, 59, of Washington Street died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at the Central Vermont Medical Center. She was born in Barre, VT on July 8, 1956, the daughter of William and Verna (Crane) Dunn. She attended several schools growing up, including Chelsea, South Royalton, and Harwood Union High School. She was married to Robert Hitt and after 23 years of marriage, they parted as good friends. She later married, Bobby Joe Brooks. They too ended their marriage. Patricia worked for a number of local companies including the Green Mountain Diner, Nelson’s Hardware and Walmart. She was forced to retire in 2013 after declining health. She was known for her collection of blue glass and several other collectables. She enjoyed interacting on social media, bingo, baking for her friends and family, shopping even if she bought nothing, and the Ming Moon Buffet. Above all else was her love for her children and grandchildren. Survivors include her sons, William Dunn III and wife Shannon of Lewiston, ME, and Christopher Dunn and wife Jessica of Barre; daughter, Nikki Hitt and fiance' Rob Walbridge of Barre; siblings, Betsy Kelty and husband Stephen of East Barre, Pauline Smith and husband Leslie of Williamstown, and Edward Dunn and fiance' Daniel Royea of Williamstown; Kathy Hotchkiss of Meriden, CT, Charles Pelletier and wife Kathy of Berlin; eleven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by several brothers and sisters. A celebration of life will be held from 3-5pm on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Moose Lodge in Williamstown. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

, 83, died recently at her home on Berlin Street. A life-long resident of Montpelier, Bette was born in Montpelier on February 13, 1933, the daughter of Ernest and Florence (Currier) Buley. She attended St. Michael’s Grade School and graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1951. Bette was employed for many years at National Life Insurance Company in Montpelier. She married Max Alexander at St. Augustine Church on September 10, 1996. Max predeceased her on February 21, 2003. Bette was also predeceased by her parents, her sister, Catherine Charron, her infant brother, Herbert Buley, a nephew Michael Charron, and a niece Kay Charron. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Ann Smedy and husband Robert, of Chelsea, VT; Bradley Charron and wife, Susan, of Marshfield, VT; Lyn Millhiser and husband, Randall, of Raleigh, NC; William Charron and wife, Andrea, of Tilton, NH; Joy French and husband, Stephen, of Rutland, VT; many grand-nieces and nephews; a long-time close family friend, Rita Walker; and many extended family members and church friends. Bette was an adventurer and flying enthusiast and did a lot of “fun piloting and flying” in the J-3 prop plane, PA-11, and Ercoupe models in Vermont. Bette also enjoyed flying in a seaplane, taking off and landing on the Sebago Lake in Maine, and riding in a hot air balloon with soon-to-be husband Max Alexander in Quechee, Vermont in 1995. Her final flight was in an original WWII B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in 2007 from the Edward F. Knapp State Airport in Berlin, Vermont, sitting on the floor and belting herself in amongst the inventory of bullets and bombs. Bette was a life-long member of St. Augustine Church, a life-long member of the Catholic Daughters of America, and faithfully attended the Adoration Chapel since its inception 13 years ago. She was also a firm supporter of animal welfare rights and did fund-raising for, and care-taking of, many feline friends over the last multiple decades. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm at St. Augustine Church, 16 Barre Street in Montpelier, VT; followed by burial at Green Mount Cemetery, 250 State Street in Montpelier, VT. Memorial contributions may be made to Central VT Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601, or to St. Augustine Church, 16 Barre St., Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 46, of Foster Street, Barre and formerly of Kirby House, Waterbury, VT died at her home in Barre on Sunday, March 27, 2016. She was born in Bristol, Conn. on November 11, 1969 the daughter of George and Jeannette Gray (Picard) Dickey. She was married to Robert Bryant, Sr. They have one son together, Robert Bryant, Jr. living in NY. Kathy was unable to work for the many years because of her disability, she was a loving and caring person who enjoyed animals and loved to have picnics with her friends. Kathy is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. A grave side service will be held in the spring at Middlesex Center Cemetery.

, 95 of Heaton Woods and formerly of Cedar Drive in Berlin passed away April 22, 2016 at Heaton Woods in Montpelier. Charlie, as he was known to everyone, was born September 5, 1920 in Dover, New Hampshire to Homer Bousquet and Florence (Jerd) Bousquet. He attended schools in Montpelier and was a graduate of Montpelier High School class of 1940. Growing up in the Depression he worked many jobs to help his family of many brothers and sisters. He worked as a dishwasher for the All American Diner, a golf caddy at the Montpelier Country Club and as a baker at the Cross Baking Company in Montpelier. Having a job was something that was important to Charlie and he never went without one. During the summer after high school he started to help out his uncle, Homer Jerd, who at the time owned The Little Café in Northfield. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Blanche Dickenson of Roxbury. They were married in Northfield on May 30, 1942. Soon after their marriage Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed stateside during the war and worked in army hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee and Pascagoula, Mississippi. After being honorably discharged in 1946 he and his young wife settled in Northfield with their young son, Richard, and purchased the Daylight Bakery. They were the classic husband and wife team and worked side by side for several years at the bakery. Charlie’s other work related accomplishments included a route supervisor for the Goddard Baking Company of Claremont, New Hampshire, Food Service director at Vermont College and Norwich University where he retired from in 1985. During many summers he and Blanche worked at many summer resorts and summer camps in New Hampshire where they met many wonderful people and developed lifelong friendships. He and his wife enjoyed many years of camping adventures through the United States and parts of Canada and even embarked on a cross country rail trip in his 80s to visit his brother John in Anchorage, Alaska. He was a life member of the American Legion and enjoyed his association with the local chapter of the Good Sam camping club. He was a member of St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church in Montpelier. Charlie is survived by his son Richard, of Williamstown, son Stephen and his wife Kathryn of York Beach Maine, grandchildren; Crystal, Richard, Tamara, Michelle, Joseph, Jeffrey and his wife Danielle, Elizabeth and Alexander. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Jacob, Geneva, and Braydan. He is also survived by his sister Louise (Bousquet) Stone of Titusville, Florida and his brother John of Anchorage, Alaska and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Blanche, infant daughter Cecilia, daughter-in-law Monique, brothers Perley, William, James and his youngest sister Catherine. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center at 10:00 am, Wednesday, May 18th. Contributions in Charlie’s memory may be made to the Heaton Woods Activity Fund, 10 Heaton Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 90, of Ira B Road, Worcester died June 3, 2016 at UVM Medical Center in Burlington after a brief illness. She was born in Calais, VT on June 20, 1925 the daughter of Harold Orvis Persons and Betsy Luella (Carpenter) Persons. Helen attended grade school in Maple Corners and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1943. On January 1, 1947, Helen married Elden A. Brown of Worcester and lived in their family homestead for their 69 year marriage. They have six children together, Malcolm, Shirley, Larry, Melissa, Alan and Keith. Helen was a very active member of the Worcester United Methodist Church and a 76 year member of the North Branch Grange. You would often see her working at the many community dinners and functions and the church and town hall. Among her greatest joys were raising her children and grandchildren, working in her flower garden and her daily walks. She is survived by her husband, Elden of Worcester; two daughters, Shirley Wilson of Cortez, Colo.; Melissa Brown Bessett of East Montpelier; three sons, Malcolm Brown and his wife, Jeanne of Milton, VT; Alan Brown and his wife, Candace of Wilder, VT and Keith Brown and his wife, Amy of Worcester, VT; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; sister, Eileen Bador of Williamstown, VT; and many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her siblings; Eleanor (Palmer) Williams, Estella Dodge, Marion Savoie, Ethel Turner, Robert,Ralph, Wendell, Maynard, Mason “Pete” Persons and her infant son, Larry. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 11th at Worcester United Methodist Church, Worcester Village, VT. There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Helen's Life will follow at the town hall. A graveside service will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to Worcester United Methodist Church, PO Box 125, Worcester, VT 05682

, 64, died after a brief illness on Saturday, June 11, 2016 in Las Vegas, NV where he has resided for the past 26 years. Michael was born and raised in Barre/East Barre, Vermont to Janice and the late Joseph Aja on March 17, 1952. He went to local schools and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1970. On July 16, 1977, he married Catherine DeGoosh. They lived in East Montpelier and had two sons, Garrett Aja and Lance Aja. He worked many years for Johnson Paving and then Pike Industries before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1990 where he continued to work as a roller operator and then truck driver until he retired in 2014. Michael loved his sons and family. He was an avid New England Patriots and New York Yankees fan. He enjoyed reading and watching old movies. He is survived by his wife, Cathy of Las Vegas, sons, Garrett of Las Vegas, Lance of San Diego, California, mother, Janice of Barre, sisters, Lisa of Barre, Lori of Lynnwood, Washington, brothers, Joseph of Dazell, South Carolina, and Steven of Winston, Georgia along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his father, Joseph and brother, Jeffrey. Committal services will be held in September at the Berlin Corners Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601.

, 93, formerly of Freedom Drive, died June 16, 2016 at Westview Meadows. Don was born August 23, 1922 in Corinth, ME, at home, son of Everett C. (E. Carroll) and Grace (Brann) Bean. A 1940 graduate from Higgins Classical Institute, a high school, in Charleston, ME, he attended The University of Maine, Orono, ME for one year and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet. Called to active duty in January, 1943, he graduated from flight training in November as a 2nd Lieut. He was later assigned to the 384 Bomb Group of The Eighth Air Force in England as a B17 bomber pilot. He completed 31 combat missions over Eastern Europe, the last as Deputy Group Air Commander with the rank of Captain. Returning to civilian life, he met and married Dorothy (Dottie) B. Burke, RN, of Bangor, ME. He found employment in the property insurance field as an Insurance Adjuster with The General Adjustment Bureau and worked in Augusta, ME for seven years. The Vermont Mutual Insurance Co. recruited him in 1955 and he, with his wife and two daughters moved to Montpelier. His family promptly increased by a son, and Don applied himself to his new work; eventually retiring in 1987 as Vice President of Claims of that good company. Don was a Secretary of Rotary Club of Montpelier for many years; also a Mason, and a Past Patron of The Eastern Star. In retirement, he and his wife were avid Scottish country dancers and he enjoyed flying with his pilot son, reading, puzzles, and traveling with family. He is survived by his three children: Brenda Bean and her husband, Phil Morse of Montpelier; Donna Willett and her husband, Mike of Barre; and Greg Bean and his wife, Pam of Burlington. He is also survived by four grandchildren - Sarah Patterson; Jennifer Willett with daughters Makenzie and Madilynn; Chris Willett; and Scott Masch with his wife, Kim, and daughters Katelyn and Christina. Also by a brother, Omar Bean and his wife, Euretta of Millinocket, ME; and a sister, Helen Grasser, of Lamoine, ME; and by several nieces with offsprings and a nephew. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Dottie. Calling hours will be held at Guare & Sons Funeral Home on Sunday, June 26 between 2 PM and 4 PM. He and wife Dottie are to be buried at a later date in Wilton, ME. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rotary Club of Montpelier, PO Box 441, Montpelier, VT 05601. The motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self” and this describes Don Bean.

, 92, formerly of Charles Street, Montpelier died June 28, 2016 at Rowan Court Nursing Home. She was born on May 23, 1924 in Framingham, MA the daughter of Achille J. Adami and Nella C. (Giracolli) Adami. Olga lived in Washington, D.C. for a period of time and worked for the U.S. Government. She moved back to Montpelier after the World War 2 and lived on Charles Street until she moved Rowan Court a year ago. She is survived by a son, Paul F. Burns of Brownsburg, Indiana; sister, Doris Adami and brother, Robert Adami both of Montpelier. A grave side service will be held on Wednesday, 1:00 pm, July 6th at Berlin Corners Cemetery.

, born May 26th 1999, passed away on Thursday August 11th. Seamus attended U-32 High School where he was a member of the high school's varsity soccer team and he also played for Capital Soccer Club. The greatness of his loving spirit & the ever-presence of his positive nature cannot be captured by words. His life was a gift to all who knew him and his memory will forever shine bright in all of our hearts. Seamus is predeceased by his twin brother Patrick & maternal grandfather Gerald Whalen. He is survived by his older brother Ian, younger sister Emma, mother Lindsay Whalen Hennessy & her husband Cavan of Plainfield, VT, his father Robert Beall & partner Connie Gaylord of East Montpelier, VT & her son Jonathan, grandparents Susan Whalen & Robert Schmidt & Dr. Robert & Mimi Beall as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles & his best friend Harper. A celebration of Seamus' life will be held at 3pm on Thursday, August 18th at the East Montpelier Recreational Field, 665 Vincent Flats Road, East Montpelier with a brief soccer game to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to either U-32 Seamus Beall - Special Account, 930 Gallison Hill Road, Montpelier, VT 05602 or to Capital Soccer Club Scholarship Fund, 4 North Park Drive, Montpelier, VT 05602

, 90, formerly of Gould Apartments died on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the Central Vermont Medical Center. She was born on October 19, 1925, the daughter of Frederick and Winona (O’Neil) Goodall. She graduated from Montpelier High School and Syracuse University. While studying there, she also was an assistant instructor at Syracuse University College of Home Economics where she received her master’s degree. She later went to the University of Missouri to teach Related Arts. She was formerly married to Ronald Balham. While he was studying to earn his PHD, they lived in his native country of New Zealand for 2 ½ years, where their daughter, Ronda was born. Jean came to Montpelier when her husband went to work in the Antarctic. Jean was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and she was president of the United Methodist Women for five years. She was also a former Girl Scout leader while her daughter was a Scout. She was employed by the Montpelier School system for 25 years, first as a substitute teacher, then as the Audio Visual Coordinator at the High School. She was the long time costume director for the Masque Drama Club. Jean was also a director of the Montpelier Historical Society and later served as president. For many years, she assembled their booth at the history expo at the Tunbridge Worlds’ Fair. She had a great interest in the Vermont Historical Society and has given many articles to their museum. She had a great interest in the Civil War and she walked many battlefields on her tours. Jean was a member of the Senior Citizens Advisory Board and was the director of the Montpelier Senior Center for 6 years. Jean also served as the Director of the 251 Club for 30 years. She has always had a fondness for gardening and sewing, and she also just took up painting again. She leaves her daughter, Ronda Balham; many friends in Vermont and other states, especially Shirley Scribner, Marilyn Wemitt, Jean Semprebon, Mary Beth Churchill and Tender Loving Home Care who were always there for her and visited often. A Grave side memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 11:00 am at Plainfield Center Cemetery, Bartlett Road, Plainfield, VT. Memorial contributions may be made to Montpelier Historical Society, PO Box 54, Montpelier, VT 05601 or to Montpelier Senior Citizens Center, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602

died peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of September 25th with his wife of 50 years, Lois Eby, and his daughter, Nadine Wolf Budbill, by his side. A passionate lover of his family and friends, the woods, and all things human, he did not want to leave this life but over the past three years his Progressive Supranuclear Palsy—a rare form of Parkinson’s Disease—brought him to this moment. David was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1940 to a streetcar driver and a minister’s daughter. His colorful life included being a track star in high school, attending Union Theological Seminary in New York City, teaching at Lincoln University (a historically Black college in Pennsylvania), moving to Northern Vermont in the late 1960s and building his own house, laboring on a Christmas tree farm, playing myriad musical instruments, working for racial and economic justice, tending a large vegetable garden, cutting his own wood, and writing a staggering amount of creative material. He is the author of ten books of poems, seven plays, two novels, a collection of short stories, two picture books for children, and the libretto for an opera. During his prolific career David performed his work in many venues—from schools and prisons in Vermont to avant-garde performance spaces in New York City—often with William Parker and other musical collaborators. Several new books of David’s will be published posthumously, including his newest book of poems titled Tumbling Toward the End (Copper Canyon Press) and a novel titled Broken Wing (Green Writers Press). More can be learned at www.davidbudbill.com. David is survived by his wife, Lois, his daughter, Nadine, her partner, Mia Roethlein, and his granddaughter Riley Wolf Budbill-Roethlein who gave him much joy in the last two years of his life and the first two of hers. He is also survived by his cousins Martha Cross and Dick Miller, his brother in law and sister in law, Frank and Gayle Eby, many good friends and readers of his work, his work itself, and the woods where he loved to be. His ashes will be returned to his favorite white pine stand in the woods at the home in Wolcott, VT, where he lived and wrote for 45 years. The family wishes to thank the wonderful team at Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice who guided us and our dedicated caregivers through this challenging time with great skill and compassion. An event to celebrate David’s life and work is planned for 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Copper Canyon Press, his longtime publisher, or an arts or peace and justice organization of your choice.

, 90, of 4 Taplin St., Montpelier died October 5, 2016 at Woodridge Nursing Home. Doris was born on October 4, 1926, in Framingham, Massachusetts, the daughter of Achille J. Adami and Nella C. (Giracolli) Adami. Doris moved to Montpelier when she was 3-years old and lived all her life at 4 Taplin Street. Doris graduated from Montpelier High School in 1944. Doris worked at Bernadini Store before she had her career at the New England Telephone Company on School Street and retired as a Switch Board Operator Supervisor. Doris was a member Montpelier Emblem Club #369 and served as their Treasurer for many years. Doris was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers and the Montpelier Senior Center. Doris was extremely thoughtful, generous and caring and a wonderful sister and friend to all that knew her. Doris loved her cats and took in strays. She was particularly close to her calico cat. Doris is survived by her brother Robert D. Adami of Montpelier. Her nephew Paul F. Burns, of Brownsburg, Indiana. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Olga C. Burns. A Funeral Service will be held at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 followed by a committal at Berlin Corners Cemetery. A Reception to follow at the Steak House Restaurant. Family and friends want to thank all the wonderful care and compassion that the staff at both CVMC and Woodridge provided.

, long-time Montpelier resident, died on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at The Arbors in Shelburne VT. He was born on May 12, 1934, in East Orange, New Jersey, to Robert D. and Mable Karges Blakeman. The family later moved to Ridgewood NJ where Alan attended school and graduated from Ridgewood High School. After graduating from the College of Wooster in Ohio, Alan taught at Doylestown (OH) High School for a year and then enlisted in the U. S. Army. He served with the Signal Corp in West Berlin. Following discharge in 1959, Alan became a member of the faculty at Montpelier High School where he continued teaching until retirement in 1995. In addition to teaching economics, history, and geography Alan had many extra-curricular responsibilities including advisor to the Student Council and Scholars’ Bowl and coaching assistant for the track team. After retiring, Alan worked part-time at the Chittenden Trust Company and the State Welcome Center. Alan married Joanne Murray, another MHS teacher, on August 13, 1960, at Bethany Church in Montpelier. They raised three daughters and a son and have 7 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Alan was a member of Bethany Church, serving as President of the congregation and on many boards and committees over the years. He was interested in civic affairs and was on the Planning Commission for several years, followed by a number of terms on the Development Review Board. Alan was a past member of the Montpelier Jaycees and the Montpelier Kiwanis Club. He was an active volunteer for many local events including the Mountaineers baseball team. Alan loved his family and community. Mr. B could be seen walking around town almost daily and was known for his interesting ties and love of conversation. He treasured time with his children and grandchildren who are so thankful for his presence in their lives. Alan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanne Blakeman; daughters, Jennifer and her husband, Michael Barlow; Patricia and her husband, Christopher Turley; Judith and her husband, Lane McElree; and son Derek Blakeman and his wife, Heidi (Einolf). He also leaves his grandchildren Peter Turley and his wife, Chelsea (Hall); Alyssa Turley; George Barlow; Alan Barlow; Sarah McElree; Daniel Blakeman and Charles Blakeman; and great-grandson, Christopher John (CJ) Turley. He was pre-deceased by his parents, brother, Robert K. Blakeman and sister-in-law, Cynthia McGlynn. Visiting hours will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, at Guare and Son Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier VT 05602. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11th at Bethany Church, 115 Main Street in Montpelier. Donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Bethany Church.

, 88 entered into eternal rest on Saturday March 5, 2016 at Wingate in Hampden, MA. Born in Montpelier, VT, she was the daughter of Santiago and Carmen Gomez. Connie was predeceased by her loving husband Ira of 59 years in 2010, her parents and brothers Santiago, Richard, Domingo and Manuel. She is survived by brothers Raymond, Rudluf, Noel (Jackie), sister Chiquita, sister-in-law Helen Gomez and several nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by her close friend and advocate Violette Giammarino, her husband Mark and daughter Marissa. She was a communicant of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Springfield. Mrs. Bylow graduated from Montpelier High School and retired from a long career at Springfield College. She loved to travel, go to the beach and dance. A funeral in May has been entrusted to Guare and Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier, VT. Details will follow at a later date.

, 58, of Max Gray Road, Calais died at his home on December 3, 2016. He was born on April 18, 1958 in Barre, VT, the son of Edward and Dorothy (Bruce) Cadorette/Johnson. Paul attended schools in Barre and graduated from Spaulding High School in the Class of 1976. He married Jean Bliss in 1981 at St. Monica Church. He worked for many years at Capital City Press in the shipping and receiving department. Paul loved to fish and was a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited. He enjoyed bowling, playing poker, and spending time with his family and beloved dog, Missy. You could often find him on the sidelines of his children’s or grandchildren’s sporting events, unless it was a Sunday during football season when you would find him in his recliner in front of the TV dressed head to toe in Redskins gear. Paul is survived by his wife Jean of Calais; a daughter and her husband, Julie and Brandon Arms & his granddog Gator of Calais; son and his wife, Chris and Laine Cadorette and their children, Rhys, Hunter and Magda of Calais; two sisters, Peggy Bolduc of Barre Town, VT and Joanne Tuthill of Berlin, VT; a brother, Hector (Peanut) Cadorette of Berlin, VT; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his step-father Everett “EJ” Johnson, and his brother Edward Cadorette. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on December 15th from 6:30-8:30pm at K’s Korner Restaurant, 708 US Route 302 Berlin, VT. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Paul's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, New England Division, 10 Speen Street, 2nd Floor, Framingham, Massachusetts, 01701

, 83, of Washington Street Apartments, Barre, died May 4, 2016 at Central Vermont Medical Center surrounded by many members of her loving family. She was born on June 14, 1932 in Burke, Vermont the daughter of James Paul Messier and Eula Mae (Quimby) Messier and attended schools in Burke later earning her GED in 1990. Florence was married to Edward Matthias Cannon on November 6, 1954. They lived for many years in Northfield Falls, later divorcing and retiring in Barre. Edward is now deceased. Flo was home maker and seamstress for many years and also worked as administrative assistant for Vermont Forest & Parks Department. Flo was the pillar of her family. She was the strength of her family. She was always loving, never judgmental, and always forgiving. She was teacher, friend, and counselor – even when advice was not sought. She spent time with her siblings and their families and her friends whenever she knew of a need and also, her children and their families. In raising her family alone, Flo had a knack for making a dime a dollar. Flo became very active in her retirement with her neighbors and friends of Washington Street Apartments, quickly becoming the matriarch of the community and highly respected and loved by her Washington Street Apartment family. Flo was a self-appointed ambassador of the SASH (Support and Service at Home) program. She was an active member of Shepard’s Chapel Ministries and the Fisherman’s Ministries of Northfield Falls. Flo found great joy in studying her Bible every morning with Shepard’s Chapel Ministries on television. Flo studied every day and enjoyed teaching the Lord’s word. She loved to read and do word search puzzles. Her favorite television sport was Golf and she spent many a happy day watching it. No autumn was complete without stores of canned vegetables and fruits put aside for cold winter days. She enjoyed teaching her children, grandchildren and friends the art of preserving food. She taught crocheting, knitting, quilting and cooking to many. Her quilts were blue ribbon quality four-generation quilts. (Her mom cut the pieces, she assembled the quilts, children and grandchildren tied the quilts.) She loved and encouraged her families interests in arts. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Ellen Mae Hannigan and her husband John, of Barre, VT; two sons, Joseph Paul Cannon and his wife, Hannah of Barre, VT; and James Edward Cannon and his wife, Carrie of Northfield Falls, VT; 12 grandchildren: Jessica Harris, Patrick Cannon, Matthias Cannon, Tanya Cheney, Laurie Phelps, Eula-Jade Porter, Allen Hannigan, Carla Hannigan, Craig Sherman, Scott Sherman, Keith Cannon and Heather Cannon, 12 great grandchildren; sisters, Dolly Peters of Johnson, VT; Valencia McMannis of Hyde Park, VT; Nellie Irish of Rutland, VT; brothers, Paul Messier of Barre, VT; Wayne Messier of Eden, VT; Ernest Messier of Littleton, NH and Larry Messier of Johnson, VT; aunt, Lorane Quimby Colby and her husband, Morris of East St. Johnsbury, VT; and many nieces and nephews and honorary relatives. Florence was predeceased by two daughters, Helen Marie Cannon and Susan Jean Cannon; two grandchildren, Randall Cannon and Natoshia Cannon, sister, Paulene McElroy and two brothers, Gordon Messier and Abraham Messier. A Grave side memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2016 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Northfield, VT. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to SASH, in care of Hillary Cole, Barre Housing Authority, 30 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641 to continue the wellness programs that benefited Flo and her community or to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, Inc., 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641

, 69, of Sibley Road, died on December 31, 2016 at his home with his family by his side after a 10-year battle with cancer. He was born in Burlington, VT on October 9th, 1947, the son of Robert and Francis (Emmons) Carver. He attended the Cathedral Graded School and Rice Memorial High School, graduating in 1965. He later received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Vermont in 1969. On February 17, 1973, he married Sherry Spaulding, the love of his life, and as he jokes, “the pick of the litter” at the Bethany Church in Montpelier. Work comprised the backbone of Dennis’ life. Before graduating from college, he did some undercover narcotics work and then joined the Burlington Police Department. Next, Dennis decided it was time to pursue his life-long dream of owning a dairy farm and purchased a farm in West Addison in 1973. He quickly discovered just how hard he could work but also that there was more to life than work. He sold the farm and moved to Central Vermont with his wife to start a business, Northern Vermont Snax Sales, which was a distributor of Tom’s Foods. With this business, Dennis was able to provide a good life for his family and also to model to his children a good and proper work ethic, two of his top priorities. Dennis’ biggest passion in life was hunting and he was a member of several hunting clubs and organizations in the area. He served as a lobbyist for the many outdoorsmen in the state to put an end to anti-hunting legislation in Vermont, a cause he was very proud of. Every year he looked forward to bear season and hunting with his hounds. Dennis formed many tight friendships through this sport and the accounts of their adventures are testament to his spirited sense of adventure and could fill volumes. Andy Adams, in particular, was a close friend of Dennis’, far more than just a son-in-law. He was the one Dennis turned his dogs over to when he was no longer strong enough to hunt with them himself. Dennis was a true outdoorsman and found his greatest peace in the woods. In recent years, some of Dennis’ happiest moments included spending quality time hunting partridge, turkey, and deer with his son. Dennis was a friend to many and was known for his good listening ear and wise counsel. His friends knew his word was good and that they could depend on him. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand or kind word to anyone in need. Dennis was highly committed to truth and justice as he saw it and he stood by his convictions regardless of opposition or consequences. Dennis’ three children were incredibly dear to him and he loved them deeply, always encouraging them in their own pursuits. One of the bright lights and sources of joy towards the end of Dennis’ long struggle was the birth of his granddaughter, Emma Adams. He just adored her and cherished his role of grandfather and afternoon babysitter alongside his wife. Dennis served as the East Montpelier town constable for 18 years. Dennis was also a licensed experimental, fixed wing, and rotary aircraft pilot. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Sherry Carver of East Montpelier; daughters, Karen Carver Adams of Cabot , VT and Kathryn Carver of East Montpelier, VT; son, Daniel Carver of Barre, VT; granddaughter, Emma Adams of Cabot, VT; siblings Tim Carver, of East Montpelier, VT; Matthew Carver of Denver, CO; Patrick Carver of Dominican Republic; Michael Carver of East Montpelier, VT, Thomas Carver of Largo, FL; Mary O’Donnell of Kingston, MA; Margaret Carver of Burlington, VT; and Nancy Hankins of Aurora, CO. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Bobby Carver. Calling hours will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, January 5th at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, January 6th at the Old Meeting House, 1620 Center Road in East Montpelier. A committal service will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, Dennis asks that you take a loved one to dinner.

, 93, formerly of Weston’s Trailer park and most recently of Vernon CT, died on March 19th at her home. She was born on October 22, 1922 in Duxbury, VT, the daughter of William and Lillian (Freeman) Casey. She also graduated from high school in Waterbury. She worked her entire 35 years career with the phone company, first with New England Telephone, which was later know as Nextel. She enjoyed her retirement since 1980. She was a member of the American Legion Auxillary and the Telephone Pioneers of America. She leaves a niece, Karen Lata of CT, a niece Michele Beebe of Fl, and 3 nephews, Paul Beebe of Fl, Reed Casey of VT, and Mitchell Casey of VT. She was predeceased by her brother, Fred Casey from VT in 1977, a sister, Yvonne Casey Harvey in VT 2008, a sister, Norma Casey Beebe in Fl 2010, and a niece, Sheila Harvey Trombly in Ct 2011. She was a great lady and lived a long and happy life. She will be missed by all that knew her. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Waterbury Center Cemetery

, 85, formerly a longtime resident of Court Street and more recently of Barre Street, Montpelier died at her home on January 17, 2016. She was born on February 20, 1930 in Barton, VT the daughter of Merton and Myrtle (Robertson) Ashe and attended schools in Barton. Bev was married to Reuben G. “Slim” Chaffee on July 8, 1950 in Barton. They lived in Barton for a period of time and moved to Montpelier in 1957. Bev was very active with the American Legion Post # 10 Ladies Aux., and the VFW #792 Ladies Aux. She helped establish the VFW Junior Girls Unit and was its' leader for many years. She was a wonderful and caring Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother. Caring for her family was her greatest joy. She was a housekeeper for several other families. Slim and Bev provided janitor service for commercial buildings after his retirement. For the last several years Bev enjoyed being a “Greeter” at Walmart in the Berlin Mall. Her beautiful smile and friendly greeting there are remembered by many. Bev was very patriotic. She loved to share stories of meeting the troop train in WWII even though her mother thought she was too young to be at the train station unescorted. Bev also loved music, dancing and animals. All the cats on Court St always got a good meal at Bev's place. Bev was a positive influence on many children who came into her life. They seemed to be drawn to her. Bev was an an avid walker and wore out many, many pairs of "tennis shoes" as she walked "overstreet" in Montpelier. Bev is survived by two daughters, Doreen Lane of Berlin; Darcy Greenslit of Montpelier and a son, Clifford P. Chaffee and his wife, Vicki of Xenia, Ill; seven grandchildren, Tonya & Samantha Allen; Tyler; Lyndsey; and Jamie Greenslit; and Douglas and Timothy Chaffee; great grandchildren, Mark and his fiance Naomi; Jacob; Gabi; Mitchell; Faith; Caleb; Abby; Connor; and Addi; and a great great-grandson, Tucker. Bev is also survived by a sister, Althea Gillis of Colchester, VT, many nieces and nephews and many special friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Slim, son-in-law, Konny Greenslit; son-in-law James Lane; sisters, Barbara, Helen & Norma; brothers, Earl, Harold, Merton Jr. and Howard. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 11: 00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church. A celebration of Life and Memorial reception will follow at the American Legion on Main Street, Montpelier. Memorial contributions may be sent to Project Independence, 81 North Main Street, Barre, VT 05641 or to Central Vermont Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601.

, 58, formerly of Moretown and many years of Montpelier, died August 16, 2016 at his home on Elm Street, Montpelier. He was born in Montpelier on October 18, 1957, the son of Aldo & Dorothy (MacDonald) Ciampi. Aldo attended schools Montpelier Schools before moving to Moretown in the early 70's. He later attended Moretown Schools and graduated from Harwood High School in the Class of 1977. After high school, Aldo worked for a period of time at the former Walker Motors on River Street. He served in the Vermont Army National Guard from 1985-92. Aldo was known to many in downtown Montpelier business district for seating on the park benches, smoking his pipe and waiting for children to arrive at the intersections to do his job as a school crossing guard which he did for several years. Aldo is survived by his three sisters, Diane Dopp of Barre; Brenda Prive of East Montpelier; Sandra Bailey of Barre and his brother, Michael Ciampi of East Montpelier and several nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

, whose passon for his craft was exceeded only by his love of family, died January 25, 2016 at Berlin Health and Rehab. He was 77. Born January 2, 1939 to Joseph and Sarah Clarke, Rod was raised and went to school in Freeport, N.Y., where he was a standout athlete in football, wrestling and lacrosse. In 1963, “Rock,” as he was known then, met Loretta Carroll, and after a whirlwind two-month courtship, they were married and embarked on a journey of love, affection and adventure; a partnership that would last until her passing 44 years later. And now it begins anew. Soon after the wedding, Rod and Loretta moved to Montana, then back to Long Island, finally settling in Vermont in 1965 to raise their family. In 1997, they re-located to Florida, but always considered Vermont, where he had spent his childhood summers, their home. He returned home in January 2015. Although he received several athletic scholarship offers, he never attended college until he taught journalism as an adjunct professor in the Vermont State College System. To say Rod lived a full life would be like saying Hemingway was a pretty fair writer. Before launching a career in journalism in 1967, he worked as a cowboy on a ranch in Montana, a bartender/bouncer, a bulldozer operator in an open pit mine and a logger. He owned an asphalt paving business, a restaurant/motel and, later, a public relations consulting firm. In 1971, he and Loretta and the kids moved into a rugged tract of land along the Canadian border and homesteaded for a year with no road in, no electricity, no running water, no telephone. “I wanted to know if Armageddon came I could take my family into the woods and survive,” he told an interviewer. “I could.” He worked in print, photographic and broadcast media and was bureau manager and Vermont state news editor for United Press International (UPI). He also was official photographer for the Boston Red Sox Fantasy Baseball Camp, served as a political consultant and campaign manager, produced and hosted radio talk shows in Vermont, wrote, produced and narrated documentaries for a regional PBS affiliate in Southwest Florida and eked out a living as a free-lance writer. As manager of marketing and promotional campaigns in Florida and New York State for the Cabot Creamery of Vermont, he made the Guinness Book of Records by cooking up the world’s largest grilled cheese sandwich As if that weren’t enough to keep him occupied, Rod wrote “Carved in Stone,” a history of the Barre, Vermont, granite industry, produced a line of humorous photographic post cards called “Woodchuck Cards” and published “Thirsty’s Guide to Vermont’s Best Bars.” “The research on that one almost killed me,” he said at the time. He travelled extensively, driving across the country three times and visiting all of the continental 48 states except Oregon. An avid biker, Rod and Loretta were often seen heading out on their vintage Harley Davidson. He was a longtime defender of motorcyclists’ rights, founding Freedom of the Road for Vermont in 1986 and serving as chairman of the board of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM). He has been described by those who knew and worked with him as stubborn, independent, strong-willed, tough, sharp-witted, tenacious and fair. Various newspaper and magazines articles called him a “media maverick,” a “legend in his own time, “a tough, quick-thinking news editor,” a “terrific storyteller and a self-taught, natural writer and editor,” “one of the most respected journalists in Vermont” and “an entrepreneur with an eye for satire and a sense of humor.” Rod’s office wall was filled with awards and plaques for writing and journalism, including three regional Emmy nominations, four Telly Awards and a 1978 Pulitzer Prize nomination for national reporting when he with UPI. But he shrugged off the awards and took his greatest pride in being surrounded by his large, close-knit family, which he considered his “real legacy. “I take no credit for being able to write,” he said. “I was given a gift.” He liked to say he took his work seriously, but not himself. Kids always took center stage in Rod’s life. In addition to their own brood, he and Loretta helped raise various siblings, nieces and nephews and gave homes to dozens of foster children in crisis. Rod leaves six children; Don Clarke, Lorelei Lissor, Adam Clarke and his wife Anne, Chris Clarke and his wife Crystal, Kelly Deis and her husband Mark and Jennifer Miller, and her husband Chas, 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, wife Loretta, son Tony McFarlin and granddaughter Kerry Clarke. In typical fashion, the old newsman wrote his own obituary and had it “in the can” so it would be ready when needed. That time is now. In lieu of flowers, Rod asked his friends to support their local economy at their favorite pub by raising a happy hour toast to him and Loretta as they ride off together again on a new adventure. Calling hours will be held Friday, January 29 from 1-3 pm with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow at Guare and Sons Funeral Home, School Street in Montpelier. In true Rod Clarke fashion, the family asks you to join them for Happy Hour at the VFW in Montpelier following

, 86, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, Feb 26, 2016, at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, TN from complications of kidney failure and pneumonia. A resident of Jensen Beach, Fl. for the past 26 years, Bud enjoyed his first 60 years on Elm Street in Montpelier. The past 4 months were spent in Brookdale Assisted Living center in Knoxville, Tn., to be close to his 2 daughters. Bud, as his friends knew him, was born on August 9, 1929 in Montpelier, to Richard and Lilli (Handy) Cody. As a teenager, Bud got his driver’s license at 14, and split his time between working the family ice business and attending St. Michael's High School. He graduated in 1947 and it was during his ice route at VJC (Vermont Junior College) that he met and then dated his future wife, Bettie Rowles. The family ice business was sold in 1949 and they entered the motion picture business. In addition, father Richard was acquiring real estate and buildings in Montpelier and Barre. Bud and Bettie married in September 6, 1950, and last year celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. As the Cody family was growing rapidly, Bud and his brothers needed another business so they bought the H O Taylor Chevrolet Franchise in Montpelier, in 1953. The next year Bud opened up a separate Chevy store in Barre, called Bud's Chevrolet. In 1956 Bud and his brothers consolidated the 2 Chevy stores into one dealership at its present location. Bud was vice president and general sales manager. As such, he was able to secure large local fleet business's that helped establish Cody's place in the Vermont Automobile Industry. In 1963, J Leo Johnson was ready to retire and Bud and his brothers decided to buy a Chrysler-Plymouth dealership. This was Bud's dealership to run. Originally located behind the Capital Plaza (the old Tavern), a brand new facility was built in 1964 on the Barre-Montpelier Road. Bud's automobile skills were legendary-4 times the top Chrysler dealer in Vermont, repeatedly awarded the state of Vermont Police Cruiser Allotment. He was a lead person in organizing the Vermont Automobile Dealers Association-(an original charter member). During the 60's and 70's Bud was heavily involved in the Lion's Club-introducing the annual Pancake Festival that generously enriched local concerns. Also, Conrad was a founding member and driving force for the Greater Vermont Association (GVA) his signature mark was the first rest area built on I-91 in Putney. In addition to running his dealership, plus all his outside interest, Bud's passion was food and he decided to expand into the restaurant business. So in1972 Bud and 5 other partners established the Stockyard Inn, located where the VT State Employees C U is now. The steamship round was a huge local hit. The sidecar lounge (who can forget) the caboose on the tracks where the bar was located was a tourist attraction. Through all his successful endeavors, Bud was still able to have a balance with his children and Bettie's lives. Once his children graduated from high school, Bud and Bettie wanted to relocate to Florida, divest themselves from their business and retire. Bud lasted one year and got restless so he opened up a preowned automobile lot. That lasted for three years and then it was time to officially retire. No one took to retirement like Bud. Summer in Vermont, winter in Florida, travel in the spring and fall. Over the years Bud and Bettie befriended many people and a trip north or south would require 2 to 3 weeks with stops at friends along the way. The highlight for the past 15 years was the family's annual trips to Vegas, Foxwood, and Biloxi. Besides his loving wife, Bettie; Bud leaves behind his daughter, Linda, of Sevierville, TN; son, Michael, and his wife, Betsy, of Barre and their 3 sons, Garett, Ethan and Connor; daughter, Mary Lou, of Pigeon Forge, TN and her 2 daughters, Mary Christina and Margaret; son, Brian (BK) and his wife, Terri, of Kerrville TX and their 2 daughters, Karly and Casey; and his youngest son, Conrad II (Chip) and his wife, Valerie, of Jensen Beach, FL. Bud also leaves his brother, Rayden and his wife, Ann of Ocean Ridge, FL; sister, Mary Bashara and her husband Fred of Montpelier; sister-in-law, Yolande Cody of Montpelier/Pompano Beach FL; as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews and cousin, Mary Ann Breer and her husband, Wayne. He has been predeceased by his parents; brother, Robert Cody and his sister-in-law, Janice Cody; brother, Donald Cody; aunt Nellie (Cody) Ziter and her husband, Joseph. Bud will be remembered by all for his infectious smile, his huge heart, his culinary skills and his special barbeque technique. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 pm, Friday, May 20, 2016 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier. Burial will follow at Berlin Corners Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602

, 83, of Berlin, passed away on June 26, 2016 at the CVMC in Berlin, VT. Born on Sept 11, 1932 to Roy James Collier and Josephine (Pelletier) Collier in Greensboro, VT. Attended 12 grades of school in the same building graduating GHS in 1950. Enlisted in US Air Force but had to wait till his 18th birthday to leave for Texas. Volunteered to go to Korea. Served in 5th Fighter Bomber Group in Korean War. Honorably discharged in 1954. Back to Vermont and joined New England Tel & Tel starting as a lineman, then an installer. Took all exams, required in those days, and became a PBX installer. In 1984, he joined AT&T, in 1987 retired and went to work the next 15 years at National Life Ins. handling their phone system. In Feb. 2004 he retired again after 49 yrs. 11 months as a telephone man at 71 1/2 yrs. of age. John married Eleanor Hill on June 21, 1958 and lived in Waterbury for 5 1/2 years. After saving some money, they bought land in Berlin and started building their house in 1963. He would work on it daily, after work, till 10 or 11 pm. and then drive back to the apartment in Waterbury. They moved into their new home Dec. 1963. About 30 years later, he started room by room re-doing everything…..wiring, plumbing, ceilings, floors, etc.. A brand new house again. Three sons were born, Bret Raymond in 1962; Todd Andrew in 1966 and Ben Bentley in 1967. He enjoyed every minute of them. Nothing was more important to John than his marriage, his sons and his work. He was raised on a farm where farmers valued hard work. In early teens he often drove his father's milk truck route when he was not big enough to lift the 115 lb. full milk cans up onto the truck. During winters when farmers could not work outside, they would clean , grease and repair their machinery for the next season. No idle days then. John always said if something could be fixed, he could fix it. His philosophy of life was: "When a job is once begun, Never leave it till it's done. Be it great or be it small, Do it well or not at all." He took great pride in his two cedar hedges, his beautiful garden and his home. A wonderful man. LAUS DEO. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Howard, in 1981 and his sister-in -law, Beverly Hill, in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his sons, Bret and wife, Donna, of MN; son, Todd, of FL and son, Ben, of Burlington, VT. Also, two brother-in-laws, John Hill of Essex Center and David Hill of E. Hardwick as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. There will be no services or requests for donations. Our grateful thanks to Pastor Durham of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. Burial to be at the VT Veterans Cemetery in Randolph, VT.

, 92, formerly of Woodland Drive, Barre, passed away peacefully at her residence at Heaton Woods, Montpelier, on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. She was born on June 18, 1923, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the daughter of Ovila and Blanche (Ledoux) Gregoire. After her family moved to Vermont, Doris attended schools in Barre and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1941. She was also a member of St. Monica’s Church. Doris worked as a secretary for Jones Brothers Granite in Barre, and for many years thereafter, she worked for the Social Security Administration in Rutland. She married Daniel J. Connelly, her "little Irishman" in 1968, and they shared a home in Barre until his death in 1998. Doris enjoyed swimming, biking, and ice-skating, and her love of music and dancing continued throughout her life. She also enjoyed the companionship of her many friends and "family" at Heaton Woods, where her positive outlook, her humor, and her words of wisdom brightened the spirits of those around her. Survivors include her sister, Claire Constance Garcia, of Nokomis, Florida, her brother and sister-in-law. Robert and Lorraine Gregoire of Centerville, Massachusetts, as well as two nieces, Rebecca Marie Graves and Rachel Gregoire, whom she fondly referred to has "her girls", and three nephews, Joel Garcia, Christian Gregoire, and Peter Gregoire, Jr. In addition to her husband, Doris was predeceased by her brother, Peter Gregoire, Sr., of Chelsea, and her nephew, Jacob Stuart. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, March 22nd at St. Monica Catholic Church, Summer Street, Barre. Burial will follow the Mass at Hope Cemetery in Barre. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heaton Woods Activity Fund, 10 Heaton Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, passed peacefully October 2, 2016 at Heaton Woods Assisted Living. She was born in Marshfield, VT on April 29, 1922 to Merrill “Bengi” Mears and Abbie (Foster) Mears. She attended Marshfield Schools and graduated in 1940. She married Lt. Robert Wallace Cooke on February 9, 1943 in Montpelier. Nellie worked for New England Telephone & Telegraph, Heaton Hospital, and the Central Vermont Hospital. She is survived by her son, Robert M. Cooke and his wife, Alice of Milton; grandson; Keith and his wife, Holly and their children, Morgan and Samantha of Waterville, VT; grandson; Steven Cooke of Milton; son, Zane G. Cooke and his wife, Linda of Victory, VT; grandson; Shane Cooke and his children, Dakota and Kyle of Montpelier; granddaughter, Heather Collins and her husband, Matthew, and great grandson, Tucker and great granddaughter Sierra of Berlin; and many nieces and nephews. Nellie was predeceased by her loving husband Lt. Robert Wallace Cooke on October 5, 2008. Nellie was the 8th of 9 children and has been predeceased by all siblings. Alda Lyndes, Irl Mears, Ralph “Stub” Mears, Eldin Herbert “Pic” Mears, Mina Brightenback, Annie Mears, Jennie Dunn, and Betty Doyle. Nellie was an accomplished seamstress and artist, with interests in oil painting, ceramics, and crocheting. All of her family and friends can attest that she was a wonderful baker. There will be no calling hours and funeral and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to: Heaton Woods Activities Fund, 10 Heaton Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 70, of Naples, Florida and Montpelier, died Sunday, Sept 25, 2016 at the McClure Miller VNA Respite House after a recent diagnosis of cancer. Brian died peacefully with dignity and grace with his family by his side. Brian was born on August 13, 1946 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. He was the son of G. Emmett and Charlene (Branon) Cosgrove. He was raised in Woodsville, New Hampshire. Brian’s personality was a perfect blend of Cosgrove and Branon. His character and flavor combined Irish wit, loyalty and humor with culture, refinement and gravitas. He had amazing political instincts and was the master of colorful metaphors. He had an unmistakable hearty laugh that was contagious and heartfelt. He was enormously protective of those who needed caring and help. Brian graduated from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont with a Bachelor’s degree in English. He had a love for the English word and journalism and was a gifted writer. In 1969 Brian entered the US Army and served with the 4th Infantry in Vietnam. He was evacuated due to injuries received in combat and finished his service at Ft. Monroe, VA as a Public Affairs officer, writing for the 3rd Division newspaper. Following his military service, Brian and his wife Kay Towers and son Brendan moved to Orlando, Florida and then back to Woodsville, NH where Brian worked as a reporter for the Journal-Opinion and the Caledonian Record. In 1971 Brian and his family moved to the Boston area where he pursued a Master’s in Education at Boston University and worked as a teacher for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services helping juveniles in maximum security institutions. In 1977 Brian moved back to Vermont residing in the Northeast Kingdom and then the Montpelier area where he worked for the Department of Corrections on a training grant providing innovative program development for juvenile group homes around the State and assisting with the closing of the Weeks School. In 1984 he began his political career during the Vermont gubernatorial primary as the campaign manager for Hilton Wick. In 1983 Brian married Susan Crampton and lived in Middlesex; they later divorced. He worked for International Coins & Currency from 1985-1988. In 1988, Brian became the Executive Director of the Vermont Republican Party and held the position for 7 years organizing, recruiting and assisting candidates seeking office. During his tenure, the Republicans regained control of the Senate. Brian was a familiar and respected figure in the Vermont Statehouse and political scene for many years. In 1997 Brian took a position at Entergy Vermont Yankee, and had a successful 15-year career as Manager of Government Affairs. Brian was highly regarded by the VY community and many local business and community members. He represented VY and its employees with competence, honesty and integrity. He loved a challenge and was devoted to any project he was involved in. He was a skillful and creative communicator, with a unique ability to bring divergent and competing interests together. He retired from Entergy in 2012, but maintained and savored the multitude of relationships built along the way. His fierce loyalty to friends, familyand business associates was complete. Brian achieved and enjoyed 28 years of sobriety, crediting AA for saving his life, and he helped many others along the way. “Don’t drink and go to meetings,” was a mantra he lived by and prescribed to others in a loving and caring manner. Brian maintained friendships from all periods in his life, recently rekindling ties with high school friends. He loved people, parties and politics and regaled us all with his conversation, story-telling, and good Irish humor! He was a voracious reader and could expound on any topic, from Civil War history to rare coins, Mid-East cultures, and energy politics. He was a great mentor and teacher to those around him. He had a huge heart and took care of his family and friends without hesitation. His loyalty, mentoring and kindness were done with humor and humility. His generosity was unsurpassed. Brian enjoyed traveling to warmer climates in the winter, including trips with his son and grandchildren to Mexico and the Caribbean as well as spending time at his condo in Florida. Most of all, without exception, he enjoyed and cherished his family and will be dearly missed. Survivors include his son Brendan Cosgrove and three granddaughters, Emma, Maggie and Nora Cosgrove; a brother, Dermot Cosgrove of Ruskin, Florida, formerly of Burlington, Vermont; a sister (Mary) Maude Cosgrove Chater and brother in-law Mike Chater of Montpelier; nephews Ben Chater of Winooski and Emmett Cosgrove of Burlington; and numerous Branon and Cosgrove cousins. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, October 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier.

, 89, formerly of Fuller Street in Montpelier, but most recently of Allenwood Senior Community in South Burlington, died on Friday evening, September 2, 2016. He was born on February 8, 1927, the son of Elmer E. Cozzens, Sr and Elsie (Brundrett) Cozzens. He attended public schools in Massachussetts and graduated from Lowell High School. He later attended Norwich University and then graduated with an Associates Degree from Bentley College. Elmer proudly served as a Sargent in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in the Philippines. On June 30, 1951, He married Ruth M. Huntsman at the Old Meeting House Church in East Montpelier Center. He started his professional career as a cost accountant for General Electric in Burlington, Vermont then transferred to the Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, New York plants. He retired in 1987 after a 30 year career. He was active in the Community Chapel of West Glens Falls, New York and the First Baptist Church of Montpelier, Vermont. He enjoyed wood carving, water color painting, fishing, and riding his motor cycle! He enjoyed visiting with his children, grand children and great grand children. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Cozzens of South Burlington; sons, Peter Cozzens and his husband, Peter of Essex, VT; Michael Cozzens and his wife, Karen of Fort Edward, NY; Mark Cozzens and his fiancée, Karen of Fort Edward, NY; daughter-in-law, John’s widow, Lorrie of Fort Ann, NY; 8 grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son; John Cozzens; and siblings, Sandra, Barbara, and Charles. Calling hours will be held from 6-8:00 pm on Tuesday, September 6th at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 7th at the First Baptist Church on School Street in Montpelier. A committal with military honors will immediately follow at the Middlesex Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, New Hampshire 03086

, 80, passed away May 14, 2016, at Rowan Court nursing home, Barre, Vt., following a long illness. At her request, no services will be held. June was born June 26, 1935, in Orfordville, N.H., to Clarence Andrews and Esther (Hildreth) Andrews and grew up in Orford, N.H. She graduated from Orford High School. She married Clyde A. Cummings. Together they had 4 children. Andrew, Michael, Vonda and James. June worked for many years as an AT&T switchboard operator. Her interests included family, auctions, thrift stores and yard sales and keeping busy. What she loved doing most was doing for others. June is survived by two sons, James Cummings and Michael Cummings; one daughter, Vonda Brackett; three sisters, Gertrude Ackerson, Estina Gieseking and Genevieve Gomo; one brother, Gordon Andrews; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and her many nieces, nephews and family friends. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Clyde Cummings, son Andrew Cummings, sister Erma Ferentinos, and brothers Henry Andrews and Donald Andrews. June was a generous soul and will be greatly missed by everyone.

died peacefully at the home of her daughter, Deborah Curtis, in Barre, VT on August 11, 2016. Born in Richmond, Maine on May 22, 1931 to Henry James Smith and Arlene Thomas Smith, she was the third child of four children. Patricia attended school in Montpelier, where she met Richard Curtis. He began walking her home while in grammar school; they began dating in high school and were married on August 11, 1952 with only 2 brief separations for Richard’s service time in the Navy and Patricia enrolling at the Deaconess School of Nursing in Boston. Patricia’s dream was to become a nurse. That dream, unfortunately, was never realized due to an accident only months from graduation. After her marriage and birth of her children she turned her energies to raising a family. In her early life she was passionate about gardening, needlework and rug braiding. While living in Plainfield, VT she opened a small rug braiding shop. In later years, she enjoyed reading and spending time with her children and their spouses, the grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent many wonderful years with friends and family at their camp in North Ferrisburgh, VT. She leaves behind her two children, Richard W. Curtis, Jr (Debra J.) of East Montpelier and her daughter, Deborah A. Curtis of Barre Town, six grandchildren, Christi Philips (James), Matthew Curtis (Julie), Richard Curtis III, Ami Rankin (Nathan), Ryan Moraski and Hannah Moraski. She also leaves her great grandchildren, Paige Philips, Joseph Curtis and soon to be born, Summer Patricia Rankin. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard Curtis, her parents and three siblings. Patricia was a truly giving, generous, wonderful woman. That legacy will live on forever in all of us. As we think about her from time to time, we know she is still with us through our individual memories that we share and through the many pictures we have. Her family wishes to thank the wonderful care given by the nurses at Home Health and Hospice, Dr. Thomas Curchin and a special caregiver, Christina. Although Patricia loved flowers, at her request, flowers will be omitted. Those wishing to make a contribution in her memory may send donations to the Central Vermont Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601 or Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641or at www.cvhhh.org Funeral services and a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, at 2:00 PM with calling hours beginning at 1:00 PM at Guare and Sons Funeral home, 30 School Street, Montpelier, VT.

of Montpelier (October 6, 1950 – March 28, 2016) a tireless lover of traveling the world, reading novels with her book club, laughing hard with new and longtime loved ones, and eating pastries at La Brioche in Montpelier -- died suddenly on March 28, 2016 in New Hampshire while visiting relatives. She was 65. Jane was born in Framingham, MA to Edward Sakovitz and Kathryn (Brown) Sakovitz. She had a joyous and rambunctious childhood with her siblings and large extended family. She attended Marian High School in Framingham where she was captain of the cheerleaders. Jane graduated from Elmira (NY) College in 1972 with a degree in psychology. After working for several years in Boston, she earned a master’s degree in communications from Syracuse University. (She remained a lifelong fan of Syracuse sports). She returned in 1978 to Boston, where she began building a successful career in public relations, marketing, and non-profit development. She worked at Union Hospital and AtlantiCare Corp. in Lynn, MA before joining Cone Communications in Boston. In 1982, she married Peter Dale. Their son, Adam, was born in 1985. The family moved to Montpelier in 1988, the same year Jane and Peter’s daughter, Emma, was born. Jane continued working as an independent marketing and public-relations consultant for organizations including Cone Communications, The University of Vermont, the State of Vermont, and the Vermont Cheese Council. Jane most recently worked as development director for Grounds for Health in Waterbury, VT from 2010 to 2015. Jane was deeply involved in her community, volunteering for numerous organizations and causes. She served on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, Friends of the Vermont State House, Onion River Arts Council, and Lost Nation Theater. She also worked with Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice and the Vermont State Board of Allied Mental Health. From 2003 to 2011 she was an elected justice of the peace and officiated over numerous marriages, developing a special skill for customizing each celebration. Jane was extremely involved with her network of friends and groups including her book club, painting group, meditation circle, and a support group she started. Most recently, she became involved with the Unitarian Church of Montpelier. Jane traveled the world with abandon. She cherished her time with friends and extended family in Island Pond, VT and Cape Cod. She traveled extensively within the United States, the Caribbean, Western and Eastern Europe (including her ancestral homeland, Poland), Africa and, most recently, Cuba. She was always planning her next trip and anticipating making new friends on the road. Jane’s magnetism attracted new people everywhere she went. Her warmth and high energy were striking and she liked to think that she always “came from a place of love,” a reality that her numerous friends and relatives will firmly attest to. She will be profoundly missed. Jane is survived by her daughter, Emma Kathryn Dale of Montpelier; her son, Adam Edward Dale and his wife, Eucaris, of Prescott, AZ; her former husband, Peter Dale, of Montpelier; her sister and brother-in-law, Susan and James Rutherford, of Ware, MA; and her brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Kathryn Sakovitz, of Framingham, MA; as well as her former in-laws: Susan and Jim Kenyon of Westborough, MA; Chris and Jeannine Dale of Lincoln, MA; and Tim and Trudy Dale of FL, along with many cherished nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Edward and Kathryn, and her sister, Mary. Calling hours will be at Guare & Sons Funeral Home at 30 School St. in Montpelier on Friday, April 1 from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Vermont College of Fine Arts Alumni Hall at 45 College St on Saturday April 2 from 10:30 a.m with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart Sisters, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, the Unitarian Church of Montpelier Care Fund, or a cause you believe Jane would appreciate.

, age 86, died May 9, 2016, at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center, Berlin, Vt., following a long illness. Anne was born to Harry and Harrietta (Freydoz) English on Feb. 18, 1930, in Hackensack, N.J., and grew up in Tenafly and Englewood, N.J. Anne attended private school in New York City. Because Anne’s mother was French, she brought Anne and sister, Beatrice to visit relatives in France on several occasions during her childhood. Anne learned to speak Parisian French fluently. Following high school, Anne attended art school in New York City where she also modeled. Her modeling career gave her the opportunity to appear on the first television broadcast in color of the Bob Hope Show. In 1957, Anne married architect and contractor Barclay Davis. The couple moved to Vermont in the early 1960s, designing and building their “barn house” on the 50 acres they owned on Bragg Hill in Fayston. Together Anne and Barclay designed and built other homes in the area as well as operated their small farm until Barclay’s death in 1969. After 40 years living in Fayston, Anne moved to Barre, where she lived until moving to Heaton Woods, Montpelier. Following Barclay’s death, Anne became interested in aviation and learned to fly gliders and small, fixed-wing aircraft. A lifelong vegetarian, Anne had a passion for food and cooking. She spent many happy hours perfecting recipes for her gourmet vegetarian cookbook, “Dining with Delphina,” which she published in 1987. Under the pseudonym Ellen Parham, Anne also wrote a book called “Baby,” an autobiographical account about rescuing a motherless fawn. Anne’s art school training and flair for interior design inspired her to decorate her own home and the homes of her friends, though she did not pursue interior design as a career. Anne also enjoyed art and painting, various fiber arts, gardening and horticulture, and building twig furniture. Anne was especially close with Beatrice and spoke by phone with her sister every day. Her many friends remember her gentle, refined manner as well as her intelligence and continuous curiosity to learn more about the world around her. Anne was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, but she attended Williamstown Lutheran Church, Williamstown, Vt., for a number of years. Anne is preceded in death by her husband Barclay; sister, Beatrice; and nephew, Lynn, Beatrice’s son. She is survived by Barclay's nephews, Dean Brendel, James Brendel and Dennis Brendel. At Anne’s request, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Cremation arrangements are through Guare and Sons Funeral Home, Montpelier. Donations in Anne’s memory may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society located in East Montpelier.

, 88 formerly of Davy Road, Middlesex and a resident of Berlin Health & ReHab Center for the past 3 years died peacefully Saturday, September 10, 2016 with his family at his side. He was born in Bristol, CT on August 26, 1928 the son of Edgar Ethelbert Davy and Lillian Marie (Johnson) Davy. Jim attended schools in Bristol (CT) and later Middlesex (VT) Grade School. Jim served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and received the Korean Service Medal and Rifleman’s Badge. He was discharged from the service as a PFC on December 1, 1954. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 3, and VFW Post 792. On June 5, 1959, Jim married the former Christine Belle Langlois in Montpelier. They have 6 children together. They later divorced. After his military service, Jim worked for a period of time for the B-M Railroad and on different farms in the area. He was employed by Vermont Transportation Agency, Central Garage on the Barre-Montpelier Road, as a building mechanic for 32 years. Jim has lived at the family home on Davy Road, Middlesex since 1964. Jim enjoyed the outdoors, tinkering on machines, loved animals, his harmonica and beers with friends. Survivors include four daughters, Rita Rounds and her husband, Jeff of Middlesex, VT; Nora Haggett and her husband, Jonathan of Middlesex, VT; Cara Herring and her husband, Allen of West Berlin, VT; Lisa Davy of Stanley, NC; two sons, James E. (Cricket) Davy, Jr. and his wife Dot of Worcester, VT; and Vincent Davy and his wife, Crystal of Middlesex, VT; 8 grandchildren, Jessie Lacombe; Christopher Walka; Michael Herring; Mandy Herring; Mindy Gallison; Jessica Harrison; Katie Ward-Brown; and Kyle Davy; 15 great grandchildren; sister, Mary Klatt of Las Vegas, NV; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Ernest; John; Dorothy; Barbara; Alice; Grace and Ruth. A grave side memorial service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, September 13th at 11:00 am at Middlesex Center Cemetery, Center Road, Middlesex, VT. Jim's grandchildren will be pall bearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude’s Children Hospital or to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675

, known best by all his friends as “Dodgie” passed away September 22, 2016 just ten days shy of his 99th birthday. He was born October 2nd, 1917 in Landaff New Hampshire, the third child of Clarence and Lillian (Stephens) Dodge. He attended the Landaff schools and later moved to Worchester Vt. At the onset of World War II, he entered the Army on February 18th, 1942 and served as Master Sargent in the 84th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in the Fourth Armored Division serving in the European campaign landing at Utah beach during Normandy Invasion and faced battles in northern France, the Battle of the Bulge and central Europe. After the war he returned to Worchester working in the Maxham fur farm and J. Leo Johnson’s Chrysler automotive dealership in Montpelier. Later he continued with Midtown Chrysler Plymouth where he met his lifelong friend Conrad “Bud” Cody. Ervin also was employed with Cody Enterprises with various tasks associated with the apartment buildings, Laundromats, and theaters, and with Martha Corker real estate. On March 1st, 1948 he married Annabelle Santor and had three sons, they later divorced. On November 11th, 1964 he married Eleanor Santor, they had one son and built their home in Moretown. Ervin retired in 1982 and enjoyed the following thirty-four years at home tinkering around the house and watching the various wildlife, that seemed to befriend him. For the past year and a half Ervin has resided at the Woodridge Nursing Home where he met his latest friend and roommate Carlyle Lewis. Ervin was a person who kept everyone he met very close to his heart. He was very fond of the Cody and Bashara Families and very proud of all his family members. Some of his happiest times were at gatherings with all his loved ones where he loved to share stories and reminisce about old times. He was known by all for his blue eyes lighting up when a moment touched his heart. Ervin is predeceased by his siblings Bernard Dodge of Lisbon, NH; Kenneth Dodge of Springfield VT; and Eunice Parks of Lancaster, NH. He is predeceased by his second wife Eleanor Dodge of Moretown VT and her siblings Adaline, Marshall, Eva, Everett, Dorothy, Frederick, Chestney, Delvina, Virginia, Genevieve and Harlon. Survivors include his first wife Annabelle Dodge of Webster NH; his sons, Richard Dodge and wife Margaret of Northfield VT; Lawrence Dodge and wife Bonnie of East Montpelier VT; Wayne Holland and wife Ann of Worchester VT; and Gordon Dodge and companion Sue Miller of Moretown VT, grandchildren; Larissa, Teri, Christopher, Justin and Chad, great grandchildren; Marcus, Kasey, Alexis, Mason, and Sophie, and several cousins, many nieces, nephews and a very large extended family. Calling hours will be held from 6-8:00 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Project Indepence, 81 North Main Street, #1, Barre, VT 05641.

passed away peacefully while being held by family on February 4, 2016 at home in Montpelier, Vermont. Mary was hugged and embraced over recent days by family, friends and, as always, anyone who happened to walk by and wanted to talk. Bravely battling cancer for three months, Mary put the final brushstrokes on her life’s canvas, dying as she lived--with laughter and with optimism for joining her Lord. Mary was 80 years young and was blessed over her final 17 years to share love, life and curiosity with her devoted and generous second husband, Douglas Harry Kirtz, a mechanical engineer who Mary met through mutual interests in the Democratic Party. A Renaissance woman, Mary retired as Assistant Dean of Students at her alma mater, Oberlin College, but throughout her life she also helped engineer parts for the Space Shuttle, marched for equality, marched for job creation, danced with a President, hand-delivered the Daily Worker newspaper, taught art to children and adults, did graphic design, built sculptures, painted, donated to and worked for foundations, stumped for her political candidates, served on boards, taught Sunday school, illustrated and wrote books, managed budgets, coordinated a presidential inauguration, crafted newsletters, silk-screened and tie-dyed, read widely on disparate subjects, and served on every vestry she could in support of her churches. Mary and Doug made a life together first in Oberlin, Ohio, then in Vermont in Greensboro, Barre and Montpelier. Their homes were filled with interesting people, elevated debate, Doug’s inventive creations, and Mary’s art, garbanzo soup and rhubarb pie. Their friends and family would visit often, some reminiscing over many shared decades of laughter, politics, news, travel, religion and art. Doug made sure Mary’s dream came true, with the two of them purchasing and improving a camp in the Winnimere section of Caspian Lake, where they taught their grandchildren to swim, dive off the raft, enjoy homemade vichyssoise, catch crayfish, walk to Willey’s, paddle, sail, watch sunsets and hug. Mary Durling was born in Amherst, Ohio on June 16, 1935 to William Jacob Durling and Flora Evelyn Hearn Durling, the youngest of doting older sisters Claire Jane Coleman and Susanne Hearn Durling. Their father died after having served for 27 years as Superintendent of Clearview-Vincent School District and their mother relocated to Oberlin, Ohio in 1954, where Mrs. Durling worked at Oberlin College. An outstanding student, Mary attended Amherst High School, in Ohio, and then Ohio State University, in Columbus, transferring after a year to Oberlin College. Mary’s Oberlin education was made possible by uncles and aunts who recognized her academic potential. Mary made sure to reciprocate their kindness by working throughout her life to help underserved children gain literacy and access to first-rate education. Mary graduated from Oberlin with an A.B. in Art and Art Education, cementing a relationship with her alma mater that lasted her entire life. Education in and beyond the classroom was always paramount to Mary. While raising her children, Mary set an example of lifelong learning by earning her Master’s Degree from Manhattanville College, in 1975, and pursuing graduate work in Engineering at Norwalk State Technical College, in Connecticut. An agile thinker with an extraordinarily broad base of knowledge, Mary earned Honors from Manhattanville College for her ground-breaking master's thesis entitled: "Visual Thinking and Its Role in the Creative Process,” which made use of readings in the fields of art, education, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and religion. Marrying Korean War veteran James F. Fixx on June 13th, 1957, the day after they graduated from Oberlin College, Mary began their family in Sarasota, Florida and then Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, where they brought sons Paul and John into the world, then twins, Betsy and Stephen. Mary’s time in Jackson Heights brought her life-long friends through St. Mark’s Church and the Towers Garden Community. In 1966 Mary and Jim moved to Riverside, Connecticut, where Mary devoted herself to her family, her art, and to active volunteering with such organizations as the League of Women Voters, the Democratic Party, Riverside School, Eastern Middle School, St. Savior’s Church and the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich, including teaching Sunday school and summer school. Mary was busy while supporting her children and supporting Jim in his nascent editing and writing career. Mary and Jim collaborated on Jim’s first book, Games for the Superintelligent, with Mary providing the fine illustrations. At the time of her death Mary had just attracted a publisher for a children’s book she began in the 1960s with Jim and completed earlier this year with her children. Divorced in 1973, Mary began working full-time for Hoffman Engineering, Old Greenwich, Connecticut, where, among other duties, she proudly helped design, create technical drawings and test instrument panel lighting connectors for NASA's first Space Shuttles. While earning her master’s degree in the evenings, Mary juggled a full work week while making too many trips with her children to the emergency room and driving to Boy Scouts, dance lessons, soccer, basketball and baseball games, attending PTA meetings, and finding sea glass while walking with her children on the beach at Tod’s Point. And then, after the house was quiet at night, Mary would stay up late painting and sculpting, responding to events in the world by creating her art and by crafting vestments and tapestries for her churches. Mary always kept up an amazing pace that was, paradoxically, full of tranquility and patience. Her children never remember her raising her voice. Her children’s friends remember Mary during those days as “smart and lovely--an amazingly strong and inspiring woman. I think Mary was the first single mother I knew. I remember one time when she baked a pie for a bunch of us using huckleberries that grew in the yard. It was late in the evening when the pie was served at the kitchen table. I think it was my first-ever warm berry pie. I will never forget it.” Mary in 1978 returned to family and friends in Oberlin and worked independently as a freelance artist for institutional and commercial clients, such as the Hayes Presidential Center and the Firelands Association for Visual Arts (F.A.V.A.), in Oberlin. She served as Executive Director and Gallery Chairman for F.A.V.A., and partook in several exhibitions as a juror and as a participating artist. Always civic-minded, Mary became involved with the Oberlin community as finance chair of Christ Episcopal Church, City Chair for the Pease for Congress Campaign, Oberlin College's Class of 1957 Class Agent, and as a contributing artist to the Stocker Center Gallery at Lorain County Community College. Mary’s relationship with Oberlin College grew deeper over the subsequent decades, beginning with a teaching position through their Upward Bound Program during the summer of 1979. Mary then became Assistant to the Vice President for External Affairs, then Coordinator of the John Frederick Oberlin Society and Staff Coordinator for the Sesquicentennial Celebration Planning Committee, responsible for the planning and scheduling of concerts and symposia, and the graphics and printing for the year-long celebration. As part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration, Mary also served as coordinator for the Inauguration of Oberlin College's 12th President, S. Frederick Starr. In 1985 Mary worked alongside her daughter-in-law, Kimberlie Gumz Fixx, Curator of Collections, at Oberlin’s Allen Memorial Art Museum. Mary received admiration from Oberlin when she served so successfully as the Project Director of the Oberlin College Bandstand Design Competition. On the heels of that success, Oberlin College named Mary Assistant to the Director of the Allen Memorial Art Museum, putting her in charge of budget management, supervising student personnel, community relations, coordinating newsletters and special activities, and fiscal planning. Ever diversifying, Mary then joined the staff of Student Support Services, serving as Director of the McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program from 1989 to 1993, a program that proudly launched students of color onto Wall Street and into the business worlds in which minority students and first-generation college students had been vastly under-represented. Mary retired from Oberlin College in 1997 from her position as Assistant Dean of Students where, among many other duties, she was coordinator of the Judicial Board and Student Honor Committee. As in every place she has lived, Mary’s commitment to education and civic affairs elevated those around her. Mary was the first female member and then first female President--of course--of Oberlin’s previously all-male Rotary Club, breaking ground that has since led to four other women following her as President. The weekly Rotary meetings and Rotary International meetings were great sources of collegiality. Mary was recognized in Ohio for her efforts in city planning and historic preservation. In addition, Mary participated in the City Buildings Review Committee, the Oberlin Improvement Corporation, the Open Space Commission and the Strategic Planning Neighborhood Task Force. Politics and political mobilization were never far from Mary’s heart. Beginning with Lyndon Johnson’s campaign, Mary attended a number of Democratic Inaugurations and served numerous times as a Delegate to the Democratic Convention. Mary also served as Oberlin City Chair for the 13th Congressional District Delegate to Democratic National Convention (Michael Dukakis) and worked on campaigns for Congressmen Don Pease and Sherrod Brown. Mary’s concern for politics and the welfare of the town of Oberlin led to her campaign for City Council in 1989, on which she served until 1993. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Flora Evelyn Hearn Durling and William Jacob Durling, and by her first husband, James F. Fixx and his mother, Marlys Fuller Fixx. Mary is survived by her husband, Douglas Harry Kirtz (Montpelier); her sisters, Claire Jane Coleman (Billings, MT) and Susanne Durling (Green Valley, AZ); her cousins Thomas Hearn, (Eleva, WI), Olive Gerber (Amherst, Ohio) and David Hearn (Washington, D.C.); her children, Paul Calvin Fixx (Hardwick, VT), John Durling Fixx and his wife, Liza (Madison, CT), Elizabeth Gumina and her husband, Thomas (Berlin, MA) and Stephen Fuller Fixx and his wife, Kimberlie (Elyria, OH); her step-children, Aaron Kirtz and his wife Blue Chevigny and their daughter, Simone Kirtz (Maplewood, NJ), Eli Kirtz (Astoria, NY) and Laurel Kirtz (Oberlin, OH); her grandchildren, Nathaniel Durling Fixx, Emily Mae Fixx, James Nicholson Fixx, Michael Gumina, Garrett Fuller Fixx and Nicholas Gumina; her nieces and nephews, Joan McNiece and her husband Michael (Fountain, CO), Glenn Highland (Corona Del Mar, CA), Carol Highland-Fritz and her husband Larry Fritz (Billings, MT) and Bruce Highland (Maui, HI); her beloved grandnieces and grandnephews; and her brother-in-law, William D. Kirtz (Shutesbury, MA) and sister-in-law Barbara Haplea and her husband Jack (Huron, OH). Mary was devoted to her sisters, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. Her nieces and nephews will always remember their aunt, as Glenn expressed it, as “a real people person, liking everyone of all different ages. She seemed to go with the flow and play with her youthful enthusiasm.” Mary “always sent the most thoughtful, artistic gifts with lovely little notes. I have gifts she gave me as a child,” her niece, Carol, wrote. “One particular artsy pin still has Mary’s little handwritten note, which I occasionally read. Her blue eyes and smiles will never be forgotten.” Glenn adds, “I remember Mary’s energy. She was so classy, artistic and fun. I have always been in awe with what she could create with her own hands. She is very loved and will be missed in our hearts.” Her nephews and nieces “admired her grace and sense of style and cosmopolitan nature.” Nephew Bruce wrote, “I called Mary and told her I loved her and thanked her for being such a wonderful aunt for all of us Highlands for all of these years. I heard her laugh and when I told her one more time that we all loved her, she said, ‘Thank you for telling me that again.’ I could see the smile on her face when she said that. What a beautiful person and life!” Always thinking of children’s education, before her death Mary asked that in lieu of flowers, people be encouraged to support the education fund her family established in honor of her parents to support students at Durling Middle School, which was named in honor of her father. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary Durling to the William J. and Flora Hearn Durling Fund at the Community Foundation of Lorain County, 9080 Leavitt Road, Elyria, OH 44035. http://www.peoplewhocare.org/funds/community-funds/William-J-and-Flora-Hearn-Durling-Fund At the convenience of family and friends, there will be a Celebration of Life at Westview Meadows, at Christ Episcopal Church of Montpelier and Christ Episcopal Church of Oberlin. Those wishing to express condolences may send them to Betsy Gumina, 167 River Road West, Berlin, MA 01503

, 71, passed away peacefully at the Central Vermont Medical Center on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. David was born on October 24, 1944 in Montpelier, VT, educated in Montpelier Public Schools and attended Bentley College in Boston, MA. David enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and was a missile technician. He served in both the United States and Korea until his honorable discharge in 1970. Dave worked in the printing business locally and in Santa Clara, CA, where he lived for more than 30 years. He had a love of sports, especially baseball and the challenge of gaming. He was the son of the late Robert R. and Evelyn Edson. He was survived by his sister, Kay Edson of Montpelier; brothers, Donald Edson and his wife Mary, and Robert S. Edson and his wife Nancy; niece, Christine Scher and her husband, Dan of Nashville, TN; and nephew, Andrew Edson of Nashville, TN. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service with military honors will be held 1:00pm on Tuesday, July 26 at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Berlin, VT 05641.

, 82, of Berlin died Friday, May 13, 2016. She was born in Fairfax, VT on August 15, 1933, the daughter of Gerald and Helen (Archambault) Flanders, A special needs person, she was dedicated to her schooling at Bellows Free Academy of Fairfax. She moved to Connecticut with her parents and continued until she left at the age of 16 to begin taking night classes. Lenna was extremely independent and a diligent worker. She was employed for many years as a kitchen staff person at Vermont College in Montpelier. After retirement, she moved to Pioneer Apartments in Montpelier where she enjoyed interacting with other tenants and having the ability to be as independent as possible. As her health needs grew, she relocated to the Rutland area to be close to family who were able to Paid obituary w/picture for Monday’s Times Argus and St. Albans Messenger support her health and cognitive needs. After a brief illness in 2015, she moved to Berlin Health & Rehabilitation Center where she lived until death. She enjoyed participating in the many projects and programs they offered and often mentioned how nice the staff were. Lenna had a special love for animals, in particular her own cats, “Special” and “Bear”. She also looked forward to receiving the many letters sent to her by a special niece, Joan Belanger, who was raised as her sister when Joan’s mother (Lena Flanders) passed away. Lenna often shared stories of time spent, independently, with each of her nieces and nephews – who she loved as she would her own children. Survivors include her sisters, Alberta Buroker of Texas; and “Joan Belanger and her husband Paul” of Connecticut; a sister-in-law Polli Flanders of Fairfax, VT and a former sister-in-law Rebecca Flanders of Salisbury, NC; as well as her many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings, Lena Flanders; Leola (Flanders) Flood and her husband, Albert and their son, Steve Flood; Ernest Flanders; Roy H. Flanders; and Francis Buroker. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the aides, nurses and residents of Berlin Health and Rehab who were extended family, as well as the Intensive Care Unit staff at Central Vermont Medical Center. There will be no calling hours. A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, May 18th at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier. A burial service will follow the Mass at Binghamville Cemetery in Fletcher.

passed away peacefully on Monday September 19, 2016 at her home on Freedom Drive in Montpelier. Ronnie was born in Montpelier on May 26, 1926 the 9th child of Emilia and Andre Normandeau. She attended St. Michael grade school, St Michael High School and Vermont Junior College. Following graduation she worked for the Federal Government and the State of Vermont. On December 6, 1952 she married Albert A. Fraser and for a time they made their home in Northfield. While living in Northfield Ronnie was active in the Reading Circle Book Club, and joined a sewing club even though she knew nothing about sewing. She quickly became an expert seamstress creating many beautiful articles of clothing and ultimately won several prizes for her accomplishments. Ronnie was an avid bridge player and she played with several groups at various times. The Thursday bridge game with her friends was something she never missed no matter the weather or any other happenings in the world. She enjoyed a wide circle of friends, was always ready with a new joke or a new tune. Ronnie was a gifted pianist and was always ready to liven up a party with her repertoire of songs. For many years she accompanied her brother "Stretch" on the piano while he played the drums at all of the local nursing homes, a different one each week. In her 70's she started work part-time for the UVM Extension Service and then later worked part-time for Washington County Diversion. She had a full fun-filled life. Although she and Bert had no children of their own she was fulfilled enjoying the activities of her many nieces and nephews and even those of her grand-nieces and nephews. She followed each life with great interest. Ronnie was pre-deceased by her husband Bert, her four sisters Stella Lucas, Lauria LeMay, Rita McNulty, and Yvonne Lane, as well as her brothers Marcel, Lucien, Maurice, Conrad and Edward and her parents. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Susan Lane Robillard of Warner Robins GA; Linda Normandeau and Priscilla Lane Alexander of Montpelier; Teresa Orr and Leonard Normandeau of Barre; and Michael McNulty of Stowe as well as many other dearly loved nieces and nephews around Vermont and other states. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 1st at St. Augustine Catholic Church. There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 or to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, Inc., 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or at www.cvhhh.org The family wishes to acknowledge Ronnie’s loving caregivers; Debbie, Jean, Kim, Marie, Nancy, and Polly who went above and beyond mere care with their love and devotion to her comfort.

, 77 of N. Middlesex died on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara. He was born on March 18, 1939 in Northfield, the son of Fred Gallagher and Hattie (Swan) Laflower. On November 25, 1974, he married Barbara (Stark) Kemp in Montpelier. Barb was the love of his life and together they raised four children. In 1987 they moved to their home in North Middlesex where they could enjoy country life. Don was a truck driver for close to 40 years, delivering fuel in the Central Vermont area for Vermont Petroleum, Agway, Foti Fuels, and Ultramar before retiring to care for his wife. He had spent his younger years logging with his brothers and developed a passion for working in the woods. He was known for driving his John Deere tractor with his many chainsaws loaded in the trailer behind, his beloved dogs Bucko and Teddy following him as he headed out to the woods. Don was an animal lover and took in and cared for many dogs over the years. He also raised goats for many years, enjoying what the family Knick named ‘Gallagher’s Goat Farm’ as his herd of over 30 goats roamed the field behind his house. Survivors include his children, Eric Kemp and wife Linda of North Middlesex, Iona Kemp of North Middlesex, Dawn Gallagher of St Johnsbury, and Lenard Gallagher of Bristol; grandchildren, Eric Kemp and wife Serena, Kristy (Kemp) Pirie and husband Gordon, Samantha Kemp, Kayla Gallagher, and his great granddaughter whom he called his ‘little angel’ Alexa Rose, daughter of Eric and Serena. Donald would like to give special recognition to his sister, Hattie and her husband Delbert Wood for their love and support. Hattie held a special place in Don’s heart and he loved his daily calls to her and their weekly shopping trips together. At his request an informal service and luncheon will be held at the VFW in Montpelier, on Friday, December 16th at 12:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider bringing pet food or a donation to the gathering which will be given to the Central Vermont Human Society in his memory.

, 97, formerly of Route 12, West Berlin, and a resident of Mayo Residential Care in Northfield for several years died March 29, 2016. She was born on Feb. 27, 1919 in Lynn, MA, the daughter of Harry J. Gallant and Jennie Frances (Wilcox) Gallant. Claire attended schools in Lynn, MA and graduated from Lynn High School. She later graduated with a degree in teaching from Salem State Teacher College. Claire started her teaching career in North Calais, VT. She left the school system for a couple of years to work for National Life. After realizing her love for teaching, she returned and spent most of her career with the Northfield School System, teaching 5th & 6th grades and Jr. High level. She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Retired Teachers Association, A.A.R.P.; and Red Mitten Craft Shop. Claire is survived by a niece, Patricia Fair She was predeceased by her sister, A. Ruth Gallant; a longtime family friend, Newell Frasier. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:00 am, Monday, April 4th, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier. There will be no calling hours. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 or to Mayo Residential Care Home, 610 Water Street, Northfield, VT 05663. A special thank you is given to the staff at Mayo Nursing Home for the excellent care Claire received.

, 57, of Elm Street, Montpelier died unexpectedly on Friday, February 26, 2016 at home. He was born at Heaton Hospital on September 27, 1958 the son of Fernando and Maria A. Susie (Canas) Gomez. Peter went to Montpelier Public Schools and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1976. Peter worked at the former Leahy Press and North Light Studio for many years before becoming disabled as a result of a car accident. Peter was a longtime member of the Aurora Masonic Lodge # 22 F&AM, and volunteered at the Bethany Church Soup Kitchen every Tuesday. He was an avid collector of model cars. Friends remember him driving the back roads of Central Vermont in his pick-up truck and enjoying the comradery at the American Legion. Survivors include his Mother, Susie Gomez of Montpelier and his sister, Susan (Gomez) Cohen and her husband, Robert, of Framingham, Mass; uncle, Peter Gomez and his wife, Eddie of Barre; aunt, Lena (Augustoni) Canas of Montpelier; cousins, Jo-ann Ornitz and husband, Michael, of Barre; Jane Gomez and husband, Michael Dimotsis, of Moretown; Dolly Bianchi and husband, John, of Bristol, NH; Rene Alzaga of Barre; Rudy Alzaga and wife, Monique, of Barre; Richard Powell, Montpelier; Brian Powell of Cambridge, Mass; Maria (Canas) Lee and her husband, Marc, of Houston, TX; and many other cousins, loving family members, and several very close friends. Peter was predeceased by his father, Fernando in 1989 as well as by several aunts and uncles. A Masonic Memorial service and Funeral service will be held at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier, Tuesday, March 1st. Masonic Service will begin at 1:00 pm with a Funeral service to follow with Rev. Amy Pitton, pastor of Bethany Church at 1:15 PM. Calling hours will be held from 11:00 am, Tuesday until the hour of the Masonic Service at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Green Mount Cemetery, Montpelier in the Gomez plot with his father. Memorial contributions may be made to the soup kitchen at Bethany Congregational Church, 115 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 63, passed away at his home in Butte, Montana on December 8, 2016 after a battle with cancer. Bo was born April 19, 1953 in Montpelier, Vermont. He was the son of Bernard and Pauline (Bolduc) Goodell. In 1972, he was awarded class clown and was a graduate of Montpelier High School. Bo had a passion for football and was a member of the Montpelier High School football team all four years. After high school, he worked for the City of Montpelier. Bo was best remembered by his friends and family as being a kind hearted, fun loving soul who led a simple life; he loved laughing and having fun. Bo easily made friends and was admired for his honesty and easy going ways. Bo and his best friend, Dave DeForge, started their next adventure and traveled west together. They worked their way through Colorado for a few years and eventually landed in Missoula, MT. In 1985, Bo married the love of his life Patricia “Angie” Mitchell in Missoula, MT. In 1987, they settled in Butte, Montana. Bo was a sports enthusiast. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packers and a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. His basement is a man cave dedicated to the Packers. He loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting, as well as passing the time storytelling with his friends and family. Bo loved spending time his wife and two wonderful children, whether it was long talks on the front porch or shooting the .22 at Canyon Creek. His family was the joy of his life. While living in Montana, Bo worked as a self-employed carpenter as well as working in the construction industry. Bo was preceded in death by his father, Bernard C. Goodell, his grandparents Bernard and Effie Goodell, Henry and Marie Louise Bolduc and his mother-in-law Lois Mitchell. Bo is survived by his wife Patricia “Angie” Goodell along with his two children Shannon and Dylan of Butte, MT, his mother Pauline Goodell of Montpelier, VT; his brother Wendell and wife Claire of Williamstown, VT; his sisters Cindy and husband Shon Schofield of Wareham, MA; Denise and her husband Steve Doney of Williston, VT; Shirley and her husband Larry of Williston, VT; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, many cousins and his faithful Labrador Madison. The family would like to thank the Highland’s Hospice for their heartfelt care and services provided in his final days and the American Cancer Society for their support. A memorial service and burial will be held in the spring. One of Bo’s last requests was that his ashes be sent back to Montpelier to be buried with grandparents, Henry and Marie Louise Bolduc. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bo Goodell Memorial Fund, at the First Citizens Bank of Butte, 3200 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT 59701.

, 89, formerly of Pleasantview Street, Montpelier died June 26, 2016 at Woodridge Nursing Home. She was born in Marshfield, VT on December 7, 1926 the daughter of Joseph E. Benoit and Ida (Routhier) Benoit. Marguerite attended grade schools in Marshfield and graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1945. She was a home care provider and worked at the capacitor plant in Barre for a number of years. She also worked at the Sears store and Richards and Perolini Oil Company of Montpelier. On April 22, 1947, she married Clarence B. Goodine at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Marguerite was a member of St. Augustine Church, CDA, and Capital Couples Square Dance Club. Survivors include her son, James Goodine and his wife of Trumbull, CT; two granddaughters, a step grandson and two great grandchildren; two sisters, Claire B. Crossman of Montpelier and Lillian Smith of Montpelier. She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence on March 8, 1972; three brothers, Homer, Germaine and Richard Benoit and two sisters, Theresa Lepine and Madeline Clarke. A Memorial Mass will be offered at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street at 11:00 am, Thursday, June 30, 2016. Burial will follow the Mass at Green Mount Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 87, of Westview Meadows died on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at her home. She was born on October 18, 1928 (her father's birthday) in Framingham, MA, the daughter of Edward A. Higgins, Sr. and Beatrice I. (DesRosiers) Higgins. She graduated from Framingham High School and later received her Associates Degree from Framingham State College. After a winter ski-bumming in New Hampshire, she worked her entire career as a Medical Technologist for the Framingham Union Hospital. Natalie was a wonderful seamstress. She also enjoyed knitting and would often make her young nieces and nephews sweaters and hats. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and keeping in touch with her relatives and friends with beautiful handwritten letters. Her wonderful Framingham neighbors enabled her to live in her own home until 2013, when she moved to Montpelier. Earlier this year, Natalie registered to vote in Montpelier specifically to cast a ballot for Bernie. The family appreciates the staff of Westview Meadows for their superb care, eternal patience, and good humor. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Therese Higgins of Montpelier; nieces and nephews, Michele Hill and her husband, Roger of Worcester and their children, Jocelyn and Dylan, Marc Higgins and his wife, Beatriz Lopez of Maryland, and their children Nicholas and Christopher, Bob Higgins and his wife, Tracey of South Burlington and their children, Carter and Spencer, Steve Rourke and his wife, Connie of Oregon, and their daughter, Sarah Jane, Nancy Nuti of California and her children, Ryan, Calvin, and Danielle, David Turner and his wife, Linda of California, and their daughter, Hayley, and Mark Turner and his wife Huijin Li of Australia and their children, Beatrice and Berenice Li-Turner; and cousins Ann Manguso and her husband Tom of Cape Cod and Mark DesRosiers and his wife Kathy of Washington State. She was predeceased by a great-niece, Madeline Higgins; and her siblings,baby sister Dorothy Anne Higgins. Edward Higgins, Adele Walters, and Beatrice Turner and her husband, Drew. There will be no calling hours or funeral service. Gatherings in Vermont and Massachusetts will be scheduled at the convenience of the family.

, 72, of Seminary Street in Barre, Vermont, died Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction. Jerry was born in Barre, Vermont on July 23, 1944 to Willis and Marian (Murray) Jarvis. Jerry attended Montpelier public schools before enlisting into the United States Army. He served two tours honorably during the Vietnam War until his medical discharge. He was married to Donna (Pelkey) Jarvis for 34 years then divorced. He worked for a number of companies in Central Vermont but was primarily a printing press operator. Survivors include his two sons, Jerry Jarvis Jr. and his wife, Carrie, of Mission Viejo, California and Jeffrey Jarvis and his wife, Rosemarie, of San Jose, California; four grandsons, Jordan, Justin, Tyler and Trevor; sisters, Shirley Wakefield of Tampa, Florida, Maggie Kerren of Waterbury, Vermont, Delia Mundinger of Barre, Vermont, Wanda Carroll of Plainfield, Vermont; brothers, Robert Jarvis of Northfield, Vermont, Donald Jarvis of Montpelier, Vermont, Michael Jarvis of Berlin, Vermont, Thomas Tucker of Plainfield, Vermont, Mark Jarvis of Barre, Vermont, and Patrick Jarvis of Wheelock, Vermont; stepbrother Paul Gregory of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant son, Jonathan J. Jarvis; parents, Willis and Marian Jarvis; stepfather, Clayton Adams of Montpelier, Vermont; sisters, Lucinda “Tiny” Rocamora of San Diego, California and Barbara Wheeler of Montpelier, Vermont; brothers, John Jarvis of Montpelier, Vermont and James Jarvis of Northfield, Vermont. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, Vermont. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association in Vermont, 372 Hurricane Ln., Suite 101, Williston, VT 05495.

, 78, of Cranberry Meadow Road died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 04, 2016 at his home. He was born on September 3, 1937 in Houlton, ME, the son of Theodore and Ferne (Suitter) Jay. He attended school in Maine and graduated from Milo High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. On May 4, 1985, he married Margaret “Peggy” LaFountain in East Calais, VT. He was a jack-of-all-trades. During his career, he owned several businesses including PJ's Used Cars and worked in many different occupations, most recently could be found at Midstate Hyundai in Berlin, back at his passion of selling cars. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Berlin. He was always willing to help family and friends. He loved visiting family and vacationing in Maine. Survivors include his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Jay of Woodbury, VT; daughters, Michelle Fischer and her husband Steve of Hinesburg, VT, Holly Doll and her husband Jake of PA; son, Mitchell Jay and his wife Debbie of Eden, VT; step-daughters, Sandy LaForest of Berlin, VT and Kathy Brown of Calais, VT, and Jennifer Morehouse and her husband, Dennis of Monkton, VT; brother, Theodore “Ted” Jay of CA; ten grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Clifford, and granddaughter Heather. Visitation will begin on Monday, February 8th at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Hersey Road in Berlin with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00am.

passed away on January 29 after a long illness. He was 87 years old. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Sandra Tassie and their five children and their spouses, Sharon Joslyn, Michael and Donna Joslyn, Cindy and Ed Larson, Steve and Tammy Joslyn, Tim and Rhoda Joslyn, five grandchildren: Haley, Cameron, and Sarah Joslyn, Ryan Larson and Melany Morris, and great grandson, Jameson Morris. Malcolm came from a prominent Vermont family, his grandfather, Jesse Joslyn, was Secretary of State for the State of Vermont for many years, his father, Maurice, was Secretary/Treasurer for Vermont Mutual Insurance Company, his Grandmother, Elizabeth, a historian, was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Pinky himself was a proud Vermonter, attended Montpelier schools, graduated from Montpelier High School in 1946, served his country twice in the army, once at the end of WWII in Germany and during the Korean conflict in the US. A salesman most of his life, he sold Fuller Brush, Electrolux vacuum cleaners, and insurance for Bankers Life and Casualty Company. Finally, he served as Head Steward for the American Legion Post #3 from which he retired in 1990. He was a lifetime member of Montpelier Post #3 and VFW Post #792. The family lived in their home at the top of East State Street for nearly 50 years. They vacationed at Cape Cod for a few years until a visit in 1993 to Prince Edward Island Canada resulted in their buying a cottage there, and eventually in “The Joslyn Compound” with three other cottages, purchased by two of the children. Pinky loved his family, “the Island”, fishing, lobstering, walking the beach, keeping the lawns mowed, spending time with friends, and exploring the island from end to end. Guare and Sons are handling the end of life details. There are no calling hours planned at the present time. A private graveside service will be scheduled in the spring at Berlin Cemetery.

, 75, passed away Monday, September 12, 2016, at the Rowan Court Health and Rehabilitation Center in Barre, VT of Alzheimer’s. Virginia was born October 14, 1940 in Lebanon, NH, the daughter of Russell and Ethel (Leonard) Remick of Hartford, VT. She attended elementary and high school in Hartford. Virginia married David Keefe September 1962 in White River Junction, VT. Virginia had a very deep love of animals. She raised registered Arabian Horses – very successfully showing and competing in 25-mile endurance rides with them. She also had at her side loving, devoted pure bred German Shepherds. Ginny worked for 10 years in commercial banking. For 20 years, Ginny was Administrative Assistant for the State of Vermont in various departments. After retirement, she also had a home-based photo/graphics business. Ginny had a special talent for capturing photographs of animals in action and sold her images throughout the United States for use on covers and in advertisements. She enjoyed the commissioned photography sessions capturing images of pets in action and the graphic design work of her business. Virginia is survived by her husband David, her brother and wife Norman and Phyllis Remick of Hartland, VT, two sisters and husbands, Joan and Stephen Puth of South Royalton, VT, Linda and Noel Fritzsche of Carlisle, Ohio, and nieces and cousins. There will be a grave-side service at the Vermont Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT, Monday, September 19, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Central Vermont Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601-0687.

, 95, of Montpelier died December 13, 2016 at Woodridge Nursing Home. She was born on November 28, 1921 in Monongahela, PA the daughter of Walter Carson and Ann (Risher) Carson. Jinny was married in Monongahela, PA on May 18, 1950 to Norman Kelley. They lived on Sherwood Drive in Montpelier for many years. She was a Jehovah’s Witness and her husband, Norm, was a long time Elder of the Montpelier Congregation. She loved to play tennis, and enjoyed music and art. Virginia is survived by her daughter Elisabeth, and her husband Douglas Schaefer, of Middlesex, VT. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Norman on December 13, 2012 and sisters, Jane and Catherine; and a brother, Walter. A Memorial Service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of the Montpelier Congregation of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2070 Airport Road, Berlin on Dec. 31, 2016 @ 1 PM; followed by a get-together for everyone there, with snacks, after the service right at the Kingdom Hall Memorial contributions in Virginia’s memory may be made to: “Montpelier Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses”.

, 79, of East Barre, VT died May 6, 2016 at his home after a long illness. He was born on April 29, 1937 in Northfield, VT the son of Clarence and Lena (Clough) Kelty and he attended schools in Barre and received his GED in 1973. On November 2, 1957, he married Betsy Whalen in Barre. They had three children together, Stephen Jr. Sandra and Sheila. Steve was a wonderful husband, father and grand-father and enjoyed the precious time spent with them. Stephen worked in his early years for the granite industry. He worked as a baker, and operated the former Jack's Truck Stop and Steve's Getty Station in Barre. He later worked for the State of Vermont in the Agency of Transportation retiring in 2003 do to poor health. Stephen's hobbies included: traveling, hunting, fishing, bowling, playing cards and going to the casino. He loved to watch his Red Sox games and didn't miss many. One of Steve's special interest was always his music. He was a self taught musician and played lead guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandalin and harmonica. He and his brother Earl started the Kelty Brother's Band in the early 1960's. In the mid 1970's, Earl's wife Dolores joined the band and they played music until the late 1980's. He is survived by his wife, Betsy of 58 years; two daughters, Sandra Leopold and her husband, Paul of Greenville, S.C.; Sheila Bell and her husband, Michael of South Barre, VT; daughter-in-law, Deborah Kelty who was married to Stephen E. Kelty, Jr. who died December 5, 2013 of East Barre. He is survived by his brother Earlwin H. Kelty and his wife, Dolores of Williamstown. Seven grandchildren, Terry Pearce Jr. and wife, Amanda and sons, Haidyn and Joey of Berlin; Amber (Kelty) Gartner and her husband, Lance and children, Brianne; Alliyah; Rayne and L.J. of Brookfield; Michael Bell Jr. and companion, Michelle and children, Alex; Caleb; Jonathan and Brittnee of Barre; Stephen E. Kelty lll of Barre; Zachary Pearce Sr. and his wife, Alyssa and son, Zachary Jr. of Greenville South Carolina; Sherri (Bell) Carpenter and her husband, Joe and sons, Conner; Marcus and Nathan of Pittsfield Mass; Jaszmyn (Kelty) Moreau and her husband, Steven and children, Olivia; Steven and Maverick of Northfield and 16 great-grandchildren. Steve was also survived by a brother-in-law, Edward Dunn and Daniel Royea of Williamstown; sister-in- law, Pauline Smith and her husband Leslie; and brother- in-law, Robert Whalen and wife, Helen of Keene, NH; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. He will miss his loving pet poodle, Holly Berry who was constantly by his side. Stephen was predeceased by two brothers, Patrick and John and three sisters, Theresa, Anita and Niyoka. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm with funeral service following at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 11th at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier. Burial will follow at Williamstown Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, Inc., 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641

, 79, of Minister Brook Road, died on January 29, 2016 at the Woodridge Nursing Home. He was born on July 10, 1936 in Wolcott, VT, the son of Vernon M. Kennison, Sr. and Etta (Brown) Kennison. He attended public schools in Johnson and later at the Vermont Technical College. On November 10, 1953, he enlisted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He served until his discharge on November 14, 1958. After his military service, Vernon worked for several years in the granite industry, then Coca-cola, and eventually in the construction industry working as Head Foreman for Fecteau Homes until his retirement. He was a big family man and enjoyed spending time with his Children, Grand babies, and Great-Grand babies. He also loved NASCAR and was a huge Dale Earnhardt fan. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Margary (Hayden) Kennison of Worcester, daughters, Diana (Kennison) Bradeen of Worcester and Linda Kennison of Enosburg Falls, VT; sons, Michael Kennison of Worcester, Calvin Kennison of Worcester, and Robert Kennison; 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; and a big extended family that included numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by two sons; Scott Kennison and Jerry Kennison; a granddaughter; Lisa Kennison, and 8 siblings The family is planning a memorial service at the Worcester church followed by committal in the Worcester cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Volunteer Fire & Rescue, 10 N Route 12 HWY N, Worcester, VT 05682.

was born in Buffalo, New York on March 1, 1923. He was born to Lawrence and Theresa Knoerl, who owned Knoerl’s Grocery in the Lovejoy neighborhood of Buffalo. Mel loved his family! He grew up with four siblings: George, twins Geraldine and Evelyn, and Rita. Mel was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo. He then served in the Seabees in the South Pacific from 1943-1945. Soon after his discharge, he married Jane Frances Pernick, also of Buffalo. They had three daughters: Shirley Cane and her husband, Daniel; Cathleen Theobald and her husband, Dennis; and Patricia Johnson Knoerl and her husband, Dennis Kane. Jane and Mel enjoyed 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren that followed. Mel and Jane had their own successful commercial refrigeration repair business for 20 years. Mel then joined Store Fixture Services and ended his career working for TOPS Markets. After Jane’s death in 1997, Mel moved to Vermont where he met Hilda Webster. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married and settled in their home on Crescent Lane in Montpelier. Hilda has four children: Stephen, Bryant, Debbie (Foley) and Jimmy. They, along with their spouses, children and grandchildren enriched his life immeasurably. He loved them all dearly. Mel had so many interests that he combined with an artistic eye for impressive results. Mel did beautiful stained glass lamps and windows, oil painting, woodworking, building blanket chests, decoys, whirl-a-gigs, doll houses, SEVEN grandfather clocks, and even long-handled shoe horns. Later in life Mel took great pleasure in making and gifting his “lights in a bottle” his last simple, but beautiful craft that he took great joy in sharing. Mel lived the last year and a half at Mayo Rehab and Continuing Care in Northfield. The amazing staff became a new family for him, where they took care of each other, bringing Mel comfort and support in the last part of his journey. Mel had a contagious zest and love of life. He had an amazing smile that lit up any room. He was loved by all who had the pleasure to know him. Ever the giver, Mel’s final giving gesture was to donate his body to UVM Medical School. A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier on Thursday, December 22 at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to Mayo Healthcare, Walking Path Fund, 71 Richardson St., Northfield, VT 05663.

, 99, of Derby Drive died on October 14, 2016 at the Mayo Assisted Living Center in Northfield, VT She was born on May 8, 1917, the daughter of Michael and Amelia (Fumagalli) Petrucelli. After attending Whitcomb High School, she attended Heaton Woods School of Nursing and graduated from the class of 1944. In 1946, she married L. Wilmot Kynoch in Bethel, VT. They were happily wed for 63 years. She worked as a nurse for Dr. George McIntryer as well as for Heaton Hospital as a surgical nurse and later as a home care nurse. She also worked at the Gary Home. Josephine was a member of St. Augustine’s church. She was an avid golfer and was a member of the Northfield Country Club. She won several golf tournaments over the years. She was also a master baker, avid bird watcher, and gardener. Survivors include her son; Jeff Kynoch and his wife Anne of Tallahassee, FL; grandson, Carl Emmett Kynoch and his wife Michelle of Tallahassee, FL; great grandchildren, Collin Charles, Alexa Grace, and Landon James; and sister, Katherine Lochiatto of Newton MA. There will be no calling hours. A funeral mass will be held 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at St. Augustine Church. A burial will be held at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, VT.

, 93, of Moretown passed away peacefully on Oct. 21, 2016 with family by his side at Birchwood Terrace in Burlington. “Fred” was born on July 9 th , 1923 in Sheldon Springs, VT, son of Julia Ladue and raised by Salina LaCoste. He attended Sheldon Springs schools. On July 21, 1957 he married Patricia A. Kelley and they had three children. Fred became a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Smith at age 16 and was one of the 3,000 men who helped construct the Waterbury Dam in the mid 1930's. At age 17, in 1939, he joined the National Guard in St. Albans. He enlisted in the Army in 1939 in World War II and was stationed in Camp Blandon, FL. From there he went on to Camp Shelby, MS and to Fort Ord, CA before leaving on the Battleship Bosh Fontaine for Auckland, New Zealand. Ultimately, he served within the “war zone” on the Marshal Islands in New Caledonia. He was discharged in 1945. Fred was a road construction foreman most of his life. He worked for Green construction and built many of the bridges on I-89. He also worked for Pizzagalli and DuBois. His ability to read blueprints and install pipelines and steel bridges was uncanny. He was well respected for his hard work and dedication to the job. Fred was a lifetime member of the VFW. He dedicated hours of service over the years to the offices he held and numerous committees, projects and fundraisers. He was the Montpelier Commander for two terms as well as the Sr. and Jr. Vice Commander, Secretary and Treasurer. He also served as the VT State Commander, Sr. and Jr. Vice Commander. Nationally, he was a two term District #3 Commander for Maine, NH and VT. Fred was a member of the Masons' Lodge #22 in Montpelier and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Burlington. He achieved the 32 nd degree of Masons. As well, he was a life member of the American Legion Post #3, the Elks Club, and the Disabled American Veterans of Montpelier. Additionally, he served as a Moretown selectman, tax collector, constable, dog catcher, cemetery commissioner and health officer. He was a Board of Trustee member from 1978-1990 for Washington Electric Co-op and a Board member for the National Rural Electric Cooperative. Fred's wife, Pat, was a dedicated wife for 59 years. They owned Ladue's Riverside Market in Montpelier for 25 years and a second market, Ladue's Two on the Barre-Montpelier Road for five years. He always said, “If it weren't for mother, I wouldn't be able to do all of this.” Together, they loved to dance and enjoyed traveling. He loved animals and was always bringing home strays. He had a special St. Bernard named Jenny. He was also a hunter, fisher and golfer during his “free time” and played a mean game of poker and pinochle. Survivors include his wife, Patricia of Moretown, son Jeffrey M. Ladue and spouse Julie of Moretown; daughter Kim A. Ladue and partner Robert B. LaClair of Barre Town; and daughter Pamela J. Sanguinetti and spouse Bruce M. Sanguinetti of Jericho. His grandchildren Jeffrey L. Ladue and Jacob M. Ladue of Los Angeles, CA; Erica M. Weber of Amesbury, MA; Madison P. Sanguinetti of Salem, MA and Justin D. Sanguinetti of Jericho, VT. A gathering will be held on November 13 th , 2016 at the VFW Post 792, 1 Pioneer St., Montpelier from 1 – 3 pm with military recognition. A burial will be held at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, VT in the Spring of 2017.

passed away on May 19, 2016 at the Manor Nursing Home in Morrisville, VT. She was born September 12, 1915 in Brookfield to Arthur and Gladys (Bertha Holmes) Lamson. Ruth went to Williamstown High School and graduated from Johnson State Normal School in 1934. She then taught elementary school in East Montpelier for 7 years. In 1940 she married Bradford Lane who was a diary farmer in East Montpelier. There they raised three children Clair, David and Stanley. Ruth was a housewife, gardener, farm helper, and a fine cook. She also served as a justice of the peace in the town for 30 years. In 2007 Bradford and Ruth moved to Jeffersonville. Bradford died in 2009 and Ruth had resided at the Manor in Morrisville since 2012. Survivors include her son, Clair Lane, and his wife Pat, and their daughter, Amy (Sykas) all of Plainfield, VT; son, David Lane, his wife Marsha, of Jeffersonville, and their daughters, Robyn Santor of Winooski and Rebecca Lane of San Francisco, CA; son, Stanley Lane of Johnson. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Rousseau of Sunnyvale, CA, numerous nephews and nieces from the extended family of ten brothers and sisters, as well as a large number of grand nephews and grand nieces and one great grandchild, Etta May, daughter of Robyn Santor. Ruth is predeceased by her husband, Bradford and eight brothers and sisters. They include Howard Lamson of Brookfield, Edith Boright of Morrisville, Irene Cady of Brookfield, Esther Rose of Willimantic, CT, Gail Lamson of Burlington, Clair Lamson of South Barre, Ellen Lamson of Brookfield, and Franklin Lamson of South Barre. She was also predeceased by her brother-in-law, George Lane of Colome, SD and sister-in-law Joyce Lane of Barre who spent a lot of time with Bradford and Ruth on the farm. Ruth enjoyed traveling, doing crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and playing Tri-Ominos. She also enjoyed hosting family and cooking for anyone who showed up at the door. Many of the extended family have fond memories of the time they have spent on the family farm on the Horn of the Moon in East Montpelier where Ruth and Bradford presided over gatherings too numerous to remember. Ruth was a kind soul and will be remembered with affection. A funeral service will be held on June 11th at 11:00 a.m. at the Old Meeting House, Center Road, East Montpelier Center. A reception will follow. Memorial contributions can be made to the Manor Nursing Home's "Making Dreams Come True" program, 577 Washington Highway,Morrisville, VT 05661.

, 92, of County Road in East Montpelier died on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Central Vermont Medical Center. She was born in Burlington, VT on March 7, 1924, the daughter of Roy C. and Ethel (Smith) Fletcher. She graduated from Bloomfield High School, Bloomfield, CT in 1941. She learned her nursing skills from the J.J. McCook Medical Center in Hartford, CT and from Children’s Memorial Hospital in Montreal where she helped children with polio. She also took several courses from UVM and Vermont College. For several years, she worked as an on call nurse for the Central Vermont Hospital and she also volunteered from many years at the Berlin Health and Rehab Center. She helped the WW II war effort by serving in the Cadet Nurse Corp. On February 25, 1945 she married Robert Lashua at the home of Rev. Potter on Hubbard Street in Montpelier. Mr. Lashua predeceased her on December 2, 1997. Most of her career was spent with the Department of Motor Vehicle, where she worked as an Inspector doing research and statistics. She retired after 26 years of service. She was a member of the American Legion Post #3 Auxiliary and the VFW Post #792 Auxiliary. Margery served as the secretary for the Snow Travelers snowmobile club. She also enjoyed traveling to Myrtal Beach, Disneyland, CA, and even traveled through the Hudson River Lock system from Lake Champlain to the New York Harbor. She especially enjoyed spending time at her family’s camp on Lake Champlain in Milton. She is survived by her sons; Peter Lashua and David Lashua; grandchildren, Kimberley Lashua, Jennifer Lashua; Nicole Lashua, Stephanie Lashua; and several great grandchildren. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held 11:00 on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier, VT. An interment will follow at the Essex Village Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601 or the Tender Loving Homecare, P.O. Box 532, East Barre, VT 05649.

, 88, of Westview Meadows died at the Central Vermont Medical Center on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. He was born on Barre, VT on March 10, 1927, the son of Jose and Maria Lavin. On July 12, 1947, he married Carmen Lavin in Montpelier, VT. She predeceased him on August 9, 2002. He worked at National Life as a custodian. Survivors include his niece, Roxanne Howes of Connecticut; and nephew, Dean Lavin of New York; and niece, Valerie Bandling of Florida. A graveside service will be held in the Spring at Hope Cemetery.

, 91, formerly of Roberts Street in Montpelier and most recently of The Gardens in Williamstown and Woodridge Nursing Home, died on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was born at home on Smith Street in Barre on September 25, 1924, the daughter of Alessandro and Rosalia (Bernucci) Faridoni. On April 12, 1947 she married Weldon Lawrence at St. Monica's Church in Barre; they later divorced. She attended Barre Public Schools, was a member of the class of 1943 from Spaulding High School and enjoyed staying in touch with her classmates throughout the years. She graduated from the Heaton Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. Neda was a registered nurse at Barre City Hospital and Heaton Hospital, then later a charge nurse at Central Vermont Medical Center. Most of her 40 year career was working the overnight shift often followed by breakfast at her house with co-workers. Noni's home was the family gathering place for her children, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Family members could always count on predictable Christmas stockings, Tupperware, Avon, bingo daubers, Scotch tape and playing cards. Her kitchen was filled with laughter, love and good food. She proudly shared her Italian tradition of homemade cappelletti and ravioli. The family was blessed to make cappellettis with her just 3 weeks before she passed. She enjoyed BINGO, cribbage, pitch and watching Red Sox games with her friend Steve Reed. She especially enjoyed traveling to Aruba and beyond with her good friends Ethel and John Beckles and their daughters Stacey and Joan. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include her children; Kathleen Preis of Montpelier, Barbara Mitchell and son in law, Allen of Williamstown, David Lawrence and his wife Renee of Marshfield; grandchildren, Heather Preis, Danielle Wilkie, John Pitonyak, Gretchen King, Melissa Parker, Richard Pitonyak, Tyler Mitchell, Lauren Mitchell, Cassandra Limoge, Ashley Lawrence and Brandon Lawrence; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Dot Faridoni and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Cheryl Pitonyak Collins; grandson, William Preis; siblings, Jean Ciardelli and husband Mario, Vera Lacroix and her husband Louis, and Frank Faridoni. A special thank you to Jack and Diane, dear friends of Neda, who sent her weekly cards to encourage her and Johnhaynes Beckles Honeycutt who always gave Neda hugs and kisses of which she bragged about to everyone. The family would like to recognize and thank the staff and residents of the Gardens where Neda truly felt at home. The family also appreciates the nurses, staff and volunteers of Woodridge who shared her sense of humor while providing care and activities to pass her time. Thank you also to the nursing staff of Central Vermont Medical Center. Calling hours will be held 10:00 am on Monday, March 28, 2016 at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin immediately following at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodridge Nursing Home, Patient Activities Fund, P.O. Box 550, Barre, VT 05641.

, 62, formerly of Northfield and most recently of Weston Trailer Park, died on Monday, March 21, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on June 12, 1953 in Burlington, VT, the daughter of John and Jean (Grace) Leonard. She attended Northfield Public Schools and graduated from Northfield High School Class of 1971. She worked for many places throughout her career but most recently she worked as a dispatcher for Bellavance Trucking until her illness forced her into retirement. Survivors include her children; Jasen Leonard of Berlin and Alicia Jesperson and her husband Chad of White River Junction, grandchildren, Jasen and James Jesperson of White River Junction; siblings, Michele Potter of Bristol, VT, Cherie Lefebvre of Northfield, VT, Jack Leonard of Northfield, VT, Elizabeth DeLary of Northfield, VT, and Margaret Ragan of Beavercreek, OR; ex husband, Kenneth Randel and several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held later in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601

was born in New York City on August 24, 1920 and passed away February 2, 2016 in Montpelier, Vermont. Lillian lived a dynamic and active life which included her urban adventures in New York City, many family gatherings, travel, time spent on Martha’s Vineyard and in Florida, and hobbies that ranged from gardening and reading to politics, theater, and movies. She enjoyed the company of many family members and had friends from near and far. Her personal telephone address book was occasionally mistaken for the Manhattan phone directory. Lillian was an elementary school teacher in Queens New York and worked for many years as an administrator for the New York Board of Education. Upon her retirement past age 70, it was noted that during all the decades of her dedicated service, she never once needed a microphone to be heard above the crowd. She lived for over four decades in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, and proudly took advantage of all the city had to offer. In 2012, she moved to Vermont, taking up residence at Westview Meadows in Montpelier. There were some challenges inherent in this transition from Greenwich Village to Montpelier, but with new friends and family support, she became an active member of the Westview community. She was noted for her sharp mind and occasional sharp opinions on politics, current events, Vermont food tastes, books, movies, and Vermont’s weather. She greatly appreciated many acts of kindness by the Westview Meadow’s staff and fellow residents, by local doctors, dentists and members of the Vermont Association for the Blind. In addition, she enjoyed and appreciated special friends who graciously took her out on the town, on short field trips, to theatre productions, shopping and dining out. Lillian made new friends and came to accept people who never even lived in or visited New York City. Her bond with the late Carol Fitzpatrick, formerly of Barre, and a Westview resident was very special. At age 95, she still tended with great passion and enjoyment, her standing box garden at Westview Meadows, giving great attention to the pleasure of the short flower season in central Vermont. She loved planting it, watching it bloom and lamented greatly the inevitable demise as the season passed by. Lillian was predeceased by her husband Wilford Libertoff in 1957. Her children Ken Libertoff and his partner Sarah Hofmann live in East Montpelier, and her daughter Karen Harrington and husband Leo Harrington reside in West Hartford, Connecticut. She was the proud grandmother to three beloved grandsons: Jamie Libertoff of Albuquerque, New Mexico, David Harrington and his wife Sarah of Brooklyn, New York and Michael Harrington and wife Katie of New Orleans, Louisiana. She was also the proud great-grandmother to Jack and Jane Harrington in New Orleans and step-grandmother to Fiorella Gamio and Rodrigo Sarmiento of New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vermont Association for the Blind and to Vermont Public Radio. There will be a celebration of Lillian’s life on Sunday, February 21st at 3 PM at Westview Meadows.

, 76, of Coburn Road, East Montpelier died at his home on January 22, 2016. He was born on September 25, 1939 in South Burlington, VT the son of Robert Henry and Vivian Rose (Root) Mailhotte. Wayne was a skilled craftsman, hard worker and Master Electrician for many years working for Goddard College. He was married to Janice Wells on June 13, 1970 in Berlin. Janice predeceased him on June 11, 1993. Survivors include his daughter, Kris Mailhotte of Key West, Florida; son, Keith Mailhotte of Wolcott, VT; brother, Leonard James Mailhotte Wayne was predeceased by his siblings, Shirley Mae Mailhotte and Beverly Agnes Mailhotte Bub. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 26th at 2:00 pm at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier. Committal service will be held at later date at Plain Mont Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, Inc., 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or to Central Vermont Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601.

, 47, formerly of Barre and mostly recently of Bethlehem, NH, died on Wednesday in Marshfield, VT. She was born on August 7, 1968, in Lawrence, MA, the daughter of Suzanne (Reed) Carrien and David Saba. She graduated from Montpelier High School in 1988. She was currently pursuing a nursing degree at White Mountains Community College in Littleton, NH. She had worked for several nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Central Vermont and was currently working at the Granite State Independent Living in Littleton, NH. She had a love of art and creating art. She also enjoyed knitting and watching movies and films. Her family and two kittens were very important to her. Survivors include her children; Ashley May and Dylan May of Marshfield, VT; parents; James and Suzanne Carrien of Barre; birth father; David Saba of North Andover, MA; siblings; James Carrien of Barre, VT, Joshua Carrien of Newport, NH, Aaron Carrien of Barre, VT, Steven Carrien of Montpelier, VT, David Saba of New York City, NY, and Joseph Saba of Haverhill, MA; and several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. A celebration of life will be announced in the spring.

, 90, died on April 7th, 2016, 71 years after he leapt out of a B-17 bomber that had been shot down over Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, during the last mission of World War II. Harry was one of the few survivors of the crew, a story he loved to tell and recreated in a fictionalized form in his young adult novel, “The Last Mission.” He received a Purple Heart and an Air Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters for his service. Harry lived a long and adventure-filled life. He was born in New York City on May 31st, 1925, the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland, Rose and Sam Mazer. He grew up in the Bronx, in an environment of idealism and socialist values in a cooperative housing community known affectionately as “The Coops.” He formed life-long friendships there. Harry graduated from Bronx High School of Science, Union College (under the GI Bill) and Syracuse University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Education. He worked as a welder in a factory, a gandy dancer on the railroad, and as a teacher, before settling down to writing fiction in the 1960s. He had a distinguished career as the author of many popular young adult novels, including “Snowbound”, which was made into an NBC after-school special, “The Island Keeper” and the “Boy at War” series. He won numerous awards for his work, including “Best Book”, “Young Adult Choice”, and “Best of the Best” designations, as well as the Knickerbocker Award given by the New York Library Association, and the ALAN Award for outstanding contributions to young adult literature. He married Norma Fox in 1950. Their marriage lasted 59 years and was a true partnership. Together they collaborated as writers, on creating beautiful gardens, and on renovating several homes. Harry and Norma had many adventures, journeying to Kenya, Morocco, Italy and Belize. Harry had a lifelong love of New York City, and in the latter half of his life was able to return and live there part-time, enjoying the “best of both worlds” with a home in the city and one in the country outside of Syracuse, NY, where he lived most of his adult life. In the city, he enjoyed going to the theatre, museums, and concerts, sampling different cuisines, and walking with Norma for miles through the city. Even though he was always a city boy, Harry had a lifelong passion for nature that began with his memories of the trees in Bronx Park. Throughout his life, he found ways of connecting with nature, even when living in a city. He loved walking in the woods and identifying edible mushrooms, flowers, and birds. As a young father he took his family on camping trips to the Adirondacks. Later, he and Norma purchased land on a lake in Ontario, and spent summers with family at their rustic camp, cooking outdoors, swimming and fishing, and listening to the frogs and whippoorwills at night. Following a stroke in 2007, and the loss of his beloved wife in 2009, Harry continued to live life to its fullest, with support from family and caregivers. He spent the last 3 years of his life at Woodridge Nursing home, where he continued to enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories, telling his own, and creating unique relationships with all the staff and residents. Harry was an example of how to live life 100% to the end, despite diminishing strength and options. He never lost his love of life, his ideas and dreams for the future, or his enthusiasm for people. Harry was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Mazer, in 2001, and his wife Norma Fox Mazer, in 2009. He is survived by his daughter Anne Mazer (Fred Schwartz) of Ithaca, NY; Son Joseph Mazer of Montpelier, VT; daughter Gina Mazer (Mark Howard) of East Calais, Vermont; and grandchildren Mollie Futterman of Portland, Oregon and Max Futterman of New York City. The family wishes to thank the staff of Woodridge Nursing home for all the love, funny stories, and support they gave Harry and his family. A special thank you to Char Anderson, Ed Norstrand, and all the other caregivers who enriched Harry’s life and helped him live as independently as possible for the last 7-1/2 years. A memorial celebrating Harry’s life will be held at the Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin, VT on Friday, May 6th at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that well-wishers make a donation to the Vermont Foodbank or to the charity of their choice.

, 55, of Summer Street in Montpelier, died unexpectedly at the Central Vermont Medical Center on September 19, 2016. Kathleen grew up in Wilbraham, MA, the daughter of Joseph T. and Patricia Ferry McGranaghan. She graduated from Russell Sage College. After moving to VT she spent many years as a Case Manager for WCMHS and then Upper Valley Services of Moretown, VT. She was known to be a great advocate, co-worker, and friend. A favorite to many. Kathleen had the good fortune to be married to her number one fan and best friend Dennis Wallace. Together they loved and raised two children, daughter Ali Malone, 31, and a son, Hugh, 17, both of Montpelier She embraced life fully. She took the time to smell the roses, to gaze at the stars, to feel a rock or shell in her hand, to take the scenic way, to stop and chat, to play, and laugh. Her playgrounds included Cape Cod and the mountains. She was in her element when she was skiing fast and free down the slope. Another favorite pastime was playing Frisbee golf during every season of the year. She perennially would achieve the highest course ranking for her gender. With family first her lengthy list of favorites included James Taylor, yoga and beer with Betty, making jewelry from rocks and shells, farmers market, gardening, her hot tub, her birthday month, Halloween, and irreverent humor. Making her cross would bring out her Irish ire but in most cases her kindness and forgiveness would prevail. She will be forever missed by her husband, mother, children, family and extended family: Patricia .Murphy and husband John; Ann Bernardi and husband Joseph; and brother Joseph McGranaghan as well as many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many others. Kathleen was predeceased by her father, Joseph McGranaghan and in-laws Ruth and Hugh Wallace. A 1:00 memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at St Augustine’s Church in Montpelier, VT. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, P.O. Box 139 Killington, VT 05751or Susan G. Komen Foundation.

, 97, passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at the Rowan Court Nursing Home. She was born on July 16, 1919 in Lunenburg, MA, the daughter of George and Winifred (Smith) Nourse. She leaves her children; Betty LeFort of Webster, MA, Richard Mercier of Oxford, Phyllis E. Larose of Montpelier, and Ronald Mercier of Williamstown; nine grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. She lived in Montpelier for 30 years, where she belonged to the American Legion Auxilliary and the Montpelier Senior Center. She enjoyed gardening and going to the lake to fish. She especially enjoyed being with her children. There will be no calling hours. The family will hold funeral services privately. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Berlin, VT 05641.

, age 91, died at Heaton Woods, Montpelier Vt on September 24, 2016. He was born December 22, 1924 to Clinton and Bessie Merrill in Barre,Vt . He was a longtime resident of Barre and Berlin and later Hardwick. In 2013 he moved to Heaton Woods where he enjoyed many daily activities and entertained the residents every week with his band. He entered the Air Force in 1943 as an aviation mechanic but was honorably discharged in 1944 due to an injury. He married Priscilla Canning on Sept. 21, 1947, who predeceased him June 3, 1997. After working a variety of jobs in Barre, he began work in 1957 for Wyman’s Petroleum Equipment in Montpelier, retiring in 1990. He was appointed to the first Vt electrician’s licensing board serving from 1970-1975. He was a member of the Granite Masonic Lodge #35 and was formerly active in the Barre Congregational church. He was a self-taught musician and returned to his passion for music in the 1970’s, playing saxaphone and clarinet with local music groups. In 1986 he joined the “Swingin Over Sixty” band at the Montpelier Senior Center, assumimg leadership of the group in 1997. He continued to play there every week until his death. He also performed with the Mad Bavarian parade band from 2002 - 2014 and the Capital City concert band for 20 years. He is survived by his daughters and their spouses Susan and Charles Keeler of Myrtle Beach,SC, Joanne and Preston Gilbert of Cazenovia, NY and Donna and Don Cimorelli of Cary, NC. He also leaves seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren a niece and seven nephews. In addition to his wife Priscilla, he was predeceased by his partner Jean Timerson in 2013 and his siblings Dorian, Vera and Harland Merrill and Ethelyn Morse. A memorial service will be held at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School St, Montpelier on Oct 3 at 10:00AM. A private burial for family will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may-be made to the Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre St, Montpelier,Vt 05602

, 94, formerly of Heaton Street and most recently of Scott Hill Road in Berlin died on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington, VT, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 16, 1921 in Underhill, VT, the son of Joseph and Julia (Marcher) Metcalf. On July 8, 1942, he enlisted into the Army Air Corps and proudly served his country during World War II as an Airplane Armorer in the 396th Fighter Squad and the 368th Fighter Group in France and England. He was honorably discharged in 1945 as a T/SGT. Wes remained in the Army Reserve before retiring after 25 years of service. He attended armament school at Buckley Field in Colorado. On February 24, 1946, he married Myrtle McClellan. Wes and Myrt (lovingly known as Charlie) grew up just down the road from one another in Pleasant Valley, and enjoyed more than 52 years of marriage. Wes and Myrtle had 3 children, Cynthia Ann, Richard Wesley, and Linda Lee. After his enlistment, Wes worked as a building engineer for Mary Fletcher Hospital and then later the Heaton Hospital. He was an important part of planning the Central Vermont Medical Center and in 1968 became the Director of Plant Facilities. Wes also worked at Barber and Lanier Funeral Home for many years. Wes was a member of the VFW #792, Elks Lodge #924, and the American Legion Post 3 for over 60 years, where he was also a Past Commander. He was a Noble Grand in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Burlington, a member of the Kentucky Colonels and State Representative of the New England Engineering Society, and a life member of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Muir; Son in Law, Gary Muir, Son in Law Earl Hanlon, Daughter in Law Nancy Mackey, Grandchildren: Sheila Brunner, Sarah and Justin Reece, Stephanie and Terry Winters, Matthew Metcalf, Whitney and Nate Tucker, Joshua and Ashley Hanlon. He is also survived by 10 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Myrtle, daughter, Linda Hanlon; son, Richard Metcalf; and his brothers, Edward, Robert, Wendall, and Allston. A memorial service/celebration of life will be held in the Montpelier Room at the Capitol Plaza on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. For those that would like to attend, a graveside service with military honors will be held earlier that day at 10:00 a.m. at the Underhill Flats Cemetery, in Underhill, VT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice in Honor of Wes Metcalf.

passed away peacefully in Stowe on Sunday December 18, 2016. Pat was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on June 11, 1927, the daughter of Samuel A. Duncan and Elinor Hoffman. She spent her early years in Englewood, New Jersey and Scarsdale, New York. When she was 15 she left home for Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. Pat graduated in 1945, attended Pratt Business School in New York City and went to work for General Electric. She met an old classmate from Gould, William Moore and they were married in 1948. They moved to Orono, Maine where Bill graduated from the University of Maine and their first two children were born. A few years later Pat and Bill moved to Epsom, New Hampshire and operated a general store and post office. Pat Moore was a United States Postmistress and their adventure was featured in an article in Yankee magazine. Bill went on to become a public school teacher for many years and Pat also worked as an aide in schools while raising her five children. In 1978 Pat and Bill relocated to Stowe where they operated the Buccaneer Motel for many years and later All Seasons Rentals. Bill was also a teacher at Stowe Middle School. They were both active supporters of the Stowe Theater Guild and participants in many shows. Pat was also an active member of the Gould Academy Board of Trustees and Class Agent for the Class of 1945. After Bill passed away in 2006, Pat moved into Copley Woodlands and became an active member of that community as well as creating many new friendships. Pat is survived by daughter Katherine and her husband John Wilson of New London, New Hampshire; son William and his wife Heidi of Seattle, Washington; son Michael and his wife Linda of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and daughters Karen of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts and Debra of Raleigh, North Carolina. Pat is also survived by 12 wonderful grandchildren and 2 beautiful great granddaughters. A joint memorial service for Pat and Bill is planned for the spring in Stowe. Their ashes will be scattered on the trails at their beloved Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. Memorial contributions can be made to the Stowe Theatre Guild.

, 50, formerly of Simsbury, CT and East Montpelier, but most recently of Burlington, VT died unexpectedly at her home. She was born on May 22, 1965 at the Heaton Hospital in Montpelier, the daughter of Elliott and Florence (Cutler) Morse. She attended elementary school in East Montpelier and graduated from Union 32 High School, second in her class, in 1983. She then attended the University of Vermont where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. She later tested and earned her CPA license. She worked for the prestigious Price Waterhouse accounting firm and then later worked for several other firms. For many years she assisted with her former husband’s home remodeling business. She enjoyed volunteering at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Simsbury, CT where her children attended. She was an incredible quilt maker, and she often donated her quilts to local charities for fundraising efforts. A few of her favorite things included traveling, music, and hosting gatherings with family and friends. She was a parishioner of both St. Augustine’s Church in Montpelier, VT and St. Patrick’s Church in Collinsville, CT. Survivors include her children; Megan Drummey of Simsbury, CT and Courtney Drummey of Nashville, TN; former husband Mark Drummey; parents, Elliott and Florence Morse of East Montpelier; brothers, Brian Morse and his wife Valerie of East Montpelier, and Andrew Morse of East Montpelier; and several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 13th at the St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Montpelier, VT. A reception will follow at the East Montpelier Fire Department, station 2, 54 Village Acres, East Montpelier, VT. Memorial contributions may be made to the East Montpelier Fire Department, P.O. Box 146, East Montpelier, VT 05651.

, 100, formerly of East Lansing, Michigan, died on October 1, 2016, at the Gary Home in Montpelier, Vermont. Bee, daughter of Charles Ordway and Hazel Horner Hilton, granddaughter of Lena and Samuel Horner, was born on September 8, 1916 in Evanston, Illinois. She attended Northwestern University and graduated with a BA in English in 1938. She married James Edward Moulton in 1942. They settled in East Lansing, Michigan where James worked as a horticulture professor at Michigan State University (MSU). Bee received her MA in English from MSU in 1968. She taught for seven years in MSU’s American Thought and Language department and later tutored athletes. She received a second masters degree from MSU in Art History in 1988, and was a docent at Kresge Art Museum. Bee was actively engaged in her community. She was a founding member of All Saints Episcopal Church in East Lansing, Michigan, where she leaves behind many beloved friends. Over the years she taught Sunday school, participated in Bible study group, and was active in the altar and flower guilds. She was a volunteer for over 50 years in the Sparrow Hospital Auxiliary. Bee’s other interests included reading, gardening, and travel. Some of her most memorable trips were visiting spiritual sites in Wales, taking a canal boat trip through Burgundy, riding a helicopter in Alaska, and visiting Thailand, Italy, Ireland, Scandinavia and Russia, many accompanied by her dear friend and brother-in-law Ralph Moulton. Bee is survived by her five children, James Moulton of Chicago, Illinois; Ann Moulton of Montpelier, Vermont; Kathryn Bauman of Saint Charles, Michigan; William Moulton of Astoria, New York; and David Moulton of Allentown, Pennsylvania; as well as by her three grandchildren, Lynn Moulton, Andrew Bauman, and Christopher Bauman; and one great-grandchild, Brady Bauman. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in East Lansing, MI.

, 69, of Berlin Health and Rehab Center died on Sunday, February 07, 2016 following a long illness. She was born on September 24, 1946 in Northfield, VT, the daughter of Harry Mason Young and Christine (Lanphere) Young. She was attended Montpelier High School. She worked as an administrator for the Vermont Department of Social Welfare. Survivors include her daughter, Annette Halford of Barre Town; brothers, Harry Allen Young of Erwin, NC, Claude Erwin Young of Randolph, VT, and Robert Albert Young. She was predeceased by Linda Lee Works. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601.

, 65, of Pratt Road died surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the Central Vermont Medical Center. She was born on July 21, 1950, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Curtis) Haggett in Montpelier, VT. She attended Montpelier High School and graduated in the class of 1968. On June 22, 1968, she married Jerry Nelson at the Trinity United Methodist Church. She was self-employed the majority of her life. In 1984, she built what is known as LBJ’s Grocery in Worcester. She ran the store until she sold it in 2000. She then managed the office of her husband’s trucking company until her retirement. For a number of years Linda would help run BINGO night at the Montpelier Elks club. She also enjoyed playing cards, NASCAR, and trips to the beach. She especially enjoyed her annual trips to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos with her best friend Sandy Monti. Linda was a generous person, always the giver, never the taker. Survivors include her husband, Jerry E. Nelson of Worcester; daughter, Betty French and her husband Gregory of Worcester; grandchildren, Jordan French and Amber French, both of Worcester; siblings, Frank Hagget, Jr. of Barre, Eric Haggett of Barre, Jonathan Haggett of Middlesex, and Pheobe Haggett of Marshfield, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Edwin Haggett. There will be no calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Linda’s memory to the St. Monica’s-St. Michael’s School, 79 Summer Street, Barre, VT 05641.

, age 51, of Cabot Street in Barre, died unexpectedly on Friday, June 24, 2016. Steven was born on October 1, 1964 in Montpelier, the son of Kenneth S. and Barbara (Corning) Nelson. He received his education in the Montpelier School system and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1982. Steve later graduated from Champlain College in 1984 with an Associate’s Degree. He was employed by several area businesses; Nicom Coatings, McGillicuddy’s Irish Pub, Calmont Beverage and most recently as a rural route carrier for the United States Postal Service in the Central Vermont area. Steve loved sports of all kinds and participated in motocross racing in his early years. He was a big fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, and the Dallas Cowboys. Steve leaves his mother, Barbara Nelson-Brown of Montpelier; brother, David Nelson and his wife, Stacey of Essex Junction, two nephews Elliott and Sam Nelson of Essex Junction; uncle, John Corning and his wife, Sue who were special to his heart, of Venice, FL; companion, Sharon Olson of Barre; and the “Best dog in the World” Ramos; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Steve was predeceased by his father, Kenneth; and great friend, Coach George Brown. Steve had a big and generous spirit and was always willing to help someone out. We all will miss his humor and kindness. "Thou shall keep him in perfect peace", Isaiah 26-3 A Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, June 29th, 11:00 am, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier. A memorial reception will follow the Mass in the Parish Hall. Contributions may be made to Central Vermont Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601 Burial will be held in the family lot in Green Mount Cemetery.

, 72, of Holt Road, Marshfield, passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at her home in Marshfield. Born Cheryl Starr Olson on July 14, 1944, in Fargo, North Dakota, she was the first of three children born to Howard Olson and Helen Anderson Olson. Her parents' marriage did not last, and in 1956 Howard married Polly Thompson, who brought her two children into the family. It was a cohesive group of siblings and nurturing parents. Howard passed on to Sherry a compassion for and interest in people, as well as a great love of reading and writing. From Polly, Sherry learned to appreciate good food and a love of cooking. Her happy childhood was spent in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia. She graduated from high school in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and graduated from Earlham College in 1966. At that time, she began a lifelong career of reading and writing poetry. Sherry moved to Vermont in 1973 and taught at the H.O. Wheeler elementary school in Burlington. In 1974, she met her future husband Dave Boyer, then a neighbor in Queen City Park in South Burlington. In 1976, she and Dave moved to Maple Hill in Marshfield, married, built a house, and planted gardens. Their son and only child, Dash Boyer-Olson, was born in 1977. From that time on Dave and Sherry lived in their home on Maple Hill, where many good friends come and go. Sherry worked for several years as an administrative aid in the Master of Fine Arts Program at Goddard College. Following that, she enjoyed working at Adult Basic Education for over 20 years as a literacy tutor and coordinator. She felt strongly about spreading the skill and enjoyment of reading to adults who had never experienced satisfying opportunities to read. Following her retirement from ABE, Sherry participated in many reading and poetry workshops. She was especially proud of her work for several years as a poetry workshop leader at the women’s prison then located in Waterbury. In recent years, Sherry taught a popular poetry writing class at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center, and had a devoted following of students. Sherry wrote two books of poetry and two children’s books. Sherry embraced life wholeheartedly, discovering beauty in the small things, and interacting with people wherever she happened to be. She loved her many close friends and her family. She loved all the dogs in her life, including Annie and Rafa, who survive her. She loved to travel with her husband, Dave, their favorite destinations being New York City, Paris, and the Greek islands. She loved her son Dash and his wife, Erica, and she treasured every minute she was able to spend as grandma 'Yaya' with her grandsons Luke and Jack. Survivors include her husband Dave Boyer, their son Dash Boyer-Olson and his wife Erica Fabrikant and their two sons Luke and Jack, her sister Penny Chase and her husband Addison, her sister Ginny Richardson and her husband Randy, her brother Karl Olson and his wife Heather Hagen, her brother Dave Olson and his wife Joan, and numerous nephews and nieces and their children. A memorial service for family and close friends is planned for a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602

of Waterbury passed away, surrounded by his loving family, at his home on Blush Hill in Waterbury on Sunday, August 28th, 2016 following a brief illness. Sam was born at home on Hill St. in Waterbury on November 17, 1919 to Abigail (Child) and Ralph Parks, the oldest of four children. His parents both died, when he was sixteen. The family was living on North Main Street, at the time of the 1927 Flood. They were rescued by boat after cutting a hole in the attic roof. Sam was a proud member of Waterbury High School’s 1937 State Championship Basketball Team, coached by Principal/Teacher Dac Rowe. In his youth and following graduation, he worked a variety of jobs to help support his family. These included: walking horses delivered by train from the Waterbury Railroad Station to the livestock dealer at the Fuller Farm (currently the Cold Hollow Cider Mill) in Waterbury Center, being paid 50 cents per horse; doing chores on the Wallace Farm; being a polisher at the Rock of Ages sheds in Waterbury and Barre; and working at the VL Perkins Company (furniture store and funeral business) in Waterbury. He enlisted in the Army (after memorizing the eye chart to insure acceptance) during World War II and served with the 843rd Engineer Aviation Battalion where he saw action in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. After the war, Sam attended the New England Institute of Embalming in Boston using the GI Bill. He was a funeral director for several decades proudly serving families in the Waterbury and Northfield locales. On September 14, 1946, he married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Lander, at her parents’ home on East St. (in Waterbury). They shared 64 years of marriage until Mary Ellen’s death in July 2011. Sam is remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, integrity, and wit. He cared deeply for his family, including the four-legged members; the families he served through the funeral business, and his community. Sam served on the Waterbury High School Alumni Association’s Board of Directors for several decades; on the Waterbury Cemetery Commission for forty-two years; and as an active member of the Waterbury Rotary Club. In 2004, he was awarded the “Keith A. Wallace Memorial Community Service Award.” His memberships include: Harry N. Cutting Post #59 American Legion; the Waterbury Historical Society; and, for 69 years, the Masonic Winooski Lodge #49 F & AM. Mr. Parks is survived by: his cherished grand-daughters, Sarah B. Jacobs of Brooklyn, NY and Elizabeth P. Jacobs of Barcelona, Spain; daughter Cynthia Parks (POB 525) of Waterbury; daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Neil Jacobs of North Salem, New York; sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Dick Semenza; two special nieces, Richelle Semenza and Diana Curtin; and great-niece Danielle Curtin, all of the Greater San Francisco area; and several nieces/nephews. In addition to Mary Ellen, Sam was predeceased by two sisters: Lillian P. Rowse of Bradford and Priscilla P. Murphy of South Barre. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Sam’s many friends, the Woodridge Community, Central VT Home Health and Hospice, and Dr. Peter Dale for their thoughtful and compassionate care. A public memorial service will be held in Waterbury at a later date, at the convenience of the family, and will be announced in advance, in the newspaper. Gifts in Sam’s memory can be made to the: Central VT Humane Society (PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601, or the Woodridge Activities Fund (PO Box 547, Barre, VT 05641).

of Berlin, died on July 15, 2016, at the Vermont Respite Hospice House in Williston, VT. He was born on December 2, 1939, in Berlin, NH. He was a son of Kenneth and Thora Parks. He is survived by his sister, Kay Magrone and her husband Frank of Athol, MA; his brother, Douglas Parks and his wife Karen of The Villages, Fl; his niece and three nephews; and several cousins. Steve graduated from Palmer High School in Palmer, MA and Kings Point- the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. After serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War, he traveled the world as a navigator for numerous shipping companies and was employed by G.E. in CT before moving to Vermont where he taught school. He was later self employed in Berlin, VT. He enjoyed boating on Lake Champlain and was a member of the American Professional Captains Association. A memorial service will be held in Peacham, VT at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495.

, 96, of Heaton Woods died on July 19, 2016 at her home. She was born on June 6, 1920 in Danville, VT, the daughter of Dr. Martin and Louisa (Douglas) Paulsen. She graduated from Burlington High School. She later attended the Andover Newton Theology School and then Plymouth State Teacher’s College, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. She as an elementary school teacher for several schools in the area including, Barre Town. She also worked for the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ. She was a member of the Bethany Church in Montpelier and was active in the Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom. She also participated in the Writer’s Group at the Montpelier Senior Citizens Center. Surviving family members include her brother Malcolm, of Essex Jct, and her nephews; Jack of Annapolis Md., Douglas, and James of Essex Jct. She was predeceased by her sister, Betty and husband Foster of Danville and her brother, Martin and wife Marguerite of South Burlington. Martin's children include Marilyn Sidebotham (Michigan), Joy (currently living in China), Martin (St Johnsbury), Mark (Essex Jct) and Marshall (Richmond). "Aunt Polly" brought smiles to people around her with her special sense of humor and will be missed by many people in Montpelier and by the staff at Heaton Woods Assisted living. There will be no calling hours and a graveside service will be held at a later date in the Danville Cemetery.

died on June 12, 2016. She was born Nov. 15, 1932 in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of Durell and Alice (Pearson) Haag. She was raised in Shaker Heights and graduated from DePauw University. She was first married to McClung Rhodes Blair, and subsequently to Cecil Patrick Payne. She worked as a portrait artist and an interior decorator. She was predeceased by her son, Hunt Blair, and is survived by her daughter-in-law, Sarah Blair, and grandsons George and Adam Blair of Montpelier.

was born to Mary Calkins Pfeifer and Charles S. Pfeifer in Detroit, Michigan on November 22, 1920. He moved with his family to Montpelier, Vermont in 1931 and graduated from St. Michael’s Elementary School in 1935 and St. Michael’s High School in 1939. In January of 1943, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. Upon graduation, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the destroyer, USS Albert W. Grant (DD649). For his service, he was awarded numerous honors including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He then attended graduate studies at Brown University earning a Master’s Degree in American Civilization. From 1951 to 1953, he was recalled into active duty with the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS Cogswell (DD651) and at the U.S. Navy Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island until his honorable discharge. He then returned to Brown University where he earned his Ph.D. in American Civilization. He began his initial career with Saint Michael’s College in 1948 working in the English Department retiring from faculty in 1986 with over thirty years of teaching and mentoring as a professor in the History Department and serving as the Academic Dean from 1965-1970. In 1957, he married Joan Sheehey in Burlington. She survives him with along with their four children and their spouses, Justine and Francis Landry of South Burlington, Elizabeth Sweeney of Montpelier, John and Brenda Pfeifer of South Burlington and Marty and Julie Pfeifer of Dedham, MA. He is survived by eight grandchildren, Matthew and Nicolas Landry, Hannah and her husband Christopher Guilmette, Joshua and Benjamin Pfeifer, Jessica, Jennifer and Colin Sweeney and one great grandson, Jack Thomas Guilmette. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews from the Paul and Elizabeth Sheehey and the Robert and Joyce Stanton families. Since 1991, he had resided with his wife in Cabot, Vermont. He was truly an honorable family man, caring and generous, highly recognized for his academic achievements and remembered and admired by his former students and colleagues. There will be no calling hours. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at St. Augustine’s Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

, 88, of Montpelier, VT, died peacefully at home in Montpelier on December 31, 2016 of heart failure. She was surrounded by her loving family. Beatrice Ann Kimsey was born on February 10, 1928 in Gastonia, North Carolina, the daughter of Ray B and Lee (Rodgers) Kimsey. Bea was educated in the Gastonia schools, graduating in 1946 from Gastonia High School. She then attended the University of North Carolina. On July 1, 1950, Bea married John Richard Phalen of West Rutland, VT. Their marriage was in the Cathedral of Belmont Abbey, Belmont, NC. After living in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, France & Germany while John served in the Army Corp of Engineers, in 1953 they settled in Montpelier, VT. Later they lived for short periods of time in Brattleboro and Bennington before resettling in Montpelier. When their youngest started school, Bea continued her education, graduating from the University of Vermont Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education in 1971. In 1970, Bea was asked to form and coach the first girls’ tennis team at Montpelier High School. She taught Junior High School Language Arts in both the Bennington, VT and Montpelier school systems. She always enjoyed running into her students over the years and learning how they were doing. When Bea retired in 1987, she went straight to the golf course. She was a golfer before retirement and became an avid golfer after retirement. She thoroughly enjoyed all the friendships that came with it as she spent many hours on the courses of Vermont, Georgia and Florida. She especially enjoyed playing in the weekly Vermont Ladies State Day competition. Bea was Past President of the St Vincent de Paul Society at St Augustine’s, a former member of the Montpelier Mother’s Club and a very active member of the Montpelier Ladies Golf Club. Bea thoroughly enjoyed living in Vermont, its people, environment and all the state has to offer. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, E. Howard Kimsey. Bea is survived by her husband, John Richard Phalen of Montpelier. She is also survived by her son, Kim (Mary) Phalen of Montpelier, daughters Marcie (Sam) Kingsbury of Leesburg, FL and Beth Phalen of Barre, VT. She has 3 grandchildren, Cait (Aaron) Keeler of Milton, VT, Maggie (Christian) Connolly of Northborough, MA & Sam McGinty of Barre, VT and 4 great grandchildren, Noah & Andrew Keeler and Molly & Max Connolly. At Bea’s request, there will be no public calling hours. Burial will be in the spring in St Bridget’s Cemetery in West Rutland, VT. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Montpelier High School Boosters Club c/o Montpelier High School, 5 High School Drive, Montpelier, VT or the Central Vermont Home, Health & Hospice at 600 Granger Rd, Barre, VT 05641.

, 20, of Graniteville Road and also of Sarasota, Florida died March 25, 2016 at Central Vermont Medical Center. Micheal was born in Sarasota, Florida on October 17, 1995 the son of Micheal Jason Ranew and Christine Barnes. Micheal was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, but was diagnosed at the age 6. He fought a good fight and outlived his original life expectancy by many years. He is survived by his father and step-mother, Micheal & Mandy Ranew of Graniteville, VT; mother, Christine Barnes of Sarasota, FL; brother, Matthew Ranew of Waterbury, VT; sister, Destiny Gonzalez of Sarasota, FL; sister, Autumn Nations of Sarasota, FL; brother, Tristen S. Ranew of Graniteville, VT; sister, Shaylyn D. Ranew of Graniteville, VT; and brother, Mason Jaxon Ranew of Graniteville, VT. Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday, March 29th from 6-8 PM at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier, VT. Memorial contributions may be made to Matthew Ranew.

of Middlesex went to be with The Lord on March 3, 2016. She passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the mountains and her devoted family, a year after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Born in Hardwick, Vermont on October 13, 1949, Patty was the youngest of 15 children of Rosaire and Alice Renaud. She grew up on the family farm surrounded by siblings, music, and her proud French Canadian family. Patty attended school in Hardwick, and then in Burlington at Mount St Mary's. She was a 1971 graduate of UVM. On June 24, 1972 Patty married Philip Elwert. They made their home in Montpelier and together had three children. While a stay at home mom, she earned her Master's Degree from UVM, after which she worked for years as a Speech and Language Pathologist in the Montpelier School District. When Philip died suddenly on December 6, 1988, Patty drew on her faith and carried on with grace, resolve and a wonderful sense of humor. It was serendipitous when she connected with Stephen Ribolini, also a widower, and they formed a deep friendship. They were married June 20, 1992, joining together an affectionate, tight knit, and adventurous family. In 2000 she started Morningstar Property Management, which evolved into a family business and a true labor of love. Patty was passionate about traveling and visited nearly every state including Alaska and Hawaii. She travelled extensively in Europe, the Caribbean, and even as far as Africa, where she volunteered at a school in Ghana. Patty and Steve were best friends and travelled together often, their latest voyage a cruise along the Danube River. Patty loved summers at Joe's Pond and spending time with family. Her grandchildren were the apples of her eye. She left this life with absolutely no regrets and will be remembered as a beautiful person devoted to God, family, and community. Patty is survived by her husband Stephen of Middlesex, her daughter Catherine (Brandon) Klarich of Marshfield, her son Carl (Rachel Sterling) Elwert of Barre and son John Elwert of Montpelier; also stepchildren Andrew (Martha) Ribolini of Montpelier and Angela Ribolini (Tim Pratt) of Berlin, and her seven grandchildren: Jaden Shand, Ruby, Ginger, and Judah Klarich, Morgan Ribolini, and Charlie and Elizabeth Elwert. Also surviving are siblings Laurette Perron of Greensboro Bend, VT, Cecile Gutchell of Saratoga Springs, NY, Roland Renaud of Hardwick, VT, Gemma Cummings of Turners Falls, MA, Arthur Renaud of Georgia, VT, Madeleine Renaud of Turners Falls, MA, Bernadette Oulton of Wallingford, CT, Michel Renaud of Winooski, VT, Rachel Wurtsbaugh of Williston, VT, Rosaire Renaud of Hardwick, VT, Denise Renaud of Turners Falls, MA, and Alice Smith of Addison, IL and many many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by a sister, Monique Martin, and a brother, Leon Renaud. The family is incredibly grateful for the at-home care and support shown by the skilled nursing staff of CVHHH, and to Patty's sisters Bernie and Dee, who remained by her side, patiently loving and caring for her through her final days. Calling hours are Sunday the 6th of March, 4-7pm, at Guare and Sons Funeral Home, 30 School St., Montpelier. Funeral Services will be at St. Augustine's Church, 16 Barre St., Monday the 7th, at 11 am. Burial will follow at the Green Mount Cemetery. Donations in memory of Patricia Ribolini can be made to: HERA Women's Cancer Foundation.

of Montpelier, Vermont died January 22, 2016 at Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home in Burlington, Vermont. Fran was born on December 3, 1934 in Northampton, Massachusetts to Floyd and Edna (Wright) Reed. She was the youngest of 3 children and was pre-deceased by her brother, Harold and her sister, Eleanor. Starting early as a hard working woman, Fran waited tables and worked in the family restaurant serving the students at the college in Amherst Massachusetts. Looking for her next challenge, Fran went to work for Pratt & Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut. Finding her way to California, Fran later joined the Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica. Working her way up at Douglas over 15 years, Fran was promoted, ultimately, to Facilities Engineer. Fran relished the role supporting the 4,000 member Engineering team in the Missile & Space Systems Division. While at Douglas, Fran met fellow colleague, William H. Rockford, Jr. on a blind date with other colleagues in 1956. After traveling separate paths for about 10 years, Fran and Bill met again in 1966 through mutual friends. Enjoying each other’s company and traveling, the two were married in June 1967 in Santa Monica California at the First United Methodist Church. Fran and Bill had a son, William, born in 1970. Deciding they wanted to return to the east coast, Fran and Bill moved to Montpelier Vermont in 1971 to raise their son. Wanting to be involved in their new community, Fran volunteered almost immediately with the ‘Welcome Wagon’ which visited and welcomed new residents to the city. Going back to work, Fran started as an Administrator for the school system and later joined New Hampshire Insurance Company retiring from there in the early 90s. Always active in the community and wanting to help others, Fran worked or volunteered with the Central Vermont Hospital auxiliary, Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, spending much of her time at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Enjoying travel, and wanting to see more of Vermont, Fran and Bill joined the Vermont 251 Club in 1977. Later the two took over operating the Club, with Fran acting as Assistant Secretary. Taking their adventures further afield, the pair joined the Passport Club which took them to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Russia, and across much of Europe. The trips Fran enjoyed the most though were their regular trips to Maine. The family wishes to thank the wonderful and caring staff and volunteers of Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home who welcomed Fran with open arms and surrounded her with love. A brief service and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 30 at 1:00 PM at Guare & Sons / Barber & Lanier, 30 School Street, Montpelier, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main St, Montpelier Vermont, 05602 or the Patient Activities Fund, Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home, 43 Starr Farm Road, Burlington, VT 05408.

, 42 of Church Street died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at his home. He was born on September 27, 1974 in Buffalo, NY, the son of Roger Schoenbeck and Lynda (Krebs) Schoenbeck. Blake graduated from Burlington High School in 1992 and later received an Associate’s Degree in Engineering from Vermont Technical College in 1998. He previously worked for a number of CAD design companies in the area but has been working for New England Precision in Randolph for the last 10 years as their Quality Engineer and IT Coordinator. Blake was a friend to everyone he met. He was kind, generous and full of life with a ready smile. From early on he adopted and nurtured animals and people always wanting to inject their lives with love and support. His humor and love of life was infectious and touched many lives. He enjoyed outdoor activities including fishing, golfing, and snowmobiling. The love of his life was his daughter, Sydney, age 8, with whom he spent many happy hours sharing his favorite activities. Survivors include his parents; Roger and Lynda Schoenbeck of Waterbury Center, VT and Waynesville, NC; a sister, Alison Schoenbeck of Berkeley, CA; his ex-wife, Sarah McRae Thrasher of Vershire, VT and their daughter Sydney McRae Schoenbeck and his grandmother Faith Krebs of Getzville, NY; his companion, Danielle Peek and her children, Ariana, Alex, and Nevaeh, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Blake’s grandparents Richard & Shirley Schoenbeck and Francis Krebs predeceased him.

, 73, of Adamant passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2016. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on August 16, 1942, she was the daughter of John Louis Searight and Sara Mercer Van Doren. She grew up in Hatboro, PA, and graduated from Hatboro Horsham High School. In her early twenties, Marty moved to Middle Village, Queens, NY, where she worked at a number of jobs, including at Zenith Corp. In January 1974, she moved to Vermont with her two sons. Marty was employed at Vermont Tomorrow and for several years managed the Adamant Co-op. She worked for James Douglas while he was state treasurer and became a member of former Governor Douglas’s administrative team from 2003 to 2010. Marty was president of the Vermont Federation of Republican Women and received the Snelling Award for her volunteer service to the Republican Party. Marty was a dedicated member of the planning committee for the Conard family reunion and faithfully attended the reunion, held annually at Horsham Meeting House, Horsham, PA. She was passionate about genealogy and edited and produced the recent edition of the Conard family book, published in 2013. She loved cats, horses, and Nascar. Marty is survived by her husband, David Curtis, her two sons, James and Keith Schumacher, her beloved cousin Dorothy Wiley, and her sister-in-law Susan (Jan) Belville. She was predeceased by her sole sibling, John (Jack) Searight. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel, Montpelier, on Wednesday, February 3, 3–7 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.

, 71, of Montpelier, Vermont, succumbed to heart failure at UVM medical center surrounded by family Sunday September 11, 2016. He was born December 15, 1944 to John and Ruth (Hall) Skoda in Hudson, New York. On May 14, 1966 he married Mary Rock in Montpelier, Vermont. John is survived by his beloved wife Mary, three sons: John Frank Skoda IV and his wife Debra, James Skoda and his wife April, Justin Skoda and his wife Karen. Seven grandchildren: John Michael Skoda V, Madison Elizabeth Skoda, Krystin Irene Skoda, Jacob Blay Skoda, Joshua Hunter Skoda, Cassidy Ruth Skoda, and Cooper William Skoda; his mother Ruth Skoda; his sisters Yvonne Manning and Christine Guilmette. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. John graduated from Champlain College in 1964. He enlisted in the Vermont Air National Guard in 1965. He worked as an accountant at National Life Insurance Company and retired in 2007 after a career spanning 40 years. He enjoyed sugaring, hunting, spending time outdoors, napping in his chair while watching westerns and NASCAR and taking part in his grandchildrens’ activities. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 15, 2016 at St. Augustine’s Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, Vermont. The family will receive friends from 7:00PM to 9:00PM on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758516, Topeka KS 66675-8516

, 56, of Harrison Ave, passed away in the company of his family on Monday, October 17, 2016 at the Central Vermont Medical Center after a long illness. Jeff was born on November 26, 1959, at the Heaton Hospital, Montpelier, VT, the son of Ira Doty Sollace and Margaret Mary (Corriveau) Sollace. He attended Montpelier Public Schools and graduated from Montpelier High School in the class of 1978. On August 1, 1981, he married Carole Chapin at the Trinity United Methodist Church. They had three wonderful children. Most of his career was spent with the Vermont Army National Guard, however in his earlier years; he worked for several area companies including Capital City Press. He retired as a Gate Guard for the Vermont Army National Guard at Camp Johnson in August 0f 2015. Sgt. Jeffrey Sollace served two tours in active duty overseas, one in Iraq and the other in Afghanistan. Sgt. Sollace performed his duty with the same strength of character he displayed throughout his life. He was awarded both a Purple Heart and the Vermont Meritorious Service Award. Jeff loved to fish which kept him busy most of the year. He spent countless hours on the lake with his children bass fishing and competed yearly in the Lake Champlain International fishing derby. In the winter, Jeff especially loved ice fishing in the Islands with his children, brother, sister and brother-in-law. While not fishing, he enjoyed Gold Panning, impromptu home improvement projects, and woodworking. But mostly, Jeff enjoyed spending time with his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, family and special friends. Survivors include his wife of 35 years; Carole Sollace of Montpelier; daughter, Erin Sollace and her partner Roger Inboden of Berlin; Sons, Kevin Sollace and fiancé Brittany Cato of Berlin and Ira Mark Sollace and wife Becky of Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts; grandchildren, Charles, Jacob, Karolyn, Katie, Abby, Noah, Jeffrey Ray, Riley, Emilyn, Wyatt, Lydia, and Abram; sisters, Sherry Sollace (Moe Brow) of Alburgh, VT, Monica Sollace (Kenny Upmal) of Berlin; brother, Ira W. Sollace (Cindy Griffith) of Middlesex, VT; and several niece and nephews. Jeff was predeceased by his parents and sister Michelle. Jeff also leaves behind his many, many brother and sisters of the Vermont Army National Guard. Calling hours will be held from 2-4:00 pm on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A graveside celebration of life will be held 11:00 am on Monday, October 24, 2016 at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery. After the celebration of life folks will gather at the Montpelier VFW Post 792, 1 Pioneer Street, Montpelier for light refreshments to continue to celebrate Jeff’s life. Memorial donations in memory of Jeffrey may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society at PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601 or Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

, 72, of Berlin Street, and most recently of Birchwood Terrace in Burlington, died on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 with her husband by her side. She was born on September 14, 1944, in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of Samuel and Mary Rice. She attended schools in Brooklyn and graduated from Erasmus High School. On September 7, 1974, she married Robert Stevens. Together they moved to Montpelier in 1982. Janet worked for many years as a cashier for the Montpelier Grand Union and later Shaw’s supermarket until her retirement in 2006. She was also very active with the Montpelier Recreation Department. It was her responsibility to oversee activities at the Rec center, the Montpelier Pool, and even the Civic Center. This was a responsibility that she loved greatly. Many of Montpelier’s children have grown up to remember her as tough, but honest and fair, and she was always there ready to stand up for the kids who needed it. She was a faithful member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. Her faith was very important to her and she shared that by teaching catechism to kids after school. She is survived by her husband, Robert Stevens of Montpelier; and a son, Frederick C. Stevens of Cambridge, VT. There will be no calling hours. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at St. Augustine’s Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Montpelier Recreation Department, 55 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 or to St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier VT 05602.

, 81, of Barre, Vermont, passed away peacefully Monday, June 27, 2016 with long time partner Nancy Andreoletti by his side. Fred was born in Montpelier, Vermont on November 30, 1934 to John Frederick Stone Sr. and Ann (Murray) Stone. He had two younger siblings, brother Albert Stone (deceased) and sister Barbara Frame. He graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1953 and was a member of the Vermont state champion basketball team which played in the New England tournament at the Boston Garden in 1953. After high school, Fred served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Turner from 1954 to 1956, then went on to complete his education at Tilton School (1957), Stetson University (1957-58), and Johnson State College, graduating in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in education. While in school, Fred married Susan Martin in 1957. During their 20 years of marriage, they became the parents of four children. “Mr. Stone” was a beloved elementary schoolteacher for more than 36 years. He taught grades 5-8 in Riverton from 1962 to 1969, then P E. and 5th grade at newly built Berlin Elementary School until retirement in 1998. Because Fred truly loved working with young people, he continued at Berlin Elementary for another 18 years as substitute teacher and recess football coach until January 2016. Dedication to the community earned him a feature on the May 7, 2015 WCAX episode of “Super Seniors”. Fred had a love of the outdoors and traveled across Vermont with his family and friends enjoying fishing and hunting. He was also an avid sports memorabilia collector his entire life and attended major sporting events across the country with a group of like-minded friends. Attending Vermont Mountaineers baseball during summer was a major part of his life. Fred and Nancy were host family to Mountaineers' players each summer for 13 years until 2015. These players often returned to Vermont to visit Fred, doing so through his final days. He acted as the District 4 Babe Ruth Commissioner for 23 years, and Assistant New England Babe Ruth Commissioner for 15 years. He was inducted into the Babe Ruth Hall of Fame in 2012. Fred is survived by his sister Barbara Frame (John), his children John F. “Jay” Stone III, Sarah MacLeay, Suzanne Smith, and Andrew Stone (Ann Marie Schwarz), his grandchildren Branson and Camden MacLeay, Nathan, Jacob, and Laura Smith, his partner of over 30 years Nancy Andreoletti, Nancy's children Robert, James (Ellen), and Brent Andreoletti (Jody), and Nancy's grandchildren Ryan, Anna, Nick, Ava, Julia, and Ella Andreoletti all of whom Fred cared for deeply. A graveside service will be held on July 9th, at 11:00 am at Berlin Corners Cemetery, Berlin, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Vermont Mountaineers, P.O. Box 586, Montpelier, VT, 05602.

, at the age of 92, passed away with family by her side as the sun was setting at The Gary Home in Montpelier, Vermont on December 2, 2016. Irene lived much of her life in New England, but her western roots ran deep. Memories of her early life in Washington State were infused with stories of growing up with her much loved Grandma and Grandpa Henton. They were railroad telegraphers by trade, so young Irene would take the trip from their station home to the primary school in town by train each day. In high school, Irene caught the tennis “bug,” becoming the girls’ singles champion of Yakima High tennis team in 1942. She went on to coach, play a lifetime of formidable tennis, and to travel around the world following the Grand Slam Tennis Tour. Always on the lookout for a good conversation starter, she frequently wore a silver tennis racket brooch. As might be imagined of a person who chose their jewelry based on whether or not it might serve as fodder for interesting conversation, Irene loved people. If you were lucky enough to visit her in her home, she might pique your interest by asking, “have you ever seen my pilot’s license?” Irene’s interest in pursuing diverse modes of transportation didn’t stop there. Once she crossed three states on horseback while helping herd sheep to market and took pedestrian travel to the extreme by climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro in Kenya after serving in the Peace Corps as an “old lady” at the age 50. Irene’s students surely enjoyed her adventurous tales. An active teacher for 30 years in Newtown, Connecticut, she readily gave up her desk when the school was in short supply as she never sat still long enough to need it. Once, she even gained the respect of a cheeky student by beating him in a foot race. She did, on occasion, get in trouble for talking during school meetings, but this can be forgiven because of all she gave to others through stories and conversation. After officially retiring from the teaching profession at the age of 70, she moved to Vermont to be close to family and continued to substitute teach at Union 32 High School and the local elementary schools for ten more years. In her adopted home of Vermont, Irene continued to make friends through her membership at the Old Meeting House, as a volunteer at the State House and volunteering at the Adamant Co-op. She is survived by her children Johnny Forever, Donald Stotts, Rebecca Reed and husband Chris Reed. She is also survived by five grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and countless dear friends. A memorial service will be held at the Old Meeting House in East Montpelier on Monday December 5, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Habitat for Humanity.

, of Woodbridge, CT, died on Friday, July 1st, 2016. She was 99 years old. She was born on September 12, 1916 to Alfred, “Doc” and Emily Southon in Kalamazoo, MI. She attended Kalamazoo College, received her BA degree from the University of Michigan in 1938 and a Masters degree in Nursing in 1941 from Yale University School of Nursing in New Haven, CT. She began her nursing career in Colorado and Minnesota. But in the fall of 1942 she returned to New Haven to join the army as a nurse with the 39th General Hospital, a medical unit affiliated with Yale University Medical Center, which was preparing for deployment in the Pacific. She spent the next three years tending to the wounded soldiers in New Zealand, Guam, Guadalcanal and Saipan in the Pacific theater. She married Dr. Max Taffel, a surgeon also serving with the 39th General Hospital, on September 5, 1944 in Auckland, NZ. Following the war they returned to New Haven, CT where they started a family. For the next twenty-five years she devoted most of her time to raising her four daughters and three sons. She returned to nursing in 1973, first as a school nurse and then for many years as a visiting nurse in the Greater New Haven area. There she received a special commendation for the exemplary care she rendered to her patients. Helen leaves behind her children: Ann (Steve) Hutchings, James (Patti) Taffel, Bill (Katie) Taffel, Meg (Rob) Hodge, Sarah Taffel and David (Ina) Taffel; grandchildren: Robert (Shana) Hutchings, Michael Hutchings, William Hutchings, Nick (Lusine) Hutchings, Matthew (Megan) Taffel, Peter Taffel and his partner Jessi, Jon (Carrie) Taffel, Max Taffel, Dylan Taffel and Phoebe Taffel, James Hodge and his partner Katie, Elizabeth (Dinesh) Penugonda, David Hodge, and Lana and Maya Taffel; and her great grandchildren: Lauren, Max, Helen and Emily Hutchings, Natalie Hutchings, and Calli, Myra and Grayson Taffel. She also leaves behind those few remaining comrades from the World War II hospital unit, her good friends from her many years in Woodbridge and from her tenure at the Visiting Nurse Association. Helen’s children also wish to thank the staff at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center in Berlin, Vermont for their thoughtfulness, kindness and care during the past two and a half years. Helen is predeceased by her parents, her two brothers, James and Frank Southon, her sister, Maude Southon, her daughter, Katherine, her grandson, Andy, and her husband, Max, with whom she shared an intense love and loyalty, equally strong and complementary. Helen was the embodiment of kindness, tolerance, compassion and selflessness. She had a gentleness and grace that drew people to her. She willingly and graciously took on other people’s concerns, easing them through difficult times with a quiet but steely competence. She had a deep conviction that all people were fundamentally equal and deserving of her care and she was unstinting in her delivery of that attention. Accolades were not important to Helen and she would probably chafe at the words used to describe her in this writing. But, it was that humility, in conjunction with her understated but powerful intellect and her other character traits that fostered the unwavering and enduring relationships she had as wife, mother, nurse, and friend.. She was a true wonder, an indomitable force with a fierce sense of independence. She was the glue and the linchpin of her family. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. Helen is gone from the earth but such was the enormity of her spirit that each of her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren will carry a part of her goodness and strength with them forever. A private family service will be held sometime in the near future to celebrate Helen’s life. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Andy’s Books for Kids, online at andysbooks.org or by check to Andy’s Books, 11708 Inverway, Belvidere, IL 61008 and to the Katherine Taffel Scholarship Fund, online at neighborhoodmusicschool.org or by check to Neighborhood Music School, 100 Audubon St., New Haven, CT 06510 with Katherine Taffel Scholarship Fund on the memo line.

passed away, sadly, on Monday, October 10, 2016, at his home in Barre, VT, after struggling with multiple medical conditions. He was born on January 25, 1951, in Montpelier, the third child of Dr. Ernest and Barbara (Rogers) Tomasi, who preceded him in death. Jon attended Montpelier schools and Lyndon Institute. He was a “rolling stone” and enjoyed travelling. He met Nora, the mother of his first child, and they moved to Pennsylvania, where Jon worked in a steel mill. He lived in Pennsylvania for about eight years. Upon returning to Vermont, he met Victoria and they settled into the Montpelier area, where they raised six children. Later, he relocated to Boston, where he volunteered to support those receiving services for HIV needs. Jon was well liked and received written accolades for his efforts there. When Jon returned to Vermont, he continued to help those less fortunate than himself. Jon often volunteered at the local Food Bank. Jon is survived by his four sons: Eric, of Washington D.C., (Eric’s mother, Nora (Pfaff)); Jonathan (Abigail) of Chatham, N.J.; Andrew (Drew) ((Kaitlyn) of New Milford, N.J.; Tory (Sarah) of Barre, VT and three daughters: Andria (Jeremy) Derose of Eden, VT; Molly (Royce) Lussier, of Berlin, VT; and Allena, of Berlin, VT. He also leaves Victoria Emerson, of Connecticut, the mother of his six children; and ten grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters: Linda (Tom) Babic, of Washington, VT; and Barbara (Bill) Tomasi-Gay, of Montpelier, VT and brothers: Tom Tomasi of Montpelier, VT; Peter (Donna) Tomasi, of Barre, VT; Tim (Vivian) Tomasi, of Montpelier, VT and many nieces and nephews. Jon loved his children, who are all successful and contributing members of their communities. Special thanks to Jeff Gregoire, Cindy Peduzzi and Sandy McKinney for their support and guidance during this difficult time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Food Bank, 33 Parker Road, Barre, VT 05641 or the American Diabetes Association, 77 Hegeman Avenue, Colchester, VT 05446. A private ceremony will be held in the spring in accordance with the wishes of the family.

, 90, formerly of Mill Road, Worcester, and more recently of Woodridge Nursing Home, died on Monday March 28, 2016, with her family by her side. She was born November 25, 1925, in Worcester, the daughter of M Paul and Kate (Witham) Richardson, She was educated in Worcester schools and attended Montpelier High School. On February 19, 1944 she married Thomas F Utton at The Worcester Methodist Church. He died May 29, 2004. She worked at the Tavern Motor Inn (now Capital Plaza), National Life, and retired from Berlin Health & Rehab. In retirement she cared for her ailing husband for many years before his passing. She was a member of the Worcester United Methodist Church and the Worcester Grange. Hobbies included crocheting, cooking, baking, bingo and following the Boston Red Sox. Favorite things to do included spending time with her family and volunteering at Worcester community meals. Survivors include her daughter, Sylvia Fisher of Northfield, and sons Paul and Dean, both of Worcester, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 7 gggrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She leaves many friends in the Central Vermont community and her companion, Harold “Junior” Hurlburt who brought her friendship and happiness. As per her wishes, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at the Worcester Mountain Cemetery later in the Spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodbridge Nursing Home, Patient Activities Fund, P O Box 550, Barre or to a charity of personal choice.

wore many hats and had a storied career as a writer and editor, but his true calling was as a father, the title he loved most of all. In addition to his role as a beloved husband to Nancy, he cherished being a father to his four children, Andrew, Mary, Jon and Anne. Brian entered fatherhood by adopting his eldest son Andrew, followed eight years later by his daughter, Mary, and son, Jon, from Korea. Two weeks before they were to arrive, Brian discovered that his youngest daughter, Anne, was six months away from joining his vibrant family. As his wife Nancy can attest, “it was a crazy year.” Brian and Nancy continued to nurture several foster children after all of their own had left the house. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in November. Brian was born on October 3, 1941 and grew up on the Upper West Side of New York City with his loving siblings, Ann, Gail, Christine and Michael. During his formative years in New York, Brian honed his expertise at throwing darts, winning several bar tournaments throughout the city. He started his writing career at a newspaper in Bristol, Tennessee, and later worked as a freelance writer for various publications, including a brief stint at Newsweek. Returning to Manhattan, Brian worked as Editor at Charlie magazine, and it was during this time that he submitted articles to LOOK Magazine where he met Nancy, a researcher who would become the love of his life. Brian quickly employed his effortless charm and wit to win her over, and they were married a year later in an intimate ceremony held at his family’s apartment in 1971. The following year, Brian and Nancy left the concrete jungle of city life and moved to the Green Mountains where Brian became Editor-In-Chief of Vermont Life Magazine in Montpelier, serving nine years before becoming the Vice President of Communications for National Life Insurance Group. He managed to secure this position even after he admitted during his interview that he did not have a college degree (despite having brief stints at several). They made a wise hire, and Brian applied his skilled and always thoughtful penmanship to a 25-year career at National Life, before retiring ten years ago at the age of 65. In retirement, Brian continued his involvement with children and young people both in church and in the community at large. Brian was an advocate and voice for youth in Central Vermont as a Guardian Ad Litem. He treasured this work and, despite the advice to take only a few cases, he never turned a case away, handling several dozen with care. He enthusiastically supported and encouraged others, including as a mentor to countless high school students as they navigated the college application process. Brian harbored a tremendous love of animals; he adopted and cared for many throughout his life. More specifically, he loved feeding animals – and all of his dogs, cats and goats maintained a full figure throughout their cherished lives. He was also an avid and gifted singer, first developing this love as a choirboy at Corpus Christi church in New York City. He continued this tradition in Vermont and his rich bass was a grounding force in the choir at The Old Meeting House. The community he helped cultivate at The Old Meeting House remained an important element in his life until the end. Finding strength and inspiration through his young and growing family, Brian laid his party hat to rest and remained sober for what would end up being 31 years. Brian was vocal about having lived a rich and full life – however, he did regret during his last weeks that he didn’t drink one last glass of scotch whiskey, neat. Despite a sudden, short, and brave fight with cancer, Brian maintained his sense of humor and sarcasm until he passed away with family at his side at the University of Vermont Medical Center on the morning of December 9, 2016 – he was 75. “It’s either Hannah or me,” he said in reference to his beloved 12-year-old dog, also suffering from cancer at home. Hannah lives on, happily licking plates and indulging in treats. Brian’s life endures through the eternal love of his family and the enormous community of people whose lives he impacted. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to an organization that was close to Brian’s heart: The Onion River Food Shelf, in c/o Diana Fielder, 353 County Road, Montpelier, VT, 05602. A memorial service to honor and remember Brian will be held Sunday, December 18 at 1:30pm at The Old Meeting House in East Montpelier Center.

, 88, of Plainfield died on November 9, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease at the Four Seasons Community Care Home in Northfield. He was born in Doylestown, PA on February 2, 1928, the son of George and Irene (Kulbach) Van Der Bellen. Alexander served his country during World War II as a non-commissioned officer in both the United States Army and Navy. He was honorably discharged in June 1947 He attended schools in Saginaw, MI. He later earned his Master’s degree for the University of Michigan. In June 1964, he married Joanne Ruskin in Detroit, MI. He had a fondness for the several dogs he owned over the years. He was an avid reader and enjoyed the cultural arts and classical music. Perhaps Alex’s greatest enjoyment was running his dogs in the woods. Survivors include his wife, Joanne of Plainfield, VT; a son, Alexander “Sasha” Van Der Bellen of Washington, D.C., and a brother, Richard Staudt, of Montpelier. There will be no calling hours. A private celebration will be held in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 90, formerly of Scott Hill Road and most recently of the Maple Hill Nursing Home in Barton, died on Sunday, January 24, 2016. She was born on March 20, 1925 in Montpelier, the daughter of Andrew and Julia (Laundry) Holmes. She attended Montpelier Graded Schools and Montpelier High School. On September 14, 1947, she married Eric Henry Velander. He predeceased her on August 31, 2001. For many years she worked at the Central Vermont Medical Center, but was primarily a home maker, raising her family. She also help her husband’s run his general store - “Eric’s. She was a member of the Berlin Congregational Church. Norma always enjoyed Bingo, long car rides and spending time with her family and friends. Survivors include her children, Russell E. Velander and his wife Jo-Ann of West Glover; Sharon Flood of Randolph, VT; and Linda Horton of New Market, NH; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by longtime family friend, Premmie Marineau. She was predeceased by her siblings; Lester Holmes, Richard Holmes, Millie Jones, Bernice Medler and Florence Lamell; and one grandson, Jason Flood. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Berlin Corners Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Lane Nursing Home Activities Fund, 60 Maple Lane, Barton, VT 05822.

, 87, formerly of Worcester and currently of Montpelier died September 20, 2016 at the UVM Central Vermont Medical Center Hospital after a brief illness. Emily was born in Montpelier on July 16, 1929 to Irving and Ruth Boyce Macey. She attended schools in Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School. Emily married Frank C. Wagner in March 24, 1963 in Montpelier. They lived on Worcester Village Road for their married life. She was a very active volunteer, spending many hours of her day at various organizations including the Worcester United Methodist Church, the North Branch Grange, the United Methodist Women, and a very active member of the Community Kitchen in Worcester. She loved going to Vermont Mountaineer’s games and playing bingo. Emily recently moved to the 58 Barre Street in Montpelier and was one of the first residents to live in the new Senior Center Apartment complex. For many years Emily was a homemaker and child care provider for the Richard Lanza family in Worcester. She thought of them as her extended family. Emily is survived by her daughter, Gaye Rouelle of Berlin; two stepdaughters Lorraine Jenkins and Archie Harlow; a granddaughter Amanda Fisk and her boyfriend Shawn Plant of Barre Town; five great-grandchildren; Kordell, Trevett, Emileigh, Deshawn and Ryan; a brother, Guy Macey of Fort Walton Beach, FL; and nieces and nephews. Also her two close friends Polly Lee, Joan Moreau. Mr. Wagner died on December 1, 1974 and her brother, Robert Macey predeceased her in 1971. Calling hours will be held Monday, September 26th from 6-8pm at the Guare and Sons Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held Tuesday, September 27th at 11:00 am at the Worcester United Methodist Church. Following the burial there will burial there will be refreshments back at the church. Contributions may be made to Worcester Community Food Shelf and Kitchen, 739 Collar Hill Road, Worcester, VT 05682 or North Branch Grange, c/o Pam Shover, 126 Calais Road, Worcester, VT 05682.

said her final goodbye to us all on Monday 8/29. Overlooking the beautiful hills of Vermont, in Barre, the same town she was born. She was with her family & left us very peacefully. Jane devoted her life to her family, as an amazing Mom & Wife. She was a force in the raising of her two boys. Always making sure they were ready for each day and leading from behind as they went along their journey, from infants thru college & beyond. Always there to see her boys through missteps and triumphs. Nourishing us in every way w/ great meals, lots of encouragement & tons of Love. No one could ask for a better Mom. Bill & Jane had a very special & old fashioned marriage, falling in love as teenagers in Montpelier and continuing that love & devotion their entire lives together. Many couples get married, but few are fortunate enough to have something this special & have as much fun as they did. Both very different, but that’s the chemistry that makes a great team, and they were a great team. After college, Jane and Bill were married, and off to California they went! A bold move for a couple raised in the beautiful Vermont landscape. It was a big adventure that saw Jane through the births of Matt and Craig. After 17 years out west, the family moved to Sudbury, Mass., to be closer to their Vermont roots. Moving back to Montpelier, after their boys finished college & had moved away, forming lives of their own. Joe’s Pond… Jane’s favorite place! KANTKEEPAWAY, the camp her father and grandfather built in 1921. For endless decades and growing generations, family and friends would meet and share in the magic of the lake. Jane would spend every summer at Joes her entire life, until her health made it difficult to be there all summer. The bonds Jane formed in Sudbury, Montpelier & Joes Pond are bonds that will last for generations. Prior to becoming a Mom, Jane often spoke about working at the State Capitol. Jane took great pride in being able to serve her state and be part of the important work that goes on there. Jane was a mom & wife first, all else came second. A unique combination of quiet but outspoken. Once you were on Jane’s team she was behind you without condition. Loyal, honest, strong willed with high standards & a sharp wit. Jane shared deep love and could also command in a way that required notice. You knew if she was upset with you, but you also knew she was there to encourage & support you. Mom is survived by sons Matt and Craig. Daughters in law Beth and Patricia. Grandchildren Dylan, Kelsey, Jake, and Brant.

, 23, of Elm Street in Montpelier died unexpectedly on Monday, May 30, 2016. He was born on April 7, 1993 in Berlin, VT, the son of Lisa Deschamps and Frederick Weston, Jr. He attended schools in Middlesex and was a 2012 graduate of Union 32 High School. He was currently employed by Rent a Center in Barre as a delivery driver and as a tow truck operator for Bob’s Sunoco in Montpelier. His passion was racing and was a part of the Action Towing crew at Thunder Road. He also enjoyed mud bogging with his large group of friends; hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He is survived by his mother; Lisa Deschamps and her companion, Carl R. French of Middlesex; sisters, Renee Weston of Berlin and Kerri Weston of Berlin; and father, Frederick Weston, Jr. of Barre; grandparents and several uncles and aunts and cousins. There will be no calling hours. A graveside celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the Middlesex Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made Justin’s memory to the VT Fish & Wildlife, GMCC, Buck Lake, 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05602.

, 92, of Topsham, VT died Monday December 19, 2016 at UVM Medical Center. Merton was born in Calais, VT on November 14, 1924, the son of Joel & Hilda (Brazier) Wheeler. As a boy, he attended Maple Corners School in Calais, and began working on the family dairy farm. On August 14, 1948, he married Edith Phelps in Waterbury, VT. They had four children together: Joel, Louise, Wendell, and Lauralee (Lolly). He was predeceased by his wife, Edith on July 4, 2000, and son, Wendell on Sept. 8, 2005. Merton owned a dairy farm in Calais for many years, then worked as a farmhand at several locations, finally settling in Whately, MA where he worked for the Packaging Corporation of America in Northampton, MA. In 1990, he retired after 29 years of service. In 1994, he and Edith returned to Vermont and settled on their “Mountain Top” in Waits River, where he continued to garden and log until the end of his life. Merton was a WWII Veteran, serving Nov 1945 – July 1947 in the U.S. Army 519th CO B MP in Japan. Merton Wheeler received his Montpelier High School diploma in 2006, more than half a century after he chose to serve his country in World War II. He was also an active member of the Northeast Fiddlers Association, Inc. Merton loved dancing, tending to his garden, walking through the trees in his woods, and caring for the birds that visited his front deck every morning. Most of all, he loved his family. Merton is survived by a son, Joel Wheeler of Monson, MA; two daughters, Louise Richards, of Idaho Springs, CO; Lolly Wright of Mebane, NC; sister, Mary Sanders of NH; as well as seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and a niece and two nephews. He is also survived by his best friend and companion, Barbara Stalling of East Montpelier and her children and grandchildren who loved him as their own. A Memorial Service will be held at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier on Saturday January 7th, 2017 at 11am. Burial with Military honors will occur in the Springtime at Plain-Mont Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Merton Wheeler to the Northeast Fiddlers Association, Inc. c/o Maxine Young, Treasurer, 230 Russell Rd, Tunbridge, VT 05077.

, 81, passed away from cancer with courage and dignity on November 20 at her home in Berlin with family at her side. For many years, she and her late husband Ivers had lived in Worcester on property they transformed from a wooded lot into a beautiful manicured homestead. Lorraine was a religious woman, though she did not often attend church, she knew that God was everywhere and heard her prayers. Lorraine was born August 10, 1935 in Danville, VT and was the youngest child of Charles and Gladys Bryer Pillsbury. Her siblings included Charles Pillsbury, Maybelle Barnett, Charlotte Smith, Mona Pillsbury, all deceased, and surviving her are Gladys Spencer of Milford, NJ and Richard Pillsbury of Kimberling City, MO. Lorraine attended St. Johnsbury Academy. She married Ivers M. Wilder Jr. on July 5, 1952 and spent 56 years together until he died in 2008. They raised their five children in Montpelier. First born was Milon, who died in 1980 and left his wife Debra and daughter. Lorraine's surviving children and their partners are Denise Wilder (Michael Fullerton) of North Calais; Jean Wilder (William Devaughn) of Montpelier; Les Wilder (Angela) of Worcester; and Ruth Wilder (Peter Mayhew) of Marshfield. Lorraine retired from the Vermont Department of Employment and Security in 1996 where she was employed for 26 years. Prior to that, she worked for the Vermont Motor Vehicle Department. Lorraine enjoyed her positions, but could not wait for her retirement so she and Ivy could spend more time with family, friends and travel through the United States. A vivacious woman, Lorraine loved company and made her home welcoming by cooking many birthday and holiday meals. She spent her leisure time gardening, knitting, sewing, rug hooking and baking while listening to classic country music. She was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church in Montpelier, the Women's Auxiliary VFW Post 792, and the Good Neighbor Club of Worcester. Some of the dearest words to Lorraine were to hear Gram and Great Gram. She has four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren: Jennifer Wilder and her children Christopher and Jade Perry of Berlin; Thurman (Harmony) Wilder and their children Olivia and Ariana and his step son Kyle of Barre; Amber (Jake) Larrabee and their sons Landin, Jaxin, and Corbin of Barre; Michael (Annie Michaud) and his sons Riley and Devin of Plainfield. Lorraine had deep connections to her special friends and her dogs. She grieved for the passings of Beverly and Fred Fisher of Montpelier and her dogs Ling and Molly. During the last few years, soothing words and laughter have been shared with her dear friends Celia Winters of Plainfield and Faye Sweet of Middlesex. Cousin and Aunt Lorraine was a key player in organizing Bryer family reunions and remembered the birthdays and holidays with many nieces and nephews. Lorraine was especially grateful to the medical care she got from Dr. Kristopher Jensen of Berlin Family Health and for the professional and caring attention of Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice staff, and especially to Hospice nurse Kay Gould during the last few months of her life. A memorial service will be at the Worcester United Methodist Church at 11 AM, Friday, December 2nd. A luncheon will follow at the Worcester Town Hall. There are no calling hours. Interment of her ashes will be in the spring at the Worcester Mountain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to charities Lorraine favored such as Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, Inc. 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or local children and women's aid organizations.

, 90, formerly of Weston Trailer Park and most recently of Colchester, died on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Green Mountain Nursing Home. Marion was born on August 6, 1925, in Waterbury, VT, the daughter of Guy Brickey and Clyde(Fielder) Brickey. She attended schools in Waterbury. On August 14, 1949, she married Dean L. Witham. He predeceased her on August 1, 2014. She worked for many years as a housekeeper for Vermont College before becoming a Telephone Operator with New England Telephone. She enjoyed camping with friends and family, cooking and card games. She was a good friend to many people. She is survived by her sons; Robert Witham and his wife Erin of Richmond and Gary Witham of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren, Rob Witham of East Hardwick, Korey Witham of Barre, Kollin Witham of Barre, Ryan Witham of Richmond; and a great grandson, Benjamin Witham of East Hardwick; brothers, Ed and Jack Brickey of Florida; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Berlin Corners Cemetery in Berlin, VT. Memorial contributions may be made to the Green Mountain Nursing Home, Patient Activities Fund, 1102 Ethan Allen Ave, Colchester, VT 05446

, 65, of Barre, died peacefully with his drum sticks in hand surrounded by family on October 17, 2016, in Orange, Vermont at the home of his daughter. He was born February 3rd, 1951 in Middlesex, VT, the son of Laurence and Catherine (Ridley) Witham. He attended Barre Public Schools and later attended Spaulding High School. Michael lived as an Entertainer/Musician in the Central Vermont area. He was a kind person, who was passionate about his family, the arts and helping others. He inspired and paved the way for many local musicians. Michael was a proud longtime member of the Vermont Old Cemetery Association. He was also an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Barre. Survivors include his children; Ludwig Witham of Barre, VT, Jessica Foster of Orange, VT Merrill Witham of Los Angeles, CA, Michael “Mickey” Witham, Jr. and Nicholas Witham, both of Randolph, VT; sisters, Patty Witham of Waterbury, VT, Eva Morse of Calais, VT and Sue Mason of Barre. He also leaves behind granddaughters; Bella Foster of Orange, VT and Ruby Witham of Barre, VT and several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service, “The Final Curtain Call” will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church in Barre. The Witham Family is holding a food drive in honor of Mike and asks that people bring a nonperishable food item to the service. Donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Barre. Rock In Paradise, we love you.