Graveside services for Dorothy Metcalf
....show will be held on Friday, May 20, at 11 a.m., at the Coventry Village Cemetery.
Committal services for Rosamond Cote
....show will be held on Friday, May 20, at 2 p.m., at the Irasburg Cemetery.
Committal services for Lois Bennett
....show will be held on Friday, May 20, at 2 p.m., at Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport.
Committal services for Evelyn Valley
....show will be held on Friday, May 20, at 2 p.m., at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport.
Committal services for Theresa Taylor
....show will be held on Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m., at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.
Committal services for Roland Desrochers
....show will be held on Saturday, May 21, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport.
A graveside service for Florence “Flossie” Boucher
....show will be held on Friday, May 20, at 4 p.m., at the Derby Center Cemetery in Derby, with Ward Nolan officiating.
Vivianne “Breezy” Bresette Gannon
....show , 101, died on May 3, 2016, at Newport Health Care Center. She was born on March 6, 1915, in Montpelier. Later she worked as a nurse in River Vale, New Jersey, where she met Frank Gannon. They were married on December 20, 1947.
Later they retired to Flint Hill, Virginia, and Ms. Gannon was the president of the Rappahannock Garden Club. She enjoyed restoring antiques and cooking. She was a devoted wife, a loving aunt, a very special sister, and a fun-loving friend. Her kindness and laughter will be remembered by many. She is survived by, and will be missed by, her nephews: Michael Bresette, Ronald Bresette, and John Henry Williams; her niece Betsy Cisson; her great-niece Katie Cisson; and by her cousin Mary Prouty.
She was predeceased by her parents, Marjorie and Wilbert “Charlie” Bresette; her husband, Frank Gannon; her sister Olive “Shorty” Williams; her brother Elwin “Bunky” Bresette; and by her nephews: Elwin Joseph Bresette and Douglas Bresette.
A graveside service will be held at the Green Mount Cemetery in Montpelier on May 23, at 3 p.m.
Raymond Joseph “Ray” Geoffrey
....show , 70, of Newport Center died on May 5, 2016, at his home. He was born on February 18, 1946, in Barton, to George and Pauline (Sicard) Geoffrey.
On October 5, 1968, he married Shirlene Willey, who survives him. He attended Derby Academy. He was owner and operator of Ray’s Auto and Ray’s ATV.
He held membership with the ATV club, Border Ridge Runners, Ducks Unlimited, the Benevolent Order of the Elks, and Trout Unlimited. He enjoyed playing guitar with his brother Andre, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, going to his hunting camp with his buddies and family, playing cards, the company of his dogs during his lifetime, and most especially getting into mischief.
He is survived by his wife, Shirlene Geoffrey, of Newport Center; his children: Heath Mark Geoffrey and his companion, Stacey, of Derby Line, Heather Geoffrey and her companion, Wolf Luman, of Espanola, Minnesota, and Jarrod Geoffrey and his wife, Dawn-Rae, of Ashville, North Carolina; his grandchildren: Hanna Jacobs, Pride Geoffrey, Ronan and Grace Geoffrey; his siblings: Florence Coogan of Schenectady, New York, Jeannine Besaw and her husband, Gene, of Derby, Leo Geoffrey and his wife, Evelyn, of Derby, Claire Lavoie and her husband, George, of Newport, and Marcel Geoffrey and his wife, Darlene, of Newport; his sisters-in-law: Lucy Laframbroise of Derby Line, and Helen Willey of Fruita, Colorado; his brothers-in-law: Leo Willey and his wife, Rachel, of Newport, and Keith Willey and his wife, Melanie, of Newport Center; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Andre Geoffrey; and by his brothers-in-law: Jack Coogan and Neil Willey. Friends may call on Friday, May 13, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 37 Lake Road in Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on May 13, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Dennis Gonyaw
....show , 68, died on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, in Newport. He was born on November 23, 1947, in East Charleston, a son of Marvin and Donna Gonyaw, who predeceased him.
He married Veda Ellam on May 16, 1975, and she survives him. They resided in East Charleston for over 40 years. Mr. Gonyaw was a Vietnam veteran. He worked in construction his entire life, primarily as a heavy equipment operator for Gervais Construction and later Munson Construction. He enjoyed his work with his excavator, repairing snowmobiles, and tinkering in his garage.
He is survived by his daughter Jodi Gonyaw-Worth and her husband, Michael Worth, and their children Cara and Colby Worth; his brother Don Gonyaw and his wife, Joan; his sister Ann, who was a great caregiver to him, and her sons Sky and Luke and his wife, Jessica, and daughter Mabel; and by many other nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Gloria O’Keefe and her companion, Richard Berry. A private gathering will be held in his remembrance at a later date at their home in East Charleston.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be sent to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.
A tribute to Dennis Gonyaw by Sky Shover - If you were a boy growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, you were very likely to be in awe of what appeared to be real-life supermen: They were called Rocky, Rambo, or the Terminator himself, Arnold. But for me, at the top of that list was my Uncle Dennis.
He was big and strong and everyone knew it was unwise to tangle with Big D. A Vietnam veteran and construction worker, Dennis was known for being a hard worker and his no-nonsense approach to life. Spending any time with him meant a few things: you were likely to learn something new, you would probably hear some great story about his great adventures, and you would absolutely hear him laugh. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting and listening to him tell his stories — stories that only made him that much larger than life. 🙂
But as we all know, no one is indestructible and Superman does not exist. But in my world, my Uncle Dennis was as close as it gets.
Love you Uncle, see you soon — rest in peace.
Stanley Gray
....show died on Friday, April 29, 2016, at the age of 93. He lived at Sunrise Manor in Island Pond. He was born and raised in East Charleston, where he grew up on the family farm. He worked on the farm most of his life. He knew everyone in the area and had a remarkable memory. He loved to tell old stories about his family and friends.
He is survived by his nieces: Nancy Goulet, Carol Jackson, Elleanor Powers, Cynthia Morse, Brenda Allen, Linda Muldoon, and Virginia Robinson. He was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Vera Gray; his siblings: Neil Gray, Hervie Gray, George Gray, Hattie York, Christina Royce, and Rose Weymouth; and by his nephew Rodney Royce.
Graveside services were held on May 4, at the Alice Hunt Cemetery in Canaan.
Alexander R. Macie
....show , 82, of Hudson, New Hampshire, and Davenport, Florida, died on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, Florida, after a period of declining health.
A resident of Hudson for many years, Mr. Macie was born in Irasburg on August 21, 1933, a son of the late Victor and Florence (Gerow) Macie. Educated in Vermont schools, “Al” served as a corporal with the Army during the Korean War from July of 1953 to June of 1955.
On June 20, 1959, he married Judith Inez Rowe, the love of his life. They shared 48 wonderful years together, until her death on June 9, 2007. Mr. Macie was employed as a machinist with W.H. Bagshaw Company in Nashua for over 40 years.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed traveling to Florida for the past 15 winters. He loved the Citrus Ridge Community, and enjoyed participating in all of the activities. He was an avid sports fan of the New England teams, particularly the Patriots and Red Sox. Mr. Macie was a member of the Main Street United Methodist Church in Nashua.
Members of his family include two daughters and sons-in-law: Susan J. and Mark Chase, and Sandra L. and Glenn Trowbridge, all of Hudson; two grandchildren: Samantha Chase and Nicholas Trowbridge; a brother and sister-in-law, Maurice and Alice Macie, of Newport; and also many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by four sisters and two brothers. Funeral services were held in Nashua. He was interred in the mausoleum of Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashua.
Donations may be made in his memory to the National Kidney Foundation of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont, 814 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire 03101.
Solange M. Maclure
....show , 75, of Newport died peacefully on May 5, 2016, in Newport. She was born on August 5, 1940, in St. Hyanite, Quebec, to Anatole and Irene (Angers) Houle.
She was married on June 24, 1961, to Jean Pierre Maclure, who survives her. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family very much and all the time she spent with them.
During her lifetime, she was employed by Columbia Forest Products. Her hobbies included camping and crocheting. She is survived by her husband, Jean-Pierre Maclure, of Derby Line; her children: Roger Maclure, Andre Maclure, Marcel Maclure and his wife, Mary, Francine Maclure, and Sylvie Mathieu and her husband, Philip Sr.; her grandchildren: Brandon Maclure, Nicholas Maclure, Jonathan Maclure and his wife, Tia, Philip Mathieu Jr. and his wife, Brittany, Nathan Mathieu, and Kaylee Maclure; her great-grandchildren: Alexander Maclure, Evan Mathieu, and Levi Mathieu; her sisters: Sue Bridges and Pauline Cota and her husband, Gary; and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was predeceased by her son Raymond; her parents, Anatole and Irene Houle; her brother Paul Houle; and by her sister Denise Houle. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery on Coventry Street in Newport, with the Reverend Charles Davignon officiating.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Vermont, 300 Corner Stone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, Vermont 05495.
Dorothy Leona Metcalf
....show died on April 27, 2016, at the Derby Green Nursing Home in Derby. Dolly, as she was known by her friends and relatives, was born on July 9, 1914, in Canada, to Clarence and Edith Coapland. She moved to Vermont along with her parents and siblings at the age of six. She remained a Canadian citizen while living the rest of her life in the states, nearly all of that time as a resident of northern Vermont.
She married John Metcalf in 1939 in Irasburg. He died on April 3, 2004, in Visalia, California. They were dairy farmers for much of their marriage. She was employed by Ethan Allen Manufacturing in Orleans for about ten years. Her favorite job would always be driving a school bus for Coventry graded school children during the 1950s and 1960s.
She was a high energy person, always on the go. As a child, she was always on the go on a pair of snow skies that her father made for her. As an adult, she was always on the go in her car until she was well into her nineties. Relatives often complained that she was never at home. When it came time for her to move into a nursing home due to declining health issues, she simply traded in her car for a walker. Nursing home attendants will attest to the fact that she remained actively on the go with her walker.
She had a natural affinity for music and dancing. She played the piano without ever having had a lesson but dancing was her favorite activity. Any kind of dancing would do but square dancing was her first choice, probably because her gregarious nature was well suited for that style of dancing. Another favorite activity was attending yard sales. Basically, she liked anything that involved being around people and when she could no longer dance due to bad knees, meals at the senior center satisfied many of her social needs. Somewhere in that progression, she became an avid fan of word searches and it occupied much of her time in the nursing home.
She is survived by her two sons: Laurence Metcalf of Hallsville, Missouri, and Donald Metcalf of Roanoke, Virginia; her granddaughter Amber Howard of Roanoke; her grandson Troy Metcalf of Roanoke; her great-grandchildren: Keon and Kendal Howard and Brady Metcalf, all of Roanoke; and by her niece Linda Herman of Newport.
The youngest of four children, she was predeceased by her older brothers: Howard and Clifford Coapland, and her older sister, Lillian Macie. A graveside service will be held on May 20, at 11 a.m. at the Coventry cemetery located near the town of Coventry, the same cemetery where her parents are buried.
Don E. Willis
....show , 74, of Newport Center died on May 7, 2016, in Newport. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Committal services for Henry Thomas Sr.
....show will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 13, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cemetery in Orleans, with full military honors.
Committal services for Ruth Perron
....show will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 13, at Westlook Cemetery in Glover.
Funeral services for Mary-Ann Shamlian
....show will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 13, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Derby Line, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill in Newport, on Friday, May 13, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Edward’s Cemetery in Derby Line.
Committal services for Marie Basil
....show will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Island Pond.
Committal services for Yves Brasseur
....show will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport.
A graveside service for Joyce Wilson
....show will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, at the Derby Line Cemetery, with the Reverend Fred Barker officiating.
Funeral services for Mary Ann Moore
....show will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Derby Line, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Reverend Scott Gratton. Friends may call from 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, at the church. Interment will follow in St. Edward’s Cemetery.
A graveside service for Robert Carter
....show will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 16, at Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport, with full military honors, with U.S. Army Chaplain Captain Eric Stuepfert officiating.
Funeral services for Roger Norbert Beauregard
....show will be held at 10 a.m. in Saturday, May 21, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 20, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport. His burial will follow at St. Edward’s Cemetery in Derby Line, where both his parents and his wife’s parents rest.
Marie M. Basil
....show , 91, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, beloved wife of Joe Basil, died on March 26, 2016, in Rockville, Maryland. She was born on January 30, 1925, in Island Pond, to Leo and Marie (Turgeon) Steady. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Island Pond in 1943 and later attended Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine, where she received her RN degree. She nursed in Maine, Vermont, California, and Illinois. She served in World War II in the Army Nurses Corps.
On July 21, 1951, she married Joe Basil, who survives her. She loved spending time with her husband, Joe, and her daughters Glorie Ann and Mary Jo, and she also enjoyed playing cards, arts and crafts, and embroidery. She is also survived by her brother John Steady of Glens Falls, New York.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 14 at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Island Pond, with the Reverend Leopold Bilodeau officiating. A reception will follow the service at the Sunrise Manor in Island Pond.
Evelyn “Irene” Clapp
....show , 91, of Barton, died, comfortably at her home, in Barton on Friday, April 22, 2016. She was born on October 24, 1924, in Woburn, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late John and Floretta (Devine) Hamilton. She married Donald Q. Clapp Sr., who predeceased her.
She was employed at Hamilton Standard in Connecticut, where they made propellers for military planes during World War II. She was a member of Tuan-Ti Christmas Club, the Barton Auxiliary of the American Legion, and a member of the choir for the Barton United Church. She was also a volunteer secretary for the Barton library. She belonged to the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) and had worked at the Barton meal site. She was also a master of crochet through the University of Vermont Extension service and taught people the art of crochet.
She enjoyed her cat Missy, plants and gardening, knitting, crocheting, playing the piano, doing oil paintings, and solving puzzles, especially cryptograms, reading, playing Scrabble, watching a good mystery on television, and collecting cookbooks.
She is survived by her children: Donna Irene Peyton and her husband, Vincent, of Shawnee, Kansas, Donald Q. Clapp Jr. and his wife, Sharon “Sandy” of Frenchville, Maine, Stephen H. Clapp and his wife, Gina, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Susan M. Clapp of Barton; six grandchildren; numerous great- and great-great grandchildren; and by two brothers: William Hamilton of Wilmington, Massachusetts, and Frederick Hamilton of Burlington, Massachusetts.
She was predeceased by one grandchild. Funeral services were held on May 2 in Barton. Interment will be at a later date at the Welcome O. Brown Cemetery in Barton.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, Inc., 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.
Cecile V. Cyr
....show , 93, of Derby, formerly of Hamlin, Maine, died peacefully on April 24, 2016, in Newport. She was born on June 4, 1922, in Caswell, Maine, to James and Rose (Fisher) Curless. In 1942, she married Guy G. Cyr, who predeceased her.
Mrs. Cyr loved caring for her home, tending to the flower gardens, and reading. She stayed very active. She is survived by her children: Janice Steele of Crescent City, California, Tom Cyr and his wife, Ginette Provost, of Derby, and Joyce Cunningham and her husband, Kris, of Wilton, Maine; her grandchildren: Debbie, Donna, Sean, Suzanne, Kate, Benjamin, and Rose Anna; her great-grandchildren: Brady, Luke, Madison, Noah, Connor, and Jack Byron; her son-in-law Roy Grove; and by her sister Alice St. Pierre of Pensacola, Florida.
She was predeceased by two children: George Cyr and Jeannette Grove; her son-in-law Kenneth Steele; her brothers: Leonard, Ben, and Noah Curless; and by her sisters: Virginia Bernier and Marie Sirois.
Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m. in Hamlin on Friday, June 3, where a Mass will be celebrated. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Hamlin.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Dailey Memorial Library, 101 Junior High Drive, Derby, Vermont 05829.
Gervise Deschesneau
....show , 90, died on Saturday, April 30, 2016, in Somers, Connecticut. She was born on January 30, 1926, in Brownington, a daughter of Elianna Dube and Louis Amyot.
She was the beloved wife of Fernand Deschesneau, who predeceased her. She is survived by her children: Gloria Dauphinais and her friend, Kenneth, and daughter Amanda; Raymond Deschesneau and his friend, Gina, and daughter Hope Ann, and family; Leonard Descheneau and his wife, Cindy, and their children: Lenny and his family, Thomas, and Amanda and her family; and Fernand Jr. and his daughters: Stacey and her daughter, and Nicole and her family. She is also survived by her sisters: Madeleine Deschesneau and Judith Morse.
She was predeceased by her husband, Fernand; a daughter, Franoise; and by her brothers: Andre and his wife, Jean Amyot, and Roland and his wife, Shirley Amyot.
The funeral will be in Somers, on Friday, May 6 at 9 a.m. Interment will follow in Somers.
Roscoe “Ross” Holmes
....show , 66, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, died peacefully at his daughter’s home on April 27, 2016 after succumbing to a fight with cancer.
He was born in Barton on February 26, 1950. He grew up on a farm in West Charleston, and attended schools in West and East Charleston, the latter a one-room schoolhouse where his mother was the teacher. He attended the Derby Line high school before graduating from Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center. After a brief stint at Vermont Technical College, he left school to join the Army and he served two tours of duty as an M.P. (military police) in Vietnam.
Back in the U.S., he worked for a decade or more as an electrical linesman throughout New England. During this period, he married and was blessed with a daughter, Heidi. Subsequently the family moved to Florida, where he was destined to live for most of his life, although periodically he would slide back north to his beloved Vermont.
He loved the great outdoors and had little use for the cramped indoors. He tried a desk job or two but couldn’t bear the feeling of being enclosed by walls all day. Later in his life he found the job that fit him to a T: working with a moving company that sent huge trucks all over the country, dropping a family’s worldly possessions at a home in New Orleans and reloading for a drop in Reno, and on and on. In addition to satisfying his wanderlust, the work offered warm camaraderie among the crew, both with the daytime labors and the evening revelries.
He was a warm and gentle soul who loved music, vintage car meets, and a cold, frothy beer. He also kept close communication with family members and visited them throughout the country, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his daughter Heidi Holmes and her fiancé, Dean Mallen, along with his only grandson, Ezekiel Holmes Mallen; his siblings: Joyce Holmes, Amaryllis Sheltra, Reginald Holmes and his wife, Laurel Holmes, Dean Holmes and his wife, Lisa Irwin, and Bernard Holmes; his great-aunt Pauline Darby; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
The Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, will have calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. A graveside ceremony will take place on Friday, May 6, at West Village Cemetery in West Charleston at 11 a.m., with full military honors.
Richard K. Martin
....show , 86, of Jay, beloved husband of Beverly Beaudreau, died at his home on April 27, 2016. He was born in St. Albans on July 22, 1929, to Frederick and Marion (King) Martin.
He was a member of the Jay Post #28 American Legion, and was a life member of the Alfred Pepin Post #798, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Newport. He was a ham radio operator. He enjoyed the company of his cats, especially Rusty. He also enjoyed talking with his friends at the Legion and he enjoyed getting together with his family.
In his younger years, he was an instructor of martial arts. He served in the Air Force and Navy for a combined service time of 22 years. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Beaudreau, of Jay; his children: Tina Gardina and her husband, Jerome, Cindy Martin and her companion, Todd, Fred Martin and his wife, Lynn, Darlene Love and her husband, Wade, Denise Gardner, and Lori Ann Sullivan and her husband, Thomas; his stepchildren: Jayne Loud and her husband, Jeffrey, and Nancy Montgomery; 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; his sister Elizabeth Montague; and by his brother-in-law Charles Scammell and his wife, Susan.
A military service will be held at 2 p.m. on May 5, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport. Friends may call at the funeral home on May 5, from 1 p.m. until the hour of the funeral.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, Inc., 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.
Committal services for Harvey Dunn
....show will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, at Notre Dame Cemetery in North Troy.
Committal services for Edward Parenteau Sr.
....show will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, at Derby Line Cemetery, with full military honors.
Committal services for Paul Monfette
....show will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport, with full military honors.
Donald J. Bradley
....show , 63, of Barton died peacefully at home on Monday, April 18, 2016. He was predeceased by his identical twin, Ronald, in April of 1991. Besides his twin, he had eight more siblings.
He was a machinist for many years. He also served in the Marine Corps. He loved to go to the casino and he loved to watch football. He enjoyed being with his dog Lucky.
He also leaves many nieces and nephews. He was a beloved uncle, brother, and friend. He will be missed by many and admired for his bravery by all. He always spoke highly of his many caretakers, whom he really appreciated. The burial is private.
Robert E. Brosseau Sr.
....show , 77, of Derby, died in Barton on April 21, 2016. He was born on July 27, 1938, in Johnson, a son of Leo and Albertine (Cote) Brosseau.
He was loved and respected by all of his family and anyone he met. During the last of his working years, he worked for Paul Patenaude Construction as a skilled finish carpenter. He found great enjoyment in producing beautiful furniture pieces and wondrous toys in his woodworking shop.
He loved fishing as well as golf, and visiting dairy farms. He was considered an expert horseshoe player. His carpentry skills were used many times in assisting family with their building projects.
He married his wife Myrna Basford in 1960 and she predeceased him in April of 2010.
He is survived by his children: Robert Jr., Theresa Quinlan and her husband, Daniel, Deborah Messier and her husband, Shawn, Joseph Brosseau, and Andre Brosseau and his companion, Tammy Huntington, as well as step-children Candace Patenaude and her husband, Paul, Wendy Hamelin and her husband, John, Scott Gray, and Angie Gray who is wife of Ellis Gray; 25 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brothers: Guy and his wife, Mona, Paul and his wife, Nicole, and Norman and his wife, Aline; his sisters: Georgette Greaves, Lucille Royer and her husband, Raymond, Denise Dewing, and Susan Aste and her husband, Forrest; his brother-in-law John Greaves; and by his sister-in-law Claire Brosseau.
He was predeceased by his brothers: John and Lawrence; and by his sisters: Mary Strong and Claire Greaves.
Funeral services will be held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Orleans, on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Leo Bilodeau officiating a Mass of Christian burial.
Should family or friends desire to make contributions in his memory, they may do so to Special Olympics of Vermont, 16 Gregory Drive, #2, South Burlington, Vermont 05403; or to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, second floor, Bethesda, Maryland 20814; or to the Area Agency on Aging, 59 Waterfront Plaza #14, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Roland “Rolie” Choquette
....show , formerly of Jay, died on March 25, 2016, in Lakeland, Florida. He was 73 years old. He was born on February 8, 1943, in Jay. He was the son of Donat and Laurette (Roy) Choquette.
He attended school in Jay, and graduated from the North Troy High School in 1960. He then went on to attend the University of Vermont, Hillsborough College in Tampa, Florida, and then the Burt Rogers School of Real Estate in Orlando, Florida.
He was a realtor in Lakeland for many years, the Orleans County Democratic chairman for several years, a member of the Florida Democratic party, and he strongly supported the national party as well.
He was a parishioner of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Lakeland, and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in North Troy during the summer months.
In 1994, he established Roland’s Fine Coins in Zephyrhills, Florida. It was a longtime dream of his. He enjoyed his business very much up until recent years.
He enjoyed skiing at Jay Peak for many years after his parents built the first ski lodge at Jay Peak in November of 1957. He enjoyed going to NFL games, NHL games in Tampa, Florida, golfing, and boating.
He leaves behind a special cousin, Diane Geoffery, and family, of Irasburg; several other cousins from Vermont; and many friends in Vermont, Lakeland, and Mansonville, Quebec.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place on May 2, at 11 a.m., at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in North Troy, with the Reverend Ladislaus Mwelinde officiating. Interment will follow in the Notre Dame Cemetery in North Troy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Jay Area Food Shelf, Jay Town Hall, 1036 Route 242, Jay, Vermont 05859.
William B. DeLaney
....show , 79, of West Caldwell, New Jersey, and Craftsbury Common, died quietly in New Jersey on April 18, 2016, after a long illness. He was born on October 13, 1936, in Wilmington, Delaware, the eldest son of Florence (Davis) and William W. DeLaney. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1958 with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps at the Fort Monmouth Research and Development Laboratory from 1959 to 1961, where he helped design and build our country’s first satellite tracking system.
He married Janice Clawson in 1960 and had three children: David, Bruce, and Erin, after they moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to take his dream job at General Electric Lighting Division at NELA Park. He worked in the marketing department and at the world famous Lighting Institute, from where he retired in 2000. Projects included developing computer programs, lighting at the 1964-1965 World’s Fair, the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., and the Statue of Liberty’s Centennial Rededication in 1986.
While in Cleveland, his lifelong love of the theater developed into an avocation, which lasted 50 years. He specialized in stage lighting at dozens of schools and community theaters. He served on the board of directors and was technical director and lighting director at East Cleveland Theater for over 40 years.
A talented handyman who could fix almost anything using parts and pieces from his workshop, he volunteered on many repair jobs at his church. He served as Cubmaster of Pack #63 and Scoutmaster of troop #63 in East Cleveland. He met Beverly Daigle through Boy Scouts, and they later married in 1984.
After retirement, they enjoyed ocean and domestic river cruises, toured Hawaii, Alaska, and many national parks. They spent summers at a family farm in Craftsbury Common, where he was often out on his tractor before he was unpacked. He enjoyed swimming and boating on Great Hosmer Pond. They moved to West Caldwell in 2011, to live closer to their East Coast families.
He was a quiet man of few words but one of many accomplishments. He lived life on his own terms. He hoped to be remembered as someone who made a difference in the lives of people he touched. He will be sadly and greatly missed.
His survivors include his wife, Beverly, of West Caldwell; his sons: David of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Bruce and his wife, Laura, of Boise, Idaho; his daughter Erin of Jersey City, New Jersey; his stepsons: James Daigle and his wife, Zanda Lynn, of New York, New York, and David Daigle and his wife, Jill Howard, of Summit, New Jersey; his grandchildren: Gwendolyn and Dennis DeLaney of Idaho; his step-grandchildren: Catherine Daigle of New York, Stephen Daigle, Andrew Daigle, and Charles Daigle of New Jersey; and by his sibling: James DeLaney of Delaware, Edgar DeLaney and his wife, Helen, of Colorado, and Peggy Mallette and her husband, Rowan Conrad, of Montana.
He was predeceased by his parents. Memorial services will be held in West Caldwell at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Gail L. Kilmartin
....show died on April 12, 2016, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, from complications due to ovarian cancer. Born on October 6, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, to Robert W. Newfang and “Sunny” Gillett Johnson, she grew up in Mamaroneck, New York, and spent the summers at Lake Seymour, where her parents owned Fourway Lodge for over 30 years. She attended the Rye Neck schools and graduated from Wheaton Academy in Illinois, then from Wheaton College with a degree in literature and speech communication.
While attending Wheaton College, she met Duncan F. Kilmartin. A long distance courtship ensued as he attended Colgate University in New York, and they were married on June 20, 1964, in White Plains, New York, on what was historically the hottest day of the year. While Mr. Kilmartin attended The University of Chicago Law School, she began her teaching career in Hazel Crest, Illinois. Upon Mr. Kilmartin’s graduation, they moved to Brattleboro, where she taught English at Bellows Falls High School, and he clerked for the Honorable Ernest Gibson Jr., chief federal district judge for Vermont. While in Brattleboro, she joined “The Little Theater” and played Cory Bratter in Barefoot in the Park. From there, they settled in Newport, as Mr. Kilmartin began practicing law with Paul Rexford, and together they were building their family.
Ms. Kilmartin’s deepest desire was to be a support and help to her family, whom she loved deeply, and to be an active contributor in the community of Newport, where she spent most of her adult life. She succeeded on both of these fronts. She anchored the home front for her two daughters, while her husband worked as a lawyer in the community and as a state representative in Vermont.
She possessed an authentic kindness, compassion, and commitment to others, as well as great creativity, resourcefulness, and style, which were her trademark. She brought each of these gifts to every endeavor, whether it was for her family, her friends, or her community.
Her many involvements included: deaconess of the Derby Community Church (formerly the United Church of Derby) for over 40 years; Sunday School superintendent and choir director; secretary of the Newport Women’s Club; member of the hospital auxiliary; volunteer for Girl Scouts; executive committee member of The After Five Club for over 20 years; trustee of United Christian Academy for over ten years; and as a junior high language arts teacher for over 24 years. She was appointed by Governor Jim Douglas to be a member of the Vermont State Hearing Panels for Professional Public Educators from 2007 to 2012.
Throughout her life, Ms. Kilmartin walked with her heavenly father and shared her faith in Jesus to her children and to many of those she served in the community. She cultivated precious and long-standing relationships — just as she consistently reached out to form new ones. During her illness, these friendships, old and new, were a source of encouragement and strength for her, and the family would like to express their deepest appreciation for those dear friends who rallied around her and her family during this difficult time.
Over the last five years, Ms. Kilmartin and her husband have also greatly enjoyed their Florida home and deeply appreciated a new world of special friends and wonderful experiences. Of particular enjoyment for her were the times beautifully spent with her daughters, sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.
She was the beloved wife of Duncan Kilmartin for nearly 52 years. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Courtney Gillett Kilmartin and her husband, Tom Williams, and Sara Tyler and her husband, Ben Wyllie; her grandchildren: Cullen Duncan, Mora Gillett, and Kelsey Sara Wyllie; her sister and brother-in-law Marcia Gillett and Dr. Glenn Koponen; and by her nephews: Michael Kari and Brian Robert Koponen.
Calling hours will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 10, at the Derby Community Church in Derby. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 11, at 1 p.m., at the Derby Community Church. Interment will be at the Gillett family plot in Woodlawn Cemetery in New York City in June.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Center, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, Massachusetts 02284-9168; or to United Christian Academy, 65 School Street, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Derby Community Church, P.O. Box 294 Derby, Vermont 05829.
Roger R. Pion Sr.
....show , 80, of Morgan died peacefully on April 18, 2016, in Colchester. He was born on April 12, 1936, in Westfield, to Ovila and Olivina (Meunier) Pion. On October 15, 1955, he married Annette Fontaine, who survives him.
He was a postal contractor for the United States Postal Service. He was a lifetime member of Newport Elks Lodge #2155. He enjoyed going hunting, sugaring, horses, tractor pulls, working in the woods, reading, spending winters in Florida with his wife, and going on cruises.
He is survived by his wife, Annette Pion, of Morgan; his children: Lucy Neel of Holland, Claire Paradis and her husband, Laurent Jr., of Lennoxville, Quebec, Michael Pion and his wife, Dolores, of Barton, Carolyn Riley and her husband, James, of Colchester, Roger Pion Jr., and his wife, Donna, of Barton, and Sally Carruthers and her husband, David, of Ogden, Quebec; his grandchildren: Jessica Harris, Patrick Cannon, Chantal Paradis, Danielle Paradis, Pascale Paradis, Nathan Pion, Natalie Pion, Taylor Riley, Connor Riley, Mitchel Pion, and Derrick Carruthers; six great-grandchildren; his sisters-in-law: Shirley Pion of Newport Center, Gilberte Pion of Lowell, and Huguette Pion of Lowell; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by the following siblings: Rene, Raymond, Anselme, Roland, and Raoul Pion, Jeannette Benoit, Marie Bourdeau, and Solange McAllister.
Funeral services were held on April 22, in Derby Line. Interment followed in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Paul’s School, 54 Eastern Avenue, Barton, Vermont 05822; or to the Visiting Nurses Association, Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties, 1110 Prim Road, #1, Colchester, Vermont 05446.
Theresa Diette Taylor
....show of West Glover will be interred at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell on Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m., with Father Timothy Naples officiating.
Barbara M. Cleveland
....show , 80, of Orleans died peacefully on April 16, 2016, in Newport with her loving family by her side. She was born on August 28, 1935, in St. Johnsbury to Arthur and Alice (Smith) Wells.
She worked at Sanel Auto Parts delivering auto parts to area garages for many years until health issues forced her to retire at the young age of 75. She leaves behind two sons: Richard Cleveland and his wife, Joanne of Orleans, Mark Cleveland and his wife, Jody, of Barton, and her daughter Gail Judd and her husband, Winston, of Holland, along with five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Her hobbies included bowling, playing cards, doing puzzles, and going out to eat with family and friends. The former Candlepin restaurant was her favorite. She loved her family and their gatherings at the holidays.
She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Alice Wells. Per her request there will be no calling hours or funeral. Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Neil L. Goodwin Jr.
....show , 80, of St. Johnsbury, died peacefully on April 14, 2016, in St. Johnsbury surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 13, 1936, in Hardwick, a son of Neil Goodwin Sr. and Elma Marckres.
On October 4, 1953, he married Vernice Larabee, who predeceased him. Mr. Goodwin was employed by the French and Bean Company of St. Johnsbury and later as a truck driver for the state of Vermont Highway Department.
He was a former member and 50-year member of the Meridian Sun Lodge F&AM #20 in Craftsbury. His hobbies included maple sugaring, camping, and collecting toy trucks and tractors.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah, of Danville; by his children: Kathleen Sjolander and her husband, Charlie, of St. Johnsbury, Koleen Jones and her husband, Howard, of Waterford, Dennis Goodwin and his wife, Laura, of Waterford, Jeff Goodwin and his wife, Donna, of St. Johnsbury, and Randy Goodwin; by nine grandchildren: Karen, Karl, Christy, Gregory, Mary Jane, Steven, Casey, Nancy, Nathan, Brian, Aaron, and Logan; by 13 great-grandchildren; by his sister Leah Slicer of St. Johnsbury; and by several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved pug Sadie.
Private graveside services will be held at the Craftsbury Village Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Johnsbury Fire Department for the Santa Fund, in care of the Passumpsic Savings Bank, P.O. Box 38, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819.
Stuart Wayne Hale Sr.
....show of Albany died on April 9, 2016, at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington at the age of 68. He was born in East Fairfield on July 17, 1947. He was the son of Burton and Caroline (Lawyer) Hale.
Mr. Hale served in the U.S. Army as a part of the 173rd and 82nd Airborne (two tours of front line duty in Vietnam) and later worked in Germany as a cryptanalyst for the National Security Agency (NSA).
He married the love of his life, his soulmate, Ruth Soule Hale in 1968. He loved traveling with his wife, especially going for long rides on back roads.
He enjoyed participating in the tractor pulls at the local fairs, especially if he beat his friends! He enjoyed his coffee club in Craftsbury and spending time with his grandchildren was the highlight of his day. He loved to play tricks on them and try out his new jokes, especially on April Fool’s Day. He had an incredible sense of humor and he was always laughing, telling and playing jokes. He loved to spend his days tinkering and fixing things. He was always busy, and was never happy to just sit. He was also a fan of reading, especially poetry. He also was a poet himself.
His laugh will be missed so much. Mr. Hale is survived by his four children: Stuart Hale and his wife, Cathleen, Adam Hale and his girlfriend, Susan, Carol Hale Rowell and her husband, Tim, and Jason Hale and his girlfriend, Sonya; by seven grandchildren: Gratia and Alora Rowell, Ramie and Courtney Hale, JJ and Zachary Hale, and Shania Hayes; also by his siblings: his sister Barbara Riley and her husband, Horace, his brother Richard and his wife, Georgette, his sister Carolyn Clark and her husband, Bob, his brother Marvin and his wife, Sandy, his brother Mark and his girlfriend, Carrie, his sister-in-law Terry Hale, and his brother-in-law David Ovitt.
He was predeceased by his sister Brenda Wright, his sister Cora Ovitt, and his brother Burton A. Hale. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Hale, in May 2014.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, April 16, at the Albany Methodist Church in Albany. The Reverend Nathan Strong officiated. Mr. Hale was also presented with full military honors by the Vermont Army National Guard.
Justyn Ollie Dwinell (Jollie) Parker
....show , 86, of Johnson died peacefully in the comfort of her home on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. She was born September 26, 1929, in Woodsville, New Hampshire, the daughter of the late Harold and Ruth (Bond) Dwinell. She graduated from Montpelier High School in the class of 1947 and continued her education at Johnson State College.
On August 14, 1948, she married Everett Edwin Parker in Montpelier. Together they made their home and raised their five children in Johnson. Mrs. Parker worked for the Chatfield Nursing Home in Johnson. From 1968 through 1972 she was medical records librarian at Copley Hospital. Until she retired in the late 1970s, she was secretary to Dr. Donald Barber, Dr. Coddaire, Dr. Gary Waring and Dr. Southall.
She was a member of the United Church of Johnson and a 35-year choir director of that church. She was a member and 30-year chair of the Johnson Women’s Society and spent 14 years facilitating parent support groups for ANAD (the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders). She enjoyed music.
Survivors include her five children: Wendy P. Williams of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Cyrus Parker and his wife, Jane, of Montpelier, Harold (Hal) Parker and his husband, Joe of Glover, Perry Parker and his wife, Diane, of Tunbridge, and Hollie Winzenread and her husband, Rusty, of San Jose, California; five grandchildren: Megan (Williams) Ice, Austin, Evan and Emily Parker, and Christian Bond Winzenread; two great-granddaughters: Corrine Arden Ice and Lillian James Ice; a niece, Deborah Crossman; two nephews, Chandler Parker and his wife, Madonna, and Eric Parker, and their families.
She was predeceased by her husband, Everett Parker, on July 8, 2007; and by a sister, Marcia Dwinell. Graveside services will be held in the Lamoille View Cemetery in Johnson at the convenience of her family with a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to: ANAD (Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders), P.O. Box 7, Highland Park, Illinois 60035; The United Church of Johnson, P.O. Box 606, Johnson, Vermont 05656 or to a charity of one’s choice.
Ivah Lillian Chaput
....show , 86, of Newport died peacefully on April 4, 2016, in Newport. She was born on September 14, 1929, in West Burke to Elmo and Florence (Bentley) Legacy. On June 7, 1947, she married Felix Chaput, who predeceased her on November 7, 2007.
Mrs. Chaput owned and operated a farm in Troy with her late husband, Felix, from 1946 until 1972. At that time she operated the Poole Nursing Home in Barton until she retired in 1984.
Her hobbies included sewing, working in her flower garden, reading, and putting puzzles together. She is survived by her children: Lillian Vezina and her husband, Charlie, of Irasburg, Laura Brown and her husband, Leslie, of Troy, Felix Chaput Jr. and his wife, Madeline, of Derby Line, Frank Chaput and his wife, Sheila, of North Troy, Francis Chaput and his wife, Debra, of North Troy, Lorreta Lieblein and her husband, Peter, of Newport, Marie Ingalls and her husband, Mark, of Irasburg, and Jacqueline Eldred and her husband, Michael, of Coventry; by 44 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and by her stepbrother Irving Morton of Temple Hills, Maryland.
She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Linda; by her brother Walter Legacy; her stepmother Olive Legacy; and by three grandsons: Leslie J. Brown Jr., Shawn F. Chaput, and Tyler Sanville, who was an infant.
Funeral services were held on April 9, in Newport. Spring interment will be in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.
Christopher K. Lynch
....show , 45, of Newport died suddenly on April 6, 2016, at his home in Newport. He was born on May 6, 1970, in Newport to Jim and Gail Lynch. He was a brother of Katy and Stephen Lynch, and grandson of the late Lawrence and Margaret Dugan of New Hartford, New York, and the late Dr. James A. and Gertrude Lynch of New York, New York. He was also half-brother to Claudia Lynch and uncle to her son Nick Farfan of New York City. His family also included Nieves Madrid and Mia Bauman, partners of Katy and Stephen Lynch.
His childhood years were spent in North Troy. He had countless adventures with his wonderful friends from the Troy and Westfield area who remained close to his heart throughout his life.
He graduated from North Country Union High School in 1988 and received his bachelor of science from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1992. He spent three years in California before settling in the East Village of New York City, where he lived for many years. He worked in movie distribution for Dreamworks SKG and also pursued his passion for music production.
He married Christina Gerber in 2003 and they welcomed a daughter, Frankie Lynch, later that year. Mr. Lynch was happiest being with his “Little Bean.”
A reception for family and friends was held on April 9 at the Derby Line Village Inn. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 4473 Barton Orleans Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.
Paul William Monfette
....show died on April 2, 2016. He was born on May 10, 1922, in Newport to Carl and Winefred “Sabourin” Monfette. The family moved to Morgan after the flood of 1927 flooded them out of their home on the Glen Road in Newport. They settled on a 130-acre farm in Morgan, where they farmed and logged the land. Between the loss of his mother when he was a youngster, and the struggles of surviving the Great Depression, Mr. Monfette did not have an easy childhood. However, he made the best of life. The struggles instilled within him a strong work ethic. He was a kind, practical man, but one who also understood the importance of helping others in need.
After graduating the eighth grade from the Whitehill School in Morgan, his father moved the family to Hill Street in Newport, a street where Mr. Monfette spent most of the rest of his life. It was there he met Dot when she was about 13 or 14 and he was about 18.
“Oh God, I thought he was the best looking thing,” she said. “He was the best looking man I’d ever seen, but I wasn’t the only one that noticed that. Every other girl on the street was after him. All the girls liked him.”
The couple married on August 9, 1942, at the Baptist Church on East Main Street in Newport. Mr. Monfette was 19 and his new wife was 15. About a decade later they renewed their vows at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Newport. Their marriage survived the odds, including a two-year separation when Mr. Monfette was drafted into the Army to fight in World War II.
He was assigned to the 36th Texas Army National Guard Infantry Division, eventually becoming a squad leader in Fox Company. On February 3, 1945, he suffered life-threatening wounds on the battle in France. Following a lengthy stay in a makeshift hospital in Marseilles, France, while still recovering from his wounds, he helped run a war front prisoner-of-war camp. He was later assigned to a special detail of American soldiers whose mission was to assist the newly liberated prisoners — many of them Jews and other people the Nazi regime considered undesirables — from a concentration camp called Dachau. He spent about three months at Dachau, including accompanying the military police into nearby Munich, Germany, to interrogate what the locals knew about this devilish camp.
In talking about his time at the camp, he was once quoted as saying: “I have seen things no man should have to see.” When he returned home to his teenage bride in 1946, he still suffered from the wounds of war — physical wounds and mental wounds. His wife nursed him back to health with love and understanding. From witnessing the horrors of war, Mr. Monfette became a man of peace who hated war.
In war, he was a demolitions expert, blowing up bridges and buildings, but when he returned home, he used those same skills on the Canadian Pacific Railroad. One of his first tasks was to blow out the ledges along the tracks as part of the transition from the smoke-belching steam-powered locomotives to the wider, quieter diesel-powered ones. His physical wounds of war, including metal shrapnel throughout his body, forced him to retire from the railroad in 1982. He was one of the last surviving old-time railroad men.
Although a very private man, especially when it came to his war years, in recent years he and his wife shared their story of love and war, and surviving 70-plus years of marriage. This was a five-part series written by Scott Wheeler in Vermont’s Northland Journal.
He was a real homebody. His favorite places in the world were the home he built in Newport and the camp in Sheffield. He took pride in his wife’s gorgeous flower gardens and would often sit on the deck or watch her through the living room window.
He loved to have his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren come to the house to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or for no special reason. He took great pleasure and pride in making the little ones giggle and smile as he would tap his feet, clap his hands, and play peek-a-boo. He loved them all so deeply.
Our Dad was a generous man. He always made sure that his family had food, clothing, a roof over their heads, and fuel to stay warm. It was a family joke that Dad would always make sure we ate and had socks on our feet to stay warm.
During his early years, he loved to play cribbage and poker with his brothers and sisters in Morgan. Later, when he no longer could play, he began to buy lottery tickets. He loved to sit in his recliner and scratch those tickets, hoping for a winner! Amazingly, he often would win enough to buy a couple more and still have a few dollars in his pocket.
Hunting at the camp in Sheffield with his sons-in-law and nephews was something he looked forward to doing each season. He enjoyed being with the guys as he would rattle off one joke after another.
Another passion he had was to watch his family play sports. Whether it was watching his girls play field hockey, or his grandchildren play baseball, he was in the stands cheering them on. He was a loyal follower of his son-in-law Mo’s baseball team, the Rangers. He never missed a home game!
He loved animals, but especially dogs. The family had many dogs through the years. When he no longer had a dog of his own, he was thrilled to have grand-dogs. Oh, how he loved to feed biscuits to Ruger.
“Just one more,” he would say, but keep feeding him. He was very patriotic and today we honor his memory and service to his family and country. We salute you, Dad!
Rest in peace, until we meet again…. He is survived by his loving wife, Dot; his daughters: Shelia and her husband, Al, Paulette and her husband, Alvin, Sue and her husband, Mo, Jackie, and Tammi; his grandchildren: Larry Maxwell, Jennifer Simard, Joe Simard, Jeff Markum, Barry Shelton, Sarah Soskin, Emily Soskin, and Jonah Monfette; and by 14 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his father, Carl, and mother, Winefred “Sabourin” Monfette; his 11 siblings: Levi, Blanche, Cecelia, Pat, Joe, Albert, Alfred, Pete, Alice, Willis, and Flora; his special granddaughter, Jackie Simard; and by his sons-in-law: Lawrence Maxwell and Daryl Markum.
Funeral services were held on April 8, in Newport. Spring interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery on May 10, at 1 p.m., with full military honors.
Donations in his memory may be made to Blue Star Mothers of Vermont, in care of Benita Stephens, P.O. Box 195, Bakersfield, Vermont 05441; or to the Military Order of the Purple Heart at purpleheart.org.
Marya Anne (Curran) Wing
....show , 74, of Island Pond died suddenly on April 4, 2016. She was born on September 19, 1941, in Boston, Massachusetts. She was the
daughter of Michael Curran and Elizabeth (Fenlan) Curran. She spent the first 20 years of her life in Medford, Massachusetts. Upon her graduation from St. Joseph’s Catholic School, she attended Boston College.
In 1961, while working as a nurse at a summer camp on Job’s Pond in Newark, she met Robert Wing. They married shortly afterwards and embarked on a military career that saw assignments in Germany, Virginia, Colorado, and Maryland. After retirement, they and their family moved back to Vermont, where Mrs. Wing enjoyed a career as a social worker and as head of the Brighton Emergency Rescue Squad.
She was a private, complex, and loving person, who adored her children and raised them to be self sufficient and resourceful — and they adored her in return. She drew on a deep reservoir of strength to pull herself up during hard times, and she left this world as she lived her life — on her own terms, and in the deep embrace of her faith and her family.
She prayed daily for the health and well-being of her family. Today they pray for her, and invite all who knew her to take a moment and do the same.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Guy Wing, and her children: Jessica Puckett, Lisa Bean, Jenny Wing, and Robert Wing Jr. She was the proud grandmother of Jarren and Josh Puckett, Katherine and Grace Ayers, and Zachery and Althea Tapley. She also delighted in her greatgrandchildren: Emily Demers, Oliver Puckett, and Vivian Lacy. She was mother-in-law to John Puckett, David Bean, and Tyrell Lacy, and former motherin-law to Joseph Anthony Ayers and Peter Tapley. She is also survived by her brother Mark Curran of Rochester, New York.
As per her instructions, a small private funeral will be held in the summer. Afterwards, friends and family are invited to her beloved home on Turtle Hill to celebrate
the life and honor the memory of a much-loved mother, wife, and friend.
Gary Steven Birch
....show , 26, of Brownington died suddenly on March 28, 2016, in Coventry, after losing his battle with addiction. He was born on April 16, 1989, beloved son of Kent and Jeannette (Daniels) Birch.
He graduated from Lake Region Union High School in the Class of 2007 and later from the University of Northwestern Ohio with a degree in automotive technology. He was currently employed at Maple Grove Farm in Derby.
His favorite hobbies included playing soccer, snowmobiling, boating, water skiing, and four-wheeling with a special fondness for tall trucks and big tractors. He had a passion for life and loved being around people, especially his friends and family, and he had particular enthusiasm for the outdoors.
He is survived by his parents: Kent and Jeannette Birch, of Brownington; his daughters: Mylie Ellen Logan and Autumn Riley Birch, both of Ohio; his sister Kamala Birch of Daytona Beach, Florida; his maternal grandmother, Alice Locke, of Albany; his paternal grandparents: Richard and Nancy Birch of Hollis, New Hampshire; his aunts and uncles: Sharon and Robert Tetrault, Shirley Daniels, Mary Ellen and Miguel Vasquez, Patty and Ed Rakowsky, Darlene and Alan Butler, Marilyn Stanley and Troy Schumacher, Scott and Lindy Birch, Carol Birch, and Craig and Cheri Birch; and by his cousins: Daniel Tetrault, Laura Gatzos, Michele Vasquez, Michael Vasquez, Corrina Almeida-Perez, Crystal Matthew, April Lane, Ryan Butler, Andy Birch, Jared Birch, Ian Birch and Rachel Birch.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the Brownington Village Congregational Church, with the Reverend Michael DeSena officiating. Friends may call at the church on April 2, from 9 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. Following the service, there will be a gathering at the Orleans Municipal Building.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to Teen Challenge Vermont, 1296 Collins Hill Road, Johnson, Vermont 05656; or Hearts of Change, care of Julie Mckay, 309 High Street, Barton, Vermont 05822.
Warren Blodgett, of Irasburg
....show , died peacefully at his home on March 29, 2016, at the age of 91. He was born on August 10, 1924, in Waterford, a son of Carl and Ona (Goss) Blodgett. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1942, then received an agriculture degree from the Vermont School of Agriculture, now known as Vermont Technical College, in 1944.
He married Virginia Larabee, the love of his life, on September 22, 1945. Together, they farmed on the family farm in Lower Waterford. In 1959 they moved to the farm in Irasburg. They raised six children and opened their home to many foster children.
Mr. Blodgett farmed all his life, providing a happy and loving home for his family. He served in a number of town offices in both Waterford and Irasburg, including lister, town auditor, board of civil authority, school board and selectman. He was a longstanding member of the Farm Bureau and was named Vermont Farmer of the Year in 1987. A man of deep faith, he valued his many friendships at the Albany Methodist Church.
He will be fondly remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, dedication to his family, his integrity, honesty and fairness, and by his welcoming bright blue eyes and quick, genuine smile.
Survivors include his children: Barbara Blodgett Russell, Dennis Blodgett, Shirley Moulton and her husband, Dwight, Patricia Blodgett and her fiance, Gary Crosby, David Blodgett, and Neil Blodgett and his wife, Christine; his daughter-in-law Cathy Blodgett. He is also survived by grandchildren: Jason, Christopher, Scott, Todd, Cindy, Nicholas, Corinne, Nichole, Neil Jr. and Zachary; and by several great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Virginia; his siblings; his son Russell Blodgett; and by his daughter-in-law Mildred Nault. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 9, at 1 p.m. at the Albany Methodist Church. A luncheon will be served at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Albany Methodist Church, P.O. Box 167, Albany, Vermont 05820.
Jeanne Desbiens
....show died on March 15, 2016. She was blessed with a life of 96 years. She was born on August 21, 1919, to Napoleon and Delia (DeGrandpre) Lalime in East Angus, Quebec. She moved to Vermont with her parents at age six.
She was a strong, independent woman, and a loving and kind mother to seven children, and a loving memere to 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
She is survived by three daughters: Jacqueline Gallup of Coventry, Claire Cassady and her husband, Richard Cassady, of Lyndonville, and Theresa Desbiens of Island Pond; three sons: Gerard and his wife, Camilla, Peter and his wife, Donna, all of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and John and his wife, Donna, of Warner Robbins, Georgia; and by many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Monica Ethier, who helped her with love and kindness during the many years she lived in Rhode Island.
She was predeceased by the father of her children, Wilfred Desbiens; her son James; her granddaughter Doreen Cassady Joslyn; her great-great-granddaughter Erica Desbiens; her son-in-law Donald Gallup; four sisters: Bertha Gendron, Annette Plante, Yvette Provost, and Cecile Lalime; her brother Germain Lalime; and by a special sister-in-law, Harriet Lalime.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Coventry Community Center in Coventry on Saturday, June 18, at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Calling hours will be from 10 to 11 a.m. A Mass in her memory will be said on Sunday, June 19, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Benedict Labre in West Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Roland Hector Desrochers
....show , 78, of Brownington died peacefully on Sunday, March 27, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 12, 1937, in Newport Center to Oscar and Yvonne (Arel) Desrochers.
On February 22, 1961, he married Virginia “June” Cornell, who survives him. He was a salesman for many businesses in the area. He was a man who loved to talk, visit, and laugh with people. He was always there in any way for his family and friends.
There were days when he would take his motorcycle out with his dog Jake for a ride, which he loved, or he would be over helping Uncle Joe with the horses or Uncle Real making a tractor sale, and, of course, you could find him at the fair horse pulling, having fun, and getting home past his bedtime. He also made Sunday rounds with family and friends.
He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his family who he loved so much. He will be sadly missed by his buddy, his dog Jeb.
He is survived by his wife, June Desrochers, of Brownington; his children: Bridgett Desrochers and her friend, Patrick Silver, Kim and her husband, Andre Desmarais, Roland Oscar Desrochers, and Marcus Desrochers and his wife, Linda; his grandchildren: Brittany, Roland, Luke, Jessie, Jacob, Jeremy, Cassie, Bethany, Bailey, and Aliza; his great-grandchildren: Nolan, Bretton, Blakely, Bronson, Tristin, and Ashton; his siblings: Real Desrochers and his wife, Denise, Joe Desrochers and his wife, Donna, and Rita (Rejean) LeBlanc; his sisters-in-law: Connie Desrochers, Cora Doyon, and Caroline Darcy; and by his brothers-in-law: Amos, Sidney, and Stewart Cornell.
He was predeceased by his brother Claude Desrochers; his sister Claudette Chaput; his parents: Oscar and Yvonne Desrochers; his brother-in-law Stanley Cornell; and by his mother- and father-in-law: Cleveland and Phyllis Cornell.
Funeral services were held on April 1, in Newport. Spring interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Daniel R. Gorsky
....show , 64, of Glover died on March 30, 2016, at his home. He was born on October 31, 1951, in Irvington, New Jersey, to Esther (George) Gorsky and the late Julius R. Gorsky.
He owned and operated S&D Precision in Glover. He was a craftsman and he enjoyed making knives and woodworking. He was a collector of guns and knives and was a very talented machinist.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time with his close friends sitting around a campfire. He is survived by his children: Daniel B. Gorsky of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jennifer Dunmire of Woodstock, Georgia; his mother, Esther Gorsky, of Passaic, New Jersey; his siblings: Carol Brumale and her husband, Robert, of Wayne, New Jersey, Joyce Cumiskey and her husband, Thomas, of Wellington, Florida, and Lisa Delbene of Crossville, Tennessee; and by his nieces and nephews: Logan and Rachael Cumiskey, Phillip and Kyle Delbene, and his grand-nephew Blake Rodriquez.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Marguerite A. Labrecque
....show , 95, of Derby died peacefully on April 3, 2016, in Newport. She was born on October 3, 1920, in Compton, Quebec, to Odias and Marie (Masson) Audet. On October 12, 1957, she married Eugene Labrecque, who predeceased her in 1986.
Her hobbies included making crafts, gardening, and traveling. She is survived by her sister Juliette Audet of Coaticook, Quebec; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her son Daniel Labrecque; and by her siblings: Rose Audet Trembley, Charles Audet, Hermance Audet, and Lucienne Audet.
Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on April 7 at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, where a Mass will be celebrated. Spring interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Ronald Holland Dialysis Center, in care of North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Robert A. “Bob” Lyon
....show , 59, of Brownington died suddenly on March 26, 2016, in Burlington. He was born on April 12, 1956, in Newport to Harold and Claire (Perry) Lyon.
On June 10, 1995, he married Rose Cyr, who survives him. Mr. Lyon worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad for over 15 years before going to Ethan Allen, where he worked for over 25 years as a night watchman. He always loved to go hunting and fishing and some of the fondest memories are with his brother John, at the little hunting camp behind the house. He loved being able to hunt on his own property, and, as family puts it, “He wouldn’t want it any other way.” He also loved to fish, especially with his grandchildren. He was a true outdoors type of guy who couldn’t stand sitting around for too long. His grandchildren made sure to keep him busy by playing catch, playing baseball, and more. He truly was an amazing person who would give the shirt off his back for a stranger if needed. He had a heart of gold. He was also an inventor.
Mr. Lyon created what the locals of Brownington and beyond know as R&R Here we go Archery Golf (the initials stand for Robert and Rose), which he copyrighted and patented. He was the true champion of that game, and to this day it is unknown if anyone beat him. His kids always said that they would be the ones to take the title away, but he would always seem to pull through and beat them in the end. His grandkids also loved playing the game, and all those moments they shared in the fields.
His wife, Rose Lyon, and many others who love him with all their hearts survive him: his eldest child, Brandy Robillard, and her husband, Zach Robillard, of Brownington; Michael Cyr and his wife, Heather Cyr, of Johnson; and Matthew Lyon of Burlington. Mr. Lyon also has siblings who will miss him dearly: John Lyon and his wife, Lorraine Lyon, of Derby, Jesse Lyon and his wife, Connie Lyon, who live in Alabama, and Ruby Thibault and her husband, Mitch Thibault, of Burlington. Grandchildren also survive him: Brandy and Zach’s children: Ethan Robillard, Nick Robillard, Hayden Robillard, and the youngest Landon Robillard; and Michael and Heather’s child, Jaxon Cyr. He loved them all deeply and would always be there for his family. Nieces and nephews, cousins, and many more survive him as well.
A wake was held on April 1 in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; or to Ladies First for Cancer, addressed to the Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, Burlington, Vermont 05402.
Mary Gunther Truax
....show , 48, of Newport, died on March 23, 2016. She was born in Oswego, New York. She moved to Newport in 1996 from Oswego.
She worked at McDonald’s in Derby for many years, until health issues made it hard for her to to work. She liked to play softball, rollerblade, and bike. She was an animal enthusiast, always walking and riding around with her beloved Miniature Pinscher, Jasmine. She would stop and talk to anyone with an animal, and go to visit people just to play with their dogs. She would feed the birds and chipmunks in her yard, even planting sunflowers to make sure they all had enough seed. When she lost Jasmine, she turned her sights to her passion of art. She would take walks in the fields and forests with friends and their dogs. During these walks, she would pick up rocks, flowers, feathers, just about anything she found interesting, and take them home. She liked wood-burning her finds. She left behind many five-gallon buckets of polished stones. She loved to draw and color, along with her wood-burning and would do little projects for her friends when they asked. She would give mushrooms and feathers to her friend Julie to paint on, and loved her work so much she would get them back.
She is survived by her father, Bill Gunther; her sister Chris and her brothers Jeff, Mike, and Billy Gunther; and by many nieces and nephews, all of Oswego.
She was predeceased by her mother, Barbara Gunther. Ms. Truax made lots of friends in the Northeast Kingdom, leaving behind some very special people in her life, including her partner of 18 years, Jody Berard of Newport. She and Mr. Berard did everything together; it was rare to find one without the other. They especially liked bonfires in summer.
Ms. Truax came to Vermont with her special friend of 25 years, Donna Baker, who was always by her side, and Robert Dillon, both of Derby. Ms. Truax had no children and thought of Mr. Dillon, called Bobby, as if he was her own. He returned the love, calling Ms. Truax his second mother and he brought her flowers every Mother’s Day. She was so proud of him, especially when he had his sons Cayleb and Owen and made her a grandmother. Ms. Truax also leaves behind two of her favorite people, Tyler Newland of West Charleston and Jennifer Bowen, formerly of Newport.
Her friends should remember her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. There will be no services held in the area for her. Although she considered the Northeast Kingdom her home, she wanted to return to New York to be with her mother. The family will have a service in Oswego at a later date. A celebration of her life and a bonfire will be held as soon as the family is able. She would want everyone to remember her as the happy-go-lucky girl; don’t shed a tear, smile as you think of her.
Contributions may be made in the memory of Mary Truax to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 4473 Barton-Orleans Road, Orleans Vermont 05860.
Cecile C. Arel-Smith
....show , 74, of Newport died on Sunday, March 20, 2016. She was born on August 30, 1941, to Eddie and Fabiola (Vachon) Coderre.
She was a stay-at-home mom who loved kids and especially loved taking care of the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made lovely quilts for them when they were born.
She somehow found time to enjoy reading, cooking, and listening to music. She and her first husband, Albert Arel, whom she married in 1958 and who predeceased her in 1986, made a few trips to California.
In August of 2000, she married Wallace Smith, who also predeceased her. She is survived by her children: Lorraine Lyon and her husband, John, Clovis Arel and his wife, Debbie, Louise Roy and her husband, Raymond, Maryann Tetreault and her husband, Willy, and Christine Barrup and her husband, Rod; 16 grandchildren and their families; and by 21 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Donald Coderre; her sisters: Gisele Damon, and Estelle Wheeler and her husband, Alfred; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two infant sons; two great-grandsons; five brothers: Lucian, Marcel, Gaetan, Eugene, and Raymond; her sisters: Rita Coderre, Jeannette Geraw, and Desneiges Geraw; and by her son-in-law Leo Ducharme.
Funeral services were held on March 23 in Newport. Spring interment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery in North Troy. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Irene (Tremblay) Dupuis
....show died at her home on March 24, 2016. She was born to Honore and Louise (Girardin) Tremblay on May 26, 1918, in St. Hedwidge, Quebec. She married, in 1944, to Sylvio Dupuis, her predeceased her in 2002.
She was a strong Catholic and a woman of deep faith. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, scrapbooking, and she had a green thumb. She enjoyed being surrounded by family and cooking for them all.
She is survived by three children: Pierre of Island Pond, Madeline Molinari and her husband, Rick, of Island Pond, and Mike and his wife, Willa Mae, of Maryland; four grandchildren: Danielle, Derrick, Christopher, and Logan; two step-grandchildren: Julio and Julie; and by two great-grandchildren: Kaleigh and Blake.
She was predeceased by three brothers and four sisters. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 30, at 2 p.m., at the St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond.
Grace Henley
....show died peacefully on March 18, 2016, in Newport. She was also a long-time resident of Stoneham, Massachusetts, and Mariposa, California.
She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14, 1926, to Michael and Nellie Henley, who predeceased her. After graduating from high school, she went on to business college and took professional singing lessons.
Her favorite pastime was music, singing, and playing the piano and organ. She also enjoyed traveling the country, visiting her family and friends. She was an active member of the Mariposa Seventh-day Adventist Church, playing the organ and singing until 2013. In March of 2013 she moved from California to Vermont to be closer to her daughter Judy. Her faith has been a constant in her life, and also her devotion to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
She is survived by her children: David Gregory and his wife, Donna, of Arizona, Kathy Quimby and her husband, Roland, of Green Valley, Arizona, daughter-in-law Gabriele Bauer McCrillis of Munich, Germany, John McCrillis of Washington, D.C., Elissa Johl of Arizona, Judy Costin and her husband, Bill, of Derby, and her former husband Ray Ruggles of California; her grandchildren: Lisa and John Graham of Indiana, Thomas McCrillis of Munich, Steven McCrillis of New Mexico, Shannon and Sean of Massachusetts, Sheila and her husband, Travis Coleman, of Washington State, Patrick Costin, Angelica Costin, William Costin, and Kari Costin of Derby; her great-grandchildren: Felicia, Matthew, and Elizabeth Graham of Indiana, Kaitlyn Greiner, Kaylana Fournier, and Janessa Costin of Newport, and Travis, Jackson, and Parker Coleman of Washington State.
She was predeceased by her long-time partner, George, of Mariposa; her former husbands: Wayne Gregory and Harry McCrillis; her son Thomas V. McCrillis; her grandson David Wood; her infant brother Ellis Henley; and by her sisters: Ruth Henley and Sylvia Brown.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 3, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 37 Lake Road in Newport.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Seventh-day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 1043, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Ronald A. Hill
....show , 57, died after a long battle with cancer on February 12, 2016, at West Palm Beach VA Medical Center in Florida. He was born on March 3, 1958, to Robert L. Hill and B. Elaine Hill.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for eight years as a young man. Following the military, he found his passion for truck driving in his home state of Vermont for Merrill Trucking and Varney Trucking. After leaving Vermont, he headed down south to sunny Florida, where he devoted 25 years to Goodyear and Martino as a tire technician.
Mr. Hill enjoyed quiet time alone where he could spend the day in the wilderness fishing or hunting. Some days he would find peace just being at home tinkering on small, intricate things he liked to construct.
He is survived by his mother, B. Elaine Hill; his brother James R. Hill; and his sister Susan J. Cotnoir. He was predeceased by his father, Robert L. Hill; and his brother-in-law Pierre H. Cotnoir. Spring interment will be in the Derby Center Cemetery.
Carol “Anita” Judd
....show , 83, of Windsor died on March 24, 2016, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. She was born on December 12, 1932, in Marlington, Quebec, to Arthur and Mavis (Bullock) Soutiere.
She enjoyed horses, painting, and drawing when the children were younger. She played the accordion, piano, and spoons and looked forward to musical get-togethers with friends and family. She enjoyed antiquing, visiting flea markets, and traveling to the Southwest. She liked knitting, crocheting for her children and grandchildren, and she was active in her church with crafts, knitted items, and food sales. As an avid gardener, she always had robust vegetable and flower gardens.
She is survived by her children: Scott Judd and his wife, Debbie, of Grafton, New Hampshire, Kevin Judd of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Carol Griffin of Havelock, North Carolina, and Colin Judd of Sharon; her grandchildren: Aleah, Rease, Hunter, Jessica, Kylee, Cody, and Morgan; and by her great-grandchildren: Connor and Trevor.
She was predeceased by her siblings: Warren Soutiere, Donald Soutiere, Ruth Matheny, Audrey Parrish, and Jeanne Spainhour. A private graveside service will be held at the Marlington Cemetery in Quebec.
Norman Eldon Lucier
....show , 88, died on Friday, March 25, 2016, at North Country Hospital in Newport. He was born on July 4, 1927, in Jay, the son of the late Eldon and Wilma (Leavitt) Lucier.
He was a longtime resident of Richford and for the past eight years he made his home with his son and daughter-in-law in Newport Center. He was a 1945 graduate of North Troy High School and entered in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Post #12 of Richford and the Lincoln Lodge #78 Free and Accepted Masons of Enosburg Falls.
He had a long career as a field man for HP Hood and Agrimark, retiring in 1991. He enjoyed watching baseball, golfing, going for walks, and cross-country skiing.
He is survived by his son Rodney Lucier and his wife, Valerie, of Newport Center; his grandchildren: Michael Lucier of Newport Center, and Heather Lucier of Orleans; his brother Duane Lucier and his wife, Frances, of Jay; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Peters, of Dixville, Quebec, Canada; and by many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Pauline (Gledhill) Lucier, on August 31, 2011. In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated and he will be interred in the North Troy Cemetery in a private family ceremony. There will be no visiting hours.
For those who wish, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 4473 Barton Orleans Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860; or to the Meals on Wheels program, Cornucopia, 125 Main Street, #3, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Leo Paul Major
....show , 79, a faithful follower of Christ, died on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving family as his valiant battle with cancer finally came to an end.
He was born on June 26, 1936, in Dixville, Quebec, Canada, the fifth of nine siblings of Henry Major and Fabiola Mailhot Major. With his family, Mr. Major immigrated to the United States via Norton in November of 1944. He was automatically an American citizen by birth abroad of a U.S. citizen parent, his mother who was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. The family moved to a small dairy farm at the foot of Bald Mountain in East Charleston.
He attended a small one-room schoolhouse, Buck School, in East Charleston. After graduation, he attended St. Mary’s Academy in Island Pond, graduating Valedictorian of his class.
He then attended Lyndon State College, graduating with a degree in education. His siblings include Marcel, Raymond, and Gilbert, who are all deceased. All living are Jeannine Gratton and her husband, Rudy, of West Charleston, Andrew Major and his wife, Lois, of Derby, and John and his wife, Donna, of Hickory, North Carolina. Two died in infancy.
He also has three sisters-in-law: Gerry Major of Amherst, New Hampshire, Alice Major of Island Pond, and Betty Major of Newport. On September 5, 1959, he married the love of his life, Norma, who predeceased him on September 18, 2015. After graduation, he began his teaching career at Lowell school. He then transferred to North Country Union Junior High School, where he taught for over 35 years. His love of teaching and caring nature let him touch and influence so many young people, a gift he treasured.
He also worked at Montgomery Wards, Northeast Canoe, Slalom Skiwear and for the Vermont State Highway Department. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, and a member of the Elks Club in Derby. He was very dedicated to Sacred Heart School and was a member of the board for many years. He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church, where he served as lector and usher.
He truly was the best dad that anyone could ask for. His love and strength he gave his children will live forever in their broken hearts. The children, who were blessed to call him Dad, are Penny Wood and her husband, John, of Stratham, New Hampshire, Linda Curtis and her husband, Clark, of Newport, Christine Smith and her husband, Jim, of Newport, and Deb Prue and her husband, Bill, of Newport. God’s blessing continued in his life with the addition of his grandchildren, who so lovingly called him Bumpa: Geoffrey Wood and his wife, Christina, of Dover, New Hampshire, Michael Wood and his companion, Jen, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Laura Mullen and her husband, Brendan, of Kensington, New Hampshire, Adam Curtis and his wife, Suzanne, of South Burlington, Spencer Curtis of Newport, Faith Curtis of Newport, Molly Smith of Newport, Bud Prue and his companion, Courtney, of Waterville, Maine, Taylor Prue and his companion, Megan, of Biddeford, Maine, and Chandler Prue and his companion, Angela, of Newport. His heart was even stretched further with love for his five great-grandchildren: Connor and Jack Mullen, Nicholas and Stella Wood, and Liam Curtis. One more great-grandchild will be added to his legacy, due in August to Adam and Suzanne Curtis.
He was predeceased by his only son, Peter Paul Major; and by a granddaughter, Elizabeth Helen Smith. It is hard to sum up Mr. Major’s life in a few short words because he was a gentle, loving man who touched so many lives with his kindness and caring. What best describes his life would be that good people always leave behind so much sorrow of love to remind us that we need to do the same.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 30, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport. If friends wish to donate, they may do so to St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Mary E. Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Wyman A. Twofoot
....show , 82, of Derby died on March 26, 2016, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He was born on March 27, 1933, in Island Pond to Dennis and Helen (Holmes) Twofoot.
On July 23, 1955, he married Mary Crowe, who survives him. He was a veteran of the Korean War. During his lifetime he was a dairy farmer where he worked on his own farm and other area farms.
His hobbies included watching golf, snowmobiling, and camping with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed dancing with his wife, Mary, sitting on his front porch, and feeding the birds. He also enjoyed being home with his boys and hanging out with his dog Oreo.
He is survived by his children: Kenneth Twofoot of Derby, and Keith Twofoot and his wife, Rachel, of Brownington; his grandchildren: Greg Twofoot, Kendra Moore, Travis Twofoot and his companion, Jessica Chesney, and Melissa Cloutier and her husband, David; his great-grandchildren: Noah Twofoot, Charlotte Smith, Carly Twofoot, and Cheyenne Cloutier; his sister Vernice Payeur of Newport; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his daughter Kathy Twofoot; a son, Kevin Twofoot, on June 2, 2006; and by his siblings: Nelson Twofoot, Ethel Twofoot, Elbertina Fortin, Sidney Twofoot, Roland Twofoot, Kenney Twofoot, Stella Sherlaw, and Dolan Twofoot.
Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the New Hope Bible Church, formerly the Brownington Center Church, on the Brownington Center Road (due to dirt road conditions, please access at the Center Road). Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. at the church on Saturday morning with Pastor George Lawson officiating.
Ronald Jay Young
....show , 51, a son of John and Dona Young of Barton, died in Newport on February 26, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family and in the gentle care of Bel-Aire staff.
He was born on April 6, 1964, in Groton, Connecticut. He served in the Army’s 10th Special Forces Group as a parachute rigger. He was extremely valued for his work in developing rigging standards and decorated for his many accomplishments, including being awarded two Army Achievement Medals, the Canadian Parachute Badge, and the M-16 Rifle Expert Badge. He loved the Army, traveling the world, and planned to make the military his lifelong career, but due to a severe injury, his career was cut short.
He did enjoy continued travels while he worked many years as a truck driver and pump operator for a concrete business. One of his most memorable jobs was working on the 1996 Olympic Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
He was an intelligent man, an avid reader, he always enjoyed good food, and he loved all sports. He was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Boston Red Sox, and the local sports teams on which his nephews played. In addition, he relished opportunities to be with family and friends.
He moved to Vermont to spend the last year and a half of his life with his family. His family feels very fortunate for and will always cherish this time they had with him. He will be greatly missed in the lives of numerous relatives and friends. He leaves a legacy of being an honest person, a “true gentleman,” and “a wonderful man, kind and forgiving.” He had a tremendous heart, always putting others before himself and willing to do anything for anyone.
Besides his parents, he leaves behind a sister, Vickie Young, of Derby, along with her two children, Eric Fournier and Ellyn Messier; a brother, John Young Jr., and his wife, Laurie, of Wilmore, Kentucky, along with their children, Katie and Cole; a sister, Bonnie Larose, and her husband, John, of Barton, along with their son Jacob; a sister, Shelly Lanou, and her husband, Chad, of Irasburg, along with their children, Cody and Connor; a special cousin, Michelle Hall, and her husband, Travis, of Brownington; and the family he loved as his own: Linda Bettencourt of Middletown, Connecticut, and her son Ethan Schweitzer of Newton, New Hampshire, and her daughter Kate Bailey and her husband, Peter, of Derby.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 14, at St. Theresa’s Cemetery, located on Tanguay Lane, off Route 5, between Barton and Orleans.
Dorothy Jane Bingham
....show , 73, formerly of Island Pond, died peacefully on March 15, 2016, in Tuttle, Oklahoma. She was born on January 4, 1943, in East Burke, to Kenneth and Violet Deth.
On April 2, 1963, she married Howard Clifford Bingham Sr., who predeceased her on June 14, 2004. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #80 of Island Pond and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798 Auxiliary of Newport.
Her hobbies included crafts, picking berries, doing needlepoint, and making Christmas wreaths and garland. She is survived by her children: Roena Belanger and her husband, Michael, of Tuttle, Howard Bingham Jr. of Island Pond, Rachel Garfield of Eden, and Patty Lewis of Manchester, New Hampshire; her grandchildren: Tabatha Young, Adam Young, Felicia Garfield, Eric Garfield, Sabrina Garfield, Gabrielle Garfield, and Dillion LeSage; her great-grandson Freddie Pullen; her siblings: Jeanett and Russell Poon of Massachusetts, Raymond and Ruth Deth of Burke, Walt and Shirley Deth of Derby, and Roberta Hinton of Sutton; her stepmother Elaine Deth of East Haven; her stepbrothers: David Deth of East Haven, Rupert and Lorie Deth of Sutton, and Kenneth Deth of West Burke; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Violet Deth; her brother Albert Deth; and by her step-brother James Deth. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, at the First Congregational Church in Island Pond, with the Reverend Alan Magoon officiating. Friends may call at the church on March 23, from noon until the hour of the funeral.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Vermont, 300 Corner Stone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, Vermont 05495. Spring interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond.
Arthur “Art” Norman Dow
....show , 84, died on March 18, 2016, in Newport. He was born on September 25, 1931, in Orleans, to Maurice Dow and Dale Ramsdell Dow, who predeceased him. He married Glenn Stone on October 30, 1954. They were happily married for 61 years.
Mr. Dow grew up in Orleans. He graduated from Orleans High School in Orleans. After high school he joined the Air Force in 1950 and served for four years during the Korean War.
He worked at Tivoly (formerly Butterfields) for 31 years as a logistics manager. Mr. Dow enjoyed fishing, hunting, taking meticulous care of his yard, and vacationing with friends and family in Saint Martin. He also loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also a member the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and served as an exalted ruler for the Newport lodge.
He is survived by his spouse, Glenn, of Newport; his son Bradley Dow of Texas; his son Steven Dow and his wife, Lidia, of Texas; his sister Joyce Walchle and her husband, Randy, of Indiana; his grandchildren: Steven Dow and his wife, Kayla, Christopher Lalich and his wife, Amanda, and Victoria Hight and her husband, Josh; his great-grandchildren: Bradley Dow, Adelyn Dow, and Harper Hight; and by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was predeceased by his son Gary Allyn Dow; his sister Shirley Gilfillan; and by his brother Pete Dow. A memorial service will be held on June 25 at Pleasant View Cemetery in Orleans. Details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the charity of one’s choice.
Douglas Brian Hopkins
....show , 69, of New Haven, Connecticut, died peacefully at home on March 12, 2016. He was born in Norwich on February 20, 1947, the second son of Leonard and Eleanor (Connie) Hopkins.
In 1965, he graduated from Lexington High School in Massachusetts, and went on to receive a fine arts degree at Boston University in 1969. At a young age he won a prestigious award in a regional Boston Globe art contest for his outstanding black and white drawing of a dog. He was an exceptional artist and he had an eclectic and creative career. He began working in the marketing/advertising/promotional product area, first at Norman Buffett Co. in Boston, Massachusetts, where he met and married his wife. In 1974 they moved to Madison, Connecticut, and opened a small gift/decorating shop called Gazebo. He later continued his career with Harvey Hubbell and Chesebrough Ponds. In 1987, he returned to self-employment at Group H in Madison, providing similar marketing services.
In 2004, he moved north to his family’s camp on Lake Willoughby in Westmore, where he always found peace and enjoyment. There, he worked with a builder to totally renovate the camp to make it a beautiful year-round home. He also opened and ran a successful local restaurant, Kingdom Cooking, and Mr. Bear’s Bar. Around 2008 he returned to live in Connecticut, settling in East Haven, and, most recently, in New Haven.
Mr. Hopkins was passionate about renovating houses! He had an extraordinary ability to do this well, and to leave his unique mark on each, which meant he moved a lot. When he moved back to Connecticut from Vermont, he started another thriving business with his friend, Gary Johnson, called Fresh Perspectives, staging homes for sale, often furnishing them, and organizing estate sales. Another unique form of artistic expression that he was passionate about were his ornate and colorful Asian tattoos that covered nearly his entire body. He began the tattooing over ten years ago and he was always looking forward to adding to his body art!
Doug Hopkins was a uniquely caring, passionate, and generous family member and friend, always at the ready to come alongside those with a need or a problem, a joy, or a heartache. He loved others well. He put his all into his work. He left a uniquely “Doug mark” on this world. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He loved and enjoyed his family! He is survived by his beloved daughter, son, and granddaughter: Lindsey B. Hopkins, Walker R. Hopkins, and Emilie M. Albert; his older brother Richard Hopkins of Westborough, Massachusetts; his sister Deborah and her husband, Raymond Vorce, of New Castle, New Hampshire; and by his sister Suzanne and her husband, William McDonough, of Framingham, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Leigh Walker and her children: Zachary and Mallory, of Westborough Massachusetts; Sharon Hopkins and her husband, Lincoln Hobby, and her daughter Carleigh Gaudrea of Worcester, Massachusetts; Jennifer Smallidge and her husband, Eric, and her children: Evelyn, Jeremy, and Audrey, of Woodbridge, Virginia; Jessica Lockwood and her fiancé, Jonathan Chapman, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Jared Lockwood of Bolton, Massachusetts; Liam McDonough and his wife, Erika, and his children: Myla and Lucas of Lunenburg, Massachusetts; Devin McDonough and Cory McDonough of Framingham. He is also survived by his former wife Catharine Hopkins of Madison, Connecticut.
Funeral services were held on March 18 in New Haven. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made in his memory to The Connecticut Food Bank, 2 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492.
Donna Rae Parmenter
....show , 78, of Mesa, Arizona, died on March 13, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 4, 1938, in Newport, to Theodore and Catherine Parmenter. She was a graduate of North Troy High School, Class of 1955.
She is survived by her daughter Laurie Parmenter; and by her three sons: Scott Rivard and his wife, Kim, Jeff Rivard, and Timothy Rivard and his wife, Melissa. She cherished her family, and especially her grandchildren: Meghan, Matthew, Jennifer, Jordan, and Kayla; and her great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Hunter, Shawn, Sophia, Joshua, Ava, Cohen, Madison, and Molly. She also leaves behind her sister Nancy Parmenter Allen and her husband, Charles; her niece Cathryn Ste.Marie and her husband, Peter, and their seven children; her nephew David Judd and his daughter; her sister-in-law Jessie Piercy Parmenter; her nieces: Cindy Patenaude and her husband, Donald, and their families, and Valerie Spooner and her husband, Jim, and their families; her nephews: Michael Parmenter and his family, and Barry Parmenter and Danielle. She will be missed by many cousins and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her son Stephen Rivard; her companion and friend Gerard Puebla; her parents; and by her brother Theodore Parmenter Jr. A celebration of her life was held in Gilbert, Arizona, on March 18.
Florence Kelley Thompson
....show died on the morning of March 18, 2016, surrounded by family in the comfort of her own home. She was born in Brownington on July 23, 1910, the daughter of Erwin and Alice Mabel Kelley. As a child, she attended elementary school in Brownington and high school in Orleans, before attending Lyndon Normal School to pursue a career of teaching. She taught in many one-room schools in the area, boarding with local families while she taught at Andersonville, Glover, Burton Hill, and Lowell Mountain School in Irasburg. As a lone teacher she covered the three Rs, as well as art and music. She also hosted box suppers for the students and their families, and helped put on plays. Eventually, she became a supervisor at the Orleans telephone office, working the switchboard, hiring, and training.
On June 6, 1945, she married Harry Thompson, and three children were born to them: Laurence, Alicia, and Miriam. Mrs. Thompson was very active in every community organization she belonged to. A Seventh Degree Granger, she was a member of the Brownington Grange for 89 years, acting as their pianist for many years. Her affiliations included Home Demonstration Group in Brownington, Christmas Club, and Ladies Aide treasurer. While she was a lifelong member of the Orleans Federated Church, her commitment was to the Brownington Congregational Church, where she served for 40 years as its organist and choir director, as well as superintendent of the Sunday school.
Meeting Mrs. Thompson filled you with joy. She always adored a visit; she was an active listener, unassuming but mischievous. She was a devout Christian, and people who met her realized that she was one of God’s gentlewomen. What’s more, she loved her Brownington country life: singing, breathing fresh Brownington air, walks down the West Road, feeding the birds, chipmunk relocation, fresh garden vegetables, chocolate, sugar-on-snow, raising chickens, milking cows, and wildflowers.
She is survived by her children: her son Laurence and his wife, Barbara, and their two daughters: Laura and her partner, Nathanael Reynolds, and Corinna and her husband, Stephane Meloche; her daughter Alicia Marcotte and her friend, Bruce Gadwah, and her five children: son Ethan and his wife, Elizabeth Galle, son Jared and his wife, Nancy Khuu, son Aaron and his partner, Erin McGuire, daughter Cara, and daughter Jade; and her daughter Miriam and her two children: Kelley, and Harry Williams and his wife, Tonya. She was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Hailey and Alia Williams, and Ceiran Marcotte and Taryn Khuu.
She was predeceased by her husband, Harry, who died in 1982; as well as her half-brothers: Laurence and Leslie Kelley. Funeral services were held at the Brownington Village Congregational Church on March 21.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brownington Village Congregational Church Memorial Fund, in care of Yvonne Mandeville, 4335 Coventry Station Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.
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