Obituaries
• Beatrice Jacobs Brown, 88, of Vernon. Died March 26 at home after a long illness. Wife of George Brown for 14 years and the late Winston Jacobs for 28 years. Mother of Roderick Jacobs of Orlando, Fla., son Jeffery Jacobs and his wife, Shirley, of Rocky Point N.C. Stepmother of Steve Brown and his wife, LaVonne, of Lee, Mass. Sister of Harry Morse, Robert Morse, Celia Carley, and Marion Bemis. Born in Vernon, the daughter of Carrie (Humphrey) and Clarence Morse, she lived in Brattleboro until she married Winston Jacobs in 1943. While he was stationed in the Army, the family lived in places such as Panama, Germany, and various posts throughout the United States. After his death in 1971, she returned to Vermont permanently. She worked for many years at the former Mann's Department Store. She lived in and around Brattlboro, eventually residing at Vernon Green, where she was an active volunteer for over 20 years. It was at Vernon Green where she met her second husband. At Vernon Green, she came to be known affectionately as “BJ” by her many friends. She always had a hug and word of encouragement for anyone she encountered. BJ was also known far and wide for her cooking, something she contiunued to well in her 80s. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined.
• Clarence Austin Brown Jr., 71, of Newfane, Died March 26 at his home after a long battle with cancer. Husband of Patricia A. Parsons Brown for nearly 48 years. Father of Michele Warden of Brookline; Cindy Lawley and her husband, Stephen, of South Newfane; Darcy Cutler and her companion, Ron Bettini, of Newfane; and Ron Hubbard and his wife, Dawn, of Dummerston. Brother of Priscilla Fitzpatrick and her husband, Willard, of Wardsboro; Audrey Beaudoin and her husband, P.J., of Mattapoisett, Mass.; Steve Brown and his wife, Diane, of South Newfane; Doug Brown and his wife, Charlene, of Wardsboro; Ed Brown and his wife, Sherri, of Townshend; and the late Sheila Brown. Born in Wardsboro, the son of the late Clarence A. and Emma L. (Tudor) Brown Sr., he attended school in Newfane and Townshend. He owned and operated Brown's Auto Body for several years before closing the business in the late 1970s. He drove tractor trailer trucks for a short time before his love of the outdoors led him to a 30-year career in logging. Most recently, he had been employed by Nick Mercede. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and riding his Harley-Davidson. He especially loved spending time with his family. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held at NewBrook Fire Station in Newfane on April 1. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital or NewBrook Fire & Rescue.
• Arnold E. Clark, 87, formerly of Guilford. Died March 28 at Holton Home in Brattleboro. Husband of the late Phyllis Ingram Clark for nearly 61 years. Father of Anthony Clark and his wife, Janet; Donna Reay and her husband, Russell; and Ellen Jenks and her husband, Leigh. Brother of Virginia Cote, Arlene Gilbert, Shirley Squires, Edward Clark, and Richard J. Clark. He was born on the family farm in Guilford, the eldest child of the late Earl W. and Clara (Goodnow) Clark. He graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1943. While at BHS, he was chosen to attend Boys State. After his graduation, he joined the Vermont State Guard, where he trained for Internal Security and served with Company C. He was a dairy farmer all his life. When he retired from farming, he became more involved in making maple syrup, both as an occupation and hobby. He sugared almost every year of his life. As a young man, he served as forest fire warden for several years. He was always interested in law enforcement and for 23 years, he was Constable when the duties included dog officer and delinquent tax collector. He enjoyed working with local people and had served his town as moderator for 15 years and also as selectman for 12 years. He also served as deputy game warden for several years and as a Windham County Deputy Sheriff for 20 years. He was fond of hunting, fishing, reading, and bird watching. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on April 2 at Guilford Community Church, with graveside committal services and interment in Christ Church Cemetery. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or the Future Farmers of America, Vermont Chapter, P.O. Box 17, Peacham, VT 05682.
• Louise Elizabeth “Jo” Dorchester, 93, a former resident of Northfield, Mass. Died March 21 at Hilltop House in Brattleboro following a period of failing health. The daughter of the late Arnold and Louise Elizabeth (Mueller) Dorchester, she was born in Glen Ridge, N.J. She chose to be called Jo in the sixth grade, after Jo in Little Women, because she said she didn't think she was a “Betty.” She began her first job in high school as a kitchen cook during the Depression at Camp Kehonka in Wolfeboro, N.H. This exceptional camp for girls was her home for 30 summers. She became a counselor, teacher of canoeing, water safety, hiking, and mountain trips. She helped develop the free choice program, which campers enjoyed. For two years, she was the secretary to Miss Laura Mattoon, founder of Camp Kehonka and the American Camping Association. She graduated from Middlebury College, Class of 1940, and began teaching at Northfield School for Girls in 1941. She believed she had the best of both worlds, teaching French and Math, and as dorm parent during the school year, and camp in the summer. She was an avid alpine skier. She returned to Middlebury for a Master's degree in French in 1969, and taught at the merged Northfield Mount Hermon School until her retirement in 1981. Her other great interest in life was the cello, to which she was introduced at age 57. She practiced and played her cello with enthusiasm until her death. She also delighted in playing in various small ensembles. She was a member of the Windham Orchestra, and served as its music librarian for many years. Memorial information: A private burial service will be held in the family plot at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Upper Montclair, N.J. A memorial gathering will be held on April 21 at 11 a.m. at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. Donations to Hilltop House, 65 Harris Ave., or Brattleboro Music Center, 38 Walnut St., both in Brattleboro, VT 05301. Online condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
Jerome “Jake” Edward Ebbighausen, 76, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died March 27 at his home following a period of declining health. Husband of the late Jean Kerylow and the late Margaret Doughty Rogers. Father of Jerome E. “Jay” Ebbighausen and Brian P. Ebbighausen, both of Hinsdale; Craig S. Ebbighausen of Brattleboro; and Eric W. Ebbighausen of Keene, N.H. Brother of Donna Sprague of Fuquay Varina, N.C. Born in Hinsdale, the son of the late Herman and Ellen (Bennett) Ebbighausen, he was a graduate of Hinsdale High School, Class of 1954. He went on to attend Windham College in Putney, receiving his B.S. in music in 1964 and later earned his Master's in music education from Keene State College in 1969. For 30 years, he taught music and was the chorale director at Monadnock Regional High School in Swanzey, where he was fondly remembered as “Mr. E.” For almost 40 years, he served as director of the Old Homestead Revival Play put on annually at the Potash Bowl in Swanzey. He was especially well-known for his musicals, most notably the annual Christmas productions at Monadnock Regional. For the last few years, he shared his music at the Gathering Place Adult Daycare in Brattleboro. Steadfast in his walk of faith, he was a longtime member of the North Hinsdale Community Church where he served as organist. Active civically, he coached both Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Hinsdale and was instrumental in founding of the Hinsdale Babe Ruth League. He also enjoyed woodworking, spending time with his family and his golden retrievers. Memorial information: A memorial service was held April 3 at the North Hinsdale Community Church, with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Online condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Joan G. Edwards, 68, of Unity, N.H. Died March 26 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Mother of Joe Edwards of Vernon; Janeen Smith and her husband, Michael, of Charlestown, N.H.; and Justine Steele and her husband, Robert of Springfield, Vt. Sister of Marie Sulinski of South Carolina. Born in Boston, the daughter of the late Charles and Muriel (Reid) Gariboldi, she had worked at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in the billing office. She was an avid Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots and Celtics fan. Memorial information: A funeral service was held March 30 at Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont, N.H., with interment in Pine Crest Cemetery in Charlestown. Donations to the Sullivan County Nursing Home, Activities Department, 5 Nursing Home Drive, Unity, NH 03743.
• Joyce Ellen Gleason, 84, of Jamaica. Died March 26 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Wife of the late Arthur Gleason Jr. for more than 61 years. Mother of Stephen Gleason and his companion, Lorraine, of Jamaica; and Kathleen Plimpton and her husband, Harvey, of Wardsboro. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Arthur and Eunice (Heath) Cutler, she was a lifelong resident of the West River Valley. She was raised and educated in Townshend, graduating from Leland & Gray Seminary, Class of 1945. She recently moved to West River Valley Cares, where she was reacquainted with old friends and, in her short stay there, made new friends. She spent several years as a cook at the Jamaica Village School. Prior to that, she worked part-time at Gleason's Store in Jamaica and weekends at Lawrence's Smoke Shop in Newfane. In her early years, she assisted with the day-to-day operation of the family farm. Her home was always open to the men and families who helped on the Gleason Farm, especially Durwood Kingsbury and Sonny Aither. She was a member of the Townshend Community Church and was past worthy matron at the Eastern Star, Mt. Lebanon Chapter No. 89. She was a devoted wife and mother who cherished time spent with her family. She was humorous, kind, and unselfish with her love, and was always known for not forgetting a birthday. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on March 31 at Wardsboro Methodist Church, with burial in East Jamaica Cemetery. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, in care of Dr. Robert Backus, P.O. Box 217, Townshend, VT 05353. Online condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Lucille Clara Jerard, 93, of West Brattleboro. Died at home on March 25. Wife of the late Albert B. “Jerry” Jerard, who died on March 6, for 72 years. Mother of Albert III and his wife, Frances, of Chesterfield, N.H.; Robert and his wife, Charlene, of Durham, N.H.; Stephen and his wife, Renata, of Grapevine, Texas; Carolyn Jerard and husband, Craig Lawler, of Acworth, N.H.; Mary Kenny and husband, Matthew of East Burke; Deborah Jerard and husband, Roger Hirt, of Middlesex; and the late Paul Jerard. Sister of Pauline Noonan of Burlington, Harriet Saville of Colchester, and the late Robert Bristol. Born in Burlington, the daughter of the late Benjamin and Clara (Clark) Bristol, she grew up in Burlington and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1939. She was employed as a governess before her marriage. The Jerards lived in Elmira, N.Y., and Charlestown and Acworth, N.H., before moving to Brattleboro in 1947. She was an active and faithful member of First Congregational Church, where she did toddler and infant care during services and was a member of the Friendship Club for many years. She also enjoyed the bridge club with other women from the church. She was named Brattleboro Volunteer of the Year in 1987, having volunteered at places including Linden Lodge, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Loaves and Fishes, and many others. She especially loved children and had opened her home to Fresh Air Fund children, foreign exchange students, and teenage runaways. Even in her later years, her face would always light up at the sight of a child. In 2006, she received the Presidential Gold Award for community service. She was an example of loving kindness to everyone she met, and was always supportive of her husband, children, and grandchildren, who loved and were devoted to her. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations to First Congregational Church, 880 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Online condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Gerald R. Kelton, 91, of Saxtons River. Died March 15 in Burlington. Husband of the late Constance Muzzey Kelton for nearly 62 years. Father of Sherry Lee Yandow of Williston. Brother of Durwood Kelton of New York. Born in Westminster, son of the late John and Gladys (Smith) Kelton, he attended schools in Athens and was a graduate of Vermont Academy, Class of 1938. He worked for Fellows Gear Shaper in Springfield, and drove trucks for A.M. Kelton. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II, and was stationed in Italy and southern France. Throughout his military career, he stopped off in 42 of the 48 states. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on March 31 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial to follow in Westminster Cemetery.
• Wilma Mary Lowery, 75, a resident at the Holton Home in Brattleboro. Died March 27 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. Wife of Leon H. Brown Jr. for nearly 60 years. Mother of the late Terrence Paul Brown. Sister of Douglas Archambault and his wife, Joan, of Oxford, N.C., and the late Alton Lamell. Born in Richford, the daughter of the late John and Bertha (LaFontaine) Archambault, she attended schools in Richford. She spent much of her life in Brattleboro, working as a nurse's aide at the Linden Lodge Nursing Home. Her interests included family and reading. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to family and friends, including her mother, who died at age 83. She also worked at church charities after she retired, until health issues caused her to stop completely, and she loved cats. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held April 2 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Online condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Marion Minnick, 90, of Vernon. Died March 9 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Mother of Robert MacLeod of Dallas, David MacLeod of Anchorage, Alaska, and Susan MacLeod of Dummerston. Born in Wakefield, Mass., the daughter of the late Harry and Grace Mitchell, she lived in Keene, N.H. for many years before moving to Vermont. She was an exceptional tatter and knitter, and enjoyed many forms of handwork. Memorial information: Memorial services will be private. Donations to the charity of one's choice.
• Robert Fredrick Olson, 61, of Putney. Died March 25 of metastatic melanoma. Husband of Torie Albert for 34 years. Father of Jessamyn Rose and Oakley Christopher Olson. Brother of Stephen Olson. Born in Empire Township, Minn., the son of the late Robert Frederick Olson and Janine DeCoster, he spent his childhood on his family's grain and livestock farm. He attended St. Paul's School, where he was a formidable athlete in football, hockey, and baseball. He attended Harvard and eventually received a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and Resource Development from the University of Minnesota in 1974. After traveling the world together, the Olsons married in 1978 and moved to Putney in 1980. They renovated a Victorian carriage house in which they raised their two children. He was a devoted father and community member, coaching Pee Wee baseball and the Grammar School's soccer team, and serving as a planning commissioner for the town of Putney and on the board of the Putney Co-op. For more than 25 years, he taught woodworking, set design and lighting at the Putney School. He ran his own wood shop, working as a designer and maker of custom furniture exhibited in galleries in New York City and Vermont. Winner of the Stratton Jury Prize numerous times, he also curated a hand-built furniture exhibition at the Brattleboro Museum and Arts Center. He later built wooden estate gates for clients including Keith Richards and Jasper Johns. He was also a gifted plants man and ran Firefly Farm Perennials in Putney with his wife. He was an inveterate designer and builder, and leaves behind a legacy of beautiful furniture, handmade boats, and buildings in the vernacular style from Minnesota to Maine. He was an original thinker and lover of ideas, blues music, forests, rivers, and tidal shorelines. Memorial information: A memorial service was held March 31 at The Putney School.
• Andrew J. Rodgers, 65, of Rockingham, Died March 26 at his home, surrounded by his family and his cats, after losing his battle with cancer. Partner and best friend of Susan Reing for 36 years. Former husband of Sandra Thompson of Brattleboro and Stamford, Vt. Father of Rose Rodgers of Portland, Ore., and S. Hawk Thompson of Berlin, Mass. Brother of Tom Rodgers of Amery, Wis. Born in Rochester, N.Y., the son of the late Hattie (Wacht) and Norman Rodgers, he graduated from Edison Technical High School. He worked as a draftsman before enlisting in the Air Force in 1965. He was honorably discharged in 1968, and later was employed as a carpenter for many years in the area before working as a weatherization technician, and later as a certified energy auditor and weatherization specialist at Southeastern Vermont Community Action. He then owned and operated Energy Design & Retrofit until ill health forced him to retire. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and enjoyed hiking, fishing, and bird watching. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Donations to one's local humane society.
Births
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), March 22, 2012, a daughter, Tess Aliyah Hand, to Rebecca Waxman and PJ Hand of East Dummerston; granddaughter to Barry and Elsa Waxman and Marybeth and Peter Hand.
• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), March 2, 2012, a daughter, Lili Edi Mae McKelvey, to Samantha Pecor and Patrick McKelvey of Brattleboro; granddaughter to Martha P. Clement of Rutherfordton, N.C., Bobby King of Rutherfordton, Ilean and Roy McKelvey of Saluda, N.C.; great-granddaughter to Judy and Jerome Clement Sr. of Hinsdale, N.H., Granny Sain of Saluda, Frances Chaffee of Charlestown, N.H., Doris and Martin Fowler of Rutherfordton.
• In Ashville, N.C., (Mission Hospital), Feb. 17, 2011, a son, Samuel Lee Douglas McKelvey, to Samantha Pecor and Patrick McKelvey of Brattleboro; grandson to Martha P. Clement of Rutherfordton, N.C., Bobby King of Rutherfordton, Ilean and Roy McKelvey of Saluda, N.C.; great-grandson to Judy and Jerome Clement Sr. of Hinsdale, N.H., Granny Sain of Saluda, Frances Chaffee of Charlestown, N.H., Doris and Martin Fowler of Rutherfordton.