, of Lower Waterford, Vt., died Sunday, April 18, 2004, at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, N.H. She was born Nov. 4, 1926, in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of Raymond Sweetlove and Lucille Dougherty (Ryon) Perry. Raised in Rockford, Ill., she attended Keith Country Day School and graduated from Penn Hall Preparatory School. In 1948, she received her bachelor's degree from Michigan State where she was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority. That same year on March 20, she and Richard "Dick" Hanes Hurley were married in Middletown, N.Y. They worked together in radio for several years before settling in Pleasantville, N.Y., where they raised their two daughters, Sarah and Martha. Jo was a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Westchester Junior League and volunteered in a school for handicapped children in Chappaqua. In 1966, the family moved to La Canada, Calif., where she volunteered with the Spastic League and continued to be active in Girl Scouts. In 1971, they moved to Lower Waterford and built Crazy Horse Campground in Littleton, N.H. Following her interest in special education, Jo entered the master's program at the University of Vermont and earned her master's degree in 1978. She taught special education in the St. Johnsbury school system for many years. In retirement, she ran her business, Vermont Clover Crafts, making and selling hundreds of bags and aprons in local shops and at craft fairs. She was proud of her nickname, "the bag lady." She knitted comfort shawls for friends and strangers. She was a member of the Waterford School Board, a deacon of the South Congregational Church and a member of its choir, a trustee of the Lower Waterford Public Library, a volunteer at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, a member of Searchlight, and in 1999 she was named the St. Johnsbury Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer of the Year. Jo and her husband gave the carillon bells that ring out from South Church in St. Johnsbury. Her husband predeceased her in 1998. She is survived by her two daughters, Sarah Clarke of East Thetford, Vt., and Martha "Muffi" Grinnell of Richmond, Va.; two sons-in-law, Barry Clarke and Bruce Grinnell; six grandchildren (who adored her as "Dinny"), Ivor, Tanda, Ryon and Chapin Clarke, and Spencer and Jamison Grinnell; and her brother, Raymond Sweetlove Perry Jr. of Newport, R.I. Please send contributions in Jo's memory to Hospice at Caledonia Home Health, Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 74, of Hyde Park, Vt., passed away peacefully April 18, 2004, surrounded by his loving family. Hervie was born in Scotstown, Quebec, Canada, April 6, 1930, the son of Joseph and Annie (Fleury) Morissette. He is survived by his loving, dedicated, devoted wife, Laura (Webb) Morissette; his daughter, Audrey Lindgren and her husband Jeff of Johnson, Vt.; his son, Harvey Morissette and his wife Kathie Benjamin of Morgan, Vt.; grandchildren, Chad Lindgren and his wife Samantha of Eden, Vt., Alicia Morissette of Johnson, Amanda Morissette of East Charleston, Vt., and grandson by marriage, Jordan Benjamin of Scotsdale, Ariz.; great-grandchildren, Kelsey and Ryan Lindgren of Eden; a sister, Joanne Desbiens of Schenectady, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Shirley Dunn and her husband Rudolph of North Troy, Vt.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Simone, Ernest and Oscar. Hervie served in the Vietnam and Korean wars and retired from the U.S. Army with full military honors in 1978. He was awarded and decorated with several medals, badges and commendations that included Good Conduct, Army of Occupation, National Defense and Vietnam, Korean and Japan Service Medals. Hervie enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing bocce ball and traveling to Florida for the winters with his wife. He had a special relationship with all of nature's animals. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements will be made at the convenience of the family. Should family and friends desire to contribute in Hervie's honor, donations would be appreciated to either: Lamoille Home Health and Hospice, 54 Farr Ave., Morrisville, VT 05661; or the American Cancer Society, New England Div., 11 Loomis St., Montpelier, VT 05602-3021.

, the late son of Benjamin Harrison Wright and Bertha May Daniels Wright, died April 13, 2004 in Jacksonville, Fla. Born in St. Johnsbury, Vt. Sept. 19, 1922. He grew up on a 160-acre dairy farm on Jefferson Hill, attended Jefferson Hill School through the eighth grade and then graduated from Woodsville High School in 1940. He enrolled in Michigan State University, school of veterinary medicine, where he met Ruth May Weinman. They were married June 21, 1943. Upon graduation as a doctor of veterinary medicine, he returned to Wells River in 1945 where he opened his own practice and clinic on Main Street where he served the farmers and residents of the Connecticut Valley. Dr. Wright became well-known in the community for his rapid responses over local back roads to the needs of the area farmers. In 1953, he fulfilled his commitment to the U.S. government by joining the U.S. Air Force as a captain, was transferred to England and decided to make the Air Force his career. Returning to the University of Michigan in 1963 for a masters of public health, Dr. Wright rose to the rank of colonel and retired from active duty in 1979 after a distinguished career in the Veterinary Service. His assignments included duty in England, northern and southern California, Texas, Michigan, Florida and Mississippi. He was the recipient of the Legion of Merit upon retirement as well as numerous military ribbons and citations. Upon retirement, Al and Ruth relocated to Halls Lake, Vermont and Fleet Landing in Jacksonville, Fla. He continued his community involvement by service with the Wells River Rotary Club, the Halls Lake Association and the Vermont Club among others. He is a member of the Wells River Congregational Church, the Palms Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., and was a Scottish Rite Mason belonging to the Royal Order of Knights Templar. Most recently, he has volunteered his services for the optical shop at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his daughter, Sandy Weddle of Nashville, Tenn.; sons Richard D. Wright of Nashville, Tenn., Bruce Wright of Reston, Va.; and daughter Linda Shotwell of Rixeyville, Va.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.

, 88, of Greenleaf Street, Brattleboro, died peacefully Sunday morning, April 18, 2004, at the VA hospital in White River after a period of failing health. He was born in Westfield, Vt., Feb. 5, 1916, sixth child of Elmer and Florence (Wakefield) Edmunds. He graduated from Lyndon Institute and attended UVM before having to return home to help out on the family's Lyndon Center farm. In 1941, he married Dorothy Johnston of St. Johnsbury and moved briefly to Pittsfield, Mass. A decorated World War II veteran, he served in the 120th Infantry Regiment, entering Europe at Omaha Beach just after D-Day. He was wounded twice, once severely, and was discharged in 1946. He managed several Ralston Purina feed stores before buying and operating Edmunds Hardware and Building Supplies in Lyndonville, Vt. In 1963, he moved to Brattleboro where he owned several motels before retiring in 1974. He belonged to the American Legion, DAV and Spofford Family Recreation, and was a member of the Grace Methodist Church. He was a very active member of Rotary both in Lyndonville (past president) and Brattleboro for over 50 years. He spent much of his 30-plus year retirement working on Rotary projects for the community and was made a Paul Harris fellow. He was also a Working Angel for the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. He enjoyed playing golf, and was very successful at hunting and fishing and loved his time at his hunting camps with his friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Brattleboro; and two sons, Stanley Edmunds of Keene, N.H. and Gary Edmunds of Radford, Va. Services will be held at a later date. Contributions in his name can be sent to Rescue Inc.

, 18, of Monroe, N.H., died April 19, 2004, as a result of a motor vehicle accident. She was born Jan. 6, 1986, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., a daughter of Lyle H. Edwards Jr. and Barbara M. Ward Edwards. Mary grew up in Walden, Vt., and attended the Walden schools until the fifth grade when she moved to Concord, Vt. She played soccer and softball at Concord High School and was a member of their yearbook staff. As a senior she had been accepted at Franklin Pierce College. She formerly attended West Danville Methodist Church. Mary worked part time at Shaw's Grocery Store in Littleton, N.H. She is survived by her parents Lyle Edwards, Jr. of Westfield, Vt., and Barbara Ward Edwards of Monroe; one brother, Jon Smires and his wife Crystal of Barnet, Vt.; two sisters, Bethany Edwards of Bethlehem, N.H., and Melissa Edwards of Anchorage, Alaska; her maternal grandparents Barbara Ward and Kenneth Chamberlin of Monroe; her paternal grandparents Lyle and Ellen Edwards Sr. of Groton, Vt.; a very special friend, Kristin Callahan; two nephews; several aunts; uncles and cousins. Calling hours will be Thursday, April 22, from 5-8 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. The funeral service will be held Friday, April 23, at 1 p.m. in the Concord Community Church. The Rev Glen Hatch will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to the Mary B. Edwards Memorial Scholarship, c/o Passumpsic Savings Bank, attn: Diane Lambert, P.O. Box 38, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 72, of Bradford, Vt., passed away at the Veterans Hospital in White River Junction Monday, April 19, 2004. He was born Sept. 16, 1931, in Boston, Mass., the son of the late Joseph and Alberta (Keyser) Keith. He was a U.S. Marine; he served two tours of duty in Korea during the Korean War. Before retiring he worked as a licensed private investigator. He is survived by two children, Timothy Keith of Bradford, Vt. and Denise Keith of Haverhill, N.H.; and by four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. At his request there will be no funeral services.

, 68, of 390 Portland St., St. Johnsbury, Vt., passed away at her residence on Monday, April 19, 2004. She was born June 12, 1935 in Germany, the daughter of the late Karl F. and Mathilde B. Feller. She was also predeceased by a brother, Klaus Feller; a daughter, Bonnie M. Feller; and a son, Franz Feller. She is survived by her children, Dean K. Switser and his wife Lucille of North Concord, Vt., Reg. S. Switser and his wife Barbara of Enosburg, Vt., Diane P. Allen and her companion Ken LaFleur of Lyndon, Vt.; by her 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 24 at 10 a.m. in the Lyndon Center Cemetery with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating.

, the stillborn daughter of Raymond C. and Jody S. (Aldrich) Sylvain, returned to be with the angels in heaven Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at 7:19 a.m. at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. Kaitlyn leaves behind her loving family, mom, dad, two brothers, Tyler Hayes, 10, and Samuel Sylvain, 2, of St. Johnsbury; paternal grandparents Patrick and Rose Sylvain of St. Johnsbury; maternal grandparents Charles and Carol Aldrich of St. Johnsbury; great-grandparents Lorraine Additon of Auburn, Maine, Lydia Sylvain of St. Johnsbury and Editha Aldrich of South Paris, Maine. Also surviving are several aunts and uncles, including Jeff and Gloria Aldrich of St. Johnsbury, Lisa and Russell Robinson of Passumpsic, Debbie and Phil St. George of St. Johnsbury, Donna and Thomas Villeneuve of Waterford, Steven and Rose Aldrich of Lyndonville, Diane Coburn of St. Johnsbury, Roger and Sherry Sylvain of St. Johnsbury, Pauline Sylvain of St. Johnsbury, Lorraine Sylvain of Colchester, and Jeanette and Nick Wright of Barnet. She was predeceased by great-grandparents Charles Sylvain, Catherine and Henry Boulay, Sewall Additon, Gladys and Andrew Mellor and Homer Aldrich; and an uncle, Michael Coburn. Kaitlyn will remain in our thoughts and prayers throughout our lives. Calling hours will be Wednesday, April 21, from 10-11 a.m. at Sayles Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at St. John's Catholic Church at 11:15 a.m. with the Rev. Patrick Forman, celebrant.

, 72, of Piermont, N.H., died Monday, April 19, 2004, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Junction, Vt. He was born in Hanover, N.H. July 27, 1931, the son of Peter and Nellie (Lange) Saladino. Dr. Saladino graduated from Bradford Academy in 1949, attended Keene Teachers College and the University of Vermont before earning a degree in dentistry from Tufts University. He also served four years active duty in the United States Navy as a pilot and 25 years in the Naval Reserve as a pilot and dentist, achieving the rank of commander. As a Naval cadet he was a member of the precision drill team performing throughout the United States. Dr. Saladino started his dental practice in 1963 in Bradford, Vt., where he cared for his patients for over 30 years. He did extensive research on reverse swallowing and was published in The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry in 1967. He was active in the community, working for the Jaycee's in Bradford and then the Boy Scouts in Orford, N.H. He participated in the Lions Club for more than 30 years, especially enjoying collecting glasses and handing out gift baskets for children at Christmas. He was a longtime member of the American Legion and VFW of Woodsville, N.H. He is survived by three children, Juanita Saladino Sanders of St. Simons, Ga., Peter Saladino III of Woodsville, N.H., and Anthony Saladino of Atlanta, Ga.; his mother, Nellie Lange Saladino of Fairlee, Vt.; six grandchildren; one brother, Paul Saldino of Rochester, N.H.; two sisters, Frances Tullar of Lyme, N.H. and Brigite Moseley of Keene, N.H.; several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 24 at 1 p.m. in the family lot in the Ely Cemetery in Ely, Vt. There are no calling hours. He would want to be remembered with the word "smile." In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Saladino's memory may be made to Operation Santa Claus, in care of Oxbow High School, Upper Plain, Bradford, VT 05033.

, 76, of Jackson Street, Newport, Vt., passed away in Newport Wednesday, April 21, 2004. He was born in Orleans Nov. 10, 1927, the son of Hazen E. and Hazel (McLellan) Converse. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 and was a veteran of the Korean War, and his duties included working with the Counter Intelligence Corps. While stationed in Germany he joined the American Legion Post 1 in Paris, France in 1953. Mack was a graduate of Tufts University and New England Institute of Mortuary Science, both in Boston, Massachusetts. He owned and operated the Converse Funeral Home in Newport, Orleans, Barton and Derby Line from 1961 to 1972. In 1972 the Converse Funeral Home and Rushford Funeral Home merged. In 1973 the new Converse-Rushford Funeral Home was built on Sias Avenue and was the first modernized funeral home built in the state at that time. He was past president of the Vermont Funeral Directors Association in the early 1960s. He was also a charter member of the Newport Elks Club B.P.O.E. 2155, a 50-year member of the Newport Rotary Club, a member of the United Church of Newport, American Legion Newport Post 21, the Masonic Order Newport Memphremagog Lodge 65 F & AM, the Shriners, and a longtime member of the Newport Country Club. He also served on the North Country Hospital executive board, where he was past vice-president during the planning of the new hospital. On May 27, 1951 Mack married the former Pauline "Pauli" Donaldson, who survives him. He is also survived by his children, Sandra Wing and her husband, David, of Bradenton, Fla., and David Converse and his friend Patricia Kilday of North Troy, Vt.; his grandchildren, Kelli Converse of Sunapee, N.H., Kristin Wright and her husband, Michael, of Barton, Hazen Converse of Newport, and Emily and Derek Wing of Bradenton, Fla.; his former daughter-in-law, Pam Converse of Newport; and cousins in Vermont, Florida, and Texas. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road, Newport (formerly Sias Ave.) on Sunday, April 25, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., with an Elks service being held at 7:30 p.m., Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Monday, April 26, at 1:30 p.m., with the Rev. Martha Peck officiating. Interment will follow at the Pleasantview cemetery in Orleans. Should friends desire, contributions in Mack's memory may be made to the North Country Hospital Renal Dialysis, in care of Wendy Franklin, Development Office, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855.

, 74, of Bellows Falls, Vt., died Sunday, April 18, after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Beatrice was born in Barton July 23, 1929, the daughter of Donald and Beatrice (Labor) Larocque. She graduated valedictorian of Mount St. Joseph's in St. Johnsbury. She worked as a paralegal in St. Johnsbury, she worked at the Walpole Village Store, she was a caregiver in the Walpole, N.H., and St. Johnsbury, Vt., areas, and she helped with political campaigns. She taught catechism for many years and was a coworker of the Missionaries of Charity lined with Sister Clare Francis. Beatrice was known as the neighborhood mother - her door was always open to everyone. Above all, she valued family, the Catholic Church and her community. Beatrice is survived by her children, Kevin Davey of South Acworth, N.H., Wes Davey III of Westminster, Vt., who was her primary caregiver for the past 12 years, John Davey of Walpole, Rebecca Labor of Barnet, Vt., Teresa Holmes of Bellows Falls, Vt., Anne-Marie Sykie of Bellows Falls and Denise Smith of St. Johnsbury. She was also survived by two brothers; three sisters; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. Her parents; three brothers; and four sisters predeceased her. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24, at the St. Joseph's Church in Walpole. The burial will take place at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association of Vermont Affiliate OMC, P.O. Box 485, Williston, VT 05495 or to the Department of Anatomy, in care of Colleen DHMC, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756.

, 83, of Greenleaf St., Brattleboro died peacefully Wednesday evening at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Eustis, Quebec, Feb. 20, 1921, fourth child of Roy and Caroline Beattie Johnston and moved to St. Johnsbury at the age of five. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1939. In 1941 she married Norris Edmunds of Lyndon, Vt., and moved briefly to Pittsfield, Mass. She moved back to St. Johnsbury while her husband served in Europe during World War II, reuniting in 1946. She worked in a bank until she and her husband moved to Lyndonville, Vt. where they bought and operated Edmunds Hardware and Building Supplies in 1952. Mrs. Edmunds belonged to the Grace Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury and the Congregational Church in Lyndonville; teaching Sunday School at both. She was president of the Lyndonville Village Improvement Society, Eastern Star, and the Lyndon Outing Club. In 1963 the Edmunds moved to Brattleboro where they owned and operated the Holiday Motel, then the Lodge Motel and Restaurant in Bellows Falls. After they retired from the motel business in 1974, she worked for several years at Windham College and for several more at Spofford Electrosonics. She enjoyed playing bridge, and loved cooking for family and friends. She leaves two sons, Stanley Edmunds of Keene, N.H. and Gary Edmunds of Radford, Va. She is also survived by four grandchildren; one sister, Mildred Schultz of Farmingdale, N.Y.; and a brother Doug Murphy of St. Johnsbury, Vt.; and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Rupert Johnston, and a sister, Edith Clifford died earlier. Her husband, Norris Edmunds, died last Sunday morning, April 18, 2004. Graveside services for both Dorothy and Norris will be held at Bonneville Cemetery in West Brattleboro at 11 a.m. Wednesday April 28. Contributions in her name can be sent to Rescue Inc.

, 84, a longtime Danville resident, died Friday, April 23, 2004, at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center. She was born in Danville Nov. 18, 1919, the daughter of Harvey E. and Ina (Carr) Peck. Helen graduated from the Danville School. She was a farmer's wife who later owned and operated the South Peacham General Store for a number of years, and later retired as a bookkeeper/teller from the former Danville Bank. Helen was married to the late Gene Nunn, was a member of the Danville Methodist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, and also enjoyed painting and crafts. Helen is survived by her two children, Janice (McPhee) Seften of Ft. Pierce, Fla., and Daryl K. McPhee of Overland Park, Kan.; and four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 28, at 1 p.m., at the Peacham Cemetery with the Rev. Hank E. Cheney officiating.

, 69, of Page Hill Road, Lancaster, N.H., died Saturday, April 24, 2004, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H. Mrs. Grattage was born in Pittsfield, N.H., June 19, 1934, the daughter of Clayton and Viola (Zanes) Frenette. Joan was raised in Pittsfield and later moved to Jefferson in her youth. During the Korean Conflict she served as a nurse with the Women's Army Corps. Returning home, she continued her nursing career at Beatrice D. Weeks Memorial Hospital, Lancaster. She was later employed at the Kent Nursing Home, Lancaster, through the transition to Country Village Health Care Center and Genesis Eldercare for a combined total of 25 years until her health forced her to retire. For several years after she continued on as a volunteer. For many years she taught Sunday school and served five years as a Girl Scout leader. She was a charter member of the Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C. Knitting hats at home was one of her favorite pastimes. Family members include her husband, Stanley H. Grattage of Lancaster; two sons, Roger Grattage of Florida, and Glen "Buddy" Allin of Manchester; three daughters, Amber Curtis of Manchester, Wendy McKinnon of Haverhill, N.H., and Joanie Johnson of Pelham, N.H.; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Charles "Squeak" Frenette of Lancaster. She was predeceased by two sons, Stan W. Grattage, and Kenneth C. Grattage; and a brother, Clayton Frenette. A funeral service will be held Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in the Summer Street Cemetery, Lancaster.

, 90, of New Jersey, most recently of Danville (2001), Vt., died early Monday, April 26, 2004, at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Irvington, N.J., the son of Harold and Rose (Iten) Walker, Aug. 19, 1913. During World War II he served his country in the United States Army. Mr. Walker was a professional landscaper working for A.L. Services in New Jersey and retiring at the age of 77. He was a naturalist and horticulturist and was well known for his love of animals. Harry was a highly regarded falconer in New Jersey. On July 5, 1944, he married Mary Katherine Walker, who predeceased him Sept. 10, 2000. Survivors include his daughter, Susan and her husband James Raymond of North Danville; a granddaughter, Colleen and her husband Robert and family Nicholas and James Fisher of Whippany, N.J.; a grandson, Corey and his wife Evelyn and Daniel Raymond of Union, N.J.; his sister, Anita and her husband Rocco Calabrese of Eatontown; a brother-in-law, Arthur and his wife Barbara Bouvier of Beverly Hills, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. Services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Contributions in his memory may be made to SAD/SAC, P.O. Box 8, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 60, of Toad Hill Road, Sugar Hill, N.H., beloved husband of Susan McHenry, died Monday, April 26, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born and raised in Lakewood, N.Y., and attended Southwestern Central High School. He served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. For many years he worked as a surveyor for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, retiring in 2001. He had a great love of the outdoors and enjoyed skiing, especially at Cannon Mountain, as well as bicycling, canoeing, hiking and fly fishing. He was an avid reader and an amateur astronomer, and took pleasure in watching birds and other wildlife. He and his wife shared a zest for life and a passion for traveling. They made numerous trips around North America and to several European countries, and in recent years he especially enjoyed road trips in their Airstream trailer. He was devoted to their dogs, Daisy and Lily. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Lucille Carlson. In addition to his wife, he leaves a brother, Rolland Carlson of Newberg, Ore.; a sister, Mary Ellen Gaynor of Rochester, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 1, at 11 a.m., at the Peabody Base Lodge at Cannon Mountain in Franconia. Friends are invited to stay after the service for a reception and celebration of Craig's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115.

, 96, of Norton Road, Island Pond, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family Tuesday, April 27, 2004. She was born in Island Pond May 3, 1907, the daughter of Orrin L. and Mary (Batchelder) Stevens. Blanche was a helpmate to her husband into her 80s with their dairy farm in Island Pond. She attended the former Methodist Church in Island Pond. She enjoyed spending time with her family. On July 8, 1928, Blanche married Claude Moulton Maxwell, who predeceased her. She is survived by her children, June Bingham of Charleston, Blaine Maxwell and his wife Barbara of Island Pond, Joyce Cross of East Haven, Dwight Maxwell and his wife Carole of Island Pond, Robert Maxwell and his wife Charlene of Island Pond, and Douglas Maxwell and his wife Marilyn of Island Pond; 24 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings, Carl Stevens, Rena Bennett, Gladys Ladd, Vinnie Albee Farr, and Sfa Stevens; her cousin, Jessie Welch; her grandson, William Cross; her great-granddaughter, Michelle Olcott; and her sons-in-law, Ralph Bingham and Wyman Cross. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 1, at 11 a.m., at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road, Newport (formerly Sias Ave.), with the Rev. Richard Whitehill officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Interment will follow at the Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond. Should friends desire, contributions in Blanche's memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex VNA and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, VT 05855; or to the Brighton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 418, Island Pond, VT 05846.

, 64, passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook, N.H. She was born Sept. 13, 1939 in Parker, Ariz., the daughter of Everette and Zelma (Watkins) Cobb. Mrs. Smith attended school in Sacramento, Calif. She married Lincoln Smith Dec. 8, 1956. The couple moved to Colebrook, N.H., in 1975. Mrs. Smith worked numerous jobs to include working as a nurse in an elder care facility and baking at the IGA in Colebrook, N.H. However, most of her life was spent taking care of people in their homes and raising foster children in her own home. At one point the Smiths were caring for over 32 foster children in their home. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading, sewing and camping. Mrs. Patsy Ann Smith is survived by her husband, Lincoln Smith of Colebrook, N.H.; two sons, Anthony D. Smith of Oklahoma, and Curtis L. Smith of Lemington, Vt.; four daughters, Camilla J. Stewart of Colebrook, N.H., Christine A. Strange of Oklahoma, Valerie L. Smith of Columbia, N.H., and Beatrice Feugere of Oregon; two brothers, Russell Cobb of California, and Billy Cobb, also of California; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Kenneth in 2000. Calling hours will be Sunday, May 2, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; and Monday, May 3, from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Newman Funeral Home, 136 Main Street Colebrook, N.H. Funeral Services will follow at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Interment will be held in Colebrook Village Cemetery. Donations in memory of Patsy Smith may be sent to the Two Rivers Ride for Cancer, in care of Rosemary Mulikan, First Colebrook Bank, 147 Main St., Colebrook, NH 03576.

, 104, of Newport, Vt., passed away in Newport, Thursday, April 29, 2004. She was born in Lowell, Oct. 14, 1899, the daughter of Herbert Richardson and Mary (Lapierre). On Jan. 23, 1920, she married Harley Taylor. After making their home in Irasburg a short time, they lived the rest of their married life in Lowell. Harley predeceased her in 1955. Pearl was a member of the United Church of Lowell and served as president of the Ladies Aid for many years. In 1896 she moved to Newport with her daughter, Alice England, and at that time became a member of the United Church of Newport. Being a World War II widow, she was a member of the Border Barracks Auxiliary 2031 through 1991. During her working years, she cooked at Quimby's Lodge in Norton, ski lodges in Stowe and Jay, Brown Ledge Girl's Camp at Lake Champlain, and the hot lunch program at the Lowell Graded School. Pearl spent her last years at the Newport Health Care Center, where she was well cared for and participated in programs that made her last years more active and interesting. Pearl is survived by her daughter, Alice England of Newport; and her son, Dale Santaw and his wife Ruth of Derby, Vt. Her extended family includes granddaughters, Bonnie Lithway and her husband Jerry, and Brenda Wesolow and her husband Ed; her grandsons, James and Jeffrey Santaw; her great-grandchildren, Scott, Brian and Randy Lithway, Nathan, Mike and Tony Santaw, Kevin, Alan and Taylor Wesolow, and Stacy and Melissa Santaw; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Carl; her sisters, Alberta, Ruby and Cora; and by her grandson, Jerry Santaw. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road, Newport (formerly Sias Avenue), Sunday, May 2, from 2-4 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 3, at the United Church of Newport at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Martha Peck officiating. Interment will follow at the Mountainview Cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in Pearl's memory may be made to the Newport Health Care Center Activity Fund, in care of Patty Beckwith, Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855; or to the United Church of Newport, Third Street, Newport, VT 05855; or to the Lowell Congregational Church, in care of Marguerite Warner, Lowell, VT 05847.