Obituaries

Obituaries August 26, 2015

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obit BaronLucienne H. Baron

Lucienne H. Baron, 84, of Newport Center died on August 15, 2015.

She was born on October 9, 1930, in New Brunswick, Canada, the youngest of 14 children. She immigrated to the United States in 1963.

She was employed as a secretary for many years in the Ridgewood, New Jersey, public school system. She and her husband relocated to Newport Center after their retirement in 1988.

After caring for her husband throughout his illness, Ms. Baron became an active member of the community. She was a longtime member and volunteer at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church. She was also a volunteer at the hospital as well as hospice.

She joined a bowling league, which welcomed her as much for her handicap as her skills. Recently she decided to learn to play bridge and enthusiastically participated in several bridge clubs.

Ms. Baron was always quick with a smile, greeting all she met. Her sense of humor brought laughter to those who were around her. She was often seen dining and laughing with friends at The East Side Restaurant. She also enjoyed experiencing the beauty all around her home on her frequent walks down the Lake Road.

Her final wish was that her family and friends remember how much she loved them all.

She is survived by her son Gerald Baron and wife, Stephanie, of Charlotte, North Carolina; two step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; her brothers: Leonce Haché and his wife, Claudette, of St. Jean, Québec, and Alban Haché and wife, Beatrice, of New Brunswick.

She was predeceased by her parents; eleven siblings; her husband George Baron; and her daughter Lynn.

Services were held on Wednesday, August 19, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport. Ms. Baron’s desire was to be cremated with ashes to be interred at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations should be made to a favorite charity.

Online condolences at curtis.britch.com.

 

obit CastrogiovanniBentley James Castrogiovanni

Bentley James Castrogiovanni, three, of Island Pond died on August 16, 2015.

He was born on December 10, 2011, and lived on Mountain Street.

Bentley enjoyed riding four wheelers, the great outdoors, and helping Mom and Dad. He and his dad spent their mornings together having breakfast. He and his mom went on walks, and loved blueberry picking, and being with his brother and cousins. Bentley enjoyed playing at the beach with his family and friends. Within the community he was notable for his smiling face and pleasant greetings.

Bentley is survived by his parents, Christina Sylvia Deslandes and James Kenneth Castrogiovanni of Island Pond; his little brother Carson Castrogiovanni; his grandparents Betty Castrogiovanni, Clare Deslandes, and Linda Deslandes of Island Pond.

He had a very large family, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lots of friends in the community.

Funeral services were held at the First Congregational Church in Island Pond on Saturday, August 22, with the Reverend Alan Magoon officiating.

A memorial fund has been set up for donations to help pay for Bentley’s funeral services at Giveforward: gfwd.at/1fiQRhg.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

 

obit CraftNicholas J. Craft

Nicholas J. Craft, 34, of Derby, beloved son of Nancy Craft, died in Derby on August 20, 2015, after a short illness.

He was born on March 26, 1981, in Newport to Nancy (Willis) Craft and the late Ricky Craft.

He graduated from North Country Union High School in the class of 1999. In high school he was a four-year varsity football player and a member of the track and field team. He was also in DECA. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15. He went on to earn all three Eagle palms as well. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He attended many scouting functions including the national jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, the world jamboree in Santiago, Chile, and the High Adventure camp in the Florida Keys.

After college at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, he settled in southern New Hampshire where he worked for Marshall’s as an event planner. He also helped with the family business, R.C. Video whenever he was available. He recently moved back to the Newport area. He was a past member of the Masons, and a former member of the Newport Fire Department.

As an only child, his local cousins Travis and Kim, Tully, and Karen and Greg became his siblings, as well as his best buddies Dana and Josh, whose children all called him Uncle Nick.

Mr. Craft was an avid hunter. Those skills, he learned from his grandfather Willis and Uncle Butch. His favorite place was at the family camp in Albany, and the Cheney camp in Lowell. He loved hunting with Dana.

He was also a die-hard Earnhardt fan, along with his dad. Many tailgate parties were enjoyed at the racetrack with his dad, mom, Paul, Nick R., and Jeremy and Alissa. Football season was always a big event, especially if his favorite team, the Oakland Raiders, happened to win. In the summer, he loved to go fishing with Eric.

Mr. Craft, who was called Nicholas or Nick by his friends, was always ready to help a friend. All one had to do was ask and he would do anything. He was a friendly, outgoing, kind individual who will be sadly missed. Now he will be swapping stories with his dad and grandfathers, and playing cribbage with his gram.

He is survived by his mother, Nancy Craft; his grandmother Iris Willis; his godparents Gerry and Pat Royer; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his father Ricky Craft; his maternal grandfather, Wallace Willis; his paternal great-grandparents: Mae Craft-St. Marie and Rene St. Marie, and Ray and Loretta Lontine; and his paternal grandparents, Rudy and Sheila Craft.

Services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Ricky C. Craft/Newport City Firefighters Scholarship Fund in care of Jamie LaClair, 40 Sunset Terrace, Newport, Vermont 05855, or to the Newport Health Care Activities Fund, 148 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

 

obit LawsonBarbara Irene Lawson

Barbara Irene Lawson, 76, of Irasburg died peacefully on August 22, 2015, at her home, surrounded by her loving sons.

She was born on August 9, 1939, in Burke to Harold and Gladys (Donaldson) Cutting.

On April 7, 1961, she married William Lawson who predeceased her on November 12, 2012.

Mrs. Lawson was clerk for the town of Irasburg for 30 years. She retired in 2011.

She attended the Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church and was a member of the Farm Women’s Support Group. She was town clerk and treasurer for the town of Irasburg, and she formally taught many children piano lessons. She also taught Sunday school and helped her husband farm for many years. She also enjoyed knitting, writing poetry, gardening and visiting with her family.

She is survived by her sons: Douglas Lawson and his wife, Manon, of Irasburg, and their children: Donna Wilson and her husband, Jesse, Seth Lawson, and Emily-Rose Lawson; and Mark Lawson and his wife, Joann, of Coventry, and their children: Danielle Ingalls and her husband, Kyle, Shawn Lawson and his wife, Christi, and Kevin Lawson; by her great-grandchildren: Emma and Nora Ingalls, and Scarlet Lawson; by her special niece Elaine Collins, who was loved like a daughter and her husband, Oliver, of Irasburg, and by their children; by her brother Donald Cutting of Irasburg; by her sisters: Mary Corbett of Middlebury, Florence Stowell, and her husband, Clayton Jr., of Coventry; by her sister-in-law Nancy Newton and her husband, Edwin, of Newport; and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by two grandchildren: William James Lawson, and Jason Lawson; her sister-in-law Lynette Cutting; and by her brother-in-law Albert Corbett.

Friends called on Tuesday, August 25, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, with the Reverend Glen Saaman officiating. Interment will follow in the Coventry Cemetery. A meal will follow the burial at the Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church on the Quarry Road in Newport.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Hope Lodge, 237 East Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05401.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

 

obit LeBlanc VETTheodore “Ted” LeBlanc

Theodore LeBlanc, also known as Ted, 70, died on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at the Middlesex Hospice Center after a five-year battle with cancer.

Born in Orleans on July 11, 1945, he attended schools in Vermont and graduated from Orleans High School, Class of 1965. Mr. LeBlanc served his country and was stationed in Korea for all of his military career. He moved to Connecticut after serving in the military. He worked at Pratt & Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut, Cuno in Meriden, Connecticut, and then he worked at Morgan Advanced Materials in Durham, Connecticut, until his death.

He was an avid fisherman and golfer with his close friend Jack Armack. He was the beloved husband of Roberta LeBlanc for 28 years.

He is survived by his father, Paul LeBlanc; his brother Norman LeBlanc and his wife, Ronda; his sisters: Carmen LaMarche, and Paulette Riendeau; all from Vermont. He is also survived by his son Joseph LeBlanc; his stepson Michael Johnson and his wife, Jo-Ann; his stepdaughters: Lisa Hunter and her husband Leroy, and Sunde Warner and her fiancé, Joe; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who loved him dearly; and his special pet poodle Cookie.

obit vets flagHe was predeceased by his mother, Gertrude LeBlanc; his sister Joanne Hamel; and his brother Alan LeBlanc; all from Vermont.

He will always be loved forever, and missed by his family and friends.

Family and friends called at the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home in Meriden, on Tuesday, August 25. Burial will be private.

Donations may be made to Midstate Medical Center Oncology, 455 Lewis Avenue, Meriden, Connecticut 06451 or to the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, care of Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, Connecticut 06457.

 

obit MaxhamJay Alan Maxham

Jay Alan Maxham, 79, died on August 17, 2015, at home, in Barton, after a period of failing health.

He was born on January 20, 1936, the youngest child and only son of Charles Jay Maxham Jr., and Tonette Elizabeth “Betty” Nelson.

He was raised on Elm Valley Farm in Pomfret, where he learned to love animals and people. Growing up he exhibited Jersey cattle at Rutland Fair, Tunbridge Fair, and Champlain Valley Exposition, while working on the family farm.

On June 13, 1954, he married Nancy Louise Tierney, and they recently celebrated their sixty-first anniversary. Following the death of his father he took over the farm in Pomfret and moved the herd to Johnson, renaming the farm JAM Holstein Farm. He also farmed in Ryegate, Groton, Barnet, and Morrisville, before finally ending up back in Johnson where he finished his dairy career milking his beloved goats. After suffering a major stoke, he and his wife moved to High Street in Barton, where he quickly became a frequent sight, racing around town in his power chair, often bearing gifts of fresh vegetables or some of his wife’s pickles and relish.

Mr. Maxham was always involved in community activities, serving on many boards for many organizations, including the Northwest Holstein Club, The Northeast Kingdom Holstein Club, Vermont Holstein Club, New England Holstein Association, Jersey Cattle Club, New England Milking Shorthorn Society, Lamoille County Field Days board, Northern Farms Coop board, Extension and 4-H advisory boards, and many other organizations.

He showed dairy cattle all over New England and made several trips to the All American Jersey Show in Columbus, Ohio. He was a farming advocate and a master gardener. He even did a stint as Pound Keeper for the town of Johnson. He could always be counted on to do the jobs no one else wanted to do.

Ms. Maxham especially liked working with kids. He was a long time 4-H leader in Lamoillle County and was barn manager for the Vermont 4-H exhibit at Eastern States Exposition for many years, affecting many young lives. He always made room in his heart and home for others, sharing what he had and watching out for those in need. Over the years he and his wife opened their home to many animals and teens needing a safe place.

Many will remember Mr. Maxham as a member of the Darling and Young Sales crew, Northeast Kingdom Sales crew, or working sales for Doug Gilmore while still operating a large farm of his own. He was a very visible advocate for dairy farming whether it be the cows of his younger years or the goats he downsized to as he got older. He was a hard worker and a good friend to all.

He is survived by his wife; his sons: James Maxham, and Kim Maxham of Barton; his daughter Lori Before and her husband, Martin, of Derby; seven grandchildren: Crystal Maxham of Hyde Park, Miranda Maxham of Johnson, Alan Before of Derby, Kevin Before and his partner Mandy Aubin of Derby, Rebecca Bent and her husband, Matthew, of East Thetford, Rachel Before of Derby, and Scott Maxham of Georgia; by six great-grandchildren; and by his nephew Peter Gourley of Hartland. He is also survived by his special neighbor Rita Royer and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law Jensine and Daryl Gourley; and by his nephew, Daryl John Gourley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help support the 4-H Dairy program by sending to UVM- VT 4-H Dairy fund, 655 Spear Street, Burlington, Vermont 05405 in Mr. Maxham’s name.

There was a graveside service on Monday, August 24 at the Nye Cemetery in Barton, which was followed by a meal at the New Hope Church in Brownington.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

 

obit PatenaudeDaniel “Dan” Patenaude

Daniel “Dan” Patenaude, 53, of Derby died on August 21, 2015, in Burlington after a courageous battle with ALS.

He was born on January 18, 1962, in Newport, a son of Alphonse and Yvette (Rainville) Patenaude.

On August 8, 1992, he married Rhonda Gibeault, who survives him.

Mr. Patenaude was a heavy equipment operator at Green Mountain Mulch in Derby for 25 years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, NASCAR, and spending time with his family, and he was a practical joker.

Mr. Patenaude is survived by his wife, Rhonda Patenaude, of Derby; by his children: Michael Patenaude and his wife, Leslie, of Killington, Tyler Patenaude and his wife, Chelsea, of Craftsbury, and Taylor Patenaude of West Charleston; by his granddaughter Payton Daniel; a brother-in-law Tom Wilson of Chazy, New York; by Brenda “Momsie” and Bob Lepage, his mother- and father-in-law of Derby; by Roger and Beverly Gibeault, father- and mother-in-law of Westfield; and by many nieces and nephews.  His brother and sisters are Jeanne O’Bryan and her husband, Mark, of Fairfax, Donald Patenaude and his wife, Cindy, of Brattleboro, Linda Elliott and her husband, Wayne, of Essex, and Monique LaPlante and her husband, Arthur, of Beebe.

Mr. Patenaude was predeceased by his loving mother, Yvette Patenaude; his brother Michael Patenaude; and his sister Louise Wilson.

He was a very special soul who loved being around people. He touched people’s lives wherever he went. He loved spending time with his family, cousins, friends, nephews, nieces, aunts, and uncles.  He fought a very tough battle with ALS with great courage.

Mr. Patenaude had a great support system from family, friends, and the whole community, which made him shine every day. He had some very special friends who had a big impact on his life: Randy and Kris Patten, Daryl and Kim Martin, and Stacy and Jennifer Atherton. He loved spending time with them.  He was a man who truly loved his job at Green Mountain Mulch, where he worked running all the various types of equipment.  He loved his dog Harley who used to sit beside him every morning and have coffee with him. In the end, Dan fought and won his battle against ALS.

In lieu of flowers, should friends desire to make contributions in his memory, please donate to the ALS Walk Vermont for “Team Patenaude.” Contributions can be sent to Rhonda Patenaude, 2695 Beebe Road, Newport, Vermont 05855 and made payable to The ALS Association.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Derby Line where a Mass will be celebrated. Interment will be in St. Edward’s Cemetery.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

 

obit SwiftHelene G. Swift

Helene G. Swift, 97, of Derby died on August 21, 2015, in Newport.

She was born on April 18, 1918, in Beebe, Quebec, to Harold and Christiana (Colburn) Gustin. On June 6, 1943 she married William D. Swift, who predeceased her on July 12, 1978.

Mrs. Swift was a longtime employee of, and head teller at, the former Chittenden Bank of Newport.

She was a member of the United Church of Derby and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards and cooking. She also enjoyed spending time at the family camp in Stanstead, Quebec, and visiting family and friends.

She is survived by her son in-law Jack Haefeli of Albany, New York, and by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Beverly Haefeli and by her brother Lynas Gustin.

Calling hours start at noon and will be followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport. Interment will follow in the Derby Center Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1071 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

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