Obituaries

March 25, 2009 Obituaries

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Alice B. Gonyaw

 

 

Alice B. Gonyaw, 84, of Morgan died quietly, surrounded by her family, after a short illness, on March 18, 2009, in Newport.

Mrs. Gonyaw was born July 1, 1924, in East Charleston, a daughter of Harley H. and Ethel (Holt) Bly.

On June 13, 1948, she married Roland Gonyaw, who survives her.

She graduated from Derby Academy and Lyndon Normal School.  She was an elementary schoolteacher at schools in Charleston, Holland, and Morgan, where she was a board member.  She was an auditor for the town of Morgan.

Besides her husband, Roland, she is survived by her three sons:  Terwin Gonyaw and his wife, Janice, of Centerville, Virginia, Ric Gonyaw and his wife, Chic, of Morgan, and Daniel Gonyaw and his wife, Wendy, of Morgan; by four grandchildren; by five great-grandchildren; by her brother Harley S. “ Sam” Bly of Newport; and by numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by four brothers:  John, Richard, Joel, and Edward Bly.

Funeral services were held March 23 at a Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport with the Reverend Robert Cargill officiating.  Interment will be held at the Clark Cemetery in Morgan.

Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Gonyaw’s memory may be made to the Elizabeth Taylor Hatten School, in care of Daniel Blake, P.O. Box 159, Morgan, Vermont 05853; or to the Hope Lodge, 211 East Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05401.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

 

 

 

 

 

Theresa M. Ingersoll

 

 

Theresa M. Ingersoll, 78, of West Charleston died March 19, 2009, in Newport.

Mrs. Ingersoll was born March 28, 1930, in Barton, a daughter of George and Mildred (Holt) Paquette.

On June 5, 1950, she married Arthur Ingersoll, who predeceased her on June 16, 2008.

She held memberships with the American Legion Barton Post 76 Auxiliary and the Barton Homemakers Club, and she was very active with Community Circle.  She was a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society and a reader to children at Barton Academy and Graded School.  She enjoyed cooking and gardening.  She was a wonderful mother.

She is survived by her children:  Alan Ingersoll and his wife, Gail, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Janice Boyko and her husband, Frank, of Simsbury, Connecticut, Frances Ingersoll of Canton, Connecticut, Joan Reed and her husband, Bruce, of Maumelle, Arkansas, Diane Byrnes and her husband, John, of Burlington, Gail Vanasse and her husband, Gaston, of Brownington, and Donna Patenaude and her husband, Roger, of Brownington; by grandchildren:  Brian and Keith Ingersoll, Stephen Boyko, Alison (Boyko) LaPenta and her husband, Geoff, and Logan, Leslie, and Nick Vanasse; by great-granddaughter Taylor Vanasse; by brother George Paquette and his wife, Yolande, of Barton; by sister Marie Letourneau of Barton; by sister-in-law Gardenia Paquette of Barton; and by several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by infant son Earl; by brother Carl; and by sister Margaret Bartlett.

Funeral services were held March 23 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Barton with the Reverend Sixmund Nybenda celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial.  Spring interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Barton.

Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Ingersoll’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, 121 Connor Way, Suite 240, Williston, Vermont 05495.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

 

 

 

 

 

Muriel A. LeClair


 

Muriel A. LeClair, 95, of Barton formerly of East Franklin, died March 16, 2009, in Barton.

Mrs. LeClair was born August 9, 1913, in Highgate, a daughter of Charles E. and Cora (Longe) Minckler.

In 1935 she married George LeClair Sr.; he predeceased her in 1978.

She was a past member of the Franklin Grange.  She liked fishing, sewing, and spending time with her cat and her family.  She had a green thumb and had many lovely plants.

She leaves behind close staff members and residents at Maple Lane Nursing Home in Barton.

She is survived by her children:  Helen Haile and her husband, Nick, of Newark, Douglas of Newport Center, Teresa Fortin and her companion, Thomas Dezotelle, of Bakersfield, Donna Prue and her husband, Scott, of Sutton, and Margaret Gilman of Derby; by 37 grandchildren; by numerous great-grandchildren; by three great-great-grandchildren; by two sisters, Hilda St. Francis of Swanton and Evelyn Hope of Brookfield, Massachusetts; by son-in-law Philip Gilman Sr. of Newark; and by two daughters-in-law, Arlene LeClair of Richford and Joyce LeClair of Newport.  She was predeceased by four sons:  Richard Charles, Larry Gene, Frederick Allen, and George William Jr.; by three brothers:  Stanley, Carl, and Ralph Minckler; and by sister Alice Minckler.

Funeral services were held March 20 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church with the Reverend Dallas St. Peter officiating.  Spring interment will be held in the East Franklin Cemetery on May 18 at 1 p.m.

Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. LeClair’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, 121 Connor Way, Suite 240, Williston, Vermont 05495.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

 

 

 

 

 

Arlene Margaret Mosher



 

Arlene Margaret Mosher, 88, of Derby died March 22, 2009, in Newport.

Mrs. Mosher was born April 14, 1920, in Newport Center, a daughter of Herbert and Rose (Washburn) Curran.

On September 14, 1949, she married Earl Mosher, who survives her.

During wartime, she worked in a machine shop in Derby Line; she later operated Arlene’s Gift Shop in Derby for many years.

She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, where she was president of the Missions Society for 25 years.

She is survived by her husband, Earl Mosher, of Derby; by two children, Rosalie Jane Jacobs Brown and her husband, Donald, of Derby Line and Daniel Roy Jacobs of Tallahassee, Florida; by ten foster children:  Gary Bickford of Derby, Bruce Bradley of Texas, Allen Bradley of Burke, Bonnie Barrup of West Charleston, Susan Jacobs of Newport, Paul Bradley of West Virginia, Shirley Moulton of East Charleston, Shirley Osborne of Newport, Luna French of Barton, and Cyril Trombley of Barton; by grandchildren:  Kathryn Flanders, Douglas Lyle Gray, and Margaret Jacobs, and Thomas Barrup; by numerous foster grandchildren; by great-grandchildren:  Brandi Barry, Derrick Flanders, and Sean and Sarah Pellitier; by numerous foster great-grandchildren; by two sisters, Pauline Roderer of Sun City, Florida, and Virginia Laurence of Derby Line; by sisters-in-law:  Helen Plante of Derby, Beulah Paddleford of West Charleston, and Regina Peterson of Holland; and by several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sister Madeline Dolloff; by two grandsons, Michael James Brochu, and Robert Edward Lee Brochu; and by sister-in-law Audrey Dunn.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 27, at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel on Lake Road in Newport.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the Church of the Nazarene in Newport with the Reverend Paul Prince officiating.  Spring interment will be in Derby Center Cemetery.

Should friend desire, contributions in Mrs. Mosher’s memory may be made to the Church of the Nazarene, Missions Society, 115 Elm Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

 

 

 

Fernande M. Racicot



 

Fernande M. Racicot, 87, of Troy died March 23, 2009, at her home in Troy.

Mrs. Racicot was born May 12, 1921, in Troy, a daughter of Arsene and Armande (Bessette) Brault.

On October 25, 1943, she married Fernand D. Racicot, who predeceased her. They owned and operated Racicot White Ash Sawmill for many years.

She and her husband spent many winters in Florida. She loved cooking, fishing, crocheting, knitting, and sewing, which resulted in many gifts for the family.

She loved to have the family visit and enjoyed family gatherings.

She is survived by her children: Andre Racicot and his wife, Ann, of Westfield, Claire Hogblom of Seattle, Washington, Monique Foley and her husband, Mike, of Morgan, Claudette Gonyaw and her husband, Bernie, of Newport, and George Racicot and his fiancée, Karen Sousa; by 12 grandchildren; by 13 great-grandchildren; by her sisters: Yolande Lahue and her husband, Marvin, of Florida, Cecile Harold and her companion, Carl Mowrey, of Jamaica, and Pauline Lawrence of Troy. She was predeceased by brothers John and Albert Brault; and by sisters: Theresa, Rachel, and Estelle.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 25, at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Troy with the Reverend Henry Mlinganisa celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial. Spring interment will be held at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.

Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Racicot’s memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

 

 

 

Patricia Ann Sullivan



 

Patricia Ann Sullivan, 67, of Newport Center died suddenly Friday evening, March 20, 2009, in the arms of her husband, at their home.

Mrs. Sullivan was born March 16, 1942, in Hartford, Connecticut, to William and Annastacia Urban.

The name Patricia Ann means “noble grace.” That she was. Full of grace, kindness, and noble deeds of love, she touched the hearts and lives of many.

She married the love of her life, James H. Sullivan III, in 1962, a true love story, demonstrating and inspiring all who are married to be faithful. She loved to give of herself. She was a wonderful stay-at-home mother and home keeper for many years.

She enjoyed her family and friends; she enjoyed cooking and extending hospitality. She had the gift of giving. She had uniqueness about her, finding the most personal and heartfelt gifts one could receive, yet the best gift of all was her presence. She extended smiles and kind words to those who visited the Buon Amici restaurant for dinner. She managed and waitressed at the Buon Amici for more than a decade.

She is survived by her husband, James H. Sullivan III, of Newport Center; by their two children, James H. Sullivan IV of Newport and his wife, Sherri, and Kelly A. Deslauriers and her husband, Kevin, of Newport Center; by her sisters-in law: Shirlee Fererra of Malden, Massachusetts, Maureen Chipps of Enfield, Connecticut, and Ruth McGinley, of Tolland, Connecticut; by a niece and nephews: Scott, Steve, Mark, Karen, and Matthew and their families. She was predeceased by her brother Vincent Urban.

Her creativeness, kind heart, and giving spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. She sparkled with grace. She will be missed deeply.

The family cordially invites all who knew her to join them in honoring the life of Patricia Ann Sullivan. Her funeral service will be held at the Church of God in Derby, officiated by the Reverend Laurence H. Wall, on Thursday March 26, at 11 a.m, with a reception and refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to the Church of God in Mrs. Sullivan’s memory. The parishioners welcomed her into their lives and, of course, into their kitchen, where she was drawn to serve. Donations will help to make a difference to those in need.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

 

 

 

Emeric Joseph Tanguay


 

Emeric Joseph Tanguay, 94, died peacefully at home in Greensboro Bend on Sunday, March 22, 2009, with his family at his side.

Mr. Tanguay was born in St. Justine, Quebec, on December 23, 1914, son of Amedee Tanguay and Josephine Ferland Tanguay, the seventh of eight children. In 1916 the family emigrated to the U.S. to operate a dairy farm on Center Road in Hardwick. In 1920 the family traded this farm for one on Stevens Hill in Walden.

He attended school in Walden, began milking cows at age six, and drove a truck by age eight. With his older sister Christine, he helped operate the farm until 1930, when his ailing father sold it.

He drove a delivery truck until he and his mother purchased a dairy farm on Hardwick Street in East Hardwick in 1931. He farmed, hired himself out for field plowing with his tractor, and cut ice on Caspian Lake.

He married Jeannette Morin in 1940. When he developed an allergic reaction to cows, they moved to a logging camp in Jacksonville.

In 1948 he purchased the former Heiger Garage in Greensboro Bend, which he operated as Tanguay’s Garage for more than 50 years. He fixed everything from the neighborhood children’s bicycles to tractors that broke down in the field. He also made house calls to start frozen vehicles and thaw frozen pipes in winter. His garage was a gathering place for many. He was known for his cheerful spirit and for working outside on cars in frigid temperatures without gloves.

In addition to his work as a mechanic, he was a skilled dowser, locating water for many, and a favorite raconteur at the annual French Heritage Festival in Hardwick.

He was a fourth-degree member of the Brownson Council Assembly 1155 of the Knights of Columbus in Hardwick and a communicant at St. Michael’s Church in Greensboro Bend. In 1988 he was given the Greensboro Award.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Jeannette Morin Tanguay, of Greensboro Bend. He is the beloved father of Jacqueline Molleur and her husband, Gilles, of Derby Line, Louise Menard and her husband, Raymond, of Montpelier, and Diane Tanguay of Walden. He is Pepere to Mark Molleur of Stannard, Anne Molleur Hanson of Craftsbury, Melissa Menard of Denver, Colorado, Sarah Menard of Barre, and Amanda Menard of Montpelier. He also leaves five great-grandchildren and devoted caregivers Beatrix Devlin of Greensboro Bend and Evelyn Rich of Stannard. He was predeceased by his father, Amedee; by his mother, Josephine; and by his siblings: Leonie, Josaphat, Emilien, Julia, Anna Marie, Rejane, and Christine.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Greensboro Bend. The family will receive friends at calling hours on Thursday, March 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at des Groseilliers Funeral Homes in Hardwick. Spring interment will be in St. Michael’s Parish Cemetery in Greensboro Bend.

Donations in Mr. Tanguay’s memory may be made to the Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont, 1161 Portland Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819.

Arrangements are by des Groseilliers Funeral Homes.

 

 

 

Edwin J. Urie



 

Edwin J. Urie, 86, died Thursday, March 19, 2009, at his home in West Glover in the loving care of his wife, Ellen.

Mr. Urie was born in West Glover on February 15, 1923, a son of Ernest J. and Mary A. (Comer) Urie. He attended grade school in Andersonville and was a graduate of Craftsbury Academy in 1941. He worked on the family farm for several years.

On October 10, 1964, he married Ellen Margot in Woodbury, Long Island, New York. He then worked in Long Island for four years, moving to Greenwich and Salisbury, Connecticut, prior to retiring in Vermont in 1989.

Mr. Urie, affectionately known to all as “Uncle Ed,” enjoyed writing letters. Many of his family and friends were recipients of letters acknowledging their recent events, tributes, and tribulations.

He was a counselor for the youth fellowship through his church in Long Island where he was known as “Cuzn Ed.”

He was a member of the West Glover Congregational Church.

He played baseball as a young man for the town teams in Barton and Glover and enjoyed watching those sports throughout his life. He and his brothers built the stone wall at the Andersonville Cemetery.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 44 years, Ellen, of West Glover; by two daughters, Debra Erickson and her husband, Peter, of Newnan, Georgia, and Donna Urie of Lakeville, Connecticut; by two brothers, John Urie and his wife, Pearl, and Bernard Urie and his wife, Elaine, all of West Glover; by three sisters: Mary Knapp and her husband, George, of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, Harriet King and her husband, Donald, of West Glover, and Beverly Grant of Barre; by four grandchildren: Melissa Hosier and Billy Hosier of Lakeville and Sam Erickson and Oliver Erickson of Newnan; and by nieces, nephews, and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his brother Howard Urie.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the Glover Community Church with the Reverend C. Michael Caldwell and the Reverend Christine Findlay officiating. Final interment will be in the Andersonville Cemetery in West Glover, at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in Mr. Urie’s memory may be made to the West Glover Congregational Church, in care of Sarah Stevens, treasurer, 16 Davio Place, West Glover, Vermont 05875.

The Malcolm R. Davis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Conley Labor Walker



 

Betty Conley Labor Walker, 63, of Barton died peacefully in Newport on March 22, 2009.

Mrs. Walker was born May 1, 1945, in Albany, a daughter of Burton and Irene (Jenness) Conley. On March 28, 1994, she married Preston Walker, who predeceased her in 1999.

She worked at Union House Nursing Home as a nurse’s aide. She loved watching NASCAR racing and visiting with friends and family. Listening to music at the Crystal Saloon was one of her favorite pastimes. She also loved collecting Elvis Presley memorabilia and playing with her dog Brandy.

She is survived by two children, Timothy Labor Sr. and his wife, Sarah, of Barton and Tammy Griggs and her husband, Keith, of Putney; by eight grandchildren: Melinda Labor Young and her husband, Randy III, Charles Plante, Alan Griggs, Melissa Labor, Zachary Labor, Brook Plante, Angellea Griggs, and Timothy Labor Jr.; and by great-granddaughter Savannah Sky Labor. She was predeceased by her husband, Preston Walker; by her parents, Irene and Burton Conley; and by her son Randy Labor.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Barton. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Walker’s memory may be made to the Vermont Cancer Society, Vermont Division, 121 Connor Way, Suite 240, Williston, Vermont 05495.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

 

 

 

 

Phyllis J. Willis


 

Phyllis J. Willis, 64, of Newport Center died in Newport on March 16, 2009.

Mrs. Willis was born October 3, 1944, in Brownington, a daughter of Preston and Samira (Loukx) Dow.

On September 9, 1976, she married Don E. Willis, who survives her.

She loved to go brook fishing and enjoyed cooking for the family. She loved riding around the area and the state with her husband, and she enjoyed her pet dogs and cats. She loved her family and enjoyed their visits. She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardening, which included her strawberry bed with the help of granddaughter Moriah.

She is survived by her husband, Don Willis, of Newport Center; by four children: Wayne Woodard and his wife, Robin, of Newport Center, Christina Flood of East Dummerston, Ernest Woodard and his wife, Tina, of Mannheim, Germany, and Justin Willis and his wife, Adorian, of Newport Center; by her best friend and fishing and bingo buddy, Carolyn Carter; and by four grandchildren: Moriah Woodard of Newport Center, Andy and Mitchell Flood of East Dummerston, and Brian Woodard of Newport.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Newport Center Cemetery with the Reverend Roger Fletcher officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Willis’ memory may be made to the Newport Center Fire Department, Newport Center, Vermont 05857.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Arrangements are by Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Homes.

 

 

 

 

Eric C. Wirth


 

Eric C. Wirth, 50, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died in Las Vegas on March 9, 2009, after suffering a massive stroke several days previously.

Born in New York, Mr. Wirth and his family lived in St. James, Long Island, New York, until the family relocated to Troy in 1973. Eric graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Newport in 1977.

Mr. Wirth, a recipient of a scholarship to attend the New England Institute in Boston’s Kenmore Square, came to Boston the following fall to study funeral arts and sciences. He graduated from the New England Institute in 1979.

He spent the first half of his working career affiliated with funeral homes in the Boston area, most notably the P.E. Murray Funeral Home in West Roxbury, the Keohane Funeral Home in Quincy, and the Richardson Funeral Home in Scituate.

During the second half of his career, he worked in the funeral supply industry. He initially represented the Batesville Casket Company and later the Wilbert Vault Company. His territory included Boston and eastern Massachusetts.

He relocated to Chicago several years ago when he was appointed to the position of national sales manager for the Wilbert Burial Vault Company. He had relocated to Las Vegas two years ago to pursue other endeavors.

He is survived by his children: Ashley E. Wirth of Dedham, Massachusetts, Matthew H. Wirth of Randolph, Massachusetts, and S. Benjamin Wirth of Wareham, Massachusetts; by his sister Nancy Morin of Dalton, Massachusetts; by his wife, Merry Wirth, of Las Vegas; and by stepdaughters Alaina and Gracie of Las Vegas. He was predeceased by his parents, Otto and Marilyn (Miller) Wirth, of Windsor; and by his sister Ellen Wirth of Island Pond.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 28, at the P.E. Murray-George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home in West Roxbury at 3 p.m. Funeral services and burial were held in Las Vegas.

Remembrances may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place, Number 2, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.

 

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