Category Archives: Obituaries

Obituaries August 16, 2017

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Thomas Allen James Boulanger Sr.

Thomas Allen James Boulanger Sr., 70, of Coventry, died on August 5, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 18, 1946, as the eldest son of Paul and Jean Boulanger. He graduated from Newport High School, and then enlisted in the Air Force. On November 25, 1967, he married his favorite girl, Wilma Nutting, who survives him.

Mr. Boulanger filled his days with watching NASCAR races, camping, boating, working with his tractor, tinkering on cars, and riding his motorcycle. He retired from Kennametal Tap and Die in 2012.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma, from Coventry; his sons: Thomas Allen James Boulanger Jr. and his partner, Kelly, of Johnson and Terry Lee Boulanger and his wife, Gretchen, of Underhill; his grandchildren: Ashley Boulanger of Newport, Thomas Allen James Boulanger III, of Fort Drum, New York, Jordan Boulanger of Lyndonville, Alec Boulanger of Canaan, and Myra, Michael, and Asa Boulanger of Underhill; his great grandchildren: Nathaniel Boulanger and Liara Boulanger; his sisters: Georgia Fournier of Troy, Ruth Forgues of Derby, Sharon Provoncha and her husband, Dale, of Westfield, Joan Therrien and her husband, Roland, of Derby; and many nieces and newphews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Jean Boulanger; his sisters Patricia and Ethel; and his brother Peter.

Per Mr. Boulanger’s request, there will be no service. Donations may be made to the Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1071 Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

 

Larry Earl Clark

Larry Earl Clark, 56, of Sheffield, died on July 16, 2017, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

He was born on August 19, 1960, in Topeka, Kansas, to Richard and Marilyn (Frost) Clark. He married Kathy Benson, who predeceased him in March 2017. Mr. Clark was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp and a self-employed mechanic. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and riding his Harley. He was also a fantastic cook.

He is survived by his children: Chyanna Clark of Hartford, Connecticut, Brittany Clark of St. Johnsbury, Casey Clark of East Hartford, Connecticut; and by his stepson Justin Spaulding of Lyndonville. He is also survived by several grandchildren; by his parents: Richard and Marilyn Clark of Stuart, Florida; by his siblings: Rick Clark and his wife, Mary, of Arizona, David Clark of Utah, Craig Clark and his wife, Stephanie, of North Dakota, and Tamra Clark of Barton; and by several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 19, at 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 3417 Darling Hill Road in Derby. A dinner will follow the service.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, Inc., 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.

Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Lori Jean Ghelli

 Lori Jean Ghelli, 56, of Newport Center, died after a long and well-fought battle with cancer on August 7, 2017, at her home with her family at her side.

Ms. Ghelli was born on June 2, 1961, in Newport, to Leonard and Muriel (Noble) Gilson. She grew up in Orleans and graduated from Lake Region Union High School in 1979. She then attended UVM where she received a degree in medical laboratory sciences. Ms. Ghelli was employed as a lab technician at North Country Hospital for almost 30 years.

She married David Ghelli in 1989, and they were blessed with their only child, Anna, in 1993. She will be remembered for her green thumb and beautiful flower gardens. Her talents were many, including a unique sense of humor, off-key singing, and the ability to cheat at Scrabble. She also built many amazing stone walls around her home with slate that she rescued from all over Vermont. These will serve as a memorial to her stubbornness and strength.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her infant brother Leonard Noble Gilson.

She leaves her husband, David; her daughter Anna; and three sisters: Lynne Hall and her husband, Ted, of Winter Haven, Florida, Kathy Eastman and her husband, Randy, of Bryant Pond, Maine, and Nancy Carter and her husband, Randy, of Derby; along with many nieces and nephews, near and far.

Ms. Ghelli was a great mother, a beautiful wife, a loving sister, and, as her mother always said, a perfect daughter. Her gentle soul will be missed by many.

There will be no calling hours. A celebration of her life will be held at the family’s convenience.

In lieu of flowers, Ms. Ghelli expressed the wish that people would visit their grandparents, parents, and children often, and tell them that you love them.

Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com. 

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Obituaries August 9, 2017

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Marianne Baker

Marianne “Mimi” Baker, 83, of Derby, beloved wife of Stanley Baker, died on August 5, 2017, in Newport.

She was born on May 18, 1934, in Peterborough, New Hampshire, to the late Richard and Elizabeth (Schofield) Marshall.

She graduated from Peterborough High School and then went on to attend Lyndon State College for three years, and later graduated from Keene State College with a bachelor’s degree in education.

On June 12, 1956, she married Stanley Baker who survives her.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Retired Teachers Association. She loved working in her gardens, reading, camping, and exercise.

She is survived by her children: Beth Bouffard and her husband, David, of Newport, Ellen Bickford and her companion, Lyle, of Newport, and Alan Baker and his wife, Cindy, of Sheffield; her grandchildren: Jessica Bartlett and her husband, Jason, of Chapman, Maine, Sarah Heimreid and her husband, Tom, of Boston, Massachusetts, Aaron Baker of California, Melissa Perrault and her husband, Nick, of Jay, Ben Bouffard of Arlington, Virginia, Tom Bouffard and his wife, Ali, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, Michael Bickford of Newport, Phillip Bickford of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Christopher Baker of Sheffield. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Olivia and Samuel Perrault, Harper Bouffard, Laura Bickford, and Amelia and Marshall Bartlett, her siblings: Betsy Woodard and her husband, Frank, of Hartwell, Georgia, Lynn Boudolf of Charleston, South Carolina, and Roberta Raynor of Charleston; her daughter-in-law Ann Lafoe and her husband, Richard, of Derby; her sister-in-law Carol Marshall; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her son Kevin Baker; and by her two brothers John and Sam Marshall.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 12, at 1 p.m., at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, located at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport.

Friends may call at the funeral home on the day of the service from noon up until the hour of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Baker’s memory to a charity of one’s choosing.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

 

Therese R. Metras

Therese R. Metras, 86, of Orleans, died on August 5, 2017, at her home.

She was born on November 28, 1930, in Newport Center, a daughter of Delma and Marie (Moquin) Metras.

Ms. Metras always enjoyed playing cards and games and putting puzzles together with family and friends. She also enjoyed listening to music and swinging on the front yard swing.

She is survived by her sisters: Anna Nichols of Charlton, Massachusetts, Eva Domijan of West Brookfield, Massachusetts, Jeanne Fortin of West Hartford, Connecticut, Rita Lantagne and her husband, Francis Sr., of Newport, Lucie Metras of Orleans, and Alice Metras and her husband, Ronald McKinney, of Lyndonville; and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by those who have taken care of her for many years. The family is especially grateful to Jane and Bridgette.

Ms. Metras was predeceased by her sisters: Cecile Gaboriault, Irene Innie, and Madeline Goodsell; and by her brothers: Rene, Moise, and Onil Metras.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 10, at 1 p.m., at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 37 Lake Road in Newport, with the Reverend Timothy Naples officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Repair Fund, 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, Vermont, 05855, or to the Orleans Area Special Olympics, 16 Gregory Drive, Suite 2, South Burlington, Vermont 05403.

Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Nicholas R. Miller

Nicholas R. Miller, 22, of Irasburg, beloved son of Arjay Miller and Bobbie Jo Roberts McManus, died suddenly on July 29, 2017, in Lowell.

He was born on April 3, 1995, in Newport.

Corporal Miller was an outdoors enthusiast. He loved anything to do with the outdoors — hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, snowmobiling, snowboarding, dirt biking, rock-climbing, four-wheeling, and any extreme sport. He loved the adrenaline rush, and it was all or nothing for him. He also enjoyed working on trucks, whether it was his own or anybody else’s truck. He wasn’t happy unless he was covered in grease or mud.

Corporal Miller had a heart of gold. He would help anyone whether they knew him or not. Any hour of the day you could call him, and he would be right there. He always had a huge grin on his face. He was the rock no matter what the situation was; he would pick up a person’s spirits and reassure them that everything would be okay. He always made people confident that it was going to be okay. He was the role model for all his siblings and cousins; everyone looked up to him, and he would give you the shirt off his back. He loved to share his stories of all his adventures. He was so full of life and lived it to the fullest.

He is survived by his mother, Bobbie Jo Roberts McManus; his father, Arjay Miller; his stepfather, Christopher McManus; his stepmother, Karen Miller; his brother Trevor Miller; his sister Harlee Miller; his stepbrothers Bailey McManus and Austin and Landen Durocher; his maternal grandparents Rene Roberts and the late Connie Roberts; his paternal grandparents Russell and Judy Miller; his aunts and uncles Mike Miller and Ashley Fisk and Lorie and Jimmy Labounty; his step-uncle Lars McManus; by his cousins Alex and Dustin Labounty; his step-grandparents Jude and Ursula Smith; his step-paternal grandparents Richard and Liz Handy; by Effie Brown (who was like a grandmother to him); and by his maternal great-grandmother Dorothy and the late Lawrence Mason.

He was predeceased by his Uncle Gilles.

He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend. He will be missed by everyone who has ever met him. He has touched many lives from Vermont to California.

He entered the Marine Corps on July 29, 2013. He was doing a five-year tour. He loved his brothers in arms. He also had a passion to enter the military and serve his country since he was a little boy. He left this world doing what he loved, with all his close friends.

A celebration of life took place on Sunday, August 6, at the Irasburg Common and Town Hall with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Corporal Miller’s memory to Community National Bank, CPC Nicholas Miller Scholarship Fund, 4811 U.S. Route 5, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com

 

James K. Ready

 James K. Ready, age 85 died on March 5, 2017, in Sun City Center, Florida.

He was born in Albany, New York, a son of the late James C. and Ellen (Kellogg) Ready. As an infant he moved with his parents, who were native Vermonters, to Rutland. He graduated from Christ the King Elementary School and Mount St. Joseph Academy in Rutland, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Following completion of his master’s degree at Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., he served in the U.S. Navy as an associate editor of The Naval Aviation News, stationed at the Pentagon. When the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was organized in Washington in 1958, he was recruited to serve in the Public Information Office and was responsible for overseeing the dissemination of news and publicity for a variety of satellite and missile launches including the TIROS and ECHO weather and communications projects.

Mr. Ready spent the next several years at Aerospace Corp. in El Segundo, California, where he served as director of news and special projects. From 1970 until his retirement in 1993, he headed the Public Information Office at the university of the Virgin Islands headquarters in St. Thomas.

He is survived by his brother Michael J. Ready and his wife, Geraldine; and by close friends Elaine Carbonneau and Ann Killian Torpey.

A graveside service will be held on August 15 at 1 p.m. at the Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

 

Mark P. Stevens

Mark P. Stevens, 56, of Brownington died suddenly on July 31, 2017, at his home. He was born on August 8, 1961, in Westmore to Hiram and Noreen (Clark) Stevens.

Mr. Stevens was a member and trustee of the Westmore Community Church for many years. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and also working with horses and cows.

He is survived by his nephews: Dana Stevens and his wife, Amanda, of Brownington, and William Stevens of Glover; by his grand-nieces: Ava Stevens of Brownington, and Emmy, Lydia, Shane, Cayden, and Cotter Stevens; and by his sister-in-law Lila Stevens of Brownington.

He was predeceased by his parents, Hiram and Noreen Clark, and by his brother Fred Stevens on November 22, 2016.

Funeral services were held on August 6 at the Westmore Community Church with the Reverend Martha Peck officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Westmore Community Church, 27 Hinton Hill Road, Westmore, Vermont 05860, or to the Northeast Kingdom Coon and Cat Club in care of Elisha Smith, 1377 Shadow Lake Road, Concord, Vermont 05824.

Make online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

 

Toni-Jo Wikar

Toni-Jo Wikar, 74, of Derby, died on August 3, 2017, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, after a long illness.

She was born on September 1, 1942, in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, to Gerald and Adelaidi (Blom) Olson.

She received her education at St. Paul Catholic High School in Whittier, California.

Mrs. Wikar is survived by her two sons: John Stewart and his wife, Amy, of Bennington, and Daniel Hall of North Bennington; by her daughter Susan Zagorski and her husband, Rob, of Whittier; her sister Roxanne Veazey and her husband, Tom, of Seaside, Oregon; her two grandchildren: Michael and Marcus Hall of Bennington; and her best friend, and love of her life, her husband, Tony Wikar, of Derby.

She was predeceased by her son Tom Hall in 1982.

She was employed at Mount Anthony High School as a librarian for many years and was very well read.

She loved life, loved her dogs: Pepper, Peanuts, Oscar, and Prince, which she and her husband recently lost.

She loved going to the China Moon in Derby on Saturdays with her “darlin’” husband as a date, loved her day lilies, lilac trees, and their beautiful vegetable garden.

Mrs. Wikar was a longtime member of the Red Hat Society in Newport, along with being an avid collector of cookbooks and cookie jars of all kinds.

Her specialty was her delicious tacos, which everyone loved. She would often have “taco fiestas” with her family accompanied by mariachi music and beautiful sombreros that she collected.

She was a very kind hearted, thoughtful, compassionate, loving woman who cherished her family as well as a group of very kind supportive neighbors. She will be very missed and forever in our hearts.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

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Obituaries August 2, 2017

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Peter R.M. Bell II

Peter “Pete” R.M. Bell II, 73, of East Albany, died peacefully in his home on July 23, 2017.

He was born on February 17, 1944, in Syracuse, New York, to Peter R.M. Bell and June (Rathburn) Bell and spent most of his life in Syracuse and the central New York area before retiring to Vermont with his wife Barbara in May of 2001.

Mr. Bell had a 25-year career in the Onondaga County Department of Correction in Jamesville, New York.

He also served over 39 years in several branches of the U.S. military which included 18 months in Vietnam in 1963 and 1964. He eventually retired from the United States Coast Guard Reserve.

Mr. Bell was a very loving, devoted husband and father who adored his adopted shelter dogs. He also enjoyed reading, RV camping, playing Yahtzee, and the company of his many friends both here in the Northeast Kingdom and back in Syracuse.

For the last 10 years he dedicated himself to the military honors team of the American Legion Post #23 in Orleans.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Warren) Bell; all of her brothers and sisters and their families; his daughter Leanne (Bell) Trembley, and her husband, Louis, of Clarksville, Tennessee; two grandsons: David Trembley, also of Clarksville, and Staff Sergeant Kristopher Trembley, U.S. Army; and by several great-grandchildren.

At Mr. Bell’s request there will be no calling hours or funeral service. There will be a rendering of full military honors on the Irasburg Common at 4 p.m., on Thursday, August 3. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of cards and flowers, those who wish may send a donation to either the American Legion Post #23, P.O. Box 72, Orleans, Vermont 05860, or to Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 4473 Barton Orleans Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

 

Dermot “Paul” Cosgrove

Dermot “Paul” Cosgrove, 69, of Ruskin, Florida, formerly of Burlington, died July 7, 2017, at the Hospice House in Ruskin after a year of declining health. His sister Maude and her husband, Mike, were with him in Florida when he died.

Mr. Cosgrove was born on March 22, 1948, in St. Johnsbury. He was the son of G. Emmett and Charlene (Branon) Cosgrove. He was raised in Woodsville, New Hampshire, and had a strong connection to Willoughby Lake in Westmore where the family had a summer camp.

He was very personable, with a big heart, a keen mind for details, and a fiercely independent spirit. He was proud of his Cosgrove/Branon Irish ancestry and could be charming, witty, and sentimental, as well as being a master of debate. His laughter is remembered by many. Family and loyalty were very important to him, and he was always generous to people around him who were in need.

Mr. Cosgrove attended Belknap College in Center Harbor, New Hampshire, the Radio, Electronics and Television School in Boston, Massachusetts, and the University of Vermont. He had a gift for engineering, building, or repairing almost anything. At the age of ten he began taking apart household appliances to see how they worked, and in high school, completely tore down and reassembled his Honda 350.

He lived in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Westmore, working in building construction and property management before settling in Burlington and starting the Energy Conservation Company in 1980. He performed energy audits, installed insulation, and retrofitted buildings for energy efficiency, and he did general remodeling work for many loyal customers. He was meticulous in his work, and valued practical lessons learned from mentors he cultivated along the way. He acquired a blasting license during his early employment, which led him to producing masterful fireworks displays at Willoughby Lake for several years in the 1970s. He was active in any community he lived in, serving as a lister in Westmore and as a member of the zoning board of adjustment in Burlington.

Over the years, he maintained a wide range of friendships, including his friends in Woodsville and Westmore, his large extended family, his business contacts in Chittenden County, and the many people he knew in Alcoholics Anonymous. He enjoyed 28 years of sobriety and credited the program with saving his life. He thoroughly digested and deliberated the lessons in the “Big Book.”

In 2003 Mr. Cosgrove made his decision to move to a warmer climate and headed for Florida, eventually settling in Ruskin, near Tampa. Although he missed being close to family, he found friends and settled into his new community. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, taking pictures, and fishing. He enjoyed watching history and science documentaries and could recall the details in any conversations on those topics.

Survivors include his son Emmett Brian Cosgrove of Burlington; a sister Maude “Mary” Cosgrove Chater and her husband, Mike Chater, of Montpelier; nephews Ben Chater of Winooski and Brendan Cosgrove of Waterbury; grandnieces Emma, Maggie, and Nora of Waterbury; and numerous Cosgrove and Branon cousins. He was predeceased by his older brother Brian in September of 2016.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

 

Russell Kenneth Marcotte

Russell Kenneth Marcotte, 96, of Derby, died suddenly on July 27, 2017, in Holland.

He was the sixth and last son out of nine children of the late Joseph and Violet Marcotte. His siblings predeceased him: Grant, Edith, Gordon, Stuart, Norman, Delwin (“Hooky”), Evelyn Dilport, and Geri.

He received a thorough education in dairy farming and animal husbandry, as it was practiced in the early twentieth century.

He married Elizabeth “Betty” Nault of Newport a few days after the end of hostilities in World War II. She predeceased him, as did two sons, Neil and Brent.

He is survived by his son, Russell V. Marcotte, and his wife, Rose, of Washington State, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

He operated his dairy farm in Barton for 20 years.

He sold his farm and worked for the Ethan Allen Furniture factory in Orleans through the early 1980s. There, he was proud of his reputation as a production worker recognized for both speed and high quality output.

Retiring, he then designed, fashioned, and sold lawn ornaments from his woodworking factory on the Willoughby Lake Road in Barton. He particularly enjoyed making friends with potential buyers.

Concerned about equipment safety issues, he reluctantly retired from woodworking in his eighties.

In this century, he purchased a small home in Derby. There he maintained a predictable schedule of solitary daily drives of love, never leaving, nor having any desire to travel from, the farms he grew up on and loved his entire life.

Self-taught, he mastered the guitar, accordion, and harmonica, contributing to the gaiety of family gatherings.

A graveside service was conducted by Father Roger Charbonneau on August 1 at the North Cemetery in Barton.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis–britch.com.

 

 

Wilmot “Bill” G. Nelson

Wilmot “Bill” G. Nelson, 102, the oldest resident of Norton, died at the Coos County Nursing Hospital in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire, on July 25, 2017.

He was born October 26, 1914, in Norton to Edward and Helen (Parker) Nelson. He helped out with the family businesses, delivering gas and helping out at the general store. Mr. Nelson was a beloved member of the Norton community. His many friends were his family, and he always supported the schoolchildren when the Norton school was open.

Mr. Nelson most enjoyed watching baseball spring training and even went to Florida once to watch the teams train. He also enjoyed his cats and dogs and was very kind and caring to them all. He was a peaceful and quiet man and a true Christian. He will be missed; he was gentle soul.

Mr. Nelson was a wiz at figures and numbers, and his memory was exceptional. He was interesting to listen to. You could ask him about almost any event and he could tell you everything about it. He had a computer mind as many would say.

He enjoyed his birthdays; having a cake and celebrating with his friends was a big deal. He always had to celebrate his birthday on his birthday, not the day before or the day after. Mr. Nelson had a special birthday in 2014 when friends helped him celebrate his one-hundredth. It was extra special because he was presented with a proclamation from the town of Norton declaring October 26 of every year as Bill Nelson day; it was a special day for a very special man.

Mr. Nelson was a member of the Morgan United Church.

He was in his mid-thirties when his parents died and he continued to live with his sisters. He is survived by his sister Miriam Nelson of Norton. He was predeceased by his sister Ruth Nelson in 2004.

Funeral services were held on July 28 at the Morgan United Church with the Reverend Michael DeSena officiating. Interment followed at the Mt. Forest Cemetery, in Coaticook, Quebec. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Nelson’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Steven Phelps Sanford

In the comfort of his home, Dr. Steven Phelps Sanford, age 64, naturally left this world going on to the next on June 8, 2017. On that day, the animal world unexpectedly lost a valued healer of its community, but Dr. Steve’s legacy lives on within the hearts of his loyal clients, both human and beast alike.

Born in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, on June 20, 1952, and growing up in Baldwinsville, New York, Dr. Sanford’s young life was filled with family gatherings at his grandparents’ farm in Stamford, Vermont, as well as exploring the musical theater life with his maternal grandparents in New York City. Encouraged by parents who embraced life’s opportunities, he excelled throughout his youth and teenage years in both sports and education. His passion for football and lacrosse laid the foundation for future success. He received a scholarship to Princeton and a year later transferred to Cornell University where he graduated in 1979 as a doctor of veterinary medicine.

Given the incredible gift of helping and healing animals, Dr. Steve ventured to the Green Mountains of Vermont to start his career at Sequist Animal Hospital in Morrisville. With big dreams and a shoebox full of index cards, he was drawn to the Northeast Kingdom. Intrigued by both large and small animals, he focused on the bovine community; healthy dairy cows meant success and prosperity to the local farm and milk industry.

In 1991, Dr. Steve established a successful practice with the help of his faithful employees. Derby Pond Animal Hospital and Greensboro Animal Hospital became a part of his legacy. For over 30 years Dr. Sandford dedicated his entire being to his clients in the Northeast Kingdom. Day or night, rain or snow, he came to the rescue. He took great pride in his work and was a dear friend to many, taking exceptional care of their precious family pets.

On his down time he took advantage of what Vermont had to offer, whether he conquered the ski slopes, biked the back roads, or drove his team of Belgians around Caspian Lake. He embraced the community by offering moonlit sleigh rides to Highland Lodge guests and brightened the days of seniors at Greensboro Nursing Home. He recalled memories of looking out over the Hudson as a child and watching the tugboats, which prompted his purchase of a limited edition Lord Nelson Victory tug. He had big dreams of retiring and traveling both land and sea.

Beloved friend, mentor, and college coach Richie Moran played a huge role in Dr. Sanford’s life and inspired him to write and share some of Richie’s “pearls of wisdom”: “Always call your mother on Mother’s Day, and then go to church and the library.” “Big Red is the only gum there is!” “When you are thinking of someone, call them; otherwise they’ll never know.” “Enthusiasm is contagious.” “Never burn a bridge, someday you might want to go back.” “Stay a little bit hungry. It’s great to be the underdog.” “Respect all, be intimidated by none.” “The value of game preparation.” “Sometimes it’s best to turn the other cheek and walk away.” “There’s no such thing as a bad day, it’s just that some are better than others.” “The value of family, friends and education.” And “it’s great to be here,” (which became the title of a book Coach Richie wrote last year).

Those who miss Dr. Sanford dearly and are thankful to have walked this life with him are his mother, Joan Sanford, of Schenectady, New York; his daughter Blythe Sanford of Ithaca, New York; his aunts: Carolyn Bobowiec of Stamford, Susie Gomez of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Mary Jane Mumford of Bradenton, Florida; his cousins: Margaret Moore of Cazenovia, New York, Edward Nassif of Tully, New York, Alicia Stevenson of Malibu, California, Paul Stevenson of Los Angeles, California, Paul Bobowiec of Stamford, and Daniela Gomez of Middleberg, Holland; and his spiritual “swim buddy,” Paula “Peach” Lawrence of East Hardwick.

Dr. Sanford was predeceased by his father, Robert Sanford, of Galway, New York, his precious sister Linda “Lou” Sanford of Taos, New Mexico, who tragically died only two days prior, and his cousin Daniel Bobowiec of Stamford.

Let this bring peace to all the people’s lives that Dr. Steve Sanford truly touched through his expertise in veterinary medicine and the animal world to which he dedicated his life. Even though he’s no longer with us, he’ll never be forgotten.

In 2017, Dr. Steve was diagnosed with frontal temporal dementia disease caused primarily by sports-related and occupational head trauma. His legacy continues through the donation of his brain to aid in further research at Boston University. Donations can be given online to BU CTE Center by visiting: www.bu.edu/cte/financial-support. Checks, payable to BU CTE Center, could also be addressed to: Attention Jason Miller, CTE Center, 72 East Concord Street, Robinson B/7800, Boston, Massachusetts 02118 (please memo the check CTE Neuropathology Fund).

“Life doesn’t get any better than this; it’s just another day in paradise!” — Dr. Steven “Farmer” Sanford.

May his legacy live on forever!

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Obituaries July 26, 2017

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JoAnne Brewer Halikas

JoAnne Brewer Halikas, 86, of Newport died on May 21, 2017, in Newport.

She is survived by her husband, George; her son Stephen; her daughter-in-law Christina; and her grandsons: Jessie and Kody.

Mrs. Halikas was born on June 6, 1930, in Coplay, Pennsylvania. Upon retiring from a career in nursing, she resided in Newport. She loved her life by the lake, often predicting when it would freeze over in winter and when it would thaw in spring. In summer she marveled at the reflection of the full moon dancing on the lake.

She will be missed by many relatives and friends. Upon the request of the deceased, there will be no memorial service.

 

Beverly Basford Bickford Messier

Beverly Basford Bickford Messier, 85, formerly of Orleans, died on July 20, 2017 in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

She was born on May 4, 1932, in Sheffield, the eldest daughter of Edson and Ethel (Paul) Basford.

She loved knitting, crafting, sewing and making crosses for Trinity Cross Stitchers. She missed being able to attend church, but was very happy to see Pastor Larry Gritton when he paid visits to his homebound parishoners.

She is survived by four children: Evelyn Johnson and her husband, Mike, of West Palm Beach, Florida, Gary Bickford of Paris, Tennessee, Tina Tolhurst and her husband, Mark, of Lake Worth, Florida, and Marcia Steele and her friend, Jim Strong, of Lantana, Florida; and one granddaughter Brianna Ostrom. She is also survived by three sisters: Phoebe Noyes of Union House in Glover, Gloria White of Greensboro Bend, and Lorraine Gillfillan of Nashua, New Hampshire.

She was predeceased by her first husband Glendon Bickford. She was also predeceased by three brothers: Charlie, Brian, and Bernard; and three sisters: Barbara, Myrna, and Beatrice.

 

Kynslee Janet Marie Peters

Kynslee Janet Marie Peters of Albany died suddenly at home on July 18, 2017.

Kynslee was born on May 1, 2017, to her loving parents D.J. Peters and Tasha Lemieux. She was well loved by her many family members and friends during her short life.

She is survived by her parents D.J. Peters and Tasha Lemieux of Albany; her paternal grandparents Donald Peters Sr. and Joan (Lantagne) Peters of Albany; her maternal grandparents: Lori Lemieux and Bill Schneider of Irasburg, and Seth Demo and Tina Phelps of Hyde Park; her paternal great-grandparents William “Bill” Peters and Marion Dudley of North Hyde Park; her maternal great-grandparents: Steve Lemieux and Missy Parker of Bolton, and Seth Demo Jr. and Nancy Demo of North Hyde Park; and her great-great-grandfather Ken Lemieux of Stowe. She is also survived by her paternal aunts and uncles: Jeanne Peters of Albany, Jesse and Jen Peters of Albany, and Dominique Peters of Albany; her maternal aunts: Taylor Schneider of Irasburg, Ashley Schneider of Elmore, and Kiara Fortin of Coventry. Her special aunt and uncle Hope and Donnie Richards of Irasburg also survive her. She also has many cousins and other extended family who miss her very much.

She was predeceased by her paternal great-grandparents: Jeanne R. Peters of Albany, and Joe and Elin Lantagne of West Charleston; her maternal great-grandparents: Janet Lemieux of Irasburg, Robert Schneider of Derby, and Sylvia Schneider of Derby; and her uncle Lou Jensen of Irasburg.

Kynslee, your family loves you and misses you very much.

Kynslee became a hero and lives on in another baby as a heart valve donor.

Also, she touched so many hearts, loved so many, and missed so much, words can’t say enough. Her loved ones will remember baby Kynslee forever; an angel in their hearts always.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 29, at 11 a.m., at the Albany Church, with the Reverend Nathan Strong officiating. Interment will follow in Albany Village Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home located at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport on Friday, July 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Should friends desire, contributions in Kynslee’s name may be made to the family in care of Natasha Lemieux, P.O. Box 159, Albany, Vermont 05820.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

 

Mary Kealey Seguin

Mary Kealey Seguin, 79, of Carson City, Nevada, and formerly of Newport, died in Carson City on July 6, 2017.

A 37-year resident of Carson City, Ms. Seguin was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on February 4, 1938. She was the last surviving daughter of Dr. Daniel S. and Mrs. Mildred Kealey. She attended school in Newport and after graduating from Newport High School she furthered her education at Dartmouth College. She then started her career with New England Bell Telephone Company and later transferred to Nevada Bell in Reno, Nevada. She retired as a district manager.

Mrs. Seguin volunteered for numerous programs and for community services in need. She was a former president of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce. She was also the former co-executive director for the Miss Nevada Scholarship Pageant and later became a court appointed special advocate (CASA) for children.

She is survived by her loving son Rick Seguin and his wife, Julie; her grandchildren: Joseph Crawford and his wife, Susan, Rick Crawford and his wife, Nicole, Mary Meyers and her husband, Gavin, Cade Seguin, and Kealey Seguin; and by great-grandchildren Brian, Christopher, Andrew, Kealey, Annabelle, Shawnnessy, Bailey, and Zoey; and son-in-law Daryl Crawford. She is also survived by brothers-in-law David Buteau and Henry Postert.

She was predeceased by her husband Eugene J. Seguin Jr.; her father Dr. Daniel Kealey; her mother and stepfather Mildred and Ed Arel; her sisters: Jane Postert and Patricia Buteau; and her darling daughter Jane M. Crawford.

A Rosary was recited on July 12, at Walton’s Funeral Home in Carson City. A Mass was celebrated at St Teresa’s of Avila Church in Carson City on July 13.

A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m., on Thursday, July 27, at St Mary’s Cemetery in Newport, with a reception following at The East Side restaurant.

Donations can be sent to a local CASA program in Mrs. Seguin’s name.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

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Obituaries July 19, 2017

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Rose M. Allard

Rose M. Allard, 78, of Newport, died in Punta Gorda, Florida, on January 29, 2017.

Mrs. Allard was the daughter of Gerard and Aldea Chouinard. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School and Chandler School for Women in Boston, Massachusetts.

She was married to John “Jack” Allard for 57 years, and throughout his military career they traveled and lived in numerous places, finally making a permanent home in Oakridge, Tennessee, where they lived for many years.

Mrs. Allard was very much a social person who loved meeting and talking with new people. She was a knowledgeable bridge player and played several card games. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Jack; her daughter Julie Allard; her sisters: Geraldine Galipeau and Monica Chouinard; several nieces and nephews; and a special niece, Jessica Trevits, and nephew, Jonathan Davis.

She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Jane Davis.

A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 29, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, with Father Roger Charbonneau officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport. A luncheon will follow at 1 p.m., at the East Side Restaurant in Newport.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

 

Ruth Houston Jones Curtiss

Ruth Houston Jones Curtiss, 79, of Craftsbury, formerly of Albany, died gently in her sleep on July 11, 2017, at the Craftsbury Community Care Center.

She was born March 19, 1938, in Greensboro, the daughter of Joseph Houston and Beatrice (Corrow) Houston. She graduated from Craftsbury Academy in 1956 and from Johnson State College in 1960 with a degree in elementary education.

She married her first husband, Edward Jones, in 1959. They ran the Houston farm in Craftsbury. When Mr. Jones died in 1982, her three sons helped her continue to run the farm.

She married Ron Curtiss in 1984 and moved to Albany where they lived until moving to the Craftsbury Community Care Center in 2015.

“Ruthie” or “Grammy” was well known and loved by so many. She grew up on the Houston family farm in Craftsbury where she raised her three boys, all while working hard to plant and preserve the garden, raise chickens and run a state approved in-home kindergarten, which she did from 1972 to 1978.

She shared her lifelong love of farming, cooking, preserving, sewing, and animals, including all wildlife, with her friends and family. Her stories of her early days include how her love of horses began at a young age when she would lead the horse that ran the hayfork that lifted hay from the wagon, into the hay barn.

In addition, she spoke of adventures of riding off on daylong pony rides with her friend Jerry Denton. Her stories also included her fishing outings, which she loved to do.

Mrs. Curtiss was a member of the United Church of Craftsbury and the Horse and Buggy Club.

She leaves her husband, Ron Curtiss; three sons: James Jones and his wife, Annette, of Craftsbury, Tony Jones and former wife, Rebecca Tatel, of Craftsbury, and Andy Jones and his wife, Penny, of Elmore; six grandchildren: Nicole, Logan, Emily, Alysha, Kaitlyn, and Olivia; and two great-grandchildren: Adrienne and Lincoln. She also leaves two sisters: Shirley Benway of Hyde Park and Thelma Bloom and her husband, Richard, of East Brookfield, Massachusetts.

She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Edward Jones; and her best friend Janet Nelson.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the United Church of Craftsbury, 7 Church Lane, Craftsbury Common.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Craftsbury Community Care Center, 1784 East Craftsbury Road, Craftsbury, Vermont 05826, or the United Church of Craftsbury, P.O. Box 46, Craftsbury Common, Vermont 05827, or to a humane society of the donor’s choice.

Her smile, laugh, and love will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

 

Clemma Carolyn Davis Gebbie

Clemma Carolyn Davis Gebbie, 92, of Glover and Mansfield, Connecticut, died peacefully on July 13, 2017, in her beloved Shadow Lake home.

She was born on August 12, 1924, in Craftsbury, the daughter of Ellry and Mary Davis. She attended high school at Craftsbury Academy graduating in 1943. While at the academy she met her beloved Durward Gebbie. She enjoyed telling stories of her memories of Mr. Gebbie who would ski down the steep slopes of Ketchum Hill Road to visit her while they were dating in high school.

Mrs. Gebbie completed the nursing program at Barre City Hospital in Barre. She and Mr. Gebbie were married June 30, 1946, after he returned home from serving three years in North Africa with the Army Air Force.

They moved to Mansfield where Mrs. Gebbie worked as a registered nurse at Windham Memorial Hospital in Willimantic, Connecticut. She then worked at the Mansfield Training School, where she later retired after 25 years of service.

Mr. and Mrs. Gebbie worked full-time jobs, and sometimes multiple jobs, to make ends meet with a growing family. They enjoyed raising their children together, and instilled the value of hard work and the importance of family, which has stayed with them all to this day. She supported their children and provided endless rides to sporting events, concerts, and social functions, including taking time to be a Girl Scout leader in the late 1950s.

Mr. and Mrs. Gebbie moved back to Vermont in 1971 to purchase Lyndonville Hardware in Lyndonville. In 1975, they purchased St. Jay Hardware in St. Johnsbury.

Upon retirement, they became snowbirds and enjoyed Port St. Lucie, Florida, for the winters and Shadow Lake in the summers. She continued to stay busy and helped at the family hardware stores for many years.

She could never resist her favorite chocolates and always had a plate of homemade sweet treats for her many visitors. She enjoyed knitting special gifts for loved ones and had fun teaching her grandchildren to fish.

Survivors include her seven children: Darwin Gebbie and his wife, Priscilla, of Lebanon,

Connecticut, Donna Clauson and her husband, Jack, of Mansfield, John Gebbie of Waterford, Bradley Gebbie and his wife, Debbie, of Glover, Brenda Gebbie of Coventry, Connecticut, Carol Shepherd and her husband, Ron, of Grantham, New Hampshire, and Linda Johnson and her husband, Chris, of Palm City, Florida. She was loved by her 18 grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; friends Lillian Connolly and Gwen Maynard of the Northeast Kingdom, and Ron and Norma Gingras from Mansfield.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Durward; her sisters Gracie and Evelyn; and her grandson Gregory Gebbie.

Graveside services will be held at the East Craftsbury Cemetery on Whetstone Brook Road, on Saturday, July 22, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glover Public Library at 51 Bean Hill Road, Glover, Vermont 05839, to the Mansfield Public Library at 54 Warrenville Road, Mansfield Center, Connecticut 06250, or to the Interfaith Sewing and Service Group, c/o Barbara Leary, 48 Doubleday Road, Columbia, Connecticut 06237.

To offer condolences go online at www.pearsonsfh.com.

 

Jay Walter Mead Jr.

Jay Walter Mead Jr., 84, of North Troy, died peacefully on June 5, 2017, at his home with his family by his side.

He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to Elizabeth Gibson (Clarke) Mead and Jay Walter Mead Sr. He grew up in Amherst and Orange, Massachusetts, until his junior year in high school when his parents moved to Cape Cod. He graduated as valedictorian from Orleans High School on Cape Cod in 1950.

In 1951, Mr. Mead went to work for Nickerson Lumber Company. He began stocking shelves and sweeping floors at the Wellfleet and Orleans stores. He eventually rose to become vice president of purchasing and sales, and worked there for 39 years until his retirement in 1990.

He and his brother David and friends would spend the summers waterskiing on Orleans Town Cove, Cape Cod Bay, and Great Pond in Eastham, Massachusetts, where in 1957 he met his future wife Camilla Due, who was vacationing from Fairmont, Minnesota. They were married May 3, 1959, and made their home in Eastham, on Beach Plum Lane, and in 1972 on Great Pond. In 1986, they bought the farm in North Troy, and ran a bed and breakfast out of their home on East Hill until 2007. They enjoyed transporting many Long Trail hikers over the years. In recent years he took up gardening and found that he really enjoyed getting out and making things bloom. His rhododendrons and azaleas are a sight to behold, and will continue his light for many years to come.

Mr. Mead and his family spent vacations and holidays at the family camp in Rangeley, Maine, where they enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing, putting up wood for the winter, and puttering. The camp remains a special place with memories of dad.

He was a diehard Red Sox fan, classic car aficionado, and Lionel train enthusiast, with much time spent with his sons and grandson running the trains. He had a natural knowledge of photography and had his own photo shop for a time. His pleasure was that his daughter Robin followed in his footsteps in her photography career. Mr. Mead was a great listener, whether visiting with a friend or enjoying the instruments played by his children.

A problem solver, and as prepared and organized as they come, he had an uncanny ability to figure out almost any project — he had many of them — and passed this intelligence onto his children and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by Camilla, his wife of 58 years; and their children: Robin Leavitt and her husband, Jonathan, of Casco, Maine, Dorian and his wife, Tonya, of Sterling, Virginia, Courtney of North Troy, and Pollyanna of Mechanic Falls, Maine; four grandchildren: Sierra, Jeremy, and Neva Leavitt of Maine, and John C. Mead of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother David.

The children hosted “Remembering the Life of Jay Mead — Our Dad,” on July 9, at Rose Apple Acres Farm with many friends and relations in attendance from Cape Cod and Maine, as well as local friends.

The family asks people to please consider a donation in Mr. Mead’s name to Orleans Essex VNA and Hospice Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. Mr. Mead donated his body to UVM Anatomical gift program at the College of Medicine in Burlington.

 

Marie Lucienne Spencer

Marie “Lucy” Lucienne Spencer, 88, of Coventry, died peacefully surrounded by her family on July 11, 2017, in Newport.

She was born on May 18, 1929, in Claremont, New Hampshire, to Telesfore and Beatrice (Gagne) Sylvester. On November 20, 1965, she married Kirk Spencer, who survives her.

She worked at the former Frank’s Steakhouse in Newport, and at JCPenney in Middletown, Connecticut, as a buyer. She also worked at the Wonder store in Burlington. She owned and operated, along with her husband Kirk Spencer, Used Auto Parts in Coventry and Hebron, Connecticut.

She loved and adored her niece Barbara and her husband, Rick, and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Kirk Spencer, of Coventry; by her niece Barbara DeVost and her husband, Rick, of Coventry; by her grandchildren: Jessica Guyette and her husband, Jeff, of Coventry, Victor L. Carter II and his girlfriend, Carrie Lucas, of Coventry, Faith Therrien Carter of West Burke, and Albert Farley and his wife, Tamera, of North Troy; by her great-grandchildren: Emilee Guyette, Bailee Guyette, Amanda Johnson, Rusty Perry, and Skiler and Whyatt Farley; by four great-great-grandchildren; and by her siblings: Cecile Vinci of Portland, Connecticut, Pauline Sylvester of Arizona, and Ora Crawford of Maine; by a special family: Bill Farley’s family of North Troy; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She loved her pets: Angel, Princess, Frosty, Miles, Heidi, Ginger, Mercedes, and Lilly.

She was predeceased by her son Victor L. Carter; and by her siblings: Peter Sylvester, Joseph “Paul” Sylvester, Telesfore Sylvester, Anita Sylvester, and Juliet Sylvester.

A graveside service was held on July 15 at the Coventry Cemetery. 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 Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

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Obituaries July 5, 2017

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Carroll George Belanger

Carroll George Belanger, 89, of Lake City, Florida, and formerly of Orleans, died on November 20, 2016, at Haven Hospice of Lake City.

Mr. Belanger was born in Franklin on December 30, 1926. He joined the Army in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater after graduating from high school. After returning from the Pacific Theater, he became owner of the Parkview Garage in Orleans. He moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida, in 1963 and was employed by Sears and Roebuck for 19 years. Upon retirement, he moved to High Springs, Florida, and later to Lake City where he resided for over 20 years.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Thelma Maryland Belanger, and his second wife, Gemma Ann Faust, of Orleans; by his parents, George and Vivian Belanger, of Enosburg Falls; and his sister Betty Carpenter, also of Enosburg Falls.

He is survived by his two sons: Larry Kent Belanger Sr. and his wife, Dawn Marie Belanger, of Lake City, and Randall Carroll Belanger and his wife, Elizabeth Belanger, of Hernando, Mississippi; by eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Services were held at St. Theresa’s Cemetery in Barton on July 5. Services will also be held at The National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, July 26.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people please make a donation to a local Alzheimers Foundation.

 

Paul Henry

Paul Henry, 91, formerly of Barton and Orleans, died on February 16, 2017 in St. Cloud, Florida.

He was born on July 11, 1925, in North Fayston, the elder son of Harold and Mabel (Corliss) Henry.

He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater, later retiring as a major in the Vermont National Guard.

He married Pauline E. (Mobus) Henry on March 24, 1946, who predeceased him in 2015.

He earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Vermont, and did post-graduate work at Boston College. He was a lifetime educator and retired as superintendent of schools in Orleans in 1986.

He is survived by his brother Robert Henry of Polk City, Florida; and by his children: Richard Henry and his wife, Shonee, of San Diego, California, Tom Henry and his wife, Lynn Hornbein, of Eagle River, Arkansas, Dan Henry and his wife, Jackie, of Richford, Mary Guertin and her husband, Dale, of Richford, Elizabeth Hunt of Lancaster, New Hampshire, and her husband, Robert Hunt, of West Glover, and Peter Henry and his wife, Kathy, of York, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one grandson.

A graveside service will take place at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Orleans on Tuesday, July 11, at 2 p.m.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com

 

Hectorine C. Osborne

Hectorine C. “Heckie” Osborne, 83, formerly of Derby, died on June 28, 2017, in Burlington.

She was born on July 10, 1933, to Joseph and Rose (Chaloux) Greenwood. On September 8, 1976, she married Walter Osborne who predeceased her on January 16, 2009.

Mrs. Osborne was activities director for the Derby Green Nursing Home where she worked for ten years. She enjoyed crocheting and reading.

She is survived by her children: Jean Paul Fournier and his wife, Debbie, of Derby, Maurice Fournier of Tucson, Arizona, Ann Marie Firky and her husband, Ron, of Bolton; and by her stepson David Osborne and his wife, Karen, of New Jersey. She is also survived by her grandson Joe Fournier and his wife, Callie; and by two great-grandchildren: Mason and Ivan Fournier; by her sister Jane Greenwood; and her daughter-in-law Joan Fournier.

She was predeceased by her sister Edna at the age of eight years.

A Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport on June 30. Interment followed at Derby Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Sandra Poutre

Sandra Poutre, 68, of Newport Center, died on June 26, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, after battling cancer.

She was born on April 26, 1949, in Newport, the daughter of Norine Bishop Royer of Coventry, who survives her, and the late Burton Royer.

On May 25, 1967, she married Phillip M. Poutre, who survives her. They just celebrated their fiftieth anniversary this past May. For the most part their home was in Irasburg and Newport Center. They had one son Phillip Poutre Jr., of Barton, who survives her. She also leaves two grandsons: Jordan Poutre and his partner, Shelby Blake, of Irasburg, and Dylan Poutre of Barton.

Her son and grandsons were her life. Their happiness was very important to her. She fully supported her son in his life adventures and her grandsons in all their sports, academics, and hunting. It didn’t matter, she was always there. A new joy due to arrive in her life was her great-granddaughter, expected at the end of July. She was so excited and happy she was having a great-granddaughter after having the boys — a great-granddaughter she never had the opportunity to meet.

Mrs. Poutre was always dedicated to whatever she was involved in: whether it was being on the farm, as a nurse’s aide, teaching catechism, cooking at a diner, or working at Royer’s Service and Mini Mart. She was a hard worker and she cared deeply for what she did. She was a person the community loved and cherished.

Surviving siblings are: Kenneth Royer and his wife, Claire, of North Carolina, sister-in-law Heidi Beaton Royer of Hyde Park, Bev Hall and her husband, Kenneth, of Irasburg, Theresa Perrault and her husband, Bruno, of Newport Center, and Maryanne Royer and her partner, Roy Berry, of Coventry. She is also survived by in-laws Freddy Poutre and his wife, Patty, of Irasburg, Donald Poutre and his wife, Paulette, of Irasburg, Evelyn Guillette and her husband, Gary, of Irasburg, Dennis Poutre and his wife, Carol, of Irasburg, and Andre Poutre and his wife, Gail of Irasburg. She was also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved her deeply. She will be missed by special friends and employers Billy and Kathy Holbrook.

She was predeceased by her father Burton Royer; her brothers: Jared Whitcomb, Lawrence Royer, and James Royer; her mother-in-law Lucille Poutre; her father-in-law Maurice Poutre; and her brother-in-law Henry Poutre.

As per Mrs. Poutre’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or memorial service. She wished to be cremated and have her ashes dispersed over a place with a beautiful view, flying free. If she had one thought to others, it would be for everyone to move on in life, and cherish the ones they love. No one ever knows when their time is up.

Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Joanne M. Rathke

Joanne M. Rathke, 73, died on June 25, 2017, in Newport, in the presence of her closest family.

She was born on August 8, 1943, in New Britain, Connecticut, to Edmund and Johanna (Uitz) Rathke. She moved to Newport in 2008 to live near her family and was employed as a phone operator for RDI call center. She loved living in Vermont, and until her last conscious moments, she displayed thoughtfulness for others, gratitude for her life, and joy in the natural beauty around her.

She enjoyed craftwork, especially knitting and other fiber arts, and baking. She was known for baking delicious creations not only for family and friends but also for her car mechanic, her doctors, her handyman, and even strangers. Mrs. Rathke also had a very fine voice and loved to sing.

She is survived by her nieces: Tracey Durgan and her husband, Nick Vittum, of Montgomery, and Leslie Durgan of Loganville, Georgia. She is also survived by her great-niece Elizabeth Finnefrock; and her great-nephews: John Finnefrock, and Jason and Christopher Durgan of Georgia. She was also very fond of her work family at RDI.

She was predeceased by her sister Judith Rathke in 1976; and by her brother Edmund Rathke Jr. in 1999.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 3, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport. Interment followed at Montgomery Village Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495. Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Maynard Eugene Rivers

Maynard Eugene Rivers, 67, of Island Pond, died at North Country Hospital on June 17, 2017.

He was born on April 2, 1950, in Newport, a son of Edward and Ethel Rivers.

On September 5, 1970, he married Pamela Rivers, who survives him. He graduated from North Country Union High School in June 1970. He worked for the Canadian National Railroad and the Saint Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad. He retired with a disability in 2003.

He was predeceased by his parents; by two brothers: Bruce and Steve Rivers; and his niece Tracy Glasson.

He is survived by is wife of 46 years; his children: Todd Rivers and his future wife, Debbie, and Tammi Hedges and her husband, Brett; his sister Lorraine Glasson; and his brothers: Gary Rivers and his wife, Cheryl, and Robert Rivers and his wife, Rita. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Nicholas, Amanda, Diana, Danielle, Terry, Nathan, and Kelly; by his grandchildren: Courtney, Cameron, Zachariah, Garett, Madison, Alexis, and Brooklyn; his step-grandchildren: Jasmine and her husband, Jadyn, and Kolton; and by his great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Axel, Tallie, Dononinic, and the apple of his eye, Gracie.

A graveside memorial service will be held at the Island Pond Cemetery on Saturday, July 8, at 1 p.m.

 

Raymond C. St. Onge

Raymond C. St. Onge, 71 of Lowell, died on June 26, 2017, in Glover.

He was born on November 16, 1945 in Colchester, to Eli and Collette (Viens) St. Onge. On December 15, 1990, he married Verniece McElroy who survives him.

Mr. St. Onge was a forklift operator for Ethan Allen Manufacturing for many years. He was a member and former fire chief for the Lowell Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and cooking outdoors.

He is survived by his wife Verniece St. Onge of Derby; by his children: Nicole St. Onge and her boyfriend, Richard Lepage Jr., of Barton, Cassandra St. Onge and her boyfriend, Dennis Fournier Jr., of Derby Line; and by his step-daughter Ericka Gauvin and her husband, Ronney, of Derby Line; by his grandchildren: Sayg St. Onge, and Jesse, Alec, and Courtney Gauvin. He is also survived by his siblings: Donald St. Onge of North Troy, and Yvette Davignon and her husband, Larry, of Barton; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, July 8, at the Mountain View Cemetery in Lowell with the Reverend David DiZazzo officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Lowell Fire Department, 2534 Route 100, Lowell, Vermont 05847. Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Francis Hale Whitcomb

Francis “Whit” Hale Whitcomb, 94, of South Albany, died on June 21, 2017.

Son, brother, student, friend, soldier, educator, husband, father, uncle, politician, farmer, grandfather, great-grandfather, Mr. Whitcomb, otherwise known as “Whit” to family and friends, took his last peaceful breath surrounded by his beloved wife and children on the summer solstice at home on the family farm.

Born on March 4, 1923, in New York City to James and Josephine Whitcomb, he attended Hoosac School and Bard College earning a bachelor’s degree in education. In his lifelong pursuit of education, he went on to collect a master’s degree in education from The Putney Graduate School, and a master’s degree in conservation from the University of Michigan.

In between his education pursuits, he served his country in World War II. Stationed overseas with the Army Air Corps, later known as the Air Force, Mr. Whitcomb worked as an air traffic controller and assisted in construction of temporary airport infrastructure.

After the war, Mr. Whitcomb accepted a teaching position at the Hickory Ridge School in Putney. He taught there until it burned to the ground in the early 1950s. He then resumed his education and after earning his master’s degree, he accepted a teaching position at the North Country School in Lake Placid. It was there that he met his partner in life, Patricia Jane Hale. On December 19, 1953, they married. They celebrated 63 years of marriage this past December. In 1962, the Whitcombs moved to New Canaan, Connecticut, to teach history and English at the New Canaan Country Day School.

They returned to Putney in 1966, now with three little ones in tow: Marian, Jennifer and David.   It was at The Grammar School in Putney where Mr. Whitcomb not only continued to shape young minds in the classroom, but stepped forward to take on the role of headmaster of this progressive private elementary school until 1973.

It was the fall of that year that started Mr. Whitcomb’s hiatus from teaching. The family moved to South Albany to set up a small family farm. It was on this small homestead that a lifelong goal of owning a maple sugaring operation was realized. Armed with his University of Michigan’s master’s thesis topic on maple sugaring, and practical experience from operating and teaching this 300-year-old New England tradition during his days in Lake Placid, he embarked on cultivating the sugarwoods that were so abundant on that 350 acre haven they now called home. These “sugarwoods” reignited a passion for the industry’s history and provided a sugaring community that he immersed himself in.   He and his character-filled sugarhouse aged together, and he embraced this life on their family farm: hand tapping and hanging buckets on his majestic maples, gathering sap through knee deep snow, and boiling till dawn to make his “liquid gold.” The warmer months were dedicated to prepping for the next sugaring season, haying the fields for the various livestock that they had accumulated, and reaping the benefits of Mrs. Whitcomb’s glorious vegetable gardens.

In 1981, he returned to the classroom, accepting a position at Lake Region Union High School. It was perhaps his truest calling, his purest gift, developing and impacting young minds for the future. A 45-year educator of history, geography and English, he remained at Lake Region until his retirement in 1988.

Mr. Whitcomb was also a passionate world traveler, experiencing the lands of Ireland, England, Italy, Switzerland, France, India, Morocco, Egypt, and the entire United States. He was in his ninety-first year when the Grand Canyon spoke to him. Taking a side trip from visiting his sister in New Mexico, he was in awe of its vastness, as we now are in awe of his life.

He was immensely proud of his three children and their families. He was proud of who they are and the lives they were living. He also had the unique honor of being a very present force in his many grandchildren’s lives. He leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, Patricia; as well as their children: Marian Guihan, along with her husband, Peter, and their two sons, Benjamin and Samuel, Jennifer Elliott and her husband, Clarke, and David Whitcomb and his wife, Kim, and their children: Christopher, Alex, Annalise, Kimberly, Taylor, and Grace. In 2002 he had the honor of becoming a great-grandfather to Christopher’s son Jayden.   Mr. Whitcomb also leaves nine nieces and nephews that treasured his presence in their lives.

Mr. Whitcomb was a very active member of his community. He ran for state representative for Orleans County at least eight times on the democratic ticket, each time edging closer to holding that coveted seat.

He was a member of the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church, was chairman of the board of listers for the town of Albany, as well as town moderator. He was a justice of the peace, uniting many local couples in marriage who he remained in touch with. He was a member of the Orleans County Farm Bureau and past president of the Orleans County Maple Producers Association and a former director of the Orleans County Maple Sugar Makers Association.

Mr. Whitcomb’s passing has left a true void in his families’ lives as well as the many communities that he had resided and committed to throughout his life. He was an eternal optimist, a searcher of truth, and of tolerance. He had a never-ending curiosity and compassion for the lives around him, a thirst for knowledge, and was most joyous when he was in the presence of his family.

He was predeceased by his parents James and Josephine Whitcomb; an older brother David Whitcomb and his wife, Beatrice; and a younger sister Priscilla Ford and her husband, Benjamin.

In the days preceding his death, he was blessed with a constant community presence, his family at his side, and a nightly bourbon cocktail, or two.

A celebration of Mr. Whitcomb’s life will be held at the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church on Sunday, July 16, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow. All are welcome to attend and share memories as he touched so many lives. There was nothing he loved more than a good party.

In lieu of flowers, people are asked to consider making a contribution to either the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church or the Orleans County Maple Sugar Association.

The family also invites the public to share their memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.

 

Arden Ira Maurice Wright

Arden Ira Maurice Wright, 76, formerly of Bolton, Massachusetts, died on January 28, 2017, in Richmond, Virginia.

He was born on July 4, 1940, in Newport, to the late Maurice and Lillian (LaBounty) Wright.

He enlisted in the United States Army on December 11, 1958, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He served for four years and was honorably discharged on March 2, 1962.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Janice M. Wright, of Marlborough, Massachusetts; and also by his son Steven A. Wright and his wife, Patricia (Smith) Wright, of Chester, Virginia.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 10, at 11 a.m., at the Newport Center Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with full military honors presented by the Vermont Army National Guard and the American Legion.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

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Obituaries June 28, 2017

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Peter Fagan

Peter Fagan, 85, of Beebe Plain, died on June 23, 2017, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

He was born on January 18, 1932, in Brighton, Massachusetts, to the late Joseph P. Fagan and Rose (Loughman) Fagan.

Mr. Fagan served in the United States Coast Guard from 1949 to 1952 stationed in Cape May, New Jersey, Boston, Massachusetts, and Greenland. In 1952 he enlisted in the United States Air Force, completing basic training at Sampson Air Force Base in New York and later was stationed in California; Mississippi; New Mexico; Truro, Massachusetts; Thule, Greenland; and finally at Otis Air Force Base, in Massachusetts, where he served  until his retirement in 1969.

On September 21, 1956, he married Corwyn Lorimer. They were happily married for nearly 61 years.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Mr. Fagan worked as a security guard at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and at Cardinal Cushing Hospital in Brockton, Massachusetts. In 1973, Mr. Fagan moved with his family to Beebe Plain, and worked for five years at Sacred Heart High School in Newport. In 1979, he began working at North Country Union High School as a custodial manager until his retirement in 2004.

Mr. Fagan was a member of the Civil War Round Table, Gold Wing Road Riders Club, and a member of the Derby Community Church for the past 40 years, as well as a board member of the Derby Historical Society.

He was very interested in his genealogy and visited Ireland with his brother John twice, researching his family tree.

Mr. Fagan bought his first kayak in Old Town, Maine, and participated in his first whitewater race in 1978, winning a trophy as the oldest competitor when he was 46. He owned his first motorcycle in 1955 and owned many more throughout his life. His drove his motorcycle for the last time in 2016 at the age of 84.

He was an avid sports fan. He loved the New England Patriots, the Boston Bruins, and especially the Boston Red Sox. He also loved bird watching, gardening, history, astrology, news, fishing, hunting, bowling, cooking for his family, and the men’s breakfast every Wednesday morning at the Derby Community Church. He was an avid reader of science and historic events. He was a wonderful dancer, and he and his wife were the first and last couple on the dance floor at every wedding and event with music.

He was known to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Papa. The love he had for his grandchildren will live deeply inside each one of them. He told many amazing stories of his life, and his adventures with his family and everyone he met. His stories will always be cherished. He was such a loving and selfless man, always willing to help others. He taught many life lessons from how to paddle a canoe to the importance of history. Family was always the most important thing in his life and during his last goodbyes to family members he shared how proud he was of them all.

Mr. Fagan was an inspiration to all his family. He taught them all to be lifelong learners, to admire nature, to help others in need, to enjoy travel, savor great food, and to always have a strong work ethic.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Corwyn Fagan; his canine companion, Buster; his daughters: Laurie Locke and her husband, Jeff, of East Albany, Mona Rapini and her husband, Mark, of Bellows Falls, and Melanie Farrow and her husband Mike, of Holland. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Christopher Rapini, Amanda Sargent, Nicholas Rapini, Shannon Hamblett, Iris Locke, Benjamin Farrow, Tristan Farrow; six great-grandchildren; as well as brother Paul Fagan and his wife, Lou; his brother-in-law Collyn Lorimer and his wife, Josie; his sister-in-law Leah Kittredge; and brother-in-law Bruce Lorimer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his great grandson Cole Rapini; brothers: Thomas Fagan and his wife, Barbara, John Fagan and his wife, Marguerite, Francis Fagan and his wife, Doris, Joseph Fagan, and Lawrence Fagan; and his sister Mary Cavicchi. He was also predeceased by his in-laws: Stella McCormick, Audrey Webb and her husband, Henry, Rodney Lorimer and his wife, Joanne, and Wendell Lorimer and his wife, Betty.

Friends may call on Friday, June 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, July 1, at the Derby Community Church in Derby. Interment will follow at the Derby Center Cemetery on Nelson Hill Road in Derby.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Derby Historical Society, in care of Alan Yale, 913 Bridge Street, Derby, Vermont 05829; or to the Derby Community Church, in care of Michael Haddad, 3064 U.S. Route 5, Derby, Vermont 05829.

Online condolences can be shared at Curtis-britch.com.

 

Sidney Ames Huguenin Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel Sidney Ames Huguenin, Jr., 90, of Brownington, died June 10, 2017, at North Country Hospital in Newport.

Mr. Huguenin was born on April 23, 1927, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Sidney Ames Huguenin and Harriet Theodora Wanzer Huguenin. As the son of a Naval officer, he moved frequently and attended schools in Wilmette, Illinois, New Trier, Illinois, Chappaqua, New York, and Santa Cruz, California. In 1945, he graduated from high school and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. When World War II soon ended, he was mustered out and attended the University of California at Berkeley, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1949.

When the conflict in Korea began, he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952. He fought in Korea as a tank platoon commander, receiving the Navy Commendation Medal with V device for valor. He spent the next 20 years as a career Marine officer serving in various capacities around the world. The last few years of his career were spent at the Pentagon and Headquarters Marine Corps.

He retired in 1971 and moved his family to Brownington, where he and his wife, Joan, became active in the community, serving on the local school board and the Old Stone House board. He also enjoyed skiing regularly at Jay Peak, as well as going to Tuckerman’s Ravine several times in the spring, walking up with skis on his back and skiing down treacherous terrain. Mr. Huguenin was an avid reader and outdoorsman.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan Doherty Huguenin; his daughter Bridget Theodora Huguenin of St. Albans; and, from his previous marriage to Katherine Kohler Huguenin, by his son Sidney A. Huguenin III and his wife, Mary Jo Huguenin, of Hagerstown, Maryland, his daughter Anne Wright Huguenin and her husband, Chuck Horne, of Atlanta, Georgia; his grandsons Sidney A. Huguenin IV and his wife, Lauren Wright Huguenin, of Hagerstown, Brian W. Huguenin and his fiancée, Vicki Donnick, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Nick Horne and his wife, Melissa Horne, of Atlanta; and great-grandson Charles Theodore Huguenin of Hagerstown.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters: Sarah Jean Huguenin, Virginia H. Carson, and Harriet H. MacDonald, and his son James Philip Bennett Huguenin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Old Stone House Museum, 109 Old Stone House Road, Brownington, Vermont 05860. He did not wish to have a formal funeral, and the family will gather from around the country at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Linda Colleen Norris

Linda Colleen Norris, 70, died at the Northeast Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, on June 20, 2017, after a short illness.

She was born April 7, 1947, in Newport Center, the youngest daughter of Harold G. Norris and Doris (Bean) Norris.

She was a very cheerful, happy person who liked to help her family any time in any way. She will be buried beside her parents in the Newport Center Cemetery.

She is survived by her siblings: Kathryn Macie and Barbara Kimball, both of Coventry, Ferol Curtis and her husband, Donald, of Gilford, New Hampshire, and Brian Norris and his wife, Colette, of Newport Center; and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers-in-law: Arland Macie and Raymond Kimball.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, July 1, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport, with the Reverend Chris Barton officiating. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home on Saturday.

Online condolences may be shared at curtis-britch.com.

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Obituaries June 21, 2017

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Dexter M. Bennett

Dexter M. Bennett, 89, of East Charleston, died suddenly on June 13, 2017 at his home.

He was born on July 19, 1927, in Charleston, to Clinton and Hazel (Morse) Bennett.

On August 22, 1948, he married Pauline Gray who survives him.

Mr. Bennett was the owner and operator of the family farm in East Charleston for many years. He was a charter member of the Charleston Fire Department and was a member of many agricultural organizations. He was a cemetery commissioner and justice of the peace for the town of Charleston. He was an avid snowmobiler and hunter, and collected old antique engines.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline Bennett, of Charleston; by his sons: Don Bennett and his wife, Diane, and Dean Bennett and his wife, Jeannine, all of Charleston. He is also survived by his granddaughter: Julie Wilson and her husband, Heath, of Maryland; by his great-grandson Jeffrey Wilson; and by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter Joyce Bennett in 1950; and his grandson Brian Bennett in 1982.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Old Stone House Museum, 109 Old Stone House Road, Brownington, Vermont 05860. Online condolences can be share at curtis-britch.com.

 

Peter J. Campbell

Peter J. Campbell, 71, of Newport, died on June 11, 2017, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

He was born on October 15, 1945, in Newport to Bernice (Gour) Campbell and the late John Campbell.

Mr. Campbell was a 1965 graduate of Sacred Heart High School. He attended Reich American School of Auctioneering in Iowa with his brother Dave. They ran Campbells’ Auctioneering Service for many years. He was also a realtor owning his own business, Memphremagog Realty.

Mr. Campbell was owner of Peter Campbell’s Nationwide Insurance Agency, which he retired from in April 2017.

He was a member of the Newport Elks Club #2155 and the Eagles Club. His biggest joy was riding his motorcycle, and playing Texas hold ’em. He could be seen in the winter on his John Deere tractor plowing out the neighborhood. He loved his dog Cesar.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Sheila Taylor, of Newport; by his mother, Bernice Campbell, of Newport; by his children: Debbie (Doucet) Collins of West Falls, New York, and Christopher Sanville and his wife, Desirae, of South Burlington; by his grandchildren: Hunter and Meadow Sanville and Tawnee and Taylor Collins. He is also survived by his siblings: David Campbell and Nancy Baker of Derby, Jim Campbell and his wife, Kim, of Newport Center, Joan Green and her husband, Bob, of Newport Center, Janice Urie and her husband, David, of Coventry, Karen Bacon and her husband, Bart, of Melbourne, Florida; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, John Campbell, on December 6, 2016.

Friends may call on Sunday, June 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford funeral home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, June 26, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport, where a Mass will be celebrated. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres Road, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Vernal O. Larabee

Vernal O. Larabee, 80, of Albany, died on June 15, 2017, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

He was born on November 14, 1936, in Hanover, New Hampshire, to the late Alvin and Sarah (Duckless) Larabee.

He graduated from Orleans High School in 1954. In 1956 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years.

On June 14, 1964, he married the love of his life, Luciene Cubit.

He spent most of his life working as a dairy farmer in the Albany area. He was a member of the Maple Valley Grange and Pomona Grange, a selectman for 13 years for the town of Albany, and a member of the Farm Bureau.

He enjoyed woodworking, tinkering, bowling, playing cards with family, mowing his lawn, and being outdoors. He was loved for his sense of humor. He was especially a very hard worker.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Luciene Larabee; his children: Tim Larabee and his wife, Melissa, of Albany, and Alvin Larabee and his wife, Christina, of Albany; his grandchildren: Richard, Heather, Cheyenne, Jessica, Carolyn, and Justin; four great-grandchildren; his sister Sally Bedard and her husband, John, of Albany; and by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother Vernon Larabee; his sister Vernice Goodwin; and by a grandson, Lance Larabee.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 11 a.m., at the Albany Village Cemetery with Pastor Nathan Strong officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Larabee’s memory to the St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

 

Simone J. Meunier

Simone J. Meunier, 97, of Troy, died on June 10, 2017.

She was born on July 19, 1919, in Manchester, New Hampshire, to the late Ludger and Olivine (Daigneault) LaPalme.

She married Gerard Meunier on June 24, 1940. Mr. Meunier predeceased her.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was a very active member of the Ladies of Sacred Heart. She helped her husband run Gerry’s Midway Store for many years in Newport Center.

She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, cooking, sewing, quilting, and handiwork.

She is survived by her children: Dianne Souza and her husband, Chris, of Mission Viejo, California, Paul Meunier and his wife, Jeanette, of Troy, Rita Wheeler and her husband, Gerald, of Derby, and Jane Powell and her husband, Robert, of Quechee; and by her daughter-in-law Margaret Meunier of Newport Center. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gerard; her son Richard Meunier in 2000; by her grandson Robert Meunier; and by her sisters: Laurette Meunier and Rita Campbell.

A Mass was celebrated at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Troy on June 19 officiated by the Reverend Roger Charbonneau. Interment followed in the St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church: Sacred Heart Church office, 18 North Pleasant Street, North Troy, Vermont 05859; or to the Troy Fire Department, P.O. Box 51 Troy, Vermont 05868.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

 

Vernon Warner

Vernon Warner, 71, of Lowell, died on June 11, 2017, in a nursing home in Barton.

He was born on June 15, 1945, in Lowell, to Vercil and Barbara (Hyde) Warner.

He enjoyed owning and operating his own business of repairing and selling used cars in Lowell. He also worked for many years operating heavy construction equipment for several different construction companies, and he worked at the cheese factory in Troy.

In 1990, he became heavily involved with building and installing computerized bowling scoring systems throughout New England for several years. He enjoyed traveling whenever the opportunity arose, and even though he occasionally displayed an unpredictable demeanor, those who knew him well, knew that he had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need.

Mr. Warner served his country in the Vermont Army National Guard, and was a member of the American Legion in North Troy. He was also a member of the Masonic Union Lodge #16 in Troy.

He is survived by his beloved, Rose Barry; and by his children: Melissa Grace Archer of Jericho, and Vercil Warner of Lowell. He is also survived by his brothers: Roy and Gary Warner; his sisters: Suzie Arel and Connie LaPlume; his stepsisters: Amy Gray, Florence Verge, and Arlene Pettengill; and by his grandchildren: Seth, Ryan, and Brandon Lynn.

He was predeceased by his brother Austin Warner; and by his half-sister Jackie Gosselin.

Services will be held for immediate family members only. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Legion Post #28, 254 Dominion Avenue, North Troy, Vermont 05859.

Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

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Obituaries June 14, 2017

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Ellen Johnson Griffin

Ellen J. Griffin, 87, a lifelong resident of Williston, died peacefully at home with her daughters by her side on June 3, 2017.

She was born on February 24, 1930, the daughter of Lester and Marguerite Johnson. She attended Williston and Burlington schools and graduated from Johnson State College.

Upon graduation, she taught school in a one-room schoolhouse in Fayston. Later she embarked on a long career at IBM. Upon her retirement, she stayed busy working various part-time jobs as well as volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

Mrs. Griffin loved everything outdoors. Her greatest joy of all was her family, and she always treasured the time she spent with each and every family member. She especially liked the times when the whole family gathered together.

She is survived by her children: Debra Roya and her husband, Bill, Pamela Griffin, and Susan St. Hilaire and her husband, Roger; her grandchildren: Will Roya and his wife, Jessica, Kelly Smith and her husband, Mark, Kalee Robles and her husband, James, Emily O’Shaughnessy and her partner, Jim Isaac, and Griffin and Allyson St. Hilaire; and by her great-grandchildren: Brandon and Austin Smith, and Chloe and Liam Roya. She also leaves a very special friend and sister-in-law, Barbara Hale; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother- and sister-in-law Ward and Mona Johnson.

The family thanks her two caregivers: Darlene Isham and Donna Burnett, whom she was very fond of.

Memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Griffin’s memory to the Vermont Chapter of the American Lung Association of the Northeast, 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108, or to the VNA, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, Vermont 05446.

A memorial service was held on June 9 at the Williston Federated Church, in Williston.

Arrangements were made by Gifford Funeral Home in Richmond.

 

Lucille M. Hoadley

Lucille M. Hoadley, 87, of Lowell, died on June 5, 2017, in Newport.

She was born on October 20, 1929, in Newport, to Alfred and Jessie (Bidwell) Bedard. On May 10, 1947, she married Stanley Hoadley who predeceased her in 1992.

She was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Lowell. She liked to play bingo and she enjoyed family gatherings.

She is survived by her son Gary Hoadley and his wife, Sarah, of Newport; by her grandchildren: Matthew Hoadley and his wife, Jennifer, of Scituate, Massachusetts, Meghan Graser and her husband, Kurt, of Portland, Maine, Mary Hoadley and her husband, Nathan Sargent, of Newport, Angela Smith and her husband, Cory, of Irasburg, and Ryan Hoadley and his wife, Jamie, of St. Johnsbury; by her great-grandchildren: Brooke, Colin, Melaine, Ellie and Clare; by her siblings: Jean Duplessis and her husband, Fred, of Athol, Massachusetts, Leon Bedard of Athol, Arnold Bedard and his wife, Marilyn, of Missouri, and Arlene Warner of Rutland; and by her daughter-in-law Jean Hoadley of Lowell. She is also survived by her dear friends Dick and Diane Colburn who gave her support and kindness during her illness. She was predeceased by her son Michael Hoadley on July 4, 2004.

Funeral services were held on June 10, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Lowell where a Mass was celebrated. Interment followed in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Oncology Department at North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Judith Greta Kane

Judith Greta Kane died on May 22, 2017, a few weeks after learning of her cancer.

She was born in London in 1930, and at age nine was evacuated to the countryside, along with her siblings, during the worst of the bombings of World War II. She married landscape architect Thomas Kane, of Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1953, having met him at a Lyon’s Corner House in London. She told her children that things would’ve turned out very differently if she had not happened to have a very boring book to read while waiting at the café for a friend who was late. Their honeymoon trip was a unique year-long journey from London to Sydney, Australia, driving a farm tractor and trailer, through Europe, the Middle East, India and all countries in between. She moved the family from Westchester, New York, to East Hardwick in 1970, on the spur of the moment, and was always happy to call Vermont home. She loved the old Vermont, and back-woods characters, and in the past few years was writing a series of amusing stories of her early years in Vermont, some of which have been printed in local papers.

Mrs. Kane was full of life, and intensely curious and passionate about history, politics, art, spirituality, and many other subjects. She was a voracious reader, a painter and art teacher, a creative quilter and seamstress, a prolific writer of poetry and stories, and an amateur actress. She was an outgoing person who always found fascination in the lives of the people she met. She gave famous parties, many of which revolved around witty skits and songs, most of which she wrote.

“If you’re going to throw a party,” she always advised, “go all the way, and give people a party!”

This past winter she was working intensely on a series of wooden relief sculptures, designed to provide housing for bees, and to adorn a new bee garden being built in the gardens, something she felt passionately about.

Her love of plants, especially herbs, inspired her daughter Rachel to start Perennial Pleasures Nursery at the family house in 1981. She ran a popular bed and breakfast for many years, and also the Brick House Gift Shop, first in Hardwick, later moving it to the nursery. She was most famous, perhaps, for opening an English-style tea room at the nursery in the late ’80s, which continues today. She was always a generous hostess.

She became an American citizen in the 1990s but never gave up her British accent nor her appreciation of a good “cuppa.”

Mrs. Kane was predeceased by her husband, Tom, who died in 1995.

She is survived by her brother Christopher of London; her daughter Rachel and son Patrick of East Hardwick, and her sons Barnabas of Denver, Colorado, Tim of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chris of Concord, New Hampshire; as well as by her grandchildren: Benjamin, Ceilidh, Nicholas, Hilary, Cody, Stewart, Carter, and Finn.

In lieu of flowers, donations to these charities which she supported would be appreciated: Save the Elephants (savetheelephants.org), Save the Bees (xerces.org), and The Art House (vermontarthouse.org).

There will be a memorial gathering to celebrate her life at Perennial Pleasures Nursery in East Hardwick, on Saturday, July 22, from 1 to 5 p.m., with a service at 2:30 p.m., to which friends and well-wishers are welcome. Cards to the family may be sent to P.O. Box 128, East Hardwick, Vermont 05836. Rachel Kane may be contacted at [email protected]

 

Rita Virginia (Tanguay) Piette

Rita Virginia (Tanguay) Piette, 80, died on June 10, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Newport Center, to Emilien Tanguay and Marie (Dumont) Tanguay on October 18, 1936, where she grew up on the family farm. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1955 and married Marcel Piette on June 15, 1957, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport. She and Mr. Piette would have celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary this year. After spending two years with her husband in Germany on his military tour of duty, the couple settled in Irasburg where they raised nine children. Mrs. Piette was actively involved in the Irasburg Parent Teacher Club, St. Theresa’s Ladies Guild, and she taught catechism for many years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who will best be remembered for her special occasion cakes and craftiness. She used her sewing and artistic talents to create many clothes and gifts for those she loved and passed on her creativity to her children and grandchildren alike.

Mrs. Piette leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Marcel; and her children and their families: her daughter Susan VanHouwe, her husband, Jay, and their daughter Megan; her son Donald and his companion, Fran Smith, and their children: Ross and his wife, Krystle, and Jennifer; her son Gerard and his wife, Teresa, and their daughters: Sara, Allison, and Celeste; her son Denis and his wife, Nancy, and their sons: Derek and Kyle; her son Louis and his wife, Mona, and their children: Stephanie and her husband, Sean, and Tim and his wife, Kallie; her son Leo and his wife, Karla, and their daughters: Hannah and Jade; her son James and his wife, Heather, and their sons: Ethan and Tom; and her son John and his wife, Peggy, and their children: Nicole, Evan, and Isaac; also by four great-grandchildren: Gavin, Leah, Ryker, and Madden; by her brother Fernand Tanguay; and her sister Simone Fitzgerald; and by many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Piette was predeceased by her son Roland Piette; her daughter-in-law, Louise; two brothers: Marcel and Claude Tanguay; and by her sister Jane Boissenault.

A Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 20, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport. A reception will follow at Paul’s Sugar House in Derby. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Orleans-Essex VNA Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com.

 

Bessie M. Poutry

Bessie M. Poutry, 77, of Rockingham, North Carolina died peacefully on June 1, 2017, at the Hospice Haven of Richmond County in Rockingham.

She was born in Albany, on March 1, 1940, to the late Abner J. Poutry and Eulalee Shedd Poutry. She was predeceased by her siblings: Percy J. Poutry, Eva E. Coderre, and Dean C. Poutry. She was survived by her brother Olmond J. Poutry of Clinton, Massachusetts; and her sister, Dorcas J. Suitor and husband, David, of Swanton.

She grew up in Albany and graduated from Brown’s School. After graduation she married Robert A. “Bob” Blouin of Barton. She worked as a supervisor for the Parent Child Center of Vermont in Barton.

She later married Roland L. Essaff of Newport, and they moved the family to North Carolina.

Ms. Poutry earned her associate’s degree in business from Richmond Community College and retired from Avdel-Cherry Textron in Stanfield, North Carolina, as a Mectron sort operator and programmer.

She was predeceased by her children: Dwane R. Blouin of Irasburg and Judy L. Blouin of Barton.

She is survived by Dwane Blouin’s wife, Marcia Blouin Bushey, and her now husband, Jim of Irasburg, Renita B. Boan and her husband, Charles, of Darlington, South Carolina, Janine C. Blouin of Clinton, Massachusetts, Robert A. Blouin Jr. and his wife, Wilma J. Blouin, and Michelle J. Watts and husband, Gary.

She leaves nine grandchildren: Allison B. Hahr and husband, Adrian, John Wesley Ward and wife, Beth, Ashley M. Black and husband, Mitch, Stephanie K. Labarron and her husband, Dan, Jennifer S. Chauvot and husband, Cory, Heather L. VanGilder and husband, Will, Ryan H. Watts, Dillon T. Watts, and Ethan D Watts.

She also leaves 12 great-grandchildren: Taylor, Evan, Nathan, Noel “Gracie,” Aubrey, John, Joseph, Ava, Aaron, Andrew, and two more yet to be born.

Her greatest passion was her family and she enjoyed traveling, cooking, painting, puzzles, gardening, knitting, sewing, and quilting. She was a very strong and determined person with an “I can do this,” attitude. Throughout her battle with COPD and heart disease, she remained determined and courageous while maintaining a witty sense of humor. She leaves a legacy to her family of love, determination, courage, strength and hardworking ethics.

Funeral services were held at the Albany Cemetery in Albany on June 10, officiated by Pastor Paul Essaff.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the PCD Foundation, 10137 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55420.

 

Stephen Victor Space

Stephen “Tiny” Victor Space, 85, of East Dummerston, died on May 26, 2017, at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro.

He was born in Glen Rock, New Jersey, on April 13, 1932, the son of the late Victor and Mildred “Mimi” Space.

He was raised in Glen Rock, and moved to East Dummerston in 1960. He worked for American Optical for 21 years, then for two area banks. His passions were hunting, fishing, and being with his cousins and friends at his camp in Glover. He was a talented mechanic and a member of the National Rifle Association.

Although a bachelor, family was very important to him and he attended everyone’s milestone celebrations. Caring and kind, he was always willing to help anyone in need.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Space is predeceased by two sisters.

He is survived by a brother, David Space; as well as by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, June 17, at 10 a.m., at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Avenue, Brattleboro. Burial will follow at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. A reception will follow back at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vermont Technical College, 124 Admin Drive, Randolph Center, Vermont 05061. Please reference Stephen Space. Online condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.

 

Linda May Starr

Linda May Starr, 69, died on March 27, 2017, surrounded by her loving family at her home in St. Cloud, Florida.

She was born on April 25, 1947, in North Troy, to Calvin and Evelyn Horne. At the age of five she was adopted by Edward and Beverly (Bolio) Caples.

She grew up in North Troy, where she graduated from North Troy High school on June 10, 1966. She was a member of the high school band as a majorette, she sang in the chorus, and she was a star player on the women’s basketball team.

After more than a year of dating, she and Stephen Starr were married on July 2, 1966, at the United Church of Christ in North Troy. They exchanged vows again and reconfirmed their love for each other 25 years later, at the same church along with their original wedding party, and in her original wedding gown. After another 25 years together, the two again returned to Vermont, and on July 2, 2016, their children planned and celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with over 100 family and friends.

On May 28, 1967, Mrs. Starr gave birth to their first child, Thomas. On August 11, 1968, their second child, Amy, was born. Finally on September 14, 1970, twin girls Tina and Tracie were born. The Starrs were blessed with four children in only three years. She was a remarkable, loving mother who cared for many kids throughout the years just like they were her own and is still considered by many as their second mother. Being a full-time mother was time demanding, however, she still found the time to work different jobs to contribute to the family finances. Although she never attended a college or university for a nursing degree, Mrs. Starr would have certainly qualified for one, caring unselfishly for both her mother and her mother-in-law at the end of their lives.

Mrs. Starr was a member of the American Legion auxiliary, United Church of Christ in North Troy when growing up, the First United Methodist Church in Essex Center, and a devoted member of HeartCry Chapel in St. Cloud, for the past seven years. She was a true example of a good Christian. She was a passionate woman with strong faith. She enjoyed challenging her mind with all kinds of games, including weekly bingo games, bowling, volleyball, softball, Dallas Cowboys football games, and the TV game shows “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune.” She never backed down from a competition, whether it was being a member of a team or little stuff like play wrestling with the kids, to remind them who was boss. Her love for #24 Jeff Gordon and Nascar racing took her and Mr. Starr to many different states and tracks including Charlotte, North Carolina, for 11 years, Talladega, Alabama; Loudon, New Hampshire; Martinsville, Virginia; Daytona, Florida; and many others. While she truly loved her home in Essex Center, she also called three other states home during her lifetime. In 1982, the family moved to San Jose, California, for a temporary job assignment and returned to their original house in Essex after two-and-a-half years.

In 1996, Mr. and Mrs. Starr moved to Manassas, Virginia, for another job opportunity for seven years. Finally in 2003, the couple moved to St. Cloud, to their retirement home. In 2015, Mrs. Starr was diagnosed with an illness which required 100 percent courage and strength to endure all the treatments and testing throughout the next year-and-a-half. She was treated in a state-of-the-art facility by world-renowned doctors. With her Bible by her side, she never lost her faith for eternal life.

A memorial service for Mrs. Starr was held on April 1, in St. Cloud. In an effort to fulfill Mrs. Starr’s wishes that all family members be mentioned and recognized, the obituary published online will be included on the celebration of life program at the funeral.

A memorial service will be held at the United Church of Christ on Main Street in North Troy, on Saturday, June 24, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Leonard Thompson officiating. Pallbearers for the service will be her grandsons: Joshua Reynolds, Tyler Reynolds, Ethan Reynolds, D.J. Lawrence, Brandon Starr, and William Newman IV.

Interment will follow at North Troy Cemetery. Immediately following, friends and relatives are invited to the American Legion, 254 Dominion Avenue, North Troy, for a celebration of Mrs. Starr’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to HeartCry Chapel, 5225 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, St. Cloud, Florida 34771, and/or UF Health Cancer Center, 1400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32806. Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Shirley Anne Temple

Shirley Anne Temple, 51, of Newport, died suddenly on May 16, 2017, in Sebring, Florida.

She was born September 23, 1965, to Carol Anne Quintin-Temple of Newport Center and Paul Temple of Bradenton, Florida. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School and went to Champlain College and got her business degree. After graduation, she attended Lyndon State College, where she received a master’s degree in human services. She was also a Reiki master. She helped quite a few people and loved helping them. She worked at the Customs Brokers, RDI, and several other places.

She is survived by three boys that she thought the world of: Deven Temple, and Jacob and Skylar Stone, all of Newport; a beautiful granddaughter, Raelynn, who she adored with all her heart; a brother, Kevin Temple and his wife, Mary, and their children: Kyla and Tyler Temple, of Montgomery Center.

She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Romeo and Hilda (Norway) Quintin; and paternal grandmother Mary Temple.

She had taken a year off to help out a friend in Florida and was heading back home, but never had a chance to make it.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., on Saturday, June 17, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 p.m., until the hour of the funeral. After the service, a celebration opens for all to attend at the American Legion, next to North Country Union High School, at 160 Freeman Street in Newport.

Should friends desire to send contributions in her memory, a Go Fund Me campaign is active. Other contributions to help the family can be mailed to P.O. Box 858, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences may be shared at www.curtis-britch.com

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Obituaries May 31, 2017

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Roger E. Badger

Roger E. Badger, of Sutton died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 25, 2017.

He was born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, July 29, 1928. He grew up in Orleans County and graduated from North Troy High School in 1947.

Mr. Badger enlisted in the United States Army in 1948 where he served in Germany until 1952. After his discharge, he married Virginia Sheltra of Lowell in August of 1952. They moved to West Burke and then to Sutton where they raised their three children.

Mr. Badger worked as a mechanic for various businesses before opening his own garage in West Burke in 1959. He and his partner, Marshall Bingham, operated West Burke Garage, Inc., until Mr. Bingham retired in 1984. Mr. Badger went on to operate Badger’s Auto Repair in Sutton, continuing 24-hour wrecker and snowplowing services, until he retired in 1990.

Throughout his lifetime, he was a member of the Freemason Society, a lifetime member of the VFW Post #10038, a former volunteer for the West Burke Fire Department, and a member of the Yankee Waters Travelers Club. He was also a founding member of the West Burke Drift Skippers Snowmobile Club.

After retirement, from 1990 until 2005, Mr. and Mrs. Badger traveled across the country in their RV, spending their winters in Arizona, California, and Florida. During the summers at home, their time was devoted to their grandchildren, camping, hiking, boating, and fishing. Finally settling down at their home, Mr. Badger enjoyed gardening, photography, winning at cribbage or any other card game, and was a self-taught computer guru. He loved passing along e-mails to his “e-mail jobbers,” signing LFO (Little Fat One).

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Virginia; and their canine companion, Rex; by his children Gail Badger and her fiancé, James Larose, of Port Richey, Florida, Audrey Stone and her husband, Dale, of Sutton, and Neil Badger of Sutton; by his grandchildren Rodney McCoy and his wife, Michaell, of McIndoe Falls, Micheal Stone and his wife, Hillary, of Concord, Jonathan Badger and his wife, Naomi, of Irasburg, Bobbie-Jo Badger and her fiancé, Mike Davis, of West Burke, Jillian Knight and her husband, David, of Waterford, and Neil Badger Jr. of St. Johnsbury; by several great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; by his sister Blanche Abbott and her husband, Edward, of Ashley Falls, Massachussetts, and several nieces and nephews.

At Mr. Badger’s and the family’s request, there will be a graveside service at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, at the Sutton Village Cemetery with Barbara Dwyer officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Badger’s name to the North Troy High School Association, care of Nancy Allen, P.O. Box 368, North Troy, Vermont 05859.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.guibordfh.com.

 

Patricia A. Doherty

Patricia A. “Patty” Doherty, 52, of Albany, died on May 23, 2017, in Barton.

She was born on March 17, 1965, in Newport to John and Charlotte (O’Keefe) Hall. On May 5, 2012, she married William Doherty, who survives her.

Ms. Doherty was a helpmate to her husband in his plumbing business. She was a member of the New Hope Bible Church in Irasburg where she was a very active volunteer. She also volunteered with the River of Life corn maze and the Gopher’s Youth Group. She enjoyed cooking, cleaning, swimming, sewing, quilting, gardening, all animals, and she adored cheeseburgers, doughnuts, and coffee.

She is survived by her husband, William Doherty, of Albany; by her children: Derrek White and his wife, Arianda, of Denver, Colorado, Desiree White and her fiancé, Adam Chaput, of Newport, Tina LaBarre and her husband, Matt, of Dover, New Hampshire, Bryan White and his companion, Courtney Farrar, of Newport; and by her stepson Kyle V. Doherty of Albany. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Joshua, Owen, and Avery; and by her siblings: Jacqueline Griggs and her husband, George Greenwood, of Brownington, Lin Ball and her companion, Michael Comstock, of Barton, Sidney Hall of Newark, Cathy Fortin and her husband, Andre, of Coventry, Laurie Lazakovits and her husband, John, of Falls Church, Virginia; by numerous nieces and nephews; and by a special friend and caregiver, Julie McKay, of Barton.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Charlotte Hall; and by her sister Jill Hall.

Funeral services were held at the New Hope Bible Church in Irasburg on May 27, officiated by the Reverend George Lawson. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Heart of Change Home in care of New Hope Bible Church, 1145 Route 14, Irasburg, Vermont 05845.

Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Larry T. Labor

Larry Labor, 75, of Brownington died on December 23, 2016, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born on September 5, 1941. He set a true example for how to enjoy life. Mr. Labor liked making people laugh and smile. He enjoyed talking about the history of the community and the people who live in it. He loved hunting for antiques with his wife, Katie. He liked tending to his chickens and walking his dogs. He was a hard worker and a true do-it-yourselfer, even if that meant the project ended with a few cuts and bruises.

Mr. Labor’s favorite thing to do was spend time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He did not want any formal funeral arrangements, however, such a great person who lived an amazing life needs to be recognized.

Mrs. Labor will host a celebration of life on June 3, at 3 p.m., at their house at 3417 Schoolhouse Road, Brownington. The ceremony will start with military honors and will be followed with a barbecue.

All are welcome to come, share memories, and celebrate the life of a wonderful man.

 

Nicholas James Leithead

Nicholas James Leithead, 21, of Newport Center died suddenly on May 23, 2017, at his home.

He was born on December 5, 1995, to Janet Leithead and David Humphrey.

Mr. Leithead was an equipment operator for Couture’s Sand and Gravel of Newport Center. He was a member of the Troy Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors and with his family and friends. He would help anyone who needed it.

He is survived by his mother, Janet Leithead, and his stepdad, Michael Sheltra, of Newport Center; by his father, David Humphrey, of Newport; by his brother Andrew Morin of Newport Center; his sister Hanna Morin of Newport Center; by his grandparents William and Rachel Leithead of Newport Center; his uncle James Leithead and his wife, Jennifer, of Newport; his aunt Karen Humphrey of Colorado; his cousins Meghan, Jude, and Ezra Leithead; and by several aunts and uncles. He is also survived by special friend Brandyn Harmon, who he always said was “a brother from another mother.”

He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Emerson and Ruth Humphrey and Roger and Lois Morin.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 2, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport with the Reverend Allan and Janet Bishop officiating.

Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 1 p.m. until the hour of the funeral.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Troy Fire Department, 6850 Route 100, Troy, Vermont 05868 or to the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center; Center for Health and Learning Vermont Suicide Prevention Center, 28 Vernon Street, Suite 319, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301.

Online condolences are at curtis-britch.com.

 

Wanda L. Reed

Wanda L. Reed, 59, of Barton, died on May 13, 2017, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

She was born on March 8, 1959, in Newport to Malcolm and Mary (Stevens) Reed. She was a member of the Glover Community Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Post #76 in Barton. Her hobbies included gardening, cooking and helping the community with various services.

She is survived by her brothers: Terry Reed and his wife, Sheila, of Waterbury, and Malcolm Reed of Wolcott.

She was predeceased by her daughter Lynn Reed; and by her companion for over 35 years, Lyle Degreenia.

Funeral services were held on May 27 at the Glover Community Church, officiated by the Reverend Evelyn Coupe. Interment followed in Westlook Cemetery in Glover. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

 

Peter M. Saulters

Peter M. Saulters, 71, of North Troy and formerly of Montgomery Center, died on May 26, 2017, in Newport.

He was born on February 14, 1946, in Richford to Merle and Margaret (Leamy) Saulters.

On June 1, 1966, he married Linda Morse, who survives him.

Mr. Saulters was a groomer for Jay Peak Ski Resort for 17 years. He held membership in, and was a very active member with, the American Legion Post #28 and was also a member of the DAV Chapter #22.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and riding his Honda Gold Wing Tryke, which he and his wife both enjoyed. They also both enjoyed going out for breakfast, listening to music and watching NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Saulters, of North Troy; by his siblings: Prudy Ryea and her husband, Richard, Mary Richardson and her husband, David, and Alexander “Jay” Saulters; by his brother- and sister-in-law Maxine and George Douglas; and by several of Ms. Saulter’s cousins and friends who have given her much support over the last several weeks during Mr. Saulter’s illness. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Merle and Margaret Saulters; and by his brother Michael Saulters.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 2, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 37 Lake Road in Newport with the Reverend Roger Charbonneau officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from noon until the hour of the funeral. Interment will follow in St. Isadore Cemetery in Montgomery Center.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Legion Post #28, 254 Dominion Avenue, North Troy, Vermont 05859, or to the Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences can be made at curtis-britch.com.

 

Catherine (Fleming) Talty

Catherine (Fleming) Talty died peacefully at Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire, on May 24, 2017.

She was the beloved wife of the late Gerald B. “Jerry” Talty. They had a wonderful, loving relationship for almost 60 years.

Born on October 27, 1919, and raised in the Centralville section of Lowell, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late James and the late Mary (McQuarrie) Fleming, Mrs. Talty was a longtime parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell before moving to Hudson, New Hampshire.

She and her husband spent many happy years at the seacoast of New Hampshire and were also parishioners of St. Theresa Parish in Rye, New Hampshire.

She is survived by their six children: Gerald F. Talty and his wife, Deborah (Ruggles), of Jay, Linda (Talty) Barboza and her husband, Robert, of Methuen, Masachusetts, Catherine (Talty) Plunkett and her husband, Robert, of Salem, New Hampshire, Michael Talty and his wife, Joanne, (Taylor) of Methuen, Marianne Talty of Salisbury, Massachusetts, and Christopher Talty and his wife, Debra, (Bellefeuille) of Hudson; by 12 grandchildren: Gerald B. Talty II and his wife, Melissa (Carberry), Kathleen (Talty) Martino and her husband, Rohn, Carole (Barboza) Martin and her husband, Kevin, Robert Barboza and his wife, Veronica (Smith), Stephen Plunkett and his wife, Susan (Healy), Jennifer (Plunkett) Alban and her husband, Robert, attorney Michael Talty, Matthew Talty and his wife, Denise (Barrett), Christopher Shipulski and his wife, Linda (Robinson), John Shipulski and his wife, Jillian (Spencer), Sarah (Talty) Kuhl and her husband David, and Stephanie Talty and her fiancé, Brian White. She also had 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Alice (Fleming) Lessard of New Ipswich, New Hampshire; and by many nieces and nephews.

She was the grandmother of the late Kristine (Talty) Miller, who died on December 19, 2015, and sister of the late Rita (Fleming) Bowen, who died on May 6, 2017.

The family is grateful to their Mom and Dad for providing a truly wonderful family life.

Friends may call at the O’Donnell Funeral Home in Lowell from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass to be celebrated Thursday morning at the Immaculate Conception Church at 11:30 a.m. followed by committal services at St. Mary Cemetery in North Tewksbury, Massachusetts.

Friends and relatives may send condolences at odonnellfuneralhome.com.

Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the Community Hospice House, Attention: Development Office, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, New Hampshire, 03054.

 

Margaret A. Willis

Margaret A. Willis, 89, of North Troy, died on May 24, 2017, in Newport.

She was born on September 25, 1927, in Troy, to Sanford and Agnes (Guilbault) Cota. On June 21, 1947, she married Milton Willis Sr., who predeceased her February 28, 2005.

Mrs. Willis was a splicer for the North Troy Veneer Company for 20 years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of North Troy. Her hobbies included sewing and quilting, and she loved to cook. She enjoyed family gatherings, and she liked to help her neighbors when they may have been having trouble. She also liked the several pets that she had over the years, especially her dog Gidget.

She is survived by her children: Milton Willis, Jr. and his wife, Sue, Linda Driver and her husband, Everett, and Danny Willis; by ten grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Sanford Cota Jr., Marvin Cota and his wife, Sandi, and Shirley Alix and her husband, Tony; by several nieces and nephews; and by special friends Patricia Halik and Linda Santaw.

She was predeceased by her son Neil Willis; and by her sisters: Beatrice Young, Madeline Doe, and Betty Dobler.

Funeral services were held on May 30 at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport, officiated by the Reverend Roger Charbonneau. Interment followed in Troy Village Cemetery. Online condolences can be shared at curtis-britch.com.

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