, of Deland, FL and Swanton, VT died peacefully December 27, 2014 at his home in Deland, FL. Born Joseph Adrien Gagne on January 14, 1913, in St. Clement, Quebec; he was the 6th of 17 children of Charles and Emilia Gagne. Adrian grew up in the Riviere-du-Loup area of Quebec, learning the blacksmith trade of wrought iron and welding. A veteran of WWII with the Royal Canadian Engineers, he was honorably discharged on February 26, 1946. Following WWII Adrian moved to Swanton, VT in 1947 and opened his own welding and ornamental wrought iron shop at 21 First Street. He married Madeline Duval of Swanton in May, 1949, and became a naturalized US Citizen in 1951. Together they operated the welding and wrought iron shop until retirement in 1989 when they started wintering in Florida. Adrian’s specialty was wrought iron spiral staircases - he even had a miniature one mounted on the roof of his pickup truck. Along with other ornamental works, he made a spiral staircase table lamp which has been donated to the Swanton Historical Society. He was a very talented blacksmith and artisan. Together, Adrian and Madeline raised their only child, Alan; a 1970 graduate of St. Anne’s Academy and in 1974 was proud to see him graduate from the University of Vermont. In 2006 tragedy struck. Madeline died in March and in October Alan died at age 54 of a sudden heart attack. Adrian is survived by his sister, Sr. Agnès Gagné S.E.J. of Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, his sister Colette Gagne of Quebec City, many nieces and nephews, and friends in both Vermont and Florida. Through grace, hard work and faithful, frugal lives, Adrian, Madeline and Alan have chosen to give back to their community by generously endowing three churches in Swanton: the Roman Catholic Church of the Nativity, Swanton Memorial United Methodist Church, and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, whose governing bodies are each charged with using their endowment “for good works in the community of Swanton”. An Ecumenical Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Adrian Gagne will be held Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. from The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 65 Canada St., led by Fr. Luke Austin, with Pastor John Lucy of the Memorial United Methodist Church assisting. Committal Services in the family lot at Riverside Cemetery will be officiated by The Rev. Father J. Rob Spainhour of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church followed by a luncheon at the Holy Trinity Parish Hall.

, age 87 years, a lifelong resident of Highgate Center and more recently of Franklin died early Saturday morning January 25, 2014, at his Main St. residence with his wife Claire and loving family at his side. Born in Ste. Jean, Quebec Canada on October 25, 1926, he was the son of the late Philip and Bernadette (Galipeau) Choiniere. He attended Highgate schools and on May 14, 1949, was married to the former Claire Rainville who survives him. A lifelong farmer Andrew, with his family owned and operated a large dairy farm on the Tarte Road in Highgate Center. He was a member of St. Louis Roman Catholic Church and a Lifetime Honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Edmund of Canterbury Council 7669 in Swanton. He will always be remembered as an extremely hardworker and devoted husband and father. He enjoyed helping his neighbors and no matter what was asked of him he never said no. In addition to his wife, Claire of 65 years, he leaves his children, Marie and Tom Clearman of White, GA, Carmen and Gabe Trahan of Milton, Colette and Marshall Ploof of Franklin, Carol and Michael Rainville of E. Fairfield, Rina Choiniere of Sheldon, Edward Choiniere of Highgate Ctr. and his friend Joanne Yousten, Gloria and Alan Marceau of Williamstown, Luke and Lori Choiniere of Highgate Ctr., Denise and Marlon Cox of West Swanton, Doris and Michael Bourgeois of Seagrove, NC, Conrad and Denise Choiniere of Ellicott City, MD and Eric Choiniere of Seattle WA; 30 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and four great grandchildren to arrive in 2014. Also surviving are three brothers and their wives, Fabio and Lucille Choiniere of St. Albans, Henry and Raymonde Choiniere of Highgate Ctr. And Joseph and Cathy Choiniere of Swanton; three sisters Henriette Gagne of St. Albans, Nicole Letourneau of Swanton and Louise Remillard of St. Albans; five sisters-in-law, Frances Choiniere of Swanton, Jean Choiniere of St. Albans, Betty Desrochers of Swanton, Eleanor Bean of St. Albans and Pauline Choiniere Lussier of St. Albans; a brother-in-law, Jacques Rainville of St. Albans as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his mother and father Andrew was predeceased by two sons, Claude and David Choiniere; four brothers, Donald, Jacques, Robert and Daniel Choiniere and three brothers-in-law, Rosaire T. Gagne, Gerard Letourneau and James Remillard and a sister-in-law, Charlotte Rainville.

, age 80, died on April 27, 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer disease and most recently, cancer. Arlene was born to Ferd and Dora Morse of Duxbury, Vermont on April 10, 1934. She married Roger Derosia on October 20, 1951. Roger predeceased her in 2006. Arlene is survived by her children: Susan Forant & husband Patrick, Jean Chevalier & husband Michael, Larry Derosia, Harold Derosia & wife Martha, Arthur Derosia, Mary Derosia and Brian Derosia. She leaves behind seventeen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and her beloved sister, Freda Bingham, along with many, many nieces and nephews, as well as three sister-in-laws: Beverly & Edgar Morse, Annette Conley and Myrnie Hoanzl.

71, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening July 29, 2014 in Fletcher Allen Health Center with his family by his side. Armand was born June 11, 1943 in Sudbury, VT, the son of the late Armand Antonio Marcoux, Sr. and Isabelle Gregoire of Sudbury, VT. He was married to the former Victoria Gagne who predeceased him in December 2013. Armand worked for many years as Road Commissioner for the Town of Sudbury. He moved to the Highgate area over 25 years ago and was employed by McCracken Livestock until his illness forced him to retire. Armand loved to ride his 4 wheeler, fishing and hunting. He especially loved to spend time with his son Tony and daughter-in-law Crystal and grandchildren Shelly and Vic. Armand is survived by his sons; Paul Marcoux of Sudbury, Tony Woods and his wife Crystal of Swanton, one daughter, Candy Marcoux of Whiting, four grand children; Paul Marcoux, Jr. and Eric Marcoux of Morrisville, Shelly Woods and Vic Woods of Swanton. He also leaves behind two step sons; Elmer Tardy and his wife Laurie Tardy of Highgate and Chris Tardy of Highgate. He was pre-deceased by two brothers; Raymond and Charles and by one sister, Ginette. There will be a small service to remember Armand at the home of Tony and Crystal Woods located at 11 Fourth St. Swanton on Saturday August 9th 2014 from 2 pm to 4 pm. For those who wish gifts in Armand’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Division, 110 Main St., Suite 203, Burlington, VT 05401.

88 years old peacefully passed away in Starr Farm Nursing Center during the evening on Sunday, September 28. She was born on June 30, 1926, in Highgate Springs, VT, daughter of Antoinette (Milotte) and George Messier. She married Gerard “Jerry” Daniel on a snowy November day in 1949. Renee and Jerry led a life full of adventure and happiness. Family was very important to Renee and she stayed in constant contact with her beloved sisters and brothers, and her many relatives. Renee and Jerry extensively traveled, with their daughter and as a couple, for both business and pleasure to the continents of North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. In 1954, they practiced medicine as a couple in Brattleboro, Vt., they moved to Washington, D.C. in 1951 so that her husband could begin a position with the government. In 1970, they relocated to Tokyo, Japan and spent three thrilling years living and learning about this exotic Asian culture. They returned to the United States in 1973 and kept a house in their beloved hometown of Swanton, VT, where they raised their daughter, and an apartment in NYC so that Jerry could continue his career as the chief executive officer of Lipha Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Renee loved to cook and took great pride in preparing dinner parties for family and friends while living in Arlington, Virginia and Vermont. A creative individual and wonderful artist, Renee taught herself to paint using both acrylics and watercolors, made unique candle creations at her home in Virginia, and learned the ancient art of Ikebana in Tokyo, Japan where she lived from 1970 to 1973. Renee was a natural caregiver, she took pride in being a wonderful wife and mother, but her natural instincts went far beyond just her immediate family. She was the caregiver to her mother for many years; she volunteered her services from children’s cooking class in the late 60’s to volunteering her time at Sloan Kettering Hospital in Pediatrics Oncology during the 80’s. Renee attended Ste. Anne’s Academy in Swanton and graduated in 1949 from the Fanny Allen School of Nursing as a registered nurse. She worked as an operating room nurse at the VT Medical Center, practiced medicine with her husband (a medical doctor) in Brattleboro, VT, was a staff nurse at St. Johns Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Lauderdale, and was the health coordinator for St. Patrick’s Cathedral while living in NYC. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and Stephen Foley of South Burlington, VT and grandchildren Nicole and Cullen Foley; one brother Charles and his wife Cecile Messier of Manchester, CT; two sisters Charlotte DeCampos of Manchester, CT, and Constance Cremer of Dover, DE; sisters-in-law Cheryl Messier of Swanton, VT, Roland Messier of Bridgeport, CT, and Yvette Messier of Santa Clara, CA; and many nieces and nephews, especially Marilyn and Roger Livingston. he was predeceased by her husband; brothers Paul Messier of Swanton, VT, Jean Jacque of Bridgeport, CT, Marcel of Santa Clara, CA, Robert of Miami, FL, Armand (her twin brother) of Swanton, VT; and sisters Yvette Livingston of Swanton, VT, Madeleine Cecil of Bristol, CT. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday October 4, 2014, at 10 a.m. from The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 65 Canada Street, Swanton. Father Thomas D. Nadeau will be the celebrant and homilist. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family lot in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at The Kidder Memorial Home on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. The family would like to thank the nursing staff, LNA’s, social services, PT, OT, activities, kitchen, dining staff, office staff, and special caregivers Dawn, Mercy and Angela at Starr Farm for their compassionate care throughout Mom’s stay also Dr. Isaura Menzies, Dr. Whitney Calkins, Kathy Murphy, and the neurology team at UHC Dr. Robert Hamill and Jeannette Baker for their exceptional care. Contributions may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, APDA Vermont Chapter, PO Box 2191, South Burlington, VT 05403

, 77, of Island Pond, VT, passed away from natural causes during the early morning hours on October 22, 2014, at the home of her daughter, Jennifer Hanlon, where she had lived with her son-in-law Thomas and granddaughter May, since 2011. Though she moved to Vermont late in her life, she always said she was proud to be a Vermonter, and especially enjoyed all things maple. She enjoyed summering with her family on the St. Lawrence River in Ogdensburg, NY, and this past summer spent two very relaxing months “on the river” there with her beloved sister Judith and brother “Buzz”. Marie Gertrude Derenberger was born July 3, 1937, in Tracy, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Floy Mae Derenberger and William Derenberger. She was predeceased by her parents and older sister Wilburna Derenberger Giglio and brother Sgt. LeRoy Derenberger. The Derenberger family moved to Ogdensburg, NY in 1940. Marie was a graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy Class of 1955, graduate of St. Lawrence School of Nursing Class of 1958 and received her B.A. at Plattsburgh State University. She embarked upon her nursing career with the American Red Cross, followed by service at the Veterans Administration in Syracuse New York and as a school nurse in Peru, NY. She also was employed in the AuSable Valley School District for several years as a school nurse. She will be remembered by many for her gentle, compassionate spirit and her dedication to nursing and caring for those around her. It was at Peru Central School that she met a teacher, George Arthur Bailey, of Keeseville, NY, whom she married in 1964. Though their marriage was short lived, she remained in the Keeseville area for many years, supporting her children and always opening her door to them and their friends. She is survived by their four children: Jennifer, and her husband Thomas Hanlon and granddaughter May Marie, of Island Pond, VT; Jeffrey Bailey, of Keeseville, NY, Suzanne and her husband Bret Leonhardt of Kernersville, NC, and grandchildren Kyle, Ansley, and very specially loved grandson Seth; and Sara and her husband Jude Perkett of AuSable Chasm, NY, and grandsons Ledge, Keene, Chasm, and Ridge. Marie had many lifelong friends, including her beloved sister-in-law Mary Bailey, of Port Kent, who was like a second mother to her children. Many people often thought Mary and Marie were sisters or even the same person, since they were often seen with the same set of children. She also had life-long friendships with Bernadette (Morrow) Kolonski and Barbara Wylie. She is survived by siblings William Derenberger of Moravia, NY and Judith Derenberger of Winter Haven, Florida, along with her niece and Goddaughter Cathy Giglio and several nieces, nephews, and their families. During her lifetime she was referred to as “Sis” by her siblings and by those in the Ogdensburg region. Marie enjoyed working on crossword puzzles, and enjoyed sharing recipes, cooking and eating tasty food. She was an avid fan of the Enquirer and other tabloids, and could spend hours watching crime dramas on television. When she came to Vermont she began surfing the internet and communicating via email. She was always interested in current events on the local and national level, and always was sure to vote. Marie always had a strong faith in the Lord, and always found a reason to laugh and smile every day. At her request, there will be no calling hours, and cremation will be provided by Curtis Britch Converse Rushford Funeral Home. An informal memorial dinner with her family will be held on November 8 in the Plattsburgh, NY area, and the interment of her cremains will take place on Memorial Day, 2015, at the family plot in Ogdensburg, NY, at the convenience of her family.

, age 59 years, a lifelong area resident died late Sunday afternoon April 6, 2014, at his Lamkin St. residence with loving family at his side. Born in St. Albans on July 30, 1954, he was the son of the late Sylvester Joseph Greenwood and Edna Lena Laplant Austin. He attended Franklin schools and on June 12, 1976, was married to the former Debra Greenia who survives him. For several years David drove a cement mixer for Anderson Concrete and more recently, until illness forced him to retire was a heavy equipment operator for Andy Leduc Construction. He enjoyed playing poker especially Texas Hold’em and loved deer hunting and fishing. In addition to his wife Debra of 38 years, David leaves his mother, Edna Austin of Highgate; three children, Jaime Greenwood and her fiancé Todd Raymo and three children, Emily, Cole and Lauren of Swanton; David Greenwood Jr. “Bub” his fiancée Connie Johnson and children, Ethan and Bryce of Highgate and Tonya Greenwood and her fiancé Dan Smith and children, Nicholas and Owen of Highgate; four sisters, Patty Bray of Swanton, Diane Greenwood of Swanton, Darlene Greenwood of St. Albans and Judy Gagne and her husband Leslie a very special brother-in-law of Highgate; one brother Doug Greenwood of Highgate and his two special German Shepards, Bear and Doxie. Besides his father, Sylvester Greenwood, David was also predeceased by son, Peter Joseph Greenwood on April 30, 1980, and his mother-in-law, Virginia Greenia in 2011. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday April 10, 2014, at 4 p.m. from The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton. The Reverend Kerry T. Cameron will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 2 p.m. until the hour of the funeral. Gifts in David’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, 55 Day Lane 05495.

, age 88 years, died unexpectedly Saturday January 4, 2014, at his residence in Terryville, CT. Born in Isle la Motte, VT on September 28, 1925, he was the son of the late George and Grace (Ero) Ratta. He attended school in Isle La Motte and on November 3, 1948, was married to the former Ernestine Hebert who predeceased him on October 31, 2002, following 54 years of marriage. A native of Isle La Motte, Mr. Ratta resided in the Bristol, CT area for nearly 30 years and more recently for the past six years in Terryville, CT. He was an avid Isle La Motte summer camper and during the summer months attended Mass at both St. Anne's Shrine and St. Amadeus Church in Alburgh. While living in Bristol, Ct he was a parishioner of St. Anthony Parish. He leaves his five children as well as many grand, great grand and great great grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister, Barbara and her husband Ernest Pelkey of Grand Isle. Besides his parents and his wife Ernestine, Mr. Ratta was predeceased by two sisters, Leona Breault and Gloria Gonyea and a brother, Warren Ratta. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday January 10, 2014, at 11 a.m. from St. Amadeus Roman Catholic Church, 9 North Main St., Alburgh Village. Father Lawrence P. Ridgley will officiate. The Rite of Committal and Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Amadeus Cemetery. Friends may call at The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Gifts in Mr. Ratta's memory may be made to St. Anne's Shrine, 92 St. Anne's Road Isle La Motte 05463.

passed away peacefully in her home on January 24, 2014 and is awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ramona was born in Barre City on August 31, 1936, the youngest of six children of Edward Dean and Mae Eva (Martell) Copping. She spent her childhood in East Montpelier and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1954. In July 1956 she married her faithful and loving husband Daniel (Bunchy) Cookson, Jr. of Woodbury and they settled in Cabot, Vermont. Ramona was the loving and devoted mother of their three children, the proud grandmother of six grandchildren, and the very blessed great grandmother of two great grandchildren. She loved helping others, enjoyed homemaking, her flower garden and was a kind hearted and caring friend to many. She is predeceased by her parents, a brother, Roland Copping and a sister, Norma Bashaw. She is survived by her beloved husband, her children Michael and his wife Ann Cookson of Cabot, Becky Willenburg of Barre, and Mark Cookson of Hanover, NH. Ramona also leaves behind two brothers, Paul Copping of Montpelier, Clayton Copping of Barre Town, and a sister Elva Martin of Waterbury. Calling hours will be held Friday, January 31st from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at des Groseilliers Funeral Home Church street in Hardwick. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 1st at 11:00 a.m. at the Cabot United Church. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.” –– I Thessalonians 4:15

, age 90 years, a longtime resident of Highgate Center and more recently of Enosburgh Falls, died early Sunday morning April 20, 2014, at the St. Albans Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Born in St. Albans on June 5, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Gwyneth (Sales) Greene. She graduated from the former Franklin High School and on April 24, 1943, was married to Robert Elmer Rollo who predeceased her on April 26, 2012. She was a member of St. Louis Roman Catholic Church in Highgate Center. Survivors include her son, Stanley Rollo and his wife Mary-Jean of Sheldon; a daughter-in-law, Donna Rollo of Venice, FL; a brother, Arthur Greene and his wife Kathy of Leeburg, FL; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Craig Williams, Shawn Rollo and wife Jean, Shari Goodrich and son Jacob, Samuel Rollo and wife Shannon, Craig Williams and James Thacker and Craig’s children, Kylee, Samantha, Gavin, McKenzie and Kaitlyn as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband Robert, Barbara was predeceased by a son, Allan Rollo in March of 2009. A Graveside Committal Service and Interment will take place on Saturday April 26, 2014 at 11a.m. from the Rollo family lot in St. Louis Cemetery, Lamkin St., Highgate Center, Father Leonidas B. Laroche will officiate. Gifts in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter, P.O. Box 1139. Montpelier 05601.