NEKG - 2008 Obituaries

, 83, formerly of 8 Mechanic Street, Montpelier, died Jan. 31, 2008, at Mayo Nursing Home after a long illness. She was born July 28, 1924, in Lyndon, Vt. She was the only child and daughter of Ray Samuel Crawford and Ruth Martha (Paris) Crawford. She attended school in Lyndon and Mt. Dora, Fla. She graduated from the Lyndon Institute on June 9, 1944. She moved to Montpelier, along with her parents on Aug. 13, 1950. Barbara worked at National Life Insurance Company as a key puncher for a short while. She then went to work for the state of Vermont as a secretary, worked at the Vermont Department of Employment and Training, and later at the Vermont Department of Education, serving as a secretary. She retired after 32 years of service on Aug. 7, 1986. Barbara was a life member in good standing of the Vermont State Employees' Association Inc. She was a Life Member of the Rob Morris Chapter 24 Order of the Eastern Star in Montpelier. Barbara joined the Lyndonville Chapter on June 10, 1944 and affiliated with Rob Morris Chapter on March 25, 1955. She became a life member in 1994. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Ray and Ruth Crawford and her half brother, Maurice James Crawford. She is survived by close friends Frances and Leland Taylor, Kathleen and Douglas McGown and daughter Molly, Randy LaBay, Stephen and Cindy Murphy and family, and Dale Chamberlain and Rene and Susan Houle. On Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, a memorial service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at 2 p.m. at Barber and Lanier Funeral Service, 139 Main St., Montpelier, Vt. Calling hours will start at 1 p.m. Committal service will be held in the spring in the family plot in Lyndon Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601-0687.

, age 67, of Littleton, N.H., passed away on Jan. 25 at the Littleton Regional Hospital. A native of Littleton, Martin was born on June 12, 1940, a son to Alfred and Hazel (Wetherbee) Sidney. He attended school in Littleton and served in the U.S. Air Force. Martin was employed as a truck driver for St. Johnsbury Trucking and involved in the trucking industry for 27 years. He was a past member of the American Legion and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and snowshoeing. Surviving family members include his wife, Martha "Smiley" Sidney of Littleton, N.H.; his children, Joyce Fifield of Newbury, Vt., Alfred Sidney of Newbury, Vt., Shirlina DeMond of Keene, N.H., Jay DeMond of Keene, N.H., Robert Leach of Littleton, N.H., Patti-Sue Leach of Charlestown, N.H., Terry Joe Leach of Front Royal, Va., George Hawkins of Clinton, Tenn., and Clyde Hawkins of Dalton, NH; three sisters, Patricia Lyons of Littleton, N.H., Marguerite Pageau of Littleton, N.H., and Judy McCoy of Hardwick, Vt.; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother and one son, Martin W. Sidney. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. in the Whitefield Baptist Church, with Pastor Cliff Vence officiating, followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery in Littleton.

of Concord, Vt., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008. She was born in Concord on May 12, 1917, one of 10 children born to Henry and Arlene (Williams) Stuart. She was predeceased by her two husbands, Warren Patridge in 1981 and George Jones in 1962. Cora loved to read, tend her gardens, do knitting for her family, and cook big Sunday meals. Her dogs, Gilly, Gretch, and Benny were part of the family. She had traveled with family to the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, and most of the Canadian provinces. She is survived by seven children, Ruth Ripley and husband Howard of Maidstone, Sidney Patridge of Concord, Clyde Patridge of New Port Richey Fla., Arlene Fazzino of Winsted Conn., Fred Patridge and wife Janet of Claremont, N.H., Clifford Patridge and wife Diane of Arlington Wash., Charles Patridge and wife Denise of Burlington, Conn.; 34 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters and three brothers, Evelyn Hastings of Danville, Florence Ward and husband Kenneth of Danville, Ethel Lunnie of Concord, Reginald Stuart of Concord, Desmond Stuart and wife Arlene of North Monroe, N.H., Henry Stuart and wife Millie of Concord, Elaine Merchand and husband Raymond of North Monroe, N.H.; cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Warren Lee Patridge; two daughters, Carol Ann Upton and Gail Eileen Patridge; two brothers, John Stuart and Claude Stuart. Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 10 at 11 a.m. at the Grove Cemetery in East St. Johnsbury. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home this Saturday, Feb. 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. Contributions in Cora's memory may be directed to Concord FAST Squad, P.O. Box 113, Concord, VT 05824.

, 70, of Dartmouth College Highway, North Haverhill, N.H., died at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H., on Jan. 31, 2008. Shirley was born in London, England, on June 17, 1937, to John Cornelius and Amy Bridgett (Hacket) Stone. She married Richard R. Fadden on Feb. 19, 1958. Shirley worked as a dietary aide at the Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill, retiring in 2000 after 20 years. She was a member of the IONA Lafayette Chapter #39 Order of the Eastern Star in North Haverhill. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with Richard in their motor home. She also appreciated nature and would feed the birds all year round. Shirley was predeceased by a brother, Michael Stone and a sister, Maureen Stone. She is survived by her husband, Richard of North Haverhill; her son, Dale R. Fadden and wife Terri of Woodsville, N.H.; her daughter, Linda Fadden Cosgriff and husband Lee of Lebanon, N.H.; two grandchildren, Robby Fadden Cosgriff and Karissa Fadden; three step-grandchildren; six step-great grandchildren; four brothers John Stone, David Stone, Paul Stone, and Andrew Stone, all of London; and two sisters, Amy Marrett and Linda Walker, both also of London; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. with Father Daniel J. Sinibaldi from St. Joseph Catholic Church officiating. An Eastern Star service will then follow. Burial will be in the NewHampshire Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, N.H. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2008 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the IONA Lafayette Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, c/o Kimberly Butson, Worthy Matron, 374 Country Land Drive, North Haverhill, NH 03774.

, 82, of Lyndon, Vt., died peacefully Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at her home with her family by her side. She was born April 20, 1925, in Warren, Ohio, the daughter of Mike and Julia (Evans) Virovec. Dana graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio. On Sept. 27, 1947, she married Ralph J. Trafan. In 1969, they moved to Vermont where Dana worked as a para-educator at Newark Street School in Newark and Millers Run School in Sheffield for several years. She also taught religion at St. Elizabeth Church in Lyndonville and St. James Church in Island Pond for many years. Dana loved her family and especially her grandchildren. Tending to her flower gardens and cross country skiing brought her much enjoyment. Survivors include her husband, Ralph J. Trafan of Lyndon (P.O. Box 239, Lyndonville 05851); nine children, Ralph Trafan and wife Margie of Pennsylvania, Rod Trafan and wife Lynn of Ohio, Linda Perron and husband Evan of Glover, David Trafan of Lyndonville, Randy Trafan of Lyndonville, Karen Putnam and husband Syd of Oregon, Brenda Trafan and Keith of St. Johnsbury, Paula Trafan and Bill of Lyndonville, and Chris Trafan and wife Roberta of Epping, N.H.; 15 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and her sister, Vilma Martineau of Ohio. She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, and six sisters. Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church in Lyndonville with the Rev. Patrick Forman celebrant.

, 87, of Scott Highway, Groton, Vt., died at Cottage Hospital, Woodsville, N.H., on Feb. 2, 2008. She was born in Sansonville, Vt., on March 13, 1920, to Fred and Lena E. (Tatro) Wills. Janice married N. Dale Brown on Aug. 5, 1939. She was a communicant of St. Eugene's Catholic Church, Wells River, Vt. She had a passion for traveling and traveled extensively around the world and had visited 49 of the 50 states. Most recently, she enjoyed travels with her family. She was predeceased by two sisters, Phyllis Austin and Frances Gerety, both of Northfield, Vt. Janice is survived by her husband of 68 years, N. Dale Brown; three daughters, Diane H. Kreis and husband Richard of Groton, Judith Lee Robinson of Collegeville, Pa., and Teresa W. Kirk and husband Gary of Newark, Del.; five granddaughters, Kelley Kreis of Crest Hill, Ill., Kimberley Stenson of Charlotte, N.C., Shannon Kreis of Shorewood, Ill., Renea Rieser and husband Chris of Collegeville, Pa., and Denise Boyle and husband Brian of Blue Bell, Pa.; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Barbara Mitchell of Oak Park, Mich., and Chestine Beaton of Elizabethtown, N.Y. Calling hours will be Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. A Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. in St. Eugenes Catholic Church, Center Street, Wells River, Vt., with Father Philip LaMothe as celebrant. Burial will be in Groton Village Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Groton Historical Society, c/o Joan Haskell, P.O. Box 142, Groton, VT 05046 or to the charity of one's choice.

, 81, of Ammonoosuc Street, Woodsville, N.H., died on Feb. 1, 2008, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville. He was born on Oct. 10, 1926, in Piermont, N.H., to Frederick and Lucy (Sawyer) Jones. After serving in the U.S. Navy from January 1945 through July 1946, Bud worked mainly in construction and then retired in 1984 from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's North Haverhill Highway shed. He married Reita (Boyd) Jones on May 30, 1964. Bud was a life member of VFW Post 5245 of North Haverhill, and was past commander and district commander and former member of the Ross-Wood American Legion Post 20 of Woodsville. He enjoyed gardening and caring for his lawn and was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. He was predeceased by a sister, Gladys Emerson. He is survived by his wife, Reita of Woodsville; his sons, William Jones, Lawrence Jones and Brian Jones, all of Connecticut, and Clifford Call and wife Linda of Auburn, Maine; a daughter, Barbara Byrne and husband Harry of North Danville, Vt.; four sisters, Mildred Hartley of Piermont, Celia Ball of Warren, N.H., Dorothy Verrill of Zephyrhills, Fla., and Hazel Ames of Woodsville; several grandchildren, including Tina Wyman, Angela Call, and Christopher Byrne; a great-grandson Brandon Wyman; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, from 7 to 8 p.m., at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 3 p.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. Vadia Boudreau officiating. Light refreshments will follow in the basement of the Woodsville United Methodist Church, Maple Street, Woodsville, N.H. Burial will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 2001, Woodsville, NH 03785 or to the charity of one's choice.

, 97, passed away Feb. 2, 2008, at the Pines Health & Rehabilitation Center, after a period of declining health. She was born Dec. 16, 1910, in Hartford, Conn., to Ralph A. and Marion (Moses) Sanford. She attended schools in West Hartford and graduated from Wm. H Hall High School. She later moved to Simsbury where she raised her family. She and her husband owned Chas. E. Murray Co., a boat and marine supply store in Simsbury. They enjoyed boating and spent many hours on the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. She was a good water skier and also liked to snowmobile. Frances and her husband moved to McAllen, Texas, when they retired, purchasing orange and grapefruit groves. After the death of her husband, she lived for a time in Wisconsin with her son, John and daughter-in-law Barbara Murray. Ten years ago, she moved to East Lyndon, Vt., to make her home with her son, Sandy and daughter-in-law Donna Murray. She joined the First Congregational Church in Lyndonville and for a time sang in its choir. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles E. Murray and sister, Mary E. Sanford. She is survived by her sister, Clara Goldbeck of Simsbury; three sons, C. Sanford (Sandy) and daughter-in-law Donna S., East Lyndon, John E. and wife Barbara of Visalia, Calif., Ralph D., of Meriden, Conn.; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; a niece and nephew. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Lyndonville Saturday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m. with the Rev. Sidney J. Lambert officiant.

, CND, 88, of Montreal, Quebec died on Jan. 12, 2008, at the Infirmary of the Sisters of the Congregation Notre Dame in Montreal. She was born Nov. 10, 1919, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., the second child of Fred and Adelaide Chaloux. Irene attended Mount St. Joseph Academy and later went to the Normal School of the Congregation Notre Dame in Montreal. In 1942, she professed vows in the CND order and dedicated her life for over 65 years to the religious order. She taught in schools in St. Jean, Sherbrooke, and Montreal, Quebec. Most of her years teaching were served at Marguerite Bourgeois College in Montreal teaching English and other subjects in writing and public speaking. After 40 plus years teaching, she retired and took an interest in helping young immigrants from Korean families learn her language. She continued to give private lessons in English, in French, and in religion to adults, all of whom appreciated it immensely. Sister Irene was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Adelaide Chaloux; her sisters, Mrs. Geraldine Lozeau and Sister Marion Chaloux, RHSJ; and sisters-in-law, Connie Chaloux and Fran Lamothe Chaloux. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Gerard and Gemma Chaloux of St. Johnsbury; a sister, Sister Theresa Chaloux, CND, of Hastings on the Hudson, N.Y.; and a brother, Bill Chaloux of Gilbert, Ariz. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated at the chapel of the CND sisters in Montreal, Quebec, on Jan. 14, 2008.

, 78, of Hollow Woods Road, Peacham, Vt., died on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, St. Johnsbury, Vt. Lawrence was born in Burlington, Vt., Jan. 14, 1930, the son of Luella (Welch) Wyman and was raised by his uncle and aunt, Robert and Rose Welch. Lawrence served with the U.S. Army from October 1952 to August 1954 during the Korean War. Other than during his military service and for a few years living away, he had resided with his special cousin, Raymond Welch, on the family farm in Peacham. He had worked for various dairy farms in the Peacham and Barnet area, as well as sugaring in the spring. He enjoyed going to area fairs where he participated in horse pulling competitions. Lawrence was predeceased by his mother, Luella (Welch) Wyman; an aunt, Rose Welch; an uncle, Robert Welch; a sister, Lillian Choquet; and two brothers, Walter and James Wyman. Survivors include three sisters, Doris Woods of Rutland, Vt., Patricia Hart of North Clarendon, Vt., and Hilda Choquet of Rutland, Vt.; three brothers, William Wyman of Hannacroix, N.Y., Donald Wyman of Pittsford, Vt., and Robert Wyman of Castleton, Vt.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Peacham Congregational Church with the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Potter officiating. Burial will be in the Peacham Village Cemetery on Wednesday, May 28 at 12 p.m.

, 46, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., formerly of Montpelier, Vt., died Feb. 4, 2008, after a long illness at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center. Susan was born in Burlington, Vt., on June 27, 1961, a daughter of Carl "Pat" and Mary E. (Harry) Moulton. She was raised in Island Pond, Vt., where she attended schools and was a graduate of North Country High School. She also attended the Vermont Job Corps in Vergennes, Vt., and received a degree as a nursing assistant. She was a member of the Island Pond American Legion Post 80 and a former member of the Elks Club of Montpelier. Susan enjoyed going to family gatherings and all her nieces and nephews. Family members include a sister, Dorothy Couture and her husband Neil of Colebrook, N.H.; one brother, Gary Moulton and his wife Jane of Island Pond; her longtime companion, Richard Favreau of Montpelier. Nieces and Nephews are April Allin and husband Tom of N. Stratford, N.H., Amber Brooks and husband Dale of Wolcott, Vt., Dennis Couture and wife Pamela of Lunenburg, Vt., Lizza Moulton and James Marcus of St. Johnsbury, Grant Moulton of Island Pond; and five great nieces and nephews, Dale and Levi Brooks, Megan and Zachary Allin and especially Jacob Moulton Marcus. A memorial service will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family. Burial will be held in Hillside Cemetery in West Burke, Vt. Donations may be made in her memory to a charity of one's choice.

, 81, of Simsbury, Conn., passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, surrounded by family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, Robert. Born Kathleen Tanner Hubbard on Jan. 12, 1927, in Lyndon Center, Vt., daughter of the late Clayton and Adeline (Frizzell) Hubbard. She graduated from Lyndon Institute and attended the Boston Conservatory of Music. Known to most as "Kay," she was raised in the challenging times of the Great Depression and never lost her appreciation for the values and rewards of family and hard work. Late in World War II, she met the airman who would become her life love, Bob, and married him shortly after the war. Together, they bought and tended a dairy farm in Kirby, Vt., prior to moving to Simsbury, Conn., in 1952. She is survived by six children, including her two daughters, Patty and Jim Sansone of North Granby, and Martha and Rich Cotterell of Georgetown, Ky. She is also survived by four sons, Ray and wife Kathy of Vero Beach, Fla., Brian of Lorton, Va., Art of Simsbury, Conn., and Steve and wife Pam of Hartland, Conn. Kay was predeceased by two sons, Bobby and Danny. She is survived by two brothers, Harley and Allan Hubbard, both of Lyndonville, Vt.; a sister, Arlene Phipps of Ottawa, Canada; nine grandchildren, Kevin Sansone, Sheryl Cutler, Heather Savino, Elaine Emmons, Craig Emmons, Scott Emmons, Ryan Emmons, Ashley Emmons and her namesake, Katie Cotterell; and four great-grandchildren, Teddy and Nate Cutler, Nicholas Savino and Emily Emmons. She was also predeceased by a grandson, Michael, and two sisters, Mary Parker and Frannie Clough. In 1966, she helped husband Bob found Emmons Tropical Fish, a successful pet retail business still owned by her son in Simsbury, Conn. Kay was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church since arriving in Simsbury, Conn., and a member of the church's rosary guild and choir. She thoroughly enjoyed reading to children in the St. Mary's School library and was honored with the H.O.P.E.S. (Help Our Parish Elementary Schools) Award. She enjoyed a wonderful love of classical music and was a member of the Farmington Valley Chorale and the Berkshire Choral Festival for many years. She is remembered by many friends from her years of singing and activities in the community she loved. Among her treasured experiences was attending "The Passion Play" in Oberammergau during a European trip with her husband, Bob. Kay's greatest joy was her family but she also enjoyed the homespun skills she learned as a child: knitting, reading, canning and singing. Kay's family will receive friends and relatives at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, Conn., from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7. The funeral will be Friday, Feb. 8, 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian burial, 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Simsbury, Conn. Burial will be in Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kay's memory to St. Mary's School Library Fund, 946 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT 06070.

, a Norwell, Mass., resident since 1946, passed away on Feb. 4, 2008 at the Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association, Brookline, Mass., at the age of 96. Born in Hood River, Oregon, she grew up in Newton, Mass., graduated from Newton High School, and attended Skidmore College. She and her late husband, John Crocker Bond, were married in 1933 and lived in Newton until moving to Norwell. Mrs. Bond was co-owner with her husband and business manager of Franklin Publishing Company in Rockland, Mass., in the 1950s and 1960s, publishing several local newspapers and doing varied printing work. She later worked in the treasurer's office of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston for a number of years. In her retirement, she helped found the Friends of the Norwell Public Library, volunteered at the South Shore National Science Center in Norwell, and held a variety of offices at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Marshfield. She also traveled extensively, including much of Europe, the United States, including Alaska, and New Zealand. Two years ago, Mrs. Bond moved to the New England Friends Home at Turkey Hill, Hingham, Mass. She became a member of the Christian Science Church in Hingham. She is survived by three sons and their wives, Jonathan H. and Joyanne Bond of Norwell, Duncan H. and Gretchen Bond of Peacham, Vt., and David C. and Judy Bond of Hanover, Mass. She has six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her niece, Nancy Hodges of Lawrenceville, N.J.

, Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sam Gabriel Handy, longtime Pearl Street resident of St. Johnsbury, Vt., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, in Cedar Park, Texas. He and Marion had been making their home with their daughter, Andrea, in Texas since September 2005. He was born Jan. 18, 1915, in Newport, Vt., in the family ice house as he always loved to tell everyone. Being an "iceman" was something of which he was extremely proud and was part of who he was. One of 11 children, his father Gabriel was born in Wada, Lebanon; his mother, Anna Goleb, in Mt. Lebanon in Syria. In 1924, at the age of 9, Sam moved from Newport to St. Johnsbury when his father purchased the St. Johnsbury Ice Company. The Handy family quickly became established fixtures in the town of St. Johnsbury. In his youth, Sam was very active in sports, especially football and hockey. He was a member of the St. Johnsbury football team - the Iron Men - a team of 12 who claimed the semi-pro championship of Vermont in the mid-30s. Additionally, he was a member of the St. Johnsbury hockey team which won the Vermont State Championship in 1939-40. As a member of that hockey team, he accomplished one of his most proud feats - scoring a goal on the face off (4 seconds) of the New England hockey championships in Boston Garden - a record which was still in existence at the time the Garden was torn down. Sam's working career began with the Handy ice business where they cut ice from the ponds off Gilman Avenue and delivered to the businesses and residences of St. Johnsbury. On Nov. 15, 1940, he married Marion Holbrook in Hartford, Conn. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During World War II, he served in the Aleutian Islands after having achieved the position of first sergeant within six months of joining the army. After leaving active duty in 1945, Sam returned to St. Johnsbury to continue working the family ice business. In 1948, Sam and his sister Mary bought the Spanish Villa which he operated for 20 years with Mary and other sisters Rose and Hilda. In the late 1960s, Sam went on to a career in civil service having already served 25 years in the Army Reserve after his World War II Army service. In 1975, he achieved the rank of command sergeant major, one of the first residents of Vermont ever to achieve this rank. He retired from the Army Reserves in 1975 and retired from the U.S. Civil Service in 1980. In 1986, Sam and Marion moved to New Port Richey, Fla., where Sam enjoyed retirement spending many days doing one of his favorites pastimes, fishing. In 2001, they returned to New England, making their home near their daughter, Linda, in Manchester, N.H. Beginning in 2002, Sam and Marion started spending winters in Texas, ultimately moving there permanently in 2005. Throughout his life, Sam had a keen recollection of people and events. He was a civic member of St. Johnsbury and was active in its military and sports organizations. He was instrumental in reviving the sport of hockey in St. J by helping build a new ice rink in 1947. He was a founding member of St. Johnsbury Little League in the 50s, was one of 10 men who paid $100 of their own money to purchase Legion Field for the youth of St. Johnsbury, was one of the best remembered umps for St. Johnsbury Baseball, was a manager/coach for St. J Baseball well into his 60s and was an avid supporter of all St. Johnsbury Academy sports teams. He was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 58, Elks Lodge 1343, and V.F.W. Post 793, St. John the Evangelist Church, all of St. Johnsbury and of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Cedar Park, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marion of Cedar Park, Texas (1207 Magnolia Court, 78613); children, Michael and Betty Handy of Medway, Mass. (11 Lee Lane, 02053), Linda and Michael Sparks of Manchester, N.H. (373 Whitford St., 03104), Netcy and Barb Handy of Novi, Mich. (47047 Manhattan Circle, 48374), Jeff and Terri Handy of Gainesville, Fla. (6102 N.W. 24th Lane, 32606) and Andrea Handy of Cedar Park, Texas (1207 Magnolia Court, 78613); grandchildren, Mark and Cathy Handy of St. Johnsbury, Richard and Ann Handy of Medway, Mass., Samantha (Sparks ) and Bob Ekstrand of Durham, N.C., Michael Jeffrey and Susie Handy of Clarksburg, W.Va., Shaughnessy Sparks of Concord, N.H., Jay Handy and fiancZe Grace Lee of Philadelphia, Pa., Sarajane Sparks of Chapel Hill, N.C., Malinda Handy of Athens, Ohio, Stefanie Sparks of Washington, D.C., Brittany, Krysten, Kayla and Brianna Handy of Gainesville, Fla.; great-grandchildren Christopher Handy and Emmaline, William, Eliza and Samuel Ekstrand; sister Hilda Grenier and brother Tony (Dianne) Handy of St. Johnsbury; sisters-in-law Beverley Hopkins of Lyndon, Lois Holbrook of Shelburne, Sandy Holbrook of Milton and Pauline Handy of Shelburne as well as many, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters Mary and Rose Handy and Nellie (Tom) Azur; two brothers, each named Philip and Netcy, Dick (Mary), and Sully Handy; parents-in-law Robert and Etta Holbrook; brothers-in-law Kenneth Holbrook, Roland Grenier and George Hopkins; daughter Gayla Marie Handy; and great-grandson Alex "The General" Handy. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Johnsbury Monday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at the St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial with military honors will take place in May at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Johnsbury. The Handy family and friends will gather at the Sayles Funeral Home Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Good Shepherd Foundation, P.O. Box 146, St. Johnsbury VT, 05819.

passed away at the Vermont Respite House on Feb. 2, 2008, following a brief illness. Her children were at her side, holding her hands, when her spirit was set free. She was born in Beverly, Mass., on April 2, 1949, to John and Marguerite Remington. She is survived by her father John Remington of Playa del Carmen, Mexico; her friend and partner of nearly 20 years, Steve Hall of Sutton, Vt.; her daughter, Justina Starr and son-in-law Kay Kasanga of Burlington, along with their three children Zachary, Aziza, and Musa Kasanga; her son, Isaac Starr of Edgartown, Mass.; her sister, Jean Olson and brother-in-law George Olson of Montpelier, Vt., and their family; her sister, Mary Gulbrandsen and brother-in-law David Gulbrandsen of Perkinsville, Vt.; and her former spouse and long-time friend, Robert Starr of Lyndonville, Vt. She was predeceased by her mother, Marguerite Remington, in 2005. She was a beloved daughter, sister, significant other, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was always kind, compassionate and non-judgmental. She was a fierce protector, good listener, keeper of secrets, world traveler, hard worker, nurse, sheep farmer, thrifty spender, and strong independent spirit. Some of her favorite things were the early mornings, her afternoon cup of tea, family, kayaking, riding her motorcycle, playing tennis, fly fishing, the Rolling Stones, book club, Center Pond, and Majahual, Mexico. Above all, her biggest love was for the water and swimming. One of her favorite memories was from last year when, with the help of her son-in-law, she delivered her youngest grandson into this world, at home when the mid-wife didn't arrive on time. Of all the places she may be, we think it's most likely that she is sitting "en la Playa" in Mexico, basking in the sun, and sipping a margarita with her mother. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the Vermont Respite House for making Diane's last moments as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Donations in her name may be sent to the Vermont Respite House, c/o Sharon Keagen, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495. A celebration of her life will be held in June.