Norma (Johnson) Stahler
....show , of Lyndon Center passed away peacefully at home early Tuesday morning, Oct.6, 2015 surrounded by her family. She died at the age of 88.
Born on Feb. 19, 1927 in Milford, Massachusetts, her parents were the late Arthur and Esther Viola (Lebeau) Johnson. Her late husband, Russell, predeceased her in 2001.
Norma spent most of her childhood growing up in Island Pond, VT and graduated from Brighton High School. She married Russell in 1946 and spent nearly all of her adult life on the home farm in Wheelock, VT. She was a homemaker and devoted wife and mother, a selfless and caring person, always eager to help those around her. She possessed a sharp wit, was quick to laugh, and was always ready with a light joke. She loved country music, reading, and taking drives around the Northeast Kingdom, but her greatest love was spending time with her family.
She is survived by three sons: David Stahler and wife Rena of Lyndon Center, Larry Stahler and wife Carol Novick of Wheelock, Michael Stahler and wife Diane of Lyndonville; ten grandchildren and their spouses: David Jr. and Erica, Daniel and Erin, Nathan and Carrie, Renee, Heather, Seth and Verena, Gabi and Eric, Michael A. and Jenn, Logan and Lara, Elizabeth and Marc; nine great-grandchildren: Tami, Paytyn, Julian, Maida, Moxie, Victor, Isabella, Maia, and Rocco; one sister, June Ellis of Chichester, N.H.; nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to all those who cared for Norma in her final months: Susie Greaves, NVRH, Pine Knoll Nursing Home, and finally Connie Simons and her Caregivers, along with Caledonia Home Health Hospice.
Visiting hours will be held at the Guibord Funeral Home Friday evening, October 9, from 6-8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held this Saturday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Lyndonville with the Rev. Judi Horgan, officiating. Burial will follow at the Lyndon Center Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Lyndon Rescue Inc. in Lyndonville, VT.
Todd Gordon Spaulding
....show of St. Johnsbury, VT died in the comfort of his home and bed on Feb. 13, 2015 at the age of 53.
Todd was born in St. Johnsbury, VT on April 21, 1961, the son of Gordon and Marilyn (Wright) Spaulding. He graduated from the St. Johnsbury Academy in 1979.
Todd actively pursued his hobbies, which included Harley Davidson motorcycles, snowmobiling, the care of his two beloved Maltese pups Harley and Samantha, gardening, and hunting. In his younger years he was an adamant downhill skier and participated in races.
Most recently, Todd studied the Healthcare profession at Lyndon State College after having spent nearly five years as a Machinist for Kennametal, Inc. in Lyndonville, VT. In previous years, he had worked as Purchasing Manager for the computer company Tyrel Corporation in Winooski, VT, as well as having worked at Mayo Glass of St. Johnsbury, VT, and other related fields.
He is survived by his mother Marilyn Spaulding (1248 Hospital Dr., St. Johnsbury VT 05819); two aunts: Arlene Wright of St. Johnsbury, V.T. and Paula Moloney (Charles Moloney) of Marshfield, M.A.; two children: son Michael Spaulding (Amanda Halle) of Warner N.H. and daughter Elise Kent (William Kent) of Lawrence, M.A.; and 3 grandchildren: Jocelyn Ava Marie Oliver, Kae Meryll Spaulding, and Evan Michael Kent. He was preceded in death by his Uncle Thorne Spaulding and Uncle's wife Rhoda (Brown) Spaulding of Laconia, N.H, and his beloved father Gordon Spaulding, whom recently passed on November 9th, 2014 in St. Johnsbury, V.T. Todd was very close with and much loved by all of his family and friends.
Services will be held next Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home. The Rev. Jay Sprout will officiate. All friends of our father are invited. The Burial will tentatively be held May 8th at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Memorial contributions could be directed to: Maple Leaf Treatment Center, 10 Maple Leaf Road, Underhill, VT 05849 - 802.899.2911
Marilyn Spaulding
....show of St Johnsbury passed away on July 18, 2015 at the age of 82. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gordon Spaulding, in November of 2014, and her dear son, Todd Spaulding, in February of 2015. She and Gordon were married in Orleans on Dec. 6, 1958.
Born in Barton, Vermont on Aug. 26, 1932, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Garold and Margaret (Morrison) Wright and graduated from Orleans High School. She met Gordon while working at New England Telephone in St J, where she continued working until the birth of Todd. Marilyn found great joy in life in her roles as wife and mother, grandmother and great grandmother. In later years Marilyn worked for Hovey's Department Store until its closing, and volunteered with the Auxiliary of the Northeast Vermont Regional Hospital for many years until retiring in 2014. The many people that she met at Hovey's and in the NVRH Auxiliary were very dear to her. She and Gordon were good members of the North Congregational Church.
She is survived by grandson Michael Spaulding and Amanda Halle of Warner NH; granddaughter Elise Kent and husband William of Lawrence, Ma; great grandchildren Kae Spaulding, Evan Kent and Jocelyn Oliver; two sisters: Arlene Wright of St Johnsbury, Paula Moloney and husband Charles of Marshfield, Ma.
Funeral services will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home this Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m. The Rev. William Cotte will officiate. Burial will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Volunteers at NVRH Auxiliary, 1315 Hospital Drive, St Johnsbury 05819, or to the North Congregational Church, 1325 Main St, St Johnsbury 05819.
Bruce H. Smith
....show , 71, of Lyndonville, died Wednesday morning January 14, 2015 at Northeastern VT Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury with his family by his side.
He was born August 8, 1943 in Wheelock, the son of Howard and Leah (Cox) Smith. He was a graduate of Lyndon Institute's class of 1961. Following high school Bruce joined the US Army reserves and served for several years.
Bruce was a co-owner and the general manager of VT Flexible Tubing Co. in Lyndonville for nearly fifty years. He was a member of the VFW Post 10038 of Lyndonville and Ducks Unlimited.
A devoted son, father, grandfather, brother and friend Bruce loved spending time with and talking about his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling to Florida and Alaska on fishing trips as well as to N. Carolina to visit his son and family there. He loved deer hunting, riding his Harley, and hunting with family and friends at his camp in Wheelock. He enjoyed many good times at the old farm house on Chandler Pond in S. Wheelock. He was also known for his generosity to others.
Survivors include his three children, Christine O'Rourke and her husband Steven of St. Johnsbury, Stephen Smith and his wife Kerrie of Concord, NC and Matthew Smith and his wife Donna of Lyndonville (P.O. Box 845, 05851); seven grandchildren, Dana and Jeremy O'Rourke, Stephanie Smith, Stephen Smith Jr. and his wife Toni, Kate-lyn Smith and her fiancAC.e Robert Trucott, Brittany Emery and her husband Richard II and Samantha Smith; a great grandson, Brayden Smith; his mother, Leah Smith of Lyndonville; three brothers, Wayne Smith and his wife Jacquelyn of Wheelock, Marvin Smith and his wife Elaine of Lyndon and Donald Smith and his wife Valli of Lyndonville; a sister, Paula Smith of Norwood, MA; nieces and nephews; many good friends; and his beloved canine companion, Susie.
He was predeceased by his father, Howard Smith. A gathering /luncheon with family and friends will be held Saturday January 17 from 12-4PM at the VFW Post 10038 located on Hill St. in Lyndonville. All are welcome to attend and share memories.
Donations made in his memory may be directed to Lyndon Rescue Inc., P. O. Box 401, Lyndonville, VT 05851.
Ruthie Smith
....show of St. Johnsbury passed away Wednesday evening, Feb. 11, 2015, with her family by her side.
She was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt. on March 28, 1931, the daughter of Arthur and Ruth (Meader) Grenier. Her husband Robert passed almost exactly 15 years ago, Feb. 10, 2000.
Ruthie and Bob raised their family on Pleasant St. in St. Johnsbury. With the help of her family and her caregiver Maria, Ruthie was able to live there right up until entering the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center five years ago. She was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church, was a daily communicant when her health allowed, and faithfully solicited for the Bishop's Fund every year. Ruthie loved to play bingo all around the area. The trips to Las Vegas with her family members will always be remembered fondly.
Survivors include her seven children: Robert 'Bubba' Smith and his wife Anne of St. Johnsbury, Donna Matte and her husband Andrew of Waterford, Debra Salazar of Weaverville, N.C., Rick Smith and his wife Debra of St. Johnsbury, Denice Smith of Buxton, Maine, Diane Cole and her husband Steve of Beech Island, S.C., Ronald Smith and his wife Chris of N. Yarmouth, Maine; her 14 grandchildren: Tony, Aaron, and Kimberly; Christopher and Eric; Greg and Peter; Lauren; Tyler and Kyle; Matthew, Emma, Miles, and Ella; 3 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law: Bill Smith and wife Nina of Hudson, Mass.; brother-in-law Chas Nolin of St. Johnsbury; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her son-in-law, George Salazar; Ruthie's three brothers: Robert 'Sue' Grenier, Roland 'Giz' Grenier, and Raymond 'Curley' Grenier, as well as Ruthie's sister Mary 'Tootie' Cosson.
Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 15, from 2-4 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Johnsbury on Monday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial will be in the spring at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, payable to 'Resident Activity Fund', could be directed to St. Johnsbury Heath & Rehab Center, 1248 Hospital Dr., St. Johnsbury VT 05819; or to 'Silver Towers', c/o B.P.O.E. #1343, 118 Western Ave., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.
It is with great sadness that we announce that
Brenda Carol Simpson
....show , age 74, passed away on September 21, 2015 at her residence in Dunnellon, FL.
Brenda was born in Morrisville, VT, graduated from Lyndon Institute and lived in the Northeast Kingdom for over 60 years.
Brenda leaves behind her loving husband of 28 years, Steven Simpson; and was a loving mother to Jeffrey and Lana Simpson (Barton, VT), Jane Newland (Lyndon Center, VT), James and Lori Simpson (Sutton, VT), a loving step mother to Cindy Myhre (Middlebury, VT) and Bryce Simpson (Ft. Lauderdale, FL); she was a cherished grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of 11. She also leaves behind loving siblings including Charlotte Blodgett (Waterford, VT), Marilyn and Ronnie Clifford (Lyndonville, VT) and Shawna Wilkerson (Lyndonville, VT). Other loving family members include sister-in-law Donna Bailey (St. Johnsbury, VT), Priscilla and Ron Paquette (Colchester, VT), Nancy and Gordon Vincent; brother-in-law Donald and Susan Simpson and many nieces and nephews. Brenda also loved so many cherished friends who remained so supportive during her illness. Brenda was predeceased by husband Bernard Simpson in 1986.
Brenda had a passion for cooking for family and let's not forget Brenda's baked beans were everyone's favorite. She was always very active as she enjoyed snowmobiling, horseback and motorcycle riding, camping and attending bluegrass festivals. She was a true sports fan who loved watching golf and the cooking channel. She also loved to watch her grandchildren participate in sporting events.
Friends and family will gather at 1 PM Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the United Methodist Church, on Church Street in Lyndonville, VT, with graveside service following at the Sutton Village Cemetery with Barbara Dwyer officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lyndon Institute / Softball Program, c/o Paul Wheeler, P.O. Box 127, Lyndon Center, VT 05850.
Eleanor Bonney Simons
....show of St. Johnsbury died at NVRH late Sunday evening, Sept. 13, 2015 at the age of 96.
She was born in Everett, Massachusetts on July 5, 1919, the daughter of Norman and Mildred (Kimball) Bonney. Most people knew her as 'Bonney Simons' not realizing her maiden name was actually 'Bonney'. Her husband Hubert, former St. Johnsbury fire chief, passed away in 1987.
Eleanor graduated from Medford MA High School in 1936, Graduated from Simmons College of Boston in 1941. During her college years she worked at the Famous Toll House in Whitman MA (known for Mrs. Wakefield's Toll House Cookies) to pay her tuition. She accepted a position for State of Vermont Regional Library in 1941 where she would work on the Bookmobile until 1947 when she married Hubert Simons. In 1972 she facilitated the opening of a medical library at the NVRH. She served as a Trustee for the St Johnsbury Athenaeum and later as a docent in the Gallery. Eleanor was also well known for her participation in the North Country Coalition for Justice & Peace. She was very active in the community and her church. Over the years she knit hundreds of mittens for the Santa fund.
She is survived by her son Thomas Simons and his wife Diane of Tampico area of North Danville; Grandchildren Jen Crocker, husband Jason, Heather Hodgdon, husband BJ. Great Grandchildren: Zoe, Phoebe, Desirae & Lincoln. She is predeceased by siblings Paul Bonney, Norma Young & Anne Freeman.
Family and friends will gather at the Sayles Funeral Home Friday afternoon from 2-4 p.m.
Memorial services will be held in St. Johnsbury Saturday at 11 a.m. at the North Congregational Church with the Rev. Douglas Moore, and the former pastor, the Rev. Jay Sprout, co-officiating.
Memorial contributions could be directed to either North Congregational Church (1325 Main St. St. Johnsbury VT 05819), or to The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum (1171 Main St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819).
Marie Louise Shattuck
....show , 88, of Emerson Street, passed away at her home, Tuesday, July 21 2015 following a short period of failing health.
Marie was a lifetime resident St. Johnsbury, born there on November 3, 1926, to the late Lizam and Victoria (Pinard) Prue. She married Roderick C. Shattuck in 1958 and shared 41 years together when he passed in November 1999. They made their home in St. Johnsbury raising four children and making many memories. Marie was a homemaker but had a number of jobs throughout the years which included driving for Brown's Taxi, Green Mountain Clerk, the Littleton Diner. Her last job she had and greatly enjoyed was driving for Meals on Wheels. In her spare time she loved playing bingo, going to yard sales, working in the garden, visiting her sister, Rose, in Manchester, NH, spending time locally with her sister, Irene, and going to Church. She was a devoted member of St. John the Evangelist.
She is survived by: her four children: Rose Shattuck of Albany, VT, Sandra Shattuck of St. Johnsbury, VT, Michael Shattuck of Monroe, NH, Stephen Shattuck and his wife, Lee, of Barnet, VT, 13 grandchildren: Peter, Jeremy, Nathan, Christopher, Joseph, Jamie, Julie, Danielle, Christine, Dylan, Amber, Sasha, Sammy, and 25 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson: Andy Shattuck, great-grandson Maddox Kittredge and her siblings: Frederick and Edward Prue, Irene Shonia, and Rose Kosowzic.
Friends may call on the family at the Sayles Funeral Home Monday July 27, 2015 from 7-9 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home, Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Johnsbury.
Cindy Jean Shatney
....show , 58, of Burlington, VT, passed away following a sudden illness Thursday, October 22, 2015, at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
Cindy was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on March 12, 1957, daughter to Mae (Sanborn) and the late Albion Shatney. She was raised and educated in E. Barnet and has lived most of her adult life in Burlington. She worked in housekeeping and also drove taxi in the area for many years. Cindy had a love for animals and nature. She had several pets over the years, kept her birdfeeders filled and also fed the rabbits and squirrels at her home. She would walk and drive around to see wildlife and regularly took her camera along. Photography was a hobby that she loved and took pride in, often giving away her photos to those who would appreciate them at time when it meant the most. Cindy had a big heart and loved her family and friends dearly.
She is survived by her mother, Mae Shatney, of Lyndonville, Cindy's sister: Donna Therrien (Dale) of St. Johnsbury, Cindy's niece: Heather McGinnis (Gary) of St. Johnsbury and their children: Gavin & Cale, Cindy's nephew: Timothy Therrien (Ginger) of Danville and their children: Zachary and Lilly, and Cindy's aunts & uncles: Reg Shatney (Claire) of Lyndonville, Maurice Sanborn (Bessie) of Newark, Helena Ewens (Dale) of Concord, Audrey Downey (Jake) of E. Burke, Rae Reed (Ronald) of N. Haverhill, NH, Evelyn McBey of Newport, VT, several cousins and lots of loving friends.
A private service will be held in the spring at the Grove Cemetery in E. St. Johnsbury. There will be no calling hours.
Special thanks to the nurses and doctors at the UVMC during the past few days for their loving care and effort for Cindy.
Lyndon, VT:
Betty Lou Shatney
....show , age 64, of Memorial Drive passed away December 8, 2015, at her home surrounded by her family following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Betty was born in Newport, VT, on September 3, 1951, daughter to the late Harry Sargent, Sr. and Ruth (Mackley) Sargent. She was raised and educated in Newport and St. Johnsbury. She enjoyed cooking and baking and worked for over 19 years in the kitchen at NVRH.
She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Edward E. Shatney; her children: Nancy Pray of Lyndonville, Teresa Bryant of Newport, Tammy Verge of Newport, Angel Dresser of W. Charleston, Rachel Allen of Lyndonville, Samantha Shatney of NH, Alyssa Jack of TN, Kara Shatney of WI, Britney Shatney of Lyndonville; grandchildren: Brian Pray of Barton, Megan Gero of St. Johnsbury, Kyla Boutin of St. Johnsbury; and several great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son: Leo Sargent and siblings: Linda Carroll, Harry Sargent, Jr. and Shirley Sargent.
There will be no calling hours and burial will be at the convenience of the family.
David Scott
....show of Barnet died suddenly at his beloved camp on Stannard Mountain, sitting by the campfire and loving life, Saturday evening, Aug. 29, 2015. He was 68 years young.
He was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont on April 27, 1947, the first child born to Leslie and Madelyn (Brough) Scott. He was a 1965 graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy and completed his studies at Champlain College in Business. He served four years in the U.S. Army, including two years in Viet Nam from 1969-1970. He married Tari Silva in July of 1976; they celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary this summer. He was, and remains the love of her life!!
David was the business manager and accountant at Palmer Brothers Inc. for 36 years and remained there helping new owner Frank Roth a few hours each week. After retirement Dave spent many hours working with Don Cota at E-Z Sharpening-Kingdom Knives. He loved this new opportunity and said his new job was "just a blast". Dave's love and passions were many and varied including coaching the girls softball teams with St. Johnsbury Baseball and involvement in the Walden Club, Elks Club, St. Johnsbury Country Club, and especially the North Country Longspurs. Dave was a life-long skier and active member of Burke Mountain (The "Red Team" was his special gang) and never missed first chair. When he wasn't skiing he was riding his Harley motorcycle with his brother and best friend Danny. He loved camping, bike riding and cooking with his children and grandchildren and their friends. He was both a father and Poppa to many. He was loved around town and by his community which he cared deeply for. He always had a smile and joke to share with the world. Dave loved being with his family, listening to music and attending live shows, spending time in his garden, tending his apple and berry orchards and he was never without his dog, Otis. He spent hunting seasons with his extended family and friends at Stannard Mountain and for 19 years assisted the North County Longspurs in their Jakes Day events teaching hundreds of children to fish, orienteer, and hunt safely. We could write a book about all of David's joys and relationships, his travels and adventures, his sense of humor and his personality. If you knew Dave, then you knew a great man.
He is survived by his wife Tari; their four children: daughter Kati Furs and husband Eric of Wolcott, daughter Lindsey Scott and Nevin Felix of Barnet/ St John,Virgin Islands, son Ian Scott and Ayla Nett of Bend, Oregon, son Todd Scott and Nathan Jarvis of Burlington; three grandchildren (with a fourth coming later this year!): Elian, Harper, and Ruben Furs; brother Danny Scott of St. Johnsbury, sister Christine Scott of Colchester, brother Jeff Scott of Peacham; and many nieces and nephews, and a wide, beautiful circle of friends.
A celebration of David's life will be held at the Alerin Barn on Spaulding Road in St. Johnsbury on Monday, Sept. 7 from 3-7pm. Please bring photos and memories of Dave as we honor the life of a great man. The family sends huge gratitude to the Tomlinson family for this gathering.
Memorial contributions can be directed to North Country Longspurs, c/o Colleen Racenet, 187 School Street, St Johnsbury, 05819.
Albert B. Sanborn
....show , 90, of Lyndonville, died peacefully early Monday morning February 16, 2015 at his home with his loyal son Steve by his side.
He was born October 6, 1924 in Barton, VT, one of two sons born to Ernest and Jennie (Baird) Sanborn. Following his schooling he worked on a dairy farm in Glover. In 1948 Albert joined the US Army National Guard of Vermont. In 1950 he joined the Regular Army and served in Germany. In 1952 he rejoined the Army National Guard of Vermont and served until 1970. He was on reserve until 1984 when he retired.
On December 9, 1967 he married Arlene Counter. Albert worked at VT Tap & Die Co. in Lyndonville as a machinist for thirty-five years retiring in 1990. He was a life member of the VFW Post 10038 of Lyndonville and was also a former member of the ODD Fellows Lodge of Lyndonville. He liked working in his gardens, fishing, hunting and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of thirty-eight years, Arlene Sanborn in 2005; his brother Dean Sanborn and his wife Alice; and a sister in-law, Wanetta Counter.
Survivors include his son, Steve Sanborn of Lyndonville; a sister in-law, Betty counter of St. Johnsbury; several very close friends; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held in Lyndonville Thursday evening February 19 at 7:00PM at the Guibord Funeral Home with the Rev. Joan Vincent officiating. Friends may meet with the family prior to the start of the service beginning at 5:00PM.
Burial in Howland Cemetery in Burke Hollow is planned for Wednesday May 13, 2015 at 10:00AM.
Donations made in Albert's memory may be directed to Lyndon Rescue Inc., P. O. Box 401, Lyndonville, VT 05851.
Shirley Elaine Therrien
....show , age 83, formerly of Hooker Hill Road, passed away at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 with family around her.
Shirley was born in Cabot, VT, on February 9, 1932. She was raised and educated in the St. Johnsbury area. She was married to Clement Therrien and shared 32 years together until his passing in 2003.
Shirley spent the majority of her working career caring for others and working in the community from being an active AA sponsor and in working emergency alcohol service to counseling as a parent aide and operating a licensed community care home.
In 1971 Shirley entered AA and began a journey of personal growth. She loved people, animals, her home and family. A significant part of that journey was developing a personal relationship with her Lord and Savior while attending Union Baptist Church.
She is survived by her four daughters: Beatrice Harris of San Diego, CA, Mary O'Donnell (Kevin) of Randolph, VT, Linda Alderman of Milton, VT, Terrie Therrien (Ted Hutchison) of St. Johnsbury, VT, four grandchildren: Angela Odell, Joshua Farrell, Cigi (Ryan) Sterling, Shantel Morse and four great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents: Theodore Metcalf and Beatrice (Bijolle), her sisters: Pauline Jenkins and Joanne Ledoux and her son-in-law: Dale Alderman.
Friends may call on the family from 10AM until Noon this Sunday, August 23, 2015, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
A Graveside Service will take place at 3PM at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant Street in St. Johnsbury, VT, on Wednesday, August 26, 2015.
Memorial donations may be made in Shirley's name to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th floor., New York, NY 10001.
Don Taylor
....show , of Lackie Hill Rd. in St. Johnsbury, passed away on Thursday evening, December 31, 2015 at the age of 84.
He was born in Waterford, Vermont on September 10, 1931, the son of Harold and Myrtle (Ainsworth) Taylor. He married Marlene Ash 63 years ago on November 29, 1952.
Don worked 37 years for Ed Gray Farms on Mount Pleasant Street Ext. and devoted his working life to the farm that was later called City Dairy and Hill Crest Farm.
Don was a jack of all trades, giving of himself freely on nights and weekends to help friends and neighbors and to repair whatever his children wrecked that week. He was the most honest man and will be sadly missed by all that knew him.
He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers: Floyd Taylor and wife Muriel, Harold Taylor and companion Eva.
Survivors include his wife Marlene and three children: Stephen Taylor and wife Andrea, Diane Dargie and Lynn Knights, Terry Taylor and wife Kathy. Grandchildren are Jillian Dargie and Wayne Payton their children Sophia and Renee, Chris Taylor and wife Jen and their children Riley, Brody and Kaiden, Tim Taylor and wife Maggie and their children Evan & Rhys; many nieces and nephews and their families, special friends and neighbors Norman and Pat Veilleux, and his feline friend Fugi.
He was an avid bowler. He started bowling when Gold Crown Lanes opened in 1963 where he bowled for 35 years. He loved to go dancing every Saturday night with his wife and friends. He spent many years camping Scott's Big Rock Campground, in North Stratford, NH. He and Joe Bijolle enjoyed Groveton racing on the weekend, watching the grandsons Chris and Tim Taylor race. He also enjoyed his Nascar racing.
He was a fisherman and hunter. He would go hunting early Sat. morning and be home by 12:00 with his buck. Hunting was over for another year and it was back to work. He spent many years snowmobile riding; in the later years he said the cold was not for him, so he sold his machines and emerged as an ATV rider.
In the summer, he loved the competition of horseshoes and would travel anywhere for a friendly tournament. He was also a member of Sons of the American Legion.
His favorite place was at home in his "mancave", kitchen and living room in the garage where the good old boys had many hours of pitching quarters.
The service will be private at the family's discretion. Burial will be in the spring at William Dexter Cemetery in Sheffield.
He was proud of his Native American Heritage. If you so choose to send a donation in his memory; please send it to the St. Joseph's Indian School., P.O. Box 326, Chamberlain, S.D. 57326.
Marie Elaine Vojta
....show of the St. Johnsbury House passed away Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, at the age of 98. She was born May 25, 1917, in New Britain, CT. and was the daughter of Clark H. and Clara Belle (Jones) Cummings. She married John Vojta on Sept. 5, 1953; he predeceased her in 2003 (days before their 50th wedding anniversary).
In 1988, Marie and John moved to St. Johnsbury to be near family and resided on Idlewood Terrace. For the past 8 years, Marie resided happily at the St. Johnsbury House, and enjoyed the enduring friendships made there.
Marie lived a full and adventurous life. Her passions included children, reading, travel, speed, music and the performing arts, crafts, volunteering and her family. She and John enjoyed numerous road trips across the country, and Marie visited friends and family and participated in the tours organized by the St. J. House whenever the opportunity presented itself. As a teenager, she was fond of motorcycles, and in her early 90's she relished the dare-devil speed on her airboat ride through the Everglades in Florida, and taking a ride on top of a crane to get a bird's eye view of the town. Broadway shows, dancing to Big Band icons at the Pleasure Beach Ballroom in Connecticut, and dinner theater and musical performances by artists such as Johnny Cash and Tom Jones were frequent activities. An avid crafter, she honed skills in ceramics, rug hooking, counted cross stitch and painting.
During WWII, Marie supported the war effort packing bullets at Remington Arms in Bridgeport, CT. She was always interested in the activities of her children and, over the years, opened her home to numerous family members when they were in need of a place to live. She often said, "We may have been poor, but we always had a house full of laughter." Marie was a foster mother to countless newborns, often provided child care to neighborhood children and was a crossing guard for the Fairfield, CT school district. After moving to St. Johnsbury, she became a reading mentor at the Frank R. Adam's school. She enjoyed participating in the activities of her local granddaughters and later her great grandchildren, Danielle Locklin and David and Amelia Evans.
After moving to St. Johnsbury, Marie was the quintessential volunteer. She provided her services at the voting polls, information center and welcome center, Adult Day Care (cooking lunch), the blood bank, Life Line, RSVP, NVRH, and as a docent at the Athenaeum.
Marie is survived by four children, William Reynolds of St. Johnsbury and his family, Judy Reynolds of Phoenix Arizona, and her sons Scott and Shawn Kurmay and their families, David and Nancy Reynolds of St. Johnsbury and their children Carrie (& Shawn) Locklin of St. Johnsbury, Megan (& Jeremy) Goyet of So. Burlington, and Brynn (& Dave) Evans of Barnet and their families, and John S. Vojta of Wheelock; granddaughters Dawn Farrell and Susan Santoro and their families in Connecticut and Robin Waleski in California; numerous great-grandchildren; several great great-grandchildren; daughter in law, Darline Reynolds of Fairfield, CT. and nieces and nephews. In addition she is survived by a special foster daughter, Andrea Beaupre of Missouri and special friend Angie Creser of Bridgeport, CT.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son Gerald "Bud" Reynolds in 2013 and niece Geraldine "Geri" Smith.
There will be a Memorial service celebrating Marie's life at the St. Johnsbury House on Saturday, Sept. 12th at 2 PM with the Rev. Douglas S. Moore officiating, followed by a time of fellowship. All who wish to attend are welcome. The private committal will be at the convenience of the family. She will be buried next to her husband John at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the St. Johnsbury House Activity Fund (c/o Evangeline Guertin) and the St. Johnsbury Meal Site, both at 1207 Main Street.
|