Obituaries

April 25, 2012 Obituaries

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Ruth Champagne
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Ruth Champagne, 90, died on December 14, 2011, in her home in Wesley Chapel, Florida, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on March 24, 1921, in Irasburg, where she enjoyed long walks and skipping stones.
In her early twenties, she moved to Newport and married Henry Champagne Jr. who predeceased her in 2002.
Mrs. Champagne was an original founding member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post #798 Lady’s Auxiliary.
She was such a talented and giving woman. She loved crocheting, sewing, square dancing and gardening. Her family is blessed with many hand-made items that will be passed on for generations. Even the sisters at Sacred Heart benefitted from her generosity, as she would bring them vegetables from her garden. She also worked at Slalom Ski Wear until she retired at age 65.
One of her favorite pastimes was playing bingo. This love of bingo has been passed down to her great-granddaughters. Another passion of hers was photography. She captured every important moment of her great-grandchildren’s lives for 18 years. These scrapbooks are a wonderful gift that will last forever.
Words cannot express the footprint she has left on the hearts of those who were lucky enough to be loved by her.
Her family misses her terribly but take comfort knowing that she is certainly square dancing with our Lord.
She is survived by her only daughter Christine LeBlanc; by her son-in-law Gaston “Sonny” LeBlanc Jr. formerly of North Troy; by her two grandchildren: Todd LeBlanc and his wife, Keli, and Kimberlee LeBlanc Fowler and her husband, Timothy; and by three great-grandchildren: Kathryn LeBlanc, Kelsea Fowler and Abbey LeBlanc.
Internment will be held on April 27 at 1 p.m. at the Irasburg Cemetery. All who would like to attend are invited.
Sister Marcelline M. Fournier
Sister Marcelline M. Fournier, 91, died on Friday, April 20, 2012, at the Mount Sacred Heart Provincial House Infirmary in Littleton, New Hampshire, after a long illness.
She was a Daughter of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
She was born on March 27, 1921, in Garthby, Quebec. She was the daughter of Honorius Fournier and Annette Lepage Fournier.
She professed her vows with her religious congregation on August 22, 1939. During her 73 years of religious profession, Sister Marcelline served in various missions in Newport, Burlington; Champlain and Plattsburgh, New York; Seekonk, Massachusetts; and Littleton, New Hampshire.
Sister Marcelline was dedicated to education for all of her active life, as teacher, as administrator or school secretary. She enjoyed telling stories about the early years in her teaching career and it was evident that she really looked out for the students who needed extra help. In her later years, Sister Marcelline called Mount Sacred Heart her home and assisted in the community business office. Illness progressively took its toll on her and she patiently endured its debilitating effects, often rallying to enjoy conversation and social gatherings with sisters, family, and friends.
She is survived by one sister, Claire, and her husband, Ambrose Palardy; and also by her in-laws, several nieces and nephews, and her sisters in the religious community. She was predeceased by her parents; by a sister Anita; and by her brothers: Roger, Denis, Roch, and Eugene.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on April 23, in Littleton. Interment followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport.
To offer condolences, please visit www.rossfuneral.com.
Patricia M. Harty
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Patricia M. Harty, 80, of Newport died on April 16, 2012, in Newport surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on October 13, 1931, in Montague City, Massachusetts, a daughter of John Buckley and Margaret Kiniry.
She was raised by her grandparents, William and Mary Kiniry. On July 20, 1952, she married James T. Harty who survives her.
Mrs. Harty graduated from Bellows Falls High School in the Class of 1949 and attended Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren during the holidays and especially at Christmas time. She lived many years in Northfield before moving to Newport.
In her younger years, she enjoyed singing in her high school glee club and music remained a love of hers.
Mrs. Harty was primarily a homemaker and she also worked at American Maple Company. She treasured the friends she made there. She also worked many years at the family clothing store, Thomas-Denton, in Newport, and later worked as an assistant at the Goodrich Memorial Library.
In retirement she traveled on cruises with her husband and spent several winters living in Florida. In 2001, they treated their children and grandchildren to a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, a cherished memory held by the entire family.
She is survived by her husband James T. Harty of Newport, and by the following children: Kathleen Rousselle and her husband, David, of Swanton, Terry Harty of Newport, Kim Pare and her husband, Paul, of Keene, New Hampshire, Mary Lou Harty of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Deborah DeLaBruere and her husband, David, of Newport, and William Harty of Quechee. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Tim Rousselle, Morgan and Nicholas Pare, Stephanie, Samantha and Brian DeLaBruere and Bella and Kierstan Harty; by her three sisters: Judy Dicey of Keene, Janet O’Brien of Keene, and Lois Perlowski of Florida; by several nieces and nephews; by her brothers-in-law: Edward Harty and his wife, Lenore, of Bellows Falls, Robert Harty and his wife, Charlotte, of Florida, Bernard Harty of North Walpole, New Hampshire, and Maurice Harty and his wife Diane of North Walpole, New Hampshire; and by her cat Lucky Boy. She was predeceased by her son James Timothy Harty in 1970; by her brother Bill Simonds; and by her sister Ethel Kiniry; by her brother-in-law William Harty.
Funeral services will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in North Walpole on Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Steven Lapine celebrating a Mass of Christian burial. Interment will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Drewsville, New Hampshire.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
Helen E. Merrick
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Helen Ellis Merrick, 91, died on Monday, April 16, 2012, at home in Craftsbury, in the loving care of her husband and daughters.
She was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on July 15, 1920, the daughter of Francis and Margaret (Francis) Ellis. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art history at Smith College in North Hampton, Massachusetts. Her career included drafting zoning maps for Cambridge, Massachusetts; drafting for the B-52 Boeing Bomber in Seattle, Washington; and quality control for Wright Aeronautical during World War Two. She also worked in a greeting card company creating color separations and for many years as a clerk for the Women, Infants, and Children program in Morrisville.
She married Addison Merrick on June 7, 1952, and they spent their first year of marriage in a fire tower in Montana. Among their homes was a houseboat in Seattle.
Her family was always her biggest joy. The family moved to Vermont from Massachusetts in 1968. They built a stone house in Craftsbury, which Mrs. Merrick designed, and they moved into it in 1970. Mrs. Merrick went to all the basketball games and town events and often offered to drive the other kids if their parents couldn’t. Driving was one of her biggest pleasures and she would sometimes just drive around the back roads taking in the scenery. She drove to the Willey’s Store in Greensboro every day to get the New York Times so she could do the crossword puzzle and keep up with the news of the world.
Craftsbury was her dearest home, but she always held her first hometown, Montclair, New Jersey, in her heart. Anyone who complained about New Jersey to her would get an earful.
Among her other jobs were knitting hats for Moriarty in Stowe, working on a census, and working as a social worker for the state of Vermont. She used her drafting skills to make a map of Craftsbury with the names of all the homeowners on it and to volunteer on the town’s zoning committee. She used her artistic talent on home portraits for people around town and family Christmas cards.
She was a voracious reader and enjoyed her visits to the John W. Simpson Memorial Library in East Craftsbury, which included a visit with Sherry and other friends there. She also enjoyed her time in the Greensboro Kazoo Band, which featured visits to play for area nursing homes.
She leaves her beloved husband of 59 years, Addison; her daughters: Bethany M. Dunbar and her boyfriend, Jim Bowes, of West Glover, and Ann Elizabeth Harrington and her husband, Steve, of Burlington; four grandchildren: Tristan Dunbar, Katie Dunbar, Jamie Harrington and Willa Harrington; a nephew, Bill Ellis of Clifton, New Jersey; and a niece, Susan Kruckow and her husband, Jim, of Elmira, New York. She was predeceased by her parents as well as two brothers: Richard and William Rogers Ellis.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m., at the United Church of Craftsbury in Craftsbury Common, with Pastor Alan Parker officiating. Final resting place will be in the Andersonville Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex VNA and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, Vermont 05495.
The Malcolm R. Davis Funeral Home of Craftsbury Common is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jeni S. Moodie
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Jeni Sue Moodie, 48, died on Monday, April 16, 2012, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, following a brief illness.
She was born in Hardwick on April 20, 1963, the daughter of Leo and Wanita (Lowell) Moodie. She was a 1980 graduate of Craftsbury Academy.
Ms. Moodie worked for Sterling Area Services and Aris doing respite care as well as working as a hope provider. She enjoyed swimming and helping anyone who was in need. She enjoyed hanging out with friends and family, watching movies and playing horseshoes.
She leaves her daughter Michaela Kilburn and her husband, Christopher, as well as her granddaughter, Natoshia Rae, who always put a sparkle in her eye, all of Eden; her parents: Leo and Wanita Moodie of Lakeland, Florida; a sister, Heidi Moodie and her partner, Matt Grant, of Eden; four brothers: Brendon Moodie and his wife, Debbie, of North Wolcott, Fabian (Beaver) Moodie and his wife, Debra, of Florida, Jeff Moodie and his wife, Michelle, of Craftsbury, and Damon Moodie of Lowell; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many extended family and friends. She was predeceased by a sister, Kelly Moodie, who died in 1985; a brother, Scott Moodie, who died in 2011; as well as by her sister-in-law, Lori, who was Scott’s wife.
A time of visitation and remembrance will be held on Thursday, April 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Malcolm R. Davis Funeral Home in Craftsbury Common. Final resting place will be in the Branch Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the TD Bank in Morrisville to a checking account in her name as a donation to the Clarina Howard Nichols Center.
Rebecca Munson
Rebecca “Becky” Munson, 82, died on March 31, 2012, in Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, in the presence of her children.
She was born on July 16, 1929, in Glover, the daughter and fifth child of Joseph and Mary (Stone) Alexander. She graduated from Barton Academy in 1947.
She entered nurse’s training at Montreal General Hospital, then transferred to Barre City School of Nursing, graduating in 1952. She worked at area nursing homes as an RN, then at the medical center as a private duty and staff nurse, followed by IBM and Digital as an occupational nurse.
She was a member of the United Church of Colchester, King’s Daughters, the Glover and Colchester historical societies, the Vermont State Historical Society, Civil Air Patrol, and the Vermont Old Cemetery Association. She was also a member of “The Sewing Girls Group,” which meet every two weeks and have for the last 55 years, with surviving members Marge Faunce, Janet Stankovich, Janet Tilley, and Jane Couillard.
She is survived by her three children from her first marriage, to Rollin Strong: her son Alexander M. Strong of California, her daughter Jolene M. Strong of Colorado and her two children, Paige and Brett Hoffman, and her son William R. Strong of Colchester; by her sister Elaine Urie of West Glover; by her brothers-in-law: Bernard Urie of West Glover and Richard Jacobson of South Burlington; and by her sister-in-law Martha Alexander of New Hampshire. She was predeceased by her second husband, Walter C. Munson, in 2000; by her brothers: Warren, Wayne and Richard Alexander; by her sister Eleanor Jacobson; and by many great friends that she met through her hobby of genealogy, both her own family’s and Colchester’s settlers.
Funeral services were held on April 4 in Colchester. Burial followed in Munson Cemetery in Colchester.
Jeanne Irene Perkins
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Jeanne Irene Perkins, 87, of Westmore died on April 17, 2012, in Barton, surrounded by her loving family and Maple Lane extended family.
She was born on August 23, 1924, in Morgan, a daughter of George and Mary Ann (Masta) Geoffory. She married Earle Perkins who predeceased her in 2008.
Mrs. Perkins was very active with the school system when her children were in school. She was a former member of the Westmore Association and Westmore Chamber of Commerce. Her passion was maintaining her gardens and cottages, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children: Roy Perkins and his wife, Claire, of Westmore, Beverly Decker and her husband, Robert, of Westmore and Kathy Joseph and her husband, Larry, of Murrieta, California; by her grandchildren: Penny Johnson and her husband, Kimball, of Westmore, David Perkins of Westmore, Ryan Joseph and Kacie Camilli of California, and Jessica Douglas and her husband, James, of California; by two great-grandchildren: Chelsea Johnson and her fiancé, Dan Cummings, of Westmore, and Samuel Perkins of Westmore; and by a sister, Elmeria Labor, and her husband, Maurice, of Island Pond.
Funeral services were held on April 21 in Barton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter of Barton. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
Madeline J. Skinner
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Madeline J. Skinner, 86, formerly of Stowe, died on April 11, 2012, with both of her children by her side.
She was born on May 5, 1925, in East Charleston, one of five daughters of Carl and Carrie Gray. She was part of a large and close family and was one of the infamous “Gray girls.” Her early years were spent on her parents’ dairy farm in East Charleston, and later on their farm in Holland. From an early age, she had a great love of horses. At the age of 12, she herded the cows from Charleston to Holland while riding bareback on her beloved Morgan. This was a day’s ride at the time in 1937.
She married Franklin E. Skinner on July 5, 1941. The couple raised their two children, Robert and Randa, in Stowe where they owned and operated a ski lodge called the Brick and Ell. Mrs. Skinner was an incredible cook, and she kept the guests coming back year after year, delighting them with her delicious raspberry pies and gracious hospitality. She was incredibly creative in many aspects. She loved to draw, paint, sew, and knit, and her eye for design was evident in every home they kept. She and Mr. Skinner also shared a love for antique furniture. They lived in Vermont for many years, and later several years on the Maine coast. She loved to take long walks on the beach collecting sand dollars and shells. They often hosted their six grandchildren, Kyle, Sarah, Gray, Micah, Whitney, and Paige, in Maine.
Mrs. Skinner was high energy, opinionated, and feisty. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner were married just shy of seventy years, and Mr. Skinner often referred to her affectionately as “the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen” and sometimes as his “sweet little bundle of barbed wire.” Mr. Skinner passed away on May 16, 2011, with his devoted wife by his side.
She is survived by her son Robert Skinner of Acworth, New Hampshire; by her daughter Randa Tenney of South Acworth, New Hampshire; by her sisters: Charlotte Lapidow of Essex and Lucille Moreau of Palm Desert, California; by her grandchildren: Jim, Kyle, Sarah, Gray, Micah, Whit, and Paige; by her nieces and nephews: Terry, Carol, Paula, David, Preston, Helen, Frank, Sharon, Dara, Carl, Patty, Danny, Barbara, Jackie, Robin and Jay; and by two great-grandchildren: James and Matthew.
There will be a memorial service to be announced at a later date, and it will be posted on the electronic obituary site www.csnh.com. Family and friends are encouraged to add their memories and photos there.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Acworth Community Project/Village Store, Box 700, South Acworth, New Hampshire 03607.
Todd Hayden Skinner Sr.
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Todd Hayden Skinner Sr., 46, of Derby died suddenly on April 18, 2012, at his home.
He was born on August 17, 1965, in Burlington, a son of Robert and Murline (Wells) Skinner. He graduated in the Class of 1985 from North Country Union High School in Newport.
Mr. Skinner loved cars, especially working on them and restoring them. He put his heart and soul in his Camaro RS and he also loved collecting Hot Wheels. He enjoyed landscaping, snowmobiling, being out doors with nature, motorcycling, and the Peps Boys auto parts store. He was an excellent marksman and he loved to socialize with his friends and family. He was a great friend to many and he was always willing to help anyone in a time of need. He loved life itself and will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife Pamela Balint of West Charleston; by his sons: Todd Skinner Jr. and Nickolas Vallieres, both of Newport; by his parents: Robert and Murline Skinner of Newport; by his stepchildren: Joseph T. Balint, Amanda, and Samantha, all of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Justin Balint of West Charleston; by his nieces and nephews: Alissa and A.J. Eversole and Amanda Bartlett, all of Derby; and by his aunt and uncle, Robert and Audrey Allard, of Florida. He was predeceased by his son Cody Skinner on September 26, 2010; and by his sister April Thibault on January 7, 2010.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 30, at 11 a.m., at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, in Newport, with the Reverend Steven Rines officiating.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the family: Robert and Murline Skinner, 274 Meadowbrook Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
Committal services
J. George Kruegel
Committal services for J. George Kruegel will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 27, at the Lake Road Cemetery in Newport Center, with full military honors.
Joey R. Robillard
Joey Rilley Robillard, beloved newborn son of Jacque and Kellie (Greer) Robillard of Brownington, died on February 15, 2012, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 3, at 11 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery in West Burke with the Reverend Dan Prue officiating. The public is welcome to attend.
Arrangements are by Guibord Funeral Home in Lyndonville.
Carol Stoddard
 There will be a gravesite burial for Carol Stoddard on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. at Irasburg Cemetery.
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