Alton Dean Wheeler
Alton Dean Wheeler, 79, of Brownington, died suddenly at his home on March 18, 2026. He was born on January 19, 1947, in Westmore, to the late Perceval and Irene (Bumps) Wheeler. In 1998, he married Janet Wheeler, who predeceased him in 2016.
Alton was a flagging supervisor for Pike for 25 years. In his spare time, he loved watching a variety of movies.
He is survived by his daughter, Cindy, brother Eddie and sister Ann.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 6, at the Curtis-Britch and Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Derby. If friends desire, memorial contributions in Alton’s name may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 243 Woods Farm Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Faye Catherine Tillotson
Faye Catherine Tillotson, a daughter of Charles C. Tillotson and Catherine S. Tillotson (nee Hines) was born in Newport on September 30, 1934. She died on February 14, 2026, at the age of 91 in Port Richey, Florida. Faye was formerly the wife of Richard Dagesse, and lived in West Charleston for 42 years and raised her family there.
Faye is survived by three of her four children and four of her five siblings. Her surviving children are Richard Dagesse Jr. (Linda), Leo, and Annette Lamarre. Her son Gerard Dagesse died in 2020. Her brother Mahlon died in 2006, and her granddaughter Colleen died in 2025. Her surviving siblings are Charles, Stanley, Sylivia Pitisci, and Janet Rogurt. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Faye was a skilled seamstress. She excelled in knitting, embroidery, ceramics, and cake decorating. She was an avid reader, a bird watcher, animal lover, and above all an excellent cook. Children enjoyed spending summers with her and her children when they were young as did other visitors. In the winters, she hosted family members who went snowmobiling. Most family members visiting Vermont at any time of the year went to her home for great food and a good time. They didn’t leave disappointed. The door was always open.
When Faye’s children grew up, married, and left home, she returned to school where she received an associate’s degree in law and qualified as a paralegal. In 1992, she moved to Barre, Massachusetts, where she lived and worked until 1998. She then moved to Port Richey, Florida, where she retired.
There will be a burial service for her in the cemetery in West Charleston on July 11, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Elaine H. Schurman
Elaine H. Schurman, 90, of Newport, died on May 10, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Hospice in Lebanon, New Hampshire, surrounded by her family.
Elaine was born on November 9, 1935, in Portland, Maine. She graduated from Deering High School and completed her registered nurse training at Maine Medical Center in Portland. In June 1958, she married Dr. Charles Schurman Jr., and together they built a life centered on family, support, and love.
Elaine was grounded in family life where she was always present at concerts, football games, graduations, and in all the everyday moments that mattered most. She listened to her children’s stories, talked through their frustrations, and remained a steady source of love and support throughout their lives. No matter their age or where life took them, she was home for them in the truest sense of the word.
She also had a wide circle of friends and an active social life. She and her husband enjoyed many cocktail evenings, dinners out, parties, and vacations with friends in their close-knit group, known as the “gang.”
After the death of her husband, Elaine continued to live with independence, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. She returned to nursing and served for years as head nurse at Bel-Aire Center. She also travelled extensively through Asia, South America, Europe, Canada, and the United States. Through her Earthwatch expeditions, she collected dung beetle samples in Kenya, counted king penguins in Antarctica, catalogued tropical fish in the Amazon rainforest, and studied the statues of Easter Island.
Elaine led a full and busy life. She enjoyed gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, golfing, and playing bridge. She was a member of the Newport Garden Club, the Border Curling Club, and the Community Circle Club. She volunteered at the Old Stone House Museum in Brownington and with the Newport Chamber of Commerce. She also took great pride in her home, and her family often joked that she was happiest with a vacuum in hand.
Independent, strong-willed, resilient, and direct, Elaine lived life on her own terms. She continued to grow, explore, and live fully well into her later years.
Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Charles Schurman Jr., her father, Howard Drew, and her sister Janice Drew.
She is survived by her five children: Linda Schurman and her husband, Glenn Gerber; David Schurman; Bill Schurman and his wife, Michele; Tammy Schurman and her husband, Bart D’Hooge; and Jill Schurman and her husband, Frank Rivera. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Dan Gerber, Alison Gerber, Chloe D’Hooge, and Charlie Schurman, and her great-grandchildren: Owen Gerber, Clara Gerber, and Riley Metcalf.
Services will be held at a later date by the family. If friends desire, memorial contributions can be made in Elaine’s name to the Jack Byrne Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Diane L. Ross
July 7, 1956 — May 12, 2026
Diane Lee Ross, age 69, died peacefully at home on the evening of May 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She had been fighting a very fierce and competitive battle with cancer, but sadly, it wasn’t a fair fight.
Diane was born in Newport to Elroy and Fern (Barber) Davio. She left high school early to marry and become a mother but went on to obtain her high school diploma from North Country Union High School in 1989. In addition to raising her two children, Cathy and Bobby, she worked many different jobs. She was a dispatcher for Rural Community Transportation in Newport and also spent a lot of time as a caregiver for children and the elderly.
In 1992, she began to share her life with her soul mate, and best friend, Dan Ross, who became her husband on October 9, 1999. They shared more than 32 beautiful years together, with more than 25 years married, until his passing on January 27, 2025. They brought together their children and created a loving family that will continue forever.
Diane had many passions in life. She never tried a craft that she didn’t love. She spent several years running her own scrapbook supply store, Country Hodgepodge, in Newport. She was also very skilled at knitting and crocheting, and many of her friends and family will continue to treasure her crocheted gifts. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, country music, and always enjoyed a trip to the casino — any casino!
Above all, she loved spending time with her family. Her children and her grandchildren were her greatest joy. Along with her husband, Dan, she went above and beyond to make every holiday and occasion special for her family. From crafting to cooking and baking, every celebration was beautiful and memorable because of her skills.
She is cherished and lovingly remembered by her children: Cathy Williams and her husband, Dave, of Archbald, Pennsylvania; David Ross and his wife, Holly, of North Troy; Heidi Broe and her husband, Daniel, of Newport; and Heather Piette and her husband, JD, of Colchester. She will also be missed by her grandchildren: Christopher Williams, Andrea Williams and her fiancé, Justin, Sean Paul Ross, David Ross II and his fiancée, Mika, Ethan Piette, Thomas Piette, Bailee Booth and her fiancé, Donald, Elizabeth Booth, Morgan Booth, Juliea Booth, and William Booth. Her great-grandchildren: Paislee, Everly, Lennon, and Joseph, as well as any future great-grandchildren, will also enjoy endless stories about the wonderful woman that she was. She is also deeply mourned by her siblings: Dennis Davio and his wife, Joann, Janet Vigeant, Donald Davio, and Cindy Davio. She will be fondly remembered by her siblings-in-law: Jo Ann Daggett, Doris Gibney, and Arthur Gibney and his wife, Jennifer. She is also survived by a special niece: Amber Davio, who was like a daughter to her, as well as her very best friends Nikki Simpson and Linda Santaw. She also leaves behind her beloved dog Izzie, and cat Ruby.
She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, her son, Robert L. Booth Jr., brother-in-law Dale Gibney Jr., and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at Curtis Britch and Bouffard Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport, with Pastor Larry Wall officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on May 21, from 11 a.m. until the hour of the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Orleans/Essex VNA and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.
Yvon D. Fortin
Yvon D. Fortin died peacefully on May 11, 2026 in Newport. He bravely and quietly fought a long illness. He was born on April 5, 1952, in Holland, to Albert Fortin and Theresa Letourneau Fortin who predeceased him.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Suzanne H. Fellows, daughter Sandalynn, and grandson Yvon Real Robillard, who all meant the world to him. He is also survived by his eight siblings: sisters Adele Billado, Sue Sullivan, Lise Comeau (Steve), Elaine Ashman (Ron), Diane Delabruere (Ron), Carole McLean, Rose Pepin (Brian), and a brother John. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was no stranger to hard work. He was raised on a family farm and was involved in farming throughout his life. He worked at Ethan Allen in Island Pond for 17 years, then became a lineman for Citizens Utilities Co. which was sold to Vermont Electric Co-op (and even overcame his dislike of flying to help when called to Hawaii for disaster relief).
Yvon and Sue loved being involved with “young” Yvon as he grew into a wonderful young man. They all enjoyed four-wheeling, raising beef cattle, hunting, being outdoors, and working together on their honey business.
Anyone that knew Yvon, knows that he lived life to the fullest, nothing can compare to his laughter and jovial nature. He made the world a brighter place by being in it. He would help anyone in need without hesitation, and he was loved by all who knew him and will be sorely missed.
The family will honor his wishes with no visiting hours and a private graveside service only. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Yvon requested memorial contributions be made to the Mary E. Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855, because it was dear to his heart as he donated beef yearly to the foundation. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.
Theresa Couture
Theresa Couture, 97, of Westfield, died peacefully surrounded by family on May 9, 2026, at Michaud Memorial Manor in Derby Line. She was born on July 17, 1928, on Buck Hill in Westfield to Joseph and Rose Anna (Lachapelle) Pion. She spent her childhood years and the early part of her adult life living on Buck Hill, a section of Westfield that has remained dear to her heart all her life. She attended a one-room schoolhouse on Buck Hill for grades one through eight. She later obtained her general educational development certificate through the Adult Learning Center.
On August 23, 1948, Theresa married Jean Paul Couture, who had come to Westfield from Quebec, Canada, to work on a farm. After they were married, they moved to Quebec to work on Jean Paul’s family farm. Two years later they bought Theresa’s family farm and moved back to Buck Hill. A few years after that, they bought a farm on the main road in Westfield to be on the school bus route as the children were approaching high school age. Even though they moved off Buck Hill, they kept a piece of land up there to build a camp with a pond. As the kids grew up, many Sundays were spent at the camp with lots of family and friends.
Theresa was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Troy, and was an associate to the Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She belonged to the Ladies of St. Andre Bessette Parish, a group with whom she spent many years making quilts for fundraising raffles for the church. She taught sewing classes for the UVM Extension Homemaker Clubs and was a member of the Happy Valley Homemakers Club. She was an amazing seamstress. Over the years she made countless bridal gowns and bridal party dresses. Theresa loved gardening, growing an abundance of vegetables to feed her family with plenty to share. She took great pride in her beautiful flowers that surrounded their home. Above all, Theresa loved being surrounded by her family. She loved to have big family dinners. Walking into her kitchen you were met with the wonderful aroma of whatever she was cooking, which was always more than enough to feed the crowd. She cherished every visit, phone call, or message from family and friends. Until her poor vision made it impossible, she kept tabs on her grandkids with her iPad, watching for and responding to their messages and Facebook posts.
Theresa is survived by her children: Sister Monique Couture FCSCJ, Jacques (Pauline) Couture, Jean (Kathy) Couture, Michel (Terry) Couture, Andre (Raelene) Couture, Suzanne (Larry) Kennison, Denise (Bob) Currier, Louise (Brian) Bonvechio, and Ann (Greg) Starr. She is survived by 27 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Alice Pion, Denise Bilodeau Couture, Huguette Huot Couture, and her brother-in-law Marc Ghaddar. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Theresa was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and infant granddaughter Holly Couture. She was also predeceased by her brothers and sisters and their spouses: Paul (Joyce) Pion, Bernadette Chamberland, Mary (Norman) Turgeon, and Norman Pion. She was also predeceased by in-laws: Jeanne d’Arc (Philippe) Piché, Rock Couture, Lucienne (Lucien) Dagenais, Therese (Marcel) Maheu, Claire-Mance Brodeur, Lise Ghaddar, and Charles Couture.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 19, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 130 South Pleasant Street, Troy, with calling hours from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall prior to the funeral. Interment will follow the funeral at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.
Theresa’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Michaud Memorial Manor, to Dr. Megan Batchelder, and to the OEVNA Hospice nurses for the wonderful, compassionate care they provided.
If desired, donations in Theresa’s memory may be made to St. Andre Bessette Parish in Troy, or to the Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Online condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com.
Oliver Forrest Collins
Oliver Forrest Collins, beloved spouse, parent and grandparent, died on May 4, 2026, at the age of 82, after a long illness and a lengthy stay at Maple Lane Nursing Home.
Born on February 22, 1944, in Newport Center, Oliver lived a life defined by an unwavering love of animals and children, and a tolerance of most adults. He married his wife of over 30 years on July 4, 1992, Elaine (Cutting), and together they built a partnership raising a host of animals and a tribe of children.
Oliver found joy in growing massive gardens, fishing, hunting, and fixing everything with duct tape and a surge protector. However, his greatest joys were in his children and grandchildren, his many animals, and a good meal. He had a way of making people laugh and enjoyed life to its fullest. In later years, he developed Alzheimer’s and then during COVID had a stroke. The last five and a half years of his life, Oliver was cared for by the staff at Maple Lane Nursing Home, and his family is eternally grateful for the excellent care that he received.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; and his children: Dan Collins (Kelley), Michael Collins (Alicia), Robert Collins, Mac Daly (Amber), Brad Collins (Amy Gillespie), and Ed Collins (Hannah Gill); by his grandchildren: Danny Jr. (Lindsey) and Dylan (Ashley) Collins; Dawn and Colby Collins; Isaiah Collins; Ella Cunningham, Poppy Collins, and Luke Collins; by his great-grandchild Malika; and by his siblings: Robert Collins (Simone) and Margaret Collins. He is also survived by his friend who was like a brother to him: Joe Farrell. He was predeceased by his parents, Merle and Vandetta (Hill); his sister Joan Duffy; his brothers: Gordon, Cliff, and Sonny; and his grandson Tyler “Tiny” Collins.
To honor Oliver’s wishes, there will be no services. However, a celebration of life will be held at the family home in Irasburg on Sunday, May 24, beginning at 11 a.m. Anyone who knew Oliver and wants to honor his life is welcome to attend. To celebrate Oliver’s love of family and good food, bring your appetite and be ready to enjoy some of his favorite dishes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society in Oliver’s memory.
William Bandy
William John Bandy, age 82, of Moretown, died on May 10, 2026, at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin. He was surrounded by his family and friends.
Bill lived a long life marked by hard work, strong values, and a deep connection to nature. He served in the U.S. Army Aviation for over 20 years with three tours of Vietnam servicing Huey helicopters. Over the years, he held several jobs including logging in the woods with draft horses, Green Mountain Drilling, ST Paving, and the head of base operations at Sugarbush Ski Resort for over 20 years.
He had many hobbies throughout his life, but most especially is remembered for his love of dahlias, which he planted along Vermont Route 100B for 30 years to commemorate the veterans who did not return from Vietnam. He worked the woods logging with his two Belgian draft horses, Ben and Joe, for many years and was often called upon by local horse stables as a “horse whisperer” to identify maladies that horses suffered with.
He also loved hunting, fishing, and camping. He had a natural talent for fixing things, always able to figure out how to make something work again. He also enjoyed tinkering on projects, spending time with his family, listening to older country music and watching westerns on TV.
He will be remembered as a man who was stubborn, funny, and deeply caring. Bill spoke his mind and was never afraid to say what he thought, a trait that made him both memorable and loved by those who knew him best.
He is survived by his partner, Karen Maurice, and his stepdaughter Kathy Unnach and granddaughters: Chayenne and Nikki Dahle-Unnach of Houston, Minnesota. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Elaine Bandy; nephews Walter Jr. and Wayne of Sutton, and nieces Margaret Brown of Sutton and Annie Bickford of East Burke. He is also survived by his brother Winston Bandy of St. Johnsbury
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, at noon at Peacham Cemetery with Reverend Robert Potter officiating and refreshments in the community room of Peacham library following the service. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, at 5 p.m. at Farmhouse Flowers, 7166 VT-100B Moretown, Vermont.
If friends desire, memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the Peacham Historical Society.
COMMITTALS
Debra Judd
Committal services for Debra Judd will take place on Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at the Derby Pond Cemetery with a meal to follow at 11 a.m. at the Judd’s sugarhouse.
Rita Hilliard
Funeral services for Rita Hilliard will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Orleans where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Pleasantview Cemetery in Orleans.
DEATH NOTICE
Joan Watson
Joan Watson, 90, of Island Pond, died on May 14, 2026, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, at the Curtis-Britch and Bouffard Funeral Home, 1199 Railroad Street, Island Pond, followed by a graveside service at Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond with Pastor Olen Givens officiating.
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