Obituaries

Obituaries July 17, 2013

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obit brownMargaret (Leclair) Brown

Margaret E. Brown, 93, of Derby died peacefully on Friday, July 5, 2013, at home, surrounded by loved ones.

She was born on October 7, 1919, in Newport, the daughter of Gerald and Isabelle (Hill) Leclair.  As a girl, she lived in Newport and Montpelier, but returned to Newport as a young woman.  There she met Donald Brown and they were married on April 8, 1939.  They raised their family and worked on the family farm until they retired in 1981.

In the late 1950s, she took a job as a nurse’s aide (LNA) and worked the night shift at the hospital in Newport for over 30 years.  She will be remembered for her gentle caring for those in need.  If someone was sick or in need of a hot meal, Mrs. Brown was there to help.

Family was the center of her life, and she was always pleased to have folks drop by for a visit.

She is survived by her son Elwin Brown and his friend, Donna Higginson, of Mt. Dora, Florida; her daughter Elfrieda (Effie) Brown of Derby; ten grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and by four great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Donald Brown; her son Charles Brown; and by her grandson Jeffrey Lawson.

A hillside memorial service will be held at a later date on the Brown family farm.

Joseph Emmanuel Barker

Joseph Emmanuel Barker, infant son of Jonathan and Carolyn Barker, died on July 6, 2013, in Newport.

He is survived by his parents Jonathan and Carolyn Barker of Coventry; a sister, Clara Rose Barker, of Coventry; paternal grandparents:  the Reverend Dr. Frederick Barker and his wife, the Reverend Carol Ann, of Derby; maternal grandparents:  the Reverend Dr. Michael Stine and the Reverend Lisa Stine of Pennsylvania; his paternal great-grandmother Ann S. Barker of Stamford, Connecticut; his maternal great- grandparents:  Robert Feher and his wife, Alice, of Arizona; his aunt Stephanie Stine of Pennsylvania; and by his uncle Jeremiah Barker of Derby.

A funeral service was held on July 12, in Newport.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Mater Dei Youth Program, 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

obit ChaffeeEdward E. Chaffee

Edward E. Chaffee, 88, of Manchester, New Hampshire, died on July 12, 2013, in Manchester.

He was born on February 14, 1925, in Newport, son of Walter and Flora (Shastany) Chaffee.  On July 19, 1956, he married Rita Goodenough who survives him.

He was a veteran of World War II, and he received the European Campaign Medal.  He was employed for 43 years by the Canadian Pacific Railroad, from which he retired in 1986.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798 of Newport.  He enjoyed ice fishing and the company of his loving family.

He is survived by his wife Rita Chaffee of Manchester; his children:  Sonia Lund and her husband, David, of Roseville, California, Lynn Hare of Hooksett, New Hampshire, Heather Bollett and her husband, Keith, of Weare, New Hampshire, and Scott Chaffee of Manchester.  He is also survived by his grandchildren:  Bethany Labrecque, Brittany Labrecque, Michaela Ridenour and her husband, Matthew, and Christian Hare; and by his great-grandson Logan Ridenour.  He is also survived by his sister Priscilla Maslack of Essex Junction; his sisters-in-law:  Caroline Dopp of Derby, and Mary Chaffee of Newport; and by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers:  Ted and Dick Chaffee; and by his sister Helen Chaffee.

Funeral services were held on July 16, in Newport.  Interment followed in Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport, with military honors.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation, 100 Dorset Street, Suite #4, South Burlington, Vermont 05403.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

obit CoutureLindsey M. Couture

Lindsey M. Couture, 19, of Keene, New Hampshire, formerly of Newport, died suddenly, on July 7, 2013, as a result of an automobile accident in Winchester, New Hampshire.

She was born on August 4, 1993, the daughter of Christopher Couture and Lisa Ross Couture, who predeceased her in 1996.

Ms. Couture loved art, her cats, and was a very social person who interacted very easily with others and loved spending time with her brother.  She was an active donor with the Red Cross blood program and volunteered for many different causes.

She is survived by her father Chris; her stepmother Roxanne Bullis Couture; her brother Christopher Couture Jr., all of Newport Center; her grandmothers:  Marlene Bullis of Newport Center, and Judy Ross of Newport, New Hampshire; and by her grandfather Ronnie Murgatroy.  She is also survived by her great-grandmothers:  Inez Couture of Peterborough, New Hampshire, and Thelma Willis of Newport; her fiancé Nick Dunton of Winchester, who is in critical condition at a Massachusetts hospital as a result of the same accident; and by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her grandfathers:  Joe Bullis and Everett Ross; her great-grandfather Melvin Willis; her uncle Christopher Joseph Bullis; and by her grandmother Sandra Matthews.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, July 20, at the Advent Christian Church in Newport Center with Pastor Chris Barton officiating.  Interment will follow in Newport Center Cemetery.

Please omit flowers.  Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Advent Christian Church, 128 Vance Hill Road, Newport Center, Vermont 05857.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Rian Fabian Fried

Rian Fabian Fried of Stannard died on July 3, 2013.

He was the beloved son of Maurice and Enid Fried, and adored brother of Kim, Terry, Neal, Toby and Brett Fried.  He was the loving father of Dorigen Hofmann, and cherished husband of Rachel Hexter Fried.

Mr. Fried and Doug Fleer of Greensboro established the Clean Yield Asset Management in 1984, dedicated to socially responsible investing.  Mr. Fried, as president of the Clean Yield, in Norwich, took the trust his clients placed in him with solemnity and responsibility and he thoroughly enjoyed working to achieve his clients’ needs.  They, in turn, found in him a friend and adviser.

He also happily served in a variety of elected and appointed positions in his adopted town of Stannard.

There are no plans for a funeral.  His ashes will be interred in a private ceremony in the new Stannard Cemetery.

Donations in his honor may be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, P.O. Box 19024, MS J5-200, Seattle, Washington 98109; or to the Stannard Historical Society, care of the town of Stannard, P.O. Box 94, Greensboro Bend, Vermont 05842.

Now may the grace of death
Be upon him, his spirit blessed
In deep song of the world
And the stars turning, the
seasons returning, and long rest.
Wendell Berry

obit GeorgeDavid “Kirk” George

David “Kirk” George, 65, of Barton died on July 11, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his loving family and caring friends.

He was born on February 24, 1948, in Nova Scotia, Canada, the proud son of David Lloyd and Doris (Kirk) George, current residents of Barton.

His hobbies included camping, playing poker, talking to people, being with friends and family, traveling, discussing current and past world events, herbalism, attending and promoting music tours, events, and festivals, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.

He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing the many local rivers and lakes each spring, and escaping to the Florida Keys for ocean fishing.  He loved to tell fish stories, had hints and bait advice, and knew the history of the waters he fished.  He passed this love onto as many people as he could, including his four children and seven grandchildren.  He traveled the world and spoke of Clyde River and the local attractions luring folks to camp on his family’s land, visit the schoolhouse, and enjoy Vermont’s beauty.

He went to elementary school in Sydney, Canada, and then moved with his parents to Quincy, Massachusetts, where he graduated high school.  He spent most of life in Vermont, Massachusetts, Florida, and Jamaica.  When his parents needed more assistance, he came home to take care of them in their home for several years before they moved to Maple Lane Nursing Home as Mr. George’s health declined.

He is survived by his children:  Arthur George of Waterbury, Celeste Jones and her husband, Robert, of Fayston, Jesse George of Morrisville, and Willow George and her husband, Michael Seely, of Denver, Colorado; his parents, David and Doris George, of Barton; and by his grandchildren:  Ezra, Ira, and Olivia Wickwire-George, Jada, Dylan and Ethan Jones, and Madelyn Lucas-George.  He had many cherished friends, among his closest were Tony Burns and Eva Kordosova-Verge.

A private burial service was held on July 15, at the Heath Cemetery in Barton.

Online condolences may be sent to family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

obit MeredithNorma Alberta (Christie) Meredith

Norma Alberta (Christie) Meredith of Island Pond died on July 9, 2013, at the Union House Nursing Home in Glover, surrounded by several family members, members of staff and resident friends.

She was born on April 16, 1920, in Island Pond, the daughter of the late Reuben and Madona (Giroux) Christie.  Shortly after graduation from Brighton High School, she married Roland Meredith, to whom she was happily married for nearly 70 years.  He predeceased her in January of 2009.

She lived the majority of her life in Island Pond where she happily raised her children.  She was a devoted wife and mother who was always happiest when her children and their friends were at home.  Evident as far as her childhood, her inquiring mind lead her to achieving success in her home making, cooking and sewing endeavors.  Though she often emphatically declared her dislike for cooking, she made many people happy at her table.  Nobody ever left hungry!

She made most of the clothing her children wore while growing up.  Her creative sewing resulted in costumes for family members who participated in local parades over the years, her crowning achievement being the many costumes she made for the Bicentennial Parade, including the George Washington uniform proudly worn by her son, Wayne Meredith.

She was particularly passionate about American history, genealogy and snowmobiling.  Memberships she enjoyed over the years were with the Girl Scouts, the Young Adults Club at Congregational Church, the snowmobile club, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Since November of 2004, she was a resident at the Union House Nursing Home in Glover, where she enjoyed the staff, and their care and affections.  She befriended many residents and made them her extended family.  She readily participated in the activities offered such as trips to Wal-Mart, picnics, history and French classes, and the Barton fair.  She was an avid Bingo player, a game at which she was a constant winner.  She especially enjoyed the children who visited, sang and entertained.

She is survived by her five children:  Barbara and her husband, Wayne Hodsden, of Lodgeport, New York, Sandra and her late husband, Douglas Nadeau, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Wayne Meredith of Island Pond, Scott Meredith and his wife, Kathryn, of Island Pond, and Brenda and her husband, Paul Johnson, of Ashburnham, Massachusetts; a brother, Robert Christie, and his wife, Irene, of Island Pond; and by a sister, Roberta Lybrand, of Hollywood, Florida.  She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral service was held on July 14, in Island Pond.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Island Pond Historical Society, P.O. Box 408, Island Pond, Vermont 05846; or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Reginald James Prue

Reginald James Prue, 73, died peacefully on July 10, 2013, at the Maple Lane Nursing Home in Barton.

He was born on September 24, 1939, in Coventry, to the union of Ozias and Pearl (Barry) Prue.  They both predeceased him, along with his sister Shirley and his brothers, Sheridan and George.

He was a paint contractor and he cut and sold Christmas trees.  He liked wearing Western clothes.

He is survived by six sons:  Randy and Stacey of Pueblo West, Colorado, Craig of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Shawn and his wife, Michelle, of Freeport, Illinois, and Reginald and Mark of Newport.  He is also survived by his grandchildren:  Crystal and Ashley and her husband, Bill, of Illinois, Craig and McKenzie of Colorado, and Anna, Melissa, Tyler, Caleb, and Nicholas, all of Vermont; a great-grandchild, Jessica Camely, of Vermont; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

No services will be held.  Interment will take place in Coventry Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

obit RoyerErnest P. Royer

Ernest P. Royer, 84, died on July 12, 2013, at his home in Newport Center.

He was married for 65 years to Virginia (Limlaw) Royer, who survives him.

He was born on May 17, 1929, in Newport Center, a son of Clement and Melina (Poire) Royer.

He loved spending time with family and his grandkids.  He enjoyed playing with his best friend, Missy the poodle, playing cards, fishing, hunting, traveling to Florida, going out to eat, and cutting firewood.

He worked at Ethan Allen for over 15 years.  Later, he and his wife bought their farm in Coventry, which they ran for several years before building the garage, Royer’s Service Station, in Coventry, and the home where they lived.  He also did mechanic work at home.  After selling to his son, Larry, he was a familiar sight driving his truck all over the county, delivering firewood as his idea of retirement.

He is also survived by a son, Larry Royer Sr., and his partner, Lori Royea; his two daughters:  Sindy Souliere and her husband, Paul, and Sue Packet and her husband, Larry; a daughter-in-law, Judy Desroches, and her husband, Rock; his grandchildren:  Kathy Leblanc and her partner, Bill, Larry Royer Jr. and his wife, Denise, Bonnie Poginy and her husband, Gary, Jessica Royer and her fiancé, Jared, Mellissa Stone and her partner, Jamie, Josh Souliere and his fiancée, Aimee, Karissa, Bria, and Dekota; his great-grandchildren:  Jeremy, Katie, Missy, Larry III, Amanda, Isaac, James, Tyler, Mikalah, Kadin, Kiley, Bruce III, Nicholas, Erika, Blan, and Lexis; a great-great-granddaughter, Oliva; his brothers:  Raymond Royer and his wife, Lucy, and Andrew Royer and his wife, Annette; his sisters-in-law:  Jeanette Royer, Noreen Royer, and Priscilla Royer; a very close friend to the family, Allan Rowell; and by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Ernest D. Royer; his daughter-in-law Martha Royer; his parents; his brothers:  Victor, Tom, Burton, Philip, Clarmont, Clement, and Emile Royer; and by two sisters:  Emma Thomas and Gertrude Curtis.

Funeral services were held on July 17, in Newport.  Interment followed in the St. Theresa’s Cemetery in Orleans.

Should friend desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Newport Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 911, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Ron Holland Dialysis Unit, North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.

Rosanna Marie (Venuto) Stevens

Rosanna Marie (Venuto) Stevens, 49, of Morgan died on July 8, 2013, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, following a long battle with cancer.

She was born on June 30, 1964, in Brockton, Massachusetts, a daughter of Samuel and Blanche Venuto.  She graduated from White Mountain Regional High School in Whitefield, New Hampshire, in 1982.  She had many varied interests, but especially enjoyed playing guitar and singing with family and friends.  At age 12, she performed with the Doc Williams show in Whitefield.  Also at age 12, she met Dean Stevens, and they were married in Whitefield on September 24, 1983, and their marriage was sealed in the Washington, D.C., temple in 1984.  She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held many responsible positions in that church, including relief society president, primary president, and was involved with the young women’s program and missionary activities, to name a few.  She was also a leader in the Boy Scout program of the Newport branch of her church for many years.  Her four oldest sons each served two years as missionaries, and all six sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

She will always be remembered for her loving, giving heart, and her zest for life.

She is survived by her loving husband Dean Stevens of Morgan; and their eight children:  Joshua and his wife, Becca, of Island Pond, and their children:  Dakota and Neveah; Jonathan of Newport Center, and his son, Gunner; Brandon and his wife, Ashley, of Newport Center, and their children:  Brionna and Leila; Brian and his wife, Kirsten, of Taylorsville, Utah; Dylan of Highgate Springs; and David, Laura and Julia, who remain at home in Morgan.  She is also survived by her mother Blanche Venuto of West Charleston.  Brothers and sisters who survive her are:  Bonnie Sparks of Beaverton, Oregon, Warren Yeo of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Clifford Coughlin of Tyne Valley, PEI, Canada, and Gina Pingree of North Troy.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father Sam Ventuo, who died on July 8, 24 years ago; her sister Leila Price of Brockton, Massachusetts, who died in 1984; and by her brother John (Nick) Yeo of San Bernadino, California, who died in 1990.

Her memorial service was held on July 13, in Newport.

In lieu of flowers, kindly send any contributions to the family of Dean J. Stevens, 144 Old McCabe Road, Island Pond, Vermont 05846.

A tribute to a wonderful, Masonic friend
by Nick Burdick

With great sadness I read of Dick Hodge’s passing on June 27, 2013.  Admittedly, at the age of 89, he had lived a very productive life, and death is part of living.  However, the pain it causes is real and friends and family must endure it.

My memory of Dick is mostly through the Freemasons, although I think he was active with Boy Scout Troop #3, in Newport, when my sons were members there.  To them, he was the old man that was fun and easy to talk to.

Whenever I would go to a Masonic meeting, in Newport, in Barton for the Royal Arche, and other lodges in District #10, nine times out of ten Dick was there.  And you could count on a big smile and a firm handshake.  You could tell he was genuinely glad to see you.

Dick was active during the meetings.  If there was an issue he supported, you knew right off.  If there was an issue he didn’t support, you really knew it just as fast.

Most importantly, if you needed help with any Masonic project, Dick was there to help, with no reservation at all.  He had served Memphremagog Lodge #65, in Newport, twice as worshipful master.  Knowing that he had sat in the “hot seat,” he was one of the first people I would talk with concerning issues when I served as district deputy grand master of District 10.  I knew that his advice would be sound and for the best interest of Freemasonry, even if I didn’t like the advice at the time.  Given time, his advice was always correct.

In the second half of the master mason degree, the most sublime degree in Freemasonry, there are parts to be played, and Dick and I would always be the sea captain and the wayfaring man.  He loved every minute of the part, but mostly he loved the idea that yet another young man had chosen to better himself and his life by joining Freemasonry.

Well, Captain, all I can say is, well done.  Canada is better off because of your life.  The United States is better off because of your life.  And certainly Freemasonry is far better because of you.

Your loving wife, Irene, daughter Faye Ann, and son Christopher, and your grandchildren, can all take great pride in the legacy you leave for us.  It will cause the pain to be just a little less for them.  And your brother Masons can be happy with the fact that you were with us.

Rest easy, my friend.  You are now in the arms of “the great architect of the Universe.”  So mote it be.

Death notice

Romeo N. Lemieux

Romeo N. Lemieux died on July 12, 2013, after a long and courageous battle, while at home with his family.

Calling hours will be held at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, on Thursday, July 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.  A Mass celebrating his life will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Friday, July 19, at 11 a.m.

Service

James Krieble

A memorial service to celebrate the life of James Krieble will be held at the Westmore Community Church in Westmore on Friday, July 26, at 3 p.m.  The Reverend Martha Perry will officiate the service. Immediately following the service, a reception for friends and family will be held at the church.

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