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 Joseph “Benny” Andrews, 89, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 9 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Husband of the late Maxie L. Putnam for 21 years. Stepfather of Gary R. Sanderson, Brian A. Sanderson, Sharon L. Williams, and Sheila M. Crowley. Brother of Edward J. Andrews of Norwood, Mass., and the late Lucy Dowd and Joseph Andrews. Born in Vineyard Haven, Mass., the son of the late Antone and Maria (DaLuz Medeiros) Andrews, he graduated from Angel Guardian High School in Jamaica Plain, Mass., Class of 1942, and was class valedictorian. He served in the Army in the Signal Corps during World War II. He worked in various hotels, resorts, and restaurants from Maine to Florida, finishing with nine years at Howard Johnson's in Brattleboro. He also spent 19 years with Case Brothers and Boise Cascade in paper making, retiring in 1984. He was a member of VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro, and Moose Lodge #1782 in Naples, Fla. He will be remembered for his wit and common-sense approach in dealing with life's issues. He enjoyed music, playing cards, golfing, and bowling and was active for many years with the Greater Brattleboro Bowling League. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Dec. 13 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed by committal rites and burial with full military honors in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Building Fund of VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034, 40 Black Mountain Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Eloise M. Bristol, 82, of Saxtons River. Died Dec. 15 at the Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center. Wife of Paul Bristol for 40 years and the late Harry Laware for 17 years. Mother of John Laware and his wife, Raynie, of Walpole, N.H.; Thomas Laware and his wife, Susan, of Charlestown, N.H.; Nancy Bazin and her husband, Denis, of Westminster, and the late Barry LaWare. Stepmother of Steve Bristol and his wife, Janet, of Reading, and Duane Bristol of Perkinsville. Sister of Marjorie Locke of Tucson, Ariz.; Shirley Martin of Clearwater, Fla., Mary Camber of West Lebanon, N.H., Jean Wilcox of White River Junction, Frank Dudley of Colchester, and Donald Dudley of Clearwater, Fla. Born in Lebanon, N.H., the daughter of the late Harley and Velma (Sanborn) Dudley, she attended local schools in the Lebanon area and was a member of the class of 1947. With her second husband, she started Bristol's Footwear in Bellows Falls in 1977. She also worked as a teller at Bellows Falls Trust Co. and retired from Chittenden Bank in 1993. She was one of the founding members and treasurer of Abenaqui Snowmobile Club and the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). She loved RV-ing and traveling with her husband and she served as treasurer among other positions for the local Rolling Wheels Chapter of the Good Sam Camper's Club. She was an active member of the Bellows Falls Senior Center where she enjoyed the company of many friends. She was also a lover of music, and passed that love on to her children. She was the type of person who took pleasure from making others feel good. Memorial information: A funeral service will be held Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. at the Fenton & Hennessy Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with a reception to follow at the home of Nancy and Denis Bazin.
• Michael Kellam Costello, 35, of Wilmington. Died Dec. 6 of a rare form of glandular cancer. Son of Kathie and Jerry Costello of Wilmington. Brother of Erin Costello Wecker and her husband Ross Wecker of Boston, Mass. He received his education at Stratton Mountain School and Montana State University in Bozeman. He was president of Costello Development Corp., which specialized in snowmaking pipeline projects throughout the United States. Most recently, he completed the United States Ski Team speed training run at Copper Mountain in Colorado. The site will serve as the world's best early season training facility for the national ski team. He was outstanding in the fields of excavation and all phases of heavy construction. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 17 at the Hermitage Inn in West Dover. Donations to the Michael Kellam Costello Memorial Trust, established to assist low-income students achieve academic success, at P.O. Box 326, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Mary R. Howard, 86, of Newfane. Died Dec. 11 at home. Wife of the late Wilmont F. “Willie” Howard Sr. for 60 years. Mother of Wilmont F. Howard Jr., Ph.D., and his wife, Mary, of Jeffersonville, Pa.; James L. Howard of Putney; and Nancy A. Baker and her partner, William Chase, of Newfane. Brother of Otis “Bud” Reed of Vernon and the late Eleanor and Edward Reed. Born in Putney, the daughter of the late Clarence and Ruth (Robbins) Reed, she was raised in Westminster West. She was proud to be a graduate of Hastings-on-Hudson High School, in New York. She loved the city life and the culture it offered, but still returned to Vermont to marry her high school sweetheart after attending college for a brief time. She had a strong work ethic and worked 17 years for American Optical, and then went on to work at Fulflex and Green Mountain Orchards. She loved to cook and was known for her good home cooking. She also liked to garden, and although her ability lessened after her husband's death, she enjoyed that the tradition was continued with her daughter and partner. She was renowned for her pickles and her generosity with friends and family. She was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 5 and VFW Post 1034 in Brattleboro. Memorial information: A private burial will take place in the spring, at the convenience of the family, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Putney. Donations to the Lydia Taft Pratt Library, P.O. Box 70, West Dummerston, VT 05357-0070; or the Putney Library, 55 Main St., Putney, VT 05346.
• Frederick W. “Bill” Jockell, 56, of Grafton. Died Dec. 7 at his home. Husband of the late Jane Demsen. Father of Daniel and Sarah Jockell. Brother of John Jockell. Born in New York, the son of Frederick and Mary Lou (Harrington) Jockell, he was a graduate of Massapequa (N.Y.) High School. He worked for G&G Emergency Boarding, Marjam Trucking, Kamco Trucking, LaValIey Building Supply, Cooper Ambulance, and also worked as a care taker. He was a volunteer for the Grafton Fire Department and was a member of the Community Christian Church in Athens. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at the Community Christian Church in Athens at a later date.
• Francis Charles “Frank” Juraszek, 94, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 13 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Husband of the late Catherine LaRosa for 41 years. Brother of Stanley Juraszek of Turners Falls, Mass., Stacia Jablonski of Easthampton, Mass., and the late Anna Smith and Julia Bombay. Born in Norwich, Conn., the son of the late Joseph and Sophie (Adwent) Juraszek, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School. He served in the Army in World War II, and was awarded a Purple Heart after he was wounded in combat in Europe. After the war, he returned to Brattleboro, where he was employed by the town of Brattleboro for many years as custodian at the Municipal Center. He had also worked at the former C.F. Church Co. and at the former Berkshire Fine Spinning. A devout Catholic, he was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and held membership in the American Legion Brattleboro Post 5. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing and attending family celebrations. He especially enjoyed taking country drives with his wife. Memorial information: A funeral was was held on Dec. 16 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial with full military honors in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301 in care of Elaine Bean, Principal. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Conrad Layman Kruse Sr., 82, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 13 at Pine Heights Nursing Home. Husband of Carole Nielson for nearly 55 years. Father of Fritz Kruse of Rawene, New Zealand, Conrad Kruse, Jr. of Murrieta, Calif., and Paul Kruse of Hinsdale. Brother of Joan White of Bangor, Maine. Born in Chicago, the son of the late Fritz and Jean (Layman) Kruse, he was raised and educated in Weston, Conn., and later graduated from Antioch College, where he earned a B.S. degree in Science. He later received his Master's in natural science from Highlands University. He served stateside in the Army just after World War II, and worked as an educator most of his career, teaching high school science and math in Alaska and New Zealand. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club while residing in New Zealand and was a past member of the Hinsdale Lions Club. With his wife, he attended Grace Free Evangelical Church in Spofford, N.H. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, carpentry and operating his ham radio. He was also an accomplished wood worker and builder. Memorial information: At his request, no services will be held. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
• Donna Lee (Roberts) Bruce McDurfee, 70, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 13 at her home. Wife of the late Gerald R. Bruce and the late Harry L. McDurfee. Mother of Michael Bruce and his wife, Lynn, Gerald Bruce, Jeffrey McDurfee, and Timothy McDurfee. Sister of Nicholas Goulas and his wife, Marilyn; Steven Goulas and his wife, Vicki; Christine Tuff and her husband, Curtis; and Mary Jane Draper and her husband, Mike. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late C. Wayne and Mary Lorraine Bellville Roberts, she was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1959. She worked at Vermont National Bank for 28 years, where she was known as “the voice of VNB.” She enjoyed being with her family and friends, as well as baseball, gardening, and dancing. She was a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. In 1976, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she was a survivor of more than 30 years until her most recent illness. Even up to the time of her death, she was always putting others before herself. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 17 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Donations to the Oncology Department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Online condolences may be sent to www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Lyndall Kaye Procter-Barrett, 91, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 15 at home. Wife of the late William Procter and the late Alan Barrett. Mother of Christopher and Carleton Procter. Sister of Faith Armington. Born in Gorham, N.H., the daughter of the late Carola Keller Goldsmith and Chester Hamilton Goldsmith. She graduated from Westbrook College and Katherine Gibbs School in Boston. She interrupted her studies in 1942 to contribute to the war effort, first in Washington D.C., then with the American Red Cross in the Eighth and Ninth Air Force Service Clubs in England, Belgium and Germany from 1944-1948. After World War II, she completed a B.S. from the University of California-Los Angeles in 1951, and went back to work for the Red Cross during the Korean War. She worked in a MASH hospital in Korea, and Army hospitals in Tokyo and Osaka from 1952-55. She transferred back to Philadelphia Army Hospital, where she met and married her first husband in 1955. She raised two sons, became a realtor and supported her husband's British sports car dealership. In 1965, she moved with her sons to Townshend. She worked as a Realtor, a secretary to the Rev. Bob Green of All Soul's Church, was an assistant to the Windham Southeast Supervisor Union superintendent, executive director of the MS Society of Southern Vermont, and executive director of the Windham County American Red Cross until she retired in 1982. Architecture was a passion of hers. She improved two old houses in Townshend and Brattleboro. and built three new houses in Newfane and Brattleboro. Always ready to support new ideas, she built an early solar house, in 1979, in Newfane, and a solar passivhaus in 2006, in Brattleboro, designed by her architect son Christopher. On a Russian cruise ship around South America she met her second husband, a retired English headmaster, in 1986. They were married in Brattleboro, and then returned to his home in London, and had many happy years travelling together until his death. In 2000, she came back to Brattleboro for her many friends, classical music, All Souls Church, and another house building. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 17 at All Souls Church. Donations to All Souls Church, P.O. Box 2297, West Brattleboro, VT 05303m or the Yellow Barn Scholarship Fund, Putney, VT 05346.
• Arnold E. “Buster” Runnells, 77, of Townshend. Died Dec. 9 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center following a brief illness. Lifelong companion of Effie Chamberlin. Father of Marcia and Susan Runnells of Windsor, and Rena Runnells of Unity, N.H. Stepfather of Greg, Abby, and Jenise of Newport, N.H., and Marlo of Warner, N.H. Brother of Margaret Goad of Ascutney and Christine Sylvester of Brownsville. Predeceased by daughters Lorraine and Liza, brothers Lester and William, and sister Thelma. Born in Windsor, the son of George H. and Eleanor Nelson (Bedor) Runnells, he grew up in Windsor and attended local schools. He loved to be behind the wheel and had made a career as a professional driver. He worked for Carroll Concrete (formerly Newport Sand and Gravel) for more than 30 years, and was operating a cement mixer just a month ago. In earlier years, he had worked part time as a corrections officer at the Sullivan County Jail in New Hampshire. In his leisure time, he enjoyed snowmobiling, boating and camping with his family, riding motorcycles with his brother Lester, and NASCAR racing. He had a zest for life, and would laugh off adverse circumstances with his upbeat attitude. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 13 at the NewBrook Fire House in Newfane, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, or the Vermont Chapter of the American Cancer Society, in care of Covey & Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Ruth E. Thomas-Bland, 79, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 13 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Wife of the late Everett E. Thomas and the late Marvin Bland. Mother of Edward Thomas and his wife, Karen, of Bellows Falls; Pamela Thomas and her partner, Raymond Cutler, of Bellows Falls; and the late Steven Thomas, Edith Smith, and Lisa Pharrie. Born in Wilmington, the daughter of the late Joel and Edith (Lackey) Wheeler, she was a graduate of Hinsdale (N.H.) High School. She worked as a nurse's aide for both the Brattleboro Retreat and Linden Lodge Nursing Home for many years until her retirement. She enjoyed playing games on the computer, playing Bingo and reading. She enjoyed going out to eat with friends and cherished times spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a loving and kind woman who loved everyone she came into contact with. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 17 at Covey & Allen Funeral Home in Wilmington, with interment in the family lot in Riverview Cemetery in Wilmington. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Robert Arthur “Bob” Torrey, 58, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 9 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., from complications from pancreatitis. Brother of William Torrey of Brattleboro. Father of Liam and Hope Emila, both of Mount Desert, Maine. Close personal friend of Sarah Benton of Brattleboro. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Arthur Torrey and the late Constance (Duncan) Torrey, he graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1971. While at BUHS he excelled in the Business Education curriculum and was recommended by then-department head Gordon Thomas for a position at Brattleboro Savings & Loan, a position he secured two months after graduating. What initially was an entry level teller position turned into a successful 40-year career with the financial institution as he worked his way up to vice president. He was well known at BS&L for his thoroughness and patience, and was often considered the “George Bailey” of Brattleboro, after the main character in Frank Capra's much-loved 1946 movie classic “It's A Wonderful Life.” Active civically, he was a former board member of the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, and held membership in the Scottish Clan Donnachaidh, where he served as the Vermont representative. He was very proud of his Scottish family heritage. Steadfast in his lifelong walk of faith, he was an active member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church of Brattleboro, where he served on the church vestry, was an altar server, headcounter and co-chaired the parish's welcoming team. He often filled the position as tech support for the church. A quiet, unassuming man, he was known for his spirit of friendship and kindness and loved to work behind the scenes in whatever project he was involved in. He was an avid reader, enjoyed genealogy, and loved birds and small animals, especially the squirrels that visited his feeders at his home on Parkside Avenue. He also loved to travel and go antiquing. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 17 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, with burial in the family plot at Chesterfield West Cemetery in Chesterfield, N.H. Donations to the St. Michael's Episcopal Church Capital Campaign Fund, 16 Bradley Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, P.O. Box 1486, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Charleen Merrill True, 67, of Rockingham. Died Dec. 16. Wife of Norton G. True for 47 years. Mother of Stacy True Bathrick and her husband, Tom, of Claremont, N.H.; Stephanie True Girouard and her husband, Lawrence, of High Springs, Fla.; and Seth A. True and his wife Irene of North Springfield. Born in Cambridge, Mass, the daughter of the late Thomas Wilson Cazmay, Jr. and Marion Rogers Cazmay, she graduated in 1962 from Monmouth (Maine) Academy, and it was there that she met her husband. Her interests included family, gardening, photography, spinning wool, knitting, boating, and long walks. Memorial information: A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Rockingham.
• William “Bill” Tucker, 87, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 9 at Holton Home. Husband of the late Sally Sonin for nearly 65 years. He and his wife had moved to Brattleboro at the end of June to be near family, but she died unexpectedly three weeks after the move. Father of Ronald and his wife, Sharon (Ingersoll) Tucker, Robert and his wife, Laura (Lawson) Tucker, and the late Richard Tucker. Brother of the late Aaron Rolnick, Julius Tucker, and Sylvia (Tucker) Bookstein. Born in Hazleton, Pa., the son of the late Nathan and Fanny Tucker, he spent four years in the Navy during World War II. Partnering with his father-in-law Edward Sonin, he started and ran a window treatment business, Sonin's Blinds. He built his successful business, first in Long Beach, N.Y., and then in Florida. He had uncanny ability to get along with everyone, and his commitment to providing high quality service, and his honesty, were his hallmarks. The Tuckers moved to Margate, Fla., in 1978, where they continued leading an active life working and being with friends and family. He later became a dedicated, loving, respectful caregiver for his wife during her 14 years with Alzheimer's disease. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. His kindness, politeness, gentleness, and humor have fortunately been passed down to his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Memorial information: He was buried beside his wife at Mt. Ararat Cemetery in Farmingdale, N.Y., on Dec. 11. Cards of condolence may be sent to: Robert Tucker, 4075 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT 05301. Donations to Holton Home, 158 Western Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301; Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, P.O. Box 2353, Brattleboro, VT 05303, or to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
College news
• The following local students were recently awarded degrees from Springfield College: Jaime Boyd of Putney and Kathleen Preston of Brattleboro earned master of social work degrees; Christina Pagella of Guilford earned a bachelor of science degree in business management; and Kristine Record of Grafton earned a bachelor of science degree in rehabilitation and disability studies.