, 2012 in Newport, VT. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Members of the Knights of Columbus Gibbons Council #2285 will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening May 1, 2012 at the funeral home for prayers. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Bel-Aire Activities Fund, 35 Bel-Aire Drive, Newport, VT 05855.

– Penelope J., 66, of Holland passed away on April 25, 2012 in Newport. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Holland Historical Society, c/o Diane Judd, 120 School Road, Derby Line, VT 05830.

– Roland W., 87, of Morgan, VT passed away on April 25, 2012 in Newport, VT. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2012 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport with the Rev. Richard Whitehill officiating. Friends may call on Monday, April 30, 2012 at the funeral home from noon until the hour of the funeral. Interment will follow in Clark Cemetery, Morgan, VT with full military honors. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Hope Lodge, in care of Angela Dennis, 211 East AVE, Burlington, VT 05401.

- April 20, 1916-January 26, 2012, Simone Durose, 95, a recent resident of Crofton, Maryland, died peacefully on January 26, 2012. Born on April 20, 1916 in Barton, Vermont to parents Zacharie (Pete) and Adele Therrien.Simone grew up on a farm in West Charleston. In 1935 she moved to Whitehouse and later Lebanon, New Jersey. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Whitehouse for 76 years.Simone is predeceased by her husband of 54 years Clive; her sister Harriet Dean of Newport; brothers Albert, Norman, and Paul; and her dog Scotty.She is survived by her son Clive and daughter-in-law Nancy of Crofton and their family, niece Pauline Labor of Morgan, and great-nephew William Lucas of Newport.Interment will occur on May 17, 2012, 11:30 a.m. at the cemetery in West Charleston, Vermont.

- October 6, 1926-April 27, 2012, Clarence James Ogilvie, 85, died peacefully at home in Parkton, Maryland on Friday, April 27, 2012. Clarence was born at home October 6, 1926 in Houston, Texas, the youngest child of Edwin Deady and Eulalia (Risley) Ogilvie. Clarence had been a summer resident on Lake Salem since 1987. In previous years, Clarence played the French horn in the Newport Town Band during the summer season. He was a member of the Salem Lakes Association. He greatly enjoyed the 4th of July celebrations in Derby and often participated in constructing the Salem Lakes Association float.A full obituary is available at http://www.lemmonfuneralhome.com. Visitation hours are from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2012 and the funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May, 2012 at Lemmon Funeral Home, 10 West Padonia Road, Timonium, MD 21093 with interment to follow at Delaney Valley Memorial Gardens, Timonium, MD. If desired, contributions in his memory may be made to the Salem Lakes Association, c/o Janet Cartee, 17 Northern Ave., Newport, VT 05855.

– Russell F., 90, of Barton, VT, passed away on April 26, 2012 in Newport, VT. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Barton with Rev. Timothy Naples celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at the Welcome O’ Brown Cemetery in Barton. Should family and friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society of Vermont, 502 Strawberry Acres Rd. Newport, VT 05855.