, 35, of St. Johnsbury, passed away in Littleton, NH, on Friday, Dec. 27, 2002. She was born May 26, 1967, in Stoughton, MA, the daughter of Francis and Glenna (Horton) Tay Sr. Her father predeceased her on Jan. 8, 2000. She is survived by her husband, Greg Garand of Littleton; two daughters, Deanna and Kirsty Johnson, of Passumpsic; her mother, Glenna Tay of Passumpsic; her sister, Veronica Tay of St. Johnsbury; her brother, Francis J. Tay Jr. of Passumpsic; her maternal grandmother, Nell Horton of Morresburg, TN; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. There will be no calling hours. Memorial services will be held at the Pearsons Funeral Home, Church Street, Lyndonville, Monday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m., with the Rev. David Piers of the Union Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Palmer Cemetery in Barnet.

, 7, returned to her Heavenly Father Monday, Nov. 15, 2004, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center following a brief illness. The daughter of James L. and Michele (Mitchell) Shufelt, Michele was born July 5, 1997, in St. Johnsbury. Michele was a second-grader at Sutton School. She enjoyed four-wheeling, snowmobiling and basketball. Michele loved being at home with her family, and she loved being with her family as they participated in various sports activities. She would entertain others and make many new friends. Michele, we will miss you more than words can express. Michele is survived by her parents, James Jr. and Michele Shufelt; sisters, Stacey Shufelt and her fiance Joey Dwyer, Christina Shufelt, Jessica Shufelt, and Danyelle Shufelt; a brother, James Shufelt III; grandparents, Carrol and Brenda Mitchell, Lynette Shufelt and James Shufelt; a special nephew, Dylan Dwyer, who meant the world to her; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 19, from 5-8 p.m., at the Pearsons Funeral Home, 70 Church St., Lyndonville. A funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m., at the Lyndonville First Congregational Church. Interment will follow at the Sutton Village Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Michele's name to either the National Children's Lukemia Foundation, 7316 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11234; or the Lyndon Youth Softball Baseball, P.O. Box 1143, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

; age 64; an East Burke resident, passed away Friday, October 14, 2005 at his residence. Born March 18, 1941 in Woodsville, NH. He is the son of Roland T. And Dolores (Allard) Degree. Moe was a 1960 graduate of Lyndon Institute, married Jacqueline M. Cadieux, April 1, 1967, he is a twenty year veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was employed as a Shift Supervisor at St. Johnsbury Correctional Facility and was looked up to by all, including, fellow workers and inmates alike throughout the State. Moe’s family was the most important part of his life, they will miss him dearly. He was an avid outdoors man, enjoying hunting, fishing, bird watching, gardening, walking, painting, nature, carpentry, making bird houses and antiques. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #10038 in Lyndonville. Moe is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Jackie of East Burke; son, Maurice E. Degree of Lyndonville, and fiancee Noemi Guerra; daughter, Danielle Renee Degree-Ghirarda and husband Matthew of Methuen, MA; two brothers, John Degree of St. Johnsbury, Roland Degree of Lunenburg; several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 19, 11:00 a.m. at the Lyndonville First Congregational Church, with the Rev. Billy Wandless (brother-in-law), officiant. Visiting hours will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 till 8:00 p.m. at the Pearsons Funeral Home, located at 70 Church St., Lyndonville. Interment with military honors provided by the Vermont National Guard, also a detail of law enforcement provided by the Correctional Center will be in the Lyndon Center Cemetery.

, 70, of Westmore, VT passed away peacefully in her home on September 2, 2006. Dorothy was the only child of Delwin and Irene (High) Bailey. She was born in Lyndon, VT in 1935. She joins her devoted canine friend, Shilo, who predeceased her in the winter of 2006. Dorothy worked for Umbrella Inc. of St. Johnsbury, the Loyal Order of the Moose and was a member of the Westmore Ladies Aide Society. Dorothy was an avid fan of NASCAR and driver Bobby Labonte. Dorothy loved to go dancing and socializing with her friends at Shelly’s in West Burke. Dorothy is survived by her four children, Fredrick L. Allard, Jr. and wife Melanie of Lyndon; Vikki J. Stoddard and husband Randy of Lyndonville; Chris R. Allard of Lyndon Center; and Keith E. Allard of East Burke; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren and her loving feline companion, Angel. Dorothy also leaves behind the following close friends who were very supportive of her during her illness, Janet Grant, John and Linda Corey, and her neighbors Vicki Simino and Richard Dibiri of Westmore. The family requests memorial donations in Dorothy’s memory be made to the Elizabeth H. Brown Humane Society, P.O. Box 6, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or Westmore Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 126, Orleans, VT 05860. Dorothy asked that there would be no visiting hours. There will be a graveside ceremony on Friday, September 8, at 11:00 A.M. at the Lyndon Center Cemetery. The family would like to thank the following for their ongoing support during Dorothy’s illness: Kimball Johnson, the caring folks from Northern Exposure Store, the third floor staff of the Newport Hospital, and Orleans Essex Hospice and friends. A special thanks for the dedication, care, support and love provided by her loving daughter-in-law, Melanie Allard.

, of East Haven passed away Friday, October 27, 2006 at his home surrounded by his family. Born April 2, 1922 in Barton, the son of Olin W. and Marie A. (Falcon) Allard. He attended Sutton schools, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII, married Ruth E. Brown January 7, 1950 in West Burke. Kenneth was a truck driver for over 50 years, driving for Bob Larabee, Ray Parker & Son, and Calkins. He enjoyed his family, playing solitaire, cutting wood, gardening, reading, watching the Bold and the Beautiful, and the Price is Right, and sitting on the porch watching the birds. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Ruth E. of East Haven; three sons, Steven Allard and wife Cheri; Daniel Allard and wife Marilyn; Joseph Allard and companion Sara Sherrat; four daughters, Susan Benoit and husband Richard; Judith Bailey; Ellen Chase and husband Raymond; Janet Powers and companion Dale Bird; 21 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren; a brother, Bernard Allard and wife Joan; two sisters, Hazel and Linda Allard; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Ray, Dean and Wayne Allard; a sister Marion Ferrin. A graveside service will be Monday, October 30, 11:00 A.M. at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Newark with a close family friend, Pastor Terry Howard, officiant. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Caledonia Home Health & Hospice at P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

; age 27; of West Burke, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 23, 2006 at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. The son of Joseph P. Allard and Theresa L. Walker, he was born July 19, 1979 in St. Johnsbury. Bill attended school at both the St. Johnsbury Academy and Lyndon Institute, he was a real outdoors man enjoying, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and four wheeling. He is survived by his parents, Joe Allard and companion Sarah Sherratt of Lyndonville; Theresa Walker of Allentown, PA; fiancee, Crystal Turgeon of West Burke; grandmother, Ruth Allard of East Haven; brother, Tony of West Burke; step brothers, Jeff Schools of Manchester, NH; Andy Schools of Newark; uncles and aunts, Steve & Cheri Allard; Richard & Sue Benoit; Dan and Marilyn Allard; Judith Bailey; Ellen and Raymond Chase; Janet Powers; several cousins. He was predeceased by a grandfather, Kenneth Allard. A memorial service will be held at the Lyndonville First Congregational Church, Friday, December 29, at 3:00 P.M. with the Rev. Sydney Lambert, officiant. The family requests memorial contributions be made in William’s name to either Tri County Substance Abuse or Vermont Fish & Wildlife (fish stocking programs) at 103 South Main 10 South, Waterbury, VT 05671

; age 100; a Lyndon resident passed away Sunday, September 17, 2006 at her daughters home. Daughter of the late Louis A. and Mabel (Mc Questen) Spencer she was born July 4, 1906 in Plymouth, NH. A native of Plymouth, NH Lillian married Fred A. Baker July 6, 1925 in Plymouth; she came to Lyndon in 1994 to be with her daughter. Lillian enjoyed knitting Afghans, cooking and music at the age of 60 she learned to drive a car, she really enjoyed the freedom that brought. Lilian is survived by her daughter, Marjorie Burrington of Lyndon; sister Zanita Collins of Rumney, NH; six grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by two daughters, Pauline Inez Baker & Virginia Mae Baker; husband Fred; five brothers, Archie, Harry, Leon, Charlie, Arnold; one sister, Marion . Visiting hours will be at the Pearsons Funeral Home located at 70 Church St., Lyndonville Wednesday evening between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 P.M. A graveside service will be in the Riverside Cemetery Plymouth, NH, Thursday, 10:30 A.M. with the Rev. Margaret Bickford officiant.

; age 75, of East Haven passed away Thursday, November 2, 2006 surrounded by her family at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Daughter of the late Merrill J. and Crystelle B. (Grant) Hudson she was born August 12, 1931 in Burlington. She married Clyde C. Carter, was a member of the Sutton Freewill Baptist Church, enjoyed speeding in her car, crocheting, flowers, gardening, cooking, (she compiled seven cook books) she obtained her pilots license and enjoyed flying. Ernestine is survived by her husband of 59 years, Clyde C. Carter of East Haven; five children, Kathleen Edson and husband Charles of West Burke; Clifton Carter and wife Lynette; Stephen Carter both of Lyndonville; Cindy Carter Garceau and husband Alan of Graniteville; Cheryl Carter of Oxnard, CA; a sister, Lily Lou Gunn of Midlothian, VA; seven grandchildren, several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a brother, Freeman Drew. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, November 7, 11:00 A.M. at the Sutton Freewill Baptist Church, with the Pastor David Colwell, officiant. A private family graveside will be at the Lyndon Center Cemetery in the Spring. The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Ernestine’s name to the Vermont Lung Association at 38 Farrell St., South Burlington, VT 05403

, age 68, a St. Johnsbury resident passed away, Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at his home surrounded by his family and cat Smokey. Son of the late Alfred, Sr. and Ada (Bennett) Cole he was born August 14, 1938 in West Burke. Babe married Ruth Cross on October 2, 1959, he served in the Vermont Army National Guard, owned and operated Cole’s Body Shop in St. Johnsbury Center for many years. After retiring he drove for St. J Auto and Quality Motors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, for the past six years he and Ruth have been regulars at the Lakeside Campground at Island Pond; he also enjoyed gardening, dancing, playing cards, word search, scratch tickets, and hand held poker. He especially enjoyed helping others with anything at any time. Babe was a family man enjoying family gatherings and having friends visit him at home with his family. Babe is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Ruth Cole; two sons Stephen Cole and wife Rosemary “Bud” of all of St. Johnsbury; Timothy R. Cole of Lyndonville; father-in-law Elwin Cross and companion Lois Jones of St. Johnsbury; two brothers, Alfred C. Cole and wife Anita of East Burke; Stewart Cole of Newark; four grandchildren, Richard, Travis, Matthew and Jonathan; several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made in Babe’s name to the Caledonian Home Health & Hospice at P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. A memorial service will be Friday, October 20, 3:00 P.M. at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church with Rev. Barbara A. Dwyer, officiating. Interment will follow at the Hillside Cemetery in West Burke. Calling hours will be at the Pearsons Funeral Home, located at 70 Church St., Lyndonville Thursday from 2:00 till 4:00 P.M. and again from 6:00 till 8:00 P.M.

; a Lyndon and former West Burke resident passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Ctr. Daughter of the late John and Anne (Langmaid) O’Keefe she was born July 24, 1927 in Island Pond. She married Mahlon O. O’Keefe, he predeceased her on January 20, 2002. She was self employed as an Antique Dealer in te area. Leatrice is survived by a son, Joseph Jackson of Lyndonville; brothers, Cecil O’Keefe of Island Pond, Davis O’Keefe of Newport. She was predeceased by a brother, Laurence; sisters, Ruby and Charlotte. Graveside services will be held in the spring at the Hillside Cemetery, West Burke. There will be no calling hours.

age 90 a former Lyndonville and current St. Johnsbury resident passed away Sunday, November 12, 2006 at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Born September 7, 1916 in New York City, NY he is the son of the late Severin and Fanny (Korpola) Jacobsen. Charles served in the U.S. Army during WWII, he married Jean Catherine Grime in Great neck, NY in 1949, he worked for Grand union supervising the egg production plant, later for S & H Green Stamps setting up stores, then he was manager of the American Dairy Association of Vermont between the years of 1956 - 1962, and later with the National Association; he was an avid fisherman, hunter and all around outdoors man and he liked to read. Charles is survived by two sons, Richard E. Jacobsen of Homestead, FL; William C. Jacobsen of Ouray, CO; and a half brother, Jack Jacobsen. A memorial service will be held in the Pearsons Funeral Home Chapel Friday November17, at 2:00 P.M

; age 94; a Lyndonville resident passed away Saturday evening at her home surrounded by family. Daughter of the late Grover and Eva (Smith) Allard she was born July 4, 1912 in St. Johnsbury. Wilma worked for the Shoe Shop, Glovers, Pine Knoll Nursing Home, Darling Inn Nursing Home, was an RSVP Volunteer, and most recently a Senior Companion with the Area Agency on Aging. Wilma loved spending time with her children and their friends, they spent much time and many meals together, as love and friendships grew they would refer to her as “Gram” and consider each other extended family. Wilma enjoyed playing cards, traveling, knitting, gardening, Sunday drives, and dining out. Wilma is survived by four children, Richard Johnson and wife Clara of Sutton; Roland Johnson and wife Sherri of Concord; Ralph Johnson and wife Dolly of West Burke; Ruth Ann Hamel and husband Robert of Lyndonville; 23 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren; 7 grandchildren that she raised, Harold Burrington, Jr and wife Diane of Grey, ME; Gail Gorham of Buffalo, WY; Brian Burrington and wife Gisele of South Kirby; Michael Burrington and wife Marsha of Sutton; Randy Burrington and wife Lisa of West Danville; Wendy Burrington Switser and companion Alan Colburn of West Burke; Douglas Burrington and wife Cindy of Lyndon; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother Wayne; sister Edith Bandy; son Reginald; daughter Raylene Johnson Burrington. A Memorial Service will be held at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church Wednesday, November 1, 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Barbara A. Dwyer, officiant. Interment will be in the Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke. The family requests memorial contribution be made in Wilma’s name to the Area Agency on Aging Division of Disability and Aging Services at 102 South Main St., Waterbury, VT 05671-2301

; age 34; passed away unexpectedly Thursday, September 21, 2006. He is the beloved son of George and Jeanne Lanoue of Island Pond, VT. He leaves behind his wife Melissa, along with three daughters Amber age 5, Jasmine age 4, and Halley age 18 months. He is also survived by one brother, Michael Lanoue and wife Alice; their children, Jessica age 19, Zachary age 16, and Tyler age 13, of Newark, VT. Daryl was born December 11, 1971 in Putnam, CT. He was a 1989 graduate from Killingly High School in Danielson, CT. Daryl was a long time resident of Brooklyn, CT. For the past seven years Daryl resided with his family in Sutton, VT. Daryl was an employee of E.H.V. Weidman. Daryl enjoyed the simple things in life, whether it was the time he spent with family, working on his motorcycle, grabbing his fishing pole or the time he spent with his dog, Buster; Daryl found true happiness being around the things he loved. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Visiting hours will be Thursday, Sept. 28, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Pearsons Funeral Home, located at 70 Church St., Lyndonville. A Graveside service will be Friday, Sept. 29, 11:00 AM at the Hillside Cemetery, West Burke. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Lanoue Children Trust Fund; c/o Passumpsic Savings Bank, Island Pond, VT

a thirty year resident of Whispering Pines, North Carolina died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 95 on November 9, 2006 at the home of his daughter Linda Morrow in Lyndonville, VT. He had spent the last six months in Vermont, enjoying the spring, summer and fall, but dreading the coming winter. He was “born and raised” in Mt. Morris in the Genesee Valley of up-state New York. He graduated from Hamilton College and Harvard Business School and spent the next 43 years with International Paper Company in New York, Boston, Montreal and back to New York. His last position was as Senior Vice President of International Paper Sales Company. During this period he made some of his best friends while training younger sales people. Bill retired to Whispering Pines in 1974 to the good life of golf, fishing and gardening. He found time for several years to volunteer at Vass-Lakeview School convincing 3rd graders that 9x9 = 81. He was selected for the Governor’s Volunteer Award. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 55 years Petra (Pete) and by their daughter Carol. His companion and best friend Helen Anderson, of Whispering Pines also predeceased him. Surviving are his daughter Linda and her partner Sue Ming of Lyndonville, VT, and his grandsons and granddaughters-in-law: Steven Cohen of Burlington, VT, Mike Cohen and his wife Pamela, of Bellingham, WA and Josh Cohen and his wife Lisa of Burlington, VT. In an ironic twist of fate, a family reunion with his grandsons and their wives had been planned for the weekend of November 10 - 12. So the weekend was spent with everyone sharing stories, hugs and tears while remembering and celebrating the life of a man known for his curiosity, love of reading the morning newspaper, kindness and great generosity. If anyone feels a memory gift is needed, Bill suggests considering the Carol Lee Morrow Scholarship at Lesley University, 29 Everett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138-27401, attention: Sheryl Blair. Peace be with you. This obituary was written by Bill on 7/4/05 and updated by Linda on 11/10/2006

, 80 died early Saturday Morning, November 18, 2006 at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Hildegarde was born February 12, 1926 in Allenstein, Germany, the daughter of Erich and Elizabeth Mueller. She is survived by her sister, Frau Liesel Walter and family of Gruna, Germany, a niece, Frau Kathrein Eichelkamp and family of Muhlau, Germany and a cousin, Herr Jaochim Wollner and family of Sassnitz, Germany.As a young woman, Hildegarde followed the Russian army west until it met up with the American army in war-torn Europe. In 1946, she emigrated from England to Canada where served as a nurse at an Indian reservation. She became a naturalized citizen of the US in 1969, when she lived in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. She worked in greenhouses assisting the botanists at a university in Pennsylvania until she retired and moved to Vermont. She built and made her home in Lyndon in 1981. Hildegarde possessed a great love and respect for soldiers, leaders such as Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Winston Churchill, and Ronald Reagan, and for the country of the United States. She was well read and a free thinker. She greatly enjoyed wildlife, especially the birds who frequented her feeders, and she kept lovely flowers and vegetable gardens. She turned her little piece of Vermont woodland into a enclave of beauty. Friends of Hildegarde’s are invited to gather December 2, 2006 at 7 PM for an evening of remembrance at the home of David and Judy Allard at 172 Allard Drive in Lyndon, Vermont. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57326 or to the World Society for the Protection of Animals, 29 Perkins Street, P.O. Box 190, Boston, MA 02130

; age 83 of Lyndon passed away at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center, Saturday, December 2, 2006 surrounded by her family. She was born October 15, 1923 in Walden, the daughter of David & Marjorie (Gray) Cassady. She was a graduate of Lyndon Institute and a member of the Lyndonville United Methodist Church. On December 25, 1941 she married Reginald Peck who predeceased her on April 14, 1997. She is survived by four daughters, Regina Lee of Chattanooga, TN.; Juanita Williamson of Lyndon; Wanda and her husband Steve Wilkie of West Burke; Ramona Humphrey of Havre de Grace, MD; ten grandchildren, twenty two great grandchildren; three brothers; two sisters, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers. There will be a private graveside service for the family at the Lyndon Center Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. Those who wish may send memorial contributions in her memory to: Lyndon Rescue, Inc. PO Box 401 Lyndonville, VT 05851

; age 60 of Whitefield and former Sheffield, VT resident passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at the Littleton Regional Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Born November 24, 1945 in South Boston, MA he is the son of Willie E. And Sylvia E. (Wyman) Sullivan. Wayne graduated from South Boston High School, was a self taught stenographer and worked for the court system in Vermont, he was devoted to his church the Bethel Anabaptist Church in East Lyndon where he enjoyed many special friendships with various members there. Wayne is survived by two children, Clifton Daniel Sullivan; Ryan Patrick Sullivan both Vermont residents; mother, Sylvia E. Sullivan of South Boston, MA; brothers and sister, E. Daniel Sullivan of Tucson, AZ; Marlene Virginia Bedore of Springfield, MA; Clifton Guy Sullivan of South Boston, MA he was predeceased by his father Willie in 1988. A Funeral service will be held at the Pearsons Funeral Home, located at 70 Church st., Lyndonville, VT on Friday, Oct. 27, 1:00 P.M. the family will receive friends beginning at 12 Noon. Interment will follow in the William Dexter Cemetery.

; age 97, a Lyndonville resident passed away, Monday, November 27, 2006 at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab. Center. The daughter of Jeff R. And Lois P. (Schooley) Marsh she was born September 4. 1909 in Cale, Arkansas. The oldest of seven children Verginia worked as a nanny between 1935 and 1939 for Bill Dickey (the New York Yankee Hall of Fame Catcher) she married Francis Joseph Walsh, from 1939 till 1974 she worked for Wallgreens in the Empire State Building in New York City. Verginia is survived by a daughter, Jen Walsh and partner Phyllis Perkins of Lyndonville; brother, Jeff Roland Marsh of Fayetteville, AR; sister, Mildred Mauldin of Portland, TX. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Francis of 55 years, and four siblings. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Verginia’s name may be made to Umbrella, at 1222 Main St. Ste #301, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

, 79, of East Burke, passed away at Fletcher Allen Hospital on Thursday, November 2, surrounded by his family. He was born in East Burke, VT, son of Clarence and Bernice Rexford on June 9, 1927. Tom was a talented, “Jack of all Trades.” He enjoyed driving truck and flying during his younger years. He worked at Tap & Die, then eventually retired from Fairbanks after 38 years of service. Even though he was retired, he went on to work for the Town of Burke. He enjoyed going to the Town sheds to see what practical jokes he was going to receive or give to the “boys.” He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but really enjoyed a round of golf with his good friends, especially his games with Ronald. He was so proud of his “Hole in One.” Then there was the game of horseshoes; another talent he had, even as a boy. He played many years on the VFW League. There were many days you would see Tom outside competing with anyone interested in a game of shoes during the summer months. His special love was all his 11 grandchildren and their spouses, along with his 18 great-grandchildren. It was always exciting when Gramp gave you a chance to win a jar of coins by guessing the right amount in the jar, even if you needed a little help, until everyone had won. Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Stone Rexford of 57 years; daughter, Sandy and husband Richard Ingerson, Jr.; daughter, Roxie and husband John Mac Donald; daughter Diane and husband Jeffrey Bean. He is also survived by a sister, Shirley and husband Ralph Temple; and a brother, Robert and wife Audrey Rexford; along with several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Per Tom’s wishes, there will be no memorial service or funeral. A private ceremony with family is planned in the future. The family requests that donations be made in Tom’s name to the following: Civil Air Patrol (Youth Program), Squadron VT 004, 2165 Pudding Hill, Lyndonville, VT 05851

, Betty left us December 8, 2006 after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer’s. she was born December 22, 1928 in West Danville, VT the daughter of the late Otis and Katherine Ayer. On January 3, 1953 she married Louis Sweeney in Hartford, CT. Betty spent most of her working career at Dinse, Erdmann & Clapp, a job she truly loved. Betty enjoyed reading, playing bingo, bowling, gardening and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children: David Sweeney of Underhill, VT; Lori Pelissier of St. Albans and her son Anthony; Jennifer (Dan) Francis of Underhill, VT and their children Danny (Lena), Adam and Tom; Michael (Dana) Sweeney of Essex Junction, VT and their childrenMichael, Holly, Tyler, Sheldon, Alex; daughter in law Lyn Cousino of North Ferrisburg and their children Justin and Dan; her sister Dorothy Larrabee of west Danville. In addition she leaves 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband in 2003, her son Tom in 1993 and her brother Richard Ayer. Special thanks to the Porter Nursing Home in Middlebury and Genesis Eldercare in Morrisville for their caring and dedicated staff who took such good care of Betty. A memorial service will be held in the spring in West Danville, an announcement will be made at a later time. Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Green Mountain Chapter, 338 River St., Montpelier, VT 05602. A special thought for gram, Isn’t it odd how the complexity of life could be so _ simple? So—original... so saddening... When a life is lost it brings tears to your eyes. A gap is created in the place of the lost life. An empty hole ready to be stored in your heart, to be locked but... never forgotten, an imprint so deep it compels itself. By Thomas Francis

of West Burke passed away Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, at his home following a lengthy illness. The son of Elvin and Ethelyn (Gaskin) Switser, he was born June 14, 1929, in Lyndon. He married Catherine Powers, July 1, 1950, in Lyndonville; together they raised a son, Bob. Bob was a truck driver, owning and operating B.S. Enterprises. His love was two-fold: truck driving and raising, working, driving and training horses. He owned and operated Sunny Brook Farm in West Burke. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Catherine P. Switser of West Burke; their son, Bob Switser of Lyndonville; grandson, Shane Switser and his wife Emily; great-grandchildren, Olivia Switser, Colby Switser and Ella Morgan Switser; a brother, Stanley Switser and his wife Debbie. Bob was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Reginald, Dean and Arnold; and a great-grandson, Joshua R. Switser. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. at Pearsons Funeral Home with Pastor David Colwell, officiant. Visiting hours will be Monday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., also at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, West Burke. Donations in Bob's memory may be made to: Caledonia Home Health Care, Sherman Drive, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; or to a charity of one's choice.

; age 97, a Lyndonville resident passed away, Monday, November 27, 2006 at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab. Center. The daughter of Jeff R. And Lois P. (Schooley) Marsh she was born September 4. 1909 in Cale, Arkansas. The oldest of seven children Verginia worked as a nanny between 1935 and 1939 for Bill Dickey (the New York Yankee Hall of Fame Catcher) she married Francis Joseph Walsh, from 1939 till 1974 she worked for Wallgreens in the Empire State Building in New York City. Verginia is survived by a daughter, Jen Walsh and partner Phyllis Perkins of Lyndonville; brother, Jeff Roland Marsh of Fayetteville, AR; sister, Mildred Mauldin of Portland, TX. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Francis of 55 years, and four siblings. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Verginia’s name may be made to Umbrella, at 1222 Main St. Ste #301, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819