October 5, 2011 Obituaries

Lora H. Marckres Atherton

Lora H. Marckres Atherton, 103, died on Monday, September 26, 2011, at Central Vermont Hospital, in Berlin.

She was born in Craftsbury on April 15, 1908, a daughter of Will and Eva (Stratton) Marckres. She was a 1926 graduate of Craftsbury Academy, attended Johnson Normal School and began her teaching career in 1927.

On June 20, 1929, she married Bernie Atherton and they made their home on their farms overlooking Caspian Lake in Greensboro. She taught in Craftsbury, Wolcott, and Greensboro schools before retiring after 30 years. Mrs. Atherton went back to school at Lyndon State College in 1959 earning a bachelor’s of science degree. Upon retiring, she worked with the adult education program in northern Vermont.

After 40 years of farming, the Athertons moved to West Glover. Following the death of her husband in 1996, Mrs. Atherton moved to Newport and finally to her home in Barton.

Mrs. Atherton trained as a pilot and soloed prior to World War II. She loved gardening, painting, and fishing. For many years, Mrs. Atherton colorfully reported to the Lake Parker Association on the status of fishing.

She leaves a very special family including two nieces and six nephews and their families: Paul Atherton of Bradenton, Florida, and his children Nancy and Sandra, Guila Wynn of Glover and her children Robert, Stephen, Jerald, Allen, Denise, LouAnn and Carolyn, Debra Livingston of Rochester, New Hampshire, and her children Therese and John, Bruce Marckres of Hardwick, Robert Johnson of Enosburgh and his children Juli and Michael, Wayne and Linda Johnson of Carneys Point, New Jersey, and their children Tammy and Mark, Brian Johnson of Mojave, California, and Richard Johnson of Craftsbury and his children Korin and Richard Jr. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband in October 1996; her sisters: Genevieve Oligny in 1972 and Avis Johnson in 1991; two nephews: Thomas Johnson in 1972 and John Livingston in 1968; and a niece, Sandra Marshall, in 1977.

At Mrs. Atherton’s request, there will be no service.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Greensboro Free Library, Children’s Collection, 53 Wilson Street, Greensboro, Vermont 05841; or to the Glover Ambulance Squad, 48 County Road, West Glover, Vermont 05875.

 

 

 

Madeleine A. Decker

Madeleine A. Decker, 62, of Newport died on September 25, 2011, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

She was born March 23, 1949 in Newport, a daughter of Marcel and Laurette (LaMadeleine) Girouard.

On July 4, 1970 she married Terrence Decker who survives her.

Mrs. Decker retired as a log clerk from Columbia Forest Products in Newport with over 30 years of service. She loved her family and derived great pleasure from her grandchildren. She and Mr. Decker enjoyed several trips together out of the country. She was an avid reader and she was justice of the peace for the town of Barton for 15 years.

She is survived by her husband Terrence Decker of Newport; her two children: Christopher Decker and his wife, Deborah, of Charleston, South Carolina, and Lance Decker of Newport; her two grandchildren, Zachary and Zoey Decker of South Carolina; her mother Laurette Cookson of Newport; her brothers: Ronald Girouard and his wife, Ghislaine, of Derby, and Raymond Girouard and his wife, Linda, of Coventry; her sister Susan Draper and her husband, Dan, of Fulton, New York; and by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

Funeral services were held on September 30 in Newport. Interment followed in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Oncology Department, North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Thomas C. Hadden, Jr.

Thomas C. Hadden Jr., 93, of Craftsbury died on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at his home in the loving care of his wife, Kathryn, and his daughters, Peggy Ann Smith and Mary Kate Hadden.

Mr. Hadden was born in Yonkers, New York on June 1, 1918, a son of Thomas D. and Marjorie (Christopher) Hadden. He received a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University in 1941 and later a master’s degree in textiles from New York University in the early 1950s. Mr. Hadden served in the U.S. Army during WWII, attending Officer Candidate School in 1942-’43, in Maryland, then in the Mediterranean Theatre from 1943-’45. He was stationed in northern Africa and Italy. While in Italy, he climbed Mount Vesuvius to witness an eruption of the volcano. He was honorably discharged with meritorious service from the army in 1946.

Mr. Hadden married Kathryn Webster and they made their home in Pelham, New York. He worked as a purchasing agent for the Alderson Research Company in Stamford, Connecticut, for many years, then retired to his home in Craftsbury. During his retirement, he enjoyed his position in Craftsbury as the Town Grand Juror for many years. He was also an avid bridge player and a member of the coffee club at the Craftsbury Village Store. He also was a communicant of Our Lady of Fatima in Craftsbury.

Besides his wife, Kathryn, he leaves his daughters: Peggy Ann Smith and her husband, Robert, and Mary Kate Hadden; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Smith, all of Craftsbury. He was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial Mass was celebrated October 1 in Craftsbury. Interment was in the Craftsbury Village Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

Cordelia A. Leimer

Cordelia A. Leimer, 88, of Newport, died on October 2, 2011, surrounded by her loving family at North Country Hospital.

She was born on August 30, 1923, in New York City, to the late Peter and Helen (Blake) Andre. She was the eldest of three children. She spent her youth in New York City, and Pawtucket and Providence, Rhode Island.

Upon graduation, she studied briefly at Rhode Island School of Design and started a fashion design business called The Princess Shop, designing specialty women’s clothing. With the onset of World War II, she participated with the USO, eventually going to work as a secretary, relocating from New England to work at Earl Naval Base in Colts Neck, New Jersey, where she ultimately would meet her future husband, Charles A. Leimer.

She lived in Monmouth County, New Jersey, for over thirty years, primarily in the Manasquan and Wall Township vicinity. “Connie,” as she was affectionately known, was the quintessential homemaker; she embraced the full meaning of artistry in motion. An avid reader, she was always learning something new. Her loving hands were always busy creating — from interior decorating, house design and architecture, to culinary delights, gardening, knitting, needlepoint, sewing, new techniques of stenciling, and ceramics. She knew the true meaning of joy when it came to beautifying the world around her family, friends and community. Her utmost favorite hobby, however, was “shop ’til you drop.”

As a member of the Manasquan Junior Women’s Club, she found her penchant for theater, directing award-winning entries for competitions and cultivating a life-long passion for the stage.

Mrs. Leimer became an active member in four New Jersey shore theatrical groups: Pine Tree Players, Red Oak Music Theatre, Seaview Players and Wagonwheel Players.

Her artistic pursuits encompassed a broad range of disciplines, from working at the landmark Steinbach photography studio in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to dabbling in oil painting studying with renowned painter Ted Goerschner. She was the epitome of the gracious hostess, a Martha Stewart ahead of her time. Her ability to take something ordinary and uniquely and modestly transform it into the extraordinary was her specialty.

Retirement drew the Leimers to Grand Isle, where Mrs. Leimer once again participated in her favorite pastime, theater, where she directed Bus Stop for the South Hero Players. After relocating to Red Rock in Burlington, she became stage manager for Vermont Rep with artistic director Robert Ringer. After another move and many years in Shelburne, the final relocation was made to be close to her daughter, Lynn, in Newport.

A devoted wife and mother, proud grandmother and loyal friend, she was an exceptional role model and a sought after mentor throughout her life. She brought her wit and wisdom to the Red Rompers Red Hat Society in the Northeast Kingdom and participated as the eldest member in the group. Her legacy will go down in history for coming up with the idea of the Red Hat Faux Nude Calendar to raise money for the North Country Hospital Dialysis Unit. She and her daughter were featured at the Haskell Opera House as the “May” maidens and the calendar gleaned over $10,000 for the hospital. She also served as a volunteer for North Country Hospital and enjoyed participating in the senior aerobics class at the Wellness Center.

With an adventurous spirit and the soul of a gypsy, she traveled the east coast discovering new and interesting family vacation spots, but it was East Boothbay, Maine that became her “go to” spot for refreshing the soul and renewing the spirit — her nepenthe, which is Greek for “a place with no sorrow.” Mrs. Leimer, who loved the ocean, loved to say “Give me the sunlight and the sea, and who shall take my heaven from me?” a quote from Alfred Noyes.

Mrs. Leimer was the ultimate “Dramaturge” for QNEK Productions. She was the assistant to the director, stage manager, costume designer, set designer, set decorator, makeup artist and of course, actress. Audiences will remember her in the world premiere of The Trial of Mrs. Rebecca Peak, as Marlene in Dearly Departed, as Mrs. Rose in Hello, Dolly, and as Madame Nelda in Dearly Beloved, to mention a few stellar roles. She worked tirelessly helping to develop QNEK Productions and brought to the organization the script of Nunsense, which would later become its signature show. Her proudest moment was when QNEK became the resident theatre company at the Haskell Opera House. The company members loved to call her the Queen Mum.

Mrs. Leimer was predeceased by her brothers: Joseph and Peter Andre; and by her husband of 49 years, Charles Leimer. She is survived by her loving and only child, Lynn Andrea Leimer Flint and her son-in-law, Douglas Flint; her grandchildren: Kristin Camp of Burlington, and First Petty Officer Charles Camp and his wife, Trishaa, of Hanford, California; her step-grandchildren: Heather Barnes-Flint and Elisabeth Barnes-Flint of Winooski; her great-grandchildren: Tevin and Tessie Camp, and Della, Josh and Jacqueline Crockett of Hanford, California; her in-laws, Joyce Flint and the late Alan Flint of Newport, Debra and Rick Gosselin of Newport, and Philip Gosselin of New York City.

There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, October 8, at 11 a.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Parish, 112 Main Street in Derby Line, officiated by Susan-Lynn Johns. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Haskell Opera House, P.O. Box 337, Derby Line, Vermont 05830. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

 

 

 

Richard W. Mallary

Former Congressman Richard Walker Mallary, 82, died on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at his home.

He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on February 21, 1929, a son of R. DeWitt and Gertrude Robinson Mallary. He moved to Vermont in 1942.

Mr. Mallary had a long and distinguished career in politics, business, and agriculture. From his election as chairman of the Fairlee Select Board at the age of 22 until his dedicated work in retirement on Vermont issues and public policy, he exhibited wisdom, a straightforward style and a dry wit. Mr. Mallary graduated from Bradford Academy in 1945 and received his degree in philosophy from Dartmouth College in 1949, summa cum laude. His first career was in agriculture, owning farms in Fairlee and Bradford. In 1956 he became a partner with his parents in Mallary Farm in Bradford. That partnership thrived, with a herd of Holsteins that achieved national and international recognition. The partnership lasted until 1970 when the Mallary Farm herd was dispersed, in large part because of Mr. Mallary’s increasing role in public life.

He was first elected to the state legislature in 1960. In an unprecedented and historic turn of events, a group of young progressive legislators of which Mr. Mallary was a leading member — The Young Turks — took the reins of power in the House of Representatives. In just his second term, Mr. Mallary was appointed as chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He was elected Speaker of the House in 1966, serving in that role during the first session following the reapportionment of 1965. He was elected to the Vermont Senate in 1968. In 1969 he served on the Commission on Administrative Coordination, redesigning government agencies and structure for the Deane Davis administration. In 1970 he left the Senate to become Davis’ Commissioner of Administration, becoming the first Secretary of Administration in 1971.

In September of 1971 United States Senator Winston Prouty died, and Congressman Robert Stafford was appointed to the Senate. Mr. Mallary won the special election to succeed Mr. Stafford in the U.S. House. He was reelected in 1972. He served during the tumultuous years of Watergate and Vietnam, building many national political relationships. In 1974, following the retirement of Senator George Aiken, Mr. Mallary ran for that seat, losing a close election to Patrick J. Leahy. Following his departure from Washington he worked for two years for the Farm Credit Bank in Springfield, Massachusetts, but then returned to serve again as Secretary of Administration, this time in the administration of Governor Richard Snelling.

Mr. Mallary’s career in business was focused on energy. He was executive vice-president at Central Vermont Public Service in the early 1980s, then owned his own geothermal company and finally served as president and CEO of the Vermont Electric Power Company from 1986 until his retirement in 1994.

Mr. Mallary served on many boards and commissions in and out of government including the Business Roundtable, the Howard Bank, Fletcher Allen Health Care, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Snelling Center for Government, Gifford Medical Center, Shelburne Museum, Vermont Health Foundation, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, Vermont State Colleges, Vermont Judicial Conduct Board and the Vermont Higher Education Planning Commission. Locally, among other duties, he was chairman of the Brookfield Planning Commission and Town Meeting moderator, a role he particularly enjoyed.

After twenty-five years Mr. Mallary returned to elective politics, elected in 1998 to the Vermont House as Representative from Randolph, Brookfield and Braintree. He served one term, defeated because of his steadfast support of the Civil Union Law. He also served as tax commissioner during the early months of the Douglas administration.

A lifelong and loyal Republican, Mr. Mallary was consistent in his core beliefs, moderate to conservative fiscally, and progressive in matters of social policy. Though born in Massachusetts, Dick Mallary was a real Vermonter, wearer of many hats, all of which he wore with a distinctive, thoughtful grace.

Mr. Mallary had a great love of the Vermont landscape. He loved logging and chopping wood. He enjoyed working his own local landscape, planting and gardening. He also had a passion for hiking, having climbed many of the most challenging peaks in the North Woods. He was a wicked poker player, loved foreign policy, and belonged to local groups that specialized in each.

Mr. Mallary was married to Mary Harper Coxe and they had four children: Richard of Westmore, Anne, Elizabeth and Sarah. They divorced in 1974, and in 1979 he was married to Jeannie (Loud) Brownell. He had three step-children: Jonathan, Lydia and Hayden, and between both families had many grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Mr. Mallary is also survived by his brother DeWitt and his wife, Vera. He loved all of them dearly.

A commemorative celebration is planned for October 29 at the State House in Montpelier, and will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are by the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.