Deacon Alfred Toborg
....show , 84, of Lyndonville and longtime Lyndon State College professor, passed away peacefully at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, on Monday evening, March 20, 2017, surrounded by his loving wife and four children.
He is survived by his dear wife of over 53 years, Linda (Onsruth); four children and their families: Katie Franko, her husband Guy, and their son Kyle of Charlotte; Louise Merrigan, her husband John, and their children Anneliese and Arden of Portland, OR; William Toborg, his wife Sharon, and their children Christopher, David, Matthew, and Elizabeth of Barre; Mary Beth Boe and her daughter Lili of Winooski, and Mary Beth's companion Gary Novosel of Massena, NY; one brother: A. Frederick Toborg, his wife Barbara of Broad Channel, NY, and their children Lili Cargill and Michael Toborg; Linda’s sister Susan Smith, her husband Gordon, of Dover, NH, and their children Stephanie and Heather; Linda’s twin brother, Cedric and his wife, Zoe of Reeds Ferry, NH. He was predeceased by his brother Diedrich.
Alfred was born in Brooklyn, NY, on November 9, 1932, the son of German immigrants, Gertrud (Weck) and Willy Toborg. At the age of four, he travelled to Germany with his mother and older brother to visit their relatives. They returned to New York in October 1937. Four years later, when Alfred was only eight, his father passed away.
Living only a couple of blocks from Ebbets Field, Alfred and his two brothers would spend weekend afternoons watching the Dodgers. He had fond memories of seeing Jackie Robinson defeat the New York Giants through a steal of home. When the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, he and his younger brother adopted the Mets as their new team.
The young Toborg boys’ lives were filled with stickball, drawing comic books, listening to the radio shows and catching the “funnies” at the movie theater when they had each earned a quarter. A faithful son, Alfred also worked odd jobs to help support his family.
After graduating from Erasmus Hall High School in 1950, Alfred was informed by his advisor that a scholarship to Columbia College was available. This scholarship allowed him to matriculate as a student at the esteemed college. His experience at Columbia shaped the course of his life.
The war had increased his interest in history and his early days in Germany had inspired his love of the German language. At Columbia he studied history and German, had a job at the Deutsche Haus and ran cross-country and track. Later in life, he took up jogging as a hobby which he enjoyed with his teenage children.
From December 1954 to September 1956, he was enlisted as a Private First Class in the US Army. Because of his language skills, he was stationed with a military intelligence detachment near the Czech border.
In 1956, he was granted a scholarship to Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH to earn a MA in History. Upon completion, he enrolled at Columbia University to study for his Ph.D.
In 1958 he was granted a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the Free University in West Berlin, Germany, where he remained until 1959. Upon his return, he taught part-time at Queens College and Hunter College while working on his dissertation. He received his Ph.D. in History in 1965 from Columbia University.
In May 1960, he interviewed for his first teaching position at Lyndon Teachers College. When his career started that September he had no idea that he would meet the love of his life, Linda Onsruth. After asking permission from the college president, they dated. Alfred spent the next forty years of his life teaching history, German and genealogy. Over the years, the Toborg family welcomed countless numbers of students into their home. In 2000 he was named Professor of History Emeritus by the Vermont State College Board of Trustees.
Linda and Alfred were married in August 1963, after she graduated from Lyndon. In 1970, they purchased an 1866 Greek revival home in Lyndonville where he resided until his death.
Alfred and Linda raised four children in that home. Alfred prided himself on always being available for his wife and children, whether it be help with afternoon homework, trips to watch track meets across the state or judging various competitions. He was a fierce advocate for his family.
As a devout Catholic and member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lyndonville, Alfred was called to service. He was ordained in 1990 as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church for the Diocese of Burlington. He served at St. Elizabeth’s Church and Corpus Christi Parish. Functions included serving on the altar, delivering homilies, conducting communion services, visiting and delivering the Eucharist to the homebound, nursing homes, hospitals and senior housing facilities. Because of his age and several illnesses, he obtained Senior Deacon Status. Among his proudest moments as a Deacon was that he was able to baptize his eight grandchildren.
During his lifetime, Alfred served his community as a Justice of the Peace, Cobleigh Library Trustee, Member of the Lyndon Board of Civil Authority, Lyndonville Village Moderator, Member and Past President of the Lyndon Town Historical Society, Member of the Vermont Language Bank, Member of the American Legion, Member of the Knights of Columbus, Chair of the Vermont Alumni Representative Committee for Columbia College. He was also active in the political process, serving on a number of campaigns and was a member of the town, county and state Republican committees. During his tenure at Lyndon State College, he served as the Chairman of the History and Social Science Department, Chairman of the Faculty Assembly, College Marshal, Student Advisor and Member of the Manor Vail Society.
His writings appear in several periodicals and journals, including The Catholic Historical Review, Vermont Catholic Tribune, and Lyndon Gem in the Green.
Since his passing, Al’s family has received prayers and tidings from around the country and around the world. His sense of humor, perpetual tardiness, fierce loyalty and love for his family and church will live on as his legacy.
Given his status as a longtime Catholic deacon, a title meaning “servant”, visiting hours will be held at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lyndonville Friday evening, March 24 from 6 to 8 pm. The Wake Service will begin around 7:30 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Lyndonville Saturday, March 25, at 11 am. Burial will be at St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, marked in his name, could be directed to either the “Dr. Alfred Toborg Scholarship Fund”, Attn: Jenny Harris, Institutional Advancement, Lyndon State College, PO Box 919, Lyndonville, VT 05851; or to Good Shepherd School, 121 Maple St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05851.
St. Johnsbury - Ann Marie Azur
....show , formerly of Montpelier, passed away on January 14, 2017 in St. Johnsbury surrounded by family.
Ann was born in Newport, VT on September 25, 1937, the daughter of Thomas J.
And Nellie (Handy) Azur. Ann, with her brother and sister, moved to St. Johnsbury in 2013 to be closer to their family. She was a member of Corpus Christi Parish. Ann worked for National Life Insurance Company in Montpelier and enjoyed her many years there. Ann very much enjoyed vacationing with her family, especially our annual trip to Old Orchard Beach, Maine with her sisters, brother, nieces and nephews. Those who knew Ann would say she was the sweetest, happiest, and most hospitable person one could ever meet. She will be sadly missed.
Survivors include her brother-in-law, Gerald Willey; nieces Roseanna and husband Stephen Bennet, Denise and husband Bruce Whitehead, Michelle and husband Doug Urie; nephews, Tony Willey and wife Judith, Chris Willey and wife Kilee, and Schyler Azur - all of whom were more like her children; 16 great nieces and newphews; 17 great-great nieces and newphews.
She was predeceased by her parents; sisters: Patricia Azur and Nancy Willey; and brothers: Phillip and Thomas Azur.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on January 18th at St. John the Evangelist Church on Winter Street, St. Johnsbury, VT with Fr. Curtis Miller as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Spring at St. Augustine's Cemetery in Montpelier, VT.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM on Tuesday, January 17th at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ann's name to Good Shepherd Catholic School, 121 Maple Street, St. Johnsbury, VT. 05819
Blanche Byrd Maurice
....show , a long time resident of St. Johnsbury, VT, passed away at Riverglen House of Littleton on Monday, February 20, 2017, at the age of 98.
Blanche was born in Grand Isle, VT on February 2, 1919, daughter to John and Ella (Larock) Byrd. She graduated from Montpelier High School. She married Roland Maurice and shared her life with him until his death in 1999. Blanche worked for 30 years at St. Jay Glove Shop. After their closing she worked at Fairbanks until her retirement in 1983.
Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought much joy to her life. It was a source of pride to Blanche that she was born in the Hyde Log Cabin, the oldest log cabin in the United States.
Blanche is survived by four sons: Donald Rafus and David Rafus, both of White River Junction, VT, Gary Maurice and wife, Marie, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Jeffrey Maurice of St. Johnsbury, VT; a sister: Marion Skinner of Lancaster, NH; 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband: Roland Lionel Maurice; a daughter: Anne Dudley; and five of her six siblings.
A memorial service will be held at Sayles Funeral Home on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 10 am followed by burial at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in St. Johnsbury.
Mrs. Cecile Smith
....show of St. Johnsbury passed away Saturday evening, January 28, 2017.
Cecile was born in St. Johnsbury on November 20, 1927, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Bisson) Prevost. She attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Saint Johnsbury where she graduated in 1944. She was introduced to her future husband, Stewart Smith, as he used to say, “on a blind date on a dead-end street.” On September 11, 1954 they were married. They shared over 62 wonderful years, touching many lives on their journey together. Stewart passed away just last fall, on October 30.
Cecile worked many years as a bank teller at The Howard Bank on Main Street in Saint Johnsbury, the last several years as head teller. She was dedicated to helping her customers, even going to their apartments at The Saint Johnsbury House to help reconcile accounts and organize customers’ finances.
Cecile was a long-time and faithful member of St. John’s Parish where she served in many capacities. She was a member of the Saint Anne’s Altar Society. She sang in the Parish’s Funeral Choir, as well as helping in the Parish’s many activities. It was one said of her, “If you needed something done at the Parish, you called Cecile.”
Cecile was predeceased by two of her brothers and by a sister. She is survived by her youngest sister, Irene Canton, of Lancaster, New Hampshire.
She is survived by her three children, Norman C. Smith and wife Nadia of Ferrisburgh, Barbara Ziter and husband Herb Jr. of Waterford, and David J. Smith and wife Lorie of Johnson; by four grandchildren, Michelle Ziter Fox, John Peter Smith, Anna Elizabeth Smith, and Jeremy Stewart Smith (Jen Fiona); and by two great-grandchildren, Patrick and Ashley Fox; and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandson Jeffrey Ziter in 2003.
Cecile was a loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt. She will be greatly missed by all.
The family would like to thank Debbie Ogden, Brenda Powers, Ashley Hoyt and Cindy Davis, who helped care for Stewart and Cecile and enabled them to stay in their home over the last year and a half. We would also like to thank Doctor Joyce Dobbertin for her care for Cecile, and the staff at The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center for the care they provided during Mom’s last days.
Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 8, from 6-8 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Johnsbury Thursday, February 9 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. The Rev. Bernard Gaudreau will be the celebrant. Burial will be in the Spring at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in Cecile’s name to the Jeffrey Ziter Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Good Shepherd Catholic School, 121 Maple Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Charles Donald Metevier
....show , age 90, of Barley Road in Burlington and formerly of Lynwood Terrace in St. Johnsbury, passed away peacefully in his sleep following an unexpected decline in health at the UVM Medical Center on January 21, 2017.
Charles was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on August 1, 1926, son to the late Charles A. and Florence (Roy) Metevier. He was raised and educated here; graduating from St. J. Academy when he returned from the US Army in Germany during WWII. He married the former Barbara May Ainsworth on Thanksgiving Day in 1950 at St. Aloysius Church, sharing nearly 64 years at the time of her passing on October 31, 2014. He worked as a salesman and truck driver for HP Hood and then Lotta Rock Ice Cream for nearly 40 years, combined. He was later a school bus driver for the Concord School District.
He and Barbara enjoyed dancing. He had a distinctive tenor singing voice; was a member of a Barber Shop Quartet out of St. Johnsbury; and a past member and actor with the St. J. Players. He was a very hard worker who also enjoyed woodworking. Growing up during the depression he was very frugal, using unique and rustic methods of repair; thereby being known as "McGyver" around the house. He was a longtime member of St. John the Evangelist Church.
He is survived by his two daughters: Teri George and her husband, Gordon, of St. Johnsbury, Lisa Metevier and her husband, Doug Vachereau, of Burlington; his brother: George Metevier of Bricktown, NJ; 5 grandchildren: Erinn Blodgett and her husband, Mike, of Lyndonville, Maurice LeMay and his wife, Patty, of NY, Amanda Taylor and her husband, Scott, of Woodbury, Nikia George, Mira George both of St. Johnsbury; 6 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his daughter: Lorraine Ainsworth, his 3 sisters: Rita MacPherson, Evelyn and Elaine Rolfe; and a great-grandchild.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Friday, January 27, 2017, at St. John the Evangelist Church, on Winter Street in St. Johnsbury. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in the springtime.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM on Thursday evening the 26th at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
Memorial donations may be made to the Vermont Veterans' Administration, c/o Voluntary Services, 128 Lakeside Avenue, Suite 260, Burlington, VT 05401
Charles William Murray
....show , age 42, of Gaskell Hill Road, West Burke, passed away at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on Tuesday, January 31, 2017.
Charles was born in St. Johnsbury on March 29, 1974, son of the Robert and Edith (Mitchell) Murray. He was raised in West Burke attending Lyndon Institute for 3 years and graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1992. He attended Western State College in Gunnison, CO, followed by Castelton State College, and then University of New England in Portland, ME obtaining a Masters degree. He married to Bridget Erickson in October 1997. Charles worked as an anesthetist at DHMC for 3 years and most recently had been at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, VT for 2 years.
Charles enjoyed spending time with family and being outdoors. He loved played Lacrosse with his daughter, Mackenzie, and riding motocross and snowcross with his son, Jackson. He just really liked to be out in the woods.
He is survived by his mother: Edith Murray of West Burke; his wife: Bridget Murray of West Burke; a son: Jackson Murray of West Burke; a daughter: Mackenzie Murray of West Burke; a sister: Kelly Murray-Liberty and husband, Thomas, of Lyndonville, VT; 2 nephews: Stephen McNally and son Trenton, and Nicholas Malshuk; and a niece: Madison Murray.
He was predeceased by his father, Robert Murray, in December 2011.
Friends may call on the family from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Guibord Funeral Home, 15 Main St., Lyndonville, VT. A funeral service officiated by Rev. John Sleeper will follow immediately at 12 noon at the funeral home.
Deacon Raymond Desilets
....show of St. Johnsbury passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 at the age of 94.
The Desilets were longtime residents of High Street and the Clouatre House at the head of Main Street and most recently, the Canterbury Inn.
He was born in St. Johnsbury on April 12, 1922, one of two children born to Napoleon and Florence (Gregoire) Desilets. He was predeceased by his sister Arlene St. Hillaire.
Raymond graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1941 and was proud to be able to attend his 75th class reunion this past June.
On Sept. 25, 1948 he and Germaine Hebert of Lyndonville were united in marriage after Ray served in the U.S. Army Air Force at the end of WWII. He was a retired longtime Fairbanks employee.
Ray coached the Notre Dame/Catholic Central girls basketball team for many years and also enjoyed following his children and the many sports they participated in.
Ray became ordained as a Catholic Deacon on June 25, 1983. His service as deacon at St. Johns Church was a labor of love that fulfilled early yearnings to perhaps choose the priesthood. He also was a very dedicated follower of the secular Franciscans.
Predeceased by his oldest child, daughter Christine Douglas last Feb. 15, he is survived by Gerry, his wife of 68 years; daughter Mary Reinhardt and husband William of Gilmanton, N.H.; two sons: Ray Desilets and wife Jeana of St. Johnsbury, Russell Desilets and wife Beth of Montgomery, Texas; son-in-law Michael Douglas of St. Johnsbury; seven grandchildren: Brian Douglas and wife Sarah of Fairport, NY, Joshua Douglas of Washington, D.C., Cynthia Bugnacki and husband Michael of Gilmanton, N.H., William Reinhardt and wife Nichole of Gilmanton, N.H., Nicquelle Timson and husband Shawn of Barnet; Russell Gage and Shae Desilets of Texas; nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will be held at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in May. Because of his standing as a deacon, visiting hours will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church Monday evening, Jan. 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions could be directed to The Good Shepherd School, 121 Maple St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Douglas Patten Steward, II
....show , age 64, of Lupine Hill Drive in Lyndon, passed away peacefully at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, Tuesday morning, February 28, 2017, surrounded by his beloved family following a very recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Douglas was born in Medford, MA, on December 30, 1952, son to Katherine Enid (Purves) and the late David Alan Steward and was named after his paternal grandfather. His family was in the hospitality business, which allowed him to live in Israel, England, Pittsburgh and Minnesota as a child, with the latter finally being home to his youth. He graduated from Orono High School in Minnesota, the Class of 1971. He attended Pratt Institute and received his BA from City College of New York in Medieval & Renaissance History. He researched genealogy as an enduring and beloved hobby for more than 40 years. Doug embraced his Scottish heritage, from Highland Games, military re-enactments and enjoyed haggis, much to the dismay of those sitting across from him. He was described by many as being a warm and gentle man, one who not only loved to cook but enjoyed bringing people together for family gatherings and dinners. If he could bring friends and family to the dinner table and make them smile, he considered his job a success. He was a true chef at heart and carried that into his career, where he was Executive Chef at the Burke Mountain Academy.
Many of his loves and hobbies included architecture, world music, gardening, collecting Israeli stamps and photography. Doug was considered a man from another era, in that he could do or make due with whatever was at hand. He shall be truly and dearly missed.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Darcie McCann of Lyndon, his mother: Katherine E. Steward of Minneapolis, MN, his daughter: Katherine “Kate” L. Steward (Aaron Gingras) of Waterbury, VT, his son: Kieran A. Steward of Lyndon, his sister: Alison “Lissa” Steward of Minneapolis, and a legion of sisters & brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, including a special dog & cat: Belleau & Puck.
Services will be held at 11AM on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the Lyndonville Congregational Church on Middle Street with the Rev. Judi Horgan officiating. Interment will take place privately at a later date.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM Friday March 3rd at the Guibord Funeral Home at the corner of Center and Main in Lyndonville, VT.
Memorial donations may be made to either the American Cancer Society (earmarked for pancreatic cancer research), PO Box 3333, Montpelier, VT 05601-3333 or to the Caledonia County Relay for Life.
Drusella E Rice (Dee)
....show , 80 of Newark VT passed away on Monday, March 27, 2017 at her apartment at The Residence at Shelburne Bay, Shelburne, VT
She was born on September 27, 1936 in Barnet VT to Raymond Degreenia and Dellamoor Gonyaw. After school she went to work for Edith McNally it is there where she met her husband Terry Rice. After a short courtship they married on July 4, 1956.
They started farming in Lyndonville in 1957 and in 1962 moved to Newark where they purchased the farm they worked for the next 45 years.
Dee loved to bake and in the 1980’s started a home bakery business with the motto “You order I bake.” After retiring from farming she took her talent with her when she started baking for the Pilgrim Manor.
Dee was not only a wife to Terry but an intricate part of any success the dairy farm may have produced. She worked side by side with Terry from milking the cows to working long hours in the hay fields, all while running her home bakery business, taking care of the animals, maintaining a house, large garden & raising six children.
She is survived by her sister Marcelina Smith of Lyndonville, son Andrew Rice and wife Alicia of Sellersburg, IN, Della Bishop and husband Mike of Lancaster NH, Carolyn Darling and husband Malcolm of So. Rygate,VT Sandy Wells and husband Greg of North Ferrisburgh VT, Jodee Rice-Clark and husband Steve of Lewiston, ME, Deanna Deis & husband Steve of Alden, NY; 5 grandchildren Kevin Brewer, Tammy Carbee, Michelle Farnham, Morgan Deis, Jacob Deis, very special friends Jean Bailey, Jim O’Hop, Kate Campbell and many great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother Welcome, husband Terry Rice, grandson Randy Brewer, brother Forrest Degreenia, sister Margaret Smith, cousin Gordon Smith.
Dee was a kind, generous and loving mother, sister, and friend, she will be greatly missed.
She had a big heart and felt for anyone sick or going through something. She would bake and take it to them. She loved Jesus with all her heart and would say “Keep your eyes on Jesus”.
Memorial contributions can be made to the: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Visiting Nurse Association Hospice
Services will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.
Edward "Ed" Crane
....show -- a family man, a farming man, a life-long resident of Caledonia County, and a long-time representative of St. Johnsbury in the Vermont Legislature -- died on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.
He was born in McIndoe Falls on February 17, 1920, to John Alaric Crane and Margaret Thurston Crane. He grew up on his family’s hillside dairy farm on Roy Mountain above McIndoe Falls Village with his sister Marjorie, three brothers John, Carlton, and David, and several cousins. He attended the Aiken District one-room schoolhouse and graduated from McIndoes Academy in 1936. He traveled back and forth to the Academy with Marge in the family carriage and stabled the horse during the day at his grandparents’ home in the village. In later years, he recalled many times that he’d used a two-man crosscut saw to cut firewood from the maple trees blown down in the great hurricane of 1938.
After studying bookkeeping at the Bay Path Institute in Brattleboro, he worked at the family farm for a few years, during which he also took flying lessons and obtained a pilot’s license. In 1941, he joined the Army Air Corps, receiving training in aircraft repair in Pensacola, Florida, and on Long Island, New York. Afterwards, for more than three years, he served in North Africa and Italy. He spent the last years of the war at the American airbase in Foggia, Italy, where he repaired P38 fighters and B17 bombers.
All during the war years, Ed corresponded by mail with a St. Johnsbury girl named Ruth Cormier. Ruth was sixteen when the War began. She’d known Ed as the “pesky older brother” of her friend Marge Crane. Ruth started writing Ed, because girls were encouraged to write soldiers who were away from home and because she already had a crush on him. She wrote almost every day and Ed wrote back. Soon, though separated by thousands of miles, they became sweethearts. When Ed returned from overseas, Ruth and he hadn’t seen each other in almost four years, but they became engaged within a few weeks and were married a few months later. Shortly thereafter, they purchased a two-hundred acre farm in East St. Johnsbury for five thousand dollars. It is here that they raised their five sons and lived for nearly seventy years. For the first fifteen years or so Ed raised chickens, as many as fifty thousand broiler chickens annually in ten-week batches during the early years. At later times, he specialized in egg production. He was a longtime member of the Vermont Poultry Association, serving as a member of its board and as its President. In the late 1960s, when egg production had become unprofitable, Ed worked as a salesman for Calco Inc. selling concrete products. He then purchased and operated the Moose River Campground for a number of years.
In 1972, Ed joined with others to found the St. Johnsbury Farmers Market, which continues today as an important St. Johnsbury institution. For two decades, he and Ruth grew vegetables to sell each week at the market. Ed was particularly celebrated for his tomatoes. He also tapped each year hundreds of sugar maple trees and made maple syrup and maple candies that were sold at the market. In his late fifties, foreseeing many more years of an active life, Ed began an orchard of antique varieties of apples. Beginning with root stock and seedlings, Ed grew around forty-five different varieties of early American apples, which joined the vegetables and the maple products at the farmers’ market. The farm remains in the family today. Son Stan and his wife Bobbie have built a home on a high meadow, and Stan is now working with their son Paul to refurbish the farmhouse for Paul and his family.
For much of his life after the military, Ed involved himself in public service, serving the town of St. Johnsbury and the state of Vermont in many ways. In about 1960, the St. Johnsbury Board of Selectman selected Ed as chair of the newly formed town planning commission. A few years later, he was elected a member of the Board of Selectmen. After serving two terms as a selectman, he was elected to the newly-reapportioned Vermont House of Representatives, where for seventeen years, from 1965 until 1982, he represented one of the St. Johnsbury districts. After retiring as a legislator, Ed ran for one more office and was elected to serve as an Assistant (or Side) Judge in Caledonia County Superior Court.
Throughout his life, Ed took special pleasure in working outdoors. Into his early eighties, working almost entirely by himself, Ed maintained his apple orchard, pruning, spraying, mowing, picking, and repairing the high fence that kept out the deer. He displayed many of his heirloom varieties at the annual Craft Day at the Fairbanks Museum. In the winter of 2002, after a series of heavy snows, hungry deer jumped the high fence and destroyed many of the trees. Ed was eighty-two at the time and, with grace, accepted that his apple-growing years had come to an end. For several more years afterwards, however, he continued growing tomatoes and other vegetables for use at home.
Ed liked people. He had a rich sense of humor, enjoyed puns, and told great stories. He believed strongly in education and, together with Ruth, made certain that each of his five sons received the college education that he and Ruth had not been able to receive. He was a man of principle but with the capacity to understand that times change and to accept the various paths his children had taken.
He and Ruth enjoyed good health for the great majority of their lives. With help from their sons, they were able to remain in the family farmhouse until Ed was ninety-four and Ruth was eighty-eight. In the summer of 2014, they moved to the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center. In their last years, as had been true for almost seventy years before, the greatest blessing for each of them was the company of the other. Ruth died on May 10, 2016 at the Rehabilitation Center. Ed followed her 9 months later, on February 14, 2017.
Ed is survived by his sister Marjorie and by his five sons and their spouses – Richard and Janet Crane of Wayne, Maine; John Crane and David Chambers of West Hartford; Larry and Sherri Crane of San Diego, California; Stan and Bobbie Crane of St. Johnsbury; and Les and Suzanne Crane of Williston. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, who called him Poppy: Matthew, Meredith, Corey, Jill, Jeff, Becky, Paul, Ben, Peter, Anne and Emilina, as well as by several great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Ed Crane’s life will be scheduled and announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to either The Fairbanks Museum, 1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819 or to The St. Johnsbury History and Heritage Center, 421 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819.
Eleanor Marion Lund
....show , 83, of Lawrence Road in Waterford, VT, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 25, 2017.
Eleanor was born May 10, 1933, in North Troy, VT, daughter to William and Mabel (Westover) Santaw. She was raised and educated in Concord, VT, graduating as Class of 1951 Valedictorian from Concord High School. In 1954, she graduated from Wayne School in Chicago, IL with a dental assistant certificate. Eleanor married Milton Lund on October 20, 1956. They enjoyed 60 years together, 35 of those years on Lawrence Road. Eleanor worked for many years at Citizens Bank. She also served as Waterford Town Auditor for many years.
Eleanor liked to travel especially to Alaska, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. She also enjoyed snow-mobiling, camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, and cooking. She belonged to VAST and the Concord Historical Society.
Eleanor is survived by her husband: Milton Edward Lund of Waterford, VT; her daughter: Donna Lund and her companion, Howard Stahler, Jr., both of Waterford; a sister: Lorraine Racine of Waterford; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her mother: Mabel Houghton; her step-father: Ralph Houghton; a sister: Agnes Anderson; her father- and mother-in-law: Edward and Gladys Lund; 3 sisters-in-law: Izola Irwin, Helen Farmer, and Minnie Olson; 5 brothers-in-law: Ernest Racine, Eugene Farmer, John Irwin, Henry Lund, and Marvin Olson; and a niece: Sandra Carpenter.
A service, officiated by Ann Hockridge, will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 2pm at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St., St. Johnsbury, VT. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 12n-2pm at the funeral home directly preceding the service.
Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.
Donations may be made in Eleanor’s name to Hospice c/o Caledonia Home Health, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Harry ‘Jack’ Saunders Blanchard
....show , 91, of Danville, VT, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2017 at The Pines in Lyndonville where he had resided since 2009.
Jack was born on October 16, 1925 in Orleans, VT, son to the late Harrison and Grace (Milne) Blanchard. A graduate of Orleans High School, he served in the US Navy during WWII aboard the destroyer, the USS McGowan. He and his wife Phyllis met in first grade, married in 1948 and enjoyed a lifetime of love until her death just four months ago.
Jack attended the University of Vermont graduating with a BS in Chemistry in 1950 and then the University of Michigan receiving a PhD in Chemistry in 1955. Jack worked as a research scientist for General Electric, then as a teacher and later headmaster at Kimberton Farms School and as Vice President of Operations for General Building Services in Pennsylvania. In 1985, Jack and Phyllis returned to Vermont residing in Middlebury where Jack worked in real estate until retiring to Danville in 1998.
Jack was a master gardener, enjoyed walking, poetry, and sailing in his earlier years. He was a member of the Danville United Methodist Church and the Vermont 251 Club; he held a special affinity for the town of Plymouth. Jack had a love for books and enjoyed spending time at the Pope library. He will be remembered by many for his brilliant sense of humor.
Jack is survived by his children: Mark, David, and Jamie; grandchildren: Stacey, Ashley, Javin, Miranda, Hannah, Sheldon, and Nigel; and great-grandchildren: Skyler, Arielle, and Lachlan.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday May 20, 2017 at the Danville United Methodist Church on the Town Green with a luncheon to follow. Burial will take place later that day at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Orleans, VT.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington DC 20090-6011 or to Danville Senior Meals Site.
Jacqueline Marie (Poro) Dawson
....show , age 83, formerly of Hill Street for 58 years, passed away at her home on Brown Farm Road in Lyndonville, Saturday Morning, January 14, 2017, surrounded by her family.
Jacqueline was born in Middlebury, VT on April 10, 1933, daughter to Gilbert and Isobel (Whitman) Poro. She was raised and educated there attending Middlebury High School from 1947-49 when the family moved to Lyndonville and she finished at Lyndon Institute with the Class of 1951. She played basketball throughout high school and after graduation she was the class secretary for many years. She married Rufus H. Dawson, Jr, on October 16, 1954 and shared 57 years at the time of his passing in 2012. Jackie was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Church for most all her life and was a member of the Altar Society. She was a homemaker and an excellent cook. She enjoyed baking, reading, knitting and watching the soaps. One of her favorite pass times was watching the Celtics.
On her 80th birthday, Andrea, Susan, Karen and Ashley surprised her with a trip to Old Orchard Beach and then to Boston to a Celtics game. On Christmas morning family and friends looked forward to “Jackie’s Coffee Cake”. The grandchildren and great grandchildren were her life, whether they were sick and needed someone to watch them or going to one of their sporting events or just making sure the candy dish was full if they stopped by. When visiting Karen and family in West Virginia, she would sit and watch the cardinals and the girls (deer) in the backyard.
She is survived by her 3 daughters: Andrea Dawson and husband John Conway of Lyndonville; Susan Dawson-Karlson and husband Eric of Greenwich, NY; Karen (Moulton) Minch and husband Paul of Inwood, WV; her son: Rufus “Hank” Dawson, III and Karole Davis of Lyndonville; her brother: Gilbert Martin and wife Jennie of Pittsford, VT; 2 sisters: Marilyn Brown of Lyndonville; Joan Hayes of St. Johnsbury; 10 Grandchildren: Taylor Dawson, Sean Montgomery and Gina Brisson, Ashley and Neal Allen, Jordan and Kimberly Karlson, Rufus Dawson, IV, Derek Dawson, Lyndsay Christman, Matthew Minch and Miranda Bias, Ryan and Molly Minch, Nicholas Minch, 9 great-grandchildren: Jacob, Emma and Tyler Montgomery and their mother Denise Montgomery, Andraya and Alicia Brisson, Hailey, Kianna and Karson Allen, Hank Dawson, cousins: Bobby and Janice Whitman, Bill Whitman, Ruth Conway, Lucy Barrows, Marianna and Dominick Davino, Ann Baldwin, 14 nieces and nephews: Michael, Nancy, Diane, Patricia, Steve, David, Paula, Karen, Mark, Kathleen, Michael John, Jaime, Tyler and Beth, a sister-in-law: Elizabeth “Betty” Dawson and 4 special friends: Claire Tanych, Evelyn Lussier, Liz Williams and Julie Boera. Special family members: Steve and Peggie Parker.
She was predeceased by her husband, Rufus H. Dawson, Jr., her brothers-in-laws: Dale Dawson, Wayne Brown both in 2011, her sister: Julie Nash in 2003, her mother: Isobel Nash in 1990, her step-father: Chester Nash in 1968 and her father Gilbert Poro in 1943.
Friends may call on the family for visitation Thursday evening from 6-8PM, January 19th at the Guibord Funeral Home on the corners of Center and Main.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Friday, January 20, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Church on Hill Street in Lyndonville will Rev. Fr. Curtis Miller as celebrant. Burial will take place in the springtime on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 10AM at the Lyndon Center Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, VA for the loving care they provided. A special thank you to Caspertine Hawkins-Speller RN for her love and devotion to our mother. Thank you to Dr. Thomas Ziobrowski and staff at Kingdom Internal for the care provided to her throughout the years.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to: LAYHA (Lyndon Area Youth Hockey Association) and St. Elizabeth’s Altar Society., c/o Corpus Christi Parish, 31 Winter Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Jean S. Charles
....show , age 78, of Lyndonville, formerly of Williston, VT, passed away at his home from an apparent heart attack on Friday, February 24, 2017.
Jean was born on January 25, 1939, in Petionville (Port-au-Prince), Haiti. He was the eldest son of the late Sterne and Yvonne Charles (née Dumornay). He completed his high school studies at Collège Saint Martial in Port-au-Prince, obtaining his Baccalaureate at the Center of Collegial Studies. He then emigrated with his parents to the United States in the early 1960s, and obtained his diploma in Electronic Engineering. Answering the call of the draft, he served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in Germany, during the era of the Vietnam War. He then married his first wife, Dr. Jacqueline Sévère. After a brief time in Québec (Canada), where his wife completed her medical residency, Jean returned to the United States. Divorced, he married his second wife, Judy Plantin, in New York. Jean and his family then moved to Williston, Vermont, where he worked as an Electronics Engineer for IBM, patenting computer chip creation techniques on their behalf from the 1980s until his retirement. He then moved to Lyndonville, VT in 2000. To pass the time, empassioned by music, he opened a small repair shop to fix electronic organs and pianos.
A man of many talents, Jean was a black belt Martial Artist, who also enjoyed playing and teaching classical guitar at Lyndon State College. He shared his passion for the guitar with his cousin Alix "Tite" Pascal. He also shared his love of this with the communities of Vermont, playing in marriage ceremonies & birthday celebrations until his final days. He was also a member of the American Legion and the local Veteran community in Lyndonville for many years. His family and friends are witnesses of his patriotism and love of country.
Jean is survived by his ex-wife Judy Charles (née Plantin) of Williston, VT; step-daughter Fabienne Nadeau (wife Dana Nahumck) of Milton, VT, daughter Stephanie Charles of Lyndonville, VT, and son Philippe Charles (girlfriend Okhela Bazile) of Williston, VT and New York, NY, his sister Dr. Yolande Charles (widow of Yvon Mouscardy) and brother Dr. Guy Charles (wife Elizabeth Woel) of Montréal, QC (Canada), his brother Reynold Charles (wife Nicole, née Hérard) of Sunrise, FL., as well as their respective families.
Yolande's sons - Ousmane Bary (wife Natacha Blanchard) & Momar Bary (wife Karina, née Pelaez) of Montréal, QC, and her grandchildren Diouma Bary, Joakim Bary, and Maïté Bary.
Guy's sons - Olivier and Vincent Charles of Montréal, QC.
Reynold's sons - Reynold Charles Jr. (wife Kisa Bowleg) of Miramar, FL, Richard Charles (wife Sulia, née Reyes) of Miami, FL, Edwin Charles (wife Jennifer, née Rogers) of Middleton, CT, Vladimir Charles (wife Ruthie, née Castro) of Seattle, WA and their respective families...
He also leaves behind his uncle Charleon Charles of Québec (Canada), aunt Christiane Dumornay of Laurel, MD, aunt Claire Dumornay, & their respective children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his cousins Ugo Charles (wife Mariève, née Migneault) & Noemie Charles (Martin) and their respective families; his cousins André Pascal, Alix Pascal, Honorine Pascal Pouponneau, Marthe Pascal Barreau, Guerda Pascal, Ertha Pascal-Trouillot, their spouses, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren... as well as many cousins and members of the extended family (Dumornay/Dumorne, Gedeon, Charles, Pascal, Louis, Juste, St. Amand and others), friends, as well as his brothers & sisters in arms.
He is deeply missed.
A memorial service will take place on a date that is yet to be determined. A private interment will be scheduled at the VT Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, VT in late spring.
Jeanne Victoria (Belanger) Bean
....show died peacefully, surrounded by family, in Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH at the age of 84.
Jeanne is survived by her children; Marty Bean and his wife Carol of Nampa, Idaho, Mark Bean and his longtime partner Mary Broome of Lyndonville, VT, Dennis Bean and his fiancé Jessica Trepanier of Sutton, VT and Darren Bean and his wife Judi of Columbia, SC; and her brother Maurice Belanger of Colchester, VT. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Leonard Bean, her beautiful son Gregory Bean of Lyndonville, VT, and her brothers Hank Belanger and Raymond Belanger.
Jeanne also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, all sparkles in her eye.
Jeanne was born on June 12, 1932 in St Johnsbury, VT to Henry and Georgiana (Toussaint) Belanger. She graduated from St Johnsbury Academy. She married Leonard Bean, the love of her life, on July 10, 1954. After moving to Lyndonville, Jeanne spent most of her life as homemaker, always there for her husband and her five children.
After the loss of her soul mate, Leonard in 1991, Jeanne’s passion was her children. She looked forward every day to seeing or talking to one of them on the phone and sharing the family stories with the others. She was so proud of each of her children that she beamed whenever she would talk to others about their accomplishments. Jeanne’s focus on loving her children and maintaining her home can be seen in her children’s lives every day.
Jeanne was well-known throughout the community, and always could be found walking Steven’s loop, at the post office, White’s Market, the Bagel Depot or volunteering for the LI Alumni Association, Red Cross or in the Visitor’s Center.
A funeral is scheduled for April 4, 2017 at 1 pm at St Elizabeth’s Church in Lyndonville, VT. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jeanne’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Warrior Thunder Foundation PO Box 5515, Wayland, MA 01778.
Joan Roberta Croteau
....show , age 72, died at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Monday, February 13, 2017, surrounded by her loved ones following a short period of declining health.
Joan was born in Concord Vermont, on April 9, 1944, daughter to the late Merton Robert and Maidene Elizabeth (Morse) Morton. She was raised and educated in Concord graduating from Concord High School with the Class of 1962. On November 2, 1963 she married Paul Edward Croteau and began a marriage and friendship lasting over 53 years. Throughout her life Joan worked at many local businesses: Val’s Restaurant and Cabins in her teen years, Ames Department Store, Shop n Save, Aldrich Formica, NVRH and then at JC Penney while living in Florida. When Joan and Paul returned to Vermont she opened Joan’s Daycare Center which would take off and become the next love of her life. She operated it from 1992-1996 at Tremont Street and then on Cherry Street from 1996-2002. Joan also enjoyed attending family events, making crafts, collecting dolls and cook books, and any good deal she could get at a yard sale or flea market.
She is survived by her beloved family. Her husband Paul E. Croteau of St. Johnsbury, her two sons, Paul R. Croteau of E. Concord, VT and his children: Christopher and wife Kristen, their kids: Hannah & Owen, Daniel and his son: Nicholas, SFC Jonathan H. Croteau and wife Delora, of St. Petersburg, FL and their children: Isabella and Olivia, daughter Pamela J Billings of Middlebury, VT and her children: Kathryn and Eli, Joan’s sister: Diana Gray of Concord, VT, and several cousins including one very close and dear: Betty Thrumston-Keasling of Pinellas Park, FL. Joan was predeceased by a granddaughter: Eliza Billings
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
A Celebration of Joan’s Life will take place at 11AM Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the funeral home. Please bring a story to share with family and friends about Joan to continue her memory. Following the service a reception will be held across the street at the Fr. Lively Center from 12-2 PM to continue with coffee and conversation for those attending and any additional guests to stop by.
Private interment will take place in the springtime at the Vermont Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, VT.
Memorial donations may be made to Riverside Animal Rescue, 236 Riverside Ave., Lunenburg, VT 05906
Joseph Francis Gibbons, Jr.
....show , age 86, of Danville, Vermont, passed away peacefully at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center on January 31, 2017.
Joseph was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 1, 1930, oldest son of Dr. Joseph Gibbons, Sr. and Helene (McDonald) Gibbons. He was raised and educated in Brookline and Westwood, MA and graduated from Norfolk Agricultural High School. He worked as assistant General Manager of Lost Brook Golf Course. Coming from Westwood, MA and Ashby, MA, he joined family in Danville, VT in 2015.
Most of all, Joseph enjoyed family gatherings…playing cribbage, games of all sorts, and rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots. He also loved caring for his foxhounds and horses and became quite an accomplished equestrian.
Joe was a kind and gentle soul who added much joy to family life in a quiet reserved sort of way. His presence will be sorely missed.
He is survived by two sisters: Ann (Gibbons) Halstead of Danville, VT, and Mary E. Gibbons of Ashby, MA; a brother: Paul Gibbons of Vero Beach, Florida and Wellesley, MA; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents: Joseph and Helene Gibbons; a sister: Helene Dunn; and two brothers: William P. Gibbons and Peter Gibbons.
A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Massachusetts.
Leigh B. Larocque
....show , Old Silo Road, Barnet passed away Sunday, March 26th at his home surrounded by his loving wife and eight children, following over a year long valiant struggle.
He was born in Browington, VT March 6, 1934 to the late Donald and Beatrice (Labor) Larocque. Leigh is predeceased by 11 siblings, including two sets of twins (1 set died at birth). He is survived by Dale Kendall of Barnet who lived with Leigh’s parents after he lost both parents at a young age. He was a part of the large family and has always been like another brother.
Leigh attended graded schools in Barnet and graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School in 1952. Two years later he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Goodwin of East. St. Johnsbury. They started their married life together working on Leigh’s parents’ farm in Barnet. Beverly worked at Fairbanks Scales in St. Johnsbury.
Hard times in the farming business forced Leigh to go to work as an inspector on the Moore Dam Construction Project in Littleton, N.H., later the St. Lawrence Seaway in Massena, NY, and then the Niagara Power Project in Niagara Falls, NY.
The family moved back to Barnet in 1962 purchasing half of the family farm and Leigh worked with his parents for the next few years and eventually purchased the 2nd part of the farm when his parents retired to spend their winters in Florida.
After selling the stock and equipment in 1986 and the farm in 1988, Leigh & Beverly retained acreage on the upper part of the farm (currently Old Silo Rd.) to be divided into building lots for all of their children who chose to make their homes there and raise their families.
He then worked for Charles Fenoff and later Ron Fenoff operating the Fenoff Redi-Mix Concrete Plant in Waterford until the Fenoffs sold the business. He subsequently worked for Construction Material Testing out of Whitefield, N.H. for several years and one year for his son Shannon at Foresite Engineering before retiring in 2004.
He served on the Barnet Select Board for 12 years, receiving recognition for his outstanding service. Also a member of Northeast Vermont Development Association for many years, and a member of the St. Johnsbury Academy Alumni Council up to the present time. He was awarded the Vt. League of Citizen’s & Towns Legislative Service Award in 2001.
He was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose #1779 earning the Pilgrim degree, a member of the West Barnet Lakeview Grange who chose to honor him as their 2015 “Citizen of the Year” award, and later honored by the Caledonia County Republican Committee with a banquet held at the Loyal Order of Moose attended by many of his former colleagues in the Vermont House and many local supporters for his 20 years of service representing Barnet, Ryegate and Waterford.
Leigh is survived by his wife: Beverly Larocque of Barnet VT; 4 sons: Steven Larocque of Barnet, VT, Scott Laroque (Robin) of Lyndonville, VT, Shawn Larocque of Barnet, VT, and Shannon (Sylvia Bedor) of Barnet, VT; 4 daughters: Sylvia Laferriere (Paul) of Barnet, VT, Sandra Garand of Barnet, VT, Sheila Bean (Kenneth) of Passumpsic, VT, and Michelle Mitchell (Mark) of Barnet, VT; 1 brother: Dale Kendall of Barnet, VT; 19 grandchildren: Jason, Ryan, Malcolm, Andrew, Olivia, Brooke, Dillion, Ben, Jenn, Michael, Joseph, Nicholas, Nathan, Jeff, Shauna, Amanda, Courtney, Emma, and Grace; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Friday, March 31, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St., St. Johnsbury, followed by a prayer service at 8 p.m. officiated by Rev. Ann Hockridge.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be earmarked for either a Barnet School memorial fund mailed to CCSU PO Box 216, Danville VT 05828 or towards the construction in the Spring of a Memorial Gazebo at the Larocque family cemetery (c/o Beverly Larocque 1879 Old Silo Road, St. Johnsbury VT 05819).
Mrs. Lida Surridge
....show , longtime Kirby resident, passed away Monday evening, Feb. 13, 2017 at the age of 103. She had resided at The Pines since May 2016.
She was born in Kirby, Vermont on Nov. 11, 1913, the daughter of Theodore and Alphonsine (Bedard) Croteau. Her husband George Surridge Sr. predeceased her in 1997; she was also predeceased by three children: Isabelle Noyes, Raymond Surridge, and George Surridge Jr., three brothers Robert, Paul, and Archie Croteau, and by two sisters: Eveline Santy and Helena Cushman.
Lida attended church primarily at St. Johns Church in St. Johnsbury but also at St. Elizabeths Church in Lyndonville. She was a member of the Kirby Quilters, the VFW Woman’s Auxiliary, and loved to play bingo.
She is survived by five of her eight children: Ethel Knapp of Danville, Betty Hudson and husband Erton of Ocklawaha, Florida, Helen Sherburne and husband Ronald of Lyndonville, Paul Surridge and friend Shirley Hand of Kirby, Diane Surridge of Ocklawaha, Florida; daughter-in-law Lucy Surridge of Danville; daughter in law Edna Surridge of Lunenburg; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Theresa Lesperance of Kirby.
Visiting hours will be held in St. Johnsbury at the Sayles Funeral Home this Thursday evening, Feb. 16, from 6-8 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Johnsbury this Friday, Feb. 17 at St. John the Evangelist Church at 11 a.m. Burial will be in May at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, marked for ‘Resident Activity Fund’, could be directed to The Pines, 601 Red Village Rd., Lyndonville VT 05851.
Lorraine (Hurd) Placey
....show , 78, of East Street in Lyndonville died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.
Lorraine was born on July 19, 1938, in Middletown, CT, daughter to the late Carl and Lela Hurd. She was raised and educated in Middletown graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1956. She has resided in Lyndonville for the last 50 years. She owned and operated Lyndonville Printing for 25 years. On October 6, 1989, she married Claude Placey sharing a brief 6 years with him until his death in 1995.
Lorraine was known as the “Cotton Candy Lady” for her selling of cotton candy at Lyndonville Bandstand Park.
She was a gem collector and enjoyed making jewelry. She also enjoyed working with stained glass. Lorraine was very proud of her listing in Who’s Who of Small Businesses by Women.
Lorraine is survived by her daughters: Deborah Towle (Kevin) of Lyndonville, VT and Lela Placey of Colchester, VT; her granddaughters: Joanne Simons, Diane Carter (Bill Henn), and Jacqueline Beer all of Lyndonville, VT; great-grandchildren: Troy, Waylon, Constance, Olivia, and Sophia; her special cousins: Pat Candiano of Lawrence, MA and Kathy Tripp and family of Madrid, ME; and her cat, Velcro.
She was predeceased by her husband: Claude Placey.
Services will be private with burial at the convenience of the family.
Louise Annette Helen McElroy
....show , age 89, formerly of Railroad Street passed away at the St. J. Health & Rehab on February 9, 2017, in St. Johnsbury, VT.
Louise was born on September 16, 1927, in Albany, VT, daughter to the late Edward and Josephine (Bo) Gile. She grew up in Albany. She worked as a sales clerk at Grants and Hovey’s in St. Johnsbury for many years.
Louise loved to go on walks and go shopping. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and working in her flower garden at her home on South Main Street. Louise was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast. Louise was a quiet presence, kind and dependable. She always put her family first, spending many days with her sisters and brother and at family gatherings.
Louise had no children but did take a strong liking to her neighbor’s children, Lisa Stuart and Jerry Cote, and they enjoyed spending time with her and her husband, Armand.
She is survived by her sisters: Margaret Wright of St. Johnsbury, Laura Gonyaw of Barton, VT, and Rena Young of CT. Louise is also survived by long-time best friend Marion Bennett of Lyndonville.
Louise was predeceased by her husband Armond McElroy; brothers: John and Ernest Gile; and sisters: Marie Chiovetti, Rose Sanville, Bertha Shortsleeve and Alice Voyer.
A graveside memorial service will be held at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in the spring at 2 pm on Sunday, June 25, 2017.
Memorial donations may be made in Louise’s name to the NEK Council on Aging, 481 Summer St., Suite 101, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Luc Rancourt
....show , 57, of Memorial Dr. in St. Johnsbury and native of West Stewartstown, New Hampshire, passed away at sunrise on Thursday morning, Feb. 16, 2017 after a two year battle with A.L.S., Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. His faith was such that he knew he was going to a better place.
He was born in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire on May 24, 1959, one of six children born to Victor and Rachel (Hebert) Rancourt. He graduated from Canaan Memorial High School in 1978. His father passed away in 1995.
His family will remember Luc as a kind, gentle family man. Sports played an important part in his younger years; he was a 1000 point scorer for the Canaan Memorial basketball team. When the kids were little he loved to take them ice fishing and coached his sons’ basketball teams.
Luc was a finish carpenter by trade and enjoyed working with his brothers. Recently Luc had worked for Northeast Kingdom Human Services as a community integration specialist. He loved life, loved to laugh and tease, and really loved to play Texas hold-em at The Breslin Center and the Lyndon American Legion. For the last six years he was a seasonal camper at the Groton Forest Road Campground.
He is survived by his mother Mrs. Rachel Rancourt of West Stewartstown, NH; his loving and attentive partner Lucy McKee of St. Johnsbury; two of his three children: Kyla Meszkat and husband Bryan of Elmore, VT., Clint Rancourt and wife Joshlynne of Island Pond VT; son Travis predeceased him in 2009; three grandchildren Maximillian Meszkat, Brielle and Colton Rancourt; Lucy’s three children: Joel and Aaron Collins (wife Gerry), Amber Adams (husband Sam) and their children Sebastien, Ava and Kimari, and Benson (who loved his Pepere!); three brothers Marc Rancourt and wife Joanne of West Stewartstown NH, Jules Rancourt and wife Judy of Pittsburg, NH, Ronald Rancourt and wife Katherine of Virginia Beach VA; two sisters: Carmen Riley and husband Ross, Celine Fuller and husband Larry both of Canaan VT; numerous nieces and nephews as well as the extended Rancourt family.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated in West Stewartstown on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Albert’s Church, 10 Church St. Burial will be at a later date at the St. Albert’s Cemetery in West Stewartstown. There will be no visiting hours.
Memorial contributions, marked in Luc Rancourt’s memory, could be directed to A.L.S. Association, Northern NE chapter, 10 Ferry St., Suite 309, Concord NH 03301.
Pellegrino Rocco “Bill” Mancini
....show , age 84, of Lyndonville, VT, formerly of Oakville, CT, passed away on March 29, 2017, at Northern Vermont Regional Hospital.
Bill was born on April 4, 1932, in Hartford, CT to Rocco and Incorronata (Mazzola) Mancini. He was raised and educated in Watertown, CT, graduating from Watertown High School in 1950. He worked as a carpenter for various companies as well as for himself. Bill married Alice (Bergeron) and shared 11 years together until her passing in 2013.
Pellegrino was a member of St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church. He loved the outdoors especially hunting and camping. Whether using wood or metal, he enjoyed building with his hands. He also liked spending time with his family and all his friends at church.
Bill is survived by a son: Steven F. Mancini and wife, Christine, of Watertown, CT; two daughters: Carol Mancini Dumond and husband, Michael, Sr., of Watertown, CT, and Donna Mancini of Oakville, CT; two sisters: Teresa Mancini of Wolcott, CT, and Amelia Grover of Watertown, CT; two grandchildren: Steven R. Mancini and Krista Mancini; and one great-grandchild: Aiden J. D-Mancini. Bill was predeceased by his former wife and mother of his children, Mary McKennerny Mancini.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Thursday, April 6, 2017, at St. Elizabeth’s Church on High Street in Lyndonville, VT, with the Rev. Fr. Curtis Miller as celebrant. Burial will take place at St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery in the springtime.
Visitation will be held at the Guibord Funeral Home on the corner of Central and Main Streets prior that morning from 10AM until the time of departure to St. Elizabeth’s Church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to Meals on Wheels c/o Darling Inn Senior Meal Site, 76 Depot St., Lyndonville, VT 05851.
Phyllis Elizabeth "Betsy" Ross Culver-Byrom
....show , age 94, former resident of Pittsfield and Centerville, Massachusetts, died January 18, 2017 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
Betsy was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on April 4, 1922, to Harry Duane Ross and Mildred Carter Ross. She married Myron H. Culver, Jr., in 1942. They and their three children enjoyed summer camping vacations on Cape Cod for many years, and in 1977 Betsy and Myron moved to Centerville, where their home was a welcoming haven for their friends, children, and grandchildren.
In the years after Myron’s death in 1996, Betsy found a supportive and loving companion in Myron’s good friend Robert Byrom, of Centerville and Leominster, MA. Betsy and Bob were married in 2000 and enjoyed many adventures together before their activities were restricted by ill health. Bob died in 2014 of Parkinson’s disease, while Betsy suffered from advancing dementia for the last 10 years of her life. The services of the Riverside Life Enrichment Center of Lyndonville, Vermont, helped make it possible for her to live at home with her daughter Jane for several years before she moved to the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Betsy is survived by two daughters, Jane Culver of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and Marcia Culver of Iowa City, Iowa, by 6 grandchildren (Rebecca, Elizabeth, Kari, Jeffrey, Jennifer and Richard) and by 9 great-grandchildren. She also leaves a brother, Richard L. Ross of Rego Park, NY, and sisters Joan Rook of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and Nancy Ross of New Britain, CT. Her son David Ross Culver died in 1993.
In Pittsfield, Betsy worked at Pittsfield General Hospital as in-patient bookkeeper, as a personal secretary at the Berkshire Life Insurance home office, and as a secretary in the Continuing Education program at Berkshire Community College. After moving to Centerville, she put her bookkeeping and organizational skills to work as volunteer manager of the Centerville Historical Society gift shop and was an active member of the Hyannis Garden Club and the Episcopal Church Women at St. Mary's Church, Barnstable. At one time an avid amateur painter, she also loved to garden and studied flower arranging. She was a skilled seamstress and created many craft items for the annual St. Mary’s Christmas bazaar.
A private service will be held at St. Mary's Garden in Barnstable, where her ashes will be interred next to her husband Myron’s. Memorial gifts may be made to the Riverside Life Enrichment Center of Lyndonville, 2104 E Burke Rd, Lyndonville, VT 05851 or to The Alzheimer's Association for dementia research, VT Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Dr. Suite 128, Williston, VT 05446.
Raymond Heath
....show , 74, of Waterford died Saturday, March 18, 2017 as the result of a SkidSteer accident.
Ray was born in Orange, California on Feb. 28, 1943, the son of Floyd and E. Doris (Fleming) Heath. In 1947, following WW II, his family moved back to Vermont, to the Waterford farm where he grew up. He graduated from Lyndon Institute with the class of 1961. On Nov. 23, 1963 he married Marie Myers of Lyndonville..
Raymond loved deer hunting and snowmobiling; he was a longtime director of the Caledonia County Snowmobile Trails Club and was president of the Waterford Ridge Runners for several years. He worked on highway construction, principally for Caledonia, Inc. and Perini Construction. In 1976, he started his own excavating business.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years; two sons: R. Daniel Heath and his partner Cindy Hatch, and Andrew Heath and his partner Patty Hubbard, all of Waterford; a granddaughter, Heidi Baker of Groton; a grandson, Anthony Heath of Concord; great-grandson , Grayson Heath; a great-granddaughter; his sister, Donna Rae Heath of Waterford; a brother-in-law, John (Martha) Re of Newport; two sisters-in-law: Theresa (Michael) Clery of Billerica, Mass. and Christine (Bruce) Drown of Lyndon Center; nieces, nephews and extended family. Ray was loved by his family and many friends; he will be most dearly missed.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, March 25, from Noon to 3 p.m. at the St. Johnsbury Elks Lodge on Western Avenue.
Memorial contributions could be directed to: The Northeast Kingdom Food Shelf, 115 Lincoln St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.
Richard (Dick) Gracie
....show , 88, of Main Street in St. Johnsbury passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, surrounded by family.
Dick was born in Bennington, VT on January 1, 1929, to John and Dorothy (Chenney)
Gracie. At 14 years old, after finishing 8th grade in Wheelock, he went to work full time. Dick joined the United States Army Air Corps and served during WWII and the Berlin Airlift, in the Army of Occupation in Europe. In 1950, he married Maude Mertrude Bunnell and shared 32 years with her, raising a family, until her death in 1982. In 1973 Dick started his own roofing company, Gracie Roofing, which was later reorganized into DG Roofing in St. Johnsbury. He loved what he did; work was his hobby. He has been fortunate to share the last 27 years with his partner, Susan Dugan.
Dick enjoyed driving cross-country with Susan, the California coast being one of his favorite places. He liked playing cards and reading, and he loved to dance. He could talk with anyone and had a way of getting close to people. Children loved Grampy, he was a kid magnet. Dick helped a great many people, but would never take credit for his generosity.
Dick is survived by his partner: Susan Reis Dugan of St. Johnsbury, VT; two sons: Steve Gracie and wife, Gina, of Danville, VT, and Evan Dugan and wife, Rosie, of Redwood City, CA; three daughters: Linda Daigneault and husband, Norman, of St. Johnsbury, VT, Carol Palmieri and husband, Mark, of Waterford, VT, and Stacey Dugan and partner, Steve Murphy, of St. Johnsbury, VT; a sister: Geraldine Duguay of St. Johnsbury, VT; 13 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.
He was predeceased by his wife: Maude (Bunnell) Gracie; a brother: John Gracie; a brother-in-law: Maurice Duguay; and a nephew: Joseph Duguay.
A funeral service officiated by Rev. Paul Powers will be held Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 4 PM at the Union Baptist Church, Rt.5, St. Johnsbury, VT, with a celebration of Dick's life to follow.
In lieu of flowers Donations may be sent to Kingdom Community Services Food Shelf, 36 Steeple Place, St. Johnsbury VT 05819 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516
Roland T. Heath, Sr.
....show , age 91, of Tampico Road, passed away in his sleep at home in N. Danville early Thursday morning, January 26, 2017.
Roland was born in Groton, VT, May 5, 1925, son to the late Burns F. and Hazel (Tellier) Heath. He grew up in Groton and North Danville and graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School in the Class of 1943. On October 20, 1946 he married the former Betty W. Locke and shared 66 years together at the time of her passing on December 16, 2012. They made their home in Goss Hollow for many years and said the “Best times of his life” were there. In 1964 they moved to North Danville and bought the Tip Top farm which would be home for most the rest of their lives. In his early years he enjoyed, and had time for, hunting and fishing, but for years loved taking back road Sunday drives. He was a member of and Deacon at the North Danville Baptist Church for many, many years, and for his years of service was named an Honorary Deacon. Roland also served the community as Selectman in Danville for years which he truly enjoyed.
He is survived by his four children: Judy Parker and husband, Michael, Joan Legendre and husband, Rodger, Roland Heath, Jr. and wife, Shonna, all of North Danville and Cheryl Heath of Danville, twelve grandchildren: Michelle, Traci, Jim, Jennifer, Tammi, Jennifer, Teddy, Jeffrey, Jeremy, Melissa, Megan and Ryan, his sister: Marcia Rose of Rutland, VT, a brother: Darwin Heath and wife, Muriel, of Lyndonville and many great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and his very special four-legged friend, Miss Daisy.
He was also predeceased by his brother: Don Heath and grandson: John Parker.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8 PM Friday evening January 27th at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
Funeral Services will be held at 1PM on Saturday, January 28th at the North Danville Baptist Church on Bruce Badger Memorial Hwy, with the Rev. Robert Sargent officiating. Burial will take place in the springtime on Saturday, May 27th, at the Drew-Kelsey Cemetery in North Danville.
Memorial donations may be directed in Roland’s name to the N. Danville Baptist Church, c/o Ray Clouatre, 1767 N. Danville Rd., Danville, VT 05819.
Wanda Jean Langmaid
....show , age 69, of Stannard Mountain Road in South Wheelock passed away on Monday, February 20, 2017 after a long battle with cancer.
Wanda was born in St. Johnsbury, VT on February 12, 1948, daughter to Chester and Rita (Stuart) Howard. She was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury graduating from the Academy. In 1999, Wanda married Ronald Langmaid.
Wanda was a member of the VFW. She enjoyed puzzles, playing cards, and fishing.
She is survived by her husband: Ronald Langmaid of South Wheelock; her mother: Rita S. Howard of St. Johnsbury; a son: Les Daniell and wife, Meghan, of St. Johnsbury; a daughter: Christine Langmaid and husband, Scott, of St. Johnsbury; a step-son: Brian Langmaid of South Wheelock; a step-daughter: Shelly Tanner and husband, Alan, of Sutton; three brothers: Chet Howard and wife, Lynn, of Everette, WA, Ronnie Howard and wife, Maybelle, of Landaff, NH, and Terry Howard and wife, Rachel, of Ocklawaha, FL; a sister: Teala Hooker and husband, Leslie, of St. Johnsbury; four grandchildren: Aaron and Brandon Langmaid, Evan and Anissa Daniell; and two step-grandchildren: Tanika Allard and Dakota Sylvain.
She was predeceased by her father: Chester Howard; and a niece: Robin Howard.
Friends may call on the family on Sunday, February 26, 2017, from 4 to 6pm as Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, VT. A service of remembrance will follow immediately after visiting hours.
Burial will be in the spring at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Wendy E. Griffin (Smith)
....show of Hingham, Mass., formerly of Lyndonville, Vt., passed away on Jan. 28, 2017, after a short period of declining health.
Wendy graduated from Lyndon Institute class of 1978 and the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Wendy was a gifted student and amazing athlete. In her junior year, she was the Vermont State Champion for combined downhill and cross country skiing and was on the Junior Olympic Ski Team where she competed all across the country as far away as Alaska. Wendy was a recipient of 13 varsity letters excelling in skiing, track and field. She also excelled in academics being a yearly member of the National Honor Society.
At UNH, she continued with her passion for skiing and competed on their ski team. Wendy was also a sister of AXO sorority. Wendy has many life-long friends from both Lyndon and UNH. Wendy was a devoted mother to her children and she enjoyed watching them in their sporting events. She was a devoted and skillful advocate for her autistic son, Daniel. Wendy enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family at Ho-Hum at Shadow Lake in Glover, Vt., and family ski trips to Burke Mountain.
Wendy is survived by her former husband, Christopher Griffin; daughter, Kelly Griffin; sons, Daniel and Sean Griffin all of Hingham, Mass.; mother, Karlene (Boardman) Smith of Glover, Vt. and Florida; brothers, Clarence ‘Smitty’ Smith and wife Brenda of Wheelock, Vt., and Jeffrey Smith and wife Shelly of Sutton, Vt.; sister, Sherri Pedroncelli and husband Bert of Bellflower, Calif.; sister-in-law, Lori Smith of Lyndonville and many nieces, nephews and friends. Wendy was predeceased by her father, Clarence James Smith and brother, Rick Jay Smith.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Wendy on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, during visiting hours from 4-8 p.m. in McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 160 South Main St. (across from St. Anthony Church), Cohasset. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at 10 a.m. in St. Paul Church, 147 North Street, Hingham, MA 02043. Interment Private.
Calling hours in Vermont are Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, at the Guibord Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851 from 6-8 p.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Boston Higashi School, 800 North Main St., Randolph, MA 02368.
William James Goldsworthy
....show , age 79, of Main Street, Lyndonville, VT, passed away at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center Friday, February 10, 2017.
Bill was born in Jersey City, NJ, on July 7, 1937, son to the late George and Florence (Welch) Goldsworthy. He grew up in Jersey City and Secaucus and served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-58. He moved to St. Johnsbury in 1966 and worked several jobs throughout his life including Fairbanks Scales, E.H.V. Weidmann and after retirement worked at Wal-Mart in Littleton.
He enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting and fly fishing. He was an avid reader of American history and historical fiction.
Bill is survived by a son: William Goldsworthy and his wife, Beth, of Barre, VT; 2 daughters: Wendy P. Hayes and her husband, John F., of Kirby; and Carole Ann Doak and her husband, Malcolm W., also of Kirby; 4 grandchildren: Jillian and Matthew Goldsworthy, Kiley and John W. Hayes.
He is predeceased by his wife Patricia (Lilienthal) in 1997.
There will be no Calling Hours.
Service arrangements have not been completed at this time.
Donations may be made in memory of Bill to the Cobleigh Public Library, 14 Depot Street, Lyndonville, Vermont 05851.
May Bedell Hazen
....show (August 1, 2017) (age 91)was born on April 28, 1926 in York, Pennsylvania to Earl and Evelyn Bristol Bedell. Her birth, at the York Country Club, to her semi-pro golfer father Earl and his wife Evelyn was a foreshadow of the life she would live.
During the difficult years of the Great Depression and World War II, May grew up in Nashua, New Hampshire dreaming of becoming a nurse. She met Robert Louis Hazen while in high school, getting to know him better during his career of service in the United States Army Air Force. Thinking the war would go on and on, they decided to marry on August 2, 1945 before he was to be shipped back to France. Weeks later the war ended and Robert (Bob) never returned overseas.
The couple made their first home in Springfield, Massachusetts living in an old army barracks on the campus of Springfield College where Bob, on the G.I. Bill, returned to college to earn his degree and teaching certificate. This is where their first two children: Robert and Nancy were born.
Theirs was a uniquely happy marriage for May loved her husband and followed him wherever they decided to go. Bob was her best friend. Upon graduation, they relocated to Cornish, Maine where together, they began a lifetime of teaching and loving young people. Bob taught Health, Science and Physical Education while May remained at home. Here their third and fourth children: James and Thomas were born.
With a growing family, they decided to take a teaching and coaching position in a town on Long Island, New York; a little town called Sayville. It was here they spent the major years of their working lives building values into the young people they taught, loved and entertained in their home. Their family was completed here with two more children born: Daniel and Kenneth respectively.
May's life had its share of joys and sorrows. Early in her life she decided she had two basic life goals: her children would be born in the greatest country on earth and they would have the finest father on earth. She accomplished those goals. To May, her husband and her children were her top priority and the most important people in her life. She was a devoted wife deeply in love with Bob Hazen became his devoted partner as they went throughout life together.
Always a gracious, unselfish, loving mother, she had ended her studies as a nurse to marry Bob Hazen and build a life with him. From the Greatest Generation, May and Bob embraced those values and lived peaceful, honorable, good and decent lives of service and love to one another and to everyone with whom they came in contact.
Bob and May would return each summer to Hiram, Maine where together they built a family camp on a little pond. It was their intent that “Camp” would be a place for their children and their children to return to each summer. Memories are continuing to be made today and will continue to be made for generations to come at this very special “CAMP” as it remains in the family today. May was forever grateful for being able to create and start such a wonderful family escape.
The Hallmark of May Hazen's life was her heart of love and grace and her enormous spirit of generosity. It has been said that "the arm that rocks the cradle, rules the world." And in May's case, this was the truth! She invested her days in family, unconditionally loving her children and teaching them by word and deed to do the same.
The couple suffered the worst of all losses in 1980, when their son Daniel died. Together they grieved, Bob retired, and they moved to Lyndonville, Vermont to build their retirement home. May became active in the community and began selling Mary Kay products. They made many friends and lived quietly and happily until he predeceased her On November 8, 2013. And May, now without the love of her life, powered on, continuing to do all she could to express her love to their five living children, their spouses and her and Bob's eleven grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. One of her most loved and often used phrases was "Keep on keeping on." And she always did!
May was truly one of a kind, a rare treasure. She loved with all she had and served others out of that love. But she was not just another “nice person.” From a position of faith deep within her soul, she walked what she talked. And now her children: Bob, Nancy, Jim, Tom, and Kenny”… rise up and call her blessed. She was a Proverbs 31 woman in every particular.
On Tuesday evening, August 1, 2017, after a prolonged illness, May slipped peacefully to her eternal rest in the home she loved with her loving eldest son Bob, representing all of her children, and her close friend Kathy Norris by her side.
In lieu of flowers, donations in May’s memory can be sent to Caledonia Home Health marked for ‘Hospice’, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or The Fold Family Ministries/Lyndon Bible Church, P.O. Box 1188, Lyndonville, VT 05851. You may call on the family at the funeral home on 15 Main Street in Lyndonville Tuesday evening, August 8th from 6-8pm. Her funeral service with a Celebration of her Life Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 10:00am at the Guibord Funeral Home with the Pastor Joel Battaglia officiating. Burial will immediate follow the service at the Lyndon Center Cemetery.
On Friday, Aug. 4, 2017 Curtis O. Temple
....show , 91, of Concord, VT went home to be with his mom and dad after battling Alzheimer's for several years.
Born in Milton, Massachusetts on Oct. 10, 1925, his parents were the late Fred and Dorothy (Horn) Temple. He left high school and joined the Merchant Marines during WWII, where he sustained a severe injury onboard ship.
After his service he moved to Jefferson, New Hampshire where he lived for many years. He was active in the snowmobile club and helped maintain the trails. He met his wife Jean and, in 1989, they established their home in Concord. Before his retirement he held various jobs as a carpenter and logger. He raised Labrador retrievers and his dog Shadow was always by his side.
Along with his wife Jean, they started an herbal soap business, which included international trade and a loyal local following.
He is survived by his wife Jean Temple of Concord; two nieces and their families: Kathryn Cross and husband Roger Macdonald, and Karen Cross; Jean’s four children and their families: Penny Benzon and husband Mike, Wendy Harrell and husband Rob, Thomas Schaffer and wife Lauren, Natalie Garner and partner Chris Rearick. He was predeceased by his sister Jean Cross.
Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Thursday evening, Aug. 10th, from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at the Riverside Cemetery in Waterford.
Memorial contributions, marked for the ‘Support Group’ and payable to ‘Alzheimers Association of VT’, could be sent to 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495.
Patrick R. Brousseau
....show , age 34, died unexpectedly, Friday, August 4, 2017, at his residence in Cochran, GA. Memorial services were held on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 6:00 pm at Mathis Funeral Home in Cochran, GA. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 12 at 3:00 pm at the Concord Cemetery in Concord, Vt.
Patrick, born in Newport, VT, had lived in Cochran several years. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond Brousseau, Robert Morse and Beverly Morse. He worked at Crossroads II Store. Patrick loved his children. He loved art, putting his feet in the sand, the outdoors, having fun with family and friends, helping others and putting smiles on everyone’s faces, especially his children.
Survivors are his children, Jase Brousseau of Cochran, Renee and Dustin Brousseau of South Carolina; his parents, Richard Brousseau of Hudson Falls, NY, and Patricia Morse of Derby, VT; his brothers, Eric (Angel) Brousseau of Derby VT and Shane Brousseau of Hudson Falls, NY; grandmother, Charlotte Broussseau of Lyndonville, VT; uncles and aunts, David and Debbie Brousseau of Lyndonville, VT, Mike and Jenne Pray of Bebee, VT, Scott and Randi Morse of VT, Frank and Sharon Lamere of Newport, VT, Larry and Jody Jenkins of CA, Robert and Eleanor Morse of CA; Mitch Brousseau (Dawn) and Liz Adam (Chris) and several nieces, nephews, cousins. Patrick resided with friends and family, Stephanie Stokes Little, Jennifer Harvey, Cody Stoddard, Cody Churchwell and Savannah Stokes.
Pauline Turgeon
....show , 80 of St. Johnsbury, VT passed away on Saturday August 5, 2017, with family members by her side.
Pauline was born in Lyndon, VT, on December 17, 1936, daughter to the late H. John and Eleanor (Crawshaw) Grenier. She was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville. Pauline worked at Glovers, Palmer Brothers and the St. J. Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was a very loving and caring woman. She will be missed dearly.
She is survived by her daughter: Ann Jones, sons: Dale Flanders and Shawn Turgeon grandchildren: Christina Jones, Jennifer Osgood, Casey Jones, Cody Jones, Samantha Turgeon, Miranda Wright and great-grandchild: Tyler Jones-Hill.
She was pre-deceased by her husband Ernest Turgeon, Paul Flanders and two brothers: Freddie and Tony Grenier and an infant child, Cindy.
A Graveside Service will be held at 3PM on Friday, August 11, 2017 at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury and all are welcome to attend.
There will be no calling hours.
Cavell E. Hatcher
....show of Waterford, Vt. passed away at home on August 8, 2017 with her loving daughter by her side. She was born in Fogo, Newfoundland (then under British Rule) to Harold and Doris (Thompson) Pomeroy on August 4, 1936.
Muzz, as she was affectionately known, was raised and educated in Newfoundland. She married Clarence Bundy in 1953. She loved becoming a U.S. Citizen and thought the process was just the “Cat’s Meow.” She was naturalized through Ellis Island and loved being here. That love of America extended strongly to its veterans. She grew and raised a lot of the family’s food including chickens, cows and pigs. Cavell worked as a nurse at Brightlook Hospital and later at NVRH in St. Johnsbury for over 30 years combined. She loved butterflies, flowers and gardening.
Muzz is survived by her children: Larry Bundy (Karen) of Sugarland, TX, Tony Bundy(Angie) of Decatur, AL, John Bundy(Kathryn) of Holly Springs, NC, and Brenda Bundy of St. Johnsbury as well as a step-son Gary Hatcher, of Lyndonville. Cavell also leaves behind brothers: Robert (Polly), James and Ed Pomeroy all of Canada; sisters: Geraldine Sampson (Ross) of Canada and Shirley Jameson of Ohio; 7 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her sister Phyllis Ferrier and her second husband, James Washington Hatcher.
A private graveside service will be held at the Riverside Cemetery in Waterford as per Cavell’s wishes.
There will be no calling hours.
Johanna Josephine Donaldson
....show , age 80, of Sawmill Lane, passed away peacefully at her home of 77 years.
Johanna was born in Newark, VT on December 5, 1936, daughter to the late Benjamin Alexander and Stella Minnie (Page) Donaldson. She was raised, educated and spent all of her life in Lyndon. Her father owned the Donaldson’s Bobbin Mill and due to a fire at the mill, Johanna, as well as her brother and sister, had to quit school to work at the shoe factory to earn enough to rebuild and keep the family business. When her father took ill, Johanna took over the day to day operations and daily reported back to him about the family business. She also worked at the Burndys, Fairbanks, Weidman, did housecleaning, and spent some time as a caregiver. Outside of work Johanna was a very happy and content homebody.
Johanna is survived by her sister: Sally Canning of Lyndon, VT; a favorite nephew, Rocky Donaldson; a special niece, Serena Donaldson Leonard; two great nieces and a great nephew.
She was predeceased by a brother: Raymond Donaldson; two young sisters: Audrey and Prunella; and a special niece, Nerissa Donaldson Young who passed away last fall.
A graveside service will be held on August 18, 2017 at 10am at Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke, VT with Barbra Dwyer officiating. A gathering will follow at 12 noon at the farmhouse at 49 Sawmill Lane in Lyndon and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Roland C. Paton
....show , age 87, of Davis Lane in Lyndonville, VT passed away at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital on Friday, August 11, 2017.
Roland was born in Washington, VT on February 17, 1930, son to Walter Earl and Laura (Lazer) Paton. He was raised on a farm in Washington, VT and worked with his father in the woods growing up. He joined the U.S. Air Force serving active duty in Korea. Roland spent his working years as a stone cutter and polisher-finisher for S & L Garrand in Barre. He later moved to Charleston, VT and then Lyndonville where he has lived for over 10 years.
Roland liked riding his Harley in his younger years but traded it in for a boat so he could take the family with him. He did a lot of boating and camping, greatly enjoying time with his family and friends. He was an avid hiker. He liked bowling, fishing and hunting, especially bird hunting. As he grew older he got away from hunting but still enjoyed watching wildlife.
Roland is survived by his three children: Ken Paton and wife, Jo-Anne, of East Orange, VT, Randy Paton of Chelsea, VT, and Debbie Paton of Barre, VT; a brother: Oland Paton and wife, Ramona, of East Barre, VT; a sister: Sylvia Mercier of Bangor, ME; six grandchildren: Shannon, Caleb, Scott, Damien, and Nicholas Paton and Heather Paruse; and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a son: Jake Brian Paton in 2002; as well as nine of his twelve siblings: a child, Clint Thomas, Walter Paton, Deloros Russell, Marion Laventure, Henrietta ‘Pat’ Gordon, Laura Emerick, Larry Paton, baby Evelyn, and Raymond Paton.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 1PM at the Chelsea Town Hall in Chelsea, VT.
Audrey Cecillia (Perkins) Penniman
....show , age 86, of Miles Pond, North Concord VT, passed away suddenly, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, on Tuesday August 15, 2017.
She was born on March 16, 1931, in St. Johnsbury, the daughter of Stanley Onley Perkins and Cecillia Erskine Cowden. She was raised on Pumpkin Hill in Danville. She graduated from Danville High School in 1949. After high school, she began her nursing career at Brightlook Hospital School of Nursing, but shortly after the school closed and she transferred to Barre City Hospital School of Nursing in Barre graduating as an RN in 1952. She also attended the Boston Floating Hospital, studying Pediatric Nursing that year. She worked at Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury until 1972, when it closed, finishing the rest of her career at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. She was a nurse for 47 years.
After retirement, she became a Hospice volunteer for Caledonia Home Healthcare Hospice, serving for more than 11 years as a hospice volunteer and receiving the Hospice Volunteer of the year award in 2007. Her life was devoted to helping everyone, including many special friends on Miles Pond. She was also a devoted member of the Grace United Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury VT from 1954 to present.
After graduating from nursing school, she married Robert Corliss and they had twin sons: Gary and Gregory Corliss. In 1968, she married Howard Penniman, who was the love of her life.
She was predeceased by her parents, her special “Dad” Wallace Perkins and her husband Howard Penniman.
She is survived by her twin sons: Gary and wife Sharlene Corliss of North Concord and Gregory Corliss of Bishop, CA; a special step-son Robert Penniman and wife Linda of Jericho; a brother Grant Perkins of CA; Grandchildren: Ian Penniman (Moira), Kyle Penniman, Amie Wright (Michael), Frank Fellows, Anne Knights, Donna Santo (Toby) and Lorie Demas (Shawn).
Other survivors include 9 great-grandchildren: Peydon, Dylan and Delanie Wright; Brandon Whitcher; Serena Knights; Kaylee and Faith Santo; Angelena Kelly and Tyler Demas; and great-great-grandchildren: Brooke, Emerson, Malikai, AJ and soon to be little Braydon.
At the request of Audrey, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at the Danville Green Cemetery in Danville Vt. on Saturday August 19, 2017 at 11am with Rev. James Proctor officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, or a hospice of your choice.
Beverly Joan (Matthews) (Hayes) Gehlbach
....show , age 75, passed away at her home on Brightlook Drive in St. Johnsbury, VT on Wednesday, August 16, 2017.
Beverly was born March 12, 1942 in Morrisville, VT, daughter to Irving and Marguerite (Hillman) Matthews. After graduation she continued her education obtaining a nursing degree. Most recently Bev was employed as an RN at Caledonia Home Health Care in St. Johnsbury and in the past as an RN with Lamoille Home Health in Morrisville, VT, and several other Northeast Kingdom nursing homes.
Bev’s greatest joy and pleasure in life was “keeping up” with her children and grandchildren through family gatherings and living life’s adventures with them. Both Fairbanks Museum and the Caledonia Home Health-Hospice Program were fortunate to have Bev as a volunteer. Many benefitted from her contributions of time, effort, and caring.
Bev is survived by her husband: Louis Henry Gehlbach; and their blended family of her children and step-children: daughters: Cynthia Robillard and husband, John, and Deborah Dudas and husband, Dan, all of St. Johnsbury, VT; son: Bradley Hayes and wife, Connie, also of St. Johnsbury; step-daughters: Kimberlee Quarles of El Cajon, CA and Heidi Gehlbach and companion, Larry Hatch, of Lyndonville, VT; step-sons: Dr. Peter Gehlbach of Monkton, MD and David Gehlbach and wife, Mary, of Barre, VT; grandchildren: Jacob, Katheen, Julia, Jessica, Mackenna, Drew and Luke; 15 step-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Jean Curtis and husband, Robert, of South Barre, VT and Margaret Sample and husband, Richard, of Williamstown, VT; a niece: Linda Wiggers of GA, and a nephew: Jeffrey Matthews also in GA.
She was predeceased by her parents: Irving Edwards Matthews and Marguerite Alberta (Hillman) Matthews; and a brother and sister-in-law: Robert and Rosemary Matthews; and a step-daughter Kirsten Gehlbach.
Funeral Services will be held at 2PM on Friday, August, 18, 2017, at the Grace United Methodist Church on Central Street with Rev. Kirk Thompson officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the Fellowship Hall and all are welcome to attend either or both.
A private burial will take place at Jedediah Hyde Cemetery, Hyde Park, VT.
Memorial contributions can be made in Bev’s name to the Fairbanks Museum, 1320 Main St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Lois J. Jones
....show , age 82, of Church Street in Peacham, VT passed away at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on August 16, 2017.
Lois was born on September 5, 1934, in Stamford, CT, daughter to Harold and Lillian ( Michaels) Fredette. She was raised and educated in Stamford. In 1954, she married Paul Francis Jones with whom she spent 44 years as wife and homemaker until his death in 1998. She also worked as a caregiver. After Paul’s death, Lois moved to Crestwood Drive in St. Johnsbury, VT. She then met Elwin Cross. They became special companions, enjoying their time together until Elwin’s passing. Just recently, Lois moved to Peacham Community Housing in Peacham.
Lois was an avid reader. She liked knitting and crocheting and loved to go to Senior Meals in West Burke. She was also quite fond of her cat, Honey.
She is survived by her children, two sons: Michael Jones of Peacham, VT and Brian Jones and his wife, Jolene, of East Concord, VT; two daughters: Cindy Berwick and her husband, Jeff, of Peacham, VT and Kathy Mortensen of Littleton, CO; a brother: Richard Fredette of Utah; 8 grandchildren: Yvette Pinette and her significant other, Tim Fiske, Cody Berwick and his fiancée, Megan Gray, Cassie Berwick and her fiancée, Ben Pasquino, Jenny Mortensen, Katie Crandall and her husband, Steve, Tadd Wheeler and his wife, Ashley, Hannah Jones, and Daniel Jones; four great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way; her special friend: Ruth Cole; and Terri Norway who was like a daughter to her.
Lois was predeceased by her husband: Paul Jones; her parents: Harold and Lillian Fredette; a daughter: Linnae Wheeler; a grandson: Aaron Jones; and her loving companion: Elwin Cross.
A service officiated by Fr. Bernie Gaudreau will be held Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at 2 PM at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, VT.
Friends may call on the family on Monday, August 21, 2017, from 6 – 8 PM at Sayles Funeral Home.
Burial will be Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 11 AM at the Danville Green Cemetery in Danville, VT.
Memorial donations can be made in Lois’ name to Burke Senior Meal Site, PO Box 100, West Burke, VT 05871.
James “Jim” Wilbur McHarg
....show , 68, of Sheffield, VT, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 21, 2017.
Jim was born to the late John, Sr. and Elaine (Rexford) McHarg, on June 21, 1949, in East Burke, VT, where he was also raised and educated graduating from Lyndon Institute in 1967. He joined the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War until he was wounded and honorably discharged in 1970. After returning to Vermont, Jim spent over 30 years of his career at Burke Mountain Ski Area, a place so familiar to his family roots. He then took a job with the VT Dept. of Travel and Tourism until his retirement in 2014.Jim spent many days hunting and fishing in the Pinkham area, taking long rides on back country roads and visiting yardsales on Saturdays. He had a passion and love for Horse and Pony pulling and attended as many local pulls as he could. You could often find him helping with the horses at his friend’s, Dan Houghton, farm, or visiting with many in the community. Jim had a gift for gab and loved to share stories with his family and friends.
Jim will be missed by his surviving family: his wife of 14 years, Diane McHarg, of Sheffield, daughter: Sarah (McHarg) & Chico Sanville of Lyndonville, son: Garrett McHarg of Lyndonville, step-daughter: Andrea (Donovan) & Randon Kroeger, grandchildren: Chase and Emma Sanville of Lyndonville, sister: Lori (McHarg) & Douglas Bandy, Sr. of Kirby, in–laws: Glenn and Elaine MacDonald of Lyndonville, as well and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jim was predeceased also by his brother: John McHarg of Kirby, sister: Emily McHarg of Lyndon Corner and Velma McHarg of East Burke, nieces: Tammy Hurlbut & Alyssa McHarg.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 11AM on Friday, August 25, 2017, at the William Dexter Cemetery in Sheffield, VT, with Pastor Steven Clark officiating. There will be no Calling Hours.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Northeast Kingdom Pulling Association in 2919 Burke Hollow Road, West Burke, VT 05871, marked In Memory of James McHarg.
Chet Ball
....show of Lunenburg died suddenly at home early Monday morning, Aug. 21, 2017 at the age of 61.
He was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire, on Oct. 20, 1955, one of eight children born to Donald A. and Molly Mae (Towle) Ball. On May 23, 1975 he married Paula Sanborn. They had three children while living in southern New Hampshire before moving to Lunenburg, VT in 1989, where they raised their family in a crumbling old farmhouse.
Chet worked for over 25 years for Treeline Timber of Jefferson, NH, doing logging, maintenance and repair. When he wasn’t at work, he could be found in his garage, tinkering on one of the many projects he was working on for family and friends. He would never say no to anyone who needed a favor, and always had a garage full of things needing to be fixed. He was a master repairman, who could fix anything from toasters and lawn mowers to giant logging equipment. If he couldn’t find a solution to a problem, he would make one. His garage was full of handmade gadgets and tools. When he wasn’t working on a project in the garage, it became the family hangout spot. The garage was the site of all of the family gatherings, cookouts, birthday parties, and holidays, and the weekly family gathering to watch the Patriots. Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners were served up in the garage, which was decorated for the season with festive lights.
Chet also enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family. Brook fishing and rabbit hunting were two of his favorite pastimes. At family gatherings, Chet would be found at his homemade rotisserie grill, cooking up brisket or a roast while he watched his grandchildren play in the mud. In recent years, he worked every free moment on a small house for he and Paula to retire in.
He is survived by his wife Paula of 42 years, three children, and four grandchildren, all of Lunenburg: Chet Ball, and his daughter Lillian; Angie Marchetti and her husband Ryan, and sons Sam and Gabe; Joe Ball and his wife Phebe and daughter Lucianna. One surviving brother Donald Ball II and wife Cathy of Goffstown NH; sisters Linda Matheson and husband Bob of Gilman, Donna Simmons and husband Donnie of Junction, Texas, Sandy Neuman and Michael Smith of Lyndonville VT, Pam Johnson and husband Walt of Goffstown NH; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Chet was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Gerald, and a sister, Barbara.
Chet will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of his life will be held in his garage on Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 12-3 pm.
Donna Jean (Williamson) Bailey
....show , 79, of St. Johnsbury passed away at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab on August 23, 2017, surrounded by her family, after a long period of declining health.
She was born on May 13, 1938 in Iola, Kansas, the eldest of three children born to Kenneth and Elma (Becket) Williamson. Donna grew up and attended schools in Rapid City, SD until she met her future husband, Kenneth G. Bailey who was serving in the Air Force, stationed at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City. They were married in April of 1957.
They moved to Ken’s home state of Vermont and started a family. Donna was a working Mom and had many jobs waitressing and cooking at area establishments including The Countryside Restaurant and The Danville Restaurant (which she and Ken managed for a few years), Rabbit Hill and the Lincoln Inn.
When the children were grown, she moved to Reno, Nevada and worked and managed TJ Wholesale Distributors for her sister until her retirement. She spent 25+ years in Reno and enjoyed the easier climate and spending time with her many relatives and friends there. She made annual trips to Vermont and always made time to catch up with her dear family and friends here.
Donna enjoyed bowling, camping, crocheting, reading, playing games, video poker and Bingo but mostly loved spending time with her family. She moved back to Vermont in 2012.
She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Judy Bowman, her ex-husband Kenneth, sisters-in-law, Marilyn Clifford, Brenda Simpson, Barbara Sahlin, Judith Gray and brothers-in-law Frank Kuban and Homer Bailey.
Donna is survived by her children, Laurie (Reginald) Emmons, of Burke; Jeana (Raymond) Desilets of St. Johnsbury; Elroy (Diana) Bailey of Alton, NH; William (Tammi) Bailey of North Danville; and Suzanne Broome of East Haven; 10 grandchildren: Ryan (Elizabeth) Emmons, Erica and Robin Emmons, Nicquelle (Shawn) Timson, Daniel, Ashley, Hilary and Tanner Bailey, Dillan and Bailey Broome; six great-grandchildren: Hailey, Landen, Harmony, Gavin, Lailah and Brody; her brother, John (Barbara) Williamson of Reno, NV and her sisters-in-law: Charlotte Blodgett, Shawna Wilkerson; many nieces and nephews and cousins.
There will be a celebration of life for Donna at 2PM on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at Sayles Funeral Home in St. Johnsbury with the Rev. Kirk Thompson officiating. Family will be available for visitation from 1PM until the hour of service. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be made to NEK Council on Aging, 481 Summer St, Suite 101, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Raymond Leo LaBounty, III
....show , age 29, of St. Mary’s Street in St. Johnsbury, VT died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 27, 2017.
Ray was born in St. Johnsbury, VT on October 29, 1987, son to Raymond LaBounty, Jr. and Sandra (Dunbar) LaBounty. He was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy with the Class of 2006. He worked through high school and invested those earnings into a real estate business with his father. He worked at many things including swimming pool installation, handyman, and his latest job as an Operator at Pete & Gerry’s Egg Farm. He always had side jobs going with his dad and brothers.
Ray was a quiet guy and very motivated. He was always ready to help a friend. He and his brothers grew up watching Monday night WWE with their grandmother, something Ray enjoyed and continued. He spent a great deal of time with his grandparents. He grandfather, whose name he shared, was his superhero. With his gentle heart, he was a huge animal lover, especially his dogs, Zuka and Oakley.
He was a great brother and a beautiful son. Ray loved with his whole heart.
Ray is survived by his mother: Sandra Lee LaBounty and Richard Lussier of Lyndonville, VT; his father: Raymond and Catherine LaBounty, Jr. of St. Johnsbury; 3 brothers: Richard LaBounty, Ross LaBounty, and Jake Demers all of St. Johnsbury; 2 sisters: Kaeleigh Demers of St. Johnsbury, and Kelsea Demers of Bath, NH; his grandparents: Leah Couture LaBounty of N. Danville, VT, and Glen and Virginia Randall of Groton, VT; his girlfriend: Kimber Gladding; his aunts and uncles including Stacey and David Welch, Janice and Ray Couture, Mark Dunbar, Jeff Dunbar, Durwood and Inda Dunbar, Lee and Lisa LaBounty, James and Myrtie Alexander, Beaulah and Jim Nickels, and Lorrie and Andrew Biancardi; his many cousins including Justina, Jenna, Derrick, Dustin, Michael, Jeremy, Lindsey, Philip, Kyle, Kevin, Kirk, Darren, Jimmy, Keith, Jim, and Alexandria; and many other family and friends.
He is predeceased by his grandparents: Raymond LaBounty, Sr. and Richard and Justine Stewart; and a cousin: Dylan Dunbar.
Visiting hours will be Sunday, September 3, 2017 from 1-3PM and 6-8PM at Sayles Funeral Home on Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, VT.
Funeral Services officiated by the Rev. Kirk Thompson and the Rev. Elisa Lucozzi will be Monday, September 4, 2017 at 11AM at Grace United Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury, VT. Burial will follow immediately at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. There will be a potluck reception at the church following burial.
Memorial donations can be made in Ray’s name to the Lyndonville Dog Pound with checks payable to the Town of Lyndon and mailed to Lyndon Town Clerk, PO Box 167, Lyndonville, VT 05851.
Rita J. (Cassady) Miller
....show , 88, passed away August 31, 2017 in Lyndonville, VT. She was the beloved wife of Jesse C. Miller of Falmouth, MA for 48 years. Together they raised seven children. After Jesse died in 1996, Rita moved back to her hometown to be closer to her brothers and sisters. She was very happy there.
Rita leaves her children: Sharon, Marcia (Fred), Shane (Terri), Stephen, Marijune (Chuck), and Martin. Her son Michael died in 1992. She leaves her grandchildren: Fred III, Andrea (Ron), Bryan, Tim, Jessie, Cameron, Jake and Kyle. Rita leaves her dear sister and best friend, Ruth Wheeler, her baby brother, Richard Cassady and wonderful sister-in-law Claire Cassady. Her entire Vermont family loved her so much. Rita was predeceased by her parents David and Marjorie Cassady, her sister Eleanor Peck, sister-in-law Dorothy and brothers, Wendell, Wayne, Elwin and Lawrence Cassady.
There will be a Celebration of Rita's life for family and friends in Lyndon Center at a later date.
Donations in her memory may be made to Lyndon Rescue PO Box 401, Lyndonville, VT 05851 or to The Falmouth Service Center, PO Box 208, Falmouth, MA 02541.
Mattie Lynn Hale
....show , age 46, of Calendar Brook Road in Lyndonville, VT, died unexpectedly on December 2, 2017.
Mattie was born in St. Johnsbury, VT on December 11, 1970, daughter to Neal Howard Allen and Bertha Mae (Conley) Allen. She attended Lyndon Institute. She worked as a Landscaper and could also be seen behind the Deli counter at The White Market. Mattie loved animals, gardening and long walks. She loved helping people and her kids were her life.
She is survived by her 2 daughters: Alicia Mitchell and her partner, Vincent Keithan, and Melinda Mitchell all of Lyndonville, VT; her 2 sons: James Mitchell and his wife, Joanne, and Nathan Mitchell also of Lyndonville; her companion of 2 years: Darby Synstad of Lyndonville; her 5 brothers: Neal Allen of Morgan, VT, Rodney Allen of West Burke, VT, Roland Allen and his wife, Charlda, of Lyndonville, Kelvin Allen and his wife, Anita, of Lowell, VT, and Jerry Allen of Lyndonville; her 2 sisters: Carol Downing and her husband, Martin, of St. Johnsbury, VT, and Paula Nutting of Coventry, VT; and 1 grandchild: Alley Dalton.
Mattie was predeceased by her parents: Neal and Bertha Allen; brothers: Everett and Robert Allen; a sister: Linda Twomey; and a grandson: Mason Keithan.
There will be a graveside service at William Dexter Cemetery on April 27, 2018 at 11:00am. All are welcome.
Donations can be made in Mattie’s name to Lyndon Dog Pound, c/o Lyndon Town Clerk, PO Box 167, Lyndonville, VT 05851 or to H.O.P.E, PO Box 403, Lyndon Center, VT, 05850.
Gladys House
....show passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Lyndonville on Sunday evening in the company of her two recent caregivers. Gladys was born in Philadelphia PA. In 1913 and lived there for five years before moving to Brooklyn NY after her mother remarried. She grew up there and went to school until her mother and stepfather moved to Lake Mohegan NY., north of New York City. She had been studying art at Pratt Institute in New York, and continued to do so even after moving out of the city, commuting by train into the city to continue her studies. While living in Lake Mohegan she met and married the love of her life, Roland House, who lived in Peekskill NY. They lived there for a short time after they were married until they moved to Mt. Kisco NY where their daughter Jo Ann was born. Gladys was a stay at home mom until Roland was drafted in 1943 and sent to Europe after the Invasion. She then ran his service station until he returned after the War. She stayed at home until Jo Ann went to college and then went to work for a florist, and then in a jewelry store, utilizing her artistic talents at both jobs. Later she and Roland traveled to Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. She learned to play golf so he would have company when he played. Weekends in the summer were spent at their summer camp on Pleasure Lake in the Catskills that they built in the late 40's. Roland died suddenly in 1980 and she was left to close his station and other businesses he owned, and she continued to live in Mt. Kisco until 1988 when she moved to Lyndonville to be near Jo Ann and her husband, when they decided to retire in Vermont. A lifetime animal lover, Gladys moved to her village home with 2 cats and a dog. A succession of small dogs, and cats followed and people remarked about this little old lady walking her dog in the park in her 90's. She became an active member of the First Congregational Church in Lyndonville constantly volunteering and becoming a deacon. At this time she discovered rug hooking and was very good at it, creating many large intricate rugs for family and friends. She loved nurturing plants on her windowsill plant hospital, never throwing any away. She was a terrific cook whose cheesecakes were famous. She continued to be active and self sufficient, living alone until just shortly before her death. An only child, Gladys is survived by her daughter, Jo Ann Clausing and son in law, Jan, in Newark VT. A granddaughter, Gretjen, and husband Philippe of Philadelphia. As per Gladys' request there will be no services at this time, and the family will be celebrating her life privately in a graveside ceremony at her husband's family plot in Peekskill, NY. in the Spring. The family would appreciate that in lieu of flowers, donations in Gladys' name should be made to Riverside Animal Rescue riversideanimalrescue.org, Elizabeth Brown Humane Society animalshelter.org, and Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society
Larry H. Flood
....show , 68, passed away suddenly at home after a brief illness on Dec. 3, 2017. He was born in Lyndon, Vt., and spent his life in this area except for the years he was in the service which included a tour in Vietnam.
Shortly after his return, he married Marie (Richard); they would have been married 46 years later this month. He leaves behind his wife, two children and their families: Shelly and Ryan Noyes of Kirby, Vt., and Jason and Sarah Flood of Williamsburg, Va.; his grandchildren: Delaney and Lucas Noyes, and Kaleah, Rowen and Annelle Flood. They were the source of much joy and happiness; he was one of their biggest fans. He is also survived by his immediate family and their spouses: Kayleen and Merwin Stowell, Marilee and Rodney Ruggles, Judy Gilman, whose husband William predeceased her and Terry and Jane Flood. Also surviving him are his brothers- and sisters-in-law Rejean and Francoise Richard, and Gilles and Kim Richard. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
Larry was a well-known businessman working in concrete construction and later in sand production. Later in life, he acquired a love for horse pulling and looked forward to taking his Belgians to Maine for pulling contests. Even more than the actual horse pulling, he enjoyed working, exercising and caring for these powerful and gentle creatures and spending time with his many horse pulling friends.
A remembrance service will be held at the VFW, in Lyndonville on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. followed by visiting hours from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Light fare will be served.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the The Hooved Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 258, Chelsea, VT 05038, as he believed all animals, large or small, should be treated with kindness and love.
Peacham, VT: Dorothy Weeks Hovey
....show , age 86, of Green Bay Loop in Peacham, VT, passed away at Valley Terrace in White River Jct. on Thursday, December 7, 2017.
Dorothy was born on January 19, 1931 in St. Johnsbury, VT, to Henry Raymond and Lurlene Ada (Harriman) Weeks. She was educated in St. Johnsbury graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1949 and then attended the Rhode Island School of Design. On October 6, 1951, Dorothy married Richard Dean Hovey. Together they immediately moved to Bakersfield, California where both children were born. In 1960 the family moved to Los Altos, California. Beginning in 1965, the family spent their summers at their Peacham home. Dorothy and Richard retired to Peacham in 1995 and continued restoration of their 1791 farmhouse. Dorothy enjoyed Interior Design, ran an Antique Shop, and painted in oils and watercolors.
Dorothy collected dolls and dollhouses. She liked swimming, ice skating, and served as a lifeguard at the St. Johnsbury public pool. Early she was a member of North Congregational Church, then an active member of the Peninsula Bible Church in California where she studied and led several women’s Bible studies, and in retirement she was active in the East Peacham Baptist Church. For 29 years, she and Richard made accurate scale models of buildings and homes in Peacham as gifts.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years: Richard Dean Hovey; her daughter: Valerie Chimienti and husband, David, of Peacham, VT; her son: Dean Hovey and wife, Marie Elizabeth of Los Altos, CA; a sister: Caroline Willey of East Concord, VT; 4 grandchildren: Lindsey Happ and husband, Jason, of Germantown, MD, Michael Powers and wife, Emma, of Seattle, WA, Sheena Mawson and husband, Sven, of Woodside, CA, and Amber Heffernan and husband, Gary, of NY, NY; 8 great-grandchildren: Lilian and Ezra Happ, Jack and Davis Powers, and Serevina, Samuel, Soren and a baby girl due in March 2018; 8 nieces and nephews: Diane Price, David Willey, Deborah Arter, Donna Winchester, Andrea Neil, Gail LeFebvre and husband, Jerry, Margo Rowen, Mark Rowen and wife, Michaelanne.
A celebration of life will be held at the Peacham farm in mid May with burial at Peacham Corner Cemetery.
Christopher Emmet Chandler
....show died in Concord, VT, on December 9, 2017, of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain disorder. The disease strikes one in a million each year. Christopher was 58.
Christopher was born on February 8, 1959, in New York City, along with his twin sister, Julie Temple Chandler. Eight weeks premature, Christopher clocked in at about two pounds, spending his first couple of months in an incubator. But as was always his way, he overcame the obstacles in his path and grew strong, tall, and healthy, eventually towering over almost every other member of his family.
Growing up in Lyndon Center, VT, Christopher was surrounded by friends, and was known for giving his all to both work and play. He played trumpet, was on the Lyndon Institute basketball team, and also was an avid chess player. Christopher was social and outgoing, truly a team player on every level. He studied English at the University of Vermont, graduating with departmental honors in 1981, and then went on to a long and fruitful financial career, first in Boston, then San Francisco, then New York City, and finally in southern California, where he spent nearly two decades at Charles Schwab, first as a manager of the San Diego branch and later as Vice President, Financial Consultant of the La Jolla branch. Christopher was dedicated to his clients, approaching his work with the utmost attention and integrity. He leaves behind a roster of clients dedicated to him in return, many of whom also count him as a personal friend.
It was during the decade he spent in San Francisco that Christopher met his wife, Mireya Schmidt, while dancing. The pair fell in love quickly and deeply, becoming engaged after four weeks of courtship, and were married on Lake Willoughby in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom on August 21, 1993. Their two children, Nicholas Emmet Chandler, 23, and Natasha Mireya Chandler, 22, were born in rapid succession, and Christopher happily settled into fatherhood and family life. In fact, Christopher had always been strongly family-oriented, choosing to spend vacations with close-knit extended family and returning to his childhood home in the Northeast Kingdom to spend precious summer weeks with his dearest friends, siblings, and numerous cousins. The Northeast Kingdom was Christopher’s happiest place, and when he was diagnosed with CJD, he immediately returned there to stay.
Anyone who knew him, from acquaintances to his closest friends, would describe Christopher as a man marked by loyalty and honesty. He was a deeply loving man who was deeply loved in return, and the throng of family and friends who flew to be by his side after his diagnosis last spring are a testament to that. As his health deteriorated, his personality distilled to its sweet, loving essence. Even in the final weeks of his life, he was able to recite the scout’s law -- a creed he learned as a young boy -- in its entirety: “A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” With the possible exception of the last (one could only call his sense of humor “irreverent”), Christopher was all of these things to the very end.
Christopher was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth Stackelberg Shulman and Gail Ellsworth Chandler, and his father-in-law, Donald Schmidt. He is survived by his devoted wife and partner, Mireya Schmidt, his son, Nico Chandler, and his daughter, Natasha Chandler; his twin, Julie Chandler Sweidan, and his half-siblings, Naomi Shulman, Helen Chandler, and Matthew Shulman; his loving stepparents Gail Waldron Chandler, Alvin Shulman, and Gloria Young (who referred to him as her “number-one son”); his mother-in-law, Mireya Moreno Saavedra Schmidt; his sister-in-law, Erika Arquilla, and her family; and his brothers-in-law, Michael Schmidt and Kenneth Schmidt, and their respective families. Christopher’s dear friends Brett and Amy Gale, who took Christopher and Mireya into their home in Christopher’s final months, also survive him, as do his many Stackelberg cousins, who rallied around him all summer and fall. One of Christopher’s favorite movies was It’s a Wonderful Life, a story of another man who bore some terrible twists of fate, and yet recognized himself to be the richest man in town. Christopher Chandler loved his friends and family with his whole heart. They loved him right back every bit as much, and then some.
A memorial service will take place on December 27 at 7:00 pm at the Church of the Ascension, Fifth Avenue and Tenth Street, New York City, followed by a reception and celebration of Christopher’s life at The Warren, 131 Christopher Street, New York City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Christopher’s memory at the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation.
Donald Girard Simard
....show , age 83, formerly of CT, died at the Maple Lane Nursing home in Barton, VT, on Sunday, December 10, 2017.
He was born in Hartford, CT, on October 14, 1934, son to the late Omer Joseph, Sr. and Florence M. (Bourque) Simard. He served in the USAF during peacetime and worked in the food service industry most of his life. He is survived by his sister: Noella T. Simard of Lyndonville and his brother: O. Joseph Simard and wife, Sally A., of E. Burke.
There will be no calling hours and a Mass will be said in his name at St. Elizabeth’s Church at a later date. Interment will take place at Mt. St. Benedict in Bloomfield, CT in the springtime.
Joan C. Poulos
....show , age 85 of St. Johnsbury, was united with her Lord on Sunday, December 10, 2017 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Born in Montpelier, VT on November 7, 1932, Joan is one of three children born to H. Elliott and Lorette (Beauregard) Corning. She graduated from St. Michael's High School in Montpelier in 1950.
On October 6, 1956 Joan married Paul Whiting Poulos. They made their home in Montpelier until 1969 when they moved to St. Johnsbury. They divorced in 1981.
Joan was a dedicated Catholic and member of St. John the Evangelist Church. Joan's life was dedicated to being a wife, mother and homemaker. Her legacy of compassion, love and caring have left a deep void in our hearts. Joan was a gentle soul and her love for children and animals was a joy to behold. She always made time for her family and friends, providing countless hours of advice and guidance that came directly from her heart.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Nancy Poulos (Mike Gosselin) of St. Johnsbury and her son Richard Poulos of St. Johnsbury; five grandchildren: Michelle Robinson of St. Johnsbury, Kellie Largay (Ryan) of St. Johnsbury and Melissa McDonald (Trevor McComak) of Destin, FL, Kathryn Poulos (Chad Weikel) of St. Johnsbury and Steven Poulos of Newfoundland. As well as her two great-grandsons, Landon and Brydon; her sister Barbara Nelson-Brown of Montpelier, brother John Corning (Suzanne) of Venice, FL; her former husband Paul Poulos, who remained a very supportive friend; nieces and nephews.
Joan was predeceased by her parents, H. Elliott and Lorette Corning as well as brother-in-laws Kenneth Nelson and George Brown and nephew Steven Nelson.
Joan's life will be celebrated with a funeral mass in St. Johnsbury on Tuesday, December 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial will be at a later date. There will be no visiting hours.
A loving thanks to the staff and management of Maple Lane Nursing Home for the abundance of care, love, devotion, hugs and kisses that you showered our Mother with, for the last 3 ½ years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495
St. Johnsbury, VT: Patricia A. Colbeth
....show , age 74, of Memorial Drive, passed away at her home, Thursday, December 14, 2017, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Patty was born in Concord, VT, on September 19, 1943, daughter to Maurice Bouchard and the late Simone (Choiniere) Bouchard. She was raised and educated in Concord graduating from Concord High School. She went on to graduate from Champlain College and worked for an architectural firm in Burlington as secretary. While she was back visiting family over a weekend she met George on a blind date and that started a series of dates which led to their wedding on July 8, 1972. They moved to Brattleboro, VT in 1972 for work where Patty worked initially for the phone company and then found an executive secretarial position at the local bank. When the family moved back to St. Johnsbury in 1985, she became the executive secretary for Weidmann Systems International for the next 25 years. Outside of her dedication to work, Patty enjoyed gardening and being with her family.
She is survived by her beloved husband, George A. Colbeth, her son: Todd Colbeth, both of St. Johnsbury, her father: Maurice Bouchard and his wife, Pauline, of Lewiston, ME. She was predeceased by her sister: Janet Bouchard earlier this year.
A Graveside Service will be scheduled for 2PM Friday, June 8, 2018, at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery. There will be no Calling Hours at this time.
Frederick Allen Gombas
....show of Barnet, VT passed away December 15, 2017 at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab after a period of declining health. He was 89.
The son of James and Millicent Gombas, Fred was born October 15, 1928. He grew up in Bridgeport, CT, attending Black Rock School, Bassick High School and the University of Bridgeport. Fred also attended flight training school. As a teenager Fred became an active member of the Black Rock Congregational Church and their youth group, where he formed lifelong friendships and met his future wife.
In 1948 he and five of those good friends embarked on a cross-country road trip, which was no small feat for the day. They all had a great time and made it home safely, with many exciting stories and memories.
On August 26, 1950, Fred married Dorothy Mae Bradford of Stratford, CT. They made their home in Black Rock, a neighborhood in Bridgeport. Their lives became very busy as they raised their seven children!
Always a salesman, Fred began his career as an insurance salesman. Next, he became a milkman for Marsh Dairy, delivering milk door to door for many years. During this time he also enjoyed helping his friend Ray Swanson with his catering business.
In 1972 Fred made the bold decision to pack up his family and leave the city life for the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, where he would establish a Pepperidge Farm Bread franchise. Morrison Hill in Barnet became the family's home and everyone reveled in the open space with room to plant, grow, and raise flowers, vegetables, and animals. Fred and Dorothy also found a new home to nurture their firm Christian beliefs in the Union Baptist Church. They formed many lasting friendships within the church community.
Meanwhile, Fred’s bread route grew, stretching as far north as Derby, south to Bradford, east to Franconia, NH and west to Willey’s Store in Greensboro. He became known far and wide as Freddy Pepperidge, or Fred the Bread Man. Eventually he sold the bread route to become the produce manager at Kelley's Market in Franconia, still combining daily miles on the road with serving the public. When Fred finally bid farewell to his Franconia friends, he would work several more years in the grocery business, but this time much closer to home. Dividing his time between the Barnet Village store and the West Barnet Quick Stop, Fred was again happily greeting and helping customers.
Fred's final salesman job was undertaken with sincerity and great pride as he sold his son Neal's organic maple syrup at the Peacham Farmer's market. You could find him weekly at the market expounding the superior quality of his son’s products.
Always a great salesman, and a great talker, Fred never tired of telling stories and making wisecracks to anyone that would listen. He was known and loved by many and he will be missed by all.
Fred and Dorothy enjoyed 49 years together, until her passing in 1999. It was a hard loss for him and he missed her dearly. His son Neal, with whom he shared a close bond, passed away in June of 2014.
He is survived by his sister, Nancy Garofolo, of Seymour, Connecticut.
Fred is also survived by his children Sharon, Allen, Brad, Valerie, David and Diana. He also leaves his grandchildren Sky; Dylan and Josie; Vanessa, Raymond, and Brad; Jimmy and Anna. Fred had five great-grandchildren, Damien, Jacob and Elizabeth; Hillerie and Hannah. Lastly are Fred’s great-great grandchildren Mia, Daniel, Lincoln; and Jack.
Leopold Philip Mignault, “Poly”
....show , age 90, of St. Johnsbury, VT, passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at the Scenic View Community Care Home in Westfield, VT.
Poly was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on March 20, 2017, son to Peter and Josephine (Trahan) Mignault. He worked as a carpenter in his younger years and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church.
Leopold is survived by a niece: Jean Turgeon of Rochester, NH; three nephews: Raymond Garand of Norway, ME, and Richard and Robert Garand, both of St. Johnsbury.
He was predeceased by his parents and a brother: Father Phillip Mignault, by two sisters: Marie Lavoice and Yvonne Garand, and a niece Marie May.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at St. John the Evangelist on Winter Street in St. Johnsbury. There will be no Calling Hours.
Burial will take place in the springtime at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 10AM on Tuesday May 8, 2018.
Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic School, 121 Maple Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
St. Johnsbury, VT: Rita S. Howard
....show , age 96, formerly of Portland Street, passed away peacefully at her daughter, Teala’s, home on Saturday morning, December 16, 2017.
Rita was born on July 9, 1921, in Waterford, VT, daughter to the late Robert John and Pansy Pearl (Newland) Stuart. She was raised and educated in Waterford and has lived in the area all her life. She was the widow of Chester Howard who passed in 1969 after 30 years of marriage. Rita worked at various department stores and then was employed with Maple Grove for over 15 years in the packaging department. She ‘retired’ from Maple Grove when she was 85 years old!
She enjoyed traveling, overcoming her dislike of water to take a cruise with her son and daughter-in-law, flying for the first time in her later years by herself, and getting to see Merle Haggard in concert. She also enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family leaving her family with fond memories of many of those games. In her younger years, Rita could be found at area barn dances on weekends. Chet played in a band so Rita would collect tickets. She continued to enjoy music and dancing for the rest of her life.
Rita is survived by her 3 sons: Chester Howard and wife, Lynn, of WA, Ron Howard and wife, Maybelle, of NH, and Terry Howard and wife, Rachel, of FL; a daughter: Teala Hooker and husband, Leslie, of VT; a sister: Ruth LaPoint of VT; a brother: Russel Stuart and wife, Edna, of VT; a sister-in-law: June Stuart of VT; 12 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was predeceased by her husband: Chet Howard; her daughter: Wanda Langmaid; 2 granddaughters: Robin Howard and Theresa Mathers; a great-granddaughter, Theresa’s daughter: Kirsten; her parents: Robert and Pansy Stuart; 2 brothers: Richard and Robert Stuart; and her close friend: Ken Danforth.
Funeral Services will be held in the spring on May 30, 2018 at 6pm at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury. Burial will take place May 31, 2018 at 10am at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury, VT.
Calling hours will also be in the spring on May 30, 2018, 4-6pm at the Sayles Funeral Home.
Memorial Donations may be made to either the Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, or to the Food Shelf of your choice.
Concord, VT: Denny Arthur DeGreenia
....show , age 45, of Shadow Lake Road, died Sunday evening, December 17, 2017 in an accident on Burke Mountain while working at the job he loved so much for the past 25 years.
Denny was born on December 27, 1972, in St. Johnsbury, VT, son to Dale A DeGreenia, Sr. and Claudia A. (Christy). He and his brother, Dale, Jr., were the first twins born at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. He was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury graduating from the Academy in the class of 1991, and was very proud to have played in the Shrine Bowl representing the Academy. Right out of high school he began working at A.D. Rossi for several summers and working the winters at Burke Mountain until a position was made to keep him year round. On December 2, 1995, he married the former Anna Lynne Wilson and have shared over 24 years together living in their Concord home for 21 years. Denny raced Superstock at Riverside Speedway and Thunder Road running #8. He loved to hunt and fish and really enjoyed coaching varsity basketball at Concord High School and teaching his daughter everything he knew. He loved loved chocolate and milk, which he drank like water sometimes; he was a real joker (often on the naughty side), and was a hard worker, typically being the first to arrive and the last one to leave. When Denny walked into a room he filled it with his presence and stature. He loved his family and loved being a “Papa.” Burke Mountain was his second home and he loved his work. He made many life-long friends and positively impacted so many snowmakers in his 25 years on the mountain. Denny even buried his dog on the mountain named after his childhood idol, Hollywood Hulk Hogan. Burke Mountain will never be the same.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Anna, of Concord, his daughters: Kirsten E. DeGreenia-Reyes (Chris McElroy) of St. Johnsbury, Kasey M. DeGreenia (Caleb D. Harris) of Concord, his mother: Claudia A. Racine (Kevin) of Walden, VT, his father: Dale A. DeGreenia (Carol) of Danville, his brothers: Dale A. DeGreenia , Jr. (Andrea Labor) of St. Johnsbury, Robert Racine (Donna) of Walden, his sisters: SueAnn Christy of Walden, Tammy Sprague (Corey) of Stratford, NH, Donna Colby (Chris) of W. Burke, his in-laws: James E. Wilson, Sr. (Eileen) of Concord, his sister-in-law: Katrina Wilson of Jacksonville, FL, 2 grandchildren: Izabella M. Reyes, Izaiah E. Reyes and their father, Moises Reyes and many nieces and nephews, friend and close co-workers.
Friends may call on the family from 2-4PM and 7-9PM on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street.
Funeral Services will be held at 10AM on Friday, December 22, 2017, at the United Community Church, 1325 Main Street, St. Johnsbury.
AI Argenio
....show was born in Hackensack, New Jersey on April 11, 1928. He was the sixth of eight children born
to Pasquale and Christina Argenio, and the first boy! He and his brother and sisters grew up amidst the
huge vegetable gardens that his family and many others grew in New Jersey in those days. His first paying job was cutting celery on his Uncle's truck farm.
AI attended Hackensack public Schools. He always enjoyed a good game of baseball, football, or kick-the-can with his friends.
At age seventeen, he started working for New Jersey Bell. Two months shy of graduating from high
school, AI joined the U.S. Coast Guard. We enjoyed his photo album from those days as he showed us
his boat tending buoys on the Mississippi River. After his discharge in April of 1949, AI went back to the phone company.
Dad met his bride, Agnes Scharr, of Westwood in the spring of 1950, at the roller skating rink. They were married on April 20, 1952 at Grace Episcopal Church in Westwood.
Mom had a lengthy illness early in their marriage. Dad came to see her each weekend when she
was hospitalized, sent a letter or a funny card every day, and even patched a call through to her from the top of a telephone pole.
In July of 1962, they welcomed home their daughter, Judy, and in December of 1964, their son Eddie.
In September of 1969, Dad moved the family home to St. Johnsbury when he received a transfer here to New England Bell.
From our childhood we remember Dad playing "airplane" with us, and swimming with us on his
back. He taught us how to row a boat and put our own worm on the hook. On weekends in the winter
we played in the snow together making trails for the sleds with the yellow Ski-doo. In the nice weather
he somehow convinced us that weeding the garden was fun, Firewood stacking had to be finished
before we could go swim. Somehow, he always seemed to know what people needed before they even
had to ask. Of course we needed a pony, puppies, and kittens and major renovations to the beautiful old farm house!
If it needed cuddled, loved, moved, mowed, dug, planted, painted or polished, Dad got it done with a smile.
We will all remember his quiet physical strength, patience and good humor.
AI worked for the phone company for forty years before retirement in 1985. He worked on the
Green Team at EHV for several years. Dad and Mom were able to travel all over the United States and to
Hawaii visiting family and friends by car and plane. They always supplied the grandchildren with a big
map to follow while postcards arrived from along the entire route.
Dad planted a huge garden each year. The grandchildren loved the buckets of green peppers,
which they ate like apples. We have fond memories of planting together, and grilling hamburgers and
Italian sausages on the big porch.
Just as he had with his children, Dad played with his Grandchildren, almost every weekend in the
winter they would "ride the loop" with Grandpa. 'Round and 'round the field they'd go taking turns
driving the "Bravo" snow machine, or jumping from the stacks of pallets into the deep snow with a
shout of "Geronimoooo" He gave them truckloads of good junk to build with and used bikes to ride.
Each child planted in his garden, learned to cook on the grill, and helped him build things while learning
that, with Grandpa, love is spelled T-I-M-E. Though he lost his memory late in life, we were glad he
remembered all of us. He was lovingly cared for at home by his devoted wife Agnes.
AI died peacefully in his sleep at home on December 19, 2017 visiting hours were private.
He is survived by his wife Agnes of 65 years (224 Hillside Ave, St. Johnsbury, Vermont, 05819) His
Daughter Judy and her Husband Bruce Houghton of Lyndonville (2937 Red Village Rd. Lyndonville, VT
05851) His Grandchildren Ellie, great granddaughter Shelbie, Rebecca, Sarah, David, Joshua, Mary and
Anna. Daughter in law Jill Paul (PO box 287 Oakville, WA 98568) Grandsons Zachary (21649 Weedenfield
Rd SW Rochester WA 98579) Jared (c/o Jill Paull) Sister in law Dorothy Argenio of NJ and brother in law
Rob Scharr of Mass. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Dad was predeceased by all of his siblings, his parents, and by his son Ed.
Cards and notes would be welcomed and appreciated. Guibord Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Burial will be April 27, 2018 at 3:00 pm at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Duane D. “Bucky” Locklin
....show , 78, of St. Johnsbury, VT died on December 22, 2017 after a long battle with cancer.
Bucky was born on May 24, 1939 in Lyndon, VT the only son of Leo and Virginia (Botham) Locklin. He attended the Mosquito School in Lyndon, the Center School in St. Johnsbury Center and the St. Johnsbury Trade School.
In 1958, after a short time in the National Guard, Bucky joined the United States Army and spent 2 years in Germany. On June 30, 1962 Bucky married Sandra Cushman and they raised their family in St. Johnsbury. Bucky worked as a machinist and toolmaker for 37 years at Fairbanks Scales and in retirement, he was a delivery driver for PJ’s Hallmark and Sanel’s. For 10 years he volunteered as the sexton at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery.
Bucky had a love for football and watched his Giants faithfully until the end. He was able to see them win only two games this season but he didn’t give up on them saying “Next year will be their year.” Almost as much as his love for football was his love of country music. Bucky wrote many songs hoping to get one recorded. He was able to play his guitar a few months ago and it wasn’t as loud as it once was but it was a joyful thing to see. Family meant the world to Bucky especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Sandra; daughter, Debra (Larry Masure) Locklin; two sons, Shawn (Carrie) Locklin and Eric Locklin; three grandchildren, Lucas and Colton Masure and Danielle Locklin; three sisters, Alice Bean; Irene Smith and Carol Ann Bowles of Lyndonville; three brother in laws, Charles (Patricia) Cushman, George Cushman and Ken Cushman; two sister in laws, Mary (Jason Edmonds) Lawrence and Norma (Leslie) Degreenia; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; two granddaughters, Danielle and Taylor Masure; a sister, Elaine Petty; two half-sisters, Anita Zentz and Shirley Bennett; five brother in laws, James Cushman, Jerry Cushman, Carroll Bean, Murdo Smith and Paul Petty; a sister in law, Shirley Cushman, three nephews and one great nephew.
There will be a graveside service at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery in the spring. There will be no visiting hours.
Johnsbury, VT: Russell C. Harbaugh, Sr.
....show , age 71, of Cross Avenue, passed away at home December 26, 2017, following a long period of declining health.
Russell was born on September 29, 1946, in St. Johnsbury, VT, son to the late Calvin A. and Iola (Widger) Harbaugh. He was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury and graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School in the class of 1967. On August 21, 1971 he married the former Judith Bugbee and shared 46 years together. He enjoyed all sports, but especially baseball and basketball and coached baseball of many years. He loved cooking and baking and did it all at home including making Buckeye candies that were coveted at Christmas time. Russell enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking trips to Maine and just spending time at hunting camp. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend and more who will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy of St. Johnsbury, 2 sons: Russell Harbaugh, Jr. (Linda Lohnes) of Englewood, FL, Brian Harbaugh (Rachel) of Danville, VT, 4 sisters: Bernadine Belknap (Paul) of Waterford, Fredricka Stebelus of St. Johnsbury, Jeanette Libby (Clinton) of Lyndonville, VT, Marion Veilleux (Robert) of St. Johnsbury, 2 brothers-in-law: Michael Bugbee (Joanne) of St. Johnsbury, Fred Bugbee (Paula) of Newport Center, a sister-in-law: Christine Demers (David) of St. Johnsbury, his in-laws: Rita and Edsel Bean of St. Johnsbury, 1 grandchild and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother-in-law: David Stebelus and children: Tonya & Michael, his sister: Ruth Carroll and husband, John, and nephew: Jeffrey Belknap.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6PM on Friday, December 29, 2017, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, with Abby Pollander officiating. There will be no Calling Hours.
Memorial Donations may be made in Russell’s name to Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
St. Johnsbury, VT: Rita C. Clough
....show , age 86, of Waterman Circle in St. Johnsbury, VT, passed away at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital on Tuesday, December 26, 2017.
Rita was born on April 24, 1931, in Montpelier, VT, daughter to Leopold and Germaine (Gagne) Peltier. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy. Rita married Leon Clough and enjoyed her life with him until his death in 2012. She was a member of St. John Church in St. Johnsbury.
Rita is survived by 1 step-son, 2 step-daughters, 6 grandchildren' and 4 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband: Leon Clough.
A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Fr. Curtis Miller will take place January 26, 2018 at St. John the Evangelist Church, St. Johnsbury, VT at 1pm.
A second Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Fr. Curtis Miller will take place May 9, 2018 at St. John the Evangelist Church, St. Johnsbury, VT at 1pm. Burial will follow immediately at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. John Street, St. Johnsbury, VT. There will be no calling hours.
Donald A. Sabens, Jr.
....show , age 60, of West Burke passed away at his home Wednesday night, December 27, 2017, surrounded by his family, after a courageous 10 year battle with renal failure. Donny faced death with courage, strength and concern for those he left behind.
Donny was born in New Brunswick, NJ, on August 12, 1957, son to the late Donald A. Sr. and Grace (Blodgett) Sabens. He was raised and educated in Randolph, VT.
The past five years Donny enjoyed his time spent with the guys at Easy Auto. This gave him the opportunity to rebuild a ’68 Mustang, fulfilling his dream.
Donny loved vintage hot rods, and collected vintage die-cast model cars, enjoyed NASCAR, and taking trips to the casino with his sisters.
Donny’s greatest loves were his grand children and his favorite past-time with them was movie theaters, parks and taking them for rides. Most memorable is the yearly family trips to Santa’s Village.
Donny will always be fondly remembered for his love and devotion to his mother.
He is survived by 3 sons: Donald A. Sabens, III of W. Burke, Anthony Sabens and Joshua Sabens both of Newport, VT, his 5 siblings: Diana Carriere and husband, Douglas, of St. Johnsbury, Linda Black of St. Johnsbury, Deborah Baldwin of Port Charlotte, FL, Kevin Sabens and wife, Sharon, of St. Johnsbury, Pamela Brink and husband, Alan, of Lyndonville, 5 grandchildren: Tynisha, Cameron, Corbin, Mikiaha and Raven and many nieces and nephews.
Donny was also predeceased by a brother: Michael Sabens, and grandson: Zander Sabens.
There will be no calling hours. A private interment service will take place at Lyndon Center Cemetery next summer.
June P. Cahoon
....show of Danville passed away Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, at NVRH in St. Johnsbury, from the aftereffects of a fall.
June Amy Parker was born June 11, 1927, in Titusville, Florida, the first daughter and first surviving offspring of C. Arthur Parker, and Lola (Hawkins) Parker, natives of the Northeast Kingdom, then resident in nearby Scottsmoor. In 1928, the family moved to a farm in Nassau, New York, then in 1933 to a farm in the Pumpkin Hill area of Danville.
She graduated from Danville High School in 1945 as valedictorian of her class. She attended Becker Junior College in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduating in 1947. In the summer of 1947, she married George D. Cahoon Jr. of Walden, and they made a home together for 70 years, first at her parents’ farm, then in a house they built themselves in 1954 just down the road.
Over the years she worked at Caledonia National Bank in Danville and as a dispatcher for the Vermont State Police in St. Johnsbury. Most of her working career, however, was spent in the insurance business; first for Impey Insurance Agency, then for Poulos Insurance, and lastly for Caledonia Insurance.
She was an active member of the Danville Congregational Church and served, for several years after her retirement, as church secretary. She was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star, Diamond Chapter No. 14, and served as Worthy Grand Matron, the top office in the Vermont O.E.S., in 1986.
She leaves behind her husband George; a sister, Ann Zatta and husband Leo of Tinton Falls, New Jersey; a brother, Leslie “Stub” Parker and wife Shirley of Lyndon; three sons: Scott of St. Johnsbury, Barry and partner Alicia Hingston of Danville, Myles and wife Merja of Fairfax; one grandson, Kevin Cahoon of South Burlington; and various nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by son Keith of Oakland, California.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at the Congregational Church on Hill Street in Danville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to either Danville Rescue, 379 Brainard St., Danville VT 05828, or the Danville Congregational Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 56, Danville, VT 05828. There will be no calling hours.
North Concord, VT: John Arthur Gagne
....show , age 77, of 207 Wesley Road, passed away at the Country Village Center in Lancaster, NH, Saturday December 30, 2017.
John was born in Fitchburg, MA on September 2, 1940, son of the late Dollard Romain Gagne and Lillian (Peters) Gagne. He grew up in Fitchburg, MA and was always a fighter. He was born with scoliosis, and underwent multiple different surgeries throughout his life which left him with a disability. Hospitalized for long periods of time in his childhood left him with only a 5th grade education. Despite all of these challenges, he never allowed this to slow him down and continued to push forward throughout his life.
He was a lifelong truck driver, he drove for many years for Tucker Housewares, and in shipping and receiving. He drove as a taxi cab driver for some time, and then for Foamtech until he retired. Though he was never in the military, he was a lifetime member of the Amvets Post 29 in Fitchburg, MA. John was an avid fishermen and hunter; he also enjoyed watching wrestling, westerns, and movies on television. He also enjoyed listening to country music and doing search a word puzzles. He moved to North Concord in 2002 with his wife, where they purchased their first home to be near family, because to him family was very important, and always came first.
He is survived by his 3 children: Donna M. Conley & partner Troy Fortin of North Concord, John M. Gagne & partner Julie May of Fitchburg, MA, and April L. Young and husband Chris of Mesa, Arizona; 2 grandchildren that he raised as his own: Annalise R. Gagne and John M. (Mikey) Gagne of North Concord and daughter Georgianna Losh and husband Rich of Lunenburg, VT; 19 grandchildren: Tammy, Matthew, Elysia, Brittany, Anthony, Kaytlin, Ambre, Allison, Christopher, Tyson, Annalise, Mikey, Jasmine, Troy, Bryan, Kristian, Corey, William and Shawnee; and 17 great grandchildren; a sister: Carole Martin of Townsend, MA; 2 brothers: James gagne of Clinton, MA and Ricky Gagne of Lunenburg, MA; and a step sister: Betty Shortsleeve.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Carol May (Gauvin) Gagne in 2014, son-in-law Gerald A. Conley in 2015, brother Charles and stepbrothers Howard and Gordon Gardner.
Calling hours will be held from 5-7PM on Wednesday January 10, 2018, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, VT.
Burial will take place at a later date at Forest Hills Cemetery in Fitchburg, MA.
Raymond “Ray” Richard Guyer
....show , age 83, of Cotton Road, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Sunday, July 30, 2017.
Ray was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on April 17, 1934, son to the late Alfred Allen and Leta Marie (Warren) Guyer. He grew up in St. Johnsbury and graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School in 1954. From 1948-54 Ray worked on the Carl Lawrence Farm in E. St. Johnsbury and attended Vermont Technical School Agricultural program the following year. He joined the U.S. Army in 1956 where he was stationed in Germany and Beirut and honorably discharged in 1958. After returning he married the former Marilyn Ann Crosier on July 7, 1959, making their home in Lyndon. He found employment at the Fairbanks Foundry for 14 years and also during that time until 1972, he did maintenance for the South Wheelock Church, worked for the Town of Lyndon and later for True Temper in the early 70’s. In 1972 the family moved to Nashua and later Litchfield, NH where Ray worked Triangle Pacific Cabinet Corporation. Ray was a very hard worker and at times held three jobs simultaneously to allow Marilyn to stay home for the kids and family members in need. Over the years he was a member of the Lyndon Corner Grange, worked on and donated at many Red Cross blood drives and was a Deacon in at the S. Wheelock Church. He built his home in Lyndon after retiring in 1997, enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting and loved desserts! In 2002 he took Marilyn on a six month trip through the U.S. and Canada up to Alaska that left them both with many, many wonderful memories.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn, of Lyndon, his two daughters: Pamela Vance and husband, Donald, of Lyndonville, Rosemary Kinerson and husband, Ronald, of Sheffield, a sister: JoAnn Messier and husband, Bruce, of Dayton, OH, 1 granddaughter: Amanda Vance O’Meara and husband, Jeffrey, and a great-grandson: Winn O’Meara and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a sister: Marie Lind.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM Friday, August 4, 2017, at the Guibord Funeral Home, 15 Main Street in Lyndonville, VT.
Services will be held at 10AM on Saturday, August 5th at the Funeral Home with burial and military honors to follow at the Lyndon Center Cemetery with John Sleeper officiating.
Donations may be made to the Lyndon Rescue, 114 Vail Drive, Lyndonville, VT 05851
Alice Winnifred Cass Moore
....show , age 98, went peacefully to her final resting place after a long illness, on July 29, 2017. She resided at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville, Vermont.
She was born November 24, 1918 in Chesterville, Ontario Canada, the daughter of George Reddick Cass and Florence Idella Johnston Cass. She graduated from Chesterville High School where she met Donald Glenn Moore, an American whose father had been transferred from the Boston & Maine Railroad in Fairlee, Vermont to the Canadian Pacific Railroad in Chesterville. After graduation from Chesterville High School, she entered the Cornwall (Ontario) General Hospital Training School for Nurses. She interrupted her nurse's training and married Donald on July 2, 1941 in Alburgh, Vermont, on their way to Fairlee to stay with his family. They were married for sixty-six years until Donald's death in 2007. They lived in Boise, Idaho from 1942 to 1945 while Donald was a flight instructor at McGowen Field during WWII. They moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont in 1945.
Alice became a naturalized American citizen in 1954. She worked part-time as a private nurse. In the early 1960's she elected to finish her nurse's training and was accepted at the Cornwall General Hospital Training School for Nurses. Upon getting her RN degree, she became employed at Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury as an Operating Room nurse and later worked at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital as second floor head nurse. She retired from nursing in 1983. She was a proficient golfer at the St. Johnsbury Country Club. She also took up skiing but admitted she never did it well. She enjoyed hiking with family and friends. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Seed and Weed Club. In her spare time she enjoyed doing crafts, gardening and raising her children in a loving home. She was very devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Donald and her daughter, Constance “Connie” Jane Moore Beliveau.
She is survived by her son, Leslie Colin Moore of Newtown, Pennsylvania and her daughter, Karen Heather (Leavitt) Moore of Kirby, Vermont. Survivors include eight grandchildren; James Alexander Moore, William Jeremy Moore, David Leslie Moore, Heather Leigh Leavitt, Michelle Lise Beliveau Monroe, Denise Carin Beliveau Smith, Chantal Louise Beliveau, and Lia Claire Beliveau.
Survivors also include ten great-grandchildren; Sonia Elizabeth Moore, Andrew Leslie Moore, Simon William Moore, MacKenzie Alice Smith, Duffy John Smith, Nellie Jane Smith, Alexander Samuel Davis, Martina Yvette Monroe, Makela Yvonne Monroe and Tristyn Michael Beliveau.
Services will be held at 11AM on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at the Sayles Funeral Homes, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury. Burial will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with Rev. Jay Sprout officiating.
Friends may call on the family Friday, August 11 from 6-8PM at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to either the Special Olympics, 16 Gregory Drive, Suite 2, South Burlington, VT 05403 or Multiple Sclerosis Society, 75 Talcott Road, Suite 40, Williston, VT 05495
Joshua J. Lunnie
....show , 38, of Concord, Vermont passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2017, at the Rutland Regional Hospital from complications of a heart attack over four years ago.
Josh was born in St. Johnsbury, VT on August 4, 1978, to Kathryn Lund and James M. Lunnie, Sr. He was raised and educated in Concord, graduating from Concord High School in the Class of 1996, and attended a year at UVM in Burlington, VT. He worked in his father’s business, Jim Lunnie Concrete Construction where he was an integral part of the business. He enjoyed art, reading, shooting sports, water sports, concerts and music, playing video games with his brother Jimmy, playing poker with his friends Dwayne, Elmer, and Eric. Most importantly he loved spending time with his daughter Lilah and her siblings, Davey and Gabby.
Joshua is survived by his father: James M. Lunnie Sr., and his wife, Kate Fitzmorris, of Concord, VT, His mother Kathryn L. Hill of WA, his daughter, Lilah Mae Lunnie, his brother: James M. Lunnie, II and companion, Tasha L. Lanthier, of St. Johnsbury and four nephews: James M. Lunnie III, Christopher James Lunnie, Alexander Michael Lunnie and Bradley Xavier Lunnie, as well as Harold W. Lunnie and Paul W. Lunnie of Concord, VT.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
Funeral Services will be held at 10AM at the Funeral Home on Thursday August 3rd with Pastor Joshua Abetti officiating.
Maurice Raymond LaRose
....show , age 82, of Church Street, St. Johnsbury, passed away at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, following a brief illness on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
Maurice was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on March 30, 1935, son to the late Osias and Paula (Lussier) LaRose. He was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury and during his high school years attended Seminary School in Bucksport, Maine, where he studied for the Roman Catholic priesthood. He then attended Lyndon State College at which time he met the love of his life, the former Ruth Marie Amidon, marrying her on May 1, 1954, and sharing 63 years together. They made their home in St. Johnsbury raising five children and moving to Danville in 1971. Maurice worked for Goss Tire for over 20 years and then established LaRose Public Trucking in 1969 which he ran until his retirement in 1996. He built a new home in Danville in 1987 and lived there until they moved back to St. Johnsbury in 2007. They wintered in Florida for over 15 years with the last several being in Webster. Throughout the years, Maurice was very active at St. John the Evangelist including ushering, teaching religious education classes with Ruth, and volunteering whenever needed. He tutored students in French, his first language, and he spoke Spanish as well. He and Ruth loved camping, traveling the East coast from Prince Edward Island to Florida. They were avid motorcyclists and square dancers, and Maurice spent many springs sugaring, both in Monroe, NH, with his son-in-law and at his home in Danville.
Maurice is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, of St. Johnsbury and his five children: Susan Pierce and her husband, Wayne, of Essex Jct.; Jeanne Ward and her husband, Denis, of Monroe, NH; Thomas LaRose and long-time companion, Jacqueline Lumbra, of Danville; Marc LaRose and his wife, Diane, of St. Johnsbury; Patricia Pallis and her husband, Joseph, of Tolland, CT. He is also survived by eight grandchildren (Jessica Pierce, Aaron Pierce, Kaitlin Ward, Jackie Ward, Jon Pallis, Maggie Cofrancesco, Sam Pallis, and Jay Handy) and six great-children (Mercy, Michael, Mattingly, Maddax, Abel, and Quinn). He is also survived by his two sisters (Yolande Bates of Waterford and Jacqueline Greenwood and her husband, Robert, of Webster, FL) and many wonderful cousins and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Paul LaRose, and a sister, Theresa Bessette.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at St. John the Evangelist Church on Winter Street in St. Johnsbury with Rev. Fr. Curtis Miller as celebrant. Burial will immediately follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8 PM on Friday the 28th at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
Memorial Donations may be made to Good Shepherd School, 121 Maple Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Joseph Francis Miller Jr.
....show born December 18, 1948 died peacefully at home Friday, July 21st.
He is survived by his beloved wife: Marylou of Peacham; 2 daughters: Chelsea Miller (Bruce Smith) of NYC and Julianne Miller (Travis Hodgkins) of Plainfield, VT; son: Gavin Miller (Molly Kennedy) of Peacham; his sister: Marcia Kidston (Donald) of Hull, MA; and two young grandchildren: Jaxson and Jonah Hodgkins.
Joseph moved to Vermont in the mid 70's and was renowned for his exceptional Post and Beam Carpentry and Metalwork. Few have lived a life so full, a man who was kind to the land, had a dialogue with birds, bees and frogs alike, for him the way to understanding was to break apart the unknown and put it back together again. By his example we were reminded never to take anything too seriously, least of all ourselves and if we didn't like the weather, wait awhile.
His imagination was unmatched, his plans to build new things would span many lifetimes, he leaves much undone but has put in motion endless positivity and inspiration. Through him we are moved to be our best selves, taking every opportunity to love as fully as he did.
There will be a celebration of his life, in early September, at the family home in Peacham.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Peacham Historical Association may be made in his memory (Attn: Joe Miller Donation, PO Box 101, Peacham, VT 05862).
Gertrude Simone “Trudy” Turner
....show , age 83, formerly of Fenoff Circle, has gone to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She passed at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center on Thursday, July 20, 2017 and has been surrounded in the recent weeks by her family and many dear friends.
Trudy was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on October 16, 1933, daughter to the late Leo J. and Marie Louise (Poliquin) Donna. She was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury graduating from Mt. St. Joseph with the Class of 1952. On June 18, 1955 she married Robert Henry Turner and shared 61 years together when he passed on July 6, 2016. Trudy raised her family at home, worked at Desrochers Pharmacy and Hovey’s Shoe Store and later became a teacher’s aide with the St. Johnsbury School District for about 20 years. After retiring she found joy in volunteering at St. J Health & Rehab for over 20 years.
Trudy loved her Savior Jesus. This love spilled over into her care for family and friends, and people who knew her often stopped by or called and asked for her to pray for them.
She greatly enjoyed the outdoors; walking, gardening, watching and feeding creatures that came in the yard.
Trudy is survived by her daughter: Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Lutter and husband Clyde of Gaithersburg, Maryland; her son: Mark Turner and wife Cindy of St. Johnsbury; four grandchildren: Timothy and Joshua Lutter, Sarah and Justin Turner; her sister: Dorothy Lynaugh of St. Johnsbury, brother-in-law: Reginal Leonard; her brother: Normand Donna and wife, Susan, of Florida; her sister-in-law: Sarah Donna, and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by 3 brothers: Claude, Roger and Robert Donna; a sister: Gemma Chaloux and her husband, Gerald Chaloux.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where funeral services will be held in St. Johnsbury at 2PM on Sunday, July 23, 2017 with the Rev. Kirk Thompson officiating.
Donations may be made in Trudy’s name to the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center Activities Fund, 1248 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
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