Obituaries

Obituaries August 27, 2014

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obit BernierPaul A. Bernier

Paul A. Bernier, 48, of Newport died suddenly on August 24, 2014, in Newport.

He was born on April 10, 1966, in El Paso, Texas, to Edward and Shirley (Farnam) Bernier.

He was a self-employed security fence installer.

On July 17, 1992, he married Cynthia Little, who survives him.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and he loved to fish and hunt and go camping with Cindy. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and his dog, Taco.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Bernier of Newport; his children: Kayla Bernier, Taylor Bernier and her companion, Ben St. Marie, of Troy, Brooklyn Bernier of North Carolina, and Lance Tabor of Derby; his grandchildren: Kylie and Ryah Tabor and Hailey St. Marie; his brothers: Roger Bernier and his wife, Paula, of St. Johnsbury, and Larry Lucas of Arkansas; his sisters: Sherry Lucas and her companion, Pete May, of Brownington, Lori Coburn of Glover, Maria Green and her husband, Walter, of Texas, and Shannon and her husband, Robert, of Williamson, Utah; his sisters-in-law: Jennifer Bowen and her companion, Buckley Duby, and Lisa Little; and by his brothers-in-law: Reginald and Mark Prue and Mike Little.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to Cynthia Bernier, 75 Indian Point Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit BlodgettVirginia (Larabee) Blodgett

Virginia (Larabee) Blodgett died in Newport, surrounded in love by her family, on August 10, 2014, at the age of 86.

She was born in Newport Center on September 14, 1927, daughter of Oscar and Fannie (Wilson) Larabee.

She graduated from Lyndon Institute in 1945. On September 22 of that same year, she married Warren Blodgett, who survives her.

Together, Mrs. and Mr. Blodgett farmed in Waterford, then moved to a farm in Irasburg in 1959. They raised six children of their own, as well as opening their home to many foster children.

Mrs. Blodgett had many hobbies that she loved, including ceramics, painting, cooking, sewing and knitting. Any day that you went to the Blodgett home, you would be greeted with the delicious tastes and smells of baked goodies and homemade bread.

One of her greatest enjoyments in life was family gatherings. In July of this year she was thrilled to have children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren from across the country at the Blodgett home for an early family birthday party for Warren.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Warren; her children: Barbara Blodgett Russell, Dennis Blodgett, Shirley Moulton and her husband, Dwight, Patricia Blodgett and her partner, Gary Crosby, David Blodgett and his partner, Susan Babineau, Neil Blodgett and his wife, Christine, and her daughter-in-law Cathy Blodgett; her nine grandchildren: Jason, Christopher, Scott, Todd, Cindy, Nicholas, Corinne, Nichole and Neil Jr.; and by several great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; her siblings; her son, Russell Blodgett; and by her daughter-in-law, Mildred Nault.

A memorial service was held on August 16, in Albany. A private burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Albany Methodist Church or the Vermont chapter of the American Heart Association.

obit brochuThe Reverend Gerard Brochu

The Reverend Gerard Brochu died in Statesville, North Carolina, on February 20, 2014.

He was born in Newport, son of Adelard and Irma (Desbiens) Brochu, on May 29, 1923.

He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Newport High School. He attended St. Thomas Seminary, St. Paul Seminary, and the University of Ottawa, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1950, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by Bishop Edward F Ryan.

His priestly ministry began at Holy Family in Essex Junction, and ran from 1950 to 1954. He also served at St. Joseph in Burlington from 1954 to 1959, and at Notre Dame in St. Johnsbury from 1959 to 1961.

His first pastorate was at St. Teresa in Hyde Park, and ran from 1961 to 1972; at St. John in Johnson from 1961 to 1965; at St. John in Northfield from 1972 to 1984; at St. John in St. Johnsbury from 1984 to 1990; and at Sts. Donatian and Rogatian in Randolph from 1990 to 1995.

Diocesan responsibilities include the Ecumenical Commission for nine years, Liturgical Commission for three years, marriage encounter for four years, and Cursillo for six years. He also served for three years on the Hyde Park school board.

He retired in 1995 in Fort Myers, Florida, and later to Statesville. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, and he enjoyed visiting relatives and friends. He always enjoyed the Desbiens family reunions and was able to attend the last one in 2012.

He is survived by his sister Anita Brochu of Conway, New Hampshire; his nephew Kevin and his wife, Suzanna, and their children, Sabina and Livia of Williston; his nieces: Kim of Colchester, and Kara of Colorado; his sister-in law Louise Brochu of California; his aunt Jeanne Desbiens of Rhode Island; and by many cousins.

He was predeceased by his younger brother, John; and by his parents.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Newport on August 29, at 11 a.m. Committal will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

obit EmersonBeverly “Becky” R. Emerson

Beverly “Becky” R. Emerson, 54, of St. Petersburg, Florida, died suddenly on August 3, 2014, in St. Petersburg.

She was born on August 12, 1959, in Putnam, Connecticut, to Charles and Beverly (Carey) Pezanko Sr.

She was employed at one time at Sel-Bar Weaving, Hedma, and Vermont Teddy Bear.

Her hobbies included, crocheting, four-wheeling, fishing, camping, playing cards, watching football and NASCAR, listening to country music, and she also enjoyed the company of her grandchildren and everyone around her.

She is survived by her parents: Charles Pezanko Sr. of Attawagan, Connecticut, Beverly Pezanko and Richard Pellerin of Brooklyn, Connecticut; her children: Christy Kirsch and her husband, Brian, of North Troy, and Jason Emerson and his wife, Nichole, of Newport Center; her grandchildren: Brian II and Christopher Kirsch, and Kaylee and Alexis Emerson; her brother, Charles Pezanko II of Killingly, Connecticut; her sister, Patricia Leclerc of Pomfret, Connecticut; her nephews: James Warner and his wife, Sarah, Charles Pezanko III, and Zachary Leclerc, all of Connecticut; her companion and life partner, Marc Pouliot of St. Petersburg and his son, Kyle; her dog, Tucker; and by her extended family and friends.

A gathering for family and friends will be held at The East Side Restaurant in Newport on Saturday, August 30, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Should friends desire, contributions for a memorial garden for Ms. Emerson in the form of shrubs, trees, perennials, or gift cards would be greatly appreciated, in care of Christy Kirsch, 1758 U.S. Route 101, North Troy, Vermont 05859.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit FreehartPatricia Mae Freehart

Patricia Mae Freehart, 84, of Orleans died on August 24, 2014, in Newport.

She was born on May 9, 1930, in St. Johnsbury, to John and Alice Nolan.

On October 28, 1961, she married Hubert Freehart, who predeceased her on May 3, 2013.

She volunteered at the Orleans senior meals.

She loved to watch the hummingbirds come to her feeder as she sat on her porch. She loved life, people, and always brought joy to others with her great big smile.

She and her husband, Pin, liked to go for rides and stop at Tim & Doug’s for ice cream.

She is survived by her children: Tim Freehart and his companion, Shirley, of St. Johnsbury, and Linda Gregor and her husband, Joseph, of New Hampshire; her grandchildren: Shawn Chapdelaine and Linda Simonphone of Massachusetts, Diamond Redding of Massachusetts, and Gerald and Lorraine Freehart; her great-grandson Shawn Chapdelaine Jr.; and by her sister Gloria Gambel.

She was predeceased by her sister Mary.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit limogesGerard “Gerry” R. Limoges

Gerard “Gerry” R. Limoges, 54, of Edgewater, Florida, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and family on Saturday, August 23, 2014.

Born in Newport, Mr. Limoges, owner of a landscape business, moved to Florida in 1991 from Westfield.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and he enjoyed fishing, and he loved the beach.

Mr. Limoges enjoyed music and singing karaoke, known as “Gerryoke” by friends and family.

He was a devoted husband, and father to Adam, whom he adored.

Mr. Limoges is remembered by his son, Adam, as “strong, loving, impressive, kind throughout, always willing to help others. My strength, my teacher, taught me to be a caring man, taught me to be the best of men, like him.”

Survivors include his wife, Christine; his only son, Adam, and future daughter-in-law, Jaime Garrand, of Seattle, Washington; three brothers: Norman and his wife, Lyne, of Troy, Donald and his wife, Meredith, of Marietta, Georgia, and Michael of Wilton, New Hampshire; a sister, Nicole, and her husband, Jerry Pion, of Troy; his mother, Yvette Limoges of Troy; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Roland Limoges.

The service will be postponed until October due to his son’s wedding and honeymoon. Prayer service will be at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 3, at Settle-Wilder’s New Smyrna Beach chapel with Redemptorist Fathers, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, officiating, followed by a celebration of life and refreshments from 7 to 8 p.m.

A Vermont celebration will be held in October, with the date to be announced later.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, Attention: Edgewater Care Center, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, Florida 32129.

Condolences may be made online at www.settlewilderfuneralhome.com.

obit RenaudetteJeannine Y. Renaudette

Jeannine Y. Renaudette, 74, of Derby died peacefully on August 20, 2014, in White River Junction.

She was born on December 31, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Thomas and Helen (Poitz) Genoway.

In 1988, she married Stanley Renaudette, who predeceased her on September 11, 2005.

She entered the United States Marine Corps where she served her country during peacetime.

She loved spending time with her family.

She was a member of the VFW Post #798 Ladies Auxiliary and American Legion Post #21 Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children: William Barlow Jr. and his wife, Shannon, of Newport, George Barlow and his wife, Heather, of Moores, New York, and Jeannine Gilman and her husband, Bill, of Woodsville, New Hampshire; her grandchildren: Raymond Barlow, William Barlow III and his wife, Ashley, Justin Barlow, Joshlynne Barlow, Ashley Williams, Amber Huntington, and Wayne Ledoucer; her great-grandchildren: Bailee, Aliyah, Tyrell, and Karter Barlow; her siblings: Antoinette Eves of Riverside, California, Thomas Peter Genoway of California, Kathleen Genoway of Missouri, Teri Genoway of Reno, Nevada, and Jerry Pete Genoway of Tucson, Arizona; and by several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister, Rosalie.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, at the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church in Newport. Friends may call at the church on August 27, from 10 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. Interment will take place at the Veterans Cemetery in Randolph, with full military honors.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #798, 141 Central Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit SheltraEverett Allen Sheltra

Everett Allen Sheltra, 72, of Newport Center died suddenly on August 19, 2014, in Newport.

He was born on December 7, 1941, in Lowell, to Theodore and Ellen (Caswell) Sheltra.

On July 13, 1963, he married June Sherlaw, who survives him.

He graduated from Newport Center High School in 1959.

He was employed by the following companies: Kraft Foods Inc. of Troy, Ethan Allen Manufacturing of Orleans, McAllister Construction of Orleans, The Converse Co. of Orleans, and as a custodian and bus driver for the Newport Center Elementary School for 27 years. He was also a school bus driver for North Country Union High School in Newport.

Mr. Sheltra was a former member of the Newport Center Fire Department. More recently he was sexton for the Newport Center Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, June Sheltra of Newport Center; his daughter Lynne Sheltra and her husband, Doug Matten, of Newport Center; his grandchildren: Michelle Matten of Newport Center, and Andrew Matten of Newport Center; his brothers and sisters: Wilfred Sheltra of Island Pond, Charles Sheltra of Voluntown, Connecticut, Phillip Sheltra and Karen of Westfield, Phyllis Sheltra of Colorado, Paul Sheltra and his wife, Yvette, of Irasburg, and Judy Blanton and her husband, Tim, of Morgantown, Kentucky; his mother-in-law Alena Sherlaw of Newport Center; his sister-in-law Edna Baraw and her husband, Frank, of Newport Center, Mary Price and her husband, Jeff, of Morgan; and by several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held on August 23, at the Newport Center Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

Daniel J. Szatkowski

Daniel J. Szatkowski, 63, of Newport died suddenly on August 12, 2014, in Newport.

He was born on May 24, 1951, to Martha (Gurbacki) Szatkowski and the late John Szatkowski.

He received his master’s degree and was a highly skilled computer programmer who shared his knowledge with others.

He loved animals and cooking.

He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

He is survived by his mother Martha Szatkowski of Sloan, New York; his brother Norman Szatkowski; his sister Tammy Ernst and her husband, Michael, all of Sloan; and by his nephew Matthew.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

Vivian Rita Trucott

Vivian Rita Trucott, 87, of Sheffield died peacefully on August 23, 2014, surrounded by her family at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center.

She was born on October 24, 1926, in Derby Line, to Gilson and Blanche (Monfette) Reynolds.

On September 15, 1941, she married Leo Trucott, who predeceased her in 1980. She was also predeceased by two sons and a grandson.

She worked as an LPN for many years, caring for people.

She enjoyed bingo, cribbage, cooking, sewing, and company stopping by to visit.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her sister, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, August 27, at 11 a.m. the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 12 Elm Street in Barton, with John Sleeper officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on August 27, from 10 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. Interment will follow in Westlook Cemetery in Glover.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go to the residents’ activities fund, in memory of Vivian Trucott, St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center, 1248 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819.

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