Obituaries

Obituaries February 11, 2015

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obit BenoitNorman “Jake” W. Benoit

Norman “Jake” W. Benoit, 88, of Barton died on February 2, 2015, in Barton. He died on his sixty-third wedding anniversary.

He was born on October 1, 1926, in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, to Theodore and Aimee (Harvender) Benoit.

On February 2, 1952, he married Elizabeth White, who predeceased him on January 22, 2015.

He owned and operated Benoit’s Garage, his own automotive shop, with his father, which started out as a blacksmith shop in North Brookfield, Massachusetts.

He was a veteran of World War II.

The family summered in Barton on Crystal Lake and he eventually moved here with his family in 1972. He was an avid fisherman, cribbage player, and he loved animals and going for rides with his son Norman.

He is survived by his children: Jeanne Tinker of Naples, Florida, and Norman D. Benoit and his girlfriend, Sarah Darling, of Orleans; his grandchildren: Franklin Miller Jr., Miranda Miller, Tyler Tinker, and Theodore Benoit; his great-granddaughter Jenna Bacon; his brother Joseph Benoit, and his sister “Teeney” Laflam, both of North Brooksfield; and by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter Leigh Ann Benoit; and by three brothers and four sisters.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit harrnessShirley M. Harrness

Shirley M. Harrness, 66, died on Thursday, February 5, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Sheldon.

She was born in North Hampton, Massachusetts, on October 9, 1948, the daughter of the late Audrey (Finn) Daniels.

She grew up and attended schools in North Hampton, and South Royalton.

On September 5, 1969, she married Stephen M. Harrness of Randolph, and began the life of farming in Vermont. They worked side by side on their farms in Randolph, Grand Isle, and Enosburg Falls. They started milking 55 cows in Randolph, then grew to milking 100 in Grand Isle and they reached 900 in Enosburg Falls.

They have owned a house in Island Pond since 2002.

When in Grand Isle, Ms. Harrness became active with the children’s school and Parent Teachers Association, the Boy Scouts and 4-H Dairy. She was on the Vermont State 4-H Dairy Committee and she chaperoned 4-H Dairy trips to Vermont fairs as well as Eastern States for many years.

She leaves behind her husband of 45 years, Steve Harrness; and three sons: Thomas and his wife, Liza, of Sheldon, Lawrence and his wife, Mary Jane, of Berkshire, and Dennis of Sheldon. Her grandchildren were her life: Jonathan, Anthony, Perry, Ryan, Makayla, and Lawrence all survive her and she loved making her annual trips with them to the Great Escape, Santa’s Village, and other fun places. She never went a day without her grandchildren around her. She also leaves behind her siblings: Jean Jones and her husband, Bruce, and Audrey Frary and her husband, David, all of South Royalton, Roland Daniels and his wife, Wanda, of Meriden, New Hampshire, and Robert Daniels and his wife, Allison, of El Paso, Texas; her family in Bethel: Debbie and Bill Richards, and father-in-law Mitchell Harrness; her dear, loving friends: Mary Mason of Enosburg Falls, Brenda Dupont of East Haven, and Jackie Dragon of Franklin; Mary, Brenda and Jackie brought her laughter, joy, support, and beautiful friendship; and numerous nieces and nephews who she loved and enjoyed.

Besides her mother, she was predeceased by her siblings: Mary Thurston and her husband, Frank, Roberta Marcroft, Darlene Zonay, and Mark Daniels; her mother-in-law, Corrine Harrness; and her brother-in-law Gregory Harrness.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 13, at 11 a.m., at the Spears Funeral Home in Enosburg Falls, with the Reverend Jason McConnell officiating. Friends are invited to a time of visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service. Interment will be held this spring in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Enosburg Falls.

For those who wish, contributions in her memory may be made to the Franklin County Home Health Association, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, Vermont 05478; or to the Vermont Make-A-Wish Foundation, 100 Dorset St., Suite 14, South Burlington, Vermont 05403.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.spearsfuneralhome.com.

obit HeathWilliam C. Heath Sr.

William C. Heath Sr., 82, of Island Pond died on February 4, 2015, at his home.

He was born on February 2, 1933, in Island Pond, to Sherman and Mildred (Aldrich) Heath.

On January 2, 1953, he married Gleigh Gray, who survives him.

Mr. Heath was a self-employed dairy farmer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He was a member of the Island Pond Post #80 of Island Pond, and Better Breathers. He was a former lister and a member of the zoning board in Island Pond and the farm bureau.

He liked woodworking, gardening, reading, and enjoyed family gatherings just about every Saturday night. As a jack-of-all-trades he was always giving a helping hand to family and friends. He was often called upon to chauffeur several of the white haired ladies of the family on shopping trips.

He is survived by his wife, Gleigh Heath, of Island Pond; his children: Shirley Mooney and her husband, Steve, of Barton, William Heath and his wife, Donna, of Plainfield, New Hampshire, Lorrie Heath of Island Pond, and Peggy Reed and her husband, Earl, of Newark; his grandchildren: Christopher Mooney, Scott Mooney, Amanda Mooney, Tamara Heath, and Troy Heath and his companion, Sarah Cram; his great-grandchildren: Alice Ball and Raelyn Pytka; his brother Milton Heath and his wife, Fay, of Derby; his sisters-in-law: Patricia Gray, Charlotte Gunn, Gunda Gray, Monique Gray, and Virginia Wing and her husband, Alan; several nieces and nephews; and by a special longtime family friend, Diane Brindley.

He was predeceased by his brothers- and sisters-in law: Earl “Sonny” Gray, Marilyn Wade, Anna Johnson, Glenn Gray, and Niles “Jody” Gray.

Funeral services were held on February 8, in Island Pond. Spring interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond, with full military honors.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Better Breathers at the Cardio-Pulmonary Department, North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

Laurent C. Leblanc Jr.

Laurent C. Leblanc Jr., 68, of North Troy died on January 31, 2015, in St. Johnsbury, to the loving arms of his parents, Georgette (Bacon) and Laurent Leblanc Sr.

He was currently greenskeeper at the Newport Country Club. He formerly worked at Jay Peak for many years.

He leaves three sisters: Lorraine Warner of Rocky Top, Tennessee, Rose-Marie Pepin of Meriden, Connecticut, and Rachel and her husband, Richard Powers, of Coventry; two nephews and three nieces; several aunts and uncles; and many cousins who mourn him. He is also survived by his special cousin and friend David and Candy Leblanc whom he enjoyed visiting with and were there for him; his special friend Terry Medley; and by his basketball buddy Pete Gonyer, who enjoyed the games.

At his request, there will be no services.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Special Olympics, which was dear to him.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit-rowellGeorge Rowell

George Rowell, 85, died on January 15, 2015, in Crossville, Tennessee.

He was born on April 8, 1929, in South Albany. He was born and raised on a dairy farm, the oldest son of eight children of Harry and Helen (Urie) Rowell.

He was married to his first wife, Ruth McBride, on August 14, 1952. She died on January 11, 1980.

Mr. Rowell married Alta Jackson Wheeler in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on April 23, 1983.

He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. His college years were interrupted by his Korean War service. He also earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. After serving active duty, he continued in the Air Force reserves, with reserve weekend trainings at Hanscom Air Force Base. He was liaison officer commander with the Air Force Academy in Colorado, where he went for five days, for 17 years. He retired as a colonel.

He began his 33-year engineering career with GE in Pittsfield, in ordnance division, and retired from GE in their Cincinnati, Ohio, office, aerospace division, in 1990. He also served as chairman of the Pittsfield Airport Commission for 15 years. He had a passion for flying and owned three small aircraft in his lifetime.

He was a member of the Linary Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Alta; his daughter Susan Hartloff of Ballston Spa, New York; his son, Brian and his wife, Laurie, of Saxtons River; three stepchildren: Laurie Gingras and her husband, Mark, of Pittsfield, Carol Boyer and her husband, Phil, of Nashville, Tennessee, and John Wheeler and his wife, Leisa, of Denver, Colorado; his sisters: Louise, Eunice, and Harriet; his brothers: Marvin, Morris, and Wilbur; 11 grandchildren; and by two great-granddaughters.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Ruth; and by his brother Hollis.

There will be a memorial service in Saxtons River in the spring. A memorial service was held in Crossville, on January 19.

obit StebbinsRobin Mary Stebbins

Robin Mary Stebbins, 57, of Craftsbury died on February 3, 2015, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on October 24, 1957, in Petersburg, Virginia, to Rodolph and Mary (Fortune) Chase Sr.

On September 4, 1982, she married George Stebbins, who survives her.

She graduated from Craftsbury Academy in 1976 and in 1980 received a bachelor of science degree in plant and soil science at the University of Vermont.

She was a medical transcriptionist for Med Quest.

Her hobbies included making crafts, sewing, needlepoint, gardening, and cooking.

She was a great mother, grandmother, sister, and very hard worker. She had a great sense of humor and liked playing practical jokes. She made the best dinner rolls in the county.

She is survived by her husband, George Stebbins, of Craftsbury; her sons: Alex Stebbins and his wife, Nicole, of Danville, and Benjamin Stebbins and his wife, Amanda, of Morrisville; her grandchildren: Bella and Chase Stebbins; her brothers: Rudy Chase Jr. and his wife, Joanne, of Craftsbury, and by her twin brother, Raymond Chase, and his wife, Joyce, of Craftsbury; her nieces: Karen and Valerie Mason, Andrea Phelps, Katie, Julianne, and Mykaela Chase; and by her nephew Nick Chase. She loved her dogs, Sophie and Bailey.

Funeral services were held on February 8, on Craftsbury Common.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division, Inc., 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit VanasseGilles Louis Vanasse

Gilles Louis Vanasse, 84, of Barton died on February 7, 2015, in Barton.

He was born on April 20, 1930, in Sainte Edwidge, Quebec, to Victor and Imelda (Cliche) Vanasse.

On June 21, 1952, he married Jeannette Couture.

He worked as an auto body repairman in various auto body shops before starting Vanasse Auto Body. He ran his business until age 52. After he sold his business, he worked as a carpenter with his son Daniel for ten more years, when he retired at age 62.

In the years before retirement he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and working in the woods. He enjoyed spending winters in Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeannette Vanasse, of Barton; his children: Helene Taylor and her husband, Francis, of West Glover, Paul Vanasse and his wife, Luanne, of West Charleston, Lucille Vanasse of Queensbury, New York, Bertrand Vanasse of Barton, Daniel Vanasse and his wife, Pauline, of Barton, and Gaetan Vanasse of Ocala, Florida; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; his brothers: Leo Vanasse of Orleans, and Andre Vanasse of Quebec; his sister Monique Lebel of Quebec; and by several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

He was predeceased by seven sisters and three brothers, all of Quebec.

Friends may call on Thursday, February 12, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 12 Elm Street in Barton, from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Barton, with the Reverend Timothy Naples celebrating a Mass of Christian burial. Spring interment will be in St. Theresa’s Cemetery in Orleans.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Ron Holland Dialysis Center, in care of North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit whitingLeora Lea J. Whiting

Leora Lea J. Whiting, 78, of Brownington died on January 31, 2015.

She was a beloved and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

She was born on July 18, 1936, to Lee and Alta (White) Barrup.

On March 24, 1956, she married Hazen Whiting, who predeceased her in 2000.

She was a rural route mail carrier for the U.S Postal Service for over 25 years, which she enjoyed until her retirement.

She enjoyed helping her husband, Hazen, with the family farm and spending time with her grandchildren. She was the pastor of the Zion Pentecostal Church of East Charleston for many years.

She is survived by her children: Donna Shelton of Brownington, Deborah Couture and her husband, Richard, of Addison, Maine, and Larry Vance and his wife, Janice, of North Woodstock, New Hampshire; her grandchildren: Michel Lawson and his wife, Jena, of Littleton, New Hampshire, Debbie Willard and her husband, Luke, of Brownington, Nick Couture and his wife, Joanie, of Stratton, Maine, Brandon Couture of Middlebury, Larry Vance Jr. and his wife, Brenda, of New Hampshire, Brian Vance of New Hampshire, and Robert Vance and his wife, Mariah, of Newberry; 14 great grandchildren; her brother James Barrup of Brownington; her sisters: Rachel Pray and Sherry Barrup, both of Brownington; and by many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Hazen; her son Donald; her brother Everett Barrup; and by her sisters: Pearl Barrup and Ruth Curtis.

Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.

There was a celebration of her life on February 7, in West Charleston. Interment will take place in the spring at the Hillside Cemetery in East Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the Barton Ambulance, P.O. Box 364, Barton, Vermont 05822.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

Service 

Althea Blair

A memorial service for Althea Blair, who died on December 10, 2014, will be held on Sunday, February 22, at the American Legion in Island Pond, from 2 to 4 p.m., with Pastor Sue McKay officiating.

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