of Concord passed away Monday, October 5, 2015 at the age of 88. She had resided at the Maple Lane Nursing Home for the past 10 years. Virginia was born in Lunenburg, Vermont on May 11, 1927, the daughter of James and Katherine (Cutting) Nichols. Her husband Robert (Bobby) passed away December 16, 2009. Together they were very civic-minded in the Concord community, involved with the Library and running the Concord Cemetery. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and, earlier, a Cub Scout Den Mother. In support of the Concord Boy Scout Troop, they created Camp Lee in the 1960s. Her hobbies included oil painting of Northeast Kingdom landscapes, sewing, and quilting. They very much enjoyed weekend getaways at their camp on the Maine coast in Georgetown. As an adult student, Virginia graduated from Lyndon State College in 1972 after raising the family. She was an elementary educator in the Lunenburg-Gilman school system for over two decades. Also, she regularly attended church in Concord, East St. Johnsbury and Lower Waterford, along with teaching Sunday School. She is survived by three children: David Lee of Manchester, NH, Brian Lee and wife Patricia of Lancaster, NH, Candace McMahon and husband James of Whitefield, NH; two grandchildren: Devin McMahon and wife Courtney, Karie Bennett, husband Randy and their daughter Elaina. She was predeceased by her brother Sterling Nichols, a sister Constance Cole, and by three half-sisters: Marjorie Watts, Vera Luther, and Evelyn Kettles. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home, Wednesday, October 7, evening from 6:00-8:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at the Grove Cemetery on US Rte. 2 east of East St. Johnsbury village with the Rev. Ann Hockridge presiding, Thursday, October 8, 1:00 pm. Memorial contributions, earmarked for 'Employee Activity Fund' and payable to 'Maple Lane Nursing Home', can be sent to 2260 Maple Hill Rd., Barton VT 05822.

, 73, of Kirby passed away Sunday, June 21, 2015 with family at his side after an extended period of illness. He was born and raised in St. Johnsbury and was the only child born to Dudley and Edith (Martell) Leavitt. Both his parents had predeceased him. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy with the class of 1960. Dana joined the United States Navy in 1960 and served his country at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was retail store manager with Ames Dept. Stores, had a landscape business for several years, loved skiing so he qualified for the National Ski Patrol for a few years and was a deputy sheriff for Caledonia County for many years. He was also a licensed professional outdoor guide and his las business endeavor was creating wood crafts in his wood working shop which included distinctive walking sticks. One of his best accomplishments was his end-to-end hike of the Appalachian Trail. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, reading and loved being outdoors whenever he could. He is survived by his life partner Karen Moore of Kirby (PO Box 212, Lyndon VT 05849); their daughter, Heather Leavitt and fiancAC. Samuel Carbon of Watford City, North Dakota; her mother Alice Moore of Lyndonville; her brother Leslie C. Moore of Newtown, Pennsylvania; her sister Connie Beliveau of South Burlington, Vermont; Donald Showalter of Kirby who was like a brother to him; and many extended family members. Predeceased by his second wife Shirley, he is also survived by her four children: Timothy Peters and wife Leslie of Kirby and their two sons; John Peters of Guilford, New York; Joseph Peters and wife Susan Teske of Lyndonville and her three children; Anne Silverman, and husband Alan of Waverly, Pennsylvania, and their two children. A gathering of friends and family for a Celebration of his life will be held at the Kirby Town Hall located on Town Hall Rd. in Kirby on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Dana was proud to have served his country in the Navy during The Cuban Missile Crisis. Seeing wounded young men and women coming home made an impression on him. For those wishing to honor Dana's memory, the family suggests a memorial contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or to Keeping Track, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife habitat protection, PO Box 444, Huntington, Vermont 05462.

, of Barton, passed away Monday morning April 6, 2015 in Lyndonville, VT at the age of 88. She was born on March 17, 1927 in Rutland, VT the daughter of Walter F. and Aleathea (DeRosia) Center. Her father passed away prior to her birth. At the age of 5, her mother remarried Robert DeForge and 5 children were born and raised in Montpelier. She spent her childhood summers in Danby, VT with her grandfather and Aunt Bertha Risdon. In 1945 she graduated at the top of her class from Montpelier HS where she was an avid basketball and baseball player. She was in all of the school plays and loved dancing. In the fall of 1945 she entered UVM and graduated in 1948 with a BS in nursing. While in her last years of school at UVM she affiliated at Heaton Hospital in Montpelier, Brooklyn State Hospital in NY City and Children's Memorial Hospital in Montreal. After receiving her RN, Pat went to Chicago for 3 years of college to obtain her degree in anesthesia at Norwegian American Hospital. In 1951 Pat became one of the first certified registered nurse anesthetists in the country. She practiced anesthesia at hospitals in Randolph, Brattleboro and Burlington. In 1952, Pat married Martin E. Leach of Waterville, VT and they had 3 children. At the time Martin was a Sargent for the VT State Police, graduating from the VT State Police Academy in 1947. Pat and Martin moved to Barton, VT in 1955 where she lived until her passing. Pat was very active with Barton Academy while her children attended. Pat worked as an RN at Newport Hospital from 1960 to 1974. After Martin passed in 1969 Pat returned to UVM to further her education in Coronary Care and received her CCN in 1970. From 1976 -1977 she was in charge of the coronary care unit at Hillside Hospital in San Diego, CA and then at NVRH upon her return to Vermont. She continued with college courses at UVM and Univ. of Minnesota through 1982. Pat was active with the Republican Party for years and served as a delegate in Washington DC. Pat or "Peppermint Patty" as her sisters called her loved to dance and had great memories of going to see the big bands with her husband in the 50's and 60's. Her favorite place was the Brown Derby in Montpelier where her husband proposed! She was an avid Red Sox fan and March Madness was her all- time favorite sports event of the year. She always miraculously picked the winner of the Kentucky Derby! She was always positive and derived a great deal of pleasure watching her children and grandchildren grow up and play sports. She is survived by her children Glenn Leach and wife Cheryl of Gilmanton, NH, Gary and Melissa Leach of Lyndonville and Jill Leach of Barton; her grandchildren, Zach and Breanna Leach of California, Beth and husband Chris Hibshman and children Barrett and Brooklyn of Burke, Dallas and Lilly Leach of Lyndon, Erika Leach of Washington, DC, Amanda Leach Brocksmith and husband Richard and son Chase of Gaithersburg, MD, Rachel Schuster and husband Nathan and children Gavin and Bennet of So. Portland, ME, and Jessica and Colin Trahan and son Toby of Los Angeles, CA. She is also survived by her two brothers, Robert and wife Maggie DeForge of Clinton, MA and Jerome DeForge of Virginia; two sisters, Georgia Buck and husband Jim of Leominster, MA and Daphne Marhefka and husband Joe of Clinton, MA; a sister in-law, Marilyn Center of Clinton, MA; many nieces and nephews; and several good friends. She was predeceased by her father, her mother, her husband, a sister, Norma Hancock and a brother, George Center. A Memorial service will be held in Lyndonville on Sunday, April 19th at 2:00pm at the Guibord Funeral Home with Mr. John Sleeper officiating. Friends may meet with the family one hour prior to the start of the service beginning at 1:00pm. Donations made in her memory may be directed to Caledonia Home Health Care, marked for Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, or to the Orleans Essex Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, VT 05855.

of Sutton passed peacefully from this mortal coil on Sept. 18, 2015 at the age of 87. She will be forever remembered as an indomitable woman with a no nonsense, straightforward approach and a proud Irish spirit! She was born on Nov. 10, 1927 in Montpelier, Vermont, the daughter of William and Theresa (Failey) Carey. She married Nelson Lay in Montpelier on October 4, 1952 and together, they raised five children, living in multiple VT communities including Bradford, Rutland and Waterbury Center; finally building their "dream home" in Sutton where Shirley's favorite pastime (when she wasn't immersed in household chores) was tending her famously enormous gardens. Shirley attended Catholic Schools in Montpelier and in addition to some of the finer points of disciplinary techniques for unruly children she adopted the beautiful flowing handwriting of her nuns/educators. Her children always looked forward to her handwritten cards and notes, both for content and aesthetics. To augment household income, and undoubtedly to maintain her sanity for she was a social creature at heart, Shirley worked at many different jobs over the years, eventually retiring from the Farmers Home Administration in Newport, Vt. where she earned a reputation for hard work, fairness and frugality. In addition to gardening, she enjoyed sewing, church functions, friends and family. She was renowned for her seemingly inhuman endurance when it came to churning out French fries in 90 degree weather at the Barton Fair in support of her church. She was a fiercely devout Catholic. She loved to spend time at the family camp on Lake Seymour and enjoyed (yes enjoyed) picking rocks and building jetties to make for a sandier beach. She loved her children. She loved her grandchildren. She loved animals; especially her dogs. She loved in the manner of her generation which was not so much in words, as deeds. She lived an active and full life! She is survived by five children: Douglas Lay and wife Kathy of Newport Center, Maureen Russell of Quechee, Theresa Lay-Sleeper and husband Ron of Cabot, Daniel Lay and wife Staci of Brunswick ME, David Lay and his partner Shannon of Danville; and eight grandchildren: Devin and Derick Lay; Morgan Russell; Ethan, Orion, and Theron Lay-Sleeper; and Declan and Hannah Lay. She was predeceased by her husband Nelson Lay, beloved brother Francis Carey and sister Margaret Larned. She is survived by her Sister Elizabeth Blouin of Montpelier, and many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held at the Guibord Funeral Home in Lyndonville Friday evening, Sept. 25, from 6-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in Lyndonville this Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church. Committal services will follow at the Sutton Village Cemetery.

of St. Johnsbury, longtime physical education teacher, suffered an aneurysm and died very unexpectedly November 9, 2015 at the age of 63. He was born in Newport, Vermont on Jan. 29, 1952, the son of Valmore and Doris (Page) Lavigne. Doug attended St. Johnsbury Academy and graduated from Burlington High School with the class of 1970. He furthered his education at Lyndon State College, graduating in 1974. It was during his college years that he met and married Dianne; they recently celebrated their 44th anniversary. Mr. Lavigne worked as a physical education teacher in St. Johnsbury schools until 2007; he continued working part time at Cal North and also as an After School Coordinator at West Burke. This year he had fully retired. Doug enjoyed spending time with his family, walking around town, running into former students whom he usually knew by name, and of course enjoying his sports. He spent many years coaching various teams in St. Johnsbury. Doug is survived by his wife Dianne (Yole); daughter Jill Lavigne and Steve Fanelli of St. Johnsbury; son Kevin Lavigne and wife Christy of Somersworth, NH; four grandchildren: Jill's two children Ava and Don, Kevin's two children Shaylee and Kayla; brother Brian Lavigne and wife Jane of Burlington; sister Mary Sleeper and husband Kerry of Jericho; sister-in-law Betty Lavigne of New Hampshire; and nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his oldest brother, David Lavigne and his father-in law, Donald Yole. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home this Friday, Nov. 13 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held in St. Johnsbury at the Grace United Methodist Church this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions could be directed to either: The Good Shepherd School (where Doug's granddaughter attends), 121 Maple St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819; or to The Grace United Methodist Church, 36 Central St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

of Lyndonville died peacefully at his home on Saturday August 1, 2015 at the age of 93. He was born April 7, 1922 in Newark, VT to the late Percy and Glenna Laplant. After joining the Vermont National Guard at 18, he served in the Army during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He was one of 5000 servicemen who survived the sinking of the SS President Coolidge. Upon returning to Sutton, VT, he studied refrigeration and repaired milk coolers on local farms. On September 1, 1951, he married Thelma Pearce. The barn that he single-handedly built in Sutton is being considered for the historic register due to its unique silo construction. Maurice was a rural letter carrier in Sutton from 1952-1977 and continued maple sugaring and logging until he and Thelma retired to Florida in 1982. While in Florida, he learned scuba diving and enjoyed shrimping, scalloping, and hunting deer and wild boar. He and Thelma traveled extensively including trips to Europe, New Zealand, Alaska, and the Panama Canal. They returned to Vermont after 18 years to be closer to family. Maurice was an avid hunter of deer and Canadian moose, and bagged the 2nd largest turkey in VT in 2001 when he was 79 years old. He enjoyed vegetable gardening into his late 80's. He was a member of the Lyndon Institute class of 1940, but left early to enlist. He was proud to finally receive his diploma at his grandson's graduation in 2004. He is survived by his five children: Loretta (and Garet) Nelson, Paula Laplant, Glenn (and Beth) Laplant all of Lyndonville, Martin (and Penny) Laplant of Poulsbo, WA, and Tony Laplant of Sutton. His 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren brought him much joy. He is also held dear by daughters-in-law Heidi and Joan, and son-in-law Billie. He taught his family they can accomplish anything with hard work, ingenuity, and determination. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years in 2013 and all of his brothers: Kenneth and wife Jean, his twin Merrill and wife Bea, and twins Raymond and Roland Laplant. A public graveside service will be held at the Sutton North Ridge Cemetery on Thursday August 6, 2015 at 11AM. There will be no visiting hours. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Vermont Special Olympics, 16 Gregory Drive, Suite 2, South Burlington, VT 05403 in recognition of his lifetime dedication to his brothers Raymond and Roland.

of East Haven, Vt. passed away at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, in St. Johnsbury, VT, June 18, 2015 at the age of 85. Bea was born June 25, 1929, to the late Theresa Kapfer and George Peter Hoffman in Rocky Point, Long Island, NY. She attended Rocky Point Elementary School and graduated from Port Jefferson High School in 1946 after which she started working as a private secretary at Kota Aluminum Products in Rocky Point. Bea married Harry W. Lang in 1970 and together they moved to Vermont in 1981. They shared thirty-one years together until his passing in 2001. For thirty plus years she worked at the Miss Lyndonville Diner as secretary/bookkeeper and enjoyed her special friendships there. She loved being with family and friends, enjoyed crosswords, word games, flowers and feeding the birds. She also loved the Red Sox. Bea is survived by two step-sons: Russel Lang and his wife, Catherine, of Moosup, CT, Jeffrey Lang of Medford, NY, her niece: Dollinda Lund and her husband, David, of East Haven, VT, two nephews: Richard Cross and his wife, Karen, of Bellville, TX, Peter Cross and his wife, Linda, of Middle Island, NY, 5 step-grandsons, one step-granddaughter and one great-grandson and several other nieces and nephews. She was also pre-deceased by a sister and three brothers: Margaret T. (Hoffman) Cross, George, Charles, and Frederick Hoffman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Lyndonville. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth's Cemetery. Rev. Fr. Bernard Gaudreau will be the celebrant There will be no public calling hours.

, 63, of Passumpsic, passed away October 21, 2015, at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital following a brief illness. Gloria was born in Bourne, MA, July 12, 1952, daughter to the late Franklin Hunter Mitchell, and survived by her mother, Annette (Gervais) Hilton of Barnet, VT. She was raised and educated in Somersworth, NH. Gloria worked in food service sales which included Dunkin Donuts in St. Johnsbury and Littleton, NH. She also worked at the local Bear Ridge Race Track in Barnet, NH, where her husband David, announced the races. She was a member of the Kiwanis Club for years, and enjoyed camping. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Gloria is survived by her husband of 20 years, David Labounty, her son: Robert Mitchell, her daughter: Theresa Getchell, two step daughter's: Brenda Carpenter and Lisa Labounty, her brother: Gary Mitchell, her sisters: Diana Ellery, Jean Moreau, Dorreen Mercer, and 6 grandchildren. Visitation and a Christian memorial service will be celebrated at 12:30PM, on Saturday October 31, 2015, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury. A gathering with a light luncheon will take place at The Corpus Christi Parish function room, Main St., St. Johnsbury, immediately following the service. Burial will take place at 11AM on Friday, October 30, 2015 at St. Mary's Cemetery, Pleasant Street in Newport, VT. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Red Cross, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401.

, of Breezy Hill Rd. in St. Johnsbury, passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 at the age of 81. Born in Covington, Kentucky, her parents were the late Edward and Thelma Ehmett. Barbara was a beloved librarian for the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum for many years. Her animated and caring personality made her a favorite of the children during story time. Her own family will cherish their memories of Barbara. They will truly miss her gregarious nature and unmistakable laughter that filled any room. She will be joining her eldest daughter, Pamela Bisacre, who passed away in the year 2000. She is survived by her husband Arnold Munkittrick; three of her four daughters: Lisa Harris and husband Jimmy of Salem, New Hampshire, Donna Poore also of Salem, New Hampshire, Martha Munkittrick of St. Johnsbury; son-in-law Michael Bisacre of West Friendship, Maryland; 6 grandchildren: Pamela's children Jennifer, Amanda, and David; Lisa's son James; and Donna's two sons Nicholas and Jacob; brother Thomas Ehmett of Kentucky; sister Paula Cody of California. The family will observe their services privately. Memorial contributions can be directed to the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 Main St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

, 88, of St. Johnsbury Vt., passed away in her home under the care of Hospice on Saturday, January 31, 2015. She was born on March 28, 1926 to Arthur S. and Alice (Wilkinson) Wright of St. Johnsbury Vt. Lorraine attended St. Johnsbury schools. After high school graduation she enrolled in Wilfred Beauty Academy in Boston and worked as a beautician before and after her marriage to Edward A. Mumford on November 4, 1950. In the early 1960's she began working as a salesperson in Hovey's Men's Store. Lorraine greeted her customers with a smile and enjoyed assisting them in any way she could. Working at Hovey's brought much joy and friendship into her life and did so until her retirement. Lorraine enjoyed traveling throughout her life with friends and family. These trips included summers at Miles Pond with cherished family friends. She also visited her children and grandchildren in the New York and Chicago area and went on bus trips with her "Hovey's friends". Lorraine traveled to many places with her family including California, Hawaii and New Orleans for Mardi Gras. She was an avid Red Sox fan and took a particularly special trip to game 7 of the 1986 American League Championships at Fenway Park. Lorraine had a love for all music that she inherited from her father who had his own band, Art Wright and the Bar X Cowboys. On any given day you could walk into her home and music would be playing. Lorraine also enjoyed bowling in the bowling league, reading mystery novels, gardening at her home and 5 o'clock manhattans. Lorraine was an active member of the Methodist Church including the church choir and the friendship club. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Mumford Jordan, her son Jon Mumford and his wife Rose Mumford; her grandchildren Kelly Sinon Grossarth and her husband Michael Grossarth, Adam Mumford, Timothy Mumford, Julia Mumford and Mari Mumford and two great grandchildren Gabriel and Abigail Grossarth. Lorraine's family would like to thank Hospice for their support and guidance during this difficult time. There will be a memorial service in the spring.

, 94, longtime director of the St. Johnsbury Senior Center, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 with her family at her side. She was born in Springfield, Vermont on July 17, 1920, the daughter of Clyde and Anna (Breason) Charette. Her husband Joe Mullally predeceased her in 1990. Her home was the St. Johnsbury House and the residents were part of her family. She loved to travel and was fortunate to have gone to Hawaii nine times! She was very busy participating in the many functions at the St. Johnsbury House, playing bingo, and making jewelry and crafts. Lillian was an excellent seamstress and made clothes for her family throughout her life time. She was a member of the Red Hat ladies. She is survived by four children: Patricia Wyker and husband Robert of Hackettstown, New Jersey, Kathleen Toussaint and husband Richard of Lebanon, Maine, Mary Foster of Danville, Thomas Mullally of Danville; brother Clyde Charette of Haywood, Wisconsin; 13 grandchildren, all her great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Donald Mullally of St. Johnsbury; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two grandchildren Richard Toussaint Jr. and Keith Adams. Visiting hours will be held at Sayles Funeral Home this Friday, Feb. 6, from 9:30 a.m. to the start of the service. Services will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home this Friday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Christopher Micale officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions could be directed to Good Living Senior Center, 1207 Main Street, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

of Lyndonville, longtime Lyndon State College accountant, passed away at the Grafton County Nursing Home Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 at the age of 79. Nancy was born in St. Johnsbury on Jan. 23, 1936, one of two daughters born to George Raymond and Doris (Wheaton) Moore. Ironically her older sister, Janet Moore Liberty, passed away on the same day only two hours after Nancy. Nancy graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy with the class of 1955 and went on to obtain her degree from Bentley College. She served as an accountant for 35 years for Lyndon State College retiring in 1995. She and her mother Doris made their home together, initially above the Desrochers & Sayles Funeral Home, co-owned by her Uncle Min. Nancy was then able to design and build her dream home up on Speedwell Estates in Lyndonville. Her mother passed away in 1979. Nancy also had a monogramming business on the side. Nancy was an excellent, quilter and craft person. She exhibited many of her crafts at local county fairs. Nancy had a life long passion for gardening, decorating, and playing the piano. Nancy was also an expert seamstress She is survived by Janet's two children; her niece Susan Pinto and husband James of Williston, and nephew Paul Liberty and wife Ronna of Springfield, VT; many great-nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Passumpsic Cemetery located on the right of US Rt. 5 south. Nancy as a great animal lover and adored her two poodles Penny and Andre. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution is asked to consider Lyndon Dog Pound, PO Box 211, Lyndonville VT 05851.

, 86, of Lyndonville, and formerly of St. Johnsbury Center, passed away peacefully Monday, July 6, 2015 surrounded by her family. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont on May 2, 1929, the daughter of Glenn and Rachel (Fleming) Cross. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1947. Esther shared her adventurous and youthful spirit as she taught kindergarten, and as a 4-H leader. Picnics and wildflower walks left fond memories with her children, then grandchildren, and then great-grandchildren. She found great pleasure in her hobbies, including painting and quilting. With their children grown, she and Bryce made their way south in the winter to Jekyll Island, Georgia, enjoying their hobbies, the beach, and the warm weather with friends old and new. They were members of the West Danville United Methodist Church, and attended the Presbyterian Church in Jekyll in winter. She is survived by her husband Bryce of Lyndonville; three daughters: Vickey Murphy Wursthorn of Troy, Valli Murphy Smith and husband Donald of Lyndonville, Sandra Murphy Breen and husband Mark of St. Johnsbury; Bryce's four children: Bryce Douglas Montgomery and wife Cecile of Port Charlotte, Florida, Elizabeth Montgomery-Beaton and husband Dan of Ipswich, Massachusetts, Mark Montgomery and wife Susan of Lyndonville, John Montgomery and wife Connie also of Lyndonville; all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Ray Cross and wife Pat of Lyndonville; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister Ruby Flanders, a grandson Ian Wursthorn, and her son-in-law Karl Wursthorn. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home this Friday, July 10 from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m., there will be a celebration of Esther's life at the West Danville United Methodist Church with former pastor and friend, the Rev. Carol Borland, officiating. A private burial will take place at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions, for the new church roof, may be directed to the West Danville United Methodist Church, attention, PO Box 211, West Danville VT 05873.

, 96, of Lewiston, Maine, died on Oct. 4 at St. Marguerite d'Youville Pavilion in Lewiston. He was born Nov. 30, 1918, in Eagle Lake, the eldest son of Thomas E. and Eveline Gagnon Michaud. Mr. Michaud died of complications from oral cancer due to the use of chewing tobacco. As a young man, Lionel worked in the woods as a cook and logger. He retired as a Boiler Operator from Columbia Forest Products in 1983, Presque Isle, Maine. He and his wife Phyllis Player Michaud volunteered a combined total 1000 hours to Aroostook RSVP through the Aroostook Area on Aging and received Certificates of Appreciation for their service. He was a member of the American Legion and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Presque Isle. Mr. Michaud was very proud of his service to his country in WWII. He honorably served in the U.S. Army from April 24, 1942 to Nov. 28, 1945 attaining the rank of Technician 4th Class. Mr. Michaud served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Service Star. Mr. Michaud participated in the battle of Leyte and was very proud to have met General Douglas McArthur while serving on guard duty in the Philippines. He was predeceased by his first wife, Pauline Cote Easler, and his second wife, Phyllis Player Michaud, along with his parents, five brothers, Camille, Roland, Benoint, Thomas and Philip. Lionel is survived by four step-children, Mary P. Roussel (Andre) of Auburn, Maine; Maybelle A. Blanchard of Portland, Maine; PaMainela F. Isrow (Craig) of Delray Beach, Florida; Gary F. Blanchard (Marjorie Schwartz) of Westampton, New Jersey; a special niece and nephew, Cam and Keith Hayward of Presque Isle, Maine; two sisters, Lucille Janowski of Portland, Maine; Gilda Simms of California; and two brothers: Rene of North Carolina and Theodore of Calais, Maine. Lionel is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, grand and great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 at the Lyndon Center Cemetery in Lyndon Center, Vermont. Donations may be made in his memory to the Aroostook Area on Aging, The Gathering Place, PO BOX 1288, Presque Isle, ME 04769

, age 76, of Sherburne Place, passed away at St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center on Thursday, December 17, 2015, following a period of declining health... with his family beside him. Norman was born in Enosburg, VT, on May 11, 1939, only child to the late Carl Gilbert and Bernadette (Larose) Messier. He grew up and went to school in Franklin, VT, graduating from Franklin High School with the Class of 1957. He matriculated to what was Johnson's Teachers College and finished with a Master's in 1961. For six years he taught at Highgate High School, was guidance counselor at Fairfax for a year and then worked in school administration at the Orleans Essex North Supervisory Union and in 1985 became the Superintendent for the Caledonia North Supervisory Union until retiring there in 1996. He continued part-time with the OENSU for some time. Norm loved sports and coached soccer, boys & girls basketball, baseball and softball in Highgate; he umpired Babe Ruth and high school baseball and refereed basketball and soccer just about everywhere. Norman served also as the Asst. State Commissioner, Comm., Regional Comm. and was the New England Regional Comm. for Babe Ruth, baseball, softball and Cal Ripken League. For over 39 years he volunteered at Boys' State and was the director for 15 years. Over the years he was trustee and held seats on various boards including: Lyndon Institute, the School Board for Lyndon & Riverside, the Alumni Assoc. at Johnson College, Lyndon State College and the International Babe Ruth Board of Directors. Norman had also been active in the Lyndon Rotary Club and was Town Moderator for several years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Laura (Gurney) Messier, of Lyndon, his sons: Richard Messier of Winooski, VT, Ronald Messier of Manchester, NH, his son-in-law: Gene Rice of Manchester, NH, four grandchildren: Kaitlyn & Gabriella Rice, Alexander & Lillian Messier and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter: Cheryl Rice in 2014. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Saturday January 9, 2016, at St. Elizabeth's Church, High Street, in Lyndonville, VT. Burial will be private and there will be no calling hours. Memorial Donations may be made in Norman's Name to the Jimmy Fund, payable to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, or to http://www.jimmyfundgiving.org