Obituaries
Editor's note: The Commons will publish brief biographical information for citizens of Windham County and others, on request, as community news, free of charge.
• Sharon V. Boardman, 63, of Richton, Miss. Died June 21 at the home of her daughter in Guilford. Wife of Paul David Boardman for 38 years. Mother of Michelle Frehsee of Guilford; Rachael Malone of Jackson, Miss.; and David Addison Boardman of Sikeston, Mo. Sister of Carolyn Pool of Murray, Ky. Born in Murray, Ky., the daughter of J.M. and Ernestine Wright Venable, she was a graduate of Calloway County High School, Class of 1966. She went on to attend Murray State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, and later earned her Master's in Special Education. Sharon taught school for 42 years with her last position at Greene County High School in Mississippi. She was a well-liked and respected teacher who took great interest in her students. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Petal, Miss. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and time shared with her family. She also loved music and was an accomplished pianist. Memorial information: A graveside memorial service took place on June 24 at Guilford Center Cemetery. Donations to a special fund established to help defray her medical expenses. Checks can be made out to: Michelle Frehsee or Rachael Malone, in memory of Sharon Boardman, and mailed to Brattleboro Savings & Loan, 221 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Messages of condolence may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Betty B. Clark, 79, of Brookline. Died June 19 at her home. Wife of the late A. Stewart Clark for 51 years. Mother of Winthrop O. Clark of Newfane, Archie S. Clark Jr. of Brookline, Jan Bingham of Brookline, and Barbara Bristol of Bangor, Maine. Predeceased by siblings Bruce Boyd, David Boyd, Jr., and Nina Boyd. Born in Wilmington, the daughter of the late David H. and Mildred Cutting Boyd, she was raised and educated in Wilmington and was a graduate of Wilmington High School, Class of 1950. For many years, she was active with the family business, A.S. Clark & Sons in West Dummerston, working with her husband as the company bookkeeper. She was a faithful, devoted wife and loving mother whose life centered around her family. Active civically, she was a member of the Newbrook Fire & Rescue Auxiliary and the Grace Cottage Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the Newfane Congregational Church. She enjoyed flower gardening, knitting, sewing, playing bingo and country and western music. She also took great pleasure watching the cardinals visit the feeders at her home. Memorial information: A graveside memorial service took place on June 23 at Dover Center Cemetery. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353, or to NewBrook Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 77, Newfane, VT 05345. Messages of condolence may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Thelma Irene Anderson Crosby, 88, of Townshend. Died June 19 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Wife of Henry West Crosby for 70 years. Mother of Jeanie Crosby and her spouse, Cynthia Baldwin, of Brattleboro and Spring Branch, Texas; Laurie Chiperfield, and her husband, Robert, of Brattleboro and Lake Worth, Fla.; and Martha Tompkins and her husband, Ronald, of Lighthouse Point, Fla. Born in New Haven, Conn., the daughter of the late Charles W. Anderson and Gladys Grainger Anderson. The Crosbys first lived in East Haven and Stamford, Conn., and then moved to Hinsdale, N.H., in 1951, to raise their daughters in a rural environment. In 1966, they moved to Brattleboro, and she began her college education at the Community College of Vermont, where she was the first graduate in the southeastern region. She received a master's degree in education from Antioch New England. She was a teacher of students with learning disabilities in Brattleboro, primarily at Green Street School. A creative and respected teacher, she wished to be remembered as an enthusiastic and constant learner. She was also an avid and knowledgeable gardener whose flowers graced many weddings, graduations, and family events. Memorial information: A private graveside service was held at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353, or the Thompson House Activities Fund in Brattleboro.
• Marion P. Field, 91, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died June 20 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, N.H. Wife of the late Everett Emerson Field. Mother of Sandra Harris of Guilford, and George Field and his wife, Susan, of Savannah, Texas. Sister of Harold Parker and his wife, Lorraine, of Valrico, Fla.; and Bernice Fifield, of Spofford, N.H. Predeceased by siblings Frank Parker, Merrill Parker, and Josephine Parker. Born in Marlboro, N.H., the daughter of the late Almon and Grace Parker, she graduated from Marlboro High School. In 1984, she retired from the Book Press in Brattleboro, after many years of service as personnel and payroll manager. She also was one of the top Avon saleswomen in the region, having attained the status of President's Club member. Marion enjoyed playing Bingo and was an accomplished candlepin bowler, having won many trophies during her prime. When she was young, she and her husband were active in the Abenaki Archery Club. She loved dogs, having raised many breeds. She also loved spending time with her family, and who would do anything for anyone in need. Memorial information: A private graveside ceremony was held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or the Windham County Humane Society, 916 West River Rd., P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Scott M. Fitts Jr., 23, of East Dover. Died June 21, at his home. Brother of Jennafer Vaine of Marlboro; Kevin Hescock, Jr. and his wife, Kelly, of Brattleboro; Brianna Fitts of Brattleboro; and Tanya Fitts of East Dover. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Kim D. Fitts of East Dover and Scott Fitts, Sr. of Putney, he received his education in schools in Putney and Bellows Falls. He was a classic car enthusiast and owned a 1964 Chevrolet Impala and a 1988 BMW. He also enjoyed fishing. Memorial information: A memorial services was held June 24 at First Baptist Church in Brattleboro. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of the family.
• Madeline L. Kinney, 91, of Saxtons River. Died June 18 at Springfield Hospital. Wife of the late James “Jake” Kinney. Mother of Robert Kinney of Walpole, N.H.; David Kinney and wife, Susan, of Grafton; and Lydia Benson of Bellows Falls. Sister of Beatrice Perry of Windsor. Predeceased by her siblings Richard, Robert, Clifford, Albert, Bertha, and Hattie French. Born in Bellows Falls, the daughter of Elmer and Mary (Schultz) French, she attended school in Westminster West and graduated from Bellows Falls High School. She was a member of Club 39, the Saxtons River Garden Club, and served as a Brownie leader. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed playing Bingo and walking and visiting with friends in Saxtons River. Memorial information: A graveside service was held June 26 at Saxtons River Cemetery. Donations to McGirr Nursing Home, Activities Fund, 33 Atkinson St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Maurice E. Mix, 86, a longtime resident of Brattleboro, and Langdon Place of Keene, N.H. Died June 16. Husband of the late Alice H. Halsey for 57 years. Father of Deborah Mix of Falls Church, Va; the Rev. Diane Mix of Spofford, N.H.; and David Mix and his wife, Gina, of Charlestown, N.H. Brother of Lewellyn S. Mix of Virginia Beach, Va.; and Eloise Mix Unbekant of Bristol, R.I. Born in Heuvelton, N.Y., the son of the late Gordon and Frances Jenkinson Mix, he graduated from Heuvelton High School and later from Cornell University's College of Agriculture. Affectionately referred to as “Mr. Holstein,” both here and abroad, Mix spent his working career supporting and promoting the Holstein breed. He led two important departments during his 22 years at the Holstein Association in Brattleboro. As Director of Classification Services, he fostered the growth and development of a program which became known as the best classification program of dairy cattle in the world. Later, as Director of International Affairs for the Association, he was responsible for the management of all international activities of the Association with emphasis on market development, public relations, animal health standards, and finance. He traveled widely during his career with the Association, and was known for his integrity, fairness, knowledge, and ability to communicate with people of different cultures. He was equally comfortable on the farm, at seminars before large audiences, or at meetings with government officials. Giving service to the dairy industry and his community, Mix had served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Holstein Foundation; Moderator and member of several committees of the Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro; the Board of Directors of the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Brattleboro Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs. He was also an avid gardener, bridge player and a Detroit Tigers fan. Memorial information: A funeral service was held June 25 at Centre Congregational Church. Donations to the Centre Congregational Building Fund, 193 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to the Holstein Foundation, P.O. Box 816, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Melissa Jo Parry Pinion, 33, of Albuquerque, N.M., formerly of Brattleboro. Died June 12. Wife of Rick Pinion. Mother of Cassandra and Evelyn Pinion. Stepmother of Ty Pinion. Sister of Stacy and Emily Fedorovich. Predeceased by her daughter, Ashley Jo. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of Kevin Parry and Cyndy (Cyr) Fedorovich. She grew up living with her mother and stepfather, Michael Fedorovich, residing in California, Idaho, and New Mexico. She spent her childhood summers with her father, Kevin, in Brattleboro, where she had many friends and “aunts and uncles.” Worked with her husband on their construction and remodeling business. She was also a producer of the Albuquerque Home Show. She was very talented and creative and involved herself in many art projects and hobbies. She was also an avid gardener, a skilled carpenter, dedicated to her family and friends and always helped those in need. Memorial information: A memorial service took place on June 16 in Albuquerque.
• Rose Marie Short, 78, of Townshend. Died June 19 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Mother of Helen-Grace Bostock and her husband, Paul, of Ludlow. Sister of Edward J. Allison and his wife, Dena B., of Glastonbury, Conn.; and Helen Oatley of Marshfield. predeceased by a daughter, Constance Redford. Born in Rockville Center, N.Y., the daughter of the late Edward J. and Mary Bejsovec Slanetz, she graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary, Class of 1950. She was employed as an office manager at Grace Cottage Hospital for many years, and was a housekeeper in the Townshend area for many years. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for many years, a member of the Townshend Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star. Memorial information: A graveside service was held June 23 at Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend. Donations to the Townshend Church, P.O. Box 272, Townshend, VT 05353; to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353; or to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, Vt. 05302.
• Claire Frances Stack, 69, of Lanesboro, Mass. Died June 11 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass. Sister of Raymond P. Stack of Bellows Falls. Predeceased by her sister, Patricia A. Dufault. Born in Fitchburg, Mass., the daughter of the late Francis T. and Anna May Sullivan Stack, she attended Elisha Keep School in North Walpole, N.H. and Roll Stone School in Fitchburg and participated in various BCARC workshops, as well as the Adult Learning Centers of the Pittsfield Public Schools. She enjoyed Special Olympics as a participant, as well as traveling, country music, arts and crafts and family get-togethers. Memorial information: A memorial service was held June 18 at Devanny-Cordron Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Burial will take place at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Fitchburg at a later date. Donations to the Claire Stack Educational and Social Memorial Fund, Berkshire County Association for Retarded Citizens, South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
• Graydon Elliot “Grady” Vigneau Sr., 82, of Brattleboro. Died June 22 at his home. Husband of Annette Engerman for 57 years. Father of Graydon E. Vigneau Jr and wife, Merry, of Bridgton, Maine; Jeffrey P. Vigneau and wife Nancy of Fruitland Park, Fla.; Judith A. Rogers and husband, Parnell, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Lori J. Thibault and husband, Kevin, of East Dummerston; and Andrea S. Vigneau of Greenfield, Mass. Predeceased by three brothers, John, Edward and William Vigneau, and three sisters, Claire, Marjorie and Evelyn. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Albert and Gertrude (Grover) Vigneau, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro and attended Brattleboro High School. He later served in the Vermont National Guard. From 1952 to 1954, he worked for the late John Sadd at Hillside Dairy in Brattleboro, prior to becoming a police officer with the Brattleboro Police Department. He retired from the department in 1972 at the rank of sergeant following 18 dedicated years of service. His last position was with Leader Beverage from 1972 to 1993. During the years when his sons were growing up, he coached Small Fry, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Brattleboro. He was an avid sports fan and was a collector of baseball cards. With his wife, he especially enjoyed trips visiting the Amish in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. He also cherished time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and his two great grandsons. He was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held June 27 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, with burial with full military honors in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Thompson House Nursing Home, Nursing Scholarship, P.O. Box 1117, Brattleboro, VT 05302, attn: Mr. Dane Rank; or Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, 1 Hospital Court, Bellows Falls, VT 05101-1489. Messages of condolence may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Timothy R. “Tim” Wood, 52, of Brattleboro. Died June 17 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Husband of Lisa Bellizzi. Father of Jenna of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Patrick of San Jose, Calif.; and David of Jacksonville, N.C. Stepfather of Jeff DeCelle, Eric DeCelle, Melissa DeCelle, and Kristina Lackard. Sibling of Diane Saunders and her husband Alan of Bristol; and Ernest Wood and wife, Brenda, of Dummerston. Predeceased by his stepfather, Harry E. Bond. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Bettymae (Burnham) and Roger Wood, he was raised and educated in Dummerston and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1977. He went on to attend and graduate from the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford. While growing up in East Dummerston, he worked for Fred Holbrook, then owner of the Scott Farm. He later worked as a mechanic at Keats in Keene, N.H. His first post in law enforcement was with the Windham County Sheriff's Department under the command of Sheriff William Graham. He later joined the Brattleboro Police Department as a patrolman and charge officer of the canine unit, working side-by-side with the department's German shepherd “Rosco.” At the time of his death, he was employed as a truck driver for Triple T Trucking in Brattleboro. For many years, he served as a firefighter with the West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department. The combined accumulation of his various jobs throughout the years fulfilled his dreams of becoming a fireman, policeman, and truck driver. Being mechanically inclined, he loved anything with wheels, most notably Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He had a lifelong passion for Harleys and enjoyed riding with his wife. For several years, he was a member of the Brattleboro Shrine Club and the Cairo Shrine Temple and its Snowmobile Unit out of Rutland. Memorial information: A memorial service took place on June 22 at the Green Mountain Chapel in Brattleboro, preceded by a motorcycle run that carried his urn through Brattleboro and Dummerston. Donations to the West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 40, West Dummerston, VT 05357-0040. Messages of condolence may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
College news
• The following local students received Associate of Arts degrees from the Community College of Vermont at commencement ceremonies held June 4 at Norwich University's Shapiro Field House: Suzanne Fontaine of South Londonderry; Sarah Colbert, Angela Givens, Miranda Smith, Michelle Wallace and Elisha Wamsley of Brattleboro; Susan Lyn Daigneault and Kimberly McCormack of Newfane; Adelee Austin of Putney; Shawn Morton of East Dummerston; and Darlene Cobb of Westminster.
• Thomas Bemis of Jamaica graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Life Sciences.
• Amber Cox of Whitingham, who is majoring in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, was named to the spring 2011 Dean's List at Paul Smith's College.
• Emily Howes of Putney was named to the spring 2011 Dean's List at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y.
• Noah Tapper of Saxtons River, was named to the spring 2011 Dean's List at the University of Massachusetts-Boston.
School news
• The following local high school students were awarded the 2011 Saint Michael's College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience: Kayla Bernier-Sontag of Brattleboro, and Tom Heydinger of Vernon, both students at Brattleboro Union High School; Sarah Dickson of Jamaica, and Fabian Gaspero-Beckstrom of Newfane, both students at Leland & Gray Union High School; and Sophie Zschirnt of Whitingham, a student at Twin Valley High School.
The award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in volunteer service and academic achievement. Award recipients, named at schools throughout the country, are high school juniors who are inductees of the National Honor Society or an equivalent school-sponsored honors organization. They must demonstrate a commitment to service activities in high school or community organizations, taking leadership roles in these activities.
Awards
• Martin Cohn of Newfane was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Brattleboro Rotary Club. The award, named after the founder of Rotary International, is one of the highest honors Rotary can bestow upon a person. Recipients exemplify the highest ideal in Rotary in placing “Service Above Self.”
Cohn, president of a local public relations firm, has served as secretary of the Brattleboro Rotary Club for the past two years. He became president-elect at the club's annual changeover dinner held at the Brattleboro Country Club on June 23. Cohn produces the Rotary Club's annual film festival, which raises funds for international projects.