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.
• Janice E. Cobb, 72, of Bellows Falls. Died March 9 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Wife of Larry Cobb. Mother of Jeff Martin of Bellevue, Neb. Born in Hartford, Vt., the daughter of William and Mary (Carr) Martin, she was a 1958 graduate of Bellows Falls High School and worked for the town of Rockingham for 42 years. Memorial information: Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations to Visiting Nurse Association & Home Health Care, 366 River St., Springfield, VT 05156.
• Todd Francis Davison, 46, of South Londonderry. Died March 3 at his home. Former husband of Nancy Gash Davison. Son of Donald E. Davison of South Londonderry and the former Sandra A. McIntyre Davison of Leesburg, Fla. Former stepmother of Mary Gould (Davison) Merrill of Townshend. Brother of Julieanne Davison Torrey of Leesburg, Fla., Terry Davison Berger and her husband Jennings of Brookline, Chuck Davison of Londonderry, Michael D. Davison of Virginia, and Sean Barry Davison of Maryland. He was a custom furniture maker and self-employed painter. He was previously employed by BMW Painting and Brooks & Stevens Painting. His main passion was hunting trophy whitetail deer in Maine and Vermont. He also enjoyed other outdoor sports, including fishing, boating, snowmobiling, and bear hunting. Memorial information: A memorial service was held March 21 at the Weston Rod & Gun Club. Donations can be made to the Londonderry Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 911, Londonderry, VT 05148-0911.
• Charlotte Kennedy Dimick, 91, of Brattleboro. Died March 9 at her home. Wife of the late Everett Dimick. Mother of Pauline Moran and husband, Arlan, of Canaan, N.H.; Patricia Amidon and husband, Terrence, of Hinsdale, N.H.; John and his wife, Lynne, of Guilford; Alan and wife, Sue, of Marietta, Ga.; and Laura Cassidy and her husband, Noel, of Walpole, N.H. Sister of the late Walter, Russell, and Allyn Kennedy, and her sisters, Mary Joyce and Justine. Born in Swanton, the daughter of the late Walter J. and Laura (McCarthy) Kennedy, she was a graduate of Hartford (Vt.) High School, Class of 1939, She and her family lived in North Bennington and Barre before coming to Brattleboro in 1961. She was always a homemaker, busy raising a family of five children. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, and reading, and loved to chat with her many friends. The Dimicks also had a great time camping with her sister and husband, Jay and Phil Ryan. She was a communicant at St. Michael's Catholic Church for more than 50 years. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held March 15 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery, where she was laid to rest next to her husband. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, principal. Messages of condolence may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Robert Gunther-Mohr, 53, of Newfane. Died March 16 at home. Husband of Susan Gunther-Mohr for 32 years. Father of Eliza and Phoebe Gunther-Mohr. Brother of John and Carol Gunther-Mohr. Born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the son of Bob and Lee Gunther-Mohr, he was a graduate of Kenyon College and Harvard Graduate School of Education. He taught at Landmark College in Putney for more than 20 years and will be remembered as a teacher who lived by his words and taught from his heart and did both with laughter. He valued community and served on the Newfane School Board for many years. He loved books, jazz, woodworking, Frisbee, cross-country skiing and mountain biking. He also had a somewhat inexplicable dedication to the New York Knicks. He lived his life with leukemia as he had lived the better part of his life, with openness to the lessons it held for him, patience for himself in coming to terms with the limitations presented, and valor in response to medical failures and the inevitable suffering that accompanied so many of his days. Memorial information: No information available.
• Phyllis E. Haskell, 79, of Brattleboro. Died March 13 at home after battling with cancer. Wife of the late Wilder A. Haskell, Jr. Longtime companion of Paul Ace. Mother of Dennis and Delilah (Rounds) Haskell of Brattleboro; Deborah and Richard Lord of Dana Point, Calif.; Douglas and Linda (Finnell) Haskell of Merrimack, N.H.; and Norman and Kimberly (Wallace) Haskell of Juneau, Alaska. Sister of Helen Derry of Townshend, Isabel Madore of Dummerston, Philip and Roger Perkins of Brattleboro, Nancy Haskins of Keene, N.H., and the late Richard, Ralph and Elizabeth Perkins. Born in Vernon, the daughter of the late Guy Perkins & Esther (Johnson) Thomas, she attended schools in Vernon and Brattleboro. The Haskells raised their family in Hinsdale, N.H. She also worked at the Giant Store in Brattleboro and Tempstat in Hinsdale. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, crocheting, knitting and camping with her family. Memorial information: Arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date. Donations to Visiting Nurse Association/Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire, Rescue, Inc., or the American Cancer Society.
• Kenneth S. Higgins, 89, formerly of Hinsdale, N.H. Died March 10 in Kingman, Ariz. Husband of Florence Stevens Coull for nearly 48 years, and the late Wilma Higley. Father of Andrew W. Higgins, and his wife, Anna, of Gainesville, Va.; and Wendy H. Aarnio and her husband, Frey, of North Pomfret. Brother of Judith McMillan and her husband, Stanley, of Canajoharie, N.Y., and the late Harris Higgins and Phyllis Delano. Born in Hinsdale, N.H., the second son of Rex and Eda (Stadler) Higgins, he was a resident of Hinsdale for most of his life, and graduated from Hinsdale High School, Class of 1940. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Navy from January 1942 to January 1946, attaining the rank of Bosun's Mate, 3rd class. He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Manasquam on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. He was then assigned to the U.S.S. Ingham, on which he saw duty in North Africa, Panama, and the invasion of Leyte Gulf, Bataan and Corregidor with the Ingham as flagship for Admiral Arthur D. Struble. He completed his service with occupation duty in Shanghai, Formosa, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. After the war, he worked as a carpenter with his father's business, Rex Higgins and Son, for many years, and later on his own. He also worked for Cersosimo Industries, and Dennis and Jamison Building in Brattleboro. He was a hard-worker, often joking that he had only worked 8 days last week. He was also involved with the town of Hinsdale as a building inspector. Memorial information: No information available.
• John Nicholas Houpis Jr., 56, of Dummerston. Died unexpectedly from heart failure at his home. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Alice (Chirojiane) Houpis and Dr. John Nicholas Houpis, a well-respected local pediatrician. Prior to his 1974 graduation from high school at Choate Rosemary Hall, he published a historical book about his beloved hometown, Brattleboro: Selected Historical Vignettes. In 1978, he earned a bachelor's degree in history from Yale University, sparking a lifelong avocation as a historian. Equally passionate about antiques of all kinds and their respective places in history, he enjoyed collecting old photographs, postcards, and books. An aficionado of old and collectible flowering plant specimens, he prided himself in acquiring and propagating rare specimens of native wild lilies and irises. He appreciated the beauty of all living things, and sought to bring that beauty to the lives of those dearest to him, particularly to his mother, who he lovingly cared for throughout her battle with multiple sclerosis. An eternal optimist, he dreamed of starting a cottage industry of natural Greek foods. Memorial information: A funeral was held March 14 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene, N.H. Donations to St. George Greek Orthodox Church or to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.
• Frank A. McGaffigan, 82, of Walpole, N.H. Died in Littleton, Mass. at his daughter's home. Husband of Sylvia “Sally” Watson for more than 52 years. Father of Karen and husband, Michael Feeney, of Littleton. Brother of Ruth Ann McGaffigan of Stoneham, Mass., and Carole Carmichael, and her husband, Robert, of Groton, Mass. Born in Winchester, Mass., the son of the late Frank M. and Lillian (Green) McGaffigan, he was a graduate of Stoneham High School and Boston College. After serving in the Army in military intelligence, he worked as a bank examiner in Massachusetts. Following his move to Vermont, he worked at First Vermont Bank in Bellows Falls. He was a vice president at the time of his retirement in 1991. He was a former member of the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, BPOE 1619, Bellows Falls Country Club, Bellows Falls Union High School Board of Directors, and the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. At the time of his death, he was a member of Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue Inc. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held March at Saint Charles Church in Bellows Falls, with burial in Saxtons River Cemetery. Donations to Walpole Fire and EMS, P.O. Box 162 Walpole, NH 03608; Bridge Library in Walpole, NH 03608, or the North Walpole Library, North Walpole, NH 03609.
• Rachel E. O'Connor, 95, of Marlboro. Died March 6 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Wife of the late Gerald O'Connor for 41 years. Mother of Sandra Cooley and her husband, Carter, of Brimfield, Mass., and Richard Johnson and his wife, Priscilla, of Tucson, Ariz. Sister of the late Eleanor Adams. Born in Brattleboro, she was one of two daughters born to Ervin and Eva (Mather) Akley. She grew up on the family farm in Marlboro where she attended the local schoolhouse. For 36 years, she had worked at American Optical in Brattleboro, retiring as an inspector. She was a lifelong prolific reader who absorbed everything she read. She welcomed those who would stop by her home for a visit and loved the company of her Himalayan cat, Cocoa. Memorial information: Services will be private. Donations to the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center, in care of the Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Janet C. Carpenter O'Keefe, 72, of Brattleboro. Died March 15. Mother of Timothy P. O'Keefe and Rebecca (O'Keefe) Blake. Sister of Cynthia Graham of West Roxbury, Mass., and the late Mary Lou Carpenter and Eleanor C. Garland. Born in Dummerston, the daughter of the late Ralph and Freda (Worcester) Carpenter, she was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1957 and the University of Vermont, Class of 1961. She resided in Charlotte, and was employed by the state of Vermont as a health inspector for several years. She moved to Brattleboro in 1976, where she went on to work for the UVM Extension Service, where she remained until retirement in 2005. She was a lifelong member of the Dummerston Congregational Church and Evening Star Grange. She also attended the First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. She served many years on the board of directors at 4-H Camp Waubanong and was a longtime active member of the Windham County and Dummerston Historical Societies, the Audubon Society, and a member and former president of the Brattleboro Stamp Club. She was an avid animal and nature lover. She was also a very active community member and volunteer. Memorial information: A private burial service for family members will be held at their convenience. A public memorial service will be announced at a later date. Donations may be made to any of the above listed organizations, including the Windham County Humane Society.
• Theresa G. Peeples, 86, formerly of New York City. Died March 15 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Wife of the late Kenneth E. Peeples for 60 years. Mother of Robert Peeples of Brattleboro, Kenneth Peeples of Verona, N.J., and the late Sister Margaret Peeples. Sister of the late James Taylor. Born in New York City, the daughter of Anne Taylor and George Bassett, she received her high school diploma from Seward High School in New York City; she furthered her education at LaGuardia Community College and received an associate's degree in education. She loved reading and worked as a reading paraeducator in New York City elementary schools for over 20 years. She received an award for outstanding service at P.S. 111 in Queens, N.Y., in 1986. She touched the lives of hundreds of children through her work. She also enjoyed sewing, plants, doll collecting, bird watching, young children, and the slot machines in Atlantic City, N.J. And she loved to dance, especially when the right beat got her on the dance floor quickly. She was a devoted Catholic all of her life and kept involved in church activities. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held March 17 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with graveside committal services and burial in Locust Ridge Cemetery in Brattleboro.
• Antal Joseph “Tony” Persa, 67, of Southampton, N.J., formerly of West Townshend. Died Feb. 17. Husband of Susan Persa of Windham. Father of Tony Persa and his wife, Dee Persa; Sue Long and her husband, Scott; and Amy Carson and her husband, Scott. Born in Budapest, Hungary, he came to America in 1962, and serving three years in the U.S. Army. He worked as a tool and die maker and later started his own business in the injection molding industry. Memorial information: Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend this summer. Donations may be made to Valley Bible Church in Windham.
• Peggy Reynolds Porter, 60, of Westminster. Died March 14 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Wife of Mark Porter for 25 years. Mother of Taylor Porter of Bellows Falls, Penny Bernard of Whitingham, and the late Loren A. Corey. Stepmother of Thomas Porter of Rindge, N.H. Sister of Joe, Don, Nancy, Denise, and the late Terry Reynolds. Born in North Adams, Mass., the daughter of Stewart and Shirley (Shambeau) Reynolds, she was owner and operator of Valley View Medical Billing and was editor of the Westminster Gazette for many years. She was a devout Christian and member of the Windham Community Chapel in Dummerston. She was a very giving and caring woman who was loved by many. She so enjoyed her family, loved to spend time with her husband and children, and took so much pleasure in her grandchildren. Memorial information: There will be a memorial service on Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. at the Windham Community Chapel in Dummerston. Donations to Westminster Cares, P.O. Box 312, Westminster, VT 05101.
• Gustave E. Swanson Jr., 82, of West Halifax. Died March 8 at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington. Husband of the late Charlotte Doris Hearn. Father of Randy Swanson of Manchester, Conn., and Sue Anne Swanson of Satellite Beach, Fla. Brother of Phil Swanson of Colchester, Conn., Clifford Swanson of Tampa, Fla., and Jean Vendrillo of Vernon, Conn. Born in Hartford, Conn., the son of Svea and Gustave E. Swanson Sr. He served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Wilkes Barre and USS Portsmouth. For many years, he resided in Manchester, Conn., where he worked as an electrician and was a proud member of Local 35 for 40 years. He loved Vermont where he enjoyed the outdoors; he also enjoyed renovating houses, antique cars, Westerns, and being with family and friends. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Memorial information: A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at the Four Chaplains All Faiths Chapel at the Vermont Veterans Home. Burial with military honors will follow in the Veterans War Memorial Cemetery on the grounds on the Veterans Home. Donations to the Vermont Veterans Home Activity Fund, in care of the Covey, Alan & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Virginia J. Raymond Taylor, 88, of Greenfield, Mass. Died March 12 at Poet's Seat Nursing Home in Greenfield. Longtime companion of Richard Henderson. Mother of Bob (Pat) Holt-Taylor of Hawley, Mass.; Doug Taylor and partner Marcia Hakey of Vernon; Jan (Gordon) Griswold of Hawley; Sharon Taylor and partner Joe Vadeboncoeur of Rowe, Mass.; Kathryn Welles and partner Doug Pratt of Greenfield; and the late John Taylor. Born in Hawley, the daughter of Hobart M. and Hope L. (Gould) Raymond. She was a graduate of the former Charlemont (Mass.) High School. She was one of the original founders of the Charlemont Senior Center, as well as the director. She previously had served on the Charlemont Council on Aging and, while at the nursing home, she served on the Residents Council. She was a very strong advocate for senior rights. She was a member of the Charlemont Federated Church. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations to the Charlemont Senior Center, Main St., Charlemont, MA 01339, or to Poet's Seat Residents Activity Fund, 359 High St., Greenfield, MA 01301.
• Louis G. Vaine, Jr., 75, of Bellows Falls. Died March 14 at Springfield Hospital. Husband of Frances Bobrowski Vaine for nearly 52 years. Father of Ronald Vaine of Bellows Falls and Diana Poitras and husband, Ethan, of Ashland, N.H. Brother of Anna Bushway and her husband, Pete, of North Walpole, N.H. The son of Louis and Mary (Ponek) Vaine, he was a 1954 graduate of Bellows Falls High School and a graduate of North Western State College in Natchitoches, La. He served in the Air Force from 1954 until 1958, worked for Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, and retired at the age of 65 as credit manager at Cota & Cota in Bellows Falls. He was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, and the Loyal Order of the Moose. He was also involved in the Fall Mountain Boys Baseball League and the Connecticut Valley Pee Wee Football League. He visited the Adoration Chapel at St. Charles Church daily. He was an avid reader, a big Red Sox and Celtics fan, and he will be missed by everyone who knew him. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held March 19 at St. Peter's Church in North Walpole, with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Westminster. Donations to the Knights of Columbus Student Achievement Award Fund, P.O. Box 335, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Jay “Hermie” Wiemers, 56, of Bernardston, Mass. Died March 13 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. Husband of Barbara Aldrich Wiemers for nearly 32 years. Father of Herman Andrew and Mitchell Adrian Wiemers, both of Dunedin, Fla. Brother of Harlan “Harley” Wiemers and his wife, Bert, of West Chesterfield, N.H. and sisters Ingrid of Bernardston and Sigrid of Branford, Conn. Born in Greenfield, Mass., the son of Junior and Priscilla (Nelson) Wiemers. He was educated in Bernardston schools and was a 1973 graduate of Pioneer Valley Regional School. He worked early in life at Streeter's Store, then for the Bernardston Highway Department, then at Northfield Washed Sand & Gravel Co. in Northfield. In 1991, he began his own business selling wood pellets for stove and, in 1993, he and his wife purchased the Country Corner Store in Bernardston, which they owned until 2005. He continued his pellet business, and was employed by Friends of the Sun in Brattleboro at the time of his death. He obtained his CDL license and was a certified pellet stove installer as well as a certified general contractor. He was president of the Bernardston Center Cemetery Association. He was known as a “Jack of all trades” and was known for his dry New England humor. He loved his dogs, ATVing, traveling and, most of all, his motorcycles. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, very generous, helpful, caring and friendly. Memorial information: Funeral services were held March 16 at St. James Church in Greenfield, with burial in Center Cemetery in Bernardston.
School news
• Three area students were recently named to the winter honor roll at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn. Sela Wang, a senior from Putney, received High Honors, while Katherine Gabriel, a senior from Grafton, and Ethan Lawrence, a freshman from Grafton, received Honors.
Awards
• Terye Wohnus, owner of Centered Healing Therapeutic Massage in Brattleboro, is this year's recipient of the Perry Plouffe Scholarship. The scholarship, awarded by the Vermont Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), pays for the recipient's registration at its annual New England Regional Conference. She is one of four nationally certified massage therapists in Brattleboro, and has been a professional member of the AMTA since 2005.