Obituaries

Obituaries May 27, 2015

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obit vets flagHarold Benjamin Sr.

Harold Benjamin Sr., 82, of Derby died peacefully, with his family by his side, on May 19, 2015.

He was born on April 22, 1933, in Woodsville, New Hampshire, son to Donald and Gwendolyn Benjamin.

He married Bettie Jane Taylor on March 2, 1957, who predeceased him on January 1, 1996. Together they had seven children.

When Mr. Benjamin was 16 he worked driving trucks for Earl Hackett. He then went on to serve in the military, where he took 16 weeks of basic training and then served 18 months in Korea.

He worked at Butterfields for 20 years, on nights as a superintendent, then on days as a quality control supervisor. He worked some in the woods and doing carpentry work. He started working at the Derby Cemetery and then his son Harold Jr. joined him in 1980. Harold Sr. retired in April of 1998.

He enjoyed golfing, hunting, motorcycle riding, four-wheeling, bowling, horseshoes, and playing poker with his family and friends. He always kept his sense of humor.

He is survived by his children: Vickie Martin and her husband, Bill, of West Glover and their son Tim Martin and his wife, Tanya, and their children, Guin and Noah; Katie Morrisette and her husband, Harvey, of Morgan, and son Jordan Benjamin of Morgan; Toni Benjamin and her fiancé, David Guillette, of Derby; Tara Benjamin and her fiancé, Kenny Greene, of St. Albans; his daughter-in-law Cara Benjamin of Holland and her son Harold Benjamin III and his girlfriend, Desiree Charron, of Maryland; his granddaughter Jennifer Martin of Holland; his great-granddaughters: Charlotte and Annabelle Martin of Holland; his sister Betty Jacobs of Derby; his sisters-in-law: Beverly Parsons and her husband, Andy, of New Jersey, and Francine Taylor of Derby; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and by his pets: his special buddy, Zoey, Baxter, and Nikeama.

He was predeceased by his wife, Bettie; his infant daughter Edie Jane; his son Harold Benjamin Jr.; his grandsons: Benjamin J. Martin and Davey Taylor Benjamin; his brother Anthony Benjamin; his sister Audrey Wells; his brothers-in-law: Gardner Taylor, Dean Wells, and Jim Jacobs; his parents; and by his mother- and father-in-law.

Per the wishes of Harold Benjamin Sr., there will be no calling hours and a private burial service with military honors will take place at a later date.

Donations in his name can be made to the Mary Wright Halo Foundation.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit CrowellHenrietta Watson Crowell

Henrietta Watson Crowell, 83, of Newport died peacefully on May 18, 2015, in Newport.

She was born on May 13, 1932, in Newport to Orloff and Mildred (Daniels) Watson.

On September 13, 1975, she married Roy Crowell, who predeceased her in 2007.

She was a waitress for the former Frank’s Steak House in Newport and also for a casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Her hobbies included reading, playing bingo, cards, and dominos, and watching television.

She is survived by her children: Lorelei Willis and her husband, Cliff, of Troy, Wanda Lawton and her husband, Art, of Perth, Ontario, Lorena Buck and her husband, Ed, of Charleston, and Belinda Smith and her husband, John, of Lenoxville, Quebec; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her sister Shirley Elliott of Holyoke, Massachusetts; her sister-in-law Joan Watson of Island Pond; and by her brother-in-law Paul Domina of Chickopee, Massachusetts.

She was predeceased by the following siblings: Marion, Margaret, and Melda Watson, Orloff, Albert, and Edward Watson, Helena Domina, and Betty Elliott.

A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the Derby Center Cemetery, with Muriel O’Gorman officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to The Meeting Place, P.O. Box 250, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit CurtinJames W. Curtin

James W. Curtin, 63, of Naples, Florida, and Derby died unexpectedly on May 19, 2015, in Derby.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 23, 1951, to Thomas and Anne (Johnston) Curtin.

On November 10, 1978, he married Regina M. dos Santos Lima, who survives him.

He graduated from Biscayne College. He was a border patrol agent and criminal investigator for the United States government, retiring in 2004.

He was a stamp collector and avid fisherman and he enjoyed spending time with his grandson Adam.

He is survived by his wife, Regina Curtin, of Naples and Derby; his children: Michael Curtin and his fiancée, Julie Davis, of Burlington, and Brian Curtin of Derby; his grandson Adam J. Curtin-Sykes of Brownington; and by his brother Thomas J. Curtin Jr. of Massapequa, New York.

He was predeceased by his brother Kevin Curtin in 2000.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village, New York.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit DavisAl Davis

Al Davis, 86, of Derby Line died peacefully at the University of Vermont Medical Center, in the company of his loving family, on May 15, 2015.

He was born on September 10, 1928, at the Line Farm in Holland, the only son of Roy E. and Hazel (Hartley) Davis.

He attended Holland schools and graduated from Derby Academy.

On January 22, 1949, he married Rita C. Vachon, who predeceased him on July 26, 2001.

He was on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 and 1950 to 1951, serving in the Korean War. He was also a member of the Air Force Reserves. Upon his return, he was employed by Butterfields in Derby Line. In 1962, he began his career with the U.S. Customs Service, working at the border in Derby Line. In 1967, he was transferred to the Toronto international airport. He completed his career at the Burlington International Airport, retiring in 1988. Upon his retirement, he and his wife spent their winters in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and summers in Holland.

He is survived by his six children: Barbara Dauphin and her husband, Richard, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Lynda Carter and her husband, Rick, of Derby, John Davis and his wife, Joann, of Lutz, Florida, Jim Davis of Lyndonville, Debra Sicard of Colchester, and Brenda Davis and her partner, Kathy O’Donnell, of Fairfax; his grandchildren: Melissa Carter, Kirsten Dauphin Riegler, Kylee Dauphin Charbonneau, Danielle Davis, Tyler Davis, Sullivan Davis, Matthew Sicard, Caitlin Sicard, Heather Tetrault-Millard, and Courtney Tetrault; his great grandchildren: Emerson, Wyatt, Ainsley, Deaglan, Savanna, Mason, Cameron, Logan, and Kinsley; his brother-in-law Roland Vachon and his children; his sister-in-law Denise Wright and her husband, Ron, and their daughters; his nephew David Flanders and his family of Derby; and by his special companion, Sue Jacobs, and her family.

obit vets flagHe was predeceased by his parents; his sister Iris Flanders and her husband, Raymond; his wife’s parents, Treffle and Marie Vachon; and by his sister-in-law Claire Vachon.

In honor of his wishes, a celebration of his life will be held in July.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit dewittRichard H. DeWitt

Richard H. DeWitt, 66, of Holden, Massachusetts, died peacefully, with his loving family by his side, on Thursday, April 9, 2015, at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Worcester, he was son of Walter and Virginia (Johnson) DeWitt and lived several years in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, before moving to Holden in the late 1960s.

He graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in Holden and attended Worcester State College and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He began his career working for the town of Holden’s Department of Public Works in 1971 at the age of 22. He worked his way through the ranks and held the position of highway foreman before being appointed Holden’s first director of operations for the Department of Public Works. He was an extremely effective leader and managed his department with a “no nonsense” style that earned him the respect of his staff and town officials. He took great pride in his work and empowered his staff to do the same with unwavering dedication and high standards. After his retirement in 2010, he was able to spend much deserved time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.

In 1971, he also joined the Holden Fire Department as an on-call firefighter. He spent the next 43 years with his brother firefighters protecting their community with only one thought in mind, “the safety of others.” He served as a lieutenant for a period of time until his position at the Department of Public Works became overwhelmingly demanding.

He was thought of as “everyone’s friend,” and was always there to lend a hand. He looked forward to vacationing at his camp in Craftsbury, located on Jones Farm. He especially enjoyed his fishing and hunting trips in Vermont with the boys including his son Steve and closest friend, Jim Oberg, who died unexpectedly in February.

He leaves his wife and soulmate of 45 years, Georgianna (Angelo) DeWitt; two sons: Christopher M. Angelo and his companion, Amy Quinlan, and her two children, Jack and Caroline, of Charlton, Massachusetts, and Steven H. DeWitt and his wife, Jennifer, of Holden; two daughters: Nicholette and her husband, Alvin Cunningham, of Fairfield, California, and Melissa A. Wackell of Leicester, Massachusetts; a sister, Elaine Morrison, and her husband, John, of Charlton; nine grandchildren: Demetri, Danielle, and Noelle Angelo, Julieanne and Matthew Cunningham, Katelynn Wackell, and Ethan, Molly, and Owen DeWitt; and by a former son-in-law, Joseph Wackell, of Holden, and daughter-in-law Lisa Angelo of Worcester.

A brother, Steven DeWitt, predeceased him.

Funeral services were held on April 18, in Holden.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Holden Fire Explorer Program, 1370 Main Street, Holden, Massachusetts 01520.

Online condolences at milesfuneralhome.com.

obit GarfieldSharon Moquin Garfield

Sharon Moquin Garfield, 71, of Newport died on May 16, 2015, at her home, after a battle with cancer.

She was born on March 20, 1944, in Barton, to Victor and Winifred (Leclaire) Moquin.

On March 6, 1971, she married Donald Garfield, who predeceased her on June 12, 2002.

She enjoyed watching the birds and wild animals on her front lawn. She was an avid reader and she enjoyed puzzle books, cooking, fishing, and TV shows: Walking Dead, CSI, NCIS, Snap, Judge Judy, and other TV shows.

She is survived by her daughters: Cindy Thompson and her husband, Marc, of Colchester, and Sharon Martin and her significant other, Brian Mooney, of St. Johnsbury; her ex son-in-law James Jarvis and his fiancée, Melissa James, of Newport; her grandchildren: Hunter Thompson of Johnson, Courtney and Alex Mooney of Newport, Gerard LaMadeleine and his wife, Katie, of St. Johnsbury, and Jason and his significant other, Toni, of Westfield; her great-grandchildren: Brianna, Little Jason, Austin, Leo Gerard III, and Tie; her two sisters: Evelyn Brooks and her husband, Royce, of New York, and Lorraine Smith and her husband, David, of New Hampshire; and by several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Victor and Winifred Moquin.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, Inc., 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495; or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798, 141 Central Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolence at curtis-britch.com.

obit JuddLarry Judd

Larry Judd, of Upton, Massachusetts, died on Monday, May 18, 2015, with his family by his side.

He was born in North Troy on May 6, 1944, the son of the late Ralph Judd and Mona (Bradford) Choquette.

Upon graduation from North Troy High School, Mr. Judd entered the Air Force and served bravely in Japan and Vietnam. An electrician by trade, he held various positions as a facilities manager in Massachusetts prior to establishing his own business. He also served as Post Commander of the VFW in Upton.

He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed bass and trout fishing, winning numerous trophies in competitions over the years. He loved his family and was happiest when surrounded by his loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; a daughter, Cathryn Ste.Marie, and her husband, Peter, of North Troy; a son, David Judd, also of North Troy; his sister Donna Darling and her husband, Kenneth, of Ellington, Connecticut; his sister Sandra Burkard and her husband, Allen, of Orlando, Florida; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three nieces; and by two nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Ralph Judd.

Funeral services with military honors were held on May 23, in Upton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts, Medical Development Office-Cancer Care, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545; or to a charity of one’s choice.

obit LebeauAlbert Lebeau

Albert Lebeau, 90, of Irasburg died on May 15, 2015, in Newport.

He was born on November 12, 1924, in Irasburg to Wilfred and Mary (Dionne) Lebeau.

He was a veteran of World War II. He was employed by Park View Garage in Barton for many years.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and working on his car. As a young man he worked on the family farm for many years and he also enjoyed working for the Park View Garage.

He is survived by his nieces: Rita Morse and her husband, Robert, of Derby, and Joanne Sanville and her husband, Maurice, of Irasburg; six grand-nieces and -nephews; and by his sister-in-law Cecile Lebeau of Newport.

He was predeceased by his brother Henry; two nephews: Marcel and Robert Lebeau; and by a grand-nephew, Marc.

obit vets flagA graveside service will be held at 11 a.m on Saturday, June 13, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport.

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

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit SantawDale K. Santaw

Dale K. Santaw, 78, of Derby died peacefully on May 23, 2015, at his home in Derby, surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 10, 1937, in Lowell.

On February 19, 1956, he married Ruth Baraw, who survives him.

He was a machinist at Tivoli Manufacturing in Derby Line, where he worked for 42 years.

He enjoyed working on small engines, golfing, hunting, fishing, shooting, and gardening.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Santaw, of Derby; his children: James Santaw and his wife, Laura, of Lowell, Jeffrey Santaw of Newport, and Brenda Wesolow and her husband, Ed, of Lowell; his grandchildren: Nathan, Michael, and Anthony Santaw, Stacy, Melissa, and SFC Kevin Wesolow, Alan and Taylor Wesolow, and Bryce Collins; his nine great-grandchildren; his sister Alice England of Attleboro, Massachusetts; and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his son Jerry Santaw; his grandson Tyler Collins; and by his foster parents Pearl and Harley Taylor.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the Montainview Cemetery in Lowell, with Pastor David Dizzazo officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Ronald Holland Dialysis Center, in care of North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

Shari Siamon with her great-nephew Isaiah Braithwaite in West Glover of 2001.
Shari Siamon with her great-nephew Isaiah Braithwaite in West Glover of 2001.

Sharon Maxine Siamon

Children’s author Sharon Siamon of Sharbot Lake, Ontario, died on Monday, May 18, 2015, after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on March 11, 1942, daughter of Max and Aileen (Treleaven) Braithwaite. She attended public schools in Streetsville and Orangeville, Ontario, and was a member of the first class to graduate from York University in Toronto in 1963. She married Jeff Siamon in Santa Barbara, California, in 1968.

She drew from the experiences of her growing family for her first books, including The Little Girl Who Hated Dinner, based on her daughter Kate; A Poolie Named Sandor, about a wayward family dog; and Bokelia, based on her encounter with a pig while visiting West Glover.

She went on to write many books for juvenile readers, particularly girls who loved horses as much as she did. Several series of such books, set in Western and Maritime Canada and the southwestern United States, were translated into many languages and sold more than a million copies around the world.

She is survived by her husband and their three daughters and five grandchildren: Amy Rolf von den Baumen of Oakville, Ontario, and her husband, Jeff, and their children: Emileah, Teagan, Jeffrey, and Kyleise; Kate Camara of Glover and her husband, Greg, and their daughter Ila; and Becky Siamon of Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is also survived by her four siblings: Beryl Hart of La Mesa, California, Chris Braithwaite of West Glover, Sylvia Braithwaite of Ottawa, and Colin Braithwaite of Toronto.

Her life will be celebrated at a private gathering of friends and family.

obit thibaultSister Lillian Thibault

Sister Lillian Thibault (Ste. Victoire) of Mount Sacred Heart in Littleton, New Hampshire, died at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire on Thursday, May 14, 2015, after a brief illness.

She had resided with the Mount Sacred Heart Community in Littleton since August of 2007.

She was born in Laconia, New Hampshire, on June 13, 1924, to Romeo and Yvonne (Grenier) Thibault. She entered the Congregation of the Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Sherbrooke, Quebec, in 1946 and professed her vows on July 27, 1948. Her missions included nursing and care of the elderly, and hospice work in Newport, Derby Line, Rutland, and Littleton, and hospitality work in Augusta, Maine, Hudson, New Hampshire, and Littleton.

She is survived by her sister Therese; her sister-in-law Jeannine; and by several dear nieces and nephews: Francois, Sylvie, and Josette Dupuis, and Danielle, Pierre, Jean, Serge, and Luc Thibault in Quebec Province.

Her nieces and nephews were especially close to her, considering her generosity in giving her entire life to what she believed in — her mission. She likewise was very thoughtful and present to them all. Many dear ones kept in touch with her regularly, particularly families with whom she had connected through hospice in the Northeast Kingdom.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Marcel.

Funeral services were held on May 26 in Littleton. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 226 Grove Street, Littleton, New Hampshire 03561.

Condolences at www.RossFuneral.com.

Death notice

Ethel Sweeney

Ethel Sweeney, 73, of Barton died on May 21, 2015, in Newport.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 12 Elm Street in Barton. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the Westlook Cemetery in Glover.

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

Services

Ida Chaffee

Committal services for Ida Chaffee will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 29, at the Albany Village Cemetery.

Leona Lucas

A graveside service for Leona Lucas will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, at the Derby Center Cemetery, with the Reverend Kelly Deslauriers officiating.

Lynette Cutting

A graveside service for Lynette Cutting will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the Coventry Village Cemetery, with the Reverend Scott Libby officiating. Following the graveside service, a meal and memorial service will be held at the Coventry Community Center.

Alpha Labounty

A graveside service for Alpha Labounty will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the Irasburg Cemetery, with Pastor George Lawson officiating. A memorial gathering will follow at the New Hope Bible Church in Irasburg at 1 p.m.

Joseph Patenaude

Committal services for Joseph Patenaude will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at St. Edward’s Catholic Cemetery in Derby Line.

Louise Kennison

Committal services for Louise Kennison will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the Westfield Cemetery. A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall in North Troy.

Gaston LeBlanc

Funeral services for Gaston LeBlanc will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in North Troy, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in the North Troy Cemetery.

Joseph Krzysko

A graveside service for Joseph Krzysko will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport, with military honors.

John Urie

Committal services for John Urie will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the Andersonville Cemetery in West Glover, with military honors.

Rachel Beaudry, Tara Beaudry Devoid, and Tina Fontaine

Committal services for Rachel Beaudry, and a remembrance for Tara Beaudry Devoid and Tina Fontaine, will be held on Saturday, June 6, at the Albany Village Church at noon. Interment will follow at the East Albany Catholic Cemetery for all three (Ms. Beaudry Devoid and Ms. Fontaine are being relocated from Pleasant View Cemetery in Orleans). Friends and family can then meet back at the church for a barbecue dinner.

Steven Hutchings

A celebration of life for Steven Hutchings will be held on Saturday, May 30, at his home at 20 North Avenue in Orleans, from noon on. Watch for signs on Main Street in Orleans, near the railroad tracks to find his home.

Bring memories and beverages.

Dean Howard Urie

A memorial service for Dean H. Urie of Cadillac, Michigan, formerly of Craftsbury, will be held at 11 a.m. on June 6, at the East Craftsbury Cemetery on Whetstone Brook Road. A reception and refreshments will follow the service in the vestry downstairs at the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church at 1097 Ketchum Hill Road. In case of inclement weather, the service will also be held downstairs at the church.

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