Joan Gloria Watson 
Joan Gloria Watson, 90, of Island Pond, died on May 14, 2026, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. She was born on January 11, 1936, in Island Pond, the daughter of Cecil and Doris (Trucotte) McKenney.
She graduated from Brighton High School, class of 1953. She married Edward A. Watson on August 10, 1957, who predeceased her in 1998. Joan worked for the state of Vermont as a registrar of the Orleans County probate court, serving 30 years, and retired in 1999. She enjoyed spending time at her camp on Seymour Lake, going out to eat, riding around the pond, attending Order of the Eastern Star meetings, and her singing groups on Tuesday nights. She was a member of the Island Pond chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by her son Wallace E. Watson and his wife, Vicki, of Newport; grandchildren: Gloria Doris Provencher and her companion, Shane Provencher, Gregory Lucas, Ashley Corkins, Brittney Corkins and her companion, Richard Sicard; nine great-grandchildren; two nieces: Susan Klein and her husband, Karl, and Sharon Roy and her husband, Alan; and by great-nieces and -nephews: Jordan, Kylie, Craig and Chantel.
She was predeceased by her granddaughter Jennifer Sue Watson and brother Maurice L. McKenney.
A graveside service was held on May 26 at Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond with Olen Givens officiating. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Irene Rachel (Bell) Stewart
Irene Rachel (Bell) Stewart died peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Irene was born November 15, 1928, on the family farm in Tomifobia, Quebec, Canada, the eleventh of 12 children born to William and Janet (Wallace) Bell. She went to school in Fitch Bay, Quebec, and graduated from Bugbee Business school in Stanstead, Quebec.
She married Gordon (Doc) Stewart in 1955, and they welcomed six children to their lives, moving to Derby Line in 1956.
Surviving family members include Shayne (Robin), Lonnie, Laurie (Vaughn), Ryan (Lori), and daughter-in-law, Sharon.
She was a loving grandmother to Jena, Annie, Kati, Abram, Nathan, Darian, Samantha, Bayla, and Ty Lynn, and great-grandmother to Jace, Sawyer, Hunter, Natalie Bell, Charlii, Andi, Nora, Aurora, Travis, and Marlowe.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon, and two sons Barry and Mark. She was also predeceased by her siblings: James, Jessie, William, David, Robert, John, Ivy, George, Betty, Tom, and Wallace who died in infancy. And by her favorite companion, her dachshund Layla.
Her family will honor their mom’s wishes with a private service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Living Waters Hospice House, P.O. Box 1104, Newport, Vermont 05855 or online at [email protected].
“Our family would like to thank Dr. Maria Fatigati and all the wonderful and attentive staff of Maple Lane Nursing Home. We would also like to thank Mom’s special home caregiver: Shelly Maxwell. And a special thank-you to our brother Lonnie, whose devotion to Mom was evident at home and at Maple Lane. He never missed a breakfast with Mom in two years at the nursing home (minus a few days) and also stayed with her in her home in Derby Line assisting both she and our Dad.”
Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Linda Rose (Willey) Smith
Linda Rose (Willey) Smith was born on March 24, 1946, and died peacefully on May 1, 2026, at the age of 80. Her parents were Donald and Ellen Willey, and she had six siblings: one brother and five sisters. She lived in Greensboro Bend until she met her husband, Richard Smith. They married on May 8, 1964, and were married for 58 years. Together they had four children: Robert Smith, Tillie Smith, Lisa Racine, and Carl Smith.
She would tell stories of running on the train tracks behind her house beating the train to the end of the bridge with her siblings. She babysat kids in “the Bend” until she moved to the farm with Richard and his family. Linda loved to bake and would make homemade bread, rolls, and cinnamon rolls regularly. She also made cakes of all shapes for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other occasions. On Sundays, family would drop by and there might be five people for dinner or 12, and she always made sure that everyone had plenty to eat.
Linda worked on the farm beside Richard every day. They were a team through the good and bad times. They did make time for some fun though, and that was dancing. Most Saturday nights they could be found cutting the rug at CG’s or Paul’s Sugarhouse. In the summer when B&W was open, they would order just before they closed and would bring it back to sit in the milkhouse to eat before finishing chores.
Linda leaves behind her four children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren with three more on the way. There will be a private celebration of life.
“Gram was always humming — whether she was baking cakes, cooking family meals, hosting a cookout, or out milking. The sweet scent of spearmint gum was always on her breath. She was never too busy to play hide-and-seek between the cows or join in countless other games, even while getting chores done. She introduced us to frosting on toast, somehow making it perfectly acceptable for breakfast or a snack. She is deeply missed, but I’m so grateful she’s back with Gramp, dancing away together once more. You are so loved.
“With love, her granddaughter Samantha.”
“Grandparents have a special way of making everything seem fun and mine were no exception. Whether it was helping with chores at the barn, baking together or something as simple as getting dinner from B&W when all the work was done, it just seemed so special at Grandma and Gramps. I guess I’ll never really know if Gram made up songs as she went or was singing from her own childhood, but the songs she sang us will never fade from my memory. Either way, when Gram sang, she had a way of making all feel right in the world. Gram was extremely hard-working, determined, strong willed, and was the epitome of stubborn and fierce, qualities I think all of us got passed down in one way or another.
“Gram, you’re missed down here, but I know four years without Gramp was long enough, and I find comfort in knowing that you are together once more. I know you’ll watch over us and keep us safe. We love you always.
“With love, her granddaughter Melissia.”
“I love my gram beyond words. She was always there for me telling me what I needed to hear even if I didn’t like it. She helped me become the woman I am today. She was the first one to teach me how to braid. She was always a call away if I needed to ask about a recipe. I have many memories of cooking with my gram. She was a loving woman I will miss her very much.
“With love, her granddaughter Cassandra.”
Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Joseph Francis “Sonny” Roy
June 11, 1941 – May 11, 2026
Joseph Francis “Sonny” Roy, 84, of Newport, died on May 11, 2026. Sonny was the kind of man who made people feel welcome wherever they met him — at one of his businesses, around the kitchen table, on the golf course, or out for a motorcycle ride with friends. A familiar and respected presence in the Newport community for many years, he was known for his quick wit, generous heart, strong work ethic, and unique and unforgettable sense of humor.
Born in Barre on June 11, 1941, to Bernard “BJ” and Marie Anna Roy, Sonny was the sixth of eight children. As a young boy, his mother gave him the nickname “Sonny,” saying his bright blond hair reminded her of sunshine — a name that stayed with him throughout his life.
Sonny attended Sacred Heart School and Newport High School before enlisting in the Army National Guard at the age of 17. He began working at Roy’s Tire Service and eventually became owner and operator of the family business, turning it into a well-known Newport landmark.
In 1963, Sonny married Dorothy Sheldon of Beebe, Quebec, — the love of his life and his partner in every sense of the word. Together they shared 58 years of marriage, raising four sons: Dan, Kevin, James, and Bradley “BJ.” Their life together was built on loyalty, hard work, resilience, and laughter.
Over the years, Sonny pursued several successful business ventures in Newport, including the Anchor Pub, One Stop Mini Mart, and East Main General Store. Alongside Dorothy, he later co-founded Roy’s Real Estate, where Dorothy worked as a realtor and Sonny as a broker and appraiser. Together, they made an exceptional team, balancing business, family, and friendship with remarkable dedication.
Sonny loved traveling, spending winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and returning to Newport for summers with family and friends. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren at sporting events, sharing stories, golfing, and riding his motorcycle. He had a gift for conversation, a talent for making people laugh, and a way of making everyone feel like an old friend.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, mentor, and loyal friend. Sonny was a natural storyteller, a jokester with perfect timing, and someone people could always count on. More than anything, he loved his family deeply and took great pride in providing for them.
Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy, in 2021; his sons Kevin and BJ in 1987; his parents; siblings: Alene Judd, George Roy, Gilberte Bennett, Mariette Moeykens, Joette Lantagne, and Michael Roy; and his brother-in-law Alan Sheldon.
He is survived by his sons: Daniel and Sarah Roy and James and Sul Yin Roy; his grandchildren: Nicole and Brittany, Mitchell, Tristan and Zach, BJ, Brett, and Noah; his sister Monique Herlocker; as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and members of the community whose lives he touched.
Calling hours and a funeral service will be held Friday, June 5, from 9-11 a.m. at Curtis-Britch and Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, in Derby. A private burial will be held at a later date. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Roger Poirier
Roger Poirier, 84, of Brownington, died peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Jeannette, by his side after living for several years with pulmonary fibrosis.
Roger was born on January 6, 1942, in Torrington, Connecticut, to Emil Poirier and Antoinette Laquerre Poirier. He grew up alongside five siblings and learned the value of hard work early in life, helping his beloved Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Helen Giordano on the family farm by the age of nine, hauling feed and caring for cows and horses.
A skilled carpenter, Roger put those talents to good use throughout his entire life. Early in his career, he helped build the infrastructure of two regional ski areas. Later in life, he worked on the interior structures and pole barn at the family farm in Brownington. If something needed fixing, building, or figuring out, Roger was always the man for the job.
In 1964, Roger was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served two years in South Korea.
On October 1, 1988, Roger married Jeannette, beginning a life built around hard work and a love of country living. Together they found their perfect place in Brownington, where they spent 38 years raising draft horses and mules, caring for the farm, and enjoying the quiet beauty of the Northeast Kingdom. Roger also spent many years driving for Vermont Transit Company out of White River Junction. He truly loved the job, the people he worked with, and the places the road took him. One of his favorite memories was driving a tour bus trip to the Grand Ole Opry — a story he was always happy to tell.
Anyone who knew Roger knew he had a soft spot for old trucks and tractors. He took pride in collecting and restoring vintage equipment, often with the help of his good friend Brian Dunn. Roger especially enjoyed spending Father’s Day weekends at the antique truck show in Macungie, Pennsylvania, a tradition he kept for 18 years with close friends.
Roger was a kind and welcoming man who could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, whether they had known him for years or had just met him five minutes earlier.
Roger is survived by his wife, Jeannette Poirier, of Brownington; his sons and their spouses: Channing (Susan) and Roger (Rachel); his grandchildren: John, Shannon, and Benjamin; his stepchildren: Kate English (Todd), Colleen Gambardella (Al), Patrick English (Anna), and their children: Aaron, Sarah, Thomas, Alyson, Jake, John, and Meigan.
Roger was predeceased by his parents, sister Lucille (Poirier) Hintz and brother James. He is survived by sister Pauline, brothers Emil and Richard, and dozens of nieces, nephews, and their children.
He also leaves behind his loyal doberman Ranger, who loved riding shotgun in “the truck” and rarely missed the chance for a road trip with his best buddy.
Jeannette would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered support, kindness, visits, phone calls, encouragement, and helping hands during his final days. Special thanks go to his nephew Jason; granddaughter Sarah, who held a very special place in her Pepere’s heart; family friend Kathy; Cheryl; neighbor and friend Roger; and the caring staff of the VNA and LNA teams, especially Amanda, for their compassion and support.
Roger will be remembered for his steady work ethic, his love of farming and his stories from the road, and the simple kindness he showed to others every day. In true Vermont fashion, he lived a practical life, worked hard, helped when needed, and appreciated the people around him — and that is a legacy worth remembering.
Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Denny Partridge
Denny Partridge of East Hardwick died suddenly on Saturday, May 2, en route to visit dear friends in Paris. She was 79.
She was a woman who never stopped seeking and creating — from leading feminist theater conferences in Nicaragua to sewing doll clothes for her daughter, from building original productions with students in Dhaka to writing historical novels for young people. Her careers — as both theater maker and teacher — brought international recognition for her directing talent, her tireless commitment to students and her gift for bringing theater to widely diverse communities. She made plays with everyone — undergraduates, professionals, children — and everywhere, from the parks of the Bay Area, to town halls throughout New England, to maximum security prisons in New York state.
As chair of the undergraduate theater department at Barnard College/Columbia University in New York City for 14 years, Denny taught theater in and out of the classroom, directing students in both classical works and avant-garde productions. Previously, she’d held similar positions at Vassar College and at Antioch College. Her Vassar production of Caryl Churchill and David Lan’s A Mouthful of Birds was selected for the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival in 1993.
But Denny didn’t just teach theater. She took her students out of traditional academic settings to make theater purposeful — to connect people who would never otherwise meet, to tell stories that would otherwise go untold, to ask who was omitted from the story, and to bring real life to center stage. She taught students how to be theater workers — how to book tours, run lights, create with purpose, and work collaboratively. Her rarest gift was the ability to truly see people and to remain unwaveringly curious about their lives and passions, supporting them throughout their professional careers. She helped colleagues, students and friends alike identify and realize their biggest dreams and potential.
Beyond the university, Denny received numerous grants and fellowships, including two Fulbright Fellowships to teach and build original productions in Taiwan and Bangladesh. She also taught at the National Dramatic Institute in Stockholm and for the Bard Prison Initiative, and collaborated with theater comrades in France, Mexico, Italy, England, Japan, China, and India. A true global citizen, Denny thrived on her peripatetic life. Her remarkable childhood — spent in places as far-flung as Iceland and the Philippines — shaped a directing practice that, while grounded in the Western traditions she loved, was never bound by them. Her theater followed her appetite across the world.
Named Irene Denny Partridge, and known as Denny, she was born in Miami, Florida. The second of four children, she spent much of her childhood traveling the globe to the places her father was assigned as a U.S. Naval officer. Her mother, Cora Cheney Partridge, was a prolific children’s book author. The family’s stateside homebase was in Windham. Early on, Denny developed expertise in costumes, sets, playwriting and directing in neighborhood theaters she established wherever the family landed. Later, she boarded at the Kent School in Connecticut before earning a bachelor’s degree at Boston University — where she was named an outstanding theater graduate — and a master’s in directing at Carnegie Mellon University, as the sole woman in her cohort to graduate.
She joined the renowned San Francisco Mime Troupe, working for six years as a director, designer, producer, and collective member. The Mime Troupe, which performed in city parks and toured across the U.S. and in Europe and Mexico, was known for its radical and sharp-witted political satire. It was there that Denny met Steve Friedman, a playwright and actor who became her artistic and life partner and, in 2010 her husband, in a relationship lasting almost 50 years, until his death in 2018.
In 1976, the two moved to New York City, where Denny founded Modern Times Theater, a multiracial troupe supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, and New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs. During her ten years with the theater, she directed and designed many new plays written by Steve, including Homeland, Hibakusha: Stories from Hiroshima, and The Bread and Roses Play.
Denny and Steve continued to collaborate professionally throughout their life together. In 2012, Denny directed Candide, a theatrical version written by Steve from the novella by Voltaire, at the Schauspiel Hannover theater in Hanover, Germany. She directed The Lear Lesson, an original play by Steve at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it was nominated for a Fringe First award. After their daughter took on the family theater name “Modern Times” for her own work, Denny and Steve wrote and performed as Mud Time Theater. In Vermont, where they settled in the early 2000s to be close to their grandchildren, they brought original two-person plays based on local history — Mildred Taken Crazy and The Nine Questions — to towns across the state.
Denny lived in more than 25 places over the course of her life — across the U.S. and around the world. She had a gift for finding the right home for whatever chapter she was in and an exquisite eye for furnishing it: her essential books, beautiful dishes used for her incredible cooking, art and mementos from her rich life, and always room for friends and family. At the same time, she believed in packing light, and in keeping it moving.
Most recently, Denny had been working toward publishing novels for young people, honing her skills by enrolling in the Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she received an MFA in creative writing, and joining writers’ workshops. She completed a full-length novel that tells the imagined story of her real-life ancestor who was hanged for witchcraft and was in the process of writing another about a traveling theater troupe stuck in Northeastern Vermont during the flood of 1927. Her grandchildren intend to complete this novel in her honor.
Denny is survived by her daughter Rose Friedman, grandchildren: Josephine Lander and Charlie Lander, son-in-law Justin Lander, siblings Alan Partridge (Carolyn), Waring Partridge (Carmen) and Marika Partridge (Larry), many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless collaborators and friends.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Civic Standard, 39 South Main Street, Hardwick.
A celebration of her life will be held in early September in Vermont.
Diane Mudgett
Diane Mudgett, 73, of Glover, died peacefully at her home on the morning of May 18. She had been battling cancer for over two years and was under the care of her loving and devoted husband, Mark. This June would have been their forty-ninth year of marriage.
From the time she was a small child, Diane had a love of sewing. Her passion eventually turned into a career, and she continued to sew until just a few short weeks before her passing. She was a brilliant seamstress, and there was almost nothing she couldn’t mend or create, whether it be with a sewing machine or with her delicate hands.
In addition to sewing, Diane also spent many years working a second job at Maple Manor, a beautiful bed-and-breakfast and horse farm run by her dear friend Sandra. Here, she helped with almost everything, including running the manor while Sandra was away, helping with the many weddings that took place there, and caring for four beautiful Belgian horses are well as her own horse, Yukon, that resided there.
Diane was a kind and selfless soul who had a great love of family. Family was always welcome in her and Mark’s beautiful home by the pond. Sunday dinners with their children and grandchildren were a beautiful tradition that continued right up until her passing. She also loved spending time with her dear sisters, always showing up with a beautiful smile and her favorite pie to share.
Other things that brought Diane great joy were walking, kayaking, her pets, and tending to her many beautiful flower beds.
She is survived by her husband, Mark Mudgett; her two sons, Tim Mudgett of Glover, and Brian Mudgett and his wife, Stacey, of Cabot; two grandchildren: Jesse and Natalie; her great-grandson Miles and a great-granddaughter who is still on the way; siblings Noella Roy and her husband, Raymond of Massachusetts, Peggy (Pierrette) Collins and her husband, Lee, of Barton, Aline La Madeline of West Charleston, and Real Fontaine of Irasburg, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Albini and Jeanne Fontaine, and her siblings: Lionel, Gerard, Leonard, Ronald, Alan, Claude, Marcel, and Nicole Fontaine.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider planting a beautiful flower in Diane’s honor. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Steven Frank Lamont
Steven Frank Lamont, 62, died and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 16, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Born to Loren Rand Lamont and Dawn Alicia Kelley Lamont in Springfield, Massachusetts, Steve grew up in Vermont along with his sister Susan Lamont Dutton (Donald Dutton), and brother Matthew Lamont (Rachel Lamont). He was the beloved husband of Amber Jolyne Bullock Lamont, and father to Benjamin Lamont (Manya Tam), Grace Lamont (Stephen Burdette), and Johanna Lamont.
A man of much humor, kindness and talent, Steve enjoyed helping people, making them laugh, and finding ways to be a blessing. He loved the Lord and took delight in playing trumpet, guitar, and bass in church. A retired Navy Chief and veteran of 23 years, he was proud of his military, and later, civil service careers. However, his passion was his family, his love for them shone through in everything he did.
Steve will be laid to rest at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veteran Cemetery in Anderson, South Carolina, on Wednesday, May 27, at 1 p.m. A celebration of Steve’s life, with military honors, will follow at Harvest Anglican Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, at 2:30 p.m. The family will visit with friends following the service.
Jill Tomasi Grims
In Loving Memory of Jill Tomasi Grims
Jill Tomasi Grims, 77, of Derby, died unexpectedly on May 16, 2026, in her home in Derby.
Jill was born in Burlington on February 25, 1949, daughter of James Tomasi and Prudence (Lyon) Tomasi. She grew up in Bristol, attended local schools, and graduated from Castleton State College with a degree in education.
Jill devoted much of her life to education as an elementary school teacher, primarily teaching kindergarten. She had a special gift for nurturing young minds with patience, kindness, and encouragement, leaving a lasting impact on countless children and families throughout her career.
Outside of the classroom, Jill found joy in skiing, kayaking, knitting, reading, and traveling. She treasured time spent with her family and friends, creating memories that will be carried forward for generations.
Jill is lovingly survived by her husband, Eric Grims; her children and their spouses: Josh and Emily Grims, Nick Grims, and Kate and Seth Nelson; her beloved grandchildren: Nora Grims, Peter Grims, Jack Nelson, and Liam Nelson; and two brothers: Peter Tomasi and John Tomasi; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Jill will be remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit, dedication to others, and unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, and given Jill’s passion for education and literacy, donations can be made in her honor to local libraries.
Calling hours are Saturday, May 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Curtis-Britch and Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Rd, Derby. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com.
Mary “Beth” Elizabeth Clark
Mary “Beth” Elizabeth Clark, a cherished resident of Hingham, Massachusetts, died peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 11, 1934, in Needham, Massachusetts, Beth’s life was marked by love and devotion to her family and community, and a love of learning.
Beth was the beloved daughter of Roger and Mary Bigelow. She graduated from Scituate High School in 1951 and went on to complete her studies at the Catherine Gibbs School in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1953. During her high school years, she met Donald Beale, the first love of her life, and they were married in 1954. Together, they built a family, blessing their lives with three children: Jon (Carol) Beale, Bill (Nancy) Beale, Susan (Bryan) Davis. Sadly, Donald died at the young age of 42, and Beth embraced the challenge of raising her children with great strength and grace.
In 1984, Beth found love once again when she married William Clark, a widower with three children of his own: Virginia (Ray) Kent, Bill Clark Jr., Barbara (Ken) Wilson. Beth and Bill shared 30 years together, filled with love, companionship, and mutual respect. Beth and Bill spent half of their years residing part time in Jay, where they enjoyed skiing and outdoor activities with family. They also enjoyed boating in the summer months and the many friendships made at the Hingham Yacht Club.
Beth dedicated much of her time to her community. She found great joy in frequent visits to the Hingham Public Library, where she eagerly checked out books and generously volunteered her time. Her commitment to serving others extended beyond the library, as she volunteered at the Hingham Food Pantry and delivered meals for the Meals on Wheels program. Professionally, Beth worked as an administrative assistant in the medical device industry, where her diligence and precision were greatly valued.
A private funeral service is planned at the Chapel at High Street Cemetery in Hingham, and an intimate family celebration of Beth’s life will follow. Friends and family wishing to share condolences are invited to visit www.Keohane.com.
In lieu of flowers, Beth wished that donations be made in her name to the Hingham Public Library and the Pat Roche Hospice Home.
Beth’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication remains a guiding light to her children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to share in her remarkable life. Beth’s enduring spirit and devotion to her family, community, and lifelong learning will be deeply missed by all.
Committal
Rita Taylor
Funeral services for Rita Taylor, who died on November 11, 2025, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Troy, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Reverend Rijo Kochupurackal, celebrant. A luncheon will follow at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall.
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