Gemma A. Faust (Leach) Belanger
Gemma A. Faust (Leach) Belanger died peacefully at the age of 84 on January 28, 2016, after a difficult year of confusion as a result of a major stroke.
She was born on November 3, 1931, in Irasburg, a daughter of Romeo and Anna Faust.
Her greatest joy came from being together with her family; together for a simple meal or one of life’s celebrations. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and then great-grandmother, and was affectionately known as Mimi. You could always count on a hug from “Mimi” if you needed encouragement, or a little comfort. Once her children were grown she entered the workplace first as a dormitory supervisor at Sacred Heart School in Newport, working with international boarding students. She later traveled to visit some of her students in Mexico, where she was hosted by their families. She loved her jobs working with students, both at Sacred Heart and later at Lake Region Union High School as a media aide in the library. She also traveled to France with the Lake Region French group and talked often of her memories from those trips. She was a very giving person and all who came in contact with her recognized her generous spirit and unending willingness to jump in and help.
She is survived by her husband, Carroll Belanger, of Lake City, Florida; her three children: Michael Leach and his wife, Debbie, Cynthia Moeykens and her husband, Gary, and Richard Leach and his wife, Debbie. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Krystal (Leach) Ingalls and her husband, Chris, and their children, Krystianna and Jordyn; Kristofer Leach and his wife, Karen, and their children, Braydon and Landyn; Aby Moeykens; Justin Moeykens and his wife, Lauren, and their children, Peyton and Pepper; and Travis Leach. Also, her extended family: Amanda and Michelle Henderson, Kim Roberts and Kelley Kendall, Larry Belanger and his wife, Dawn, and Randy Belanger and his wife, Liz. Her surviving siblings are Lionel Faust, Romeo Faust Jr. and his wife, Huguette, Lillianne Souliere, and Anna Young and her husband, Alfred.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Allen Leach; and by her brothers: Herve, Honora, Andy, Julien, Steve, Aime, and Silver Faust.
A graveside service will take place in the spring at St. Theresa’s Cemetery in Orleans. The date and time will be announced.
Should friends and family desire, the family encourages people to contribute in Ms. Belanger’s memory to Lake Region Union High School, Attention: Tami Devost, Library Department, 317 Lake Region Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.
Robert Neil Carter
Robert “Bob” Neil Carter, 87, of Newport died on February 1, 2016, in Newport.
He was born on February 11, 1928, in Newport to Victor and Helen (Gogen) Carter. On October 10, 1953, he married Natalie Ann Tiedeman, who survives him with 62 years of marriage.
He enlisted into the United States Army in June of 1950 during the Korean War. He spent two years in Germany, after which he took training for electrician work. He went into business for himself as Bob’s Electrical Service and was a master electrician for 30 years before he retired.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved fishing in the winter, spring and summer.
He held memberships with the American Legion Post #21 of Newport and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798, both of Newport.
He is survived by his wife, Natalie Carter, of Newport; his daughter Becky Jacobs and her husband, Dennis, of Derby; his grandson Tanner Jacobs of Derby; his siblings: Fred Carter and his wife, Ruth, of Newport, Louis Carter and his wife, Lucille, of Newport, Francis Carter of Coventry, and Leonard Carter of Missouri. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Iona Carter of Derby; and by 22 nieces and nephews and their spouses.
He was predeceased by his daughter Debra Ann Carter in infancy; his brother Victor A. “Buster” Carter and his wife, Evelyn; his sister Vivian Judd; his brothers: Leonard and Wayne Carter; and by his sister-in-law Shirley Carter and brother-in-law Leo Judd Sr.
There will be no calling hours. A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring at Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Derby Line Fire Department, P.O. Box 205, Derby Line, Vermont 05830.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
James A. Casey Jr.
James A. Casey Jr. of Westmore died on Friday, February 5, 2016, at the Newport Health Care Center, at the age of 65.
He was born on August 27, 1950, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was the son of James and Charlotte (Therrien) Casey.
He graduated from St. Peter’s High School in Worcester. On August 5, 1972, he married Carol Hilton, who survives him.
Mr. Casey was an elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and also a member of the Japan Tattoo Club since 1984 and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gunsmithing, gardening, photography, raising dogs, and building drum sets. He was a published author including a drum-building book, and multiple newsletters and other publications. He was a tattoo artist, being one of the first licensed tattooists in Vermont.
Other than his wife he is survived by his three children: Joshua Casey and his wife, Michelle, of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, Hannah Cannon and her husband, Joseph, of Barre, and Isaiah Casey and his wife, Kelly, of Derby. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Tamera and Bryce Casey, and Matthias Cannon; his sister Ann Johnson of Worchester; a niece, Eliza Casey; and by a nephew, Larry Casey.
A funeral service will be held on February 12, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Newport at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be marked in his name to the Dr. Ronald Holland Dialysis Center, attention: Newport Dialysis, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.
James E. Durand
James E. Durand of West Charleston died suddenly on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at North Country Hospital in Newport. He was 83 years old.
Mr. Durand was born on April 25, 1932, in Huntington. He was the son of James and Ida (Pecor) Durand.
In 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army where he was a gunner for the 23rd Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. After his active duty he went on to serve in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in January of 1962.
On February 25, 1989, he married Susan Clark, who survives him.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and taking care of the animals that he and his wife rescued.
Other than his wife he is survived by his sons: Herbert Germain and Eric Durand; a brother, Robert Durand; a sister, Virginia Bundock; and by five grandchildren.
Upon request there will be no funeral services.
Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com.
Janet A. Griffin
Janet Anderson Griffin died at the age of 93 on January 25, 2016, in Burlington.
She was born on September 30, 1922, in Hardwick, the third child of William and Helen Anderson. She grew up on the Brass Knocker Farm in East Craftsbury, with her dad managing the farm for the Simpson family. She and her siblings, Stuart and Harriet, cherished their time on the farm and their relationship with the Simpson family, especially with Jean Woodruff Simpson. It was common for her to want to take a ride to East Craftsbury later in life to look at changes in the farmhouse and the town, visit the gravesites nearby of her parents, and reminisce about her childhood.
She attended the University of Vermont and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in home economics in 1944. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and enjoyed meeting her sorority sisters and classmates in reunions during her retirement years.
On August 24, 1947, she married Elwin Griffin and became a resident of Barton for over 60 years. Mr. Griffin worked at the Barton Motor Company and retired from there in 1982. Ms. Griffin was a home economics teacher, first at Barton Academy and then at Lake Region Union High School and retired the same year as Mr. Griffin. She was particularly proud and honored to teach two generations of students and develop the home economics curriculum at the two schools.
After retirement, the Griffins spent summers for many years at their cottage on Shadow Lake in Glover, and winters in Bradenton, Florida, and enjoyed close friendships in both states. After Mr. Griffin died in 2000, she then became a year-round resident of Barton again and then moved to South Burlington to be closer to family years later.
She leaves her son Eric and his wife, Donna, of South Burlington, Mark and his wife, Lynn, of Kennesaw, Georgia; her daughter-in-law Gale Lashua; her grandchildren: Patrick and his wife, Kelly, Jennifer, Matthew, and step-grandchild Eric Jacob and his wife, Megan; her great-grandchildren: Stella, Jack, Alexandra, and Brayden; and her sister-in-law Lucy Anderson.
She was predeceased by her husband, Elwin; her brother Stuart; her sister Harriet; and by a daughter, Karen Blaine.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Griffin were blessed to have many friends and were very proud of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family feels very fortunate to have been together and able to see Mrs. Griffin during the Christmas holidays, just prior to her death.
A memorial service will be held in the summer at the convenience of the family.
Contributions in Mrs. Griffin’s memory may be made to the Barton Public Library or to the Vermont Special Olympics, 16 Gregory Drive, South Burlington, Vermont 05403.
Phyllis Joy Hammond
Phyllis Joy Hammond, a longtime resident of Newport Center, died on February 3, 2016, at the age of 88. She had been living at Tallwood House, a Christian Science residence in Concord, New Hampshire.
A prolific artist working primarily in watercolors and acrylics, she operated from her tiny PJ Hammond Art Gallery on Lake Road, which was the former barn of her beloved Morgan horse, Smoky. But Phyllis had a truly international reach. Her work was exhibited in Iceland, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Texas, North Dakota, and Vermont (most recently at the MAC Center for the Arts in Newport), and she published three books that captured her love of wildflowers, northern landscapes, and sharing art with children.
She was born on July 4, 1927, the daughter of Gordon Crothers Sleeper and Martha Moller Sleeper in Long Island, New York. As a youngster she studied watercolor with Elsa Bley. She attended Wellesley College and later studied with Hyman Bloom and took courses at the New York Botanical Gardens, presaging her life-long love of flowers. She began traveling to Lake Memphremagog as a child, where her parents owned summer homes, and in 1957 she married Milton Dale Hammond. They were married for 54 years until Mr. Hammond’s death in 2012.
She had a long love affair with northern landscapes (she lived several miles from the Canadian border) and their plant life. Underlying themes of her work were wildflowers, forest floors, mountains, and seeing more spiritually.
In 1998, at the age of 71, her life took a decidedly entrepreneurial turn with the writing and publication of Traveling with Wildflowers: from Newfoundland to Alaska. As a result of the book’s publication, she was invited to speak in Denali National Park in Alaska, St. John’s Botanical Garden in Newfoundland, and at many flower shows. An article featuring her and her book appeared in Vermont Magazine. Along with book sales, she sold thousands of lithographs, prints, postcards, and bookmarks based on the artwork in Traveling with Wildflowers, welcoming people from across the country to her gallery by the lake.
Ms. Hammond published two more books. In 2013, Through the Eyes of the Children was written in concert with elementary school children in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, who contributed imaginative essays about Ms. Hammond’s travel sketches. In 2014, she published Iceland: A Second Visit…a Necessity, which included 30 of her Icelandic paintings. Along with Alaska and Vermont (with a memorable side trip to Egypt!), Iceland was Phyllis’s favorite landscape to paint and place to visit.
She is survived by her brother Drew Sleeper and his wife, Evelyn Sleeper, of Abilene, Texas; her sister-in-law Emmy-Lou Sleeper of Larchmont, New York; six nieces and nephews; and many grand- and great-grand-nieces and -nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother Gordon Crothers Sleeper Jr.,
A memorial service will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the MAC Center for the Arts Scholarship Fund, 158 Main Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Barbara S. Carroll-Jewer
Barbara S. Carroll-Jewer, 79, of Beebe Plain died on February 6, 2016, in Newport.
She was born on June 5, 1936, in Woburn, Massachusetts, to William and Helen (Grammer) Carroll.
She was a former member of the Hyde Park VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Forever Young Club. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, crocheting, putting puzzles together, playing cards (by her rules), watching the birds, and taking care of her cats. She also liked to go to yard sales, flea markets and dancing. She especially loved her longtime traditional New Year’s party with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children: Betty Jean Tinker and her husband, Bernie, of Derby, Lester Jewer and his wife, Donna, of Irasburg, Kevin Jewer and his wife, Lisa, of Newport, and Kimberly Beth Gray and her husband, Todd, of Troy; her grandchildren: Christine Jewer, Lester Jewer III and his wife, Amy, Jessica Prue and her husband, Michael, Courtney, Chelsea, Ashley, Britni, and Jason Jewer, Nicole Stevens, Dakota Stevens and his wife, Jennifer, Alen Stevens and Amber Stevens; and by many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers: William and Kenny; and by her sisters: Helen, Dottie, and Cindy.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home at 37 Lake Road in Newport, with the Reverend Dan Prue officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, February 13, from 1 p.m. until the hour of the funeral.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Willie Mae Lockwood
Willie Mae Lockwood, 90, of Westmore died peacefully on February 5, 2016, in Barton.
She was born on July 1, 1925, in Roosevelt, Oklahoma, to William and Grosey (Philly) Connelly. On June 12, 1943, she married William Ross Lockwood, who predeceased her on February 17, 2010.
She and her late husband owned and operated Bill & Billie’s Lodge in Westmore for many years.
Her hobbies included tending to her flower gardens and window boxes. She was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Barton.
She is survived by her children: Betsy Victoria Fecteau of Holland and Linda Lockwood of Westmore; her grandchildren: Corena Mae Brooks and her husband, Montana, Raymond Paul Parenteau and his wife, Linda, Scott Dexter Parenteau, Linda Claire Griswold and her husband, Randy, Michael Scheidt and his wife, Gigi, Steven Scheidt and his wife, Beverly, and James Hamel and his fiancée, Kim; her great-grandchildren: AJ, Skye, Jade, Abbey, Casey, Kristan, Steven, Jason, Michael, Konnor, and Ponette; and by several great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Frankie Merrill of Greenville, Mississippi; and by her brother-in-law Dexter B. Lockwood and his wife, Evelyn, of Proctor.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzhiemer’s Association of Vermont, Vermont Division Inc., 300 Corner Stone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, Vermont 05495; or to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held in June at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Barton, followed by interment in Lakeview Cemetery in Westmore.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
George E. Magill
George E. Magill, 77, of Athol, Massachusetts, died on Thursday, February 4, 2016, at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.
Born on May 30, 1938, in Westmore, he was a son of the late Clarence H. and Charlotte (Vivian) Magill and attended the Westmore grammar school before moving to Newport. He graduated from Newport High School.
Mr. Magill served in the United States Army 69th Infantry and 272 Infantry from December 15, 1955, until his honorable discharge on December 2, 1958.
He lived in Newport until moving to Athol in 1993.
On July 12, 1996, he married Nancy (Rushford) and they have enjoyed over 15 years together.
While in Newport, Mr. Magill worked for the town of Newport. He also had worked for the Union Twist Drill Company, did logging, and in his later years he worked for Indian Crossing Millworks in Athol.
His first love was for his wife, Nancy, his children and grandchildren, Nora and Samuel, as well as his dog Sadie.
An outdoorsman, Mr. Magill loved cutting wood, camping, being with his friends, and old vehicles. He was known for his quick wit and telling a good joke.
A handy man who enjoyed making things with wood for people, he also enjoyed helping many people, including many elderly ladies.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Nancy Magill, of Athol; his children: Dwayne Magill and his wife, Celeste, and Waide Magill, all of Phoenix, Arizona, and Katherine “Kathy” Magill of Glendale, Arizona; his stepdaughter Melissa Cieszkowski and her husband, Chris, of Franklin, Massachusetts; his grandchildren: Candice Holweinks of Anaheim, California, and Katelyn Magill of Glendale; his step-grandchildren: Joshua Valiquette and Andrew Valiquette, both of Phoenix, and Nora Cieszkowski and Samuel Cieszkowski, both of Franklin; his great-grandchildren: Joshua Valiquette Jr. and Silas Valiquette, both of Phoenix; his cousins: Elizabeth Garrett and her husband, David, of Florida, Lillian Comee of Gardner, Massachusetts, and Florida, and Lottie Underwood of Bennington, New Hampshire; a sister-in-law, Ruth Quinlan, and her husband, Thomas, of Athol; a special friend, Clarence Blanchard, of Athol; and by many friends.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Helen Wood, on November 1, 1999.
The family is especially thankful to sister-in-law Ruth Quinlan for all her help.
A calling hour will be held on February 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, at 158 South Main Street in Orange, Massachusetts. A funeral service will be held on February 16 at 11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange, with the Reverend Beverly Prestwood Taylor of the Athol Congregational Church officiating. Interment with military honors will take place at 1 p.m. on February 16 at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, Massachusetts.
Memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Gardner VNA, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440; or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01104.
Online condolences at wittyfuneralhome.com.
Omer Gerard Meunier
Omer Gerard Meunier, 89, of Derby died in Newport on February 2, 2016.
He was born on September 6, 1926, in Magog, Quebec. He was a son of Alfred and Albertine (Chainey) Meunier. On July 28, 1951, he married Emerentienne “Amy” Pare, who survives him.
Mr. Meunier worked for 37 years for the Canadian Pacific Railroad. He was hired in Magog, transferred to St. Johnsbury in 1954, and shortly after to Newport where he retired. He also spent many years working part time for Ken Frawley’s and Jim Mulkin’s dealerships. Upon his retirement in 1986, it was at that time that he and his wife purchased a home in West Palm Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed spending their winter months.
He was happiest when one of his children, a friend, and or a neighbor needed help with a project. No matter how big or little the task was, he was always there willing to help. Bowling with his Florida friends and playing cards were hobbies he enjoyed with his wife along with riding his bike throughout West Palm Beach.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children: Jaqueline Lamoureux and her husband, Guy, of Newport, Benoit Meunier and his wife, Gail, of Derby, Richard Meunier and his wife, Judy, of Hartland, Normand Meunier and his wife, Peggy, of Hartland, and Linda Branscum and her husband, Jerald, of New Boston, New Hampshire; his grandchildren: Tanya, Jason, and David Lamoureux, Jonathan and Nathan Meunier, Monica and Ashley Meunier, Crystal Racine and Eric Meunier, and Brett Branscum (and their spouses); and by his great-grandchildren: Liam, Luc, Maverick, Xavier, Abigail, Julia, Sierra, Nevaeh, Effron Jr., and Dionna. He is also survived by his brother Marcel, and two sisters, Therese and Rejeanne, all of Magog.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother Rene; and by his sister Aline.
Funeral services were held on February 6 in Derby Line.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be marked in his name to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1 Memorial Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Robert C. Rash
Robert C. Rash, 85, of Barton died on January 22, 2016, in Newport.
He was born on August 25, 1930, in Seekonk, Massachusetts, to Clifton and Hilda (Tatro) Rash.
He was a master sargeant in the United States Air Force, where he was an aircraft maintenance supervisor, retiring after 32 years. He served during Vietnam and Korea. He was a life member of the VFW of Newport, American Legion Post #23 of Orleans, and the Newport Eagles.
His hobbies included model railroading, photography, fishing and hunting in his earlier years, and stamp collecting.
He is survived by his children: Sherrel Adams and her fiancé, Todd Baldwin, of Barre, Randolph Rash of California, and his stepdaughter Dawn Mendes of Barton; his brother Dale Rash of Indiana; and by his sister Joyce Putnam of Florida. He is also survived by Gary and Wendy Sicard and their family, Brian Hinton, and Linda Hinton.
He was predeceased by his son John; and by his sister Joan.
Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.
Geraldine Roberts
Geraldine Roberts of Barton, and formerly of Brownington, died on Friday, January 29, 2016, at the Maple Lane Nursing Home in Barton, at the age of 75.
She was born on July 4, 1940, in Barton.
She worked at several area restaurants, including Dot’s and Frank’s.
She loved her dogs, knitting, and traveling. She traveled across the country several times.
She is survived by her son Chris Lawson and his wife, Linda, of Barton; two grandchildren: Michel Lawson and his wife, Jena, and Debbie Willard and her husband, Luke; and by three great-grandchildren: Faith Kempton, and Katie and Nick Willard.
She was predeceased by three husbands: Jack Lawson, Karl Orne, and Sherm Roberts.
A graveside service will take place in the spring in Coventry.
Memorial contributions may be marked to the Maple Lane Activities Fund, 60 Maple Lane, Barton, Vermont 05822.
Online condolences may be made at curtis-brtich.com.
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