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.
• Benjamin Isaac Birch, 39, of Readsboro. Died Nov. 26 in Readsboro. Partner of Brenda Handy of Readsboro. Father of Nicholas Birch of Readsboro. Brother of Abigail Birch of West Brookfield, Mass. Stepson of Jason Howes and Burdys Crawford. Born in Bennington, the son of William E. Birch and Jacqueline (Adams) Howes, he attended Readsboro Elementary School and Whitingham High School. He was a master craftsman, and he and his father shared ownership of Birch Builders in Readsboro. He also assisted his father in the operation of his charter fishing business on Lake Champlain. Ben was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Dutch Mountain Hunting Camp, a place he called his second home and where he was known by his hunting crew as “Buck Shot.” He loved the outdoors and had a passion for hunting and fishing. Another one of his cherished hobbies was gardening and spending time with his partner, Brenda. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 3 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams, Mass. Burial will be private. Donations to the Nicholas P. Birch Educational Fund in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247.
• Tim Alan Bolognani, 49, of Readsboro. Died Nov. 26 in Readsboro. Husband of Deborah L. Bolognani for 25 years. Father of Stephen Bolognani of Readsboro and the late Jessica Bolognani. Brother of Sue Irle of Star Prairie, Wis., Nancy Hudson of Carney, Mich., Anna Bolognani of Readsboro, Cindy McKenna of Homer, Alaska; Judy Trow of Walpole, N.H., Heidi Donath of Vero Beach, Fla., Lee Bolognani and Jon Bolognani of Readsboro, Dan Bolognani of Lakeville, Conn., and Ted Bolognani of Plymouth, N.H. Born in North Adams, Mass, the son of Betty (Whitney) Bolognani and the late James A. Bolognani, he attended schools in Readsboro and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1980, and the University of Vermont in 1984 with a degree in wildlife biology and a minor in forestry. He was the owner and operator of Apple Blossom Nursery in Readsboro for many years. He was a communicant of St. Joachim's Church in Readsboro. He was a member of the Dutch Mountain Hunting Camp, the Readsboro American Legion and the Trentino Society. He was an avid sportsman and loved being in the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 3 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams, Mass. Burial will be private. Donations to the Stephen Bolognani Educational Fund in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247.
• Laura M. Cretelle, 81, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 1 at her home. Wife of the late Ralph A. Cretelle Jr. for 58 years. Mother of Kerry Cretelle and his wife, Maureen; Kevin Cretelle; Kim Jacques and her husband, Richard; and Kathi Winter and her husband, Tom. Sister of Lincoln Smart, Helen Boudreau, Sonja White and the late Francis, Roland, and Richard Smart. Born in Ashuelot, N.H., the daughter of the late Frederick and Lillian Smart. Together with her husband, she operated “Mom and Pop” markets, including Mac's Grocery in Brattleboro. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and also enjoyed flowers and bird watching. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 5 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro with interment at Meeting House Cemetery.
• Sister Claire Frances Fitzgerald, CSJ, 90, of Latham, N.Y. Died Dec. 2 in St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, N.Y. Sibling of Jack Fitzgerald of Brattleboro and the late Ann Whitman. The former Claire Margaret Fitzgerald was born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late John and Marion Denning Fitzgerald. She graduated from St. Michael's High School in Brattleboro and attended the College of Saint Rose in Albany. In 1943, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph and professed her final vows on Aug. 15, 1948. She received a bachelor's degree in Latin and a master's degree in elementary education, both from the College of Saint Rose. She taught for 23 years in elementary schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses and served for 24 years in the Albany Diocesan School Office as curriculum coordinator, assistant to the superintendent, and director of personnel. In the 12 years previous to her retirement, she was a pastoral minister at Cathedral Parish in Albany. During the last eight years of her life, she generously volunteered in many capacities at St. Joseph's Provincial House in Latham. She had an unwavering commitment to the ministry of Catholic education, and dedicated her life to the people of God through her gentleness, respect, and compassion. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Dec. 6 in the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House in Latham, with interment in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds. Donations to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.
• Lillian Marie (Owsiak) “Mammy” Frost, 91, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 25. Wife of the late John J. Owsiak Sr. for 58 years and Ernest “Ernie” Frost for the past 13 years. Mother of Virginia Owsiak and the late John J. Owsiak Jr. Sister of Mary Remillard, Anna Leary, Joseph Bobee, and Louis Bobee. Predeceased by her siblings Harriet Hogan, Sophie Pinger, Nettie (Gagne) Lazure, Ida Lazure, Marjorie Butler, and a brother who died as an infant. She was the first born of 11 children to the late Albert and Minnie (Gadway) Bobee of Mooers Forks, N.Y. As a young adult, Lillian put her education on hold in order to assist her family financially. Attaining her high school diploma from Brattleboro Union High School at age 52 was a proud achievement to both her and her family. During her life, she was employed by Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates and the Holstein Association. She retired from The Book Press. After the death of her first husband, she married Mr. Frost after their mutual love of bowling brought them together. For the past 13 years, they built a beautiful life together and spent many hours in their backyard where their love of wildlife, stray cats and gardening flourished. She loved her time with her family, and is remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor, and her zest for life. Well into her later years, she enjoyed bowling, softball, swimming, and traveling. She loved to take her grandchildren roller skating, ice skating, and sledding. Quiet times were spent reading together or creating crafts. She enjoyed time spent with her sisters at their ceramic classes, and the pieces she created have become treasured family heirlooms. Playing cards, dancing, listening to country music and watching sports were among some of her favorite ways to pass the time. She was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella Ava Maria Circle and the Ladies of the Oriental Shrine. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Dec. 2 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed by internment at Meeting House Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Romaine “Dutch” Garrapy, 82, of Rockingham. Died Nov. 26 in Rutland at The Pines. Husband of the late Shirley Crouch. Father of Darlene and Bonnie. Predeceased by a daughter, Tessie. Born in Rockingham, the son of the late Romaine and Helen Parkhurst Garrapy. He served in the Army from 1950 through 1952, then he returned to Rockingham, where he was a truck driver for the town of Rockingham's road crew until he retired. Memorial information: A graveside service with military honors was held Dec. 3 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls.
• Lawrence George Golde, 69, of Saxtons River. Died Nov. 25 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Husband of Abigail McMurray Golde for 39 years. Brother of Robert H. Goldie, of Rye, N.Y. Born in Bayside, N.Y., the son of Lawrence and Josephine (Diggles) Golde, he was a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. He had a distinguished law career in New York City, which included the 1984 recovery from East Germany of the 49 important works known as “The East German Pictures' of the Bauhaus artist, Lyonel Feininger. The works were subsequently hung at the Phillips Gallery in Washington. A dedicated community activist and historic preservationist, he served seven years as the president of the Society for Clinton Hill in historic brownstone Brooklyn. He was an avid tennis and squash player and a three-time finisher of the New York City Marathon. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Dec. 3 in the Saxtons River Cemetery. Donations to the Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Louisa G. Haskin, 89, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 23 at Thompson House. Wife of the late Rev. Frederick J. Haskin for 46 years and the late Bishop Francisco Reus-Froylan for nine years. Mother of Weedgie Maloney, Livy Hitchcock, and Teri Robinson. She graduated magna cum laude from Mills College in California, and lived most of her adult life in Vermont. She had a remarkable life with a focus on a lifelong love of international dancing, swimming, reading, the Caribbean, traveling all over the world, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She was a staunch Episcopalian, and devoted her life to expressing her faith through acts of service, regular attendance at Mass and sacred dance. In addition to her volunteer work, she established and directed four Head Start programs in the Northeast Kingdom. Her talents were many: she was artistic, had a keen mind and a love of learning and enjoyed meeting new people, learning new languages ,and experiencing new cultures. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on Friday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m., at St. James Episcopal Church in Essex Junction, and on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro. Donations to St. Michael's Church Capital Campaign, 16 Bradley Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Leslie Margaret Hill, 57, of Rowley, Mass. Died Nov. 22 of complications due to breast cancer. Husband of James P. Kirby. Mother of Jessica M. Dolan. Sister of Heather B. Hill Mullins and Janet M. Hill. Born in Waltham, Mass., the daughter of Janet Margaret Shirley Hill and the late Leonard Greene Hill, she earned degrees from Harvard University, The School for International Training, and Simmons College. She worked in international education at Smith College, Harvard University, The School for International Training, Hwa Nan Fujian Women's College, and Landmark College. She traveled to many countries, and advised and taught hundreds of college students how to be intellectually and spiritually transformed by their encounters in foreign cultures. She was an incredible mother, best friend, and No. 1 supporter of her daughter, Jessica. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at the Friends Meeting House in Putney on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., and in Cambridge, Mass., in early January. Donations to the Animal Rescue League of Boston at www.arlboston.org, or Hospice of North Shore and Greater Boston at http://tinyurl.com/7v3pp5w.
• Roy D. Jones, 63, of Putney. Died Nov. 25 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Fiancee of Linda Blank. Brother of Mary Nichols, and her husband, Geoff, of Brattleboro; Betty Davis, and her husband, Ray, of Oklahoma; and Jim Jones, and his wife, Naomi, of Nevada. Born in Orange County, Calif., he previously had lived in many states before settling in Vermont in 1997. He decided to make Vermont his home to be close to his sister Mary. In his younger years, he always enjoyed the ocean, and loved surfing and waterskiing. He loved dancing and went to many concerts with his sister, Betty. He enjoyed car shows and became interested in vintage automobiles and trucks. When his brother, Jim, came for a visit they spent some time looking for a Mustang that was Jim's next project. He was an excellent fisherman and loved going to Camp Margaret in Maine and fishing on Lake Keewaydin. He was a very hard worker, and while here in Brattleboro he worked many jobs. His favorite employment was with the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust as a maintenance grounds keeper. While working for Michael D. Henry in construction, he met his fiancee. Together they made their home on Aiken Road. His hobbies included woodworking, landscaping, mowing, his vegetable garden, and fishing. His favorite spot to relax was on the front porch of his home, whether watching the sun set or enjoying the stars. Memorial information: A private memorial service will be planned at a later date in Maine. Donations to the St. Labre Indian School, 1000 Tongue River Rd., Ashland, MT 59003, www.stlabre.org and St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD 57326, www.stjo.org.
• Robert H. Jones, 77, of Ormond Beach, Fla., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 29 at Florida Memorial Hospital in Ormond Beach. Husband of Shirley Baynton Jones for 56 years. Father of Robert Everett Jones of Deltona, Fla., and Cindi Jones Ferguson and her husband, Brett H. Ferguson, of Cornelius, N.C. Brother of Edward L. Jones of Brooksville, Fla. Born in Neptune, N.J., he attended Monmouth College in New Jersey as an undergraduate and earned an M.Ed. in Education from Keene State College. He headed up the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s and was the town moderator. He was a member of the Brattleboro Rotary Club. He later entered the field of higher education and was an educational administrator throughout the rest of his career. He was dean of admissions at Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y., where, as an officer of the college, he granted degrees to both his daughter and his wife. After five years at Manhattanville, he became dean of admissions and later senior vice-president at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. He retired from Hampden-Sydney after 15 years and moved to Ormond Beach. He was an avid bridge player, history buff, played golf, and was an incredible sports enthusiast. In Brattleboro, he was a sports announcer on the local radio station for high school football, Little League, and other sports. He was always very involved with his children's sports and either coached or attended every one of their games or matches. He had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 3 at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home in Flagler Beach, Fla. Donations to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.
• Robert Jay “Bob” Koehler, 75, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 21 at his home. Former husband of Donna Palmer. Father of Justin Koehler of Duncan, Okla., and Marie Poirier of Haverhill, N.H. Brother of Fred Koehler of Baltimore, Md. Born in Scranton, Pa., the son of Frank and Mabel (Highfield) Koehler, he was raised and educated in Baltimore, Md., and was a graduate of Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Va. He worked most of his life as a technical writer, and had been employed for several large companies that included Fairbanks Scales, Boeing, Eveready and Raytheon. For the past nine years, he had been employed at Walmart in Hinsdale, N.H., working in the store's photo lab. Besides being an electronics enthusiast, he loved classic cars and photography. He had attended the Green Mountain Chapel of the Christian & Missionary Alliance in Brattleboro. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Nov. 30 at the Green Mountain Chapel, with burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to Vermont Right to Life, P.O. Box 1079, Montpelier, VT 05601. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Madeline G. Law, 81, of Westminster. Died Nov. 23. Wife of Duane A. Law. Former wife of Ernest P. Simoneau. Mother of Shirley Daniels, Debbie O'Brien, Mary Lou French, Bonnie Sheppard, Philip Simoneau, Bill Simoneau, Yvette Simoneau, Corina Law, and the late Ruby Daniels. Sister of Lorraine Parsons of Wilmington, Carlton Barnett of Halifax, Ashley Paul Barnett of Connecticut, and the late Louise Elizabeth Richardson, Elwin Barnett, William Barnett, Phillip Barnett, and Robert Barnett. Born in Cabot Plains, the daughter of the late Ashley Paul Barnett and Sarah Clark Barnett, she worked on the Lou Ufford Farm in Rockingham, Allen Brothers in Westminster, and J.J. Newbury's in Bellows Falls. She was an amazing artist, an avid reader, and enjoyed being outdoors, and watching birds. She was instrumental in starting the hot lunch program at the Westminster Central School. She was a prolific gardener and she enjoyed sewing, painting, and spending time with her family. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Nov. 26 of Pine Crest Cemetery in Charlestown, N.H. Donations to Westminster Cares, P.O. Box 312, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Frances A. “Fran” Martin, 66, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 28 at home. Wife of the late Raymond M. Covey Jr., and of Stephen P. Martin for the past 11 years. Stepmother of Kevin Martin, currently serving in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany, and Karen Martin of Willisboro, N.Y. Sister of William Elliot and his wife, Barbara, of Deltona, Fla. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Ray and Florence (Houston) Elliot, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1966. She later earned her R.N. degree in the mid 1980s. She had been employed at World Learning in Brattleboro as supervisor of the printing shop and mail room. She initially joined the school when it was the School for International Training, then located in Putney. She retired from World Learning in October of this year following 46 dedicated years with the school. In conjunction with her full-time position, she also performed private duty nursing in the greater Brattleboro area and was well known for her compassionate care giving skills. She was a member of the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary, where she was an active volunteer with the Post's Bingo program. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Brattleboro, and a former member of the F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2449. She had a deep affection for animals and was an active volunteer with the Windham County Humane Society. Of her other pastimes and interests, she enjoyed horseback riding and time spent with her family. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 2 at American Legion Post 5, with burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Barbara Jean (McLeod) (Whittle) McKay, 71, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 22 at Pine Heights. Mother of Joy Cardello of Pittsburgh, Susan Whittle and her husband, Will, of Brattleboro, Daniel Whittle of Chico, Calif., and Michaelyn Crosby and her husband, Jason, of Vilseck, Germany. Sister of William McLeod and Diana Bonner. Born in White Plains, N.Y., the daughter of William Robert McLeod and Betty Elaine Jenner, she graduated from White Plains High School in 1958. She worked for nearly 30 years at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, Conn., where her first job was as an EKG technician who crisscrossed the halls with her EKG machine. She used her comic antics to dispel any tension felt by her patients. After a time, she began working on the switchboard and was always the life of the party who delighted her friends and colleagues with her snappy wit. Although a series of unfortunate health issues, starting with cancer in 2002, led her to eventually rely on the full time care of others, she still miraculously maintained her bawdy sense of humor and managed to effortlessly charm her way into the hearts of her caregivers at Pine Heights. Her greatest love in life was her animals, and a constantly evolving menagerie of creatures always surrounded her. Memorial information: At her request, there will be no formal memorial service. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Norah Payne, 85, of Westminster. Died Nov. 27. Wife of Dennis Payne for 64 years. Mother of Bettina Youngs and her husband, Kel, of Milford, Conn. and David Payne and wife, Gale, of Westmoreland, N.H. Sister of Eric Morgan of Nottingham, England. Born in Birmingham, England, where she met her husband during World War II, she proudly served in the Women's Land Army, working on farms delivering milk and vegetables in support of the cause. After the war, she and Dennis were married and immigrated to the United States. They settled in Woodmont, Conn. on the shores of Long Island Sound. She loved the seashore and took every opportunity to enjoy it. She spent 25 years working at By-Magic Sales, a Tupperware distributor in Milford, Conn. In the mid 1990s, she and Dennis moved to Westminster where they reopened The Country Store. Her home-baked muffins, welcoming personality, and quick smile opened the door to many long lasting friendships. She grew to love the mountains and lakes of Vermont and New Hampshire and enjoyed the beautiful sunsets. She was active until the day she died. Her garden, her home, and her family all kept her young. Although her family was most important, her passion was her garden. She took great pleasure in the flowers she grew, and loved sharing them with family and friends. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westminster Institute on Route 5. Donations to New England Kurn Hattin Homes, P.O. Box 127, Westminster, VT 05158, or to Westminster Cares, P.O. Box 312, Westminster, VT 05158.