, 19, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, as the result of an automobile accident. He was born in Worcester, Mass., and attended schools there and St. Johnsbury, Vt., graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy in 2004. Anthony was currently a second-year student at the school of architectural design at Vermont Technical College. Anthony is survived by his mother, Suzanne B. Skinner of Montpelier; his father, Erik R. Skinner and his wife Gail Swain of Worcester, Mass.; Anthony's sister, Alexandra Skinner, currently residing in Berlin, Germany; and paternal grandmother, Ruth C. Skinner of Danville, Vt. Anthony was also survived by a friend, Ann Cushing of Bethlehem, N.H.; his Aunt Dale and her husband Ronald Steen of St. Johnsbury; Aunt Rebecca Skinner and her husband Joseph Wassong of Thomaston, Conn.; Aunt Dianne and her husband Phillip Perkins and family of Lebanon, N.H.; and uncle Terry Barrett of Norwood, Mass.; as well as numerous cousins and stepfamily. The family requests that contributions in lieu of flowers be sent to the Warmth Support Program, in care of CVOEO, P.O. Box 1603, Burlington, VT 05402. Calling hours will take place at Sayles Funeral Home, St. Johnsbury, Vt., Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church, Main Street, St. Johnsbury, Vt.

, 79, of Littleton, N.H., passed away at the Littleton Regional Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005, after a brief illness. Goldie was born in her native town of Littleton on July 20, 1926, a daughter to Leon and Lillian (Hunt) Smith. She attended the Apthorp School and later went on to graduate from Littleton High School. Frederick W. Stark, her husband of 57 years, predeceased her on June 24, 2003. She worked over 20 years in the Littleton Elementary School cafeteria. Her favorite passion in life was cooking. Goldie also enjoyed reading, bird watching, sewing and all animals. She saw to it that her friendly squirrels were provided for even with imported acorns at times. Surviving family members include one daughter, Lillian Rayno and her husband Robert of Littleton; one son, Frederick Stark and his wife Jeanne of Franklin; one granddaughter, Abby Stark; one grandson, Travis Stark; and one great-granddaughter, Aleysha-Ann. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m., in the Glenwood Cemetery with the Rev. Stephen E. Bascom Sr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Above the Notch Humane Society, P.O. Box 456, Littleton, NH 03561; or a Salvation Army of your choice.

, a Daughter of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, passed away on Nov. 15, 2005, at Mount Sacred Heart Provincial House and Infirmary in Littleton, N.H. Beatrice Boucher was born in Montgomery Center, Vt., on April 22, 1915. She was the daughter of Peter Boucher and Etta Lumbra. Beatrice Boucher professed her vows with her religious congregation on Aug. 11, 1934. During her 71 years of religious life, Sister Lucie served in various missions in Alfred, Maine; Magog, Qu?bec; Lesotho, South Africa; and Littleton, N.H. Throughout her life, Sister Lucie was a dedicated nurse, having been trained in the congregation's nursing schools in Qu?bec. Having gained valuable experience from 1943-48, Sister Lucie embarked on a 42-year missionary journey that took her to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho (formerly known as Basotholand) in South Africa. She became a legend even in her early years, when she was instrumental in obtaining enough vaccines and medicine from Canada, the USA and Great Britain to reverse a disastrous epidemic of diphtheria which was threatening to wipe out the younger Basotho population. Sister Lucie's role in developing and making available prenatal care helped dramatically lower the infant mortality rate in that country. She was known for her availability as a midwife or a traveling nurse by riding horseback to the various villages where she was needed. During Sister Lucie's tenure, several state-of-the-art dispensaries were established so that medical assistance became accessible to more villages throughout the districts of Lesotho. During 36 years of missionary work in Lesotho, Sister Lucie remained very close to her beloved family and enjoyed their dedicated support. She cherished those ties and was very happy to get to know her nieces and nephews upon her permanent return to the United States in 1985. Sister Lucie continued to serve the congregation as a nurse for several years at the Provincial House and Retirement Home of the United States Province of the Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus before she herself became too ill to work. Her social nature and concern for others continued to energize her until her final days. Sister Lucie was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Clarence and Richard; half-brother, Paul; stepbrothers, Merritt and Frederick; half-sister, Irene; stepsister, Eva; and her sisters-in-law, Goldie and Florence. Besides her sisters in the religious community, she is survived by two sisters, Dorothy Gelineau of Orlando, Fla., and Mary Jane Willis of Lowell, Vt.; two brothers, Maurice of Fairfax, Vt., and Henry of Cuddebackville, N.Y.; two sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn of Swanton, Vt., and Marion of Fitzwilliam, N.H.; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held at Mount Sacred Heart, 226 Grove St., Littleton, N.H., on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 3-5 and 7-8:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 17, at 10:45 a.m. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. in St. Mary Cemetery, Newport, Vt.

, 59, of Moose Hill Road, Livermore Falls, Maine, passed away at Maine Medical Center in Portland early Saturday morning, Nov. 12, 2005. He was born at "Ma Bean's" on Richardson Avenue in Livermore Falls on Sept. 25, 1946, son of John Hammond Barclay and Elizabeth Esther (Eaton) Barclay. He grew up on "The Old Homestead" on Moose Hill. John attended Livermore Falls schools and was a graduate of Livermore Falls High School, Class of 1964. He was a lifelong member of the Moose Hill Free Will Baptist Church. He was employed as a survey party chief for Walsh Construction at International Paper Co. mills in Jay, and at the Ticonderoga and Corinth mills in New York. He served as superintendent installing liquid natural gas tanks throughout the northeast, and was a member of the Operating Engineers Union 545-D out of Syracuse, N.Y. He retired from Walsh's main office in New York City. He lived in Denver, Colo., for many years, and returned to Maine and the family farm in 1999. John faced adversity and disability valiantly for 35 years, and his determination to be independent was an inspiration to all who knew him. A network of devoted family members, friends and neighbors helped him stay in the home he loved despite undergoing 105 major operations. John is survived by his dear friend, Donna Whiting of Lisbon Falls; siblings and their spouses, Franklin Barclay of Leeds and his fiancee Claudia Shaw of Wiscassett, Ceylon Barclay and his wife Irina of Vilas, N.C., Rebecca Pelletier and her husband Richard of Fayette, Stephanie Lagasse of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., David Barclay and his wife Terrie of Scotia, N.Y., and Shawn Barclay and his wife Cathy of Fayette; a brother-in-law, Edsel Rawson of Dracut, Mass.; aunts, Lorena Waterman of Peabody, Mass., Virginia Eaton of Lyndonville, Vt., and Sophie Barclay of Ipswich, Mass.; a stepson, Doug Simkowsky and his wife Bridget of Chicago, Ill.; his mother-in-law, Colleen Smith of Lakewood, Colo.; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews, and cousins, as well as his caregiver, Jocelyn Mosher-Collins, and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Judith Rawson; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Barclay and Sandra Barclay; nephew, Derrick Pelletier; great-niece, Jeanne Rolande Barclay; and former wife, Stephanie Smith Barclay. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at Moose Hill Baptist Church, Moose Hill Road, Livermore Falls, Maine. Visiting hours will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church St., Livermore Falls, Maine 04254. Interment will be in Moose Hill Cemetery, Moose Hill Road, Livermore Falls, Maine. If desired, contributions may be made to Moose Hill Baptist Church, in care of Jim Johnsen, 32 Union St., Livermore Falls, ME 04254; or the American Heart Association, 343 Gorham Road, South Portland, ME 04106.

, of Danville, died Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005, at her home with family at the age of 63. She was born in Waterbury, Conn., July 7, 1942, the daughter of Melvin and Alice (Maylott) Terrill. Many will remember Alice from Brinks Inc., where she and her husband Bruce ran the business from 1965-96. They also ran the Portland Street Mini Mart for several years. Alice attended the West Danville United Methodist Church, enjoyed needlepoint and went many a mile with Bruce and their horses into Ohio, Indiana and Canada. On Oct. 5, 1963, she married Bruce Brink, who survives her in Danville. Other survivors include two sons, Daniel Brink of Burlington and William "Bill" and his wife Brenda Brink of West Barnet; three brothers and their wives, Glenn and Ruth Terrill of New Bern, N.C., Arnold and Jan Terrill of Thomaston, Conn., and Melvin and June Terrill of Wilmington, N.C.; four grandchildren, William "Bill," Jessica, Allison and Michael Brink of West Barnet; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Sally; and both parents. Funeral services will be held at the West Danville United Methodist Church on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Carol Borland officiating. Burial will follow at the Danville Green Cemetery. Friends are invited to meet the family at the funeral home Tuesday (tonight) from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the West Danville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 192, West Danville, VT 05873; or Danville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 255, Danville, VT 05828.

, 54, of Whitefield, N.H., passed away Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, at his sister's home in Black Canyon City, Ariz. Born in Whitefield, N.H., on Oct. 5, 1951, he was the son of Nelson "Bud" Matott and Gertrude (Suitor) Matott. Francis was a compassionate man with a strong faith who enjoyed canoeing, skiing, camping at Lake Umbagog and Breezy Meadows Campground, and above all else, spending time with his family and friends. Francis attended Whitefield Regional High School and the Hartford Institute of Accounting from which he graduated in 1971. He worked at Stiles Fuel for many years before beginning a private accounting business, where he counted his clients among his many friends. He was active in his local Catholic churches and was a friend of the Weathervane Theatre. Francis was predeceased by his father, Nelson "Bud" Matott, in 1998. He is survived by his mother, Gertrude "Trudy" Matott of Whitefield; his sons and their families, Francis Blaise Matott II of Goffstown, N.H., and Narong Danny Chum of Lowell, Mass.; his granddaughter, Molyda Chum; his fianc?e, Helen Couture of Jefferson, N.H., and her children Elise and Clayton Christie; his brothers and sisters and their families, Theresa Savage of Black Canyon City, Ariz., Jeanne M. Whitcomb of Temple, N.H., James Matott of Lancaster, N.H., Lawrence Matott of Henniker, N.H., Mark Matott of Harnsville, R.I., Maggie White of Dansville, N.Y., Raymond Matott of Chichester, N.H., and Patrick Matott of Franklin, N.H.; and his former wife and his friend, Elizabeth Lamoureux of Goffstown, N.H. Calling hours will be Friday, Nov. 25, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Ross Funeral Home in Whitefield. The funeral will be Saturday, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Whitefield. Memorial contributions may be sent to All Saints' Church, Parish Hall Restoration Project, 163 Main St., Lancaster, NH 03584; the Saint Matthew's Church, 9 Jefferson Road, Whitefield, NH 03598; or the Weathervane Theatre, Lancaster Road, Whitefield, NH 03598.

at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, 2005, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in St. Johnsbury, Vt. Mrs. Theresa Yvette (LaRose) Bessette, 84, of 1306 Forest Hills Drive, Aiken, S.C., and formerly of St. Johnsbury, Vt., went home to be with God Nov. 10, 2005, after suffering a stroke on Nov. 6, 2005. A funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Aiken, S.C. Mrs. Bessette was born in Sutton, P.Q., on Nov. 3, 1921, graduated from Mount Saint Joseph in St. Johnsbury, married Roger Bessette on Sept. 29, 1945, worked at Maple Grove when she was first married, and managed their apartment house on Pearl Street while bringing up six children. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury, a member of St. Ann's Altar Society, and recently a member of St. Mary's Church in Aiken, S.C. Mrs. Bessette is survived by a daughter, Carol (Edward) Zuccaro of St. Johnsbury, Vt.; four sons, Bernard J. (Ann) Bessette, 1306 Forest Hills Drive, Aiken, S.C.; 29801, Ronald (Sherry) Bessette, 252 Central Ave., Lewiston, Maine 04240; Dennis (Bernadette) Bessette, 36 North Ridge Road, West Burke, Vt. 05871; and Jeffrey Bessette, 202 Gethsemane Dr., Greenville, S.C. 29611. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, James Zuccaro, a Catholic seminarian at Mount Saint Mary's in Emmitsburg, Md.; Gina (Capt. Wyeth) Towle; Andrea (Jasen) Clutts; Karen (Jay) Henderson; Joseph (Jessica) Bessette; Theresa M. Bessette; Pastor Bryan (Hannah) Bessette; Penny (Josh) Young; Nicholas (Jennifer) Bessette; Shawna (Alan) Beauregard; Dylan Bessette; Elizabeth, Sarah, and Ilia Bessette; and five great-grandchildren, Ethan, Noah, Caleb and Tyler Bessette, and Eli Beauregard. She was predeceased in July 2004 by the love of her life, her husband, Roger, for whom she waited four years during World War II; and by a son, Reginald, in 1980. Mrs. Bessette was the eldest of five children and leaves two sisters, Yolande (LaRose) Bates and Jacqueline (LaRose) Greenwood; two brothers, Paul and Maurice LaRose; and many nieces and nephews. The family requests that no flowers be sent, but memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd School Foundation, P.O. Box 146, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 80, a resident of Old Military Road, Pownal, Vt., and a well-known area businessman and civic leader, died Monday evening, Nov. 21, 2005, at Centers For Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington following a brief illness. Mr. Strobridge was born in Barnet on March 25, 1925. He was the son of the late Edgar and Carlena (Magoon) Strobridge. He received his education in Barnet and McIndoes Academy and Peacham Academy. He continued his education, attending Michigan State University. Mr. Strobridge was a World War II Navy veteran, serving from 1943-45. He was married to the former Helen Blanchard in the North Adams (Mass.) Methodist Church on Feb. 21, 1946. He owned and operated the Strobridge Insurance from 1959 until retiring in 1991, when his son Alan succeeded him in the family business. In addition, he worked at the former Green Mountain Race Track for 10 years as a calculator. He served the town of Pownal in many capacities, including a selectman for many years and a 50-plus year member of the board of civil authority. He was a 32nd degree Mason and had been a member of the Mt. Anthony Lodge F & AM for 48 years, a member of the York Rite and Scottish Rite Bodies, member of the Cairo Shrine Club, American Legion Post 90 and BPOE 567 Elks Lodge of Bennington. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, gardening and time spent at Verd Mont. He was a collector of numerous items, enjoyed reading, completing jigsaw puzzles, being with people and had traveled extensively throughout the world with his wife Helen. He leaves his wife, Helen Strobridge of Pownal; their daughter, Donna L. Ianni of Pownal; his son Alan's life partner Suzanne Caraman of Pownal; sisters-in-law, Marion Strobridge of Vergennes, Margaret Strobridge of West Barnet and Betty Kaszuba of Middlebury; nephews, Daniel Strobridge of Essex Junction, Roger Strobridge of Worcester, Peter Strobridge of Worcester, Steven Strobridge of Alexandria, Va., and William Brownell of Lincoln, Neb. He was predeceased by a son, Alan R. Strobridge, who died June 15, 2002; and two brothers, Edgar N. Strobridge and Elmer L. Strobridge. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m., at the Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home, 213 West Main St., Bennington. Burial will follow in the family lot in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Pownal. Friends may call at the Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home on Friday evening from 4-7 p.m., when the family will be present. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts in memory of Mr. Strobridge be made to either the Alan R. Strobridge Recreational Complex (of Pownal) or the Shriners Children's Hospital, in care of the Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 957, Bennington, VT 05201. To send condolences to the family of Norman R. Strobridge, please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com. The following organizations are asked to meet at the funeral home on Friday evening to conduct services for Mr. Strobridge: Bennington Elks Lodge 567 at 6 p.m., American Legion Post 90 at 6:15 p.m. and Mt. Anthony Lodge F & AM at 6:30 p.m.

, 79, of Westfield Avenue, Bridgeport, Conn., died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, in St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport. She was born Jan. 14, 1926, in East Burke, Vt., the daughter of Blanche Gray Bishop and Earl G. Bishop Sr. Ethel attended schools in Sutton and Lyndon, Vt., graduating from Lyndon Institute in 1944. She studied law in Boston, Mass. Ethel was employed for the law firm of Hale and Dorr in Boston for many years. Later, sickness in the family brought her back to Vermont where she worked for Caledonia County Prosecutor Clifton L. Drew, Central Vermont Public Service and Chittenden County Superior Court. While in Burlington, Vt., she met reporter, journalist and photographer Craig Custer Vollmer and they married on Aug. 22, 1959, in Woodsville, N.H. They moved to Michigan where their son Kenneth Craig Vollmer was born. As Mr. Vollmer's work took them around the country, Ethel followed and worked for a number of attorneys in St. Joseph, Mich.; Framingham, Mass.; and Lincoln, R.I. Later, her husband's position with The Bridgeport Post brought them to Fairfield County, where she worked for a number of attorneys. She and her husband ran Vollmer Photography and most recently had her own business, Vollmer Paralegal Services. Ethel was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Fairfield, where she worked for three years with the staff producing the Epistle, the parish newsletter. She also served as office secretary for a time at Christ's Church in Easton, Conn. Ethel always enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, writing, painting, singing, and playing piano and guitar. Some of her favorite events were art shows, concerts and harness races. She was a member of the National Association of Legal Secretaries, a charter member of the Photographic Historical Society of New England and a life member of the Lyndon Institute Alumni Association. Ethel was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Craig; as well as her brother, Earl G. Bishop Jr. of Lyndonville, Vt. She is survived by her son, Kenneth; her sisters, Etta M. Bishop of Mansfield, Conn., and Earlene Young and her husband Edward of Woodsville, N.H.; her sister-in-law, Alice Bishop of Lyndonville; her nieces, Jan Rossier of Lyndonville, Lynn Rhoads and her husband Ted of Woodsville, and Korie Bishop of Stafford Springs, Conn.; her nephews, Brian Bishop and his wife Lara of Lyndonville, and Craig Behne of Houston, Texas; several grandnieces and -nephews; and one great-grandniece. A memorial service will be held Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fairfield, with the Rev. Bennett A. Brockman officiating. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ethel's memory to St. Paul's Episcopal Church Capital Campaign Fund, 661 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

, 76, of Cabot, Vt., died Friday, Nov. 25, 2005, at the Greensboro Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Dec. 6, 1928, in Cabot, the daughter of the late Louis and Leah (Lunge) Nelson. She attended Marshfield public schools and graduated from Marshfield High School in the Class of 1946. On July 12, 1947, she married Knight Wells Abbott in Marshfield. In her earlier years she worked for the Department of Education for three years as a stenographer and for the superintendent of schools in Plainfield for three years. She later stayed at home to care for her young children and assist her husband on the family dairy farm. Mrs. Abbott was a member of the United Church of Cabot. She enjoyed cooking and will be remembered for her wonderful pies, breads and other baked goods. She loved animals especially Jersey cows, flower gardening, square dancing and playing cards. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Knight; a daughter, Diane Thompson of Barre; four sons, Nelson "Bud" Abbott and his wife, Yogi, of Woodbury; David Abbott and his wife, Penny, of Newport, Timothy Abbott and his wife, Sharyn, of Fairfield, and James Abbott and his wife, Karen, of Cabot; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by two sons: an infant son, Knight Abbott Jr. and Richard Abbott in 1977; and a grandson, Douglas Abbott in 1997. Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 6-9 p.m. at the Northern Vermont Funeral Home, 60 Elm St., Hardwick. Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 28, at 11 a.m. at the United Church in Cabot with the Rev. William Cobb officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Greensboro Nursing Home, 47 Maggie's Pond Road, Greensboro, VT 05841; or to the American Diabetes Association, Vermont Office, 77 Hegeman Drive, Colchester, VT 05446.

, 91, passed away early Tuesday morning at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center following an extended illness. He was born July 11, 1914, in Passumpsic, Vt., son of the late Wesley and Mabel Fay Converse, who both died when he was young. He lived with Harriet Frost in St. Johnsbury while he attended and graduated from the St. Johnsbury Trade School. Later he attended the Coyne Electrical School in Chicago. After doing electrical work in St. Johnsbury for a while, he went to Hartford, Conn., where he worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. He enlisted in the Coast Guard and served two and a half years as a motor machinist mate on Destroyer Escort 391, making seven crossings of the Atlantic into the Mediterranean. Francis married Marjorie Peake in December of 1944 and they moved to Elmira, N.Y. He worked as an apprentice for a number of years before going to work for Bendix Corp. After retirement from there, he worked in electrical maintenance at Elmira College for seven years. Francis was a lover of nature and the out-of-doors. He took up painting and was a member of the Elmira Art Club for many years. He won several awards and showed his landscapes at the gallery and the fence show in the park. He and his wife became interested in covered bridges, having grown up around them in Vermont, and were active in several Covered Bridge societies for 40 some years. Family and friends have paintings he did of bridges and other landscapes in New York, Vermont, Europe and several other states. He leaves his wife, Marjorie, of 61 years who lives at the Darling Inn; his son, Clay, who serves as a Boy Scout executive in Germany; grandchildren, Karen Kucowski of Wrightstown, N.J., Wendy Converse of Worcester, Mass.; and Andrew Converse, a grad student in Albany, N.Y. Also he leaves a dear sister-in-law, Lilla Watson of Lyndonville; nephews, Fay Wesley Converse of Exeter, N.H., and his family, Richard Converse of Shelburne, Mass., and his family, Robert Smith of Lyndonville, Vt.; and a niece, Reta Murphy of Lewiston, Idaho. Besides the immediate family, he leaves among his friends, Hank and Sally Messing of Elmira, covered bridge enthusiasts for nearly 50 years. Besides his parents, Francis was predeceased by two brothers, Arthur and Fay; a half sister, Winnie Smith; and a half brother, Fred Converse. A memorial service will be held at the South Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Vt. Covered Bridge Society, 2 Sugar Hill Road, Underhill, VT 05489.

, 73, of Ingerson Road, Lancaster, N.H., died suddenly at her home Friday, Nov. 25, 2005. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday evening, Nov. 30, from 5-8 p.m. at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday morning, Dec. 2, at 10 at All Saints Church, Lancaster. The Rev. Raymond Ball, pastor, will officiate. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in her memory to the Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208-3256

, 70, a resident of Morgan for 20 years, passed away at her home on Thanksgiving Day surrounded by her family following a long, heroic battle with cancer. She was born in Somerville, Mass., on April 10, 1935, the daughter of George and Constance (Rood) Wilford. While in Connecticut Claire worked for the Connecticut General Insurance Company and the Institute of Living and enjoyed knitting, reading and nature. She is survived by her children, Stefan of Portland, Conn., Aaron and his wife Linda of Morgan, David and his wife Shirley of Randolph, Beth Johnston of Newington, Conn., Todd and his wife Estelle of Randolph, and Thad of Hartford, Conn.; her sister, Mary Wilford of East Hartford, Conn.; her former husband, Cecil Johnston of Hartford, Conn.; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Faye Jewell and Linda Wilford; and by an infant brother. A gathering ceremony for family and friends will be held on Monday, Nov. 28, from 3-6 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, Darling Hill Road, Newport (formerly Sias Ave.) Should friends desire, contributions in Claire's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division Inc., P.O. Box 1460, Williston, VT 05495.

, 75, of Littleton, N.H., passed away at her home surrounded by friends and family on Nov. 26, 2005, following a brief illness. She was born Nov. 18, 1930, in Viernheim, West Germany, to Luise (Bruch) and Valentin Busalt and lived there for 17 years until her marriage to Harold N. Heath, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, on Sept. 22, 1948. The couple returned to the United States following the end of World War II, settling at Fort Hood in Texas. She worked as a bookkeeper for NAPA Auto Parts and Henschel Shoe Company, and as a cashier at Wal-Mart. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren. She will be remembered fondly by her family and friends for her warm-hearted smile, strong religious faith and generous spirit. Preceding her in death were her husband, Harold N. Heath, in 1996; two brothers; and a sister. She is survived by her daughters, Shirley Heath of Littleton and Cindy Heath of Plainfield, N.H.; sons, Tom Heath of Sugar Hill and Ken Heath of Littleton; grandchildren, Jeremy Heath of State College, Pa., Jennifer Heath of Orleans, Mass., and Chelsea, Winter and Taylor Heath, all of Littleton; a great-grandson, Jesse Heath of State College, Pa.; and several cousins, nieces and nephews in Germany. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery in Littleton, N.H., on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, at 1 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Edward Lopeman. A reception will follow at the family's home in Littleton. The family requests that no flowers be sent. Gifts in memoriam may be made to North Country Home Health & Hospice, 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561.

, 80, of Second Street, Lancaster, N.H., died at her home, Monday morning, Nov. 28, 2005. Mrs. Emerson was born the oldest of 14 children in North Stratford, N.H., on Aug. 25, 1925, the daughter of William and Carmen (Dupuis) King. Rita was raised and schooled in North Stratford and moved to Lancaster when she married Leslie Z. Emerson. There they raised a family and she worked 10 years for Manchester Shoe. She was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a communicant of All Saints Church, Lancaster, a member of the Daughters of Isabella, and a member of the Lancaster Prayer Group since 1985. Family members include two sons, Leslie Z. Emerson Jr. and Delvern J. Emerson, both of Lancaster; a daughter, Irene D. Schmidt of Lancaster; five sisters, Orleans Jeffers of Westbrook, Maine, Gloria J. Brooks of Lancaster, Carol A. Sibulkin of Sanbornton, Darlene A. Henry of Pittsburg, and Joyce Holden of Charlestown, N.H.; five grandchildren, Sherri Lynn Gregory of Jefferson, Chrystal Rose Emerson of Lancaster, Brandee Lee Schmidt of Keene, Casey Gaylon Schmidt of Nashua, and Amber Rae Schmidt of Saco, Maine; one great-granddaughter, Domanique Paschal of Lancaster; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Leslie; and a son, Gaylon L. Emerson. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. at All Saints Church, Lancaster. The Rev. Raymond Ball, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Summer Street Cemetery, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the All Saints Parish Hall Renovation Fund, 163 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584.

, of Lyndonville, died Tuesday morning, Nov. 29, 2005, at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center in St. Johnsbury, at the age of 93. She was born July 28, 1912, in Westmore, Vt., daughter of the late Marshall and Grace (Hunt) Calkins. Edah graduated from Orleans High School, Class of 1930. During her working years, she was the head cook at Lyndon Institute. She was an active member of the West Burke Methodist Church for many years and after moving to Lyndonville 13 years ago, she became active in the Lyndonville United Methodist Church. A member of the Order of Eastern Star, Evening Star Chapter 28 of West Burke, she held many positions there, as well as on the state level. She was active at the Darling Inn and the Senior Meal Site also. Knitting and working in her flower gardens brought her much enjoyment. Survivors include her two daughters, Norma Drew and her husband Everett of Danville, and Eleanor Little and her husband Forrest of South Wheelock; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; four stepchildren and their families, Aldis Spencer and his wife Lucinda, Priscilla Hodgdon and her husband Fred, Mattie Robinson, and Sharon Gray and her husband David; a sister-in-law, Inda Calkins of St. Johnsbury; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, the Rev. Robert Leno of Lyndonville. She was predeceased by, two husbands, Clayton H. Shover in 1951, and Aldis S. Hill in 1995; a daughter, Sally Bumps in 1998; three brothers, Rawson H. Calkins, Elson M. Calkins, and Merle H. Calkins; three sisters, Ruth E. Marshall, Ruby M. Savage, and B. Dorothy Pfannenstiehl. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m., at the Lyndonville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer and the Rev. Robert Leno officiating. There will be no visiting hours. Spring burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Westmore. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Edah Hill's memory may be directed to the West Burke Methodist Church, P.O. Box 302, West Burke, VT 05871.

, 61, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in St. Johnsbury on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005. He was born in St. Albans, Vt., on April 25, 1944, the son of the late Elwood C. and Edith (Barney) Thomas. Steve graduated from Bellows Free Academy in 1962 and also was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve. Following graduation he entered the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to St. Albans where he was involved in many ventures. He was employed for several years as a mechanic with Roy Waine's Gulf Station and Homer W. Hungerford Ford Garage, was a former police officer with the St. Albans City Police Department and for several years operated his own carpentry business. He also worked at the Windjammer, Burlington in the maintenance department. Steve enjoyed drawing, wood carving and glass etching, and also did photography for weddings. He was a member of the Abnaki Nation. Survivors include his brother, Jerry Michael Thomas and his wife Queta of Bolton; his sister, Sandra Dukas and her husband Stanley of St. Albans; three nieces, Kim Thomas, Sharee Farnsworth and Stephanie Brannon; four nephews, John Thomas, Tom Dukas, Gary Dukas and Jerry Dukas; several great-nieces and -nephews; his aunts and uncles, Jerry and Rae Barney of Swanton and Pete and Phyliss Robistow of Colchester; and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Elwood and Edith. Steve's family would like to express their gratitude to his special friends in the Depot Apartment Complex in St. Johnsbury. A graveside service to be held at the family lot in Greenwood Cemetery on South Main Street will be announced in the spring. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Caledonia Home Health Agency, Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, longtime resident of the Old Center Road in St. Johnsbury, passed away suddenly at home Wednesday evening, Nov. 22, 2005, at the age of 96. She was born in Woonsocket, R.I., on July 31, l909, the daughter of Moise and Aurore (Messier) Gagnon. In 1923, her family bought the Palmer Place in North Danville, which they farmed until 1952. She married Amedee "Medy" Caron in 1931. They resided in St. Johnsbury, where they established Caron Auto Service with their two sons, Normand and Pete. Blandine devoted her life to her family. She took great pleasure in preparing holiday meals and entertaining her relatives, especially her granddaughters. She is survived by her son and longtime caregiver, Normand Caron of St. Johnsbury (557 Old Center Rd. 05819); her son, Roland "Pete" and his wife Denise (Dussault) Caron of St. Johnsbury (595 Old Center Rd. 05819); two granddaughters, Diane Caron Legendre of Sunapee, N.H., and Suzanne Mudge and her husband George of St. Johnsbury; and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Deborah Mudge. Blandine was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Medy, in 1987; her younger sister, Gabrielle Nadeau, in 2000; and her brother, Rene Gagnon, in 1981. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial will be in the springtime at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. Memorial contributions may be directed to Good Shepherd Foundation, P.O. Box 146, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.