Obituaries
• Stephen Francis Austin, 73, of Topsham, Maine. Died Dec. 2 at home following a brief, brave-hearted struggle with brain cancer. Husband of Linda Austin for 46 years. Other survivors are sons Stephen F. Austin of Manchester, Conn., and Jeffrey A. Austin and his wife, Megan, of Brunswick, Maine; brothers James F. Austin of Burlington, Edward M. Austin and wife, Susan, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Paul M. Austin and his wife, Mary, of Essex Junction; and the late David A. Austin. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late James A. and Euretta (Fuller) Austin, he graduated from St. Michael's High School, class of 1957. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree at Saint Michael's College in Winooski. In 1961, he was awarded a National Defense Fellowship to continue his studies in chemistry, and was awarded his M.S. in physical chemistry from the University of Vermont in 1963. He began his career in research and development with E.I. DuPont in Chattanooga, Tenn. He then went to work for General Electric's plastics division as a development chemist in polycarbonate research in 1965 in Mount Vernon, Ind. In 1970, he was transferred to GE Plastics Headquarters in Pittsfield, Mass. During the last two decades of his career, he was division manager of regulatory relations. After 38 years of dedicated service with General Electric, he retired in 2003. In 2005, the Austins moved to Maine. Though not Vermont, Maine living pleased him. He was a prolific reader, and enjoyed stimulating conversation. He enjoyed Sudoku, crossword puzzles, gardening, and teaching his grandchildren the states and their capitals. He always had a ready smile when greeting people, and his family was his greatest joy. memorial information: In the spring, his family will bring him back to Brattleboro for a Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church, and burial in the Austin Family section of St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. A family celebration of Steve's life will follow. Donations to the cause of one's choice.
• Robert H. Camara, 65, of Fitzwilliam, N.H. Died Nov. 5 following a sudden illness. Longtime companion of Gary Taylor of Fitzwilliam. Father of Erin T. Curry. He was co-owner of Bloomin' Antiques in Fitzwilliam for more than 35 years. He loved the antiques business, but most of all the dealers and collectors who became repeat customers of the shop over the years. He loved to share information, his personality, and a bad joke occasionally with each customer. Many of them became good friends and a part of his extended family. memorial information: Per his request, there will not be a service or calling hours. A celebration of his life will be held in May 2013. Donations to Rock River Preservation Inc., P.O. Box 1095, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Kathryn E. “Kay” Dubois Clough, 97, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 10. Wife of the late Ervin “Skip” Clough for 56 years. Mother of Paul and Robert Clough. Predeceased by her son, Ervin “Chip” Clough Jr., her parents, and by all seven of her siblings. A curious, independent daughter of optometrist Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Ethyl Keith Dubois of North Troy, Vt., as a child she rummaged through attic trunks, dressed in her mother's clothes and secretly read her father's love letters. She enjoyed roles in school plays and summer “medicine shows.” Kay graduated from North Troy High School in 1933, then ventured to Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Bellows Falls to become a registered nurse. After nurses' training, she was employed there many years and worked in every department. She also held a position with the Vermont Health Department. Later in her career, she became the school nurse at Vermont Academy, and later at Windham College, before retiring in 1977. Honest, patient, hard-working and determined, Kay exuded an infectious zest for life. She liked horseback riding, dancing, knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking, and reading. She also led an active life in the community, was elected president of North Westminster PTA, served on Emmanuel Episcopal Church Altar Guild, and was a longtime member and Matron of Honor with Eastern Star. In addition to their home in Bellows Falls, the Cloughs enjoyed a summer cottage on Lake Spofford, and a home in Zephyr Hills, Fla. Broadly admired and respected by countless friends and relatives for her kindness, generosity, courage and independence, she was the strong, proud matriarch of her immediate and extended family. memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 14 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial next to “Skip” in the Immanuel Episcopal Church Cemetery.
• Gloria Atherton Coe, 57, of Spring Lake, N.C. Died Dec. 4 at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, N.C. Wife of Gary H. Coe for 36 years. Mother of Tiffani Coe and Guy Coe of West Palm Beach, Fla., Matthew Coe of Spring Lake, N.C., and Elizabeth (Coe) Vaughn of Fayetteville, N.C. Sister of James Atherton of North Adams, Mass., and the late Diane Lefebvre. She was born in Wakefield, R.I., the daughter of the late Everett and Muriel (Dixon) Atherton. As a young girl, she with her family moved to Wilmington, and then to Jacksonville. She attended schools in Wilmington and Whitingham and graduated from Whitingham High School in 1974. In 1977, the Coes took up residence in Heartwellville, where she was primarily a wife, mother, and homemaker. During her time in Heartwellville, she attended the Readsboro Baptist Church. After leaving Readsboro in 1987, she lived in Shelburne, Vt., and in 1996 moved to West Palm Beach, Fla. She had lived in Spring Lake since 2010. She enjoyed reading, writing, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. memorial information: A memorial service was held at the Readsboro Baptist Church on Dec. 15. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations to Disabled American Veterans in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247. To send flowers, a gift basket, card or message, visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.
• Linda (Paquette) Crown, 58, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 10 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital after battling a lengthy illness. Wife of Vince N. Crown Sr. Mother of Vincent N. Crown Jr. of Long Beach, N.Y. Stepmother of Carrieann Desmarais of Hinsdale. Born in St. Albans, the daughter of the late Raymond Paquette and Geraldine Foster, she grew up in Massachusetts. She also lived in Vernon for a number of years, as well as in Hinsdale. memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 15 at the Millstream Community Center in Hinsdale. Donations to the ASPCA, 424 East 92nd St,, New York, N.Y. 10128.
• Edgar W. Dawes, 85, of Vernon. Died Dec. 7 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Husband of Jean Dawes. Father of Robert, Kathleen, and Patricia. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., the son of Ward and Mildred (Kane) Dawes, he served in the Army at end of World War II, and then had a long and distinguished career in quality systems analysis. The Daweses had previously lived in Barre at Wildersburg Common. They moved to Townshend and resided at Valley Cares Independent Living until moving into Vernon Green Nursing Home. The Daweses worshipped at Calvary Chapel in West Townshend. memorial information: Chapel services were held in St. Johnsbury at the Sayles Funeral Home on Dec. 12. Military honors were bestowed at the funeral home. Following the chapel service, he was buried at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Donations to Calvary Chapel in West Townshend, PO Box 1116, West Townshend, VT 05359.
• Wesley Dutton “Wes” Ives, 86, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 9 at home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Husband of Edith Ericson Ives for 67 years. Father of Wesley P. Ives and wife, Linda, of Dummerston; Timothy J. Ives and wife, Beth, of Northfield, Mass.; Jonathan P. Ives and wife, Carolyn, of Essex Junction; Vicki Jordan of Dummerston; Kathy Avant and husband, Roy, of Palm Bay, Fla.; and Leslie Ives and partner, Bethany Perry, of Rockingham. Born in Piercefield, N.Y., the son of the late Floyd and Viola (Dutton) Ives, he was raised and educated in Bethel, later moving to Brattleboro, where he graduated from Brattleboro High School, Class of 1944. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, where he was stationed stateside. Following his honorable discharge from active service in 1946, he returned home to Brattleboro. He worked as a master auto restorer, initially employed by Bemis Ford on Putney Road. He later established his own company, Ives Upholstery and Body Shop, at the Bemis location, which he operated for many years. He later worked for Woodstock Motor Company and VETCO New England. Among the hundreds of antique and classic car restorations that he completed were several Rolls Royce, Packards and Model T Fords, as well as the “Goldfinger” Rolls Royce from the James Bond movie. He was a former member of the Brattleboro Lodge No. 102 F&AM, and was a life member of the American Legion, Brattleboro Post 5. He was a designated sharpshooter, and had served as president of Sportsmans Inc. He was also a proud member of the National Rifle Association. Wes served as a Scout leader for Boy Scouts of America, Brattleboro Troop #405, and faithfully manned the monthly American Red Cross blood drawings held at the Elks Home. With his wife, he attended the former Swedish Covenant Congregational Church on Strand Avenue, where for several years he taught Sunday school. He loved the outdoors, particularly hunting, fishing, hiking, and spending time at his family's camp on Holland Pond. memorial information: Graveside committal services with military honors were conducted Dec. 13 in the family plot in Morningside Cemetery. Donations to Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 593 Brattleboro, VT 05302. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Marcia (Zak) Lanoue, 70, of Jacksonville. Died Dec. 12 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Wife of Conrad Lanoue for 47 years. Other survivors are son Mark Lanoue, M.D. and his wife, Jeannine Ritchie, M.D., of Durham, N.H.; daughter Karen Lanoue-Egan and her husband, Mike, of Kingfield, Maine; and sister Carole Zak Duffy. The daughter of the late Stanley and Stacia (Golonka) Zak, she lived most of her life in Greenfield, Mass. She attended local schools in Greenfield and was a graduate of Greenfield High School, Class of 1960. She continued her education and graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1964. Her career as an elementary school teacher lasted more than 25 years. After teaching, her love of community extended to a large circle of friends. memorial information: In lieu of memorial services, she asked friends and family to gather and celebrate her life. The Lanoues live on top of a lovely hill where she tended a garden famous for its flowers. When her garden is in full bloom, guests will be invited to a celebration of her life. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• John G. Lawlor IV, 39, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 10. Father of Cameron Lawlor. Brother of the late Eric Lawlor. Born in Limestone, Maine, the son of John and Myra (Milligan) Lawlor, he was a 1991 graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School. He worked more than 20 years at C&S Wholesale Grocers. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially snowboarding. He also enjoyed gaming, concerts, and playing in pool tournaments. He was a very friendly man who loved his son. memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 15 at the Baptist Church in Bellows Falls, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery.
• Ralph J. Momaney, 78, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 6 at home. Husband of the late Cyrena J. (Cripps) Momaney. Father of Brian D. Momaney and his wife, Janice, of Brattleboro; Michelle M. Momaney and her husband, Adam Hogenmiller, of Westmoreland, N.H.; and James F. Momaney and his wife, Laurie Goodrich, of Westmoreland, N.H. Brother of Richard Momaney and his wife, Mildred of Brattleboro; Walter Momaney, Sr., and his wife, Marilyn of Windsor; and the late Rita Woodman, and Clifford, Edmund, and Francis Momaney. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Dolph and Edna (Cloutier) Momaney, he graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1953 and then joined the Army. Following his service, he attended Lyndon Teacher's College, where he forged lifelong friendships. Graduating in 1960, he began his teaching career in Whitingham, where he met his future wife. They moved to Ledyard, Conn., where he taught in the town of Groton until 1969, when they moved back to Brattleboro. He taught at Brattleboro Area Middle School from that point until his retirement in 1998. As well as his love of teaching, he enjoyed coaching freshman football with Butch Lapan from 1969 to 1979. He also coached freshman baseball. He was a coach and mentor to many area youth. A loving and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he thoroughly enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his entire family. He looked forward to attending his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's sports events. He also enjoyed watching his son's racing pigeons, which gave him fond memories of growing up in Fort Dummer. memorial information: Per their wishes, a celebration of life will be held for Ralph and Cyrena together at the American Legion on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, from 2 to 5 p.m. A family burial will be held at a later date. Donations to the Brattleboro Reformer Christmas Stocking, P.O. Box 703, Brattleboro, VT 05302-0703.
• Mertina (Johnson) Rudie, 92, of Turners Falls, Mass., formerly of Brattleboro and Brookline, Mass. Died Nov. 7. Mother of Antony Rudie of Watertown, Mass., and Lynne Rudie of Turners Falls, Mass. Sister of the late Frederick Johnson and Emily Johnson. memorial information: Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of her life on Thursday, Dec. 20, from 5-7 p.m., at the home of her son Antony, 102 Fayette St., Watertown, Mass. Donations to the Marlboro Music Festival at Marlboro Music, Box K, Marlboro, VT, 05344, www.marlboromusic.org/online-donation. For more information, email [email protected] or call 802-257-0012.
• Denise M. Snyder, 59, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 12 at Springfield Hospital. Wife of David Snyder for 24 years. Mother of Daniel Snyder of Bellows Falls, James Snyder of Springfield, and Kathleen Mack of Brandon. Sister of John Golden of Rhode Island, Robert Golden of Maryland, Dennis Golden of Massachusetts, and Ray Golden of Rhode Island. Born in Providence, R.I., the daughter of the late John and Dorothy (David) Golden, she attended schools in Rhode Island and was a 1974 graduate of St. Joseph's School of Nursing. She worked as a nurse at the former Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Springfield Hospital, and Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center. memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Dec. 15 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls, with burial in Westminster Cemetery. Donations to CHAD, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, or Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Marshal F. Stone, 83, of Staunton, Va. Died Dec. 7 at the University of Virginia Medical Center at Charlottesville, Va. Husband of the late Colleen M. Stone. Father of Marsha Rehrmann and her husband, Donald, of Orange Park, Fla., Jeanette Sutherland of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Pam Hoysradt, and her husband, Tim, of Waynesboro, Va.; two sons, Jerry Stone and his wife, Marion, of Ancram, N.Y. and Colin Stone and his wife, Regina, of Inverness, Fla. Brother of Lucille Rice and her husband, Harold, of Wilmington, Corrine Boyd and her husband, Raymond, of Jacksonville, and the late Carl N. Stone. Born in Readsboro, the son of the late Floyd Newton Stone and Kathryn Moxley Stone, he grew up in Halifax, and graduated from Whitingham High School in 1947. He was a dairy farmer who farmed in six states and who most recently was the herdsman at Clover Hill Farm in Staunton, Va. He had a special interest in Jerseys. He was a graduate of Vermont School of Agriculture and has been a member of the American Jersey Cattle Club. memorial information: Services in Jacksonville will be held in the spring. Donations to Augusta Health-Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, VA 22939; the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 260, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477, or to a charity of one's choice.