Donald A. Darling Sr.
....show , 83, of Craftsbury died on January 22, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on February 18, 1930, to Glen and Lillian (Marckres) Darling.
On April 26, 1949, he married the former Beryl Williams, who survives him.
He was a supervisor for various companies where he was a blaster on road construction. He was a town selectman and a judge at the local fiddlers contests. He enjoyed playing guitar, singing, hunting, snowmobiling, four-wheeling and he loved the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife Beryl Darling of Craftsbury; his children: Loren Darling and his wife, Theresa, of Morrisville, Gary Darling and his wife, Julie, of Albany, Susan Waterhouse and her husband, David, of Craftsbury, Roy Darling of Craftsbury, Cheryl Bailey and her husband, Richard, of Craftsbury, Sarah Darling of Orleans, and Donald Darling Jr. and his wife, Sonja, of Craftsbury; 13 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and by several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Lee Darling; and by two sisters: Dorothy Dezane and Lois Butler.
A graveside service will be held in the spring in Branch Cemetery in Craftsbury.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex VNA and Hospice Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Louise Bernice Percy Falconer
....show , 60, of West Charleston died on January 20, 2014, in Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, after complications from surgery, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Newport on August 26, 1953, to the late W.K. Percy and the late Alice Bishop Percy.
She loved to spend all the time she could with her grandkids who meant the world to her. She loved to hit any and every yard sale she could always find, looking for that special treasure. She also loved her flower gardens. Many could see her picking flowers by the side of the road to expand her flower garden. She was looking forward to doing some major work this summer to expand her garden.
She also loved to do arts and crafts; she was always making something for someone from a piece of something she found at a yard sale. She loved her Christmas decorations and she was sure she never had enough and always looking for more to add to her collection. She also loved Halloween. You would never know what she was going to dress up as. She would always make her own costumes and you would never recognize her when she came knocking at your door. There was always a good laugh with that.
She would spend hours of her time just sitting doing puzzles, she so enjoyed them.
She was a one-of-a-kind person, always there to help someone. She spent many hours selflessly taking care of others. She loved to work with the elderly. She was a true caregiver. It would be nothing for her to pack up from her home and be gone for weeks if not months at a time to go to work and take care of people who either had surgery or who were suffering from Alzheimers or a case of dementia. She had a special gift for this and she truly will be missed by many.
She is survived by the love of her life Robert McKinney of West Charleston; her daughter Rhonda Falconer; her son Chad Falconer and his wife, Dawn; her 5 wonderful grandchildren who she thought the world of: Cody Glover, Cheyenne Falconer, Taylor, Conner and little Austin Falconer; her sisters: Marion Tice, Jean Kelley, Shirley Percy, and Susan Vachon; her brothers: Stewart Percy, Roland Percy and Rudolph Percy and their spouses; her very special nephews who thought the world of their Weez: Michael and Matthew Miller of Littleton, New Hampshire, and Akuei Tice of Derby; and many more which include: Tina Percy Miller, Angela and Daniel Tice, Rick and Ryan Kelley, Sheena Webster Sullivan, and Sonya Webster, Nicholas and Christopher Vachon, Ginger Percy Blow, Terri Percy Kasten, Tanya Percy Webster, Douglas Percy, and Larry and Pam Percy.
She was predeceased by her parents, Willey K. and Alice Bishop Percy; her brothers: Richard, Ralph, and Lawrence Percy; and by her sister Joann Percy Monty.
Donald Elmer LaCourse
....show , 82, of Orleans died on January 23, 2014, in Newport.
He was born in 1931, to Alfred and Catherine LaCourse. In 1954, he married Brenda June Brannan in England, while serving in the U.S. Air Force.
He was a decorated veteran achieving the rank of master sergeant, serving 21 years as a strategic Air Command Security Police Officer serving in England, Greenland, and numerous bases in the United States guarding presidents and dignitaries during his service. He was also a mechanic. After his discharge from the Air Force, he continued to work as a mechanic until his retirement. With toolbox in hand he helped his children, grandchildren, relatives and friends repair their vehicles. When unable to do the manual work, he advised them how to make the repairs themselves.
He was an avid hunter especially enjoying hunting in Vermont and South Dakota. When able, he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildrens sporting events. He especially enjoyed watching Joe and David play hockey.
He would always lend a helping hand whether a friend or a stranger, and although his exterior was gruff he was extremely kind hearted. He was a great storyteller whose big fish stories got bigger.
He is survived by his wife Brenda LaCourse of Orleans; his daughter Donna Bennett and her husband, Dave; his sons: Scott LaCourse and his wife, Tina, and Glenn LaCourse; his grandchildren: Windy and Jeff Currier, Joe and Becky Rollins, David and Jessie Bennett, Leigh and Kelly, and Brannan LaCourse, Marrissa LaCourse and Dale LaCourse; his great-grandchildren: Brett, Paige, Kaylee, Amaya, Isaiah, Lyllian, Karyn, Dominic, Cede, Promise, Mia, Nicholas, Brie, Dyion, Shane, Blaze, and Harlie; several nieces, and nephews; and by his beloved dogs: Dora, Trouble and Chip.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sons: Paul and Dale LaCourse; his daughter Nicki Rollins; his brother Norbert LaCourse; his sisters: Elsinore Lanoue, and Evelyn McMahon; and by his nephew Ronnie LaCourse.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., on Wednesday, January 29, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 37 Lake Road in Newport. Friends may call at the funeral home on January 29, from 2 p.m. until the hour of the funeral. Spring interment will be in Pleasantview Cemetery in Orleans, with full military honors.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to Disabled American Veterans, in care of Winston Dowland, Whittier Road, Derby Line, Vermont 05830.
Bruce Al Martin
....show , 65, of Craftsbury died suddenly on January 25, 2014, at his home.
He was born on May 28, 1948, in Newport, to Percy and Jeannette (Atwood) Martin Anderson.
On October 16, 1970, he married Sheryl Allen, who survives him.
He graduated from Craftsbury Academy in 1966 and later entered the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a lifetime dairy farmer and logger. He retired as the road commissioner for the town of Craftsbury in 1995.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Morrisville, the American Legion in Hardwick, and he was past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Hyde Park. He was a former member of the Craftsbury area school board and he coached sports of all ages and volunteered for many hours.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cutting wood, logging, maple sugaring, haying, going to hunting camp, attending basketball games and watching his son Mike race on the weekends. He was a New York Yankees fan and he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Sheryl Martin of Craftsbury; two children: Michelle Martin of Craftsbury, and Michael Martin and his wife, Francheska, of Craftsbury Common; his mother Jeannette Anderson of Craftsbury; and by two grandchildren: Abigail and Stephen Martin. He is also survived by his brothers: Roger Martin and his wife, Patty, of Craftsbury, Paul Martin and his wife, Rita, of Albany, and Randy Martin and his wife, Micki, of Craftsbury; his sisters-in-law: Janet Nelson of Albany, and Marion Allen of Burlington; and by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father Percy Martin in 1963; and by his stepfather Robert Anderson in 2008.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, January 29, at the Craftsbury Academy gymnasium, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Thursday, January 30, with the Reverend Alan Parker officiating. Spring interment will be in Craftsbury Common Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Craftsbury Academy Sports Activities Fund, P.O. Box 73, Craftsbury Common, Vermont 05827.
Loretta S. McCoy
....show , 83, of Orleans died peacefully on January 21, 2014, in Newport.
She was born January 29, 1930 in Brownington, to Ezekiel and Cecil (Dumont) Perry.
On February 11, 1956, she married Dale C. McCoy, who survives her.
She was a mail carrier for the United States Post Office, where she retired after 20 years of service.
She was a member of St. Theresas Guild and she was always ready to give the church a hand. She was an excellent cook much to the delight of her family. She enjoyed gardening, flowers and bird watching especially cardinals, hummingbirds and chickadees.
Her family was the love of her life and she always looked forward to their visits, which brought her great comfort and joy.
She is survived by her husband Dale McCoy of Orleans; her children: Harold D. McCoy and his wife, Andrea Brightenback, of Hardwick, David J. McCoy and his wife, Diane, of Walden, Julie A. McCoy and her partner, Gary Brown, of Hardwick, Timothy J. McCoy and his wife, Kathy, of Brownington, Steven A. McCoy and his wife, Sheryl, of Irasburg, Amy M. Morley and her husband, Michael, of Albany, and Laurie J. Rice and her husband, Robert, of Brownington. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Clemence LeBlond of Jay, and Claire Lyon of Brownington; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two sisters: Blanche Coates and Mary Ann Darling; and by her brothers: Maurice, Noel, Francis, and Leon Perry.
Funeral services were held on January 25, in Orleans. Spring interment will be in St. Theresas Cemetery in Orleans.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Orleans Ambulance Service, care of of Dot Collier, 1327 Dry Pond Road, Glover, Vermont 05839.
Rene A. Cloutier
....show of Essex Junction died suddenly on January 9, 2014, in Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
He was born on August 1, 1942, in Barton, the son of Raoul and Charlotte (Griffin) Cloutier.
He graduated from Barton Academy in 1960, and also graduated from Champlain College. He served his country in the Army as a paratrooper in the early 1960s.
He was employed with IBM for 39 years and was a resident of Underhill for many years.
He enjoyed gardening, skiing, theater, motorcycles, and he loved his dogs, whom always came from the Humane Society of Chittenden County.
He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and community.
He is survived by his seven brothers and sisters: Victor Cloutier and his wife, Carol, of Wolfboro, New Hampshire, Ronald Cloutier and his wife, Colleen, of Barton, Gerald Cloutier and his wife, Sharon, of Colchester, Rosemary Cloutier Badeau of Barre, Jeanine Cloutier Kelley and her husband, Roy, of Brockton, Massachusetts, Aime Cloutier and his wife, Linda, of Newport, and Carl Cloutier and his wife, Nancy, of Colchester; his stepdaughters: Tara Bouchard of Fayetteville, New York, and Tracy Darcangelo of Badlinsville, New York; his stepsons: Shawn Finnegan and his wife, Gail, of Gambrills, Maryland, and Patrick Finnegan and his wife, Martha, of Perth, Australia; and by many nieces, nephews, stepgrandchildren, and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Mary Anne Cloutier; his brother Andre Cloutier; and by his special partner in life of recent years, Sheila Roberts.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness Court, South Burlington, Vermont 05403; or to the Arthritis Foundation, 133 North Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30309; or to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22311.
Robert "Bob" C. Damon
....show , 86, of Morgan died on January 17, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on August 28, 1928, in West Burke, to Fenton and Mildred (Ball) Damon.
On May 1, 1954, he married Gisele Coderre, who survives him.
He entered the United States Army and served from 1950 to 1952.
He was employed as a machinist by Tivoli, where he retired in 1990.
His hobbies included fishing, hunting, woodworking, carpentry, gardening and bird watching.
He is survived by his wife Gisele Damon of Morgan; his children: Rita Moulton of Newport Center, Suzanne Moulton and her husband, Jerry, of Holland, and Corrinne Moulton and her husband, Duane, of Charleston; his grandchildren: Amanda Glover and her husband, Steve, Corydon Moulton, Brandy Moulton, Roxanne Moulton, Shontel Moulton, Abby Smith and her husband, Ian, Megan Longley and her husband, Wayne Jr., Matthew Moulton, and Andrea Moulton; ten great-grandchildren; his sister Betty Bowen of North Pomfret; and by several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by three sisters: Marion, Louise, and Evelyn.
Funeral services were held on January 21, in Newport. Spring interment will be in East Charleston Cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be sent to Gisele Damon, 267 Mead Hill, Morgan, Vermont 05853.
Marilyn Annie Dickson
....show , 57, of Albany died on January 19, 2014, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on October 13, 1956, in Hardwick, a daughter of Ralph and Ada (Newcomb) Reed.
In 1975, she married Eugene Dickson, who survives her.
She was the secretary for Sterling Services in Morrisville, a Licensed Nursing Assistant for Genesis Nursing Home in Morrisville, and was also a volunteer for the Memorial Cancer Network for five years.
She held a membership at the American Legion Auxiliary Post #7 and also at the VFW Post #779 of Hyde Park. She graduated from the Community College of Vermont with an associate of business degree.
She enjoyed dancing, crafts, traveling, going to lawn sales, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Eugene Dickson of Albany; her five daughters: Sabrena Ducharme and her husband, William, of Walden, Della Hall and her husband, Ricky, of Greensboro Bend, Marilyn J. Gaudette of Newport, Dolida Kennison of Hardwick, and Marena Mead and her husband, Ken, of Hyde Park; her brothers and sisters: Linda Clark and her husband, Joe, of Wolcott, Evelyn Perry and Larry Patoine of Hardwick, Lawrence Reed and his wife, Cindi, of Montpelier, and Lisa Dyke of White Falls, New Hampshire; several nieces and nephews; her grandchildren: Timothy, Joshua, Troy, and Nicole Ducharme, Kyle and Roxanne Hall, and Jason, Jolene, Etta, Danielle, Daphne, and Gene; and by 12 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents Ralph and Ada Reed; her stepfather Clyde Dyke; and by her brothers and sister: Lenard Reed, George Dyke, and Florence Peck.
Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch & Davis Funeral Home in Craftsbury Common, from 1 to 3 p.m., on Wednesday, January 22. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Craftsbury Village Cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, 198 Farr Avenue, Morrisville, Vermont 05661.
Richard E. Dill
....show , 90, of Newport died on January 14, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.
He was born on May 14, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, son of Jay and Marie (Eccles) Dill.
On June 6, 1953, he married Claire Hebard, who predeceased him on March 4, 2000.
Mr. Dill was a World War II veteran, having served in combat in Pattons army in southern Germany in the last three months of that war. After being honorably discharged in 1946, he pursued studies at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio, earning a degree in mechanical engineering in 1949. He continued his studies at Harvard Law School, earning a law degree in 1952.
He was a member of the Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire bars, practicing law in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for many years. He was awarded a 50-years-of-practice plaque from the New Hampshire Bar Association. Having become a member of the Vermont Bar in 1998, he opened his office in Island Pond and actively practiced law until his retirement in 2011, when he transferred his practice to his law partner, Dan Keenan.
Of special note, his main hobby was photography and, in particular, capturing steam locomotives in action.
He is survived by his children: Charlton Dill and his wife, Lisa, of Lee, New Hampshire, Lauren Dill of Littleton, New Hampshire, and Melinda Birch and her husband, Scott, of Derby; his grandchildren: Alden Dill and his wife, Catherine, of Deerfield New Hampshire, Carl Dill and his wife, Iscanyi, of Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, Mark Dill and his fiancée, Dahlia Sawtelle, of Lee, Andy and his wife, Sarah Birch, of Addison, and Jared Birch of Derby; his great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Emory Dill of Deerfield, and Aiden and Ian Dill of Sheppard Air Force Base; his nephew Robert Dill and his wife, Phoebe, of Newcastle, Delaware; his niece Karen and her husband, Gene, of Peaks Island, Maine; and his companion of ten years, Eileen Earp.
He was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Claire Dill; his infant son, Norman McConnell Dill; his brother, Jay Edwin Dill; and by his parents.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Brownington Congregational Church, care of Yvonne Mandeville, 4335 Coventry Station Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.
Frederick E. Doucette Sr.
....show , 81, formerly of Derby and Island Pond, died on Tuesday, January 14, 2014.
He was born in Manhattan, New York, on April 28, 1932, a son of George and Edith (Holgate) Doucette.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and his dog Patches. He also enjoyed farming when he was younger, and was an avid Yankees fan. He liked to visit with family, friends, and even strangers.
Mr. Doucette was a judge for the state as well as New England Golden Gloves competitions. He was a member of the Island Pond Post #80 American Legion and was a 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus and past member of the Lions Club.
He is survived by his sons: Frederick Jr. and his wife, Joanne, of Monkton, and Geoffrey and his wife, Jennifer, of North Carolina; his daughter-in-law Ethel Steady of Maryland; his grandchildren: Amy, Andrew, Graham and Reagan Doucette, and Renee Steady; his great-grandsons: David Paul Steady of Maryland, and stepson Michael McKee of Augusta, Georgia; his brother George and his wife, Lois, of Rhode Island; his sister Ellen DeMarco and her husband, Carmen, of Connecticut; and by his sister-in-law Sylvia Doucette of Arkansas.
He was predeceased by his first wife Francelia in June of 2002; his second wife Sandra Crowe in July of 2013; his stepson David Steady; his granddaughter Christina Steady; and by a brother, Robert.
Services will be held in the spring at the Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond with date and time to be announced.
Contributions in his name may be made to The Newport Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, care of the activities fund, 148 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Elaine Nancy Gleason
....show , 74, died on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Woodridge Health & Rehab Center in Berlin.
Born in Johnson, on September 1, 1939, she was the adopted daughter of the late William and Doris Haire. Her birth mother was Mary Pease, who has also died.
In 1960, she married Lawrence Gleason Sr., who predeceased her on April 19, 2011.
Ms. Gleason worked as a farmhand for several years. After moving to Barre, she worked for a short period of time at the Salvation Army Store.
She had many interests including collecting cow knickknacks, playing bingo and card games, going to church, doing word search puzzles, and reading newspapers, books, and magazines. She was happiest when spending time with her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include three sons: Larry Jr. of Barre, Randy of Holland, and Brian of Portland, Oregon; three daughters: Doris Royce of Washington, Laura of West Charleston, and Denise of Barre; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers; and two sisters.
She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence; and by a son, Steven.
Roger R. Lussier
....show , 82, of Lyndonville died peacefully on Monday afternoon, January 13, 2014, at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville, surrounded by his family.
He was born on May 21, 1931, in East Albany, the son of Antonio and Georgiana (Letourneau) Lussier. On June 28, 1952, he married Evelyn Walker of Sheffield.
During his life, he was an astute businessman who undertook many endeavors including farming, auctioneering, sales, banking and real estate.
Personal interests included spending time with family and friends at the camps on Shadow Lake and Marl Pond, hunting, fishing, playing cards, casual dinners and many years piloting his own plane. He was a member of the Benton Masonic Lodge #88 of Guildhall and the Walden Club, where he enjoyed the fellowship of meeting new and old friends.
Mr. Lussier valued and understood strong work ethics and the meaning of a handshake. He was a steward of the land and felt a strong connection to it as well as the people who worked it. He also admired and respected the Native American way of life.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 62 years, Evelyn Lussier of Lyndonville (P.O. Box 192, 05851); four children: Reginald Lussier and his wife, Heidi, of Kirby, Kathleen Pearl and her husband, Ronald, of Lyndon, Richard Lussier and his wife, Virginia, of Lyndon, and David Lussier and his wife, Lise, of Lyndon; three brothers: Bert Lussier of Richford, Noel Lussier and his wife, Barbara, of Florida, and Bernie Lussier and his wife, Linda, of Craftsbury; three sisters: Lucille Sanville of Craftsbury, Yolande Bracci of Florida, and Lorraine Lussier of Hardwick; a sister-in-law, Bea Lussier, of Berkshire; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; his son Steven Lussier in 2011; a brother, Laurant Lussier; and a sister, Marielle Stone.
A memorial service was held on January 20, in Lyndonville. Spring committal services are planned for Wednesday, May 21, at 3 p.m., at William-Dexter Cemetery in Sheffield.
Donations made in his memory may be directed to The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center, marked for the staffs continuing education and training fund, 601 Red Village Road, Lyndonville, Vermont 05851.
Patty Paige
....show , 67, of Brownington died on Wednesday, January 15,2014, in Orwell, at the home of her brother, Peter.
She was born in Enosburg on November 23, 1946, a daughter of Ernest Paige and Glenna Pudvah.
She received her education in Richford.
She worked at various places until she found her niche in traffic control, retiring because of illness in October of 2013.
Her hobbies included gardening, where she took great pride in passing flowers from generation to generation, and bird watching. A great lover of animals, she rescued many including her chicken, Bella.
Survivors include her sister Mary Greenwood and her husband, Norman, of Poultney; her brother Peter Paige and his wife, Joanne, of Orwell; her nieces: Brenda Zajicek and Stacey Paige Guyette; her nephews: Mike Greenwood and Joshua Paige; and many grand-nieces and -nephews. She is also survived by her beloved four-legged friend, Manny.
She was predeceased by her parents and by a brother, Roger Casavant.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, Vermont 05753.
Roderick Charles Phillips
....show , 78, died peacefully in Tucson, Arizona, on January 11, 2014.
He was born on December 24, 1935, in Irasburg to Clare and Barbara (Lanou) Phillips.
He went to Irasburg Graded School, graduated from Orleans High School in 1953, and attended St. Johnsbury Trade School.
In 1955, he enlisted in the Air Division of the navy and was stationed in Alameda, California, while spending time overseas patrolling the seas of Japan. He married Marlene (Skeet) Lafoe in 1956, who, after 47 years of marriage, predeceased him in 2003.
In 1959, he returned to Vermont and purchased the Gulf Service Station in Barton where he and his wife made their home. They ran the business for 17 years which provided towing, snowplowing, and auto mechanic services. They sold the business in 1977 and he went to work for Barton Motors where he was employed for twenty years.
After retiring, he continued to keep busy by delivering parts for Sanel in the Northeast Kingdom in the summer, selling pumpkins, Christmas trees, and fireworks in West Palm Beach, Florida, then traveling west, meeting up with fellow snowbirds in Arizona. He traveled to every state with his fifth wheel camper except Hawaii. All across America he made friends with all he met as he truly enjoyed people and loved to share his stories through his unique style and one could count on him to voice his opinion. In his spare time he enjoyed snowmobiling, entertaining at camp, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.
He supported his community and belonged to the Barton Fire Department, Orleans Lions Club (receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow award) and Orleans Legion Post #23.
Survivors include his daughter Martha Perron and her husband, David; his son Michael; his grandchildren: Phillip Perron and his wife, Laura, Elizabeth Perron and her fiancé, Bruce Thomas, Roy Phillips and his wife, Annie, and Courtney Phillips and her partner, Ryan Ovitt; his great-grandchildren: Willow, Ember, Colby, Claire, George, Jillian and Natalie; his nephew Bradley Chase; and by his special lady friend, Mary Ann Lisk.
He was predeceased by infant sons Mark and Carl; his parents, Clare and Barbara; his wife, Marlene (Skeet); and by his sister Rolinda (Dinny) Chase.
He will be laid to rest where he began his life, in Irasburg, in the spring.
Diane Plante
....show , 56, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
Born in Newport on March 26, 1957, she was a daughter of Gille and Lillian (Dalisle) Plante of Orleans.
She was born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, and was a high school graduate of Lake Region Union High School.
As a little girl, she loved all her friends on the farm and would enjoy every moment with the ones she loved. Lady Di was a free spirited woman with a joyous personality; those who knew her can recall her contagious laughter and smile.
Willoughby Lake and Crystal Lake were like her second home, as she loved the water and the great outdoors. During her leisure time she enjoyed gardening, to make use of her impressive green thumb. She had a huge heart and would always express her love for the people in her life.
She is survived by her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Kelly Plante, and their two beautiful children, Berlynn and Brylee; her siblings: Linda Plante of Orleans, and Robert Plante and his significant other, Marguerite Deschesneaux, of Irasburg; and by her nieces and nephews: Jennifer Cote of Jay, Jonathan Charles of Tampa, Florida, Jillian Charles of Williston, Daniel Plante of Irasburg, and Andrew Plante of Williston.
Funeral services were held on January 18, in Newport.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Community National Bank, Attention: Crystal Boutin, to benefit Berlynn and Brylee Plante, Barton, Vermont 05855
Carolyn "Lynn" Priest Washburn
....show , of Greenville, Michigan, formerly of St. Johnsbury, died on Thursday, January 9, 2014, in Carson City, Michigan, with her family at her side.
She was born July 17, 1928, in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Henry B. and Verna E. Priest, both natives of Irasburg.
She grew up in Verona, New Jersey, where her father taught English at Montclair High School for many years.
She graduated from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, in 1950, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Later, after she and her husband had raised their family, she earned a Masters degree in special education from Eastern Michigan University and taught special education in the Farmington public schools for 17 years. She had a great love for the children that she taught.
She especially enjoyed spending summers on beautiful Parker Pond in West Glover, at the summer camp that her parents built in 1937. These summers held many special memories for her, and she has passed her love of Parker Pond on to her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John M. Washburn III, whom she married on September 23, 1950; their children: Christine Kohn and her husband, Thomas, of Greenville; David Washburn and his wife, Gail, of Ringwood, New Jersey, and Carol Keberly and her husband, Paul, of Plymouth, Michigan; her grandchildren: Aaron Kohn and his wife, Katie, David Kohn and his wife, Kristen, Laura Kohn and her fiancé, Alexander, Jacqueline Washburn, Laura Sama and her husband, Andrea, Brian Washburn, Carolyn Rose and her husband, Jason, Jennifer Rasak, and Michael Rasak and his wife, Taylor; her great-grandchildren: Madison and Payton Rose, Alyssa, Emily, and Daniel Kohn, and Noah and Charlotte Kohn; her sister Virginia Weston and her husband, Ralph; and by her sisters-in-law: Jane Parker and Ann Samuels.
A graveside memorial service will take place this summer with interment in the Irasburg cemetery.
For those desiring to do so, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the John M. Washburn III and Carolyn P. Washburn Endowed Scholarship Fund at Alma College, 614 West Superior Street, Alma, Michigan 48801, or to the Old Stone House Museum, care of the Orleans County Historical Society, 109 Old Stone House Road, Brownington, Vermont 05860.
Dennis R. Field
....show , 69, of Tolland, Connecticut, died on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Lowell, son of the late Marshall Field and Lydia (Faucher) Hamel.
He retired after 39 years from United Technologies Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, having worked in process planning and as a machinist.
He enjoyed his family and friends, Red Sox baseball, his retirement, and his trips to the casino and Dunkin Donuts.
He loved the celebration of life, always had a smile on his face, and was a very kind and gentle man.
He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 46 years, Patricia Pat D. (Veilleux) Field; two sons: Kevin R. Field and his companion, Meli Currie, of Boston, Massachusetts, and Marc R. Field of Hillsborough, North Carolina; three brothers and sisters-in-law: Emmanuel and Shirley Field, Leonard and Sally Field, and Reginald and Theresa Field, all of New Hampshire; his in-laws: George and Theresa Murphy of New Hampshire, Gaytan and Linda Veilleux of Vermont, and Richard and Donald Veilleux of Vermont; and by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, whom he loved very deeply.
His funeral was held on January 11, in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Burial followed in South Cemetery in Tolland.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Francis Care, 114 Woodland Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06105.
Joan Witzmann-Graul
....show , 76, of East Charleston died on December 21, 2013, at North Country Hospital in Newport.
She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on March 2, 1937, to parents Bee Bryan Howard and Fufil Carter.
She spent her first six years on a farm, where she developed a deep love of the earth.
At the age of six, she moved to San Diego, California, where, within months, she became a famous violin prodigy. In her youth she performed many concerts as a violinist and organist. She attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where she studied violin with Louis Persinger, who would later become her husband. They were married in 1956, and they lived in Manhattan. Their union brought four children, named Lendanya, Lionel, Lemont and Lestra, nicknamed the Four LPs.
In 1966, Mr. Persinger died, due to cancer, at the age of 79.
In 1969, she married saxophonist Frank Witzmann, and welcomed three stepsons into her life. They moved to Vermont in 1978, where they established their home in Winape Hills in East Charleston. Mr. Witzmann died in 1997, due to Parkinsons disease.
In September of 2006, she married Russell Graul, who was also a talented musician. He died in November of 2007.
She continued to live at her home in Winape Hills until she died.
When she moved to Vermont, she quickly became involved in many local organizations. She was president of the following: the North Country Concert Association, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra regional board, the North Country Hospital Auxiliary, the Four Seasons Garden Club, the Charleston Historical Society, the Orleans County Historical Society, the Seymour Lake Homemakers, and the Seymour Lake Association. She was vice-president of the following: the Four Seasons Garden Club, and the Public Policy for the Orleans County Extension Homemakers Council. She was a volunteer at North Country Hospital as art coordinator, a trustee of the Four Seasons Garden Club, a volunteer coordinator for public information for the Orleans County Historical Society, a volunteer for the Orleans County Extension Homemakers, a board member and freelance writer for the Newport Daily Express, and a volunteer gardener at North Country Hospital and the Old Stone House of Brownington. She was also northern district director, state publicity chairman, and a board member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont.
In addition to the numerous organizations she participated in, she also ran a garden therapy program for approximately ten years at Maple Lane Nursing Home. She was an editor for the Vermont Leaf, a state publication of the Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont, sent nationwide. She was also the recipient of many awards, including: The Home Economics Award, from University of Vermont Extension Service; The Vermont Long Term Care Ombudsman Quality of Life Award, in recognition of outstanding contributions to the quality of life of long term care facility residents; the Community Service Award, from Community National Bank; and the Diamond Award for Outstanding Service, toward the betterment of our country.
She is survived by three of her children: Lendanya Poetz and her husband, Mike, of Arizona, Lionel Persinger and his wife, Sue, of Burlington, and Lestra Seguin of Newport. She is also survived by her three stepsons: Alan, Chris, Terry and their families; and by her sister Eloise Duckworth of Hayti, Missouri. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, and great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and, many, many dear friends. She also leaves her precious dog, Ollie, and her cat, Marbles, and also, her other pets: Dolly, Tommy, and Oreo.
She was predeceased by her son Lemont in 1993; and by her brother Bryan Gale Howard.
She was a wonderful influence on many lives, was truly loved, and will be greatly missed by all.
The
Reverend Neal P. White
....show , 63, of Raymond, New Hampshire, died on Thursday, December 26, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire, with his loving family by his side.
He was born on November 9, 1950, in Burlington. Raised in Orleans, he graduated from Lake Region Union High School in 1968. He attended Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, receiving his Bachelor of Science in social sciences in 1975. In 1992, upon graduating from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., he became an ordained minister with the United Methodist Church. He then went on to receive a Master of Divinity (MDIV) from Bethany Theological Seminary in 1995.
Before joining the ministry in the 1980s, he held positions at Ethan Allen, Butterfield, and as a deputy sheriff. He was also a tanker in the armored division of the Vermont National Guard. One profession that he held throughout his entire adult life was firefighting. He was a volunteer firefighter in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire. In 2007, after two decades of serving churches in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, Downeast Maine, and Massachusetts, he began serving the United Methodist churches of Raymond and North Salem, New Hampshire, where he also held the position of Chaplain for the Raymond fire and ambulance squads.
He was a history buff who will be forever remembered for his telling and retelling of stories, his love of food and the railroad, his zany sense of humor, and his bravery and kindness. He also loved music, and playing the drums was one of his favorite pastimes.
He leaves his beloved wife Sally (Vermette) and their cats; his children: Laura Hurler and her partner, Russell, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, Carol Scott and her husband, Jeremy, of Ware, Massachusetts, Tammy Baker and her husband, Bret, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, James White and his wife, Erica (Bischoff), of Granby, Massachusetts; his brothers: Patrick White of Candia, New Hampshire, and Peter White of Hanover, New Hampshire; and by seven grandchildren who absolutely adored him.
He was predeceased by his father and mother, Alfred White and Patricia (Johnson) Hodgdon.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, January 12, at the North Salem Methodist Church. A 4 p.m. dinner will follow at the Raymond United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Home Health and Hospice Care in Merrimack, New Hampshire; or to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.
Francis R. Valley
....show , 68, of Barton died suddenly on December 19, 2013, in Eden.
He was born on August 13, 1945, in Barton, to Leon and Geneva (Sheltra) Valley.
On September 28, 1974, he married Nancy Fleury, who survives him.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
He was a flagger for the North Vermont Traffic Control.
He enjoyed fishing, working and spending time with all his grandchildren, especially Alexis.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Valley of Barton; his children: Joey Valley and his wife, Katrina, of Barton, Barbara Young and her husband, Milo, of Albany, and Tom Valley of Barton; his grandchildren: Alexis, Jasmin, Joey Jr., Jenna, Maria, Ashley, and Naomi; his siblings: Eddie Valley and his wife, Sandy, of Barton, Richard Valley of Barton, David Valley of Irasburg, Priscilla Parsons and her husband, Gerard, of Athol, Massachusetts, Rachel Solomon of Barton, and Madeline Krohn of Florida; and by the extended Valley family.
He was predeceased by one sister and two brothers.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to Nancy Valley, 574 LeBlanc Road, Barton, Vermont 05822.
Tammey S. Turk
....show , 48, of Graniteville died on December 27, 2013, in Burlington.
She was born on December 3, 1965, in New London, Connecticut, to Norman and Leah (Cookson) Turk.
She loved camping, fishing, visiting with family and friends, and helping people. She was known as a very kind and loving woman.
She is survived by her children: Belinda Turk and her fiancé, Isaiah Surdam, of North Troy, and Nathaniel Kingsley of Holland; her fiancé Donald Coull of Graniteville; her grandson Kolten Norman Harold Surdam of North Troy; her mother Leah Cookson of Graniteville; her brother Christopher Skinner of Graniteville; her stepbrother Michael Skinner of Barre; and by her sister Sandra Boutin and her husband, Donald, of Orleans.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to Belinda Turk and Nathaniel Kingsley, 51 Railroad Street, North Troy, Vermont 05859.
Mitchel "Mitch" L. Rowell
....show , 60, of Albany died on December 23, 2013, at his home.
He was born on March 21, 1953, in Hardwick.
On March 1, 1975, he married Ethel Boulanger, who survives him.
He graduated from North Country Union High School in 1971. On April 27, 1972, he entered the U.S. Marines infantry and served during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged on August 9, 1974.
His hobbies included lifting weights and drinking Bud on ice. He loved helping other people, and he was known as The Ridgerunner.
He is survived by his wife Ethel Rowell of Albany; his children: Andy Rowell and his wife, Britta, of Germany, and Cory Rowell and his wife, Desiree, of Essex Junction; his siblings: Jimmy Rowell and his wife, Sue, of Brownington, Charlotte Cote of Hyde Park, Alan Rowell of Evansville, Harold Rowell and his wife, Pam, of Ashville, North Carolina, Rose Moodie and her husband, Armour, of Greensboro, Vivian Jones and her husband, Larry, of Chadsworth, Georgia, and Penny Herman and her husband, Mike, of Brownington; his foster mom Sadie Waters of Brownington; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Spring interment will be in Brownington Center Cemetery.
Aline Yvonne Raboin
....show , 51, of Newport, beloved wife of Maurice Raboin, died peacefully on December 23, 2013, in Newport, with her family by her side, after a long illness.
She was born on January 24, 1962, in Newport, a daughter of Rejean and Rita (Desrochers) LeBlanc.
On October 9, 1982, she married Maurice Raboin, who survives her.
She was a comptroller for Mulkin Automotive, and later Northpoint, for over 30 years.
She enjoyed camping with her husband, the children, extended family, and friends for over 16 years at Barrewood Campground. Much to the delight of her family and coworkers, she enjoyed baking, especially desserts and buckeyes, and crafting. She was the captain of several Relay For Life teams.
She is survived by her husband Maurice of Newport; her children: Matthew Raboin of Newport, and Alissa Raboin and her husband, Ryan Heuser, of Morrisville; her parents: Rejean and Rita LeBlanc of Lowell; her twin brother Alain LeBlanc and his wife, Laurie, of Lowell; her sister Joanne Bathalon and her husband, Robert, of Westfield; her father- and mother-in-law Robert and Rita (Choquette) Raboin of Lowell; her brothers-in-law: Dennis Raboin of Lowell, and Michael Raboin and his wife, Carla, of Lowell; her sisters-in-law: Claire Waterman and her husband, Mark, of Rutland, and Joanne Cyr and her husband, Mark, of Richmond; as well as by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on December 27, 2013, at St. Marys Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport. A spring interment will be held at the St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Oncology Department at North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Robert Jay Porter
....show , 45, of Lowell died on December 31, 2013, at his home.
He was born on July 25, 1968, in Mansfield, Connecticut.
He enjoyed watching NASCAR and motor cross at Rider Hill. He also enjoyed cookouts with his friends.
He was predeceased by his mother Dorothy Porter in 1989.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Pamela Ann Niles
....show , 60, of Shirley, Massachusetts, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 24, 2013, after a brief illness.
Born on September 20, 1953, she was the daughter of Durward and Rita (Breault) Collins. She was raised in Newport, attending local schools.
She was a kind-hearted woman who enjoyed the simple things in life and her greatest pleasure was spending time with family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who will be missed dearly by her family.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Stuart B. Niles, of Shirley; her son Frankie Niles of Kentucky; her daughter Jessica Hatch and her husband, Robert, of Sandwich, New Hampshire; three grandchildren: Bobby Jr., Ashley, and Kelly, all of Sandwich; her father Durward Collins of Westfield; her two brothers: William Collins of Westfield, and Paul Collins and his wife, Ann, of Newport; her two sisters: Carolyn Lesperance and her husband, Gordon, of Westfield, and Susan Pion and her husband, Gerard, of Lowell; and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her mother Rita Collins in 2009.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Humane Society in your local area; or you can also donate to your local chapter of the ASPCA.
Mayland Israel Mason
....show , 90, of Newport died on December 19, 2013, after a short illness.
He was born on May 12, 1923, in Lowell, a son of Adolphus Benjamin Mason and Virginia Mae (Gonyer) Mason.
On August 4, 1947, he married Madeleine Carmen Camirand, who predeceased him on March 13, 1996.
In his early years, he lived and worked on farms in Lowell, Irasburg and Albany. In the late 1940s, he met, fell in love with, and married Madeleine in Newport. After a few jobs as a bus driver, he settled on a job in auto repair, first working for his father-in-law, Leo Camirand, learning the auto body repair trade, and a few years later becoming manager of Camirands Auto Body. In 1962, the team, as he would call them, of Mayland and Madeleine opened their own auto repair shop, Masons Auto Body, which they ran together until 1987 when they sold the family business.
Beginning in 1963, the team owned and operated rental units. This was a business that Mr. Mason found occupied his time and led to many good friendships over the years. The team would also buy, trade and sell cars and trucks under the name M&M Auto Sales during the years from 1962 to 1987. This was an activity in which Mr. Mason took especially great satisfaction, again for the friendships that developed from the enterprise.
He was a proud member of the Gibbons Council Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, and a member of Elks Lodge #2155. He was appointed to and served on the local board of Area Office 001, Local Board 003, representing Orleans County for the Selective Service, for approximately ten years until August of 2003.
He is survived by his son Steven and his daughter-in-law Patricia Sears of Lowell; his grandson Justin Mason, and Justins mother Susan Reddan Westbrook; and by his very special great-granddaughter Kyla Ruth Mason, all of Marietta, Georgia. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Dorothy Mason of Albany; his brother-in-law Bruce Farnham of Richmond; and by many nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by three sisters: Nellie Buzzell, Mildred Mountain, and Elizabeth Peters; and by four brothers: Harley, Ira, Maynard and Lawrence.
Of special note, he was also predeceased by his great horse Conga, and his loving dogs Rex, Tippy, Cookie, and Magnum, and his beloved dog friends Jersey, Snoopy, Blizzard, Tramp and Daisy, and all the crows he fostered over the many years. Jeepers, if you knew him, you know how much they all meant to him.
Spring interment will take place at St. Marys Cemetery in Newport, for which there will be a public notice.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Goodrich Memorial Library, 202 Main Street, Newport, Vermont 05855-5000; or to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 4473 Barton-Orleans Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860-9028.
Audrey Anne Lindgren
....show died peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2014, at her home, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born to Hervie and Laura Morissette on January 5, 1954, at the Newport hospital.
Most of her high school education took place in Karlsruhe, Germany, where her father was stationed in the military. Her family returned home to the United States her senior year, and she graduated from North Country Union High School.
She married Jeffrey Lindgren on November 7, 1981.
After being out of school for 17 years, she attended Johnson State College and graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. Her family was extremely proud of this accomplishment. She was a longtime employee of the state of Vermont, working for 16 years in a variety of roles. Her most recent position was working for the Agency of Transportation in the commercial licensing division.
She was an incredible person who loved life, her family, pets and everyone she knew. She was in turn loved by everyone because of her kind heartedness to all people and her incredible gift of accepting all individuals, and her deep appreciation of their unique characteristics.
She leaves behind her husband of 32 years, Jeffrey Lindgren; her son Chad Lindgren of Eden; her brother Harvey Morissette and his wife, Katie, of Morgan; her mother Laura Morissette of Johnson; her aunts: Shirley Dunn of North Troy, Muriel Webb of Island Pond, and Joan Desbiens of Schenectady, New York; and by her beloved grandchildren: Ryan Lindgren and Kelsey Putvain of Eden.
She was predeceased by her father Hervie Morissette.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, 198 Farr Avenue, Morrisville, Vermont 05661.
George M. Hamilton Jr
....show ., 81, died on December 28, 2013, with his family by his side, at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
He was a longtime resident of Lenox, Massachusetts, and a faithful communicant of St. Ann Church.
He was born to Katherine A. (Walsh) and George M. Hamilton Sr. on September 10, 1932, in Framingham, Massachusetts. After graduating from Medfield High School in 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving three years during the Korean Conflict. Honorably discharged, he then earned a Baccalaureate Degree from Boston University and a Masters Degree in education from North Adams State College.
He and Cecilia E. (OSullivan), his loving wife of 57 years and constant companion, began their life together in Lenox at Pleasant Valley Audubon Sanctuary, where Mr. Hamilton worked as a nature teacher and day camp director. He continued his teaching career in the Cheshire public schools and Crosby Junior High, and ultimately became a professor at Berkshire Community College (BCC) in 1967, where he founded the Environmental and Life Sciences Program. Through his exceptional dedication to his students he earned their lifelong respect and admiration. He was awarded numerous grants from the National Science Foundation, for the promotion and advancement of environmental and conservation sciences. After more than 25 years of service to BCC, he retired Professor Emeritus in 1995.
He volunteered his time to many national, regional, state and local organizations dedicated to improving both efforts in conservation and the quality of environmental education. He is credited with starting the Conservation Club at BCC and established a recycling program before it was politically correct. He was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and living off the land. Among his numerous awards, he was most proud of being named Sportsman of the Year by the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen and the Massachusetts Sportsmens Council. He was recognized as Person of the Year by the Berkshire-Pioneer Resource Conservation and Development Organization in 1985 for his leadership in promoting conservation education and his efforts to enhance Camp Tracy as an outdoor living classroom.
He is survived by his beloved wife Cecilia. One of their great joys was summering in Dennysville, Maine, where they treasured the time spent reconnecting with family and friends. He is also survived by their four children: Elizabeth and her husband, Robert Butterfield, of Brownington, George Hamilton III and his wife, Wendy, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Catherine Hamilton-Milne and her husband, Mark Milne, of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts, and James Hamilton and his wife, Jennifer, of Lakewood, Colorado. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Patrick and his wife, Erica, Justin and his wife, Erin, and Ethan Butterfield, Megan, Mitchell and Paige Hamilton, Mackenzie and Olivia Milne, and Connor Hamilton; and by four great-grandchildren: Schuyler, Hadley, Lily and Sage.
He was predeceased by his only sibling, Phyllis Francis, of Medfield.
Funeral services were held on January 3, in Lenox. Burial followed in St. Anns Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), or the Lewy Body Dementia Association, both in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, Massachusetts 01240.
Jarrett "Jay" Lee Gray
....show , 45, of Newport died peacefully on December 20, 2013, in Burlington, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Newport on August 8, 1968, son of Douglas and Pauline Gray.
He attended North Country Union High School and Champlain College in Burlington. Following college, he returned home to help open and operate The East Side Restaurant.
Mr. Gray trumped all with his customer service skills and efforts while helping to build the family business. He brought many business ventures into the community. He opened a Newport office for Carmens Travel, Boxers Clothing Store for Men, and renovated and operated the Top of the Hills Inn and Motel. Eventually taking over the Shops at The East Side, he added a clothing and tuxedo department.
In whatever field he was working, he left his mark. Customers and business associates did not like Mr. Gray they loved him.
He took immense pride in his sons Kendrick and Kaine Gray. He traveled with them to many practices and sports camps throughout New England. Attending their games was his greatest enjoyment. The eldest son, Kendrick, is striving to achieve his fathers dream in Burlington. As a sophomore at Rice Memorial High School, he is headlining the sports basketball news and is already being labeled Vermonts top prospect for college recruit. Kaine Gray attends North Country Union Junior High School. He will move up the ranks in football and basketball and is already upholding the family tradition of business. He prefers the country and can be spotted in big work boots and a Gray Farms and Transport jacket that he proudly claims has been earned not given.
Every one of us in life has a mission; every one of us has something to teach and something to learn. Mr. Gray was one who had much to teach with not enough time. He was born with a rare disease called cystinosis and was given a life expectancy of eight to 12 years. He spent his younger years in and out of major hospitals enduring many procedures and surgeries. Following a kidney transplant, he gained some valued time, time in which he impressed the lives of so many. He kept his kidney for a remarkable 33 years and was the longest living cystinotic patient on record anywhere.
A medical miracle and message for all; Mr. Gray courageously entered each day with a love for life, a kind word for everyone, and a smile that made the day better.
He is survived by his two sons: Kaine and Kendrick Gray; his mother Pauline (Deso) Gray; his father Douglas Gray Sr. and his wife, Barb; his sister Kathy Kellogg and her husband, Gary; his brother Douglas Gray Jr. and his wife, Darlene; his brother Keith Gray and his wife, Ruth; his sister Dena Gray and her husband, John Pierre Rancourt; his nieces and nephews: Sarah, Emily and Adam Lang, Jillian and Jonathan Gray, Thomas Rhodes, Erica and Trevor Gray, Melissa and Cy Nelson, and Veronique, Elizabeth and John Samuel Rancourt; and by many grand-nieces and -nephews, aunts and uncles. He also leaves his very close friends: Antonio Rocho, Desiree Genco, Jay Antonelli, France Isabelle and Elizabeth Rivard.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life at 11 a.m., on Friday, January 10, at the Church of God, 295 Crawford Road in Derby.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jarrett Gray North Country Scholarship Fund, care of Kimico Perry, Community National Bank, 4811 U.S. Route 5 Newport, Vermont 05855.
Ruth Ferlazo
....show of Crystal Lake in Barton, a former resident of St. Johnsbury, died peacefully on Sunday morning, December 1, 2013, at the age of 92.
She was born on June 27, 1921, in Evansville. She was the wife of Richard Earl Ferlazo, who predeceased her in 1991.
She was the youngest and last of the four girls born to Blanche Norris; Althea, Irma and Billy all predeceased her.
She grew up on a farm in Barton and talked about taking care of the cows and chickens, but she had to admit she didnt like it. During the war, she and Irma worked at the Washington Naval yard but was happy to return to St. Johnsbury and the Canor house, a boarding house which her mother owned, located where the present post office in St. Johnsbury is today.
She and her husband always enjoyed having the family come together for the holidays in St. Johnsbury, or to relax at the lake in Barton.
She worked for and retired from the State of Vermont Department of Libraries. She first worked on the upper level of the Athenaeum in St. Johnsbury; later the library was moved out on the Danville Road, which has since been closed. She was an avid reader all her life and would always be found with a book in hand.
Mrs. and Mr. Ferlazo enjoyed their camp at Crystal Lake, water skiing, sailing and swimming, and they spent their later years in the winter at Pompano Beach, Florida. She supported the Barton Historical Society and never missed a class reunion for Barton Academy.
She is survived by two children: Richard Earl Ferlazo Jr. of St. Johnsbury, and Robert Edward Ferlazo and his wife, Liz, of Barton and their two children: Grant and Clint; a special niece, Mary Jane Smith, of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the daughter of Althea, Ruths oldest sister, and Mary Janes two children: Rick and Melissa and their families; and by her niece Judy Gochie of New Mexico, the daughter of Billy, Ruths next oldest sister.
The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Crystal Lake Historical Society, P.O. Box 148, Barton, Vermont 05822.
Reed P. Cote
....show , 79, of Derby died on December 18, 2013, in Newport.
He was born on May 4, 1934, in St. David, Maine, a son of Zephirin and Denise (Dube) Cote. He married Gertrude Violette, who predeceased him on May 30, 1994.
Mr. Cote served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Korean War.
He worked for John Russell Construction as a foreman.
He is survived by his four children: Carl Cote of West Hartford, Connecticut, Wayne Cote of West Hartford, Delores Harosyko of Massachusetts, and Paula Brandy of Washington; five brothers; four sisters; seven grandchildren; and by his nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 28, in West Hartford. Interment was held at the Veteran Cemetery in West Hartford.
Marion Briere
....show , 90, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, died on Wednesday, December 4, 2013.
She was the wife of the late Alfred E. Briere.
She was born in Brownington, daughter of the late Preston and Angelina (Bousquet) Sheltra. She was one of 14 children.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her children: Alfred P. Briere and his wife, Elaine, and Jeanne Durand and her husband, William; four grandchildren: Denise Martell, Scott Briere, Brian Durand and Jennifer Sousa; and by ten great-grandchildren.
The funeral was held on December 14, 2013, in Pawtucket, followed by a Mass of Christian burial. Burial was in Notre Dame Cemetery in Pawtucket.
Phyllis E. Bond
....show died on December 22, 2013, in Layton, Utah, with her daughter Carol and son-in-law Thomas at her side. She passed quickly and peacefully.
She was born on April 18, 1923, in Beebe Plain, Quebec.
She resided in Derby Line until she married Roy L. Bond on December 7, 1943. They were married 67 years, before his death.
She loved her camp on Salem Lake as did all the rest of her family. She spent summers there every year.
She is survived by her daughter Carol Rodgers and her son-in-law, Deacon Thomas Rodgers, of West Point, Utah; and by her son Dennis L. Bond and her daughter-in-law, Darlene Bond, of Derby and York, Pennsylvania.
She was predeceased by her father Carroll E. Salls, and by her mother Alma E. (Bennett) Salls, of Derby Line; and by her husband Roy L. Bond, who died on March 30, 2011.
Funeral services were held on January 4, in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. Burial was in Bakerstown Presbyterian Cemetery in Bakerstown, Pennsylvania, next to her husband.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, please make a donation to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter in Orleans, in recognition of her love for pets.
Logan Joseph Blais
....show , 2, beloved son of Anthony Blais and Heather (Hale) Sanchez, died on December 24, 2013, in Newport.
He was born on August 25, 2011, in Boston, Massachusetts.
He enjoyed watching Bubble Guppies, Sponge Bob Square Pants, playing Angry Birds, and playing with his brothers and sister.
He is survived by his parents: Anthony Blais and Heather (Hale) Sanchez of Newport; his brothers: Ryan Blais and Luis Sanchez; and by his sister Ariana Sanchez. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents: Mike and Laurie Desautels of Troy, and Valerie Tinker of Rockland, Massachusetts; his paternal grandparents: Karen Blais and Phil Sheltra of Westfield; his maternal great-grandparents: Diane and Richard Descheneau of North Troy, and Colby and Carol Currier of North Troy; his aunts and uncles: Kyle Tinker of Derby, Noah Desautels of Troy, Ryder Desautels of Lowell, and Jaime and Jonathan Comtois of Newport; his numerous great-aunts and uncles; and by his cousins: Gus Comtois, Maddison Tinker and Mia Tinker.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather Rheal Blais, on December 11, 1999.
Funeral services were held on December 30, 2013, in Newport, where a Mass of Christian burial was celebrated.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Boston Childrens Hospital, Cardiac Unit, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
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