Rodney V. Beal
Rodney V. Beal, 64, of Glover, died on April 4, 2014, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, from a short illness.
He was born in Milbridge, Maine, to Nehemiah and Esther (Standwood) Beal.
He loved lobster fishing with his brothers in Maine, and hunting and fishing with his friends and family.
He is greatly missed by his sidekick, Victoria, his dog.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lynn (Brown) Beal; his three daughters: Geneva Bertolini and her spouse, Matt, Renee Dunbar and her spouse, Peter, and Jessica Sweeney and her spouse, Raymond, all of Glover; his six grandchildren: Alex and Bradley Whipple, Camden and Ezra Dunbar, and Jacqueline and Trevor Sweeney; his three brothers: Barney and his spouse, Linda, Jeffery and his spouse, Sandra, and Leland and his spouse, Lynda; his three sisters: Ann West and her spouse, Clifford, Anita Merrit and her spouse, Paul, and Tamie Rhodes and her spouse, Steve; his in-laws, Reynold and Pat Brown of Ivoryton, Connecticut; his brothers-in-law: Steve Aldrich and his spouse, Linda, of Brownington, Michael Brown of Ivoryton, and Bill Brown and his spouse, Pat, of Clinton, Connecticut; his sister-in-law Nancy Denny and her spouse, Bill; and by several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Nehemiah and Esther Beal; and by a sister, Linda (Beal) Pinkham.
Graveside services will be held on May 24, at 2 p.m., at Westlook Cemetery in Glover.
Lennie Mae Thompson Emerson
Lennie Mae Thompson Emerson, 93, formerly of Brownington, died on April 8, 2014, at her home in South Portland, Maine.
She was born on June 14, 1920, in Irasburg, to George and Eliza (Stone) Thompson.
On February 29, 1936, she married Richard Ovis Emerson, who predeceased her.
She attended Brownington schools and Lyndon Institute.
She was a cook for the Derby Line Graded School, Orleans High School and Brownington schools for many years. She was a member of the Grange and the Methodist Church where she served as secretary, Sunday school teacher, and choir member.
She was known as a caretaker to children and all others who needed care and attention, a fabulous cook, a talented woman who sewed, and she put up wallpaper and made amazing crafts. She was a good, Christian woman who lifted her voice in singing to the Lord (and, boy, could she whistle), and she was a friend to all.
She is survived by her daughters: Betty Ann Emerson Towle of Gray, Maine, and Mary-Lou Emerson Stenberg and her husband, Jan, of Greenville, South Carolina; her grandchildren: Laurie Towle Grant and her husband, Peter, Jon Emerson Towle and his wife, Wendy, Stephen David Towle and his wife, Mazie, Sven Peter Stenberg, and Christine Stenberg Lites; her great-grandchildren: Cory Towle, Krystal Towle, Margaret Towle, Lily Towle, Erica Brewster, Griffin Lites, Emerson Lites, Avery Lites, Tor Stenberg, and Val Stenberg; and by her great-great-grandchildren: Maleeya Towle, Brylee Poynton and soon-to-be-born Stella Severi on May 11; and by many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was predeceased by her brothers: Louis, Harry, Gerald, Merrill, Roland, Elwin and Ernest; and by her sisters: Blanche, Rhoda, Josephine, and Evelyn.
Funeral services were held on April 15, in Newport. Spring interment will be in Brownington Center Cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Tuttle Road United Methodist Church, 50 Tuttle Road, Cumberland Center, Maine 04201.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Louis R. Handy
Louis R. Handy, 73, of North Troy died on April 11, 2014, at his home.
He was born on January 31, 1941, in Bennington, to Gertrude (Tifft) Handy Bergeron and the late Robert Handy.
On August 15, 1970, he married Louise Jones, who survives him.
Mr. Handy was owner and operator of Handy’s Auto Repair in North Troy. He was an active member of the Church of God in Derby.
His passion was to restore old cars. He held memberships with the Troy Area Lions Club and he was a member of the Cars of Yesteryear.
He is survived by his wife Louise Handy of North Troy; his children: Robert Handy of North Dakota, Lisa Duncan and her husband, Edward Jr., of Derby, Louis Handy Jr. of Nevada, Laurie White of Rhode Island, Leonard Carroll and his wife, Laura, of New Jersey, Bethany Harrington and her husband, Hilton, of Gilmanton, New Hampshire, and Ann Lamoureux of Woonsocket, Rhode Island; numerous grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his mother Gertrude Bergeron and his stepfather Clovis Bergeron of Troy; his brothers: Richard Handy and his wife, Elizabeth, of North Troy, and Kenneth Bergeron and his wife, Denise, of Derby; his sister Helen Goodner of Iola, Kansas; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father Robert Handy; and by his daughter Linda St. Pierre.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, April 17, at the Church of God in Derby, with the Reverend Laurence Wall officiating. Friends may call at the church on April 17, from 10 a.m., until the hour of the funeral.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Church of God, Matthew 2540, 295 Crawford Road, Derby, Vermont 05829.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Harold R. Hansen
Harold R. Hansen, 73, of North Troy died on April 7, 2014, in Lebanon, New Hampshire, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on October 12, 1940, to Reginald and Laura (Bocash) Hansen.
On February 10, 1962, he married Margo St. Onge, and they were married for 52 years.
Mr. Hansen worked for the town of Troy for many, many years with his brother and father. He was also a bus driver for Troy School where he retired in 2011 after many years. He enjoyed all the many hours spent on the bus getting to know the children.
He enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved being outside, camping, being in the water, and having cookouts. He was a tell-it-like-it-is kind of man and loved to joke around.
He was a member of the North Troy Fire Department for over 40 years, 26 years of which he was the fire chief. He was a member of the Masonic Union Lodge Free and Accepted Masons #16 of Troy and the Order of the Eastern Star in North Troy.
He is survived by his wife Margo Hansen of North Troy; his children: Craig Hansen of North Troy, and Laurie Hisman and her husband, Gary, of Derby; his grandchildren: Isabella Hisman of Derby, Melissa Rollins of Newport Center, Amy Phillips and her husband, Brandon, of Derby, Thomas Hansen and his girlfriend, Nicole Pennington, of North Troy, and Tyler Hansen of Albany; his great-grandchild Brandon Phillips II of Derby; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his siblings: James and his wife, Ann, of Newport, Phillip Hansen of Bristol, Connecticut, Reginald Hansen Jr. and his wife, Susan, of North Troy, and Jane Morris of North Bethesda, Maryland; his sisters-in-law: Janice Hansen of North Troy, and Pat Hansen of Illinois.
He was predeceased by his sister Joyce Hastings and her husband, Harry; and by his brothers: Bruce, Roger, and Harley Hansen.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m., at the North Troy Village Cemetery, with the Reverend Rick Shover officiating. A light luncheon will follow at the St. Vincent DePaul Church in North Troy.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory can be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, Inc., 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Olivia Klinke
Olivia Klinke of Craftsbury died on April 11, 2014.
She was born on a beautiful summer day, on July 27, 1979.
Ms. Klinke had a lot of challenges in her life. She had three amazing siblings and parents. She thought she was the favorite, but knew her place in line. She had a joyful life and loved playing with her nieces and nephew. She will be missed by all.
She loved music, shopping and drinking her favorite soda, Coke, and eating chips. Her favorite flower was the rose. She was loved by all.
In her short life, she had many accomplishments. She was a Girl Scout for 12 years, she received her silver and gold awards, and she was a camper at sleepaway Girl Scout camp. She spearheaded the birth of a local Global Campus chapter, making the organization more accessible to others in her community. She attended self-advocacy conferences in Atlanta, Georgia, and Indianapolis, Indiana, and shared her experience with her group.
She was an unpublished author, writing books appropriate for her nieces and nephew, having just finished her fourth book, a bilingual alphabet book for her nephew’s first birthday. She loved doing for others, volunteering at the local Craftsbury library and she loved playing games with the residents at the Craftsbury Community Care Center. She loved to travel, ride horses and accomplished things that defied what doctors expected and did more in her short lifetime than most people do in 80 years.
She is survived by her parents, Monica (née Ruszkiewicz) and Paul Klinke; her older and younger sisters, Sarah Klinke and Emily Klinke Rodriguez and her husband, Mario; her younger brother Jason and his partner, Ana; her four nieces: Hannah, Ashlynn, Adriana and Cianni; and by one nephew, Mateo.
Funeral services were held on April 16 in Morrisville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, 801 Roeder Road, Suite 1000, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, or through www.phassociation.org; or to the Norris Square Neighborhood Project, 2141 N. Howard Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, or through www.myneighborhoodproject.org.
Adrian “Buzz” Lumsden
Retired Master Sergeant Adrian “Buzz” Lumsden, 76, a veteran and longtime Stannard resident, died on Sunday evening, April 6, 2014, in the comfort of his home, with his family at his bedside.
He was born on May 26, 1937, in Greensboro, the son of the late Donald B. Lumsden Sr. and Irene (Brown) Lumsden.
He attended public schools in Greensboro, East Hardwick, the Hardwick Center School, and he graduated from Hardwick Academy in the Class of 1955.
Mr. Lumsden was employed by his father, as a logger for a short time, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force on November 28, 1955. He was stationed in many locations including: New York, Wyoming, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Maine, Delaware, North Carolina, the Philippines and Thailand. He also served proudly during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Master Sargeant Lumsden retired from the military on November 30, 1975, returning to Stannard.
On October 29, 1956, he married Inez Rose Willey in Stannard. Together they raised five children: Adrian Jr., Willie, Rose, Ruth and Sue.
Upon his retirement from the military, he drove a school bus and was road commissioner for the town of Stannard. He also owned and operated a private trucking business and he worked at two bowling centers — in Bangor, Maine, and Berlin — as a mechanical technician.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #7 of Hardwick, the Retired Enlisters Association and the Disabled American Veterans Association.
He enjoyed bowling, traveling and trips to casinos as well as being involved in his children’s various activities while they were growing up.
Survivors include his loving wife, Inez, of Stannard; a son, William “Willie” Lumsden and his wife, Carol, of Hardwick; three daughters: Rose M. Lovejoy and her husband, Daryl, of Waterboro, Maine, Ruth J. Pickard and her husband, Steve, and Susan V. Thomas and her husband, Jay, all of Stannard; four grandchildren: Jamie Lovejoy of Dayton, Maine, Justin Thomas and his wife, Jen, of Colchester, Connecticut, Elizabeth Lumsden of Hardwick, and Eric Lumsden of Baltimore, Maryland; and by his great-grandson Paxton Lovejoy of Dayton.
He was predeceased by a son, Adrian L. Lumsden Jr.; and by a brother, Donald B. Lumsden Jr.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held in May at the Stannard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Hardwick Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 837, Hardwick, Vermont 05843.
Clarice Cecile Messier
Clarice Cecile Messier, 92, of Newport died on April 7, 2014, in Newport.
She was born on September 12, 1921, in Brownsburg, Quebec, to Albert and Donalda (Bellinguette) Lafleur.
On October 26, 1940, she married Lucien Messier, who predeceased her in 1976.
She was a member of the Forever Young Club of Newport. During her lifetime she farmed, worked in the cafeteria at North Country Hospital in Newport, and for 18 years was a senior companion at the Area Agency on Aging. She also enjoyed gardening.
She is survived by her children: Leo Messier and his wife, Marlene, of Coventry, George Messier and his wife, Maxine, of Barton, Claire Broe and her husband, Larry, of Coventry, and Lucille Young and her husband, Larry, of West Charleston; her grandchildren: Kim, Adele, Michelle, Dan, Jennifer, Chad, Aaron, Anitra, John, and Theresa; her great-grandchildren: Joshua, Danielle, Nicholas, Dominic and Haley; and by her step-grandchildren: Melissa, Joni and Anthony. She is also survived by her brothers: Richard Lafleur of Irasburg and Maurice Lafleur; her sisters: Delores Harbec of Derby and Gertrude Beauregaurd and her husband, Ernest, of Glover; her sisters-in-law: Anita Lafleur of Orleans and Rejeanne LeBlond of Derby Line; and by numerous nieces and nephews and her special friends at the nursing home, especially Kelly.
She was predeceased by her infant son Ronald; her brothers: Donald, Michael and John Lafleur; her sister Rose Lafleur; her sisters-in-law: Geneva and Yvette Lafleur; and by her brother-in-law Andrew Harbec.
Funeral services were held on April 15, in Derby. Spring interment will be in St. Theresa’s Cemetery in Orleans.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Area Agency on Aging, 481 Summer Street, Suite 101, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Michael Andre Meunier
Michael Andre Meunier, 53, of North Troy died peacefully on April 8, 2014, in Newport, after a courageous battle with a long illness.
He was born on March 8, 1961, in Newport, to Marcel and Jeannine (Fournier) Meunier.
On July 29, 2000, he married Linda Turgeon, who survives him.
He attended Sacred Heart Schools in Newport.
He was a skilled, self-employed carpenter.
He enjoyed four-wheeling, motorcycling, and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Linda Meunier of North Troy; his mother Jeannine Meunier of Westfield; his stepchildren: Douglas Aulis and his companion, Amy Blacketer, of Newport, and Krystal Collins and her husband, Patrick, of Glover; his grandchildren: Dammieon, Giddieon, Pennelopea, Haley, Zackery, Dylan, and Porcha; his siblings: Suzanne Jacques of Colchester, Rachel Turgeon and her husband, Dennis, of Balston Spa, New York, Suzette Pierson and her husband, Martin, of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Laura Laramee and her husband, Maurice, of Jay; his sisters-in-law: Laurette Jones and her husband, Robert, of Holland, and Jo-Ann Barrup and her husband, Bradley, of Newport; and by his best friend, his dog Brie. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Kitina, David Jr., Nicholas, Dawn, Karin, Christopher, Jaime and Adam; and by his aunts and uncles: Roger Fournier of Newport, Donald and Lise Fournier of North Troy, and Aldea Kellogg and her husband, Charlie, of Connecticut. He will be truly missed by his loyal friends and neighbors, Joseph and his wife, Lillian Fortin, of North Troy.
He was predeceased by his father Marcel Meunier Sr. in 2004; his brother Marcel Meunier Jr. in 1969; and by his brother-in-law David Jaques in 2012.
Funeral services were held on April 15, in Troy. Spring interment will be in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Bel-Aire Nursing Home, Activities Fund, 35 Bel-Aire Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Patricia E. Morin
Patricia E. Morin, 81, of Newport Center died peacefully on April 12, 2014, in Newport.
She was born on May 5, 1932, in Newport, to Lionel and Marion (Loux) Mills.
On June 3, 1950, she married Homer Morin, who survives her.
She was a member of the women’s auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798 of Newport.
She volunteered at the front desk at North Country Hospital in Newport for many years.
Her hobbies included cooking, doing arts and crafts and free hand drawing and painting. Her joys were holidays and the annual family fish fry.
She is survived by her husband Homer Morin of Newport Center; her children: Mike Morin and his wife, Monique, of Newport Center, Tim Morin of Troy, and Pam Starr and her husband, Gary, of Jay; her grandchildren: Michelle Silva and her husband, Michael, Liza Morin, Shane Morin and his companion, Kara Campbell, Eric Morin, Melissa Zebrowski and her husband, Andrew, Robin Coulter and her husband, Tom, Angie Moore and her husband, Ryan, Andy Starr and his companion, Tonya Ashman, and Joseph Starr and his wife, Amanda; her brother Kenneth Mills of Texas; her sister Janice Poginy and her husband, Bernard, of Coventry; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, on Friday, April 18, at 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., at the funeral home.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
David A. Plato
David A. Plato, 46, of Newport died on April 6, 2014, in Newport.
He was born on April 9, 1966, in Vancouver, Washington, to Alfred and Irene (Kaszycki) Plato.
He was formerly a security guard in Arizona.
He enjoyed summertime barbeques, watching crime shows on television, growing plants, and he loved listening to rock and country music.
Mr. Plato was a genuinely nice and pleasant guy.
He is survived by his beloved friends: Carl P. King, Jericho E. King, and Patty Place, all of Newport, and Joe Lewis of Hartford. He is also survived by his two cats, Demon and Critter, who he considered his children.
Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Lawrance “Laurent” Albert Pouliot
Lawrance “Laurent” Albert Pouliot, 66, of Middlebury died peacefully on April 8, 2014, in Burlington.
He was born on April 17, 1947, in Stanstead, Quebec, Canada, to Irene (Goupil) Pouliot and the late Albert Pouliot.
During his lifetime, Mr. Pouliot was a self-employed painter.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and doing arts and crafts work. He had a unique sense of humor.
He is survived by his mother Irene Pouliot of Newport; his siblings: Jocelyn Pouliot and his wife, Barbara, of Newport Center, Clement Pouliot of Newport, Yvon Pouliot and his wife, Melanie, of Middlebury, Nicole Poginy and her husband, Michael, of Newport Center, Suzanne Coggeshall and her husband, Robert, of New Hampshire, and JoAnne Allen and her husband, Danny, of North Troy; and by several nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was predeceased by his father Albert Pouliot on November 11, 2011.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, care of Winston Dowland, Whittier Road, Derby Line, Vermont 05830.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Frederick Albert Prue Jr.
Frederick Albert Prue Jr., 95, of Irasburg died on April 11, 2014, in Barton.
He was born on May 6, 1918, in Newport, to Olive (Pelkey) and Frederick Prue Sr.
On July 26, 1939, he married Marjorie J. Rowland, who predeceased him on February 26, 2007.
Mr. Prue was a conductor for the Canadian Pacific Railroad, where he retired after 40 years of service.
He enjoyed gardening, and he loved to go to the farmers’ market to sell his wife’s baked goods and vegetables. He liked to play cards with his family and friends in a very quiet and subdued manner. He loved to write music as well as play his guitar and he played with Doc and Chickie Williams on more than one occasion. He, above all, loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his children: Fred Prue, Val Royer and her husband, Richard, Brenda Stewart, Donna Jewer and her husband, Lester, Diana Poginy and her husband, David, Pam Prue and her friend, Pat Pine, Louie Prue and his wife, Collette, John Prue and his wife, Clare, Marjorie Morley and her husband, James, Danny Prue and his wife, Linda, Pearla Brown and her husband, Blaine, and David Prue and his wife, Barb; his daughter-in-law Roxanna Prue; his 33 grandchildren; his 62 great-grandchildren; his two great-great-grandchildren; his numerous stepchildren; and by many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son Terry Prue on February 23, 2014; his daughter Janice; his brothers: Vernon, Reginald, Kenneth, and Leonard; and by his sisters: Madeline Collins, Doris Karabarus, Elaine Daniels, and Marion Lakin.
Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, on Friday, April 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, at the Grace Brethren Church in Irasburg, with the Reverend Scott Libby officiating. Spring interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Grace Brethren Church, 3 Route 14, Coventry, Vermont 05825.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Remembering Arlene (Robinson) Thompson, 1929-2014
by Wanita S. Thompson
I wrote this tribute to my mother-in-law and read it at her funeral on March 28:
First let me begin by saying that I don’t believe my mother-in-law would be extra pleased to have folks fussing over her, even now, and maybe she wouldn’t be that happy about my tribute to her. But, on the other hand, she didn’t say I couldn’t….
Arlene was a planner and she lived her life on her own terms. She lived a life of service to others, caring for family members, educating three generations of students right here in Craftsbury, and contributing crafts and baked goods for school and community events.
She was a storyteller and a wonderful conversationalist. At family gatherings, I would notice that she would visit with just about everyone, and usually asked the children about what they had been up to and how school was going (always a teacher, you know). She kept track of the honor roll in the paper and often sent notes of congratulations or encouragement to relatives, friends, and former students.
Mrs. Thompson was a cheerleader! If you have an image of someone in a short skirt with pom poms — wrong! But, she was the greatest fan and supporter anyone could ask for. Her son, Dave, would tell you that his parents went to all his basketball, soccer, and baseball games, and when our children were old enough to play T-ball, there they were, cheering them on all the way! They attended all the games right up through high school as well as concerts, science fairs, award ceremonies, and anything else that Meghann and Derek participated in. Of course, Gram cheered for all her students over the years, too, in whatever games, spelling bees, or other competitions they were involved in. She rooted for us all in all our endeavors — sincerely.
Now, how would she want to be remembered? She was a caring daughter who took special care of her parents, along with an older brother whom she loved dearly. She was a devoted and loving wife, and an amazing mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a generous person who gardened and picked berries by the carload and always shared the vegetables and fruit with family, friends, and neighbors.
I’ll share a few stories now. First, one from her childhood on the family farm in Irasburg. Her family enjoyed many family get-togethers over the years. Almost every Sunday, relatives would come over to enjoy a meal together and spend hours reminiscing or just chatting. Christmas was a special holiday in the Robinson household and oftentimes extended family would come over for a feast and to celebrate. One year an uncle who was quite a trickster brought a gift for the family and quickly put it under the Christmas tree. Well, my mother-in-law’s father heard this scratching sound coming from under the tree, and he attempted to shoo that darn cat out from under it. He could not find that cat anywhere! The scratching was coming from the Christmas package — a live rooster was the gift inside the box from that dear uncle; how she laughed as she regaled us with that story and other of the fun Christmases she experienced in her youth, and I understand how important it was for her to bring that joy to her child and grandchildren. Passing on traditions was very important to her.
When Dave was growing up, the family had a few snow machines and would oftentimes meet up with uncles, aunts, and cousins for some wonderful Sunday afternoon rides. Dave’s mom didn’t always go out on the sleds, but this one particular Sunday she decided to go along with the gang. Apparently, at some point, it was just Dave and his mom on the trail, each on their own machine, and returning home from a jaunt when they arrived at the foot of a very steep hill. Dave stopped at the bottom of the hill and advised his usually slow and careful-driving mom that she would need to give the machine some gas if she was ever going to make it up the hill. Otherwise she might get stuck. So up the hill, Dave went. Well, about halfway up the hill, he thought he better look back down to see how close to the bottom of the hill his mother still was, and he got the surprise of his life. There she was right close behind him and almost about to run into him, full throttle! He stepped on it and got out of the way just in time, but he never forgot the determination of his normally cautious mom to get up that hill!
Over the years, Gram and Grandpa have been fun and loving grandparents to Dave’s and my children. When Meghann was about two years old, Gram had the idea that Meg would like a shopping cart to play with, so Gram, Grandpa, Meg, and I set out on a Saturday afternoon in search of this shopping cart. When we arrived at the store, they had shopping carts, but it was a three-wheeler that took Meg’s eye. She rode it all over the store and we weren’t sure we could get her off it long enough to pay for it. For as you can tell, a three-wheeler is what we came home with!
Another time, Gram and Grandpa spent an entire day shopping just for the right sneakers for Derek. They started in St. Johnsbury, but could not find shoes that would meet Derek’s approval there. No such luck! Then, off to Barre! And there, they found just the right shoes. I don’t know who was more pleased — Derek with his snazzy new sneakers or the grandparents who made sure he ended up with them.
Gram often said that it was a good trait to know what you like and not to just settle for any ol’ thing.
Well, they are always talking about our footprint that we leave behind. Well, my mother-in-law has left a big footprint on my heart. There are many jokes about them, and I know a lot of folks don’t think you’re supposed to like your mother-in-law, but I loved mine and I’ll miss her always as will our whole family. I will end with a quote by Maltbie D. Babcock:
Life is what we are alive to do.
It is not length, but breadth…
Be alive to…goodness, kindness, purity, love, history, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God, and eternal hope.
Death notice
Randi A. Wright Sr.
Randi A. Wright Sr., 60, of Barton died on April 12, 2014, at his home.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
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