Obituaries

September 28, 2011 Obituaries

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Larry G. Arel

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Larry G. Arel, 68, of Lowell died on September 20, 2011, at his home in Lowell with his loving family at his side.

He was born January 4, 1943 in St. Albans, a son of Maxwell and Alvira (Tevyaw) Arel. On January 24, 1997, he married Suzanne Symonds who survives him.

Mr. Arel was a dairy farmer on his own farm in Lowell for many years. He enjoyed reading western books and watching western movies on television. He loved his horses, dancing, hunting, fishing and working outside.

He is survived by his wife Suzanne Arel of Lowell; his children: Patrick Arel and his wife, Gina, of Lowell, Laura Staib and her husband, Lonnie, of Alaska, and Shannon Driver and her husband, Jason, of Jay; by his grandchildren: Jill Legacy and her husband, David, Andrew Arel and his wife, Jenna, Kylie and Holly Gelo, and Kortni and Olivia Driver; by his great-grandchildren: Lauren and Rebecca Lagacy; by his stepchildren: Wayne Symonds and his wife, Karen, Leslie Martin and her husband, Greg, Kathie Dewald and her husband, Mike; and by his step-grandchildren: Jessica and Andrea Symonds, and Sarah Maffett. He is also survived by his brother Charles (Chuck) Arel and his wife, Jackie, of Vergennes, and by his sister Carlotta Corcoran and her companion, Alan Stevens, of Irasburg; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father on December 1, 1979, and by his mother on September 11, 2011.

Funeral services were held on September 26 in Newport. Interment followed in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Lowell.

Should friends desire, contributions in his 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-converse-rushford.com.

Helena Anderson Blair

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Helena Anderson Blair, 89, died on Friday, September 23, 2011, at Fletcher Allen Health Care surrounded in spirit and person by her loving family.

She was born in West Glover in 1921 to Ellen Josephine Comer and Fern Augustine Anderson. Raised on a hilltop farm at a time of horse drawn wagons and without electricity or plumbing, she began her trek in life.

She attended school in West Glover and graduated high school from Craftsbury Academy in 1939 and the University of Vermont (UVM) in 1943. At UVM, Mrs. Blair was involved with many student groups and organizations and was president of the Newman Club. She was a member of the Women’s Honorary Society, known as Mortar Board, comprised of women who were recognized for outstanding service, scholarship, leadership, character, and executive ability. She helped recruit Eleanor Roosevelt to speak at UVM and was inducted into “Who’s Who” among students in American universities and colleges.

After graduation, Mrs. Blair became a teacher and taught chemistry, biology and home economics at Hartford High School in White River Junction. After marriage, she taught children in the same one-room grade school she attended as a child, the Beach School in West Glover. Little did she know at that time that with the birth of her eight children she would have a one-room classroom of her own.

In 1945 she married Paul Emile Blair, a farmer, and together they owned farms in West Glover, Panton, and Williston at Taft’s Corner. This is where they settled to raise their children, to teach them the value of hard work, and the importance of religion with catechism every Saturday. As a family, they attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Williston.

In 1960, a devastating barn fire occurred. This catastrophe was extremely difficult to recover from. Since Mr. and Mrs. Blair both loved dairy farming and the farm family life for their children, they built a new loose-housing barn, and started anew. They became active members of the National Farmers Organization (NFO), whose goal was to bring fair pricing to all farmers. To help with the effort, they would pick up the calves and beef from local NFO farmers and transport them to a holding area at their farm where they would subsequently be sold to the buyer with the highest bid. In addition, Mrs. Blair became co-editor of the Vermont NFO News. She was a woman of action.

Years later in 1978, Mr. and Mrs. Blair stopped farming and auctioned the equipment and herd. Soon thereafter, Mrs. Blair was the driving force in the land development of the family farm. She attended countless local and state planning meetings to acquire the permits so the lots could be sold. The project came to be called Blair Park, the first major commercial development in Williston.

It was during those years that Mrs. Blair also became a landlady and enjoyed the work right up until her death. She worked tirelessly with joy as she felt fortunate to be able to provide folks a very nice and clean place to live — one that she herself would live in. One of her favorite mottos was “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show another human being, let me do it now and not defer it. For I shall not pass this way again.”

The same perseverance and indomitable character that propelled her though life as a teacher, wife, mother, dairy farmer, landlady, political activist, Blair Park developer, and human rights activist led to her involvement in the passage of Vermont’s historical civil union legislation. Beginning in the 1970s Mrs. Blair was a grassroots advocate of gay and lesbian rights. She mailed several letters to state legislators urging them to support the first of its kind, the proposed civil union law. Senator James Leddy chose one of them and read it on the Senate floor, which then became a news item that spread all across the country. It had an historical, emotional, and political impact and led to the passage of H.847, Vermont’s Civil Union Law. Within this same pursuit, she worked with Vermont Freedom to Marry.

Mrs. Blair is survived by her children: Francis, Ronald and his wife, Janet, Carol, Rose and her husband, Daniel, Mark, Lawrence, and Michael and his wife, Kathy; seven grandchildren: Scott, Lisa, Dalys, Becky, Meghan, Matthew, and Christy; and five great-grandchildren: Alex and Ellie, Tyler, Benjamin and Marina; her brothers: Bill, Kenneth, and John; her sister, Lenore; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Blair; her daughter, Corena; her brothers, Irvin and Dean; her sister, Ardell; and her nephew, Stephen.

Mrs. Blair was someone that many could identify with, always with a quiet strength, generous heart and dignity. She will always be remembered as being kind to the core, wise, generous, devoted to her beliefs and children, and with relentless humility and modesty.

She has left us with a profound sense of love and her presence here will never leave the hearts of those she touched.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 28, at 11 a.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Winooski. Interment will follow at East End Cemetery in Williston, the second cemetery on the left.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Mrs. Blair’s propitious church, Saint Francis Xavier Church, 3 St. Peter Street, Winooski, Vermont 05404; Committee on Temporary Shelter, 179 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05401; Gay and Lesbian Advocacy Defenders, 30 Winter Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108; or to a charity of one’s choice. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Blair would want people to buy flowers for a friend, fill out an organ donor card, or simply do a good deed for someone.

Tara L. (Beaudry) Devoid

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Tara L. (Beaudry) Devoid, 26, of St. Johnsbury died on September 19, 2011, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

She was born March 30, 1985 in Newport, a daughter of Phillip and Sheila (Farrell) Beaudry. In 2009, she married Randell Devoid who survives her.

Ms. Devoid totally embraced life and her family. She loved to be outdoors hiking, canoeing, and several other activities.

She is survived by her husband, Randell Devoid of St. Johnsbury and their two children, Scenic and Horizon Devoid; a brother, Zach Beaudry and his fiancé, Sharon Fortin, of Albany, and their children, Maddox, Alex, and Luke; and by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by a sister, Tina.

Funeral services were held on September 24 in Lowell Village. Interment will take place at a later date at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Orleans.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.


Charlena Mary Gosley

Charlena Mary Gosley, 92, of Newport died on September 21, 2011, at the Maple Lane Nursing Home in Barton.

She was born on February 1, 1919, in Irasburg, a daughter of Ellery and Eva Belle (Taylor) Sanville.

In 1940, Mrs Gosley married Wilfred Gosley who predeceased her in 1970. Mrs. Gosley was a housekeeper for the former Broadview Hospital in Newport.

She enjoyed playing bingo, cross stitching, and having friends, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren come for a visit, listening to gospel music, and listening to fiddler players at several contests in Orleans County that she helped organized.

She was a member of the VFW Post #798 Auxiliary in Newport.

She is survived by her children: Wayne Gosley and his wife, Lisa, of Newport, and Donna Gosley and her companion, Robert Johnson, of Florida; by six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Ester Cutting and her husband, Larry, of Florida; a brother, Paul Sanville of Lyndonville; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Janice Gosley of New York, and by four brothers.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, at the North Troy Village Cemetery with Reverend Chris Barton officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

David D. Ladue

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David D. Ladue, 52, of Derby, died on September 22, 2011, in Springfield, Massachusetts, with his family by his side, after a long illness.

He was born on August 5, 1959, a son of Ray and Elsie (Story) Ladue.

After graduating from North Country Union High School, he started an automotive and stereo sales and repair shop, Dave’s Auto and Stereo. As the business grew, he partnered with Brent Rhodes and formed L&R Automotive, which Mr. Rhodes continues to run after Mr. Ladue sold it due to failing health in 2000.

On February 28, 1987, he married Donna Bowman who survives him.

Mr. Ladue was very involved with local summer softball leagues where he was an umpire and chief umpire in both men’s and women’s leagues. He also coached and refereed for high school and Border Hoop Basketball. He was an avid Red Sox and U-Conn Huskies fan. Mr. Ladue had a fondness for cats and especially loved Pookey whom he had for 17 years. He also enjoyed vacations with Ms. Bowman, especially to St. Martin with friends, as well as several trips with his parents. Mr. Ladue thought that he had the best neighbors that anyone could have, especially Brad, Susan, Brittney, and Brady. Mr. Ladue was very strong and determined as he met and dealt with his health problems over the years and earned the respect of many when he joined Alcoholics Anonymous in 1993, which he never faltered from the program with his friend, Roger Opitz, being there with him through thick and thin.

Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by his brother, Jim Ladue, and his companion, Bernadette Sheltra; his stepson, Jamie Longley; his aunts; his cousins; his niece and nephews: Shaun and Rodney Messier, Tory and Cody Ladue, Dylan Fortin, Trevor and Austin Letourneau, and Gabrielle Granai; his great-niece, Baylee Messier; his mother-in-law Marion Bowman; and several relatives on the Bowman side including his brother-in-law, Larry Bowman, his sisters-in-law Gail Fortin and her husband, Roger, Cindy Letourneau and her husband, Gaetan, Carolyn Granai and her husband, George, and Rachel Hart and her husband, Paul. He was predeceased by his father in-law, Gerald Bowman, in 2008; his uncles: Mark, Bob, Clark, and Robert; and by his dear friend, Arthur Guyette.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport, where a memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 29, at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Lawrence Wall officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Ronald LeRoy Penharlow

obit r l penharlowRon Penharlow and his granddaughters Melea (left) and Deven.

Ronald LeRoy Penharlow, 75, of Barton died suddenly on September 25, 2011, at his home in Barton.

He was born September 3, 1936, in Buffalo, New York, a son of Maurice and Elizabeth (Brown) Penharlow. On August 21, 1965 he married Susan Howard who survives him.

Mr. Penharlow was owner of the Barton True Value Hardware Store.

Mr. Penharlow was a past member of the Lake Region Union High School board and held several positions with the Barton United Church. He was a past Barton Selectman and was currently a trustee of the Welcome O. Brown Cemetery in Barton. He was also a 50-year member of the Masons, Orleans Lodge # 106 Free and Accepted Masons. He served on the board of the Barton Chambers Apartments.

Among his hobbies he enjoyed golfing. He was also a master woodworker, a vintage boat restorer, and vintage car owner.

He is survived by his wife Susan Penharlow of Barton; his two children: Megan Bizzarro and her husband, Frank, of Hooksett, and Kimberly Penharlow of New York City; by his grandchildren, Deven and Melea Bizzarro of Hooksett, New Hampshire; his sister Carol Marino of Endicott, New York; his nephew Joseph Marino; and by a cousin, Mignon Burst, of Atlanta, Georgia.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 30 at the Barton United Church with the Reverend Evelyn Coupe officiating. Interment will follow in Welcome O. Brown Cemetery in Barton.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Barton United Church for the Deacon Fund, P.O. Box 306, Barton, Vermont 05822; or to the Barton Public Library, P.O. Box 549, Barton, Vermont 05822; or to the Welcome O. Brown Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 352, Barton, Vermont 05822. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Robert Frank Petit

Robert Frank Petit, 82, of Coventry died on September 18, 2011, with his loving family at his side.

He was born March 13, 1929, in Newport to Laurier and Alice (Passinni) Petit. He graduated from Newport High School in 1947. On June 26, 1949, he married Zillah (Jiggs) Rockwell.

Mr. Petit spent most of his life working his Mapleside-R Farm where he started and grew his award-winning pure breed Holstein herd. In his forties, he accepted the Lord as his savior, and his focus moved to growing spiritually. He was a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Newport and United Church of Derby. In the 1980s, he was a bus driver for North Country Union High School. He served the town of Coventry as a school board member, moderator, and lister, held memberships with the Holstein Friesian Association and Vermont Sugar Makers Association, and was a 4-H leader. He spent many a late night perfecting his gift for maple sugaring, and his many hobbies included fishing, hunting, carpentry, and taking missionary pictures. He was a man who spoke little but said a lot.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Zillah (Jiggs) Petit of Newport; by his children: Lewis Petit of Moretown, Brenda Whitehill and her husband, Richard, of Holland, Thomas Petit and his wife, Donna, of Derby, Gary Petit and his wife, Edna, of Coventry, Donna Heath and her husband, Bill, of Plainfield, New Hampshire, Everett Petit and his wife, Laurie, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Lisa Hurd and her husband, Sheldon, of Orleans, and Ernie Petit of Coventry; 18 grandchildren and their five spouses, and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother Edmund Petit and his wife, Dolores, of Coventry; sisters and brothers-in-law; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Larry Petit in 1950, and his daughter-in-law Priscilla Petit on December 22, 2010.

Funeral services were held on September 23 in West Charleston. Interment followed in Newport Center Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the United Christian Academy, 65 School Street, Newport, Vermont 05855, or the Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 148, West Charleston, Vermont 05872. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Beverly P. Queenin

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Beverly P. Queenin, 88, of Derby Line died on September 19, 2011, in Newport.

She was born on September 26, 1922 in Derby Line, a daughter of John E. and Daisy (Carr) Piatti. On May 24, 1946, she married Joseph Queenin who survives her. Mrs. Queenin was a wonderful grandmother who loved watching sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins, and volunteered at the North Country Hospital for many years. Mrs. Queenin was a former member of the Foster-Cosly A.M. Post Derby Line until it closed. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 21 for 65 years and also Stanstead South Church for many years.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Joseph Queenin of Derby Line; her son John Queenin and his wife, Penny, of Derby Line; and two grandsons: Joseph J. and Bob J. Queenin both of Derby Line. She was predeceased by great-grandchild Caidence Queenin in June 2010.

A celebration of her life was held on September 23 in Newport.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acre Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.

Joanne Singer

Joanne Singer, 68, of Troy, died on Saturday September 24, 2011, at her home with her loving family members present, after a long illness.

She was born on October 21, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Theresa (Murray) and William Welsh, Sr.

Ms. Singer worked for many different companies doing a variety of jobs over the years including working for Irving Company. She enjoyed sitting around a campfire with relatives and friends, ocean fishing, and taking several trips with her dear friend and companion for over thirty years, Denise Meunier, to Foxwood.

Her daughters always felt that their mother was a very compassionate, caring, and loving mom. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Auxillary Jay Post #28.

Ms. Singer is survived by Ms. Meunier; her children: Penny Bellina and her husband, John, of Pennsylvania, Pattie Swanson and her husband, Del, of Arizona, and Pam Singer of Virginia; by nine grandchildren; by four great-grandchildren; by her brothers: William and Thomas Welsh; her sisters: Dolores Raninski and her husband, Ted, and Maria Phy and her husband, Robert; as well as by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth Ruch and her husband, Frank, and by her sister-in-law, Marge Welsh.

Ms. Singer loved her family and the times they spent together and she will be deeply missed.

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-converse-rushford.com.

Grace Ann (Keane) Sybes

Grace Ann (Keane) Sybes of Glover, died on September 18, 2011, at home in the arms of her daughter, Gracie Maria Caslani, and John Aszklar.

Ms. Sybes was a gentlewoman born of humble Irish origins. She worked during her early years as a bookkeeper and contributed to the care of her family and her elder mom. She married her sweetheart, a Dutch mariner, and raised a son and daughter. Her long dedication and strengths as matriarch and great-grandmother is an inspiration to all who knew her.

Ms. Sybes is survived by her daughter, Gracie Maria Caslani; her son John and his wife, Karen; her dear friend John Aszklar; her grandchildren: Stephanie and her husband, Richard, of New York, Samantha Sybes of New York, Alan Ball and his companion, Jammie, of New York, and Stacey Ball and her companion, Ben Gould, of Illinois; and her great-grandchildren: Kaylie Ball of Illinois and Benjamin John of New York. She was predeceased by her husband, John Sybes; and by three brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held in private.

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