, 78, of 97 Hooker Hill Road, St. Johnsbury, died at home, Sunday morning, Dec. 1, 2002. She was born in Island Pond, Aug. 1, 1924, the daughter of Clifton and Sylvia (Cross) Powers. She attended St. Mary's Academy in Island Pond and married George A. Fortin there on May 2, 1945. He predeceased her May 25, 1991. She was employed for nearly 20 years for Maple Grove Farms, retiring in 1984. She is survived by five children, Judy LaCoss and husband Stephen of Lyndonville; Larry Fortin and wife Ilene of Richmond; Jane Fortin of St. Johnsbury; Donald Fortin and companion Leora Hartwell of Groveton, N.H.; and Stephen Fortin and wife Sabrina of Kirby; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; five surviving brothers and sisters, Geraldine Dufour and Marion Deslandes, both of Island Pond, Clifton Powers of Baldwin Mills, Quebec, Carol Dodge of Tampa, Fla., and Duane Powers of Island Pond; and nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial will be in early May at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held this evening, Monday, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Sayles Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Caledonia Home Health Agency, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 51, of 71 Eastern Ave., Lyndonville, passed away Friday, Nov. 29, 2002 in Norwich, Vt., as the result of an automobile accident. He was born in Bridgeton, N.J., July 7, 1951, the son of the late Harold and Dorothy Hawlk. He was predeceased by a brother, Harold Hawlk. He worked as a computer analyst at the Littleton Coin Company. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Lyndonville United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee and a member of the staff parish relations committee. He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Briggs) Hawlk of Lyndonville; three children, Heather Ott and husband Randy of West Burke, David Hawlk Jr. of Lyndonville, and Robert Hawlk of Lyndonville; a grandchild, Haley Ott of West Burke; a brother, Barry Hawlk and wife Linda of Dover, Del.; and two nieces, a nephew, a grand-niece and a grand-nephew. Visiting hours will be held at the Pearsons Funeral Home Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to either the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 543, Lyndonville, VT 05851, or to the Lyndon Area Youth Hockey Association, P.O. Box 1241, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

, 69, of St. Johnsbury, died Friday, Nov. 29, 2002. Born in Horom, Armenia, June 10, 1933, he worked as a government official and came to America seven years ago. He and his wife made their home with his son and family at 137 Hooker Hill. He is survived by his wife Jenia; son Tigran and wife Hasmik; daughter Ludmilla; and grandchildren Areg, Asterik and Narek, all of St. Johnsbury. Burial will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 1 p.m., at the Lyndon Center Cemetery. Preceding the burial, family and friends will gather at the Sayles Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. People wishing to extend their sympathies are welcome to stop by the funeral home.

, 85, formerly of South Street, Concord, died at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center early Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002. She was born in Manchester, N.H., Nov. 20, 1917, the daughter of George and Leona (Forrest) Fortin. The Paquettes moved from Concord to Winooski with the Gilman Paper Company in the early 1960s. She was predeceased by her husband, Venerand, Sept. 8, 1994; and by a son, Donald, Feb. 28, 1973. She is survived by three sons, Roland Paquette and wife Janet of Concord, Robert Paquette, stationed in Charlottesville, Va., and William Paquette of Concord; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lillian Conrad of Middletown, R.I. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home, closing with an evening prayer service. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury. Burial will be in early May at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions marked for "Resident Activity Fund" may be directed to the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center, 1248 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 67, of The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville, died Sunday Dec. 1, 2002, with family by her side. She was born in Salem, N.H., the daughter of Leo and Eunice (Fairbanks) Courtemanche. She attended local schools there and moved to Lisbon, N.H., where she resided for 24 years prior to moving to Lyndonville 10 years ago. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, crafts and crocheting. She was a very witty lady who made many friends over the years, but most of all, she loved spending time with her family. She is survived by four sons, Randy Rugar of Meredith, N.H., David Rugar of Nashua, N.H., Robert Rugar of New Hampshire, James Rugar of Rumney, N.H.; three daughters, Pamela Zukas of Salem, N.H., Lisa Beaton of Lancaster, N.H., and Jane Schofield of Landaff, N.H.; several grandchildren; two brothers, Wayne Courtemanche of California, and Leon Courtemanche of New Hampshire; and a sister, Sandra Dickey of Salem, N.H. She was predeceased by her daughter, Robin Schofield. Friends and family may gather at the Ross Funeral Home, Littleton Chapel, Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will take place at the Glenwood Cemetery, Littleton, at the convenience of the family.

, 91, of East Burke, passed away at The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002. She was born July 13, 1911 in West Fairlee, the daughter of the late Earl R. and Bertha May (Heath) Roundy. Her husband, George Humphrey, predeceased her Oct. 9, 1982. She was also predeceased by two sisters, Carolyn Currie and Pearle Lynch; and by two sons-in-law, Ralph Woodward and Wesley Ward. She was a former member of the Eastern Star Chapter 28 of West Burke, the East Haven Grange 457, and the Lady's Aid Society of East Haven Methodist Church. She was "Gram" to many. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Barbara Woodward of West Burke, Paul and Dorothy Humphrey of New Egypt, N.J., Stuart and Joyce Humphrey of East Burke, Linda Ward of Sutton, Clifford and Susann Humphrey of East Burke, and George and Margaret Humphrey of East Haven; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Estella Brown of Brattleboro; and several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be held in the Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke, Friday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Ted Ruggles officiating. Those who wish may send contributions in her memory to either the Caledonia Home Health Care Agency, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; Lyndon Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 401, Lyndonville, VT 05851; or the East Haven Methodist Church, P.O. Box 44, Sheffield, VT 05866.

, 78, of 105 Branch Lane, Corinth, died Dec. 1, 2002, following an extended illness. She was born in Woodsville, July 1, 1924, and was raised by Charles and Maude Davis. Mrs. Henderson was a lifelong area resident, graduated from Newbury High School, and had been employed for several years as a machinist for the Burndy Corporation in North Haverhill and Littleton. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Henderson, Oct. 6, 1984. Survivors include three daughters, Rilla A. Millette of Woodsville, Pamela J. Kinney of Corinth, and Penny L. Morin of Sugar Hill; five grandchildren, Gidget Vittum, Anna Copeland, April Millette, Troy Brock and Brooke Kinney; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Earl R. Langford of Pinehurst, Mass.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A calling hour will be held Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7 to 8 p.m., at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville. A prayer service will conclude the calling hour at 8 p.m., with Mr. Gerry Brooks officiating. Burial in Boltonville Cemetery, Newbury, will be in the spring. For those planning an expression of sympathy, please consider the Horse Meadow Senior Center, P.O. Box 249, North Haverhill, NH 03774.

, 87, formerly of East Montpelier and Cabot, died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002 at the Mark H. Wentworth Home in Portsmouth, N.H. Born July 13, 1915 in Walden, Vt., she was the daughter of Royce and Ruth (Perkins) Talbert. She graduated from Cabot High School in the Class of 1933, where she enjoyed music and basketball, and later graduated from the Vermont Seminary in Montpelier. In earlier years, she had worked for the state of Vermont as administrative assistant to the Secretary of Education. She moved to East Montpelier, where she met and married Marshall Hodgeman. She was bookkeeper for Hodgeman Appliance and auditor for the town of East Montpelier for many years. A member of the Old Brick Church in East Montpelier, she had served as choir director and was a lifelong member of the Old Brick Church Club, and was active in 4-H. Irma was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, her East Montpelier home, and friends there and at Joe's Pond in Cabot. After leaving East Montpelier, she lived with her daughter, Diane and husband Michael Conlin of Leadville, Colo., and her son, Bill and wife Katherine Hodgeman of Rye, N.H., before residing at the Mark H. Wentworth Home in Portsmouth. In addition to her son and daughter, she is survived by her grandchildren, Christopher Conlin and Katie Conlin, Jill Hodgeman, Bill Hodgeman and Ryan Hodgeman; a sister, Irene Paine of Morrisville; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Marshall Hodgeman. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m., in the Old Brick Church in East Montpelier. Later interment will take place in the Plain-Mont Cemetery in East Montpelier. Friends may call Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Old Brick Church, East Montpelier, VT 05651, or to the Cabot School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 74, Cabot, VT 05658.

, 87, formerly of East Montpelier and Cabot, died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002 at the Mark H. Wentworth Home in Portsmouth, N.H. Born July 13, 1915 in Walden, Vt., she was the daughter of Royce and Ruth (Perkins) Talbert. She graduated from Cabot High School in the Class of 1933, where she enjoyed music and basketball, and later graduated from the Vermont Seminary in Montpelier. In earlier years, she had worked for the state of Vermont as administrative assistant to the Secretary of Education. She moved to East Montpelier, where she met and married Marshall Hodgeman. She was bookkeeper for Hodgeman Appliance and auditor for the town of East Montpelier for many years. A member of the Old Brick Church in East Montpelier, she had served as choir director and was a lifelong member of the Old Brick Church Club, and was active in 4-H. Irma was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, her East Montpelier home, and friends there and at Joe's Pond in Cabot. After leaving East Montpelier, she lived with her daughter, Diane and husband Michael Conlin of Leadville, Colo., and her son, Bill and wife Katherine Hodgeman of Rye, N.H., before residing at the Mark H. Wentworth Home in Portsmouth. In addition to her son and daughter, she is survived by her grandchildren, Christopher Conlin and Katie Conlin, Jill Hodgeman, Bill Hodgeman and Ryan Hodgeman; a sister, Irene Paine of Morrisville; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Marshall Hodgeman. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m., in the Old Brick Church in East Montpelier. Later interment will take place in the Plain-Mont Cemetery in East Montpelier. Friends may call Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Old Brick Church, East Montpelier, VT 05651, or to the Cabot School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 74, Cabot, VT 05658.

, 76, of Route 302, Wells River, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, at Genesis Healthcare in Lebanon, N.H. She was born in Barnet Center, March 8, 1926, the daughter of Raymond C. and Ethel (Brown) Blodgett. Prior to her marriage, Mildred worked for the Woodsville Cafe as a waitress. She married Bernice "Larry" Eastman, Aug. 16, 1956. Surviving relatives include her husband Larry of Wells River; nine children, Raymond R. Ross of New Britain, Conn., Charles Ross and wife Catherine of Plymouth, Conn., Susan Gaylord and husband Bruce of Newbury, Thomas Eastman and wife Deborah of Bristol, Conn., Brenda Eastman of Woodsville, Brian Eastman and wife Sandy of Bristol, Conn., John Eastman and fiancee Kathy Davis of Sutton, Merry J. Coutermarsh, and James Eastman of Wells River; 22 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Blodgett of Littleton and Robert Blodgett of Lisbon; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A calling hour will be held at the Ricker Funeral Home, Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a prayer to follow by the Rev. Vadia Boudreau, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Woodsville. There will be no funeral services. Burial will be in the Groton Village Cemetery when the cemetery reopens in the spring of 2003.

, 87, of 44 Jones St., St. Johnsbury, passed away at her home unexpectedly, early Tuesday morning, Dec. 3, 2002. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Dec. 10, 1914, one of six children born to Charles and Frances (Legendre) Willey. Her husband, Charles E. Leclerc, passed away suddenly 45 years ago on Nov. 9, 1955; and her elder daughter Anne Henderson passed away Nov. 18, 1991. Evelyn was an operating nurse at St. Johnsbury Hospital and later worked as a registered nurse at the Fitch Clinic, retiring in the early 1980s. She was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church. Her family includes one surviving daughter, Sylvia Leclerc of St. Johnsbury; two grandchildren, David Henderson and wife Pattie of Essex Junction, and Dawn Brescia and husband Andrew of Peterborough, N.H.; five great-grandchildren, Chelsea and Jared Henderson, and Nathan, Thomas and Joshua Brescia; a son-in-law, Carlton Henderson and fiancee Dot Hovey of St. Johnsbury; one sister, Marguerite Willey of St. Johnsbury; four brothers, Carroll Willey of St. Johnsbury, Bernard Willey and wife Lillian of Waterford, Richard Willey of Barre, and Gerald "Bud" Willey of St. Johnsbury; and nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday afternoon, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury. Burial will be in May at St. Elizabeth's Cemetery in Lyndonville. There will be no public visitation.

, 91, of Laconia, N.H., formerly of Twin Mountain, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002, at the Laconia Center. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Sept. 28, 1911, a daughter of Christina (Hoehne) and Thomas Beyer. Mrs. Pepitone moved to Bellmore, N.Y., where she settled with her husband, Anthony, for over 40 years. She and her family moved to the local area in 1965 and were owner/operators of Stonecrest Colony in Bethlehem for 21 years. After retiring, she moved to Twin Mountain, where she lived for 18 years. Family members include one daughter, Nancy Hubert of Twin Mountain; one son, Casper Pepitone of Southbury, Conn.; a sister, Anna Hoereth of North Carolina; three brothers, Joseph Beyer of Florida, Thomas Beyer of Florida and Lewis Beyer of California; five grandchildren, Michael Hubert, Steven Hubert, Linda Pavlak, Terri Selby and Tony Pepitone; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Pepitone, on Sept. 29, 1995; and by four brothers, John, Richard, Charles and Frederick. Friends may call at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union St., Littleton, Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3 to 4 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Lyn O. McIntosh officiating. Burial will be in the Straw Cemetery in Twin Mountain in the spring. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make a donation in her name to the Morrison Nursing Home, Terrace Street, Whitefield, NH 03598, or the Laconia Center, Homestead Unit, 175 Blueberry Lane, Laconia, NH 03246.

, 63, of Woodsville, died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002, in the presence of his family at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville. He was born in New York City, July 3, 1939, the son of Ernest Augustus and Sylvia (Davidson) Oakes. Mr. Oakes served with the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from high school in Burlington. He then worked as a machinist for many years before receiving his bachelor of science degree from Castleton State College in Castleton, Vt., in 1979. He then worked as a registered nurse until his retirement in 1999. Jonathan had many interests in life. First and foremost was his love for his wife, Polly, and their eight children. His highest priority was to help bring his family and others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as personal savior. He spent many happy and fulfilling years with family and friends. He enjoyed vacationing in Maine, exploring the back roads of New England, raising gardens and children, and, more recently, historical and archaeological pursuits. He was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church of Woodsville and a member of the Gideons International. He married Pauline E. Bashaw on May 18, 1957. Surviving relatives include his wife Pauline of Woodsville; two daughters, Sharon E. Stancliffe of Schaumburg, Ill., and Susan E. Oakes of Woodsville; six sons, Harley A. Oakes of Spruce Head, Maine, Jeffrey D. Oakes of North Haverhill, Jonathan A. Oakes of St. Johnsbury, James C. Oakes of Coventry, Conn., Daniel E. Oakes of Woodsville, and Peter A. Oakes of Fort Pierce, Fla.; 20 grandchildren; one sister, Jennifer O. Curtis of Houston, Texas; one brother, Angus D. Oakes of Dallas, Texas; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be held today from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ricker Funeral Home, Birch Street, Woodsville. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church, Elm Street, Woodsville. The Rev. Steve Cardin, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Woodsville, in the spring of 2003.

, 48, of Sheffield, died early Thursday morning, Dec. 5, 2002, at her home. She was born Nov. 6, 1954 in St. Johnsbury, the daughter of Merlyn W. and Elfreda (Fisher) Bandy. Sophie was the store manager at the Railroad Street Cal-Mart BP Station in St. Johnsbury for more than eight years. She also worked at Quality Control Stitching in St. Johnsbury for two years. A family-oriented woman, Sophie loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed family hayrides and finishing furniture made by her husband, Butch. She was also a NASCAR fan and enjoyed going to different race tracks with Butch. Survivors include her husband, Leslie A. "Butch" Norrie of Sheffield; her daughter, Tanyia Spencer of Lyndonville; three sons, Donald Beer Jr. and wife Tonya of Sheffield, Kevin Norrie and companion Melissa Martel of Sheffield, and Michael Norrie of Sheffield; five grandchildren, Erica, Emily, A.J., Patrick and Lianna; two brothers, Francis Bandy and wife Jackie of Sheffield, and Douglas Bandy Sr. and wife Lori of St. Johnsbury; four sisters, Lynette Shufelt of Groton, Donna Davis and husband Danny of Pittsburg, N.H., Cindy Fox and companion Bruce Gonyaw of Evansville, and Sonyia Dunbar and husband Tim of Westmore; and aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, and a sister, Diane Rowell. Funeral services will be held at the Guibord Funeral Home, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Tim Pittman officiating. Burial will be in William Dexter Cemetery in Sheffield in the spring. Friends may meet with the family tonight, Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

, 86, formerly of Sheffield, died Wednesday evening, Dec. 4, 2002 at the Morrison Nursing Home in Whitefield, N.H. She was born Sept. 12, 1916 in Newburyport, Mass., the daughter of Herbert and Janet (Ewing) Remick. In 1937 she married Winfred "Freddie" Day. They operated a dairy farm on Sheffield Square until the mid-1950s. Freddie died in 1959. Harriet later moved to Lyndonville and married Melvin Lyon. He died in 1970. In 1979 she moved to Littleton and became very active in the Assembly of God Church there. She enjoyed cooking and sewing, but most of all she loved spending time with her granddaughter, Donna, and her great-granddaughters, Jessica Thompson and Caitlyn Schork. She is survived by her son, Howard Day and wife Betsy of Keansburg, N.J.; her granddaughter; two great-granddaughters; three brothers and their wives, Hugh and Ruth Remick of Westbrook, Maine, Herbert and Isabelle Remick of Venice, Fla., and Malcolm A. and Barbara Remick of Haverhill, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews. Harriet was predeceased by her parents; her two husbands; and her infant daughter, Patricia Day. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Guibord Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Pittman officiating. Spring burial will be in William Dexter Cemetery in Sheffield. Friends are invited to meet with the family Sunday afternoon at the funeral home from 2 p.m. through the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations made in her memory may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 1139, Montpelier, VT 05601.

, 84, of Peacham, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., after a brief illness. He was born in Peacham, June 28, 1918, the son of Walter and Sara (Weed) Brock. He attended Peacham schools and at a young age went to New York to work on a bee farm for several years. He later returned to Ryegate to own and operate his own dairy farm. Kermit was a member of the Groton Baptist Church. He is survived by two close cousins, Raymond and Lawrence Welch of Peacham, and many other cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Burton and James, and a sister, Marion Marjorie. There will be a graveside service in Walter Harvey Cemetery in Barnet when the cemetery reopens in the spring. A notice as to the date and time will be published in The Caledonian-Record.

, 15, of Albany, passed away at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Newport, Jan. 21, 1987, the son of Bruce and Laurie (Lahar) Perron. Joel was a sophomore at Lake Region High School and was a member of the soccer and ski teams. He loved snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, downhill skiing, hunting, horseback riding and computers. He also enjoyed the hard work of contributing to the family farm. He is survived by his parents, Bruce and Laurie Perron of Albany; his sisters, Lindsey and Kaitlyn Perron of Albany, and Connie Brigham of Wyoming; his grandparents, Paul and Betty Lahar of Newport, and Barbara (King) Kinsley of West Glover. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Armand Perron; and by his stepgrandfather, Sumner "Red" Kinsley. He is also survived by his uncles and aunts, Doris Perron, Doug and Judy Conley, Duane and Marilyn Prue, Shawn and Kathy Austin, David Lahar and Mary Frizzell, Tim Lahar and Ginger Palmer, and David and Amy Bertrand, and numerous cousins. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road, Newport (formerly Sias Avenue) Sunday, Dec. 8 from 2-6 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 9, at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Newport at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Rona Anderson and the Rev. Yvon Royer officiating. Should friends desire, contributions in Joel's memory may be made to Lake Region Union High School Athletic Department, in care of Vince Buttice, 317 Lake Region Road, Orleans, VT 05860; or to the Orleans Emergency Unit, in care of Dot Collier, treasurer, 1327 Dry Pond Road, Glover, VT 05839.

, 77, of Union Street, Littleton, died peacefully at home with his family by his side Friday, Dec. 6, 2002. He was born Nov. 30, 1925, a son to Earl and Eva (Reid) Haney in New Hampton, N.H. Glenn attended school in Bristol, N.H., and served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. After returning from his tour of duty, he married his wife, Helen St. Cyr, on Nov. 21, 1956. He began a lifelong career in the truck-driving industry of which he retired from St. Johnsbury Trucking Company. He was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, having lived his life for his family. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Howard Shawney Post 816, and the American Legion. Surviving family members include his wife of 46 years, Helen Haney of Littleton; four sons, Richard E. Haney of Hill, N.H., Glenn E. Haney, Jr. of Mexico Beach, Fla., Bryan R. Haney of Champlain, N.Y., and Russell H. Haney of Littleton; two daughters, Virginia A. Haney of Littleton, and Lisa H. Lavoie of Littleton; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. One brother, Lawrence "Larry" Haney, predeceased him. At Glenn's request, all services will be private for his family only. Those desiring may make a donation to the North Country Home Health Hospice, 536 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH 03561.

90, formerly of High Street and West Main Street, Littleton, passed away in Merritt Island, Fla., Nov. 29, following a short illness. He was born in Carmel, Maine, the son of Thomas F. and Alice (Smith) Ross. He grew up in Shelburne, N.H., working on the family farm and attending school in Gorham, N.H. He was a graduate of Gorham High School. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corp., working on the trail systems of the Mt. Washington Valley. During this time he also was a professional boxer with the Berlin Athletic Association, using the name "Tiger Dixon." He was also an active member of the Nansen Ski Club and participated in many ski jumping events at the Berlin ski jumps. In the 1930s he worked as a heavy equipment operator at the former Littleton Sand & Gravel Co. Following that experience he learned to weld, was employed at the Brown Company in Berlin, N.H., for a couple of years prior to returning to Littleton in 1944. At that time he established the West End Welding Shop, later known as Ricky Ross Welding, a business he operated for approximately 40 years. In the late 1950s he opened a "Frosty Whip" stand on West Main Street, which the family operated for five years. He was associated with the Ross Funeral Home and Ambulance Service for several years. He was a charter member of the Littleton Lions Club, and also served as president. He was also a member of the Littleton Barbershop singers, during its existence. Following his retirement he developed an interest in painting and became an accomplished artist of pastoral scenes. He was an ardent animal lover and was often seen accompanied by one of his canine companions. He wintered in Florida and spent summers in Littleton, and more recently in Ontario, Canada. He was predeceased by his wife Louise in 1983, and his brothers Laurence and Carl. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor (Kerr) Ross of Cape Canaveral, Fla.; three sons, Thomas C. Ross of Littleton, David Ross of Windham, and Donald Ross of Littleton; a daughter, Linda Greenwood of Hope Well Jct., N.Y.; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; a sister, Vina Gorham, of Gorham, N.H.; three step-daughters, Jacqui, Patricia and Beverly; two step-sons, Robert and Brendon; several step-grandchildren, all of Ontario, Canada; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Ross Funeral Home, Littleton Chapel, Saturday, Dec. 14, at 11 am. Interment will take place in the St. Rose Cemetery. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to Above The Notch Humane Society, 59 West Main Street, Littleton, NH 03561.

, 91, of Piermont, N.H., died Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, at Haverhill House in Haverhill, N.H. She was born April 30, 1911 in Bradford, Vt., the daughter of George and Gladys (Risley) Webster. She attended schools in Bradford and graduated from Bradford Academy. On Aug. 14, 1932, in Bradford, she married Floyd L. Smith, who predeceased her on Sept. 5, 1983. After their marriage, Mrs. Smith and her husband lived in Piermont, where they operated a country store from 1947 to 1959. From 1947 through 1975, Mrs. Smith was a postal clerk with the United States Postal Service. The 2000 Piermont town report was dedicated to her, for her many years of service as a supervisor of the checklist. Mrs. Smith enjoyed music, flowers and spending time with her family. Her memberships included the Piermont Congregational Church, where she was a long-time choir member; the Women's Fellowship; and the Order of the Eastern Star in Bradford. She has also been a member of the former Piermont Christmas Club and Piermont Social Club. Survivors include two sons, Wilfred Smith of Lebanon, N.H., and Kenneth Smith of North Haverhill, N.H.; a daughter, Winifred Baker of Concord, N.H.; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A brother, Ervill Hill, predeceased her. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m., in the Piermont Congregational Church with Mr. Lee Robie officiating. Interment will follow in the Southlawn Cemetery, Piermont. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Hale Funeral Home, Upper Plain, Bradford. Donations in Mrs. Smith's memory may be made to the Piermont Fire Department, Piermont, NH 03779.

, 87, longtime Pumpkin Hill farmer, passed away at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center early Friday, Dec. 6, 2002. He was born in Lyndonville, Feb. 19, 1915, the son of Ralph W. and Mary (Carr) Chapman. He was a 1933 graduate of Lyndon Institute and served on the naval ship USS Prometheus during World War II. Fred Chapman owned and lived on a dairy farm on the Pumpkin Hill Road in Danville. He dearly loved the Northeast Kingdom and its people and was always happiest working on his property or in the Pumpkin Hill neighborhood. His good humor and sincerity will be sorely missed and long remembered by all who knew him. In addition to the dairy farm, he also worked for Ralston Purina for over 30 years. His wife, Mary (Warner) Chapman, predeceased him in November of 1977. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Marion and Helen, and brothers Leslie and Robert. He is survived by one son, Frank Chapman of Yorktown, Va.; two daughters, Florence Chapman of Avon, Conn., and Elaine Chapman and husband Dick Smith of Richland, Wash.; one grandson, Jeffrey Smith; one sister, Abbie Maston and husband Wendell of Lyndonville; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service is being planned for Friday, June 20, 2003, at 11 a.m. at the Danville Green Cemetery. Memorial contributions could be directed to the Danville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 255, Danville, VT 05828.

, 85, of St. Johnsbury, most recently of the Canterbury Inn, died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002, at The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville. She was born in Island Falls, Maine, June 15, 1917, the daughter of Roy and Adella (Sibly) Martin. Mrs. Heath had worked for St. Johnsbury Trucking Company from 1970 to 1980. She also ran Jack's Grinders with her husband from their home in North Danville; was a Tupperware representative, and was a ticket agent for Vermont Transit in St. Johnsbury. More recently she was a volunteer for the Area Agency on Aging, loved sewing and never turned down a chance to go shopping. She is survived by two daughters, Katherine Mackay and husband William of Waterford, and Susan Heath of Manchester, N.H.; three grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and four nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, Ivan Heath, in 1973; her son, Edward Heath, in 1972; her daughter, Mary Jane Mendiola, in 1990; and a brother, Robert Martin. Services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no visiting hours. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Canterbury Inn (Activities Fund), 46 Cherry St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 45, of Littleton, N.H., died Dec. 7, 2002, at Littleton Regional Hospital. Andy was born in Easton, Pa., the son of Harry and Caroline Cook, and grew up in New London, N.H. He graduated from Kearsarge Regional High School in North Sutton, N.H., in 1975, and attended the University of New Hampshire. He was employed by Indian Head Resort in Lincoln for a number of years before moving to Littleton to work as a chef at the Eastgate Restaurant. He then accepted a position at the Mount Washington Hotel and cooked at the many kitchens on the property. He especially enjoyed being the evening sous chef in the main dining room. He often filled in as a chef at other restaurants, always happy to give a helping hand. Chef Andy was active in the American Culinary Foundation and participated in the Chef and Child program. He loved music, especially the blues, outdoor sports, and was an avid and competitive downhill skier. Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Amy Cook; her children, Heather Smith of Winooski, Shannon Smith of Attleboro, Mass., and Glen Smith of Pacifica, Calif.; his mother and stepfather, Caroline and Robert Verity of Bradford, N.H.; a sister, Laurie Brown and husband Alan of Bradford and their children, Abigail and Eliott; a brother, Timothy Cook and wife Karen of Springfield, N.H. and their children Christopher Cook of Plymouth and Jessica Cook; his aunts, Anne Foster of Marblehead, Mass., and Elizabeth Sands of Dallas, Texas, and uncles, David Cook of New London, N.H., and Robert Cook of Newburyport, Mass., and their families. His father, Harry Schuller Cook, died in 1984. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Andy Cook Memorial Fund, 30 Highland Ave., Littleton, NH 03561; or the Littleton Hospice Program, 600 St. Johnsbury Road, Littleton, NH 03561.

, 26, of 146 Grandview Road, Sugar Hill, died unexpectedly in Providence, R.I., Monday, Dec. 9, 2002. She was born Aug. 12, 1976 in Littleton, the daughter of Bruce and Beth (Morton) Perlo. She attended school at The Childrens House in Littleton, Lafayette School in Franconia, Profile Jr. High School in Bethlehem, and graduated from Kimball Union Academy in Meridan, N.H. She was attending Johnston & Wales University in Providence, R.I., where she had nearly completed a bachelor of science degree program in hotel sales and marketing. She also had been employed as a sales manager for the Providence Radisson Harbourside Hotel. Hospitality was the natural choice for a young lady with ingenuity, creative and organizational skills and a hereditary gift for making others feel honored and at their ease. Family members include her parents, Bruce and Beth Perlo of Sugar Hill; a sister, Jodi Perlo of Bethlehem; a brother, Steve Perlo of Radcliff, Ky.; her paternal grandmother, Margery Perlo of Sugar Hill; maternal grandmother, Ruth Morton of Scottsville, Ky., and many cousins, uncles, nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held at the Sugar Hill Meeting House Sunday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m. Donations in her memory may be made to Above the Notch Humane Society, 59 West Main Street, Littleton, NH 03561.

of Colonial Apartments No. 32 in St. Johnsbury, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002. Roger, her husband of 63 years, passed away just this past Nov. 8. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Aug. 13, 1917, one of four children born to Thomas P. and Eva (Emmons) Legendre. Mrs. Bedard retired as manager of the Yankee Traveler Motel, where the Bedards made their home for 16 years. She had previously worked at St. Johnsbury Glovers. Jenny was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church. She was famous for her Sunday family dinners; there always seemed to be enough for everyone without her knowing who was coming. She loved to knit for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was an avid reader, and shared her husband's love of the Yankees and Canadiens. She is survived by five children, Renette Bedard of Woodstock, Maurice Bedard and wife Lucille of St. Johnsbury, Marguerite Blodgett and husband Dale of Danville, Peter Bedard and wife Laurie of St. Johnsbury, and Michael Bedard and wife Susan of Dummerston, Vt.; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Louis-Paul Bedard and wife Bette of Torrance, Calif.; one sister-in-law, Yvonne Bedard of St. Johnsbury; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Lawrence Legendre; and two sisters, Marie-Claire Humphrey and Beatrice Meetz. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church. Committal services will be in May at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Good Shepherd Foundation, P.O. Box 146, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 74, of Lyndonville, died Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 10, 2002, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. He was born April 25, 1928 in Bellows Falls, a son of the late George and Marcia (Hutchinson) Blanchard. Ray retired from the U.S. Army as master sergeant in 1968 after serving over 20 years. During his military career he taught military history in Arkansas for two years before heading to Vietnam to be an adviser to the Vietnam Army. While in Vietnam, Ray received the Bronze Star for action against the Viet Cong. He also served at various posts in the United States. His overseas assignments were in Saudi Arabia, where he served as adviser to the Saudi Arabian Army, and in Germany, where he served as platoon sergeant, first sergeant, operations and intelligence, and sergeant major. He was a member of the American Legion Post 58 of St. Johnsbury, and the Holy Name Society of the Catholic Church. Ray enjoyed helping people and taking family and friends to dinner. In his retirement he enjoyed woodworking, remodeling and fishing. Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Donna (Farrar) (Wilkie) Blanchard of Lyndonville; his son, Raymond Blanchard and wife Traci and their son Robert of Newville, Pa.; two daughters, Marcia Vaughn and husband Todd and children Ian and Dustin of Puyallup, Wash., and Priscilla Blanchard; two sisters, Irene Duchesueau of Nashua, N.H., and Ruth Clough and husband Clarence of Dover, Del.; nieces, nephews, and many good friends. Ray was preceded in death by his four brothers, Clifford, Alfred, George and Albert Blanchard; and a sister, Dorothy Gokey. Military graveside services will be held Thursday, May 15, 2003, at 10 a.m., at the Lyndon Center Cemetery. It is Ray's request that there be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations made in his memory may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, Vermont Affiliate, 77 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446.

, 87, of Exeter, N.H., died Monday, Dec. 9, 2002 at Exeter Hospital after a short illness. She was born in North Danville, Aug. 20, 1915, the daughter of the late William and Mary (Fournier) Sevigny. She resided in Amherst, Mass., for most of her life with her husband, the late George E. Rowell, who predeceased her in 1977. Mrs. Rowell was employed at Amherst College, where she worked in food service and later in alumni mail service. She was a communicant of St. Brigid's Church, and an active member in the Daughters of Isabella. After the death of her husband she moved to Mesa, Ariz., for 17 years, before moving to New Hampshire in 1993 to be close to her family. She lived at the Dearborn House in Hampton for three years, and the Pines of Newmarket for several years before moving to Exeter Healthcare in February 2002. She enjoyed all the activities there, and her hobbies included knitting, crocheting and especially sewing. She is survived by two sons, Robert and wife Marsha of East Hardwick, and Peter and wife Jean of Amherst, Mass.; a daughter, Regina and husband Leonard of Portsmouth, N.H.; a brother, Raymond and wife Martha Sevigny of Middleburg, Fla.; three sisters-in-law, Marion Sevigny and Claire Sevigny of Danville, and Pearl Sevigny of Hughesville, Md.; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. An infant daughter, Beverly, died in 1936. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 13, at 9:15 p.m., from the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Brigid's Church. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the spring in Fairview Cemetery, Hardwick. Memorial Donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.

, 88, formerly of East Ryegate, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002 at the Brookside Nursing Home in Bradford after an extended illness. She was born in Corinth, Vt., March 13, 1914, the daughter of Alvah and Bertha (Humphrey) Comstock. She owned, operated and was the cook for the Mt. Morey Diner in Fairlee, and also ran a bakery from her house in Fairlee. Mrs. Aldrich knit socks and mittens for the state of Vermont for needy children and families. She was a farm wife for many years as she raised her family. She loved to garden and raise African violets. She was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Dickinson, in 1957; her second husband, Dennis Aldrich, in 1978; a son, Robert, in 1993; a daughter at infancy, Diane Dickinson; and three sisters, Mildred Clark, Hazel Tulley and Edith Gordon. Surviving relatives include two daughters, Rebecca Nelson of South Royalton, and Ramona Nelson of East Ryegate; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will take place in the Oxbow Cemetery in Newbury, when the cemetery reopens in the spring. For those planning an expression of sympathy, please consider the Brookside Health and Rehabilitation Activity Department, RR 1, Box 2250, Bradford, VT 05033.

, 79, of 90 Third St., Green Lantern Trailer Park in St. Johnsbury, passed away Thursday afternoon, Dec. 12, 2002 at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. He was born in St. Johnsbury, Feb. 25, 1923, the son of Warren H. and Adelene M. (White) Clifford. He married Katherine McCullock on March 21, 1947, after serving in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Dick loved his family, family gatherings, and helping others. He helped run the family Mobil service station, on the corner of Central Street and Western Avenue, for over 25 years. He later worked at Vinton Motors, retiring in 1988. He made a lot of friends driving cars for the local auto dealers. The local ambulance was his second home. He was a past commander and life member of American Legion Post 58. While his health allowed, he loved attending services at North Congregational Church. Finding a new place to eat was one of his favorite things to do. His Siamese cat Butch was a constant companion. He is survived by Kay, his wife of 55 years; five children, Susan Sweeney and husband Bruce of West Glover, Chandler Clifford of St. Johnsbury, Stanley Clifford and wife Elizabeth of Las Vegas, Nev., Edie Mackay of Littleton, and Everett Clifford of St. Johnsbury; eight grandchildren, Dawn Aponte and husband Edison of South Riding, Va., Bruce Sweeney Jr., serving in the U.S. Army, Crystal Clifford of Las Vegas, Nev., Samantha Clifford of Oak Grove, Mo., Chandler Clifford II of San Jose, Calif., and Chelsea, Jamie and Kendra Mackay, all of Littleton; and four great-grandchildren, twins Evelyn and Olivia Aponte, and twins Nathaniel and David Aponte. Graveside services will be held in the spring at Grove Cemetery in East St. Johnsbury. Anyone wishing to express support and sympathy is invited to stop by the Clifford home anytime this weekend. Memorial contributions may be directed to either Caledonia Home Health, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, or the Diabetes Support Group, in care of Alana St. George, 210 Winter St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 89, of Barnet, died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002 at the Brookside Nursing Home in Hartford, Vt., after an extended illness. She was born in Stoughton, Mass., July 18, 1913, the daughter of James Elden and Nancy (Faris) MacCombie. Mrs. Shields graduated from Bridgewater, Mass. Normal School and taught school prior to her marriage. She married Ellsworth Shields Aug. 1, 1940. She attended and was an active member of the Groton Baptist Church of Groton, a member of the former Reformed Presbyterian Church of Mosquitoville in Barnet, a member of the WCTU, and the Vermont Teachers Association. She loved her children and the focus of her life was that of being a mother, grandmother and wife. She enjoyed reading, writing poetry and substitute teaching. She was always interested in political outcomes. Evelyn was married to Ellsworth for 57 years; he predeceased her June 30, 1997. Surviving relatives include five daughters and their husbands, Nancy LaFrance of Gilmanton, N.H., Virginia and David Schimke of Meredith, N.H., Carol and Ronald Bodge of Meriden, N.H., Dorothy and the Rev. James Read of Liverpool, Ohio, and Alison and the Rev. Douglas Meader of Norwich, Conn.; three sons, David and Renee Shields of North Haverhill, Edward and Carol Shields of Peacham, and James and Jean Shields of Barnet; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Hazel Christmann, and Roberta Porter of Stoughton, Mass.; one brother, Harold MacCombie of Farmington, Mass.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be held from the Ricker Funeral Home, Birch Street, Woodsville, on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. The Rev. James Read and the Rev. Douglas Meader, her sons-in-law, will officiate. A period of fellowship will follow at Warners Gallery, Rte. 302, Wells River. Burial will be in the Walter Harvey Cemetery in Barnet, when the cemetery reopens in the spring. It is requested that memorial donations be made to the Brookside Nursing Home Activity Department, 120 Christian St., White River Junction, VT 05001.

, 92, of Lyndonville, passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002 at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center. She was born July 27, 1910 in Barnet, the daughter of the late Dudley "DA" and Mable (Woods) Blaine. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy, Class of 1927, and from the New England Conservatory of Music, majoring in piano. She taught music in the elementary schools in Danville, Barnet, Peacham and Waterford. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the Rebekahs, the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, and the Business and Professional Women's Association. She was a former member of the South Congregational Church of St. Johnsbury. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, George R. Stables, a sister, Ruby Blaine, and a brother, Dudley Blaine. She is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Jean and William Rieken Jr. of Los Gatos, Calif., and Cynthia and William Simpson of Lyndonville; three grandchildren, Amy Gorham of Portland, Maine, Dave Simpson of Lyndonville and Timothy Simpson of Lyndonville; three nieces and their husbands, Sandra and John Richardson of Maryland, Martha Carlson of Georgia, and Rhonda and Ivan Chathan of North Carolina. Visiting hours will be held at the Pearsons Funeral Home, Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church, Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. Burial will be in the Lyndon Center Cemetery. Those who wish may send contributions in her memory to the St. Johnsbury Academy Music Department, P.O. Box 906, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 84, of Sunrise Manor, Island Pond, passed away at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002. She was born in Abilene, Kan., Dec. 25, 1917, the daughter of Hilda (Moburg) and August Allard. Geraldine was a longtime volunteer at the Brighton Senior Center and received the Governor's Award for Volunteer Service in Montpelier earlier this year. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, playing bingo and spending time with her friends at Sunrise Manor in Island Pond. Geraldine is survived by her daughter, Mrs. John (Gerry) Wickman of Bradford, and by her granddaughter, Charlene Wickman of Palmyra, Va. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Charles H. Dever. A graveside service will take place at the Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Geraldine's memory to the Bradford Fast Squad, Bradford, VT 05033, or to the Brighton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Island Pond, VT 05846.

, 87, of 3131 Hollow Road, Barton, passed away at the North Country Hospital in Newport, Friday, Dec. 13, 2002. She was born Nov. 14, 1915, the daughter of the late John Dickson and Lilla R. Willey. She is survived by her daughter, Ruby Gilman of Lyndonville; her son-in-law, Lawrence Sanborn of Wheelock; a cousin Elaine Rowe of Newport; and two grandsons. She was predeceased by her daughter, Pearl Sanborn. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. Graveside services will be held in the spring in the Lyndon Center Cemetery.

, longtime resident of West Danville, passed away at home, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002, four days after his 80th birthday. He was born in Littleton Dec. 10, 1922, the son of Roy and Lyla (Dyke) Astle. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1940 and went to work at Fairbanks Morse. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II. After the war he returned to Fairbanks, where he worked until retirement. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. For years he was an "outlying" weatherman for the National Weather Service in Burlington and for the Fairbanks Museum. He was a master woodworker and always had some project going on in his workshop. He is survived by his brother, Robert Astle and wife Grace of Danville; three children, Eileen Ward and husband Terry of Monroe, N.H., Paul Astle of Monkton, and Marsha Maurice of Waterford; one granddaughter, Emily Pike and husband Tracy of Marshfield; and nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home, Wednesday, at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend. There will be no visiting hours. Memorial contributions may be directed to either the Danville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 255, Danville, VT 05828, or the Fairbanks Museum, 1302 Main St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 87, of 3131 Hollow Road, Barton, passed away at the North Country Hospital in Newport, Friday, Dec. 13, 2002. She was born Nov. 14, 1915, the daughter of the late John Dickson and Lilla R. Willey. She is survived by her daughter, Ruby Gilman of Lyndonville; her son-in-law, Lawrence Sanborn of Wheelock; a cousin Elaine Rowe of Newport; and two grandsons. She is also survived by her many friends at the Orleans and West Burke meal sites. She was predeceased by her daughter, Pearl Sanborn. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. Graveside services will be held in the spring in the Lyndon Center Cemetery.

, 75, of Littleton, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002 at Littleton Regional Hospital. He was born Jan. 6, 1927 in Poznan, Poland, a son to Joseph and Zofia (Gawrych) Bochnar. Bogdan fought with the Polish Division in the British Army in France from 1945 to 1947. After the war, he remained in France and worked as a chemist until 1960. He married his first wife in France, had two children, and came to the United States in 1960, operating a series of businesses in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1976 he moved to Lyman, N.H., with his wife and daughter Sofia, and began working for a real estate agent in the Littleton area. In 1980 Bogdan opened Dan's Furniture in Littleton, and he retired in 1992. He had a great love for dogs. Surviving family members include his second wife, Adele (Chmiel) Bochnar of Littleton; his son, Andrew Bochnar of New Milford, Conn.; two daughters, Anne Piotrowski of Melrose, Mass., and Sophie Rosenfeld of Mendham, N.J.; and four grandchildren, Danny, Annette, Matthew and Jack. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, Dec. 17, from 7 to 8 p.m., at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union St., Littleton. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Father Charles Chase as Celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Rose Cemetery in Littleton. Donations may be made in his memory to the Lancaster Humane Society, in care of Lancaster National Bank, Middle Street, Lancaster, NH 03584, or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

, 82, of 1365 Thaddeus Stevens Road, Peacham, died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002 at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born in St. Johnsbury, Feb. 26, 1920, the son of Harold L. and Agnes (Steele) Somers. He lived his life in the Peacham area, where he operated his own dairy farm; and he served with the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Mr. Somers was predeceased by his first wife, Jodi Somers. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Kathryn (Peel) Somers of Peacham; a daughter, Mary Ann Cote and husband Mark of Danville; two grandchildren, Albert and Falon; and a sister, Ann Somers and husband Edward of Danville. A calling hour will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 6 to 7 p.m., in the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m., from the funeral home. The Rev. Jon Brady will officiate. Burial in Peacham Village Cemetery will be in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Danville Rescue Squad, Danville, VT 05828.

, 83, of 41 Robin Lane, Lyndonville, passed away Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002 at Darthmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. She was born Feb. 10, 1919 in Lyndonville, the daughter of the late Leon E. and Kate G. (Balentine) Hopkins. She graduated from Lyndon Institute and the University of Vermont. She taught school in Orleans, Marshfield and in the Plainfield area. She also taught in the Norwich, Conn., school system. She retired in 1983 and came back to Lyndonville. She was a member of the Lyndon Center Baptist Church and was active in the musical activities. She was a Gray Lady in the Red Cross during World War II, was a member of many organizations, including the Women's Club, DAR, DOC and the VFW. She was curator of the Shores Museum for 15 years, Lyndon town historian, and wrote "Gem in the Green" from Dr. Shore's notes. Her interests were family, computers, genealogy, music, travel, history, research and reading. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband, Charles Edward McCarty, and her stepmother, Doris Lang Hopkins. She is survived by her children, Charles Michael McCarty of Canterbury, Conn., Dennis McCarty and wife Barbara of Coventry, Conn., and Leon McCarty of Vermont; her grandchildren, Jessica and Justin McCarty and Kerianne McCarty; her brothers and sisters, Eleanor Wright (Mrs. Harold) of Lyndonville, Marion Adams (Mrs. Clinton) of Barre, Leonard W. and Connie Hopkins of Lyndonville, George B. and Beverly Hopkins of Lyndonville, Leone H. Gale (Mrs. Paul) of Lyndonville; Maybelle and John Shannon of Brewster, N.Y.; and Leon Jr. and Gloria Hopkins of East Montpelier; her step-sister, Shirley Stalbird of Columbus, Ohio; and her close friend, Joanne Whitcomb of Lyndonville. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Arrangements are by Peasons Funeral Service, 70 Church St., Lyndonville.

, 55, of East Haven, passed away at his residence, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002. He was born in Fitchburg, Mass., Sept. 22, 1947, the son of the late Edwin and Alfreda (Dannis) Maxwell. Don will be sadly missed by everyone. He loved to fish and hunt, especially with his two best friends, Bobby Lord and Everett Roy. He also loved animals. He is survived by his aunt, Doris Rhodes of West Townsend, Mass.; and by several cousins and lots of friends. A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2003.

, 85, of Creamery Road, South Ryegate, died Monday, Dec. 16, 2002 at the Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, N.H., after a brief illness. He was born in Ryegate, Jan. 16, 1917, the son of Burns F. and Mary E. (Carter) Page. As a young man, Forrest had worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps and later owned and operated his own dairy farm in Ryegate for many years. He also worked for several years at the former Grossman's Lumber Company in North Haverhill. Forrest is a former Ryegate selectman. He was predeceased by his wife, Iona T. (Gray) Page, April 15, 1993; and siblings, Frank Page, Elmer Page, Stuart Page, Elizabeth Achilles, Pauline Rogers, Sewell Page and Earl Page. Surviving relatives include four sons, Gordon W. Page and wife Sue of Wells River, Carwin F. Page and wife Jane of Ryegate, Donald R. Page and wife Joyce of Groton, and Howard K. Page and wife Patty of Ryegate Corners; nine grandchildren, Pamela Young of Peacham, Patrick Page of Groton, Deborah Hart of Barnet, Melissa Mauro of St. Maries, Idaho, Sherry Horne of North Haverhill, Christopher Page of Barre, Steve Page of Wells River, Jamie Page of Wisconsin and Clint Page of Hanover, N.H.; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Irene Gochey of Cabot, Evelyn Dobbins of Bradford, and Madeline Frost of Woodsville; three brothers, Ralph Page of Barnet, Douglas Page of Ladysmith, Wis., and Gerald Page of Wells River; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Gray of Ryegate; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A calling hour will be held Friday, Dec. 20, from 7 to 8 p.m., at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 21, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home with the Rev. Catherine Cook, pastor of the South Ryegate Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will be in the spring in Groton Village Cemetery. It is requested that memorials be made to Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 2001, Woodsville, NH 03785.

, 90, of East St. Johnsbury (P.O. Box 105, 05838), passed away early Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. He was born Dec. 5, 1912, in Coaticook, Quebec, one of 11 children born to Edmond and Exina (Cloutier) Bouchard. On Oct. 10, 1942, he and Evelyn Grenier were married; they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. His beloved family had a huge party honoring his recent 90th birthday earlier this month. Paramount in his life was his family and events in their lives. He enjoyed his upholstering work at Ideal Upholstery on Eastern Avenue, a business he operated for 45 years. Ovila was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church. He was also a member of BPOE 1343, Sheridan Council 421 Knights of Columbus, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 2629 of Littleton. He cherished his family. He is survived by his dear wife, Evelyn; five daughters, Margaret Jareman and husband Anton of Lyndonville, Dorothy Collinge and hsuband Robert of Spokane, Wash., Barbara Winslow and husband Thomas of Walnut Hill, Fla., Irene Bergeron and husband Lawrence of St. Johnsbury, and Louise Cook and husband Roy of Lyndonville; seven grandchildren, Monica Jareman of Deerfield Beach, Fla., Melissa Aiken and husband Ronald Jr. of Burke, Shelby Collinge of Gilroy, Calif., Shannon Messinger and husband Michael of Spokane, Wash., Travis Bergeron of Barnet, Courtney Bergeron of St. Johnsbury, and Morgan Cook of Lyndonville; and three great-grandchildren, Jeremiah and Anna Aiken, and Derrick Collinge. He is also survived by two brothers, Adrien Bouchard of Coaticook, Quebec, and Napoleon Bouchard of Quebec City, Quebec; one sister, Germaine Daigle of St. Petersburg, Fla.; one sister-in-law, Flore Bouchard of Granby, Quebec; two brohters-in-law, Alcide Laperle of Coaticook, Quebec, and Armand Grenier of Sherbrook, Quebec; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by five brothers, Wilfred, Felix, Albert, Ernest and Aime; and by two sisters, Anita Fluette and Valida Laperle. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 21, at 12 noon, at St. John the Evangelist Church. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. The Knights of Columbus are encouraged to gather for the Rosary at 7:45 p.m. Given his love of animals, memorial contributions may be directed to SAD/SAC, in care of The Caledonian-Record, P.O. Box 8, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 93, of Hyde Park, passed away peacefully in Morrisville, Monday, Dec. 16, 2002. Marguerite was born Jan. 13, 1909 in Calais, Maine, the daughter of Frank and Francis Hillman. After graduation from Calais Academy in Maine, Peggy worked as a secretary. In 1929, she married Irving "Bill" Matthews, who predeceased her in 1986. After her marriage, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, whose favorite times were when she was enjoying the company of friends and family. Peggy's son Robert predeceased her in 1983. Robert's wife Rosemary, of Lilburn, Ga., continued to provide much support and happiness to Peggy over the years. Peggy is survived by her loving daughter, Beverly Gehlbach and husband Lou of Hyde Park; five grandchildren, Jeffrey and wife Sandy Matthews of Canton, Ga., Linda Wiggers and husband Skip of Havre de Grace, Md., Cynthia Robillard and husband John of St. Johnsbury, Bradley Hayes and Jean of St. Johnsbury, and Deborah Cole and husband Stan of Danville; and nine great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Matthews, Matthew, Kellen and Laurel Wiggers, Julia and Jacob Robillard, Kathleen and Jessica Sullivan, and Mackenna Marguerite Cole. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m., in the Second Congregational Church of Hyde Park, with interment in the Jedediah Hyde Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marguerite's memory would be appreciated to Lamoille Home Health and Hospice, 54 Farr Ave., Morrisville, VT 05661.

, 62, of Sutton, passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born Oct. 24, 1940, the son of Paul and Josephine (Schreyer) Barlow. He graduated from Staples High School in Westport, Conn. He served in the Navy as an engineman. He held the rank of E-7 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star. He worked as a compliance officer for the state of Vermont. He also worked at Mardon Industries in Lyndon as a lay operator and in maintenance, and at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury as a boiler operator and in maintenance. He was a member of the VFW Post 10038 in Lyndonville, the Caledonia Lodge 98 F & A.M. in West Burke, the Eastern Star Chapter 28 in West Burke and was past president of the Drift Skipper Snowmobile Club. He enjoyed snowmobiling, wood working, mechanics and working on diesel engines. He loved trains and camping. He is survived by his wife, Carol (Miller) Barlow of Sutton; two sons, Sean Barlow of Sutton and Paul Barlow and his wife "K" of Sutton; his mother, Josephine Barlow of Lyndonville; a sister, Judy Andersson of Moscow, Idaho; four granddaughters: Krista, Stacy and Erin Barlow and Kaylee Mclure; and several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Monday from 7-9 p.m. The Masons will conduct their service at 8 p.m. Graveside services will be held in the spring at Hillside Cemetery in West Burke. Those who wish may send contributions in his memory to either: the Vermont Kidney Association, P.O. Box 244, Burlington, VT 05401; or to the Vermont Diabetes Association, Vermont Affiliate, 77 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446.

, 91, passed away in Ashville, N.C., Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002. He was a longtime resident of Spruce Street in St. Johnsbury. In recent years Alphy had resided with his daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Richard Davio in Fletcher, N.C. He was predeceased by his first wife, Loretta (Cote) Barrett, in 1968, and his second wife, Ruth (Nelson) (Gilding) Barrett, in 1996. He was born in Chicago, Ill., Dec. 20, 1910, to Phileman and Antoinette (Toussaint) Barrett. In his working years he retired at age 65 from French and Bean warehouse food distributorship in St. Johnsbury. He previously had served as a full-time St. Johnsbury fireman. Alphy was a former daily communicant at St. John the Evangelist Church. He was also a member of Sheridan Chapter 421 Knights of Columbus, where he was both a third and fourth degree knight. He is survived by four children, Arthur Barrett and wife Linda of San Mateo, Calif., Elaine Leddy and husband Jim of North Hampton, N.H., Diane Ludlow of East Rochester, N.H., and Janet Davio and husband Richard of Fletcher, N.C.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Paul Barrett and wife Beverly of Concord; a sister-in-law, Priscilla Barrett of St. Johnsbury; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Roland in 1991; a sister, Alice Brunelle in 1992; and three siblings in their childhood, Ludger in 1921, Evelyn in 1922, and Vivian in 1930. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial will be in May at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home. The Knights of Columbus are encouraged to assemble for the Rosary at 7:45 p.m. Memorial contributions for the new Catholic education center could be directed to the Father Joseph A. Lively Center, in care of St. Johns Church, 49 Winter St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. Cards may be sent to Janet at 3 Belmont Dr., Fletcher, NC 28732.

, 76, of 235 High St., Littleton, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, at the Grafton County Nursing Home. Kenneth was born March 10, 1926 in Hillsborough, NH, a son of Kenneth S. and Georgia (Ives) Knapton. He graduated from Tufts University School of Engineering in 1949. Kenneth served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He had a successful career as an electronic engineer for 20 years. In 1970 he began a career in the field of art, designing and producing products for print makers. He subsequently wrote and published a four-color magazine for original prints called Graphics. With his wife Cynthia, he published many editions of original and offset prints for markets worldwide. Surviving family members include his wife of 32 years, Cynthia M. (Loughran) Knapton of Littleton; five daughters, Karyn Sears of Hudson, NH, Lynn Knapton of Laconia, NH, Cindy Butler of Brookline, NH, Lois Knapton of Bradford, NH, and Nancy Ceaser of St. Augustine, FL; two sons, Dean Knapton of Littleton, and Kenneth S. Knapton III of Utah; two brothers, Donald Knapton of Hillsborough, NH, and Warren Knapton of Dover, NH. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 20, at 10 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with the Rev. Father Joseph Klatka as celebrant. Burial will be at a later date in Hillsborough, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Grafton County Nurses Fund, in care of the Grafton County Nursing Home, North Haverhill, NH 03774.

, 77, of 82 Weston Drive, St. Johnsbury Center, passed away unexpectedly at home Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002. She was born in St. Johnsbury, May 14, 1925, the daughter of Lyle and Esther (Ball) Weston. She married Francis W. Wright Nov. 19, 1946. He preceded her in death Jan. 2, 1990. She was a laundress at Palmer Brothers for 23 years. She had also worked in the kitchen at Darling Inn and previously at Maple Grove and St. J. Glovers. She is survived by her son, Richard W. Wright of Passumpsic (P.O. Box 83, Passumpsic, VT 05861); two grandchildren, Allison Roberts of South Wheelock, and Karen Wright of Manchester, N.H.; a 2-week-old great-granddaughter, Hannah Roberts; four brothers, Norris Weston and wife Priscilla of St. Johnsbury, Fred Weston of St. Johnsbury Center, Lyle Weston of St. Johnsbury, and Jack Weston and wife Betty of North Danville; three sisters, Mabel Morin and husband Norman of Brimfield, Mass., Lorna Minor and husband Welman of Terriville, Conn., and Esther Morey and husband Robert of St. Johnsbury Center; one step-daughter, Patricia Flannagan of Barton; and nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held at the Guibord Funeral Home in Lyndonville, Saturday, Dec. 21, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of St. Johnsbury Center with Pastor Bill Cotte officiating. Burial will be in May at Pleasant View Cemetery in Orleans. Memorial contributions could be directed to Caledonia Home Health, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 91, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center. Ada was born Jan. 22, 1911, in Danville, the daughter of George K. and Annie (Kerr) Bennett. She married Chester Hunt and they lived in Norwich; he preceded her in death in 1955. She later married Lyndon Tatro, and they resided in Post Mills; he preceded her in death in 1978. For many years she worked at the Norwich Inn, later working at the Winifred Raven House, an elderly nursing complex which was part of the old Mary Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover, N.H. She made her home with her daughter, Maxine Hoisington in East Ryegate for five years, prior to entering the nursing home in December 1995. Ada is survived by two daughters, Maxine Hoisington of East Ryegate, and Janice Lightcap of White River Junction; two stepsons, Dale Tatro and Stanley Tatro; one stepdaughter, Camilla Cook; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Merton and Merle; two sisters, Bessie Nutter and Edna Winchester; and a grandson, Merle Tatro. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m., at the Passumpsic Baptist Church, with the Rev. John Young officiating. Interment will be in the Passumpsic Cemetery later in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made in Ada's name to the Activities Fund at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center, 1248 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 84, of North Haverhill, N.H., died Dec. 18, 2002, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, following a brief illness. He was born in Hanover, N.H., March 28, 1918, the son of Koista and Menda (Masa) Latvala. Edward spent his early years in the Canaan, Enfield and Lebanon communities, prior to moving to Twin Mountain, N.H. In Twin Mouontain, he was employed as a janitor for 22 years with the New Hampshire Forest Service. A graveside service for Edward will be conducted May 28 at 11:30 a.m. in the Grafton County Cemetery, Horse Meadow Road, North Haverhill.

, 93, of Lancaster, N.H., died Thursday evening, Dec. 19, 2002, at the Country Village Health Care Center where she had resided since 1998. Mrs. Phillips was born in Guildhall, April 14, 1909, the daughter of Elbridge and Mary I. (Whiting) Green. A long-time Lancaster resident, Ruth received her nursing training in southern New Hampshire and earned her LPN in Maine. For over 25 years she was employed at Weeks Memorial Hospital, Lancaster, and later worked as a private duty nurse for several years. She was also employed for a time at the Lancaster Fruit and Deli and the Mid Town Wash Tub, Lancaster. She enjoyed reading the Bible and knitting. She was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, Lancaster, and the Mt. Washington Grange 116, Whitefield. Family members include a son, Harry Phillips of Lancaster; two sisters, Mildred Scott of Lancaster, and Barbara Chubbuck of Brunswick, Maine; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, from 7-9 p.m., at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A funeral service will be held Sunday, Dec. 22, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home. The Rev. Curtis W. Smith of Lancaster will officiate. Burial will follow in Summer Street Cemetery, Lancaster.

, 69, of 43 Cottage St., Littleton, passed away at his residence Dec. 18, 2002. He was born Aug. 30, 1933 in Sutton, the son of the late John and Flossie Mae (Lurvey) Noyes. Before retiring he was a construction worker. He is survived by three daughters, Debra White of Fort Ann, N.Y., Darlene Connelly of Buford, S.C., and Donna Benway of Escondido, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, seven brothers and two sisters. Burial will be held in the spring of 2003 in the Lyndon Center Cemetery.

, 77, formerly of Railroad Street in St. Johnsbury, died at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center, Friday, Dec. 20, 2002. He is survived by a daughter, Joann Santiago of St. Johnsbury; and four grandchildren, Carlos, Mariah, Brianna and Miguel. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. There will be no visiting hours.

, 75, of Franconia, N.H., passed away at the Lafayette Center in Franconia, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002. A native of Littleton, Lora was born April 8, 1927, a daughter to Arthur and Blanche (Gilman) Carbonneau. She graduated from Littleton High School in the Class of 1945 and attended Burdett Business College in Boston, Mass. Lora worked as a secretary at the Norton Pike Company in Littleton from 1946 to 1958. She married Raymond H. Marshall, July 15, 1956, and after taking off five years from work to start a family, she worked as a secretary for the United States Eastern Amateur Ski Association and the Littleton superintendent of schools, and as the office manager at Profile Broadcasting. In addition, Lora was also the office manager of her husband's land surveying business. She enjoyed nature and spending time outdoors. She traveled extensively throughout North America with her husband and especially enjoyed her time spent in the Canadian Rockies and Alaska. Surviving family members include her husband, Raymond H. Marshall; and her son, Peter H. Marshall of Littleton. Funeral services will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater New Hampshire Chapter, 10 Ferry St., Suite 419, Concord, NH 03301.

, 61, a resident of the St. Albans area for the past 20 years, passed away at his home early Friday morning, December 20, 2002, as a result of a house fire. He was born in St. Johnsbury March 5, 1941, the son of the late John Paul and Genevieve (Woods) Johnston. Stephen was a security guard for Wyeth Nutritional, Inc., and drove taxi for Yellow Cab in Burlington. He also provided transportation for the Tyler Place in Highgate Springs and had been a machinist for Iroquois Truck Body Company in Williston. He was a graduate of St. Johnsbury Trade School. In his leisure he enjoyed traveling to St. Johnsbury and playing cards with his friends. Survivors include three brothers, Richard Johnston and wife Doris of Windham, N.H., Robert Johnston and wife Inez of Waterford, and Nathan Johnston of Georgia, Vt.; and a sister, Paula Lewis of South Burlington. He also leaves close friends, Pete Gagner and Dick and Anita Bedor and nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 11 a.m. in the Heald Funeral Chapel. There will be no visitation. Gifts in Stephen's memory may be sent to the United Way of Franklin County, P.O. Box 387, St. Albans, Vermont 05478.

, 89, formerly of Guildhall Hill Road, Lunenburg, died Monday evening, Dec. 23, 2002, at The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville. Mrs. Peavey was born in Lunenburg, Sept. 15, 1913, the daughter of Luke and Nellie (Smith) Colby. She was a lifetime resident of Lunenburg and a graduate of Lancaster Academy. She enjoyed flower gardens and rug hooking. She was a member of the Lunenburg Methodist Church. Her family members include a son, Quentin Peavey and wife Mary of Lunenburg; two brothers, Howard Colby and Ellis Colby, both of Lunenburg; three sisters, Rheba Hartshorn of St. Johnsbury, Rachael Gould of Kingston, Mass., and Ruby Beecher of Dover, N.H.; two grandsons, Jeffrey Peavey and wife Dana of Lunenburg, and Darren Peavey and wife Debbie of Lunenburg; three great-grandchildren, Heather, Hannah, and Quentin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, Ernest E. Peavey; and a grandson, Gary Peavey. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family.

, 57, of Lyndonville, passed away at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center in St. Johnsbury, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002. She was born May 30, 1945, daughter of the late Leonard and Catherine (Pellicciaro) Beccellieri. She is survived by two daughters, Dottie E. Tranchida of Lyndonville, and Cathy Tranchida of Morristown, N.J.; two sisters, Joan A. Wheeler of Lyndonville, and Josie Borodich of Bucktown, N.J.; her brother, Joseph Baccellieri of Tom River, N.J.; two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by three sisters, Angelina DeSantis, Mary Dostis and Jenny Schreiner. Visiting hours will be held Monday, Dec. 30, from 7-9 p.m. at the Pearsons Funeral Home in Lyndonville. Funeral services will be held at the Pleasant Street Baptist Church, 193 Pleasant St., St. Johnsbury, Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Larry McElhenney officiating. Burial will be in the Lyndon Center Cemetery, Saturday, May 3, 2003, at 11 a.m. Those who wish may send contributions in her memory to the Pleasant Street Baptist Church, Chair Lift Fund, 193 Pleasant St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 71, of Waterford, died Tuesday evening, Dec. 24, 2002, at Maple Lane Nursing Home in Barton. He was born in Walden July 2, 1931, the son of Rosario and Marie (Begin) Gingue. A lifetime farmer in Waterford, he was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury. On May 1, 1954 he married Pauline Lapierre, who survives him in Waterford. Other survivors include nine children, Andre and wife Dianne Gingue of Waterford, Maurice and wife Janette Gingue of Barnet, Bernard and wife Karen Gingue of St. Johnsbury, Michel and wife Joni Gingue of Barnet, Helene and husband Peter Hutchinson of North Windham, Maine, Marc and wife Colleen Gingue of St. Johnsbury, Raymond and wife Delores Gingue of Arlington, Vt., Normand and wife Debra Gingue of Waterford, and Jacqueline and husband Howard Bennett of St. Johnsbury; two brothers, John and wife Fran Gingue of Waterford, and Roland and wife Patricia Gingue of Florida; 22 grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Roseanna. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, Main Street, St. Johnsbury, Monday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m. Spring burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends are invited to meet the family Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sayles Funeral Home. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter, P.O. Box 1139, Montpelier, VT 05601.

, 78, former president of Passumpsic Savings Bank, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2002. He resided at 46 Dundee St. in St. Johnsbury. Born Dec. 10, 1924 in Lynn, Mass., he served as a Navy aerial gunnery instructor during World War II. Mr. Snow came to the Passumpsic Savings Bank in December 1959. Previously he had served seven years as a field examiner for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. During that period he examined many banks in northern New England including the Passumpsic Savings Bank. Bob joined the bank as an assistant treasurer and was elected a trustee in October 1962 and treasurer in January 1963. He later served as executive vice president and on Dec. 1, 1972 was elected president. In 1985 he assumed the additional title of chairman of the board. He retired as president in December 1990 and chairman in December 1999 and has continued to serve the board as a valued trustee. During his banking career, Bob served on many committees of the Vermont Bankers Association and was active in the National Association of Mutual Savings Banks. After retirement Bob got to play more golf. A member of the St. Johnsbury Country Club, he thoroughly enjoyed the game and the company of his regular foursome: Rod Daniels, Jack Byrne, Pete Brisson and later Ed Senecal. Bob was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his loving wife Ivy (Taylor) Snow; three children, Karen Buzzell and husband Kenneth of St. Johnsbury, Kathryn Hartmann and husband Michael of Topsfield, Mass., and William Snow and wife Judy of Los Altos, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Kendra, Courtney and Lindsay Buzzell, Gregory and Cindy Hartmann, and Robert and Scott Snow; four sisters, Gertrude Barr of Weymouth, Mass., Virginia Wells of Weymouth Heights, Mass., Ella Fowler and husband Frederick of South Weymouth, Mass., and Martha Ubarti and husband Skip of Hingham, Mass.; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, June Nance. Services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the North Congregational Church with the Rev. Jeannette Tweedy, vicar of the St. Andrews Episcopal Church, officiating. Burial will take place in May. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Saturday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions could be directed to the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, 1302 Main St., St. Johnsbury, Vt., 05819.

, 86, of Middle Street, Whitefield, passed away at Weeks Medical Center in Lancaster, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2002, following a long illness. He was the eldest of 12 children and was born in Beecher Falls, Vt., the son of Archille and Rosa (Dube) Couturier. He was a longtime resident of Whitefield and was formerly employed in the wood finishing department of the Nuroco Furniture Company of Whitefield. He was a former member of the Whitefield Fire Department, and was known locally for his magnificent stone walls, brilliant flower gardens and carpentry work. He also was a member of the Whitefield Lions Club. He is survived by three daughters, Betty Reeg of Whitefield, Brenda Gleich of Thornton, N.H., and Ginny Godby of Jefferson City, Tenn.; three sons, Leland Couturier of Whitefield, Robert Couturier of Nashville, Tenn., and Ronald Arcouette of Sanford, Maine; eight grandchildren, five greatgrandchildren; four brothers, Rosaire Couturier of New York City, N.Y., Orian Couturier of Weare, Mass., Edward Couturier of Waterbury, Vt., and Archie Couturier of Whitefield; three sisters, Bella Mooney and Albina Ingerson, both of Whitefield, and Archilline Hebert of Dalton, N.H. Friends may call at the Ross Funeral Home, Whitefield Chapel, Friday evening, Dec. 27, from 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10:00 a.m., at the St. Matthews Catholic Church in Whitefield. Burial will take place in the spring in the St. Matthew's Cemetery, Whitefield.

, 77, of West Charleston, passed away in Newport on Friday, Dec. 27, 2002. He was born in Brownington April 14, 1925, the son of Roger and Mary (Joslin) Maxwell. Charles farmed in Holland and Albany and had tremendous love and admiration for dairy farming and his family. On Sept. 12, 1945, Charles married the former Dorothy Riches, who predeceased him. He is survived by his children, Donna Wright and husband Ernest of West Charleston, and Charles Maxwell and wife Sheila of North Carolina; his grandchildren, Chris Wright and fiancee Kim Dodge, Shawn Wright and wife Tara, Scott Wright and wife Heather, Susan Rice and husband James, Paula Freeman and husband Brent, Chad Maxwell, and Gennie-Del Maxwell; and his great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Aliza, David, Katlyn, Anthony, Cortney, Kierra, Colton, Jamie, Constance, Ashley, Brianna and Hannah. Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport, (formerly Bay Street), with the Rev. Richard Whitehill officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Spring interment will take place at the Derby Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Charles\' memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex VNA & Hospice, Inc., 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, VT 05855.

, 54, of 60 Brayhill Road, Whitefield, NH, passed away suddenly, Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, at Littleton Regional Hospital. He was born in Lancaster, the son of Frederick and Winifred (Hand) Pilotte. He was a lifelong resident of Whitefield. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He was employed as a truck driver for the Tri-State Motor Transit Company. He was a member of the Whitefield VFW and the American Legion. John was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman. He is survived by his wife, Anne (Kelley) Pilotte of Whitefield; three step-sons, Scott Keenan of Auburn, N.H., Peter Holt of Berlin, N.H., and Christopher Holt of Floral Park, N.Y.; two step-daughters, Kelley Laforge and Victoria Holt, both of Manchester, N.H.; a brother, Eric Pilotte of Dalton; four sisters, Melanie Carter-Bratko of Lunenburg, Debbie Schulz and Carol Sheltry, both of Dalton, and Cheryl Whitney of Dover, Del.; five grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the family residence on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to a charity of their choice.

, 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.

, 83, died Dec. 25, 2002, at the Greensboro Nursing Home after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born Oct. 11, 1919, in Washington, D.C., to Walter Lynn Cheney and Myrtle (Kellogg) Cheney. Margaret graduated from Oberlin College in 1940 with a bachelor of arts in French and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated from Columbia University in 1942 with a degree in library sciences. In 1943 she married Wilbur F. Eastman Jr. They had three children. Margaret and her husband lived and raised their family in Woodcliff Lake, N.J., before retiring to Vermont in 1973. She celebrated their 45th anniversary of marriage with her husband before his death in 1988. She was an active member of the Peacham community and sang with the North Country Chorus for many years. In 1995 she moved to Craftsbury Community Care Center and two years later to Greensboro Nursing Home. Margaret was a voracious reader, an admirer of the arts and an avid traveler. She was a quiet, gentle soul, with only kind words to say about anyone she met. She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Suits; her husband, Wilbur Eastman Jr.; and a daughter, Sally Eastman Perry. She is survived by two daughters, Margot Eastman of Craftsbury, and Carol Guncheon and husband Michael of Shakopee, Minn.; a son-in-law, John Perry of St. Johnsbury; and five grandchildren, Jed Perry of Annandale, Va., Owen and Emily Perry of St. Johnsbury, and Kaolin and Eden Kinsey of Craftsbury. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, at the East Craftsbury United Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Rob John officiating. A burial service will be held in the spring at the Peacham Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 1139, Montpelier, VT 05601-1139,

, 85, of Route 3, Stratford, died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002, at Country Village-Genesis Elder Care Center in Lancaster after a lengthy illness. Born Oct. 27, 1917, in Epsom, N.H., a daughter of Arthur and Hazel (Bailey) Sherburne, she has been a resident of Stratford since 1944, coming from Bangor, Maine. She was a member of the Groveton and Stratford Methodist Church, and a member of the Groveton Knitting Club. She owned and ran a tourist home, the Merriam Farm, from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s. She ran the snack bar at the family garage, Zanes Gulf Station, Groveton. Mrs. Zanes is survived by two sons, Reginald "Reg" Zanes of Lancaster and William Zanes of Stratford; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Everett Sherburne of Chichester, N.H.; one brother-in-law, Warren Clattenberg of Loudon, N.H.; and one sister-in-law, Clarice Constant of Pittsfield, N.H.; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles W. Zanes, April 13, 1996. At Evelyn's request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring in the Center Stratford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either: RSVP-Hearing Hearold Program, 30 Exchange St., Berlin, NH 03570; or the Stratford Public Library, "Material for the Blind," in care of Stratford Town Office, P.O. Box 366, North Stratford, NH 03590.

, 84, of 402 Scott Highway, Groton, died Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, at Brookside Nursing Home, Bradford. He was born March 12, 1918, the son of George and Vesta (Carpenter) Haskell. He married Carolyn Aris Hooper, Oct. 15, 1939. Mr. Haskell served with the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was in the 4th Division, 25th Regiment, landing at Iwo Jima the morning of Feb. 19, 1945. His division was to capture the air strips for the bombing of Japan. His mission was to keep the outfit supplied with ammunition and supplies as they advanced. He had spent 19 days fortifying the island and on March 26, he was sent to Hawaii. Mr. Haskell was discharged in 1945, having served his country faithfully and honorably. After the war, he returned home to work as a lumberer and eventually he went to work for C.R. Davidson Monument Company in South Ryegate for 34 years. Following retirement, he sold and delivered cars for Walker Motors in Woodsville, N.H. He was an active member of the Groton United Methodist Church where he often sang solos for different church functions. He was predeceased by a son, Guy Duane Haskell; three sisters, Joyce Frost, Faye Jordan, and Shirley Darling; and one brother, Glenn Haskell. Surviving relatives include his wife of 63 years Carolyn A. Haskell, Groton; two sons, Dana C. Haskell of Worcester, Mass., and Donald P. Haskell of Tuscon, Ariz.; two daughters, Sharilyn Haskell of Groton, and Sharman Bail of Waits River; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Earl S. Haskell of South Ryegate, Kent Haskell of Groton, and Vern Haskell of New York; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A calling hour will be held Monday, Dec. 30, from 7-8 p.m., at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 1 p.m., from the Groton United Methodist Church, Scott Highway, Groton. Pastor Candace Ricker will officiate. Burial will be in the Groton Village Cemetery when the cemetery reopens in the spring. For those planning an expression of sympathy, please consider the Groton United Methodist Church, Scott Highway, Groton, VT 05046.

, 98, of 46 Saranac St., Littleton, died Dec. 29, 2002, at Littleton Regional Hospital. Ned was born a son to Kenin and Rose (John) Hobert on April 3, 1904, in Fort Kent, Maine, and attended schools in Fort Kent. He was employed at the Saranac Glove Company for 19 years prior to opening Hobert's Market, which he and his brother Dan operated for several years before retiring. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and St. Rose of Lima Church. Surviving family members include five sisters, Cecelia Hobert of West Hartford, Conn., Nelli Tash of North Adams, Mass., Amelia Hobert of Littleton, Julia Hobert of Littleton, and Anna Hobert of West Hartford, Conn. One brother and one sister predeceased him. The family will receive friends today at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union St., Littleton, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Dan Sinibaldi as celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Rose Cemetery in Littleton.

, 80, of St. Johnsbury, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. He was born in Danville, Feb. 28, 1922, the son of Ernest and Mabel (Allen) Stearns. Mr. Stearns had worked at Fairbanks Scales for 42 years. He has several interests in the community and especially enjoyed bowling. Survivors include two brothers, Charlie Stearns of St. Johnsbury, and Ernest Stearns of Mississippi; a sister, Emaline McFarland of Woodsville, N.H.; extended family members, Donald Cote of St. Johnsbury, Jim Cote of Danville, Leo Cote of Modesto, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, John Stearns; three sisters, Lillie Guertin, Mamie Stearns and Joane Stearns; also by Albert Cote and Gerald Cote. Friends are invited to meet the family tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sayles Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 8:15 p.m. with the Rev. John Marshall officiating. Spring burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center, Activities Fund, Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 53, of Walden, died unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, following injuries sustained in an auto accident in East Burke. He was born Jan. 23, 1949, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of William and Hannah Reen. Jerry moved to Vermont in August of 1963 with his mother and seven of 12 brothers and sisters following the death of their father. On July 31, 1971, he married Wanda Jean Boyce of Morrisville. Jerry and Wanda moved to Walden in 1974, where they raised their three sons, Jerome Jr., Matthew and Sean. Jerry was a man who loved life and enjoyed doing for others. He took great pride in his family, with his three granddaughters being the center of his world. He enjoyed any conversation, from his trademark political debates to good old-fashioned "blarney." Jerry was quick to take advantage of any opportunity, be it skydiving, rafting the Colorado River, or traveling to all corners of the globe. In his short life, he held many professional positions. He worked for Cabot Farms Creamery in Morrisville in 1966. In 1967, he went to work for G.E. in Burlington as a mill operator. After eight months, he was called into military service for his country. He was an RTO in the 101st Airborne Div., serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. After his discharge, he returned to G.E. for a short period. He then was employed as a corrections officer for the state of Vermont. In July 1984, Jerry started with the postal service as a clerk and climbed the corporate ladder, as a superviser, a coordinator of associate offices, and then as postmaster of Lyndonville, where he had served the past nine years. Outside of work and family, his interests were in politics, including serving one term on the Walden Town Select Board and keeping up to the minute on all current events. He was a life member of VFW Post 9653, Morrisville, and a past president of the National League of Postmasters, a position that he loved. Besides his wife of 31 years, Wanda, he is survived by his three sons, Jerome Jr. and wife Tracy, Matthew, and Sean and his fiancee Sarah; three loving granddaughters, Kelsey, Carlie and Haley; nine brothers and sisters, Patrick, Joan, Christina Tricoma and husband Timothy, John and wife Penny, Mary Fagnant and husband Arthur, Sheila Boland and husband William, William and wife Jean, Richard and wife Diane, and Thomas and wife Patricia; two brothers-in-law, Fred and Jim Boyce; and a sister-in-law, Jane Boyce; an aunt, Mary Barrett; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by his parents; two sisters, Jane and Catherine; and a nephew, William Boland. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, in Holy Cross Church, Morrisville, with spring interment in the Pleasant View Cemetery. Visiting hours will be 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Monday in the White-Fiess Funeral Home, 165 Brooklyn St., Morrisville. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry's memory would be appreciated to the Huntingtons Disease Society of America.

, 79, of Lancaster, died Sunday morning Dec. 29, 2002, at the Morrison Nursing Home, Whitefield, after a long illness. Mr. Hilliard was born in Lancaster, Oct. 14, 1923, the son of Raymond G. and Blanche (Bernier) Hilliard. He was a graduate of Lancaster Academy and went on to serve for four years in the Naval Air Force during World War II. He served in the Caribbean and later the South Pacific. Returning home he attended UNH for four years, graduating with honors with a degree in electrical engineering. He returned to Lancaster in 1956 and became a partner with Thompson Manufacturing on Canal Street. The company manufactured bowling alley floors sold domestically and overseas and later butcher-block furniture that was used by many colleges throughout the country. He eventually sold out as partner but continued on as president and general manager. In 1975 he acquired his insurance license and sold health and life insurance until he retired at 65 years of age. He went on to work as a volunteer at Weeks Memorial Hospital. He was a Communicant of All Saints Catholic Church and active in the Cursillo in New Hampshire. He served many years on the board of directors for the Lancaster Fair and was a member of the Lancaster Rotary Club. Family members include his wife Jean (Johnson) Hilliard of Lancaster; five children, Carol Maxwell of Concord, N.H., John Hilliard of Mountain Home, Alaska, Stephen Hilliard of Norwood, Colo., Katherine Placey of North Berwick, Maine, and James Hilliard of Fort Myers Beach, Fla.; seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Michael Hilliard, in 1979. Visiting hours will be held Thursday afternoon and evening from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday morning, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m., at All Saints Church, Lancaster. Military honors will follow the Mass in front of the church. Interment will be in the spring at Calvary Cemetery Lancaster. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the New Hampshire Alzheimer's Association, 10 Ferry Street, Suite 419, Concord, NH 03301.

, 85, of Shattuck Hill, Derby, died peacefully in his sleep, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2002, at the Bel-Aire Center in Newport surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 14, 1917 in Newport, the son of Gerald and Shirley (Hall) Buzzell. After graduating from Newport High School in 1936, he attended Phillips Exeter Academy and graduated in 1937. In 1941, he received a bachelor of arts degree from Dartmouth College. He began his teaching career the following year at Clark School in Hanover, N.H. He taught math and coached sports at Clark School for three years and St. Johnsbury Academy for one year. On Sept. 14, 1943, he married Priscilla Merchant. In the fall of 1946, he began his college teaching career instructing returning GIs in mathematics at Fort Devins, Mass., under a University of Massachusetts program. He joined the faculty at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst the following year where he was an instructor in mathematics for nine years. During this time, he received his master of arts degree in mathematics at the University of Massachusetts. In 1955, he moved his family back to Vermont to become an associate professor at Norwich University in Northfield where he taught for 26 years until his retirement in 1981. Hall was a former member and past president of the Newport Rotary Club and a charter member of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Conservation Group. Throughout this period, the family summered and spent weekends at their beloved farm on Shattuck Hill overlooking Lake Memphremagog in Derby. Hall did custom hay baling for farmers in Orleans County during the days when there were few balers in the area. He then raised vegetables which were sold at a roadside stand until relatively recently. He was especially noted for his delicious corn and peas. Hall was always most content in the great outdoors and in his woodworking shop. Hunting and fishing were passions which he continued until quite recently. He was an advocate for conservation, safety in the use of firearms and outdoor education. He enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren at their camps on Lake Seymour where he had spent summers as a youth. Hall is survived by Priscilla, his wife of 59 years; his children and their families, Jerry and Linda Buzzell in the United Arab Emirates, Timothy and Linda Buzzell of Plainfield, N.H., Nancy and Larry Kilinski of Enosburg Falls, Kenneth and Karen Buzzell of St. Johnsbury, David Buzzell of Sutton, and Holly Buzzell of South Burlington; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Hall was predeceased by his sister, Sallie Page; and a grandson, Allan Buzzell. A memorial service will be held in January. Contributions may be made in his name to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Conservation Group, in care of Ray Rhodes, 86 Quarry Circle, Newport VT 05855, or the Derby Fish and Game Club.

, 79, of 7 Elm St., Woodsville, N.H., died Monday, Dec. 30, 2002, at the Cottage Hospital in Woodsville. He was born in Gloucester, Mass., March 23, 1923, the son of Frederick J. and Adeline (Souza) White. Fred graduated from Gloucester High School, Gloucester, Mass., and Massachusetts School of Therapy, Cambridge, Mass. He was a staff sergeant during World War II serving with the 146th AAF Base Unit. Fred operated airborne transmitting and receiving equipment; sending and receiving weather, mission and position reports using international Morse code; and he served nine months with the 10th Air Force in India, completing 67 missions over Burma, China. Fred was awarded the Air Medal with one Cluster. Mr. White was a medical technologist and X-ray technician at the Glencliff Home in Glencliff, N.H., for 35 years and during this time he worked part-time for Cottage Hospital in Woodsville. After retiring he worked at Butson's Supermarket in Woodsville. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Woodsville; member of the Ross-Wood American Legion Post 20, Woodsville; and was a member of the China-Burma-India Veterans Association. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, A. Lorraine Wallace White of Woodsville; one son, Frederick J. White Jr. of North Haverhill; two daughters, Harriet Keyes of Bath, and Pamela Ashford of Newbury, Vt.; one granddaughter, Heather Ashford; and one niece and nephew. He was predeceased by a sister, Jean White Davis. A calling hour will be held Thursday, Jan. 2, from 7-8 p.m., at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville. Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 3, at 1:30 p.m., with the Rev. Vadia Boudreau of the Woodsville United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Woodsville when the cemetery reopens in the spring. For those planning an expression of sympathy, please consider the National World War II Memorial, P.O. Box 96766, Washington, D.C. 20090-6766.

, 80, of Bluffton, S.C., and most recently the River Glen House in Littleton, N.H., died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2002, in Lyndonville. He was born in Gloucester, Mass., May 15, 1922, the son of Leland and Harriet (Burkhart) Marshall. During World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Army as a master sergeant. Mr. Marshall was a graduate of Dartmouth College, Class of 1944, and the University of Nebraska. For many years he worked as a salesman for A.G. Nelson Paper Co. in New York City. Many people will remember the Iron Kettle Motel in Shaftsbury, which he owned with his wife Elizabeth. Survivors include his son, John H. Marshall and wife Jan S. Eastman and their daughter Samantha Duncan, all of Peacham; a brother-in-law, Herbert Bates Jr. and wife Marie of Mashpee, Mass.; a nephew, David Bates; and nieces, Joyce Bates, Susan Fox Digilio, Ginny Weiss, Carol Tasker and Happy Hutchins. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth (Bates) Marshall, May 14, 2002. Services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Peacham Congregational Church, Building Fund, Peacham, VT 05862.

, 81, died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2002, at the Gill Oddfellows Home in Ludlow, Vt. A former St. Johnsbury resident, she provided child care out of her Belvidere Street home. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Aug. 30, 1921, the daughter of Cyrus and Bessie (Lanphear) Skinner. Her husband, Lawrence H. Bickford, preceded her in death 38 years ago in 1964. Her family writes: "Our mother was a wonderful caring and giving person, and it was all our pleasures to be her sons. Rhoda touched the lives of many children during her years running a child-care business in her home. The children were treated as if they were her own and they always had a safe and loving environment to spend their time away from their parents. Hopefully they have all taken away the gift of caring along with them. Rhoda was one of the most successful people I know as success is to be measured by the giving from the heart, and I do not think I will ever know anyone who could have given any more of herself than Rhoda." She is survived by three sons, Wayne Bickford and wife Linda of Littleton, Colo., Larry Bickford and wife Jackie of Arvada, Colo., and Carl Bickford and wife Linda of Weston (118 Highland Ave., Weston, VT 05161); seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; one sister, Kitty Crowe of Derby; and one brother, Lester Skinner of Newport. Spring graveside services are scheduled for Friday, May 9, at 2 p.m., at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. All will be welcome to attend. Given Rhoda's love of children and her former home's closeness to the Kiwanis Pool, memorial contributions could be directed to the Kiwanis Pool, P.O. Box 204, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 77 (Missing Obituary - December 28, 2002)