John J. Wiegand Sr.
John Joseph Wiegand Sr., of Quechee, died at home on March 21 from complications related to skin cancer. He was 98.
Mr. Wiegand is survived by his five children: Claudia Wiegand of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; Linda Wiegand Packard of Quechee; Donna Wiegand-Bicknell (Raymond) of Beebe Plain; John Wiegand Jr. (Cindy), also of Quechee; and Michael Wiegand (Ghaddra Gonzalez) of Mercer Island, Washington. He is also survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Ruth; his brother George; and his sister Frances.
Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Flushing, Queens, Mr. Wiegand was a member of a generation shaped by duty, discipline, and perseverance. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and went on to attend Adelphi College and Hofstra University in New York.
He and Ruth later settled on Long Island, New York, where he began his career in industrial engineering at Fairchild Aviation. That role marked the beginning of a long and accomplished international career with HB Maynard Management Consulting, Indian Head Plywood, and Columbia Plywood. His work with Indian Head brought him and his family to Vermont, where they purchased their home in Quechee in 1964 — a place that remained central to his life for decades.
Mr. Wiegand concluded his career at Robert F. Lewis Inc. of Woodstock. He was known for his strong work ethic, sound judgment, and steady leadership.
In retirement, he and Ruth traveled extensively and spent winters in Placida, Florida. He remained active in the game of golf and devoted many years of service to the Vermont Golf Association and the New England Golf Association, where he held leadership roles and supported the growth of the game for younger generations.
Above all, he was devoted to his family and took great pride in their accomplishments. His life reflected a deep sense of responsibility, loyalty, and quiet strength.
A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Woodstock, on Saturday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s name to the Quechee Library (quecheeandwilderlibraries.com) or the Vermont Golf Association Junior Golf Scholarship Fund (vgasf.org). An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com.
John Roberge
November 6, 1937 — February 6, 2026
John Roberge, 88, of Derby, died peacefully in his sleep at his beloved home on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Born on November 6, 1937, in Montpelier, John was a son of the late Henry and Jeanne (Geoffrey) Roberge. He grew up alongside his twin brother Ivan, and the two shared a lifelong bond.
In his twenties, John met the love of his life, Georgette Amyot. They were married in June 1959 at St. Theresa’s Church in Orleans and began their journey together on a small farm in Evansville. John was a man of strong work ethic, spending many years as a dedicated employee at Ethan Allen before venturing into business for himself.
In 1986, John and Georgette made a bold move, opening the Border Mini Mart in Derby Line. As demand grew, they expanded by opening a second location next door. These side-by-side stores became a community staple, serving neighbors on both sides of the border. After selling the business to Irving Oil in 1996, they retired to their dream home and farm in Derby. John spent his retirement doing what he loved most: raising beef cattle and enjoying quiet summers at their camp on Lake Seymour.
John was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Jeanne Roberge, and his twin brother Ivan Roberge.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Georgette; his five children: Susan Roberge, Andre Roberge, Roger Roberge and his wife, Janet, Denis Roberge, and Ronald Roberge and his partner, Kristin Mason. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Travis Glodgett (Shanna), Shannon LaCasse (Kyle), Ashley Roberge (Kris Bedard), Adam Roberge, Elizabeth Bathalon (Tommy), Sophie Worth (Ryan), and Matt Logan; as well as his great-grandchildren: Aleah, Dylan, Jaelyn, Gavin, Jackson, Kathryn, Everett, Eli, Eloise, and Emma.
The family will host a private celebration of life in John’s honor.
Karen Ann Morris
Karen Ann Morris 69, of Barton, died peacefully at home with family by her side on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Karen was born on September 16, 1956, at Lyon Inn Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.
She grew up in the countryside of Coventry, Rhode Island, next-door to the fire/rescue station her father founded. As a child, Karen traveled with her family often visiting Island Pond. She was a co-captain of her high school cheerleading squad and graduated in Rhode Island from Coventry High School in 1974. Shortly after, she got married and welcomed her first son. She traveled the country and lived out west in many states, including California where her daughter was born.
Many years later, Karen moved back to the east coast in Rhode Island and had another daughter. She went to college and graduated from Community College Rhode Island with an associate’s degree in science. Throughout her life, Karen had many jobs, but motherhood and raising her three children independently on her own were her most cherished accomplishments, instilling in them values of resilience and love. She was kind, caring, intelligent, and strong. Karen loved all of her family, especially her children, more than they could ever know.
Karen made friends quickly anywhere she went. She enjoyed fashion, style, sewing, and canning. Gardening and landscaping were her passions. In 2003, Karen retired and relocated with her youngest daughter to northern Vermont where she resided. She dedicated over two decades to transforming raw land in the NEK into a beloved home; a testament to her vision and perseverance. Karen was a 16-year volunteer member of the American Legion Auxiliary unit #76 in Barton and was their proud unit historian.
Karen was predeceased by her late parents, Albert W. Morris and Hilda (Ferreira) F. Morris of Exeter, Rhode Island. Karen is survived by her three children: David J. Woods and wife, Becky, of Maine; Candice B. Morris of Maine; and Heather L. Morris of Vermont. She leaves behind a cherished lineage of 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild who will profoundly miss her vibrant presence. Karen is also survived by her brother, John W. Morris and wife, Lois, of Rhode Island; a niece; great niblings; many cousins; and countless friends whose lives she touched. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date where she will be interred in her private cemetery on her property. In lieu of flowers, if desired, friends can send memorial contributions, condolences, and expressions of sympathy to the family at P.O. Box 355, Barton, Vermont 05822.
Marie-Reine Alexina (Audette) Hayes
May 17, 1946 — March 23, 2026
Marie-Reine Alexina Hayes, age 79, of Derby, died peacefully on March 23, 2026. She was born on May 17, 1946, in Val d’Amour, New Brunswick, Canada, to the late Edgar Audet and Émérentienne (Robichaud) Audet.
As a young woman, Marie immigrated to the United States, settling in Marlborough, Massachusetts. It was there that she met Kenneth Hayes, the love of her life. They were married on August 27, 1972, and shared more than 54 devoted years together. Throughout their life, Marie lovingly followed Ken as his work took them to different places, building a home and community wherever they went.
A devout Catholic, Marie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her church was deeply important to her, guiding her values, her compassion for others, and her unwavering dedication to family and community.
Marie dedicated her life not only to her family, but also to helping others. She worked as an accountant and, with a generous and compassionate heart, served as a full-time foster care mother, opening her home to youth in need of love, stability, and a safe place to belong. Her impact on the lives she touched will never be forgotten.
Marie had a deep love for family and connection. She and Ken took great joy in organizing family reunions for both the Hayes and Audet families, as well as many great friends, bringing loved ones together and creating lasting memories across generations. Her warmth, dedication, and commitment to family will be remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children: Debra Caputo and her husband, Garrett; Brenda Hayes; Billey Hayes; and Ken Hayes and his wife, Kate. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Micah, Hannah, Gabrielle, Josiah, Eythan, Joelle, Cameron, Dane, Wyatt, Jaden, and Spencer; and 22 great-grandchildren who brought her immense pride and joy.
Marie is also survived by her siblings: Richard Audet and his wife, Martina; Jacinthe Oakley and her husband, Bruce; Luce Audet; and Anne Audet. She is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings: Jean-Marie Audette (Mary Lou), Gabriel Audette (Carol), Jeanne Paulin (Ben), and Gilberte Jones (Vincent).
Marie found great happiness in the simple beauty of life, especially in her love of flower gardening. She created many beautiful gardens over the years, each one a reflection of her care, patience, and eye for beauty — just as she nurtured those around her.
Marie’s life was defined by faith, love, service, and the strong bonds she nurtured within her family and community. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
A viewing will be held on April 11 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Church in Orleans.
A burial service will take place on May 9 at 11 a.m. in North Kirby.
Earle Sanford Elliott
Earle Sanford Elliott died at the age of 87 on March 17, 2026, at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Berlin.
He was born in Glover on February 28, 1939, to Isabelle and Alverton Elliott.
He was predeceased by his parents, and brothers: Kendall, Alverton Jr., and Winslow.
He is survived by brother Ruel of Hurricane, West Virginia.
Earle graduated from Barton Academy in 1957. He married Avis Ruth Perkins on June 20, 1959, and they enjoyed 67 years together. She survives him.
Earle served our country in the U.S. Navy for four years. He worked at General Electric in Burlington before embarking on a lifetime 35-year career with NCR.
Earle lives on through his descendants: his son Earle Jr. and wife, Jacalyn; daughter Robyn Brill; and son Douglas Elliott and wife, Linda.
He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Betty and Francis Simons, and brother-in-law Larry and Judy Perkins.
While living in Danville, Earle realized a dream of building his own log cabin, doing everything from framing, plumbing, electrical, and roofing.
Earle was very proud of his family and could often be found attending and cheering on their accomplishments. He also greatly enjoyed their family camp on Daniels Pond in Glover and spent many happy summers there in retirement.
The family would like to thank the very kind and loving staff of Woodridge Nursing Home for their care and support of Earle during his time there.
Respecting Earle’s wishes, there will be no formal service at this time. The immediate family will gather in remembrance of Earle at the family camp in Glover in the spring.
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