Jacalyn Rae Bennetta
Jacalyn Rae Bennetta (Jacki Thompson), 64, of Shelton, Connecticut, died on December 31, 2016, with her family by her side, at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton.
Ms. Bennetta was born on September 24, 1952, in Newport, to the late Merrill “Manny” and Rachel (McNamara) Thompson of Glover.
She graduated from Lake Region Union High School in 1971 and worked at Bogner Ski Wear in Newport before moving to Connecticut.
She had a distinguished career in the health care industry. She worked at several area facilities including Masonicare Hospice. Prior to her retirement in January of 2016, she was an RN and nursing supervisor at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center for many years. Still working at the facility per-diem until recently, she felt the staff was her second family. Ms. Bennetta had many interests, quilting being her favorite pastime. If you were fortunate to receive one of her quilts as a gift, you knew it came with much love and hours of dedication.
Ms. Bennetta was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband: Joseph Bennetta of Shelton, a retired Teamster union official at Local 191; daughter Judith Richard and her husband, Jeff, of Oxford Connecticut; sister Rebecca Twombly of Shelton; and grandsons Benjamin and Brian Richard of Oxford. These two boys were the light of her life. She is also survived by nephew Chad Twombly and his family, of Oxford; by several stepchildren and grandchildren; and by her Dad’s beloved dog Rio.
Services were held on January 4 at Riverview Funeral Home, in Shelton. Spring interment will be held at a date to be announced in Pleasantview Cemetery in Orleans.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be sent to United Methodist Homes, 580 Long Hill Avenue, Shelton, Connecticut 06484, in memory of Jacki Bennetta.
Our beloved best friend will be missed. Online condolences can be made at curtis-britch.com.
Armand R. Diette
Armand R. Diette, 79, of Barton and Summerfield, Florida, died on January 2, 2017, at his daughter’s home in Sutton, surrounded by his family.
Mr. Diette was born in West Glover on June 22, 1937, son to the late Arthur Felix and Maria (Sheltra) Diette. He was raised and educated in West Glover, joined the Air Force at the age of 17 and was stationed in Texas at Amarillo Air Force Base. On May 20, 1961, he married the former Elizabeth E. Sicard and they shared 55 years together. Mr. Diette worked as a plumber. The Diettes made their home in Barton and wintered in Florida for many years. Mr. Diette was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Barton. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards, and was almost always the winner at horseshoes. He so very much loved visiting with family and friends.
Mr. Diette is survived by his beloved wife, Betsy Diette; his five children: Kathy Devereaux and her husband, Chris, of Sutton, Peter Diette and his wife, Teresa, of Barton, Kevin Diette and his wife, Jennifer, of Richford, Tracy Dupuis and her husband, Richard, of Groveton, New Hampshire, and Jeffrey Diette and his wife, Stephanie, of Brighton, Colorado; a sister: Antoinette “Peanut” Makrianis of Holyoke, Massachusetts; nine grandchildren: Brandi, Matthew, Joel, Kevin Jr., Corey, Carlie, Kaitlyn, Lauren, and Erin; and seven great-grandchildren: Jacob, Joshua, Meghan, Gabriel, Madison, Briahna, and Ella; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was predeceased by seven siblings: Paul Diette, Cecile Hebert, Yvonne Urie, Pauline Gilfillan, Irene Renault, Rachel Coburn, and Janet Currier.
A private graveside service will be held in the spring at the Vermont Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center.
There will be no calling hours.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.guibordfh.com.
Winston Eddy Dowland
Winston Eddy Dowland, 74, of Holland died on January 2, 2017.
Mr. Dowland would have preferred to start this with one of his bad jokes. He loved making the people around him laugh, even if it ended with a shocked, “Oh Winston.”
He was one of those people who loved family and country, and the legacy of his love and service is long and impressive.
Born on June 20, 1942, in Derby Line to Bernard and Gertrude (Sanborn) Dowland, he was one of seven children.
In 1958, he joined the Navy and began his lifelong service to, and pride in, this great country. Mr. Dowland served during the Cuban missile crisis on the ship enforcing the missile blockade. He did five tours in Vietnam and served on the submarine base in Pearl Harbor. In 1978, he retired from the Navy with an honorable discharge as a chief petty officer, having been awarded many medals for his service. He entered the reserves for another ten years, for a total of 30 years of service in the Navy.
In civilian life he worked for several companies and opened his own successful welding business, where he created and sold the pattern for his dumpster and quad track designs. However, he never stopped serving his country, his state, or his town.
He was a member of the VFW Post #798, the Newport Elks #2155, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter #22, where he was instrumental in getting transportation vans for local veterans needing rides to the VA hospital in White River Junction. He also served the DAV as commander, chaplin, treasurer, adjutant, and service officer. His volunteerism spanned over 20 years. He also served with the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, and the State Department of the Vermont DAV, serving as commander, and then as treasurer.
He served the great state of Vermont as a state representative from 2004 to 2006, and he served his hometown of Holland on the select board for many years.
But for all of the service he gave his country, state, and town, it was his family that gave him the most enjoyment. He married his loving wife, Heather (Dawber), in 1992, and for over 24 years they spent every day together, working, serving, and spending time with family.
Mr. Dowland loved taking his nieces and nephews on trips around the United States, and because he loved history, they learned history. He loved big family get-togethers, with lots of laughter and children running around. In the past few years he enjoyed helping to care for his great-nieces and -nephews, Kennedy Atwood, and Madison, Anora, and Theodore Montminy. He and Madison had a special relationship, and she loved spending time at “Unky’s” house.
Mr. Dowland enjoyed raising beef cattle. He enjoyed talking Nascar with Lenny and Brian, and was a big Dale Jarrett fan. He was a history buff, but kept current on new technologies through various periodicals. He enjoyed his daily paper, and talking politics with anyone who would listen. He enjoyed telling those politically incorrect jokes, and getting a reaction. He loved seeing the snow on the trees after a storm. He lived with integrity, and a fierce respect for this country, and he had a huge heart for those he loved. Mr. Dowland was one of the good guys, and he leaves behind a huge family and a multitude of friends that know it, and will miss him.
He is survived by his wife, Heather Dowland of Holland; by his children: Lisa King, and her husband, Lenny, Lori Groleau and her husband, Pierre, and David Dowland and his wife, Lara; by his grandchildren: Melissa King, Daniel and Patrick Groleau, and Quinn Dowland; by his brothers and sisters: Vickie Tear, George Dowland, Philip Dowland and his wife, Rosie, Eddie Dowland, and his wife, Doreen, and Rocky Dowland; by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Sherry and Brian Montminy and Stacy and Wade Wright; and by his very special nieces and nephews: Brian and Christie Montminy, Ashley Montminy, Justin St. Pierre, Addie and Tanner Atwood, Wade and Amber Wright, and Scott Dowland; and by many other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his great-nieces and great-nephews, who held such a special spot in his heart.
He was predeceased by his sister Louise Simino and her husband, Rollin; by his brother Bernie Dowland; and his brother-in-law Brian Tear.
The family is sure that Mr. Dowland would have loved to end with one of his jokes too, but they are sure that anyone who knew him could remember one he told. Those who knew and loved him know how he impacted people’s lives, and want to honor him through service to others.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home located at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport.
A graveside service will be held in the spring.
The family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the DAV Chapter #22, P.O. Box 735, Derby, Vermont 05829, or to Felines and Friends Foundation, P.O. Box 1316, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences may be made at www.curtis-britch.com.
Alfred R. Monty
Alfred R. “Al” Monty, 82, died peacefully on January 2, 2017, surrounded by his devoted wife and children.
Mr. Monty was born in Northfield on June 29, 1934, to Charles and Valeda (Bedard) Monty. He grew up in Washington, Vermont. He graduated with the Class of 1952 from Spaulding High School in Barre.
On April 16, 1955, he married the love of his life, Anita (Cano), who survives him. Mr. Monty is also survived by his four children: Susan Poczobut and her husband, Skip, David and his wife, Cristy, Edward and his wife, Robin, and Alan and his wife, Lauren. He was particularly proud of his grandchildren: Michael Poczobut, and his wife Sandra, David Poczobut, Kathryn and Allison Monty, Andy and Rob Marcotte, Nicole Caron, and her husband, Kyle, Luke Caron, Emily and Heather Monty, and Jacqueline, Paige, Alexis, and Anthony Monty.
There was always a youthful spark from him when he interacted with his three great-grandchildren: Alexander, Emilia, and Jackson Poczobut. He is survived by several nieces, nephews, and other extended family, including a special sister-in-law, Therese Monty.
Mr. Monty is survived by one sister, Lise Leary.
He was predeceased by his parents; by five siblings and their spouses; and by all of Mrs. Monty’s sisters and spouses.
Mr. Monty began his full-time career with Montgomery Ward in Barre, retiring after 35 years.
Although Montgomery Ward dominated his life from 9 to 5, his passion for square dancing consumed his after-work hours. Growing up, Mr. Monty would sing as he milked cows on the family farm. Discovering a talent for music early on, he attended local barn dances where he began his square dance calling career. It was at one of these dances that he met his future wife.
In early years, Mr. Monty taught square dancing to students of all ages in almost every town in Washington County. For many years, square dance class was mandatory in the physical education programs in Montpelier. Each school year would culminate with festivals at both the Barre Auditorium and Plumley Armory at Norwich. In later years, he traveled throughout the state teaching adults to dance. He taught his last class in December. The friendships that Mr. and Mrs. Monty forged with all the people they met throughout the many years were cherished by both of them.
In 1976, Vermont Life featured Mr. Monty in an article titled “King of the Callers.” For many years, Mr. Monty, accompanied by dancers, was a guest on the WCAX show “Across The Fence.” He was honored as one of WCAX’s Super Seniors in 2015. He also attended auctioneer school and presided over many local auctions. His accomplishments were also profiled on “Chronicle,” a Boston news program.
Although not formally trained, Mr. Monty had a gift for building and design. He never wasted a square inch of space in his designs. His rudimentary scratching on a sheet of graph paper, along with keen negotiation and management skills, resulted in the successful completion of many building projects, including homes for himself and all his children. He designed the Granite Hills Credit Union building in Barre and served as the general contractor for a large infrastructure project at St. Monica Parish. His last unfinished project was for a new parish rectory.
Mr. Monty was a spiritual man and was a lifelong member of St. Monica Parish in Barre, serving on the building and grounds and finance committees. For many years he and his sons served together as ushers at Mass. He continued to serve as an usher every Saturday evening.
A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Monica Parish on Monday, January 9, at 11 a.m.
To honor Mr. Monty’s legacy and help bring his final dream full circle, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Monica Parish Rectory Fund, 79 Summer Street, Barre, Vermont 05641.
For a memorial guestbook, visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com.
Quincy Adam O’Gorman
Quincy Adam O’Gorman, 23, of Island Pond died suddenly on January 1, 2017, in Island Pond.
He was born on August 17, 1993, in Newport to Kim (Hackett) Moore and the late Mark O’Gorman.
Mr. O’Gorman graduated from North Country Union High School with the class of 2011 and attended Johnson State College. He was a construction worker, a handyman, and did some catering work. He enjoyed snowboarding, hiking, traveling, and loved the outdoors. He loved playing football on the North Country football team. He was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, and enjoyed spending time with his buddies.
He is survived by his mother, Kim Moore, and stepfather, Robert Moore, of Brownington; by his siblings: Michael O’Gorman of California, Dalton Moore, Michael Moore, and Michelle Moore, all of Brownington; by his girlfriend, Alexa Williams, of Johnson; by his paternal grandmother Muriel O’Gorman of Island Pond; maternal grandparents Anthony and Shirley Hackett of Oxford, Maine; and stepgrandparents Michael and Lesley Moore of Brownington; by his aunts and uncles: Alson and Kathy Kinney of Island Pond, Timmy and Becky Hackett of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Anthony and Cheryl Hackett of Brownington, Valerie Hackett of Bryant Pond, Maine, Carol and Raymond Santaw of Island Pond, Christine Forgues and her fiancé, Chris Briggs, of St. Johnsbury, Billie Jo and Gordon Tice of Derby, and Candy Baraw of Craftsbury; and by numerous cousins.
He was predeceased by his father, Mark O’Gorman on May 7, 2007; and by his cousin Taini Kinney on June 8, 2004.
Calling hours were on January 10. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 11, at 2 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, with the Reverend Timothy Ingalls and the Reverend Judy Castonguay co-officiating. Spring interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond. Should friends desire, contributions can be made at www.gofundme.com/help-with-quincys-funeral.
Online condolences can be made at curtis-britch.com.
Marie I. Sexton
Marie I. Sexton, 68, beloved wife of Stephen Roberts of Newport, died at her home on January 6, 2017.
She was born on November 30, 1948, in Iowa City, Iowa, to the late Rhoem and Francis (Schatz) Sexton.
She proudly served her country during the Vietnam era from 1967 to 1969 in the Marine Corps. She married Stephen Roberts in May of 1968.
Ms. Sexton worked mostly as an LPN, working in several area nursing homes. She also became a licensed journeyman plumber and worked with her husband.
She enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was a member of the American Legion Post #21.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen Roberts; and their children: Stephen C. Roberts and his wife, Noreen, of Newport Center, Carl Roberts and his wife, Cara, of Newport, Charlie Roberts and his wife, April O’Brien, of Newport Center; by six grandchildren: Eli, Hanna, Sam, Max, Charlotte, and Isaac; by two brothers: Marty Sexton of San Jose, California, and Charles Sexton of Campbell, California; her sister Laura Sexton of Truckee, California; and by a niece and nephew.
She was predeceased by her parents and by a grandson, Dustin, in 2012.
Upon request there will be no public services.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ms. Sexton’s memory to the American Legion Handicap Access Project, American Legion Post #21, P.O. Box 304, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences may be made at www.curtis-britch.com.
Florence Emma Stowell
On December 17, 2016 Florence Emma Stowell, 81, conceded the battle she so courageously fought with ALS, indeed surpassing the medical community’s expectation by over a year.
Mrs. Stowell was born in Newark on January 8, 1935, to Harold and Gladys (Donaldson) Cutting. After graduation in 1953 from Lyndon Institute she was united in marriage to Clayton Stowell. They were blessed to be able to celebrate their sixty-third anniversary in August of 2016.
She is survived by her husband; and by three children: Michael Stowell and his wife, Joyce, of Shelburne, David Stowell and his wife, Anne, of South Wheelock, and Diane LaBounty and her husband, Dennis, of Lyndon. She is survived by eight grandchildren; and she was blessed to live long enough to meet her first great-granddaughter Brynlee. She is also survived by a brother, Donald Cutting of Irasburg; and a sister, Mary Corbett of Middlebury.
She was predeceased by her parents; and a sister Barbara Lawson of Irasburg.
Florence’s wishes were to be cremated and held until she can be placed together with the love of her life in the Lyndon Center cemetery. The family is, however, comforted in knowing that we have an angel watching over us that is able to walk and talk and do all the things that ALS so cruelly took away from her.
Marie Audrey Thayer
Marie Audrey Thayer, 90, of Newport died peacefully on January 6, 2017, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Burlington on November 15, 1926, a daughter of Victor Noel Beaupre and Aurora Elizabeth Landry Beaupre.
She graduated from Burlington High School and moved to Gleasondale, Massachusetts, in 1944 to live with her aunts. There she married Everett Miller in 1947, and they had a son together named Martin Miller. In 1955 she and her husband moved to Newport to live with her brother- and sister-in-law. In 1957 she married Donald Thayer and had two sons, Robert and Charles.
In Gleasondale, Mrs. Thayer trained to be a telephone operator. In Newport, she continued her occupation as a telephone operator and, while her sons attended school, she became a cook at Lakeview Elementary School. Later she worked as administrator to her husband’s business, Don’s Heating Service.
The family enjoyed watching Mr. Thayer race boats and attending car races.
Mrs. Thayer was an avid reader. She loved doing crossword puzzles and enjoyed animals, especially cats. She was known for her beautiful smile and great sense of humor. She loved to tease and had a very positive outlook on life. She was never judgmental and had a giving heart. For most of her life, she lived on Bay Street and Lake Road in Newport. She was a resident at the Bel-Aire Center in Newport for the past several years.
Mrs. Thayer was predeceased by her husband, Don Thayer; by her brother P.C. “Bope” Beaupre; and sister-in-law Elizabeth Beaupre. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Dorothy Morey of Troy; by her sons: Martin Miller and his wife, June, of Berlin, Massachusetts, Robert “Oscar” Thayer and his wife, Tina, of Derby, Charles Thayer and his wife, Leslie, of Hamilton, New Jersey; by grandchildren: Faye Miller Benoit and her husband, Joseph, of Worcester, Massachusetts, Katelyn Thayer and her fiancé, Robert Kennedy, of Dracut, Massachusetts, Evan Thayer and his girlfriend, Chelsea Duggan, of Colchester; and by several nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours. The family will announce a graveside service to take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences can be made at curtis-britch.com.
Alden Robert Twiss
Alden Robert Twiss, 91, known to all as Bob, died peacefully on January 6, 2017, at the Craftsbury Community Care Center in the presence of his loving family.
Mr. Twiss was born on March 4, 1925, in Craftsbury to Alden and Grace (Seaver) Twiss. He attended the local schools and graduated from Craftsbury Academy in 1942. A varsity star athlete in basketball and baseball, he also actively participated in a variety of school activities. He served three years in the U.S. Army as a military policeman. That assignment took him to England, France, and the Philippines, until he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1946. Mr. Twiss attended the University of Vermont, lettering in varsity basketball and baseball, and graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in 1950 and master of arts degree in 1956. He was a teacher and coach at Craftsbury Academy, principal in North Troy, Newport, and Stowe, and superintendent of schools in Vergennes and Randolph. He later served as superintendent of schools for the Nauset Regional School District and Harwich School District, both on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. In his retirement he enjoyed watching sporting events, playing bridge, and being involved in community activities.
Mr. Twiss served as president of the Craftsbury Academy Trustees, deacon of the United Church of Craftsbury, president of the Craftsbury Community Care Center, director of the Northeast Area Agency on Aging, and president of the Vermont Superintendents’ Association, just to name a few. The town of Craftsbury dedicated its 2016 annual report to him, a significant honor that acknowledged his many worthy contributions to community life and affirmed the high regard and deep respect held for him by the citizens of his hometown.
He is survived by two children: Deborah Dickovick of Burlington and R. Jeffrey Twiss and his wife, Sarah, of Reading, Massachusetts; four grandchildren: J. Tyler Dickovick and his wife, Alessandra, Kathryn (Dickovick) Lambert and her husband, Adam, Cameron Twiss, and Lindsay Twiss; four great-grandchildren: Carolina and Gabriela Dickovick, and Steele and William Lambert. He is also survived by his sisters: Joyce Duff and Alice McEdward and her husband, Bob; and his brother Carl Twiss and his wife, Judy.
Mr. Twiss was predeceased by his stepdaughter Sharon Sumner; his first wife, Caroline (Cameron) Twiss; his son-in-law Colonel J. Gary Dickovick; and his second wife, Joan (McQuiston) Twiss.
He was a staunch community member wherever he put down roots; however his heart always belonged to his beloved hometown of Craftsbury. Memorial gifts honoring Mr. Twiss may be directed to the Craftsbury Community Care Center, 1784 East Craftsbury Road, Craftsbury, Vermont 05826, or Craftsbury Academy, P.O. Box 73, Craftsbury Common, Vermont 05827.
A funeral service will be held at the Craftsbury Academy Gymnasium in Craftsbury Common on Sunday, January 15, at 2 p.m.
Online condolences can be made at Curtis-britch.com.
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