Obituaries
• Judith C. Allen, 70, of North Walpole, N.H. Died Dec. 20. Wife of the late Joseph Szuch and the late Gerald Allen. Mother of Joseph Szuch and partner, Nancy Bennett, of North Walpole; James Szuch and his fiancee, Deborah Perry, of Westmoreland, N.H.; and Jennifer Szuch and fiance, Gene Perkins, of Charlestown, N.H. Stepdaughter of Polly McAllister of Putney and the late Robert Hanson. Sister of Carl McAllister and wife, Sharon, of Sandown, N.H.; Gwen Jones and her husband, Robert, of California, Md.; Jean Letnow and her husband, John, of Whitesboro, N.Y.; Steven McAllister of Annapolis, Md., Carlene McAllister of Brattleboro, Brian McAllister and his wife Alisha; Mark McAllister and his wife, Doreen, of Westminster; and the late Sandra Casey. Born in Richford, the daughter of Audrey (Fletcher) and the late Carl McAllister, she graduated from Charlestown High School in 1960 and worked for many years doing various office work. She enjoyed baking and always had something sweet for anyone who stopped by. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and was like a second mom to many of her children's friends. She enjoyed going to yard sales and just sitting on her deck watching the birds and chipmunks. Memorial information : A funeral service was held Dec. 29 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial in St. Peter's Cemetery in Walpole, N.H. Donations to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.
• George Becker, 106, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 21 in hospice at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, two months shy of his 107th birthday. Husband of the late Marianne Reiss. Father of Karen Becker of Putney and Jacqui Becker of Newton, Mass. He was born Feb. 28, 1906, in Naugard, a small village in Germany's Pomerania. He was raised and educated in Berlin, where his parents moved when he was still a small boy. He studied engineering at the Technical University of Berlin, and graduated with a degree in mechanical and electrical engineering. While in college, he was elected president of K.C. Fraternity, known for their dedication to fighting anti-Semitism at universities. He began his professional career as a design engineer in Berlin at Schaub Radio, a major manufacturer of electrical equipment. In 1938, he married Marianne, a happy marriage that lasted 64 years but that started in a very disturbing way. In the middle of their honeymoon, George was arrested and imprisoned in an Austrian Gestapo prison. His bride went home alone, only to find her parents' house devastated by the Nazis on Kristallnacht, and her own father imprisoned. Miraculously, and with incredible courage, Marianne was able to drive back to Austria and persuade George's captors to let him go. The newlyweds left Germany in 1939 for England, where they waited a long time for their U.S. visas. The very day in 1940 that George was to have been interned in a camp for German immigrant men in England, the mailman delivered their visas. In 1940, they arrived in New York Harbor with $14. Accustomed to the blackouts of London, they passed into New York Harbor, and past the Statue of Liberty, and thought all the lights were in celebration of their arrival. He found work as a construction worker, machinist, toolmaker, and finally rose to the position of chief engineer of an instrument company for whom he designed pressure gauges and thermometers that became standard for the U.S. Navy. Income from one of his many patented inventions, a hinge for compacts that made use of the nascent new material, plastic, allowed the Beckers to buy their first home in Queens, N.Y. During his working years and even thereafter, he was a member of important national technical organizations. In 2002, at age 96, he was reappointed to the subcommittee for pressure gauges and thermometers by the American Society for Mechanical Engineers. He was also a charter member of the Telemetry Division of the Instrument Society of America. The Beckers moved permanently to Vermont in 1983 after maintaining a vacation home here for many years. When not busy improving the beautiful homes they created together in Athens, Westminster West, and Brattleboro, he devoted his time to his love of the arts. He was the driving force behind the founding of the Windham Art Gallery in Brattleboro in 1987, while serving as president of the Arts Council of Windham County. For 20 years, the gallery served as an important venue for local artists. In 1993, the Vermont Arts Council honored him with a Friends of the Arts Award. He also served as a trustee of the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center and as a technical consultant for the Yellow Barn Museum Festival in Putney. He was a problem solver, and he kept at it until he found an answer, as much in love with the process as the final solution. In the mid 1980s, he wrote to the Marlboro Music Festival complaining that the stage was too low, obscuring the entire audience's view of the musicians. The manager wrote back and said nothing could be done about it since the hall was used for different purposes and could not be altered. he went to his drawing board and worked up an idea for moveable, temporary sections and sent the detailed drawings and instructions with a small donation marked “Seed Money for Better Seating at Marlboro.” Weeks later, a warm letter of appreciation came from Rudolph Serkin. The stage was raised, the audience could see the musicians and there was a decided improvement in acoustics. After living independently until the age of 104, in 2010, he moved to Holton Home in Brattleboro, where he loved the staff and the extraordinary care he received. He continued to make contributions to his community, spearheading the addition of arm chair Zumba to the programming, and designing art work and greeting cards on his computer, which he shared with the other residents. When asked the key to his exceptional longevity, George would always answer, “Avoid stress.” Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2013, details to be announced.
• Larry L. Bratton, 56, of Wilmington. Died Dec. 19 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Husband of Karen (Savory) Bratton for 22 years. Father of Jacob Amidon of Missouri, and Megan and Cassie Bratton of Wilmington. Brother of Lanny Bratton of Salem, N.Y., Geraldine Farrar of Chester, Lorraine Lee of Colorado, Mary Bratton of Chester, and the late John and Jennie Bratton. Born in Townshend, the son of Ernest John and Norma (Wheeler) Bratton, he grew up in Townshend, where he attended Leland & Gray. Following high school, he enlisted in the Army, where he served four years. He worked in the construction industry for most of his life. Among his employers were Ralph and John Chadwick, Bob North at North Air, and Mount Snow Airport, where he maintained the facility. In addition, he had worked at Sitzmark in Wilmington as greens keeper and maintained the machinery, and also worked at Valley Transportation Services, which eventually became the Moover. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, panning for gold, and following NASCAR. Memorial information: Funeral services were held on Dec. 24 at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to his daughters, with checks payable to Karen Bratton in care of the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05201.
• Arthur W. Brooks Jr., 88, formerly of Jamaica. Died Dec. 13 at the Vermont Veteran's Home in Bennington after a period of declining health. Husband of the late Gladys Ella Lightfoot. Father of James C. Brooks and his companion, Nell Hallonquist, of Jamaica and Jeanette Gladys Underwood and her husband, Greg, of Wardsboro. Brother of Dot Massengale of Parish, Fla., Norman Brooks of Newfane, Tom Brooks of Brattleboro, and the late Winifred Holden, Robert Brooks, and Alfred Brooks. Born in Englewood N.J., the son of the late Arthur W. Brooks, Sr. and Verina Wiswall Brooks, during a trip away from their Vermont home. He grew up living on the South Wardsboro Road in Newfane. As a very young child, he lived and worked on local farms, for Guy Grout and the Tuttles. He often spoke of these times and the things he learned. He attended schools in Newfane and Brattleboro until World War II began. He enlisted in the Army in June 1942 and served 3 1/2 years before being discharged in December 1945. After spending 18 months guarding the Panama Canal, he shipped to Europe, where he was an automatic rifleman serving in Gen. George S. Patton's Third Army in the 71st Infantry Division. After landing in France, his division marched north 1,060 miles over a period of 92 days. At war's end, they were at the eastern-most point of any U.S. Anny in the European theater. They relieved the 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne and crossed the Rhine into Oppenheim, Czechoslovakia. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and Good Conduct Medal. Upon return from the service, he was fortunate enough to meet his soulmate. They lived briefly in Newfane before making their home in Jamaica, where they lived 56 years together until Gladys' death in April 2004. As a young man, he worked as a painter in his father's business and in the machine shops in Springfield. He loved nature and longed to be outside, so he left the shops and, for the balance of his life, was self-employed in outdoor occupations. He first began logging with a team of horses, and this was always his favorite job. He suffered several significant injuries while logging and eventually started construction and landscaping, where he was accompanied by long-term employees and friends, Tom and Raymond Fletcher of Jamaica. Many homes in the area have beautiful stonewalls or ponds that he designed and built. He was known for his work digging cellar holes, building driveways, and caretaking and this continued until his retirement. His grandchildren hold many funny and wonderful memories of their time spent together at his beloved camp in Stratton. He had a fabulous dry wit and loved mischievous jokes. He was able to see possibility and promise whether in renovating a home, studying the sky, building a garden, or in mentoring and helping the younger generations to love their town, land, and country's history. He was a member of the Masons and Mt. Lebanon Chapter of the Eastern Star in Jamaica. He served on the Jamaica Selectboard, the Cemetery Commission, and was a charter member of the Jamaica Fire Department. Memorial information: A private burial will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family. Donations to the charity of one's choice.
• Louis Andrew Bruso Sr., 84, of Jamaica, formerly of Clinton, Mass. Died Dec. 13 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Father of Louis Jr. and his wife, Wendy, of Jamaica, Robert of Stoughton, Mass., Richard and his wife MaryAnn of Salt Lake City, Roger and his husband, Wess Gauthier, of Jamaica, Larry and Kathy of North Grafton, Mass, William and wife Kathy of Jefferson, Mass, Lois and husband, Jeff Kirk, of Indialantic, Fla., and Adam and husband, Dana Nuzzolilo, of Worcester, Mass. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of Louis Joseph Bruso and Rita Evelyn (Arnold) Bruso, he was raised in Clinton, and lived there until 1995 before moving to Las Vegas. He had worked as a color mixer at ITT Supernault Wire and Cable Manufacturing for 39 years. While living in Clinton, he also enjoyed delivering weekly Meals on Wheels. In August 2012, he moved to Jamaica to live with his son, Roger. He loved Country & Western music, bowling, and making puzzles. He was also an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan, and loved wrestling. Memorial information: Graveside committal services and interment will take place at St. John's the Evangelist Cemetery in Clinton at a later date to be announced.
• Florence M. DeRosia, 77, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 21 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. She was a recent resident of Thompson House, but formerly lived on Clark Avenue. Wife of the late Ernest L. DeRosia for 30 years. Mother of Victoria, and her life partner, Laurie, and Michelle and her husband, Ken. Sister of Mary M. Smith. Born in Hinsdale, N.H., the daughter of the late Domenico and Rose Mannarino, her early years were spent growing up in Brattleboro and then on a farm with her sisters and her parents in Hinsdale. Her parents later moved back to Brattleboro. She graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1953 and later went on to continue her education at Elliot Community Hospital of Nursing in Keene, N.H. Shortly after her marriage, she began working at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as a lab technician and nurse's aide. She later worked as a bookkeeper at a number of local businesses, including Clapp's Sporting Goods, the Brattleboro Mutual Aid Association, the town of Brattleboro, the United Way of Windham County, and, at one of her last places of employment, Partners in International Education & Training at World Learning Inc. She was a simple woman with a big heart and a generous spirit. She enjoyed reading, as well as music, swimming, vacationing, knitting, word puzzles, visiting with close friends, and working or playing Bingo. Her favorite place to be, other than home, was anywhere near water, especially the ocean. Nothing made her happier than when all of her family was together in one place. MEMorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Dec. 27 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with interment in St. Michael's Cemetery. Donations may be made to the family for use in the Ernest L. DeRosia Scholarship Fund.
• Robert F. Henricks, 67, of Westminster. Died Dec. 16 at his home. Born in Montclair, N.J., the son of Arthur Philip Henricks, Jr., who predeceased him in 1992, and Fannie Fellows Henricks, who survives. Besides his mother of Southern Pines, N.C., he leaves one brother, Arthur P. Henricks, III, of Charlestown, N.H., and his legal guardian, Suzanne C. Henricks, of Brattleboro. He graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., in 1964. He attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y., to develop his artistic talent in the area of illustration. Months before graduation, he fell ill, and was unable to complete his education. He later moved to Vermont, where he was placed under medical care. In more recent years, he lived with his gracious and loving caregivers, Brandon and Becca Pedigo, who embraced him as one of their family. He had a warm and loving heart and endeared himself to all who knew him. Throughout the years, he expressed his artistic ability in his everyday life. He enjoyed playing the piano, illustrating, creating treasures from various media, and he delighted in his various collections. Memorial information : A memorial service was held Dec. 29 at Community Bible Chapel in Brattleboro. Interment will take place in Southern Pines, N.C., at a later date. Donations may be made to the Community Bible Chapel food shelf ministry. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Pamela M. (Hall) Holton, 57, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 16 at her home. Wife of Earl Holton for 33 years. Mother of Michael Hall of Brattleboro, Cindy Holton and Michael Davis Jr. of Hillsborough, N.H. Stepmother of Terry Holton of Pennsylvania, Randall Holton and Tina Brown of Greenfield, Mass., Douglas Holton of Winchester, N.H., and Donald Holton of Wilmington. Sister of Patricia Holton and her husband, Leon, of Chester, Donna Collinsworth and her husband, Robert, of Harrisville, N.H., and the late Sherburne H. Hall Jr. Born in Townshend, daughter of the late Sherburne & Ella Hall, she graduated from Leland & Gray. She worked for 24 years at Country News Distributors in Brattleboro. She enjoyed reading, spending time with her family, fishing, camping, and trips to Foxwoods Casino. She also loved animals and nature. Memorial information: In keeping with her values, there are no public services. Donations can be made to the animal shelter of one's choice.
• David Lee Keniston, 72, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 22 at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Husband of Linda Keniston for 47 years. Father of Heather Keniston Brady of North Walpole, N.H. and Shawn Keniston of Walpole, N.H. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of the late James D. Keniston and Evelyn F. Stearns Keniston, he grew up in Saxtons River and Cambridgeport. He was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School. He served in the Air Force throughout Europe from 1958 to 1962. Upon his honorable discharge in 1962, he returned to Bellows Falls, where he worked for Bryant Grinder of Springfield as an electrical designer. He also worked part-time for several years for the First National Grocery Store of Bellows Falls. He was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the King Solomon's Temple #45 of Bellows Falls, and a member of the Mount Sinai Shriner's #3 of Montpelier. He was a lifetime DAV and VFW member of Springfield. He was an avid ham radio operator (N1DLK). He was a beloved husband father and grandfather and a loyal friend to many. Memorial information: Per his wish, there will be no services. Donations to the VA Medical Center, Voluntary Service Office, Building 31 ground floor, 215 North Main St., White River Junction, VT 05009.
• Warren Stephen Kewer Jr., 84, of Putney. Died Dec. 16 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Husband of Phyllis Lees Kewer for 62 years. Father of Deb Kewer of Danvers, Mass., Nancy Gold of Stamford, Conn., and Robert Kewer of Norwich. Born in Stamford, Conn., he graduated from Stamford High School. He was self-employed, and owned and operated several photoengraving businesses in Connecticut and Vermont. He played baseball throughout his youth and really enjoyed resuming the sport in his retirement. He was an avid Red Sox fan. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 22 at Bouton and Reynolds Funeral Home in Stamford, with interment at Fairfield Memorial Cemetery in Stamford.
• Evrett Masters, 72, of West Brattleboro. Died Dec. 18. Husband of the late Linda Watson Masters for more than 45 years. Father of Jamie (Susan), Michelle (Lance) and Ellen, brother of James and Martha Masters, and the late Barbara and Mary Masters. A native of Texas, he moved at an early age to Vermont, and always expressed pride in his distinctly unique backgrounds. He was the son of the late Reverend E. Heulan Masters and Mary Etta Cunningham Masters. He was a keen student, excelling in school while fostering a love of history and working well with people from every walk of life. It was these talents that allowed him to become an exemplary educator and innovative leader. He enjoyed a career in education spanning more than 40 years. After teaching social studies in both Texas and New York, he served as assistant principal and later principal at Pioneer Valley Regional High School in Northfield, Mass., and as interim principal at Brattleboro Union High School, where he finally hung up his jacket and tie and looked forward to hours pursuing his many and varied interests. He graduated from BUHS in 1958, and would say his greatest achievement there was meeting the woman who would become the love of his life. It was Evrett's devotion to Linda's care during her final illness that showed his true character and courage. He never left her side and astonished all with his loving and gentle dedication. He greatly enjoyed the companionship of many friends and colleagues and always looked forward to his time with them spent traveling, playing golf and socializing. Memorial information: Calling hours are 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home, 57 High St., Brattleboro. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5 at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. A reception will follow at the Brattleboro Eagles' Hall. Donations to the Watson-Masters Scholarship Fund, or Youth Services, P.O. Box 6008 32 Walnut St. Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Timothy H. O'Connor, 90, of Bellows Falls. Died Dec. 11. Husband of the late Lorraine (Bingham) O'Connor for 47 years. Father of the Charles O'Connor. Brother of the late John, Thomas, and Maurice O'Connor, Martha Forrest, Catherine McClary, and Margaret “Peggy” McDonald. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of John and Mary (Moriarty) O'Connor, he attended St. Charles School and Bellows Falls High School. He was very proud of his military service, having served in the South Pacific with the Army during World War II. He also served in the Civilian Conservation Corps before the war. He retired from Robertson Paper Co. He was also a former member of the American Legion. He enjoyed a lifelong love of laughter and music. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will held Dec. 21 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Bellows Falls Area Senior Center, 3 Hyde Street, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Elizabeth “Babs” Walden Palmer, 93, formerly of Waldoboro, Maine. Died Dec. 17 at Thompson House, where she was a resident, after a long battle with COPD and dementia. Wife of the late Paul K. Palmer for more than 50 years. Mother of Ken Palmer and his wife, Veronica, of Sarasota, Fla.; Carolyn Palmer and her husband, Carl Boyd, of Wilmington; John Palmer and his wife, Dorinda, of Fresno, Calif.; Jean Day and her husband, Ken, of Reisterstown, Md.; and Henry Palmer and his wife, Jan, of Chichester, N.H. Born in Greenville, Maine, she was a graduate of Colby College. As a mother, homemaker, Red Cross volunteer, political activist, master seamstress, fabulous cook, master gardener and driving force behind her local community center, she was a friend and confidant to many. Memorial information: In accordance with her wishes, there will not be a funeral. She will be cremated and a memorial service will be held in the spring in Waldoboro. Donations may be made to one's local animal shelter or to the Dutch Neck Community Club in Waldoboro, Maine.
• Richard Michael Shuldiner, 65, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 14 at home from liver cancer. Husband of Susan Alpert for 15 years. Former husband of Helen Yovanopoulos. Brother of Peter Shuldiner and his wife, Clare Coulter. Born on the lower East Side of Manhattan to the late Evelyn (Abelson) and William Shuldiner, he lived in that neighborhood for over 40 years. He joked that he moved to Brattleboro in 1993 just because he did not want to spend his whole life living in one zip code. He graduated at age 16 from Stuyvesant High School, and later counseled Vietnam War draftees for the War Resisters League. In 1973, he graduated from the University of Buffalo, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with high honors distinction in English Literature. He had a strong interest in rapidly changing technology, which led him to a career auditing computer systems for Citibank. However, he found his true calling as a reference librarian with the New York Public Library. He worked in the beautiful main library on 42nd Street, where each member of his department had to have reading knowledge of an additional language, his being German. After graduating with a Masters in Library Science from Queens College in 1991, he worked at a public library branch in Manhattan's financial center where he enjoyed organizing classic movie nights. In his spare time, Richard led bike rides for Youth Hostels in New York City and at Walden Pond. In 1993, he moved to Brattleboro to become the reference librarian at Brooks Memorial Library. He left that job in 2002 due to illness. Throughout his life, he published numerous poems in literary magazines. Memorial information: A memorial service was held in Brattleboro at The Robert H. Gibson River Garden in Brattleboro. Donations to the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community or the Brooks Memorial Library.
• Felicia Matuszewski Suskawicz, 87, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 17 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Wife of the late John Suskawicz for 63 years. Mother of Janice Nichols of Westbrook, Maine and Donna Suskawicz of Boston. Sister of Edwin Matuszewski of Hinsdale and the late Sophie Rojsza. Born in Hinsdale, the daughter of the late Blazey and Antonina (Stadnik) Matuszewski, who immigrated to the United States from Poland. She was raised and educated in Hinsdale, and was a graduate of Hinsdale High School, Class of 1943. He was a devoted homemaker who excelled in cooking, crochet and knitting. She was known for her expertise in the kitchen, once winning a blue ribbon for her apple pie at the Cheshire County Fair, and preparing many ethnic Polish and Ukrainian dishes. She also had a “green thumb” and was proud of her collection of African violet plants that were once highlighted in a local newspaper article. She raised miniature poodles and always had dogs and cats sharing her home. She was proud of her Polish heritage, and was also a naturally-talented musician who learned to play the accordion, harmonica, piano, violin, guitar, saxophone, and clarinet. She could play “by ear” and enjoyed performing music on her piano. She worked at the Hinsdale Paper Mill, the former Giant store in Brattleboro, and Bridgeport Metals in Hinsdale. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Dec. 21 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hinsdale, N.H., with burial in the Suskawicz family lot in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Donations to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446. Condolences may be sent to Atamaniuk Funeral Home at www.atamaniuk.com.
• Elaine Kingsbury Touchette, 83, of Townshend. Died Dec, 27 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Wife of the late Charles Touchette for 27 years. Former wife of Carl Mowrey. Mother of Linda Seppala and her husband, Tom, of Epping, N.H.; Lenny Mowrey of East Dummerston; Donna Weeks and her husband, Allen, of Milford, Del.; Kevin Mowrey and his wife, Sandy, of Williamsville; Sue Gerstenberger and her husband, Peter, of Windham, N.H.; and the late Joanne Touchette. Sister of Durward Kingsbury and his wife, Anita, of West Chesterfield, N.H.; and Joyce Coleman of Springfield. Born in Springfield, the daughter of the late Henry and Thelma Kingsbury, she graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in 1947. She was an L.P.N. working at Brattleboro Retreat and Linden Lodge until her retirement in 2001 after over 40 years of service. After retiring, Elaine enjoyed going on trips and cruises with family and friends. She also enjoyed being at home feeding her birds, tending her flower garden and lovingly caring for her cat, Rocket, and her son Lenny's dog, Walker. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 31 at the Windham Community Chapel in Dummerston, with burial in the Rawsonville Cemetery in Jamaica. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1 Townshend, VT 05353, or the Windham Community Chapel, 850 US Route 5, Dummerston, VT 05301.
• Elaine E. (Cross) Twiss, 75, of Whitingham. Died Dec. 17 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., from complications of surgery. Wife of Harry Twiss Jr. for 53 years. Mother of Peter Twiss of Willington, Conn., Lynn Twiss and partner Steve Martineau of Westminster West, Nancy Russell and her husband, Michael, of Jacksonville, and the late Virginia Twiss. Sister of Stanley Cross and his wife, Sylvia, of Wilmington, and Rosemary Hunt of Rochester, N.H. Born in Bennington, the daughter of Alton and Bernice (Stetson) Cross, she grew up in Wilmington and was a 1956 graduate of Wilmington High School. She worked at the Skyline Restaurant, Long Jim Inn, Merchants Bank, and had been co-owner with her husband of the Jacksonville General Store. She enjoyed being a 4-H leader when her children were young. She was a member and leader of TOPS (Taking Pounds of Sensibly) and achieved KOPS (Keeping Pounds Off Sensibly) status. She was named the “KOPS Person of the Year” for the state of Vermont in both 2006 and 2008. She had worked many elections as a poll worker for the town of Whitingham and was a 12-year volunteer with the Whitingham Ambulance Service, where she earned an EMT-I certification. Always very active, she enjoyed being with her various group of friends to go hiking from spring to fall, snowshoeing in the winter and line dancing. Her reflective times were spent in her garden cultivating roses, hollyhocks and gladiolus. She also was an avid reader who enjoyed the quiet times with a good book. Her grandchildren will miss her annual tradition of making gingerbread houses for them all to decorate following their Thanksgiving dinner. She will be remembered for her outgoing personality and for being the proud matriarch of her family. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 21 at the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home in Wilmington, with burial in Riverview Cemetery. Donations to the charity of one's choice.
• Alan Andrew Young-Bryant, 32, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 5 in Ithaca, N.Y, after an accidental fall from a path along Cascadilla Gorge, one of the city's many steep ravines. Recently of Los Angeles, he held a Ph.D. in English literature from Cornell University, and had returned to Ithaca with his longtime partner, Alexis Briley, to celebrate the successful completion of her own doctoral dissertation. Born in Greenfield, Mass., he grew up in Brattleboro. From a young age, he was nurtured and mentored by a community of friends, coaches, and teachers. He attended school in Brattleboro, and graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon in 1998. In college, he spent a semester in the Williams College Program in Maritime Studies in Mystic, Conn., graduating cum laude from Tufts University in 2003 with a B.A. in English. He earned an M.A. in English at Cornell University in 2007, completing his Ph.D. in 2011 with an original study titled “Perverse Form and Victorian Lyric.” He is remembered as a remarkable scholar; a gifted athlete and formidable squash opponent; a quick-witted conversationalist and patient listener and, above all, as a loving and compassionate friend, son, and brother. A keen cross-country runner and skier, he also loved hiking and sailing, and was drawn to places of natural beauty. During his collegiate and postgraduate years, he sought out many opportunities to see the world, and looked forward to future travels. He held teaching positions at Cornell and Ithaca College, and taught widely in English literature and writing. The child of teachers, he was a gifted educator himself, and advisers and colleagues who observed his classes remarked on his ability to draw out, with patience and persistence, the best in his students. One of his greatest gifts was his rare talent for written expression. His skills as a writer led him to Oaktree Capital Management in Los Angeles, where he worked as an associate since August 2011. Whether academic, informal, or professional, his writing reflected his sharp intellect and subtle wit, as well as the grace, precision, and elegance he brought to all his pursuits. He is survived by his parents, Peter and Judy Young van Wageningen; his biological father, David and his wife, Myrla Bryant; his sister, Noelle Young Ellis, and his brother-in-law, Anthony. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 8 on the Cornell campus. A second memorial is scheduled for Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Northfield Mount Herman School in Gill, Mass. The family has established a memorial fund in his honor. Contributions marked “In Memory of Alan Young-Bryant” may be sent to Cornell University for the benefit of the English Department, 130 E. Seneca St., Suite 400, Ithaca, NY, 14850. There are also plans to establish a memorial fund in his honor at Northfield Mount Herman School and Brattleboro Area Middle School.