Jeanne Bonnell
The saying, “When god made you, he broke the mold,” must have been written for Jeanne Bonnell, who was known by many as Jeannie B, Nana, Mom, Auntie, and Madame.
Ms. Bonnell died peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2014. She lived a fulfilling 83 years of life, spending 64 of them with her husband, Art.
They moved to the Northeast Kingdom 35 years ago, on a whim, from Montreal, Quebec, where they were both born and raised. Ms. Bonnell left a well-appointed job as the first female manager at IBM in Canada, which was something she never told people, because, to her, it was not a big deal. When moving to Newport they had no plans, no jobs, just the desire to enjoy life at an early age and to see where the cards would fall.
The cards never fell, they continued to build. Ms. Bonnell spent 27 years at the Community National Bank, where her official title was director of Community Circle, however, she was so much more than that to those she worked with: she was a mentor, a consultant, a shoulder to lean on, the funny lady at the bank, in the eyes of a child, and, quite frankly, to the adults as well.
Her grandson Evan’s post on Facebook summarizes how everyone who had the privilege of knowing Ms. Bonnell feels: “I don’t usually write these sorts of things but that lovely, spunky, funny, caring, and stubborn lady helped shape me into the man I am today. May you rest in comfort and peace and know that all of us down here thank you for everything you’ve done for us and taught us throughout your incredible journey on earth. I love you, Nana, to the end of the earth and back, and I’ll miss you dearly but know that every life you touched was that much better for you being a part of it. We’ll be seeing you, make sure you save us a seat up there ;)”.
She is survived by her husband, Arthur; her son Garry and his wife, Lynda; her daughter Judy; her daughter Sandra and her husband, Walter; her granddaughter Amanda and her husband, Miguel; her grandsons: Evan, and Alex and his wife, Lauren; and her first great-grandchild, Lexi.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the North Country Hospital Scholarship Fund.
Ms. Bonnell’s wishes were to have a gathering in the spring to celebrate her life. Details will be announced at a later date.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Warren Harding Brown
Warren Harding Brown, 94, also known as “Brownie” and CB handle Brown Mouse, formerly of Island Pond, died on December 14, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, in Newport.
He was born on November 25, 1920, in Kingman, Maine, to Walter and Mary (Nelson) Brown.
He was a veteran of World War II, where he was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, as a paratrooper instructor.
He also marched in President Franklin Roosevelt’s funeral.
During his lifetime, he was an auto mechanic for his father-in-law, Hill’s Garage in Island Pond, Harley Blake’s garage in Barton, Brighton Garage in Island Pond, and Albert Laliberty Farm Equipment in Island Pond. He also worked for Pike Industries and Caledonia Sand and Gravel and the Canadian National Railroad as a section foreman for ten years in Island Pond.
He was an antique picker, among other trades and talents. He held membership with the American Legion Brighton Post #80 of Island Pond.
He is survived by his children: Richard Brown and his wife, Anne, of Lyndonville, and Beverly Pepin and her loving companion, George “Russ” Russell, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. Brown had a dear friend, Joyce Nougeim, of St. Johnsbury, and they had a daughter, Ellen Vigeant, who resides in Lyndonville with her fiancé, Jeffrey Charron, and her children: Michael and Katherine Ruggles, and Keisha Hall. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Christine Boemig and her husband, Joe, of Laconia, New Hampshire, and Jennifer Boucher and her husband, Bruce, of Lyndonville; his great-grandchildren: Gabriel Kelly of Maynard, Massachusetts, Mollie Kelly of West Burke, Hillary Kelly of Laconia, Elizabeth and Lane Sanderson of Lyndonville, and Emily Sanderson of East Burke; his great-great-grandchildren: Aiden and Stella Albright of West Burke, Jacob Bigelow of East Burke, and Rebecca Sanderson of Lyndonville; the children of Beverly and Raymond Pepin: Bernie Pepin and his companion, Michele, of Island Pond, David Pepin and his wife, Heather, of Island Pond, and Michele McNally of Barre; great-grandchildren: Paige McNally, and twins Haley and Emily, all of Barre, Tyler and Dylan Pepin of Island Pond, Brayden and Farrah Pepin of Island Pond; a great-great-grandson, Mayson Pepin, of Island Pond; step-great-great-grandchildren: KK and Brent of Island Pond; a special nephew, Alden Way, of Augusta, Maine; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by twin children in the 1950s; a grandson, Richard Pepin, in 1985; and by his siblings: Adian, Donald, Earl, Paul, Beverley, DeLose Brown, Vina Cushman, and Barbara Way, all of Maine; and by his former wife of 25 years, Theo Hill Brown.
A memorial service will be held on Memorial Day weekend in 2015. Spring interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery, with full military honors.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Legion Brighton Post #80, care of Peggy Powers, P.O. Box 350, Island Pond, Vermont 05846.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Preston L. Kittredge
Preston L. Kittredge, 77, of Barton died on December 10, 2014, in Newport.
He was born on June 14, 1937, in Barton, to Leigh and Beatrice (Butler) Kittredge.
He was employed for over 35 years at Ethan Allen Manufacturing, where he enjoyed many friendships he forged. He also worked many years on the family farm in Barton.
He loved to watch sports, NASCAR and his favorite driver, #88 Dale Earnhart Jr. He also enjoyed family get-togethers.
Mr. Kittredge was active in the community and was always there to bring a smile to everyone he met. His sense of humor would fill a room with laughter. He enjoyed holiday family dinners and spending time with his children and grandsons.
He is survived by his children: Keith Kittredge of Barton, John Kittredge and fiancée, Afton LeFebvre, of Irasburg, and Ann Usher and her husband, Paul, of Manchester, New Hampshire; his brother Gary Kittredge of Albany; his sisters: Dorothy Campbell of Barton, and Kathi Raymond and her husband, Slugger, of Colebrook, New Hampshire; two grandchildren: Michael and Nathan Kittredge; and by several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held on January 9, 2015, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 12 Elm Street in Barton, from 1 to 2 p.m. Spring interment will be in Newport Center Cemetery.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Virginia Myrtle Lamonda
Virginia Myrtle Lamonda, 78, of Newport died peacefully on December 9, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 2, 1936, in North Troy, to George and Myrtle (Sargent) Vincent.
On February 1, 1958, she married Felix Lamonda, who predeceased her on September 9, 2004.
She was a homemaker where she enjoyed cooking, crocheting, gardening, and baking for others. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She held membership with the VFW Auxiliary Post #798 of Newport, and the American Legion Auxiliary Jay Peak Post #28 of North Troy.
She is survived by her children: Lawrence Lamonda of Newport, Danny Lamonda and his wife, Dianne, of Troy, Scott Lamonda of Newport, Ronnie Lamonda and his partner, John Vogt, of Newport, and Kelley Collins and her husband, Daniel, of Coventry; nine grandchildren; two step-grandsons; 11 great-grandchildren; one step-great-granddaughter; her siblings: Madeline Dingman and her husband, Darwin, of North Troy, and Maurice Vincent and his wife, Gloria, of North Troy; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by the following brothers and sisters: Katherine Brooks in 2014, Irene Pudvah and her husband, Meril, Florence Robert and Lawrence, Roland Felix, and Henry Vincent.
At the family’s request, a barbecue will be held at her home in the summer of 2015.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Bel-Aire Nursing Home, 35 Bel-Aire Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Patricia Ann Quinn Little
Patricia Ann Quinn Little, 71, of Irasburg died on December 8, 2014.
She was born on October 10, 1943, at home in Island Pond, the middle child of three daughters, to June (Cilley) Quinn and Edward Quinn, both deceased.
She attended a one-room schoolhouse for the first five years of her education prior to graduating from Brighton High School in 1961. From there, she went to the Fanny Allen School of Nursing, becoming an LPN. She worked at Brightlook Hospital, Darling Inn, Orleans County Memorial Hospital, and she was an emergency room nurse at North Country Hospital. She then began working with Dr. Charles Schurman as his office nurse. Dr. Richard Beloin and Dr. James Holcomb joined that practice and she continued to work with them until her retirement.
In her retirement, she worked at many local schools as the school nurse, keeping her license active. She was an integral part of Border Hoop, along with Eugene Tessier, for many years. She was serving on the board of Northern Counties Health Care, representing Island Pond Health Care, at the time of her passing. She spent many hours at her beloved Island Pond campground, swimming and caring for her niece, nephews, and grandson.
She and her husband spent many years camping at Lakeside, making many friends and looking after people. She was always the nurse.
She is survived by her husband, Stewart; her son Jason and his wife, Kathy, and their son Jacob; her sister Kay Hopkins and her children: Cyndi White and her husband, Dan, and their sons: Jordan, and Jared and his wife, Kaity, and their son Wade, and Dale Newland and his wife, Carrie, and their sons: Billy and Joey; and by her nephew Ryan and his wife, Jennie, and their son Quinn.
She was predeceased by her younger sister Donna Nutting in 2002.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to Jacob Ryan Little Scholarship Fund, care of Jason Little, 113 Endicott Court, Mooresville, North Carolina 28115.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Marie Elaine Courchesne Reid
Marie Elaine Courchesne Reid, 93, of Newport died peacefully on December 9, 2014, in Barton.
She was born on November 14, 1921, in Derby, to Edmond and Marie (Moeykens) Lippens.
She married Leo Courchesne on October 4, 1943, and he predeceased her in 1961.
On December 21, 1974, she married Jesse Reid, who predeceased her in 1983.
In 1940, she received her teacher’s certificate from Lyndon Teachers College and in 1968 she completed her bachelor’s degree in education from Lyndon State College. She was an elementary schoolteacher whose first year was in a one-room schoolhouse on Buck’s Flat in East Charleston. In 1980, she retired from Newport Elementary School.
She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and St. Mary’s Church of Newport and the Daughters of Isabella.
She is survived by her children: Susan Green of St. Petersburg, Florida, James Courchesne and his wife, Penelope, of St. Johnsbury, and Sara Williams and her husband, Jerry, of St. Johnsbury; her grandchildren: Travis and Trace Green, Ian, Payson, and Sean Courchesne, and Thomas and Jeremy Williams; her great-grandchildren: Robert and Madison, Sidney Green, Tea, Seth, Maya, Josh, Sean, Caitlyn, and Connor Courchesne; her siblings: Lucille Meunier of Newport, Harold Lippens and his wife, Patricia, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Annette Trombly of Derby Line, and Jeannine Martin of Bryan, Texas; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by the following siblings: Paul and Pauline in infancy, Leonard Lippens, Rosalie Guyette, and Madeline Nault; her brothers-in-law: Arthur Guyette and Hazen Nault; and by her sisters-in-law: Ruth and Freda Lippens.
Funeral services were held on December 12, in Newport. Spring interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 11 a.m.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, Inc., 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Cecil Philip Rhodes
Cecil Philip Rhodes, 74, died after a courageous battle with cancer on December 13, 2014, in Newport.
He received care from very compassionate, caring, and well trained personnel on the third floor at North Country Hospital.
He was the son of the late D. Emily (Peabody) and Cyrus Edwin Rhodes. He was born on May 18, 1940, at Orleans County Memorial Hospital in Newport.
He earned his high school diploma from Newport High School in 1958 and then earned his associate’s degree in engineering at Vermont Technical College in 1960. He served as a Specialist 5 in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965 in South Korea, in the DMZ overseeing the Hawk Missile Battery. He was a member of the American Legion Post #21, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798, both of Newport, and the Moose Club in Inverness, Florida.
He worked for the state of Connecticut and state of Vermont in drafting the design of the new interstates, then worked in the engineering department at Butterfield’s UTD Corp. in Derby Line, followed by working at the Canadian Pacific Railroad for 20 years, and then Bogner of America for 18 years.
Mr. Rhodes loved the outdoor sports of deer hunting, fall duck hunting, and most especially fishing on Lake Memphremagog. He could usually be seen in the spring into early summer cruising the lake after 5 p.m. and all weekend. He found great solace trolling on Lake Memphremagog as often as he could. He spent much time with friends and family at deer camp and in the duck blinds.
He and his wife enjoyed going to Florida for the past ten years. They spent time with good friends in a wonderful climate.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia L. (Stoddard) Rhodes, whom he married on September 24, 1965; his children: Raymond B. Rhodes and his wife, Linda, Kimberly A. Roberge and her significant other, Mike, Sharon Lea Rhodes-Duston and her husband, Steve, and Catherine Patricia Rossi and her husband, Joe; his grandchildren: Thomas J. Rhodes and his wife, Jamie, Dena Girard and her husband, Justin, Ashley Blais and her significant other, Casey, Ryan P. Roberge and his significant other, Jen, Jeremy J. Roberge and his fiancée, Emily, Cyrus, Mariah L. and Hallie N. Rhodes-Zoroufy, Alexa T. Rhodes-Duston, Charles W. Norton III, and Jenny Rossi; his great-grandchildren: Makenna Rhodes, Haven and Miah Girard and Cailyn Roberge; a sister, Elizabeth Doncaster and her husband, Wayne; two brothers: Edwin P. Rhodes and his wife, Sue, and Reginald L. Rhodes and his wife, Marte; a brother-in-law, Richard Stoddard; a sister-in-law, Sarah Foss; and by numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and the U.S.
Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, on Sunday, December 28, from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by a service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “The Food Pantry,” St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 44 Second Street, Newport Vermont 05855; or to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1080 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
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