Obituaries

Obituaries 1.22.2025

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Frank Allard

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Francis Peter Allard, age 97, a beloved figure of Island Pond, died on January 11, 2025, after a life richly lived to the fullest. Known for his unwavering commitment to his country, community, and church, Frank brought a wealth of knowledge and generosity to everything he did, and his impact on all who knew him cannot be overstated.

Born May 16, 1927, Frank’s journey began in Island Pond. At the age of 17, while attending Brighton High School, Frank felt a strong conviction to join the many servicemen fighting the second World War. With his parents’ permission, Frank made the selfless decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy. While serving his country on the U.S.S. Vulcan during World War II, Frank’s dedication and bravery were recognized with the Philippine Liberation Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal.

Discharged in 1946, Frank made his way back to Island Pond, where he graduated, married, started a family, and worked as a conductor on the Grand Trunk Railroad. Never letting time slip away without making use of it, Frank actively immersed himself into his community. He served as auditor and lister for the town of Brighton, a board member of the Community National Bank, and a communicant of St. James Catholic Church, serving as a eucharistic minister and on the parish board. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War.

When Frank wasn’t dedicating himself to a cause, he was an enthusiast for learning and embracing everything new that came with living almost a century. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends in his RV, woodworking, creating and building with his Kubota, working and playing at his camp, defeating many at games of cribbage and sitting on his porch engaging in conversation with family and friends.

Frank made an indelible mark on many, leaving a lasting legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.

“Au revoir Frank. We will miss the feelings of joy and appreciation that resonated within as you greeted all that came through your door.”

Frank is survived by his grandchildren Jennifer, Ashley, and Robert, five great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and many others who considered him family.  Frank was predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Luwina Allard, his two children, Eddie and Patty, his sister Pearl Perce and his twin brother Fred Allard.

Please join the family in celebrating Frank’s remarkable life on May 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond, followed by a graveside ceremony and a luncheon at the American Legion. Full military honors will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. James the Greater Church, P.O. Box 407, Island Pond, Vermont 05846, or to the American Legion Post 80, P.O. Box 350, Island Pond, Vermont 05846. Online condolences can be made at curtis-britch.com.

 

Victor Comtois

Victor Edmond Comtois, 78 years old, died on January 12, 2025, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

He was born on August 10, 1946, to Laurette (Geoffroy) Comtois and Albert A. Comtois of Lowell. He grew up in Lowell, attending graded school there. He attended Sacred Heart High School in Newport (class of 1964) and then graduated from Johnson State College in 1968. After college, he taught school in Bakersfield for nine years. He spent those last two years as a teaching principal. He left his teaching career and moved to Montpelier where he worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles for two years, before moving to Derby where (being bilingual) he started working as a United States Customs Inspector. He retired after 23 years of service. While working at customs, he joined a contingent of honor guards for the purpose of honoring past and fallen fellow officers. He was a past member of St. Ignatius Church in Lowell, and more recently of St. Edward’s Church in Derby Line, having served on various committees in both churches. Most will remember him as a lay reader. He was a member of the local Knights of Columbus.

He was predeceased by his mother in 1990 and his father in 1994. He is survived by his brother Claude Comtois and his wife, Edith, of Derby. And also, by his nephew Chris Comtois and his wife, Laura (Labor), of Columbus, Ohio, and their two boys Ian and Drew. Also, by niece Alicia (Comtois) Frizzell and her husband, Daniel, of Bristol, and their three children Owen, Jack, and Abigail. And by his nephew Andrew Comtois and his wife, Ariel (Fortin), of Derby and their two children Valerie and Duncan.

Private services will be held in the spring. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.

 

Philip B. Goodwin

Philip B. Goodwin died on December 22, 2024, after a brief illness. He was 88 years old. He was born on January 19, 1936, to Fred and Delia (Wells) Goodwin. He graduated from Craftsbury Academy where he played baseball and basketball.

Following his graduation, he lived and worked on the family farm. In addition to working on the farm, he drove trucks delivering feed for Beacon Feeds and later for E.M. Brown. He worked at E.M. Brown until his retirement.

He entered the Army on February 14, 1962, and was discharged on February 14, 1964. He remained in the reserves until February 13, 1968.

He is survived by his nieces Rachel Blanchard and husband, Rick; Susan Willken and husband, Francis; Karen Goodwin; and Kim Chamberlain and Ron; also by his nephews Kerry Goodwin and wife, Carmen, of Chula Vista, California; Scott Goodwin of Albany; Randy Dwyer of Jupiter, Florida; Ricky Dwyer and wife, Kendra, of Weybridge; and Brian Mack and partner, Donna, of Essex Junction. He is also survived by several great-nieces and-nephews and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Geraldine Dwyer and her husband, Norman; and brothers Glendon Goodwin and wife, Ardys; Gayland Goodwin and his wife, Pauline; also by niece Roberta Mack and her husband, Bradley; Karlene Lanoue; and nephews Ross Dwyer and Karl Goodwin.

Phil enjoyed feeding the birds and picking blueberries from the bushes that Scott had planted for him. He was an avid follower and watched national baseball and basketball on television or listened to the games on the radio. He and his brother Glendon played baseball on the Albany baseball team. He was also a member of a local bowling team.

In his later years, he lived a quiet lifestyle, but very much enjoyed and looked forward to visits from friends and family.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

 

Donna Richardson

Donna Lee Richardson, 86, died peacefully with her daughters by her side at Coos County Nursing Hospital on January 9, 2025, in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire, after a long battle with dementia. She was born on April 8, 1938, in Townsend, Massachusetts, to the late Omer and Gladys (Domina) Marquis. Donna and her husband, Lee, moved from Pepperell, Massachusetts, to Canaan in 1975, then to Troy in 1998.

Donna worked many jobs throughout her life but mostly enjoyed her work as a florist at the Flower Basket in Colebrook, New Hampshire. In her free time, she enjoyed doing arts and crafts, puzzles, gardening, bowling, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a great cook, very creative, athletic, loved animals, and loved to pull pranks. She had a wonderful voice and loved to sing and dance. She was also a member of the Border Riders Snowmobile Club.

She is survived by her children: Ann Richardson and partner, Randy Wells, of Troy, Jan and Jules Thibeault of Canaan, Nancee and Tom Gelinas of Newbury, New Hampshire; grandchildren: Melissa and Derek Judd, Meghan Gyles and partner, Corey Marquis, Jacques and Jenni Thibeault, Justin and Emily Thibeault, Jonathan and Tori Thibeault, Jen and Josh Groenke, Matthew and Hillary Gelinas, and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Jeanne Palmer of Pepperell, and Peggy Hartley and her husband, Steve, of Sarasota, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lee Richardson, whom she was married to for 63 years, sister Mary McEvoy, and brother William Marquis.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers the family ask that contributions be made “In Memory of Donna Richardson” to Coos County Nursing Hospital, P.O. Box 10, West Stewartstown, New Hampshire 03597 or www.dementiasociety.org. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.

 

Corrine Ross

 

Corrine Marie (Veilleux) Ross died on December 12, 2024. The adopted daughter of Charlemagne and Yvonne Veilleux, and wife of Robert Ross, she was born on April 8, 1958. She was a strong-willed and independent person who dealt with many challenges and struggles in her life. She was kind, loving, and generous to people in need. She was headstrong and, at times, difficult to be around. Yet, she will be missed by anyone who knew her. Corrine loved God and God loved Corrine. For all the things she lived through, fell from, or was hit by, she always came back. In December, she went home to be with God, and all her friends and family who went before her.

Corrine was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Yvonne, husband, Bob, and daughter Erika. Corrine is survived by her brother Anthony “Tony” Veilleux, her longtime partner, James Desjardins, longtime friend Tim Daley, and many friends.

A Catholic Mass at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, Mater Dei Parish will be held to celebrate Corrine’s life on Monday, January 27, at 11 a.m.

 

Robert Sanborn

Robert (Smokey) W. Sanborn died at his home in Leesburg, Florida, on January 15, 2025. He passed peacefully surrounded by family.

Robert was born in Island Pond to parents Everett and Eva Sanborn. He lived his early years in Island Pond and attended Brighton Elementary and Brighton High School. His years of service began at the age of 16, working for the Vermont Fire Warden’s Service as a resident lookout at the Monadnock Mountain fire tower. During those years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. Robert would go on to enlist in the United States Coast Guard. During this time, Robert met and married Joan Purington. Together they raised their family on the coast of Maine. Robert served for 22 years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He attained the rank of Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate.

After leaving the military, Robert and his family made Down East Maine their permanent home. Robert would continue his time on the water as a lobster fisherman. He went on to become a master plumber until he retired. During retirement, he spent his time ice fishing and gardening while spending time with his growing family. Joan passed away in 2009, after more than 50 years of marriage. In 2011, Robert met and married Barbara Pratt of Island Pond. They spent the first four years of their marriage in Columbia Falls, Maine. In 2015, they moved to Leesburg, Florida, to escape the cold and have spent the last nine years enjoying the Florida sunshine.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Eva Sanborn, his first wife, Joan, his twin daughters Eva and Ava, his three brothers, two sisters, and several extended family members.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, his daughter Renee Townsend (Darrell), his sons Raymond (Patricia), Robert (Terry), Reginald (Tarnya), Ronald (Jaylene), and Richard; his step-children Sherry Green (John), Steven Pratt (Amanda), and Laurie Duggan (John); his sister Helen Dalphonse; his sisters-in-law Patricia Dennison, Judy Purington, Jean Hinkley, and Linda Bresette (Michael); 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Services will be held in the early summer in Island Pond.

 

Kathy A. Staples

Kathy Staples, a strong-willed and beloved woman, died peacefully on January 9, 2025, at 2:05 p.m. Born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom, Kathy was known for her unwavering spirit, keen intellect, and fierce love for her many family members and friends.

Born on May 22, 1970, in Newport, Kathy was the daughter of Warren “Stubby” Staples and Phyllis Haggett Staples. Kathy is predeceased by her parents but is survived by her loving son Riley Worth as well as her sister Jennifer Vallance, and her four brothers Tim Staples, Tony Staples, Mike Staples, and Paul Staples.

Kathy was a woman of great strength and resilience. She faced life’s challenges with courage and determination, always finding a way to persevere. She was a cancer survivor and wore that badge proudly. Her family and friends will remember her as a beautiful, strong, compassionate soul who was always there for those close to her.

There is no memorial service per Kathy’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vermont Food Bank located in Newport.

To view Kathy’s online tribute, or to send condolences to her family, please visit: https://obits.csnh.com/kathy-staples.

 

 

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