Dr. Muriel “Monchy” (Apfelberg) Brownstein
Dr. Muriel “Monchy” (Apfelberg) Brownstein, 85, of Wernersville, Pennsylvania, died in the Health Center at Phoebe Berks in Wernersville, just after midnight on Friday, January 31, 2014.
Daughter of Joseph Apfelberg and Clara (Jurgrau) Apfelberg, she was born in Ellenville, New York, on January 1, 1929. She grew up on a farm in the Lake Huntington, New York, area and retained a love of rural life and a green thumb throughout her life.
Education for her was a lifelong pursuit. She graduated from Evander Childs High School in New York City in 1946 at age 17, received a BA in biology from Brooklyn College in 1949, a master’s degree in education, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Akron in 1975, and her Ph.D. in education from Temple University in 1985, at age 56.
She was an enthusiastic promoter of science education, performed research for her Ph.D. dissertation in Tianjin, China, on multi-cultural methods for teaching science, served as chairwoman of the science department and as a chemistry teacher at both Lower Moreland High School in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and at Delran High School in Burlington County, New Jersey. In retirement, she continued to work with local, regional and international science fairs as well as volunteering as a docent at the New Jersey State Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, as a mentor with literacy volunteers in south New Jersey, and as a home tutor for children with AIDS and developmentally disabled adults.
Intellectual curiosity and a zest for life were ever present. She played saxophone and recorder, wrote poetry, loved to knit sweaters, garden, can jams, jellies and dilly beans. She was a voracious reader and hardly ever sat down without a book or newspaper on her lap. She delighted in a wide range of musicians ranging from Pete Seeger to Stan Getz to Andre Sagovia. Her places of residence included New York City, Chicago, Illinois, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Akron, Ohio, Daniel’s Pond in Glover, and Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Her international travels included Israel, Ireland, England, Germany, Czech Republic and China.
She was Jewish as well as a member of the Unitarian Universalist community. This blending of faith traditions was symbolized by the silver Unitarian chalice affixed to a Jewish star, which she wore around her neck. Both religious heritages nourished her involvement in social causes as a passionate activist for universal justice, world peace, racial equality, women’s rights and an advocate for the mentally ill.
As a devoted wife and nurturing mother, career and community interests were constantly interwoven with family activities. She is remembered for watching television with the family, with a textbook for a course she was taking open before her and jumping up during commercials to move clothes from the washer to the drier. She was deeply loved by family, colleagues and friends. Her kind smile, joie de vivre, and ever-present optimism will be sorely missed.
She is survived by Mel Brownstein, her husband of 58 years; her children: Ted Brownstein, Carl Brownstein, Andy Brownstein and Ruth Brownstein; her sister-in-law Elizabeth “Liz” (Singer) Apfelberg; her nephew Michael Apfelberg; her niece Lisa (Apfelberg) Walton; her grandchildren: Jessica Pogrund Choplin, Rachel Jepson, Gretchen Brownstein, Anna Kiliona, Sarah Brownstein and Ariel Brownstein; and by her great-grandchildren: Isabella Jepson, Zack Pogrund Choplin, Lev Pogrund Choplin and Audrey Brownstein Carrillo.
She was predeceased by her brother Hershel Apfelberg.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Children’s Defense Fund or Doctors Without Borders.
Norma D. Cullins
Norma D. Cullins, 75, of Brownington died peacefully on January 29, 2014, in Newport.
She was born on January 19, 1939, in Waterbury, to Warren and Elizabeth (Town) Elliott.
On January 25, 1986, she married Gene Cullins, who survives her.
She was formerly a long haul truck driver and waitress. She loved traveling by car seeing the country.
She started her sewing business in 2007 and she was an active member of the Barton Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband Gene Cullins of Brownington; her children: Richard Bresky of Brownington, Sharon Calvert of Key Largo, Florida, Karla Carnarius and her husband, Michael, of Suwanee, Georgia, Laurene Jones and her husband, Cliff, of Waterbury, Connecticut, and Belinda Townsend of Connecticut; her stepchildren: Wanda Green of Middletown, Connecticut, Cindy Aston of Rhode Island, Beverly Volk and her husband, William, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Scott Cullins of Milldale, Connecticut, and Delma Smith of Florida; 15 grandchildren; and by 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters: Carol Hornik and her husband, Peter, of Danbury, Connecticut, Donna Elliott, Buffalo, New York, and Cathy Farnon, Pocono, Pennsylvania; her brother Mike Elliott of Waterbury; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother Richard Elliott.
Funeral services were held on February 4, in Barton.
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 may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Lee M. Daubenschmidt
Lee M. Daubenschmidt, 82, of Island Pond died on January 18, 2014, in Newport.
She was born on March 4, 1931, in Colfax, Iowa.
On May 13, 1977, she married Albert Daubenschmidt, who survives her.
She was a secretary for the Medical College of VA.
She was predeceased by four brothers and one sister.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Elizabeth J. Fields
Elizabeth J. Fields, 59, of Newport died suddenly on January 27, 2014, in Newport.
She was born December 13, 1954, in Glens Falls, New York, to Elizabeth (St. Amour) Delorme and the late Richard Baker. She married Gerald Fields, who survives her.
Ms. Fields’ hobbies included fishing, shopping, and being with her family.
She is survived by her husband Gerald Fields of Newport; her children: Lori Baker of Oregon, Tausha Baker of Newport, Virginia Tullis of Newport, Peter Coleman of Newport, and Melissa Benway of St. Albans; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her mother Elizabeth Delorme of Florida; her siblings: Debbie Aldrich of Enfield, New Hampshire, and Linda Mossey Phoenix, Arizona, Mark Marshall of Newport, Jackie Mossey of Newport, Louis Mossey of Burlington, Richard Baker Jr. of Milton, Donna Mossey of Burlington, Beverly Sena of Burlington, Diane Baker of Florida, and Sandy Turco of Ludlow, and Joe Baker of Burlington; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two sisters: Theresa and Ruth.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Donald Leon Griffes
Donald Leon Griffes, 82, of East Charleston died on January 30, 2014, at the Newport Health Care Center after a lengthy illness.
He was the husband of Beulah E. (Gardner) Griffes, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.
Born in Jackson, Michigan, he was son of the late Eddie and Elizabeth Griffes.
Mr. Griffes was an active member of his community serving as a Vermont state legislator in the late ’70s, as Orleans County Republican chairman for several years, on the state Republican Committee for many years, as a school board chairman, and as town moderator for a number of years. He was an active member of the Nazarene Church, and served in a number of positions over the years.
Shortly after arriving in Vermont in 1970, he founded Northeast Vermont Sheet Metal, which he operated out of his garage in East Charleston. His first major job, ironically, was working on the construction of the “new” Newport Health Care Center building, fabricating and installing the ventilation duct system. In 1982, the business was moved to East Main Street in Newport, and later incorporated into NEVTEC. In 1995, he retired and his son, Len, became president of the company, and moved NEVTEC to its current location on Airport Road, in 2005.
Before moving to Vermont, Mr. Griffes lived in Jackson, where he was a farmer, worked in the sheet metal trade, started two retail businesses, and taught sheet metal at Jackson Community College.
He loved fishing, hunting, and gardening and was known for the large vegetable gardens he planted and harvested each year.
He had a great love of family whom he prayed for daily and of the Lord Jesus Christ. His greatest desire was to pass his Christian heritage onto his family that they, too, might be followers of Christ. He has left a great legacy here.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children: Shirley Walter and her husband, Jack, of the Bahamas, Michael Griffes and his wife, Debbie, of Alexandria, Virginia, Sharon Manchester and her husband, C.J., of Cambridge, Leonard Griffes and his wife, Donna, of Coventry, Jonathan “Jay” Griffes and his wife, Kim, of Dover, New Hampshire, and Sheryl Hosford and her husband, Gary, of Newport; 17 grandchildren: Emily Bradley, Philip McCarrell, James Griffes, Caroline Hilliker, David Griffes, Jennifer Gabriel, Christopher Manchester, Sarah Manchester, Emily Griffes, Rebecca Griffes, Joshua Griffes, Kelsie Griffes, Alexander Griffes, Kristin Hosford, Megan Hosford, Calvin Hosford, and Cole Hosford; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Daniel Griffes of Burlington; as well as by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, on Friday, February 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 8, at the Derby Community Church in Derby, at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the spring at the Hillside Cemetery on Church Hill Road in East Charleston. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the East Charleston Church of the Nazarene, care of Beulah Griffes, 426 Farrant Street, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, care of Len Griffes, 227 Lane Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Leroy Nelson Hastings Jr.
After a lifetime of compassionate service, the Reverend Leroy N. Hastings, 92, died in Derby on January 27, 2014.
Roy (as he preferred to be called) often said he couldn’t distinguish his daily work from his recreation. Such an attitude is clearly evidenced by his many friends, within, as well as beyond, the confines of his parishes.
The Reverend Hastings was born in Palmer, Massachusetts, on June 6, 1921, a son of Leroy Sr. and Mary Jane (Brown) Hastings who, during their working lives, managed institutional farms. His formal education began in the public schools of Worcester County and continued with his earning a bachelor’s degree, A.B. in social studies at Clark University in Worcester, Class of 1943.
After graduation, he taught history for four years at Groveland High School. In 1948 he entered Hartford (Connecticut) Theological Seminary, earning a master’s degree in 1951. Nineteen fifty-one also saw his marriage to fellow student Roseanne Walvoord of Edinburg, Ohio, his ordination to the Christian ministry by the Worcester South Association of the Massachusetts Conference of Congregational Churches, and a call to ministry of the three-point parish of East St. Johnsbury, Waterford, and Concord, Vermont.
In 1956, the Reverend Hastings began his tenure at the yoked parishes of Orleans, Brownington Village, Brownington Center, and Evansville. In 1965 he moved to Chester, New Jersey, and in 1971, he began a 14-year charge at Whitman, Massachusetts.
Upon retirement, he made his residence with his wife in Brownington. Dissatisfied with inactivity, he resumed service, first in Coventry, then Westfield, and later at the Newport United Church (a five-year co-ministry with the Reverend Martha Peck). His work was honored with his being named pastor emeritus in the Whitman and Brownington churches.
In addition to his professional life, the Reverend Hastings enjoyed the out-of-doors and nature study, reading and Bible study, collecting U.S. stamps and coins, working in stained glass, calligraphy, and, most of all, being with his loving wife, Roseanne, who predeceased him in February of 2005.
He is survived by his son Mark and his wife, Kim, of Brownington; his son Timothy of Westmore; his grandchildren: Jacob and Mary Alison Hastings, and Derek and Jamison Bell; and by his great-grandchildren: Candence Ann Hastings and Derek Dakota Dean Bell.
He was predeceased by his wife, Roseanne; by his sister Beatrice Earnshaw of Hesperia, California; and by his daughter Sandra Bell of Fall River, Massachusetts.
A memorial service was observed on February 1 at the Brownington Congregational Church in Brownington Village. Interment at Brownington Village Cemetery will follow in the spring.
It is the wish of the deceased and his family that contributions be made to the Brownington Congregational Church (UCC) for the church building fund, in care of Yvonne Mandeville, treasurer, Coventry Station Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.
Anna Irene Johnson
Anna Irene Johnson, 77, of Orleans died peacefully on January 27, 2014, in Barton.
She was born on April 14, 1936, in Canaan, to Earl and Margaret (Edwards) Gray.
On April 19, 1954, she married Robert H. Johnson Sr., who predeceased her.
She was employed as a teller for the Howard Bank for many years, then as a clerk for the village of Orleans.
She was a past member of the Island Pond and Orleans American Legion auxiliaries, and a past Pythian Sister.
She liked to travel and attend family gatherings, especially on Saturday nights at the farm. She was an avid reader, she enjoyed trips with Community Circle, and her biggest loves were her grandchildren and her great-granddaughter.
She also had an extensive lighthouse collection.
She is survived by her children: Robert Johnson and his wife, Teresa, of Danville, Steven Johnson and his wife, Lisa, of Orleans, and Kathy Reilly and her husband, Mark, of Milton; her grandchildren: Erik and Brett Johnson, Justin and Samantha Johnson, and Kaitlin and Megan Reilly; and by her great-granddaughter Makayla Johnson. She is also survived by her sisters: Gleigh Heath and her husband, Bill, of Island Pond, Charlotte Gunn of Island Pond, Pat Gray of St. Johnsbury, and Virginia Wing and her husband, Alan, of Island Pond; her sisters-in-law: Norma Stahler of Wheelock, June Ellis of Gorham, New Hampshire, Gunda Gray of Danville, and Monique Gray of Coventry; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased her sister Marilyn Wade; and by her brothers: Earl “Sonny” Gray Jr., Glenn Gray and Niles “Jody” Gray.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 8, at 11 a.m., at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 1199 Railroad Street in Island Pond, with the Reverend Alan Magoon officiating.
Friends may call at the funeral home on February 8, from 10 a.m. until the hour of the funeral. Spring interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Maple Lane Nursing Home Employee Fund, 60 Maple Lane, Barton, Vermont 05822.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Etta R. Lucas
Etta R. Lucas, 88, of Newport died peacefully on January 27, 2014, in Glover.
She was born February 18, 1925, in Newport Center to George and Harriett (Wescott) Horskins. On January 25, 1941, she married Allen Lucas, who predeceased her on April 6, 2011.
Mrs. Lucas enjoyed knitting, crocheting, quilting, flowers and plants.
She is survived by her children: Michael Lucas and his wife, Sue, of Coventry, Anthony Lucas and his wife, Diane, of North Troy, and Sandra Lucas and her companion, Claudette Thibeau, of Bradenton, Florida; her grandchildren: Curt Lucas and his wife, Amie, of Derby, Amy Brasseur and her husband, Robert, of Newport, and Laura Lucas of Westford; her great-grandchildren: Angel and her fiancé, Justin Brock, Olivia Lucas, Skyler Lizotte, Caleb Brasseur, and Zade Royce; and by several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sisters: Hazel Cass, Hilda Philips, and Lila Lucas; and by her brothers: Adelbert and Enoch Horskins.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Derby Center Cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Union House Activities Fund, 3086 Glover Road, Glover, Vermont 05839.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Bruce W. Montminy Sr.
Bruce W. Montminy Sr., 73, of Brandon, formerly of Derby, died suddenly on January 29, 2014, in Calais.
He was born on August 10, 1940, in Glover, to Floyd and Myrtle (Ticehurst) Montminy.
He was a lineman and line extension coordinator for Citizens Utilities for over 30 years before retiring.
He enjoyed watching the Little Leaguers and NASCAR on television, playing cribbage with his children and friends, and doing handy work for others and himself.
He is survived by his children: Tami Perron and her husband, Lenwood, of Glover, Brian Montminy and his wife, Sherry, of Glover, and Bruce Montminy Jr. of Glover; his girlfriend Judy Bruneau; his grandchildren: Brandon Perron and his wife, Jennifer, Bridget Degreenia and her husband, Terry, Ashley Montminy, Brian Montminy and his wife, Christie, Olivia Montminy, and Siara Montminy; his great-grandchildren: Caitlyne, Terri, Noah, Wyatt, Julia, and Dakota; his brothers: Roy Montminy of Connecticut, and Joseph Montminy and his wife, Sandy, of Connecticut; his sister Cecile Brown and her husband, Richard, of Virginia; the mother of his children Elizabeth Montminy of Glover; and by several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers: Ralph Montminy and Forrest Montminy Sr.
A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Westlook Cemetery in Glover.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Division, Inc., 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495; or to Disabled American Veterans Association, care of Winston Dowland, Whittier Road, Derby Line, Vermont 05830; or to an animal shelter of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch.com.
Michael P. Perkins Jr.
Michael P. Perkins Jr. 31, of Tunbridge died on January 23, 2014, at Mt. Ascutney Hospital after an almost ten-year battle with cancer.
He was born on July 30, 1983, to Michael Perkins Sr., currently of Hartford, and Elizabeth Picken of Brownington.
Michael was diagnosed with a glioblastoma at the age of 21, and at the time was expected to live only 18 months — but he never let that stop him. Instead of living like he was dying, he lived like he was not. He faced impossible odds and always strove forward with his head high. He was a true survivor. He had the heart of a warrior with a true passion for life. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was treated at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in the Norris Cotton Cancer Center undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and clinical trials. He always said he would be forever indebted and grateful for the care that he received there and attributes the oncology team with giving him a chance at life.
It was because of that exemplary care that he married Emily Hackett of South Royalton in 2008, and with her had two daughters, Robyn, age five, and Alexandra, age four.
Mr. Perkins enjoyed being outdoors. His favorite pastime was “hooking for lakers,” with his late grandfather Robert Picken, with whom he shared a deep bond. Fishing was an activity that he also enjoyed sharing with his children.
In addition to his parents and family, he is survived by his grandmother Shirley Picken of Brownington; and by his siblings: Robert “Bobby” Perkins, age 28, of Oakley Utah, Mary Rhodes, 16, of Brownington, and Jonah Rhodes, 13, of Brownington.
A memorial service will be announced in the spring at the convenience of the family.
Michael Tourangeau
Michael Tourangeau, 48, died peacefully on January 23, 2014, with family and friends by his side.
He was born on February 10, 1965, in Keene, New Hampshire, to Ruth (Woodcock) Tourangeau and the late Fred Tourangeau.
Before moving to Nashua, New Hampshire, in 2003, he grew up and attended schools in Vermont.
He was a very sensitive and caring person. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed taking photographs of nature.
He is survived by his sons: Jacob Tourangeau of Newport, and Trevor Foley of Jeffersonville; his mother Ruth (Woodcock) Tourangeau of Newport; his brother Brent Tourangeau of Richardson, Texas; his sister Leona and her husband, Royal Smith, of Lebanon, Maine; his nieces: Tonya, Nicholette, Katherine of Maine, and Juliet of Texas; his aunt Myrtle and uncle Tony La Croix of Maine; his aunt Joyce and uncle Carlton Billado of Vermont; his aunt Patty and Gerald Corbett of New York; his uncle Jimmy Tourangeau of Vermont; and by several cousins.
He was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth; and by his father Fred Tourangeau.
Mr. Tourangeau was loved and taken care of by his companion, Jennifer Tarbox, of Nashua, New Hampshire, and her family; and by his longtime friends: Uwe, John, Ron, Maryellen, Janice and Rachel.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
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