, 46, of Newport died on April 6, 2014, in Newport. He was born on April 9, 1966, in Vancouver, Washington, to Alfred and Irene (Kaszycki) Plato. He was formerly a security guard in Arizona. He enjoyed summertime barbeques, watching crime shows on television, growing plants, and he loved listening to rock and country music. Mr. Plato was a genuinely nice and pleasant guy. He is survived by his beloved friends:  Carl P. King, Jericho E. King, and Patty Place, all of Newport, and Joe Lewis of Hartford.  He is also survived by his two cats, Demon and Critter, who he considered his children.

, 66, of Middlebury died peacefully on April 8, 2014, in Burlington. He was born on April 17, 1947, in Stanstead, Quebec, Canada, to Irene (Goupil) Pouliot and the late Albert Pouliot. During his lifetime, Mr. Pouliot was a self-employed painter. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and doing arts and crafts work.  He had a unique sense of humor. He is survived by his mother Irene Pouliot of Newport; his siblings:  Jocelyn Pouliot and his wife, Barbara, of Newport Center, Clement Pouliot of Newport, Yvon Pouliot and his wife, Melanie, of Middlebury, Nicole Poginy and her husband, Michael, of Newport Center, Suzanne Coggeshall and her husband, Robert, of New Hampshire, and JoAnne Allen and her husband, Danny, of North Troy; and by several nieces, nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by his father Albert Pouliot on November 11, 2011. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, care of Winston Dowland, Whittier Road, Derby Line, Vermont 05830.

, 95, of Irasburg died on April 11, 2014, in Barton. He was born on May 6, 1918, in Newport, to Olive (Pelkey) and Frederick Prue Sr. On July 26, 1939, he married Marjorie J. Rowland, who predeceased him on February 26, 2007. Mr. Prue was a conductor for the Canadian Pacific Railroad, where he retired after 40 years of service. He enjoyed gardening, and he loved to go to the farmers’ market to sell his wife’s baked goods and vegetables.  He liked to play cards with his family and friends in a very quiet and subdued manner.  He loved to write music as well as play his guitar and he played with Doc and Chickie Williams on more than one occasion.  He, above all, loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is survived by his children:  Fred Prue, Val Royer and her husband, Richard, Brenda Stewart, Donna Jewer and her husband, Lester, Diana Poginy and her husband, David, Pam Prue and her friend, Pat Pine, Louie Prue and his wife, Collette, John Prue and his wife, Clare, Marjorie Morley and her husband, James, Danny Prue and his wife, Linda, Pearla Brown and her husband, Blaine, and David Prue and his wife, Barb; his daughter-in-law Roxanna Prue; his 33 grandchildren; his 62 great-grandchildren; his two great-great-grandchildren; his numerous stepchildren; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Terry Prue on February 23, 2014; his daughter Janice; his brothers:  Vernon, Reginald, Kenneth, and Leonard; and by his sisters:  Madeline Collins, Doris Karabarus, Elaine Daniels, and Marion Lakin. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, on Friday, April 18, from 6 to 9 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, at the Grace Brethren Church in Irasburg, with the Reverend Scott Libby officiating.  Spring interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Grace Brethren Church, 3 Route 14, Coventry, Vermont 05825.

, 1929-2014 by Wanita S. Thompson I wrote this tribute to my mother-in-law and read it at her funeral on March 28: First let me begin by saying that I don’t believe my mother-in-law would be extra pleased to have folks fussing over her, even now, and maybe she wouldn’t be that happy about my tribute to her.  But, on the other hand, she didn’t say I couldn’t…. Arlene was a planner and she lived her life on her own terms.  She lived a life of service to others, caring for family members, educating three generations of students right here in Craftsbury, and contributing crafts and baked goods for school and community events. She was a storyteller and a wonderful conversationalist.  At family gatherings, I would notice that she would visit with just about everyone, and usually asked the children about what they had been up to and how school was going (always a teacher, you know).  She kept track of the honor roll in the paper and often sent notes of congratulations or encouragement to relatives, friends, and former students. Mrs. Thompson was a cheerleader!  If you have an image of someone in a short skirt with pom poms — wrong!  But, she was the greatest fan and supporter anyone could ask for.  Her son, Dave, would tell you that his parents went to all his basketball, soccer, and baseball games, and when our children were old enough to play T-ball, there they were, cheering them on all the way!  They attended all the games right up through high school as well as concerts, science fairs, award ceremonies, and anything else that Meghann and Derek participated in.  Of course, Gram cheered for all her students over the years, too, in whatever games, spelling bees, or other competitions they were involved in.  She rooted for us all in all our endeavors — sincerely. Now, how would she want to be remembered?  She was a caring daughter who took special care of her parents, along with an older brother whom she loved dearly.  She was a devoted and loving wife, and an amazing mom, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was a generous person who gardened and picked berries by the carload and always shared the vegetables and fruit with family, friends, and neighbors. I’ll share a few stories now.  First, one from her childhood on the family farm in Irasburg.  Her family enjoyed many family get-togethers over the years.  Almost every Sunday, relatives would come over to enjoy a meal together and spend hours reminiscing or just chatting.  Christmas was a special holiday in the Robinson household and oftentimes extended family would come over for a feast and to celebrate.  One year an uncle who was quite a trickster brought a gift for the family and quickly put it under the Christmas tree.  Well, my mother-in-law’s father heard this scratching sound coming from under the tree, and he attempted to shoo that darn cat out from under it.  He could not find that cat anywhere!  The scratching was coming from the Christmas package — a live rooster was the gift inside the box from that dear uncle; how she laughed as she regaled us with that story and other of the fun Christmases she experienced in her youth, and I understand how important it was for her to bring that joy to her child and grandchildren.  Passing on traditions was very important to her. When Dave was growing up, the family had a few snow machines and would oftentimes meet up with uncles, aunts, and cousins for some wonderful Sunday afternoon rides.  Dave’s mom didn’t always go out on the sleds, but this one particular Sunday she decided to go along with the gang.  Apparently, at some point, it was just Dave and his mom on the trail, each on their own machine, and returning home from a jaunt when they arrived at the foot of a very steep hill.  Dave stopped at the bottom of the hill and advised his usually slow and careful-driving mom that she would need to give the machine some gas if she was ever going to make it up the hill.  Otherwise she might get stuck.  So up the hill, Dave went.  Well, about halfway up the hill, he thought he better look back down to see how close to the bottom of the hill his mother still was, and he got the surprise of his life.  There she was right close behind him and almost about to run into him, full throttle!  He stepped on it and got out of the way just in time, but he never forgot the determination of his normally cautious mom to get up that hill! Over the years, Gram and Grandpa have been fun and loving grandparents to Dave’s and my children.  When Meghann was about two years old, Gram had the idea that Meg would like a shopping cart to play with, so Gram, Grandpa, Meg, and I set out on a Saturday afternoon in search of this shopping cart.  When we arrived at the store, they had shopping carts, but it was a three-wheeler that took Meg’s eye.  She rode it all over the store and we weren’t sure we could get her off it long enough to pay for it.  For as you can tell, a three-wheeler is what we came home with! Another time, Gram and Grandpa spent an entire day shopping just for the right sneakers for Derek.  They started in St. Johnsbury, but could not find shoes that would meet Derek’s approval there.  No such luck!  Then, off to Barre!  And there, they found just the right shoes.  I don’t know who was more pleased — Derek with his snazzy new sneakers or the grandparents who made sure he ended up with them. Gram often said that it was a good trait to know what you like and not to just settle for any ol’ thing. Well, they are always talking about our footprint that we leave behind.  Well, my mother-in-law has left a big footprint on my heart.  There are many jokes about them, and I know a lot of folks don’t think you’re supposed to like your mother-in-law, but I loved mine and I’ll miss her always as will our whole family.  I will end with a quote by Maltbie D. Babcock:

, 60, of Barton died on April 12, 2014, at his home. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

, 90, formerly of Newport, died at her son Jim’s home in Plainfield, New Hampshire, on March 30, 2014. She was born in Highgate Hill, London, England, on July 25, 1923, to Agnes (Donovan) Bryant and James Bryant. During World War II, she helped spot and put out fires caused by exploding bombs.  She had to hide underground (or refuse to!) during air raids, etc. She met Bob Daigle when he was stationed in England as an American Marine, and married him at the end of the war, coming to Vermont as a “war bride.” In later life, she became an excellent artist, working extensively with watercolors, but also in other media, including flower arrangements.  She was a founding lifetime member of the Four Season Garden Club and was always very active in its activities.  She painted the watercolor of Stone House Gardens that is still used by the club.  She also belonged to the “Birthday Club of 7” which met monthly. She is survived by her two sons:  Mike and his wife, Nadine, and Jim and his wife, Ireen; Jim’s children:  Amanda Shyne and her husband, Andrew, and Alicia Dube and her husband, Sebastien; her great-grandchildren:  Theo Shyne, and Olivia and Toby Dube; many friends; several nieces and nephews including Tim Daley and Rosemary Claassen, whom she was especially close to. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob, in March of 1995. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 2, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m.  Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Oncology Department at North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 86, of Barton died on April 6, 2014, in St. Johnsbury. He was born on December 15, 1927, in Sawyerville, Quebec, to Henry and Arcilia (Jette) Gaboriault. On August 8, 1959, he married Martine Laramee, who survives him, after being married for 55 years. Mr. Gaboriault retired from the Canadian Pacific Railroad as a section foreman after 45 years of service.  He enjoyed going to work and was not one to sit still.  He would still find time to play games with the family, which he enjoyed very much.  He was proud of his homes and his well-kept lawns. He served his community as a past member of the Barton Fire Department and as an usher for St. Paul’s Catholic Church for 30 years. He is survived by his wife Martine Gaboriault of Barton; by his children:  Colette and her husband, Ron Houle, of Iraburg, Marianne and her husband, Peter Lussier, of Barton, and Richard Gaboriault and his wife, Lucie, of Barton; his grandchildren:  Jessica, Michelle, Kristi, Cierra, Nicholas, Justin, Emily, Paul-Martin, and Kaytlyn; and by his great-granddaughter Kadence.  He is also survived by four sisters, and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 11, at 11 a.m., at St. Paul’s Church in Barton, with Father Tim Naples officiating.  A spring burial will be held at the Welcome O. Brown Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Paul’s School, 54 Eastern Avenue, Barton, Vermont 05822.

, 82, of Manchester, New Hampshire, died on April 1, 2014, after a long illness. Born in Newport on June 6, 1931, she was the daughter of George and Frances (Bussiere) Demers. She resided in Stratham, New Hampshire, for 30 years before moving to Manchester in 1996. Mrs. Haney was a talented, self-employed seamstress for many years. She was a communicant of Saint Marie Church in Manchester. A loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she enjoyed the pleasures of family life. Surviving family members include four daughters:  Suzanne and her husband, Harry Ntapalis, of Manchester, Cheryl Bosch and her husband, Philip, of Wolfboro, New Hampshire, Lisa Cyr and her husband, Frederick, of Derry, New Hampshire, and Lori Sternberg and her husband, Kenneth, of Barrington, New Hampshire; seven grandchildren:  Seth, Benjamin, Jillian, Ryan, Andrew, Peter, and Kady; six brothers:  Leo, John, Fernand, Albert, Raymond, and George; two sisters:  Mary Nault and Helen Kinsella; and several nieces and nephews. She was married 62 years to Wayne E. Haney.  He died on November 2, 2012.  She was also predeceased by her brother Richard Demers. A Mass of Christian burial was held in Saint Marie Church in Manchester.  Burial took place in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hillsborough County Nursing Home, Resident Activities Program Account, 400 Mast Road, Goffstown, New Hampshire 03045.

, 98, of Hanover, New Hampshire, died on March 30, 2014. She was born in Barre on October 3, 1915, to Carl and Alice Crossett Perry.  She outlived her brothers, Robert Perry and Nelson Perry, and her sister, Jean Dolan.  Her sister-in-law Gene Perry lives in Florida. She and William Hart Jr. married in 1971 and lived in Merrimack, then in Rossmoor, New Jersey, for a time with Mr. Hart’s job. They bought land in Coventry, and started building their dream house overlooking Lake Memphremagog.  Ms. Hart was happy to live back in Vermont, close to her family.  They enjoyed traveling with Mr. Hart’s work and later for pleasure. Ms. Hart was active in the United Church of Newport, doing volunteer work and with the PEO Foundation. Many happy holidays and family gatherings were hosted in their home.  Ms. Hart was a wonderful cook and especially enjoyed the grandchildren visiting.  She took pleasure in reading, gardening, and she loved to watch and feed the birds.  She had a keen sense of humor.  She was a quiet, private woman who loved her family, nature, the water, and lived life with a positive attitude. They reluctantly sold their home and moved into a condominium in Newport, which also had a beautiful view of the lake.  In 2007, they moved to Lebanon, New Hampshire, to be near family. She is survived by her loving husband of over 42 years, William Hart Jr., of Hanover; and by her three sons:  Norman Buchanan and his wife, Ruth, of Pomfret, William Buchanan and his wife, Sharon, of Deerfield, New Hampshire, and Paul Buchanan and his wife, Martha, of Weare, New Hampshire.  There are seven Buchanan grandchildren and one great-grandson.  She is also survived by William Hart’s four children:  Susan Schwarz and her husband, Gregory, of Lebanon, William “Ty” Hart III of Manchester, New Hampshire, Sally Demers and her husband, Robert, of Merrimack, New Hampshire, and Craig Hart and his wife, Heather, of East Weymouth, Massachusetts.  There are eight Hart grandchildren. She was predeceased by her first husband, Norman L. Buchanan, who died in 1964 in Malden, Massachusetts. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire, 66 Benning Street, Suite 6, West Lebanon, New Hampshire 03784.

, 75, of Craftsbury Common died on April 3, 2014, in Burlington. She was born on May 3, 1938, in New York City, New York, to Pender and Elizabeth (Van Tine) Eldredge. On February 27, 1960, she married Michael A. Schmitt III, who predeceased her on March 15, 2004. She graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut, and also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. After college she worked in advertising at J. Walter Thompson and Geer Dubois Agency in New York City. She and her late husband were owners of the Inn on the Common from 1974 to 2003. Mrs. Schmitt was a trustee at Sterling College of Craftsbury Common, a member of the Old Home Day committee, the Craftsbury Common Village Improvement Society, and she was active politically. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing tennis and golf.  She also traveled and went on cruises, and watched tennis and golf on television. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Schmitt of Kansas City, Missouri; her two half-sisters:  Patricia Ward of Florida and Christine Lamarca of Ohio; her sister-in-law Kathie Woods of Minnesota; and by her loyal companion, her dog Chico. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, April 11, at the United Church of Craftsbury Common, with the Reverend Alan Parker officiating.  Spring interment will be in Craftsbury Common Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to Sterling College, 16 Sterling Drive, Craftsbury Common, Vermont 05827; or to the North Country Animal League, 16 Mountain Meadow Road, Morrisville, Vermont 05661.

, 60, of Albany, a beloved husband, son, father, brother, educator, principal, mentor and friend, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 4, 2014. Born in Burlington September 30, 1953, he was a son of Walter and Phyllis (Buck) Spaulding. On December 30, 2004, he married Lisa Daniels Dunlavey and became a loving and devoted father to her children and later their offspring. Mr. Spaulding attended Cambridge Elementary School, graduated from Lamoille Union High School, and then received his bachelor’s and master’s of education degrees from Johnson State College. He had a lifelong passion for education.  As an 18-year-old, he became the youngest school board member in the state of Vermont.  He started his early teaching career in Wolcott and then Berkshire.  Subsequently he served concurrently as principal and teacher in Belvidere, and later as principal of both Newport Center and Burke.  More recently, he was a responsive interventionist counselor at Cabot School.  Throughout his career he was a role model to both other educators and, most importantly to him, his students. He was constantly expanding his deep understanding of geography, history and science, and was sharing his wealth of knowledge with all who would listen.  He was extremely eclectic in his interests, which ranged from hiking and wilderness exploring, to custom wood working and playing the harmonica.  He was an avid runner, cross-country skier, and cyclist. Mr. Spaulding was selfless; he would give you the shirt off his back if he thought it could help the current situation.  He played multiple roles in bettering many Vermont communities and the lives of others.  Recently he was team leader of an ecumenical outreach trip to Valdosta, Georgia, where over 350 young adults from all over America spent a week repairing and painting houses of people in need. He leaves his beloved wife, Lisa Dunlavey-Spaulding; his mother, Phyllis Spaulding; his children:  Richard Spaulding Jr. and his wife, Kristy, Stephanie Spaulding, Tucker Dunlavey and his companion, Danielle Nelson, Brendon Dunlavey and his companion, Liza Jost, and Shannon Dunlavey; his grandchildren:  Elijah, Natalie, and Nicholas; a brother, Mike Spaulding; a sister, Beverly Minor, and her husband, Tom; his mother-in-law, Marilyn Daniels; his brothers-in-law:  Michael Jennings, David Daniels, and Marc Daniels and his wife, Marybeth; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. He was predeceased by his father, Walter Spaulding; and by his sister, Cindy Spaulding. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 11, from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m., at the Church of God, at 295 Crawford Road in Derby.  A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m., at the Church of God, with the Reverend Nathan Strong and Pastor Lawrence Wall officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dick Spaulding Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1558 Delano Road, Irasburg, Vermont 05845.

, 76, a longtime Stannard resident, died on Sunday evening, April 6, 2014, in the comfort of his home, with his loving family at his bedside. A full obituary will appear in a later edition.

, 53, of Chazy, New York, beloved wife of Thomas Wilson, died peacefully on March 24, 2014, at the Fletcher Allen Health Center in Burlington, after a long illness. She was born on December 18, 1960, in Newport, a daughter of Alphonse and Yvette (Rainville) Patenaude. She graduated from North Country Union High School in Newport, in the Class of 1979. On August 29, 1981, she married Thomas Wilson, who survives her. She enjoyed traveling and camping with her husband in their camper, playing cards, bird watching, and reading. She is survived by her husband Thomas Wilson of Chazy; her father Alphonse Patenaude of Derby Line; her brothers and sisters:  Jeanne O’Bryan and her husband, Mark, of Fairfax, Donald Patenaude and his wife, Cindy, of Brattleboro, Danny Patenaude and his wife, Rhonda, of Derby, Linda Elliott and her husband, Wayne, of Essex Center, and Monique LaPlante and her husband, Arthur, of Beebe Plain; her beloved cats:  Miss Kitty and Theodore; her nieces and nephews:  Erin, Monika, Whitney, Ryan, Michael, Tyler, Taylor, Erin, Brandon, Emma, Jena, Kati, and Charlee; her godchildren:  Kylie, Erica, Steve, Corry, and Taylor; her father-in-law Trevor Wilson of Ayers Cliff, Quebec; and by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother Yvette Patenaude on May 30, 2013; and by a brother, Michael Patenaude, in 1961. Funeral services were held on March 31, in Derby Line.  Spring interment will be held at St. Edward’s Cemetery in Derby Line. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 29 Tafts Corners, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, who died on January 11, 2014, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Barton on Saturday, May 3, at 11 a.m.