Transitions
• Xenia Markowitt Pedone has been hired by Marlboro College as its dean of students. Markowitt was most recently associate dean for campus life at New York University Abu Dhabi, a new campus of 450 international students, where she helped to found the Student Affairs division in the liberal arts tradition. She also served at Dartmouth College for 13 years, where she was director of the Center for Women and Gender in the Office of Pluralism and Leadership. She has a master's degree in Latin American and Caribbean studies from New York University, and a BFA in fine arts, film and television production from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. She also holds a diploma in French studies from the University of Aix-En-Provence/Marseilles, and served as instructor and adjunct in Spanish at Dartmouth and Keene State.
• Oak Meadow, a Brattleboro-based provider of secular homeschooling curriculum for K-12 students around the world, has named 11 members to its newly-formed advisory board. They are: Eric Jones, head of Community Partnership School, Philadelphia, Pa.; Yuan-Hsiu Lien, World Language department chair at Eaglebrook School, Deerfield, Mass.; Steve Lorenz, former head of The Grammar School, Putney; John Pandelaki, senior IT analyst at Northfield Mount Hermon, Gill, Mass.; Amory Rowe, founder of In the Arena, Cambridge, Mass.; David Sobel, professor at Antioch New England and author of “Childhood and Nature,” Keene, N.H.; Adam Weinberg, president of Denison University and former president of World Learning, Granville, Ohio; Nikhil Goyal, student activist and author of “One Size Does Not Fit All,” New York, N.Y.; Bruce Hallett, former CEO of Time Magazine and Sports Illustrated; Ellen McCulloch-Lovell, president of Marlboro College; and Peggy O'Mara, author and former publisher, editor, and owner of Mothering Magazine, Santa Fe, N.M.
• The Winston Prouty Center welcomes Emily Clever as Family Supportive Housing Coordinator and Jillsen Deignan as Developmental Educator. As Family Supportive Housing Coordinator, Clever will provide support to families with young children who are currently accessing emergency shelters or living in motels. Deignan joins the Children's Integrated Services (CIS) Early Intervention team, providing guidance to families of children with a measurable developmental delay or medical condition that may lead to a developmental delay.
College news
• Molly Rice and Taylor Comstock, both of Brattleboro, are members of the Class of 2017 at James Madison University in Harrisonville, Va. Rice plans to major in interdisciplinary liberal studies, while Comstock plans to major in international affairs.
School news
• The following local high school students were awarded the 2013 Saint Michael's College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience: Colby McGinn of Brattleboro, a student at Brattleboro Union High School, Cade Nesbitt of Wilmington, a student at Twin Valley High School, Fraser Query of Guilford, a student at Leland & Gray, Alana Redden of South Newfane, a student at Leland & Gray, Caitlyn Reilly of Wilmington, a student at Twin Valley High School, and Gaia Uman of Brattleboro, a student at Brattleboro Union High School. The award recognizes high school juniors who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in volunteer service and academic achievement.
Obituaries
• Edmond Clarence Coombs, 86, formerly of Guilford. Died July 30 at the Dade City (Fla.) Hospice. Husband of the late Cora (Church) Provenchia for nearly 23 years. Former husband of Anna Mae Galipo. Father of the late Alfred and Wendell Coombs. Brother of the late Charles Coombs. Born in Vernon, the son of Clarence and Viola (LaPierre) Coombs, he attended school in Guilford. He was a longtime dairy farmer in Guilford who owned and operated his own farm, the Coombs Family Farm on Franklin Road, retiring in 1989. He also worked on a part-time basis for the Scanlon Sheep Farm and sold firewood. Following retirement, he lived in West Chesterfield for eight years with his second wife. The couple enjoyed wintering in Zephyrhills, Fla., before moving there permanently. He was a longtime member of Guilford Community Church. He enjoyed travel, watching wrestling, and playing shuffleboard, at which he excelled, winning many tournaments. Memorial information: A graveside committal service was held Aug. 10 in Chesterfield West Cemetery. Donations to HPH Hospice, 37445 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL 33525. Arrangements are under the care of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Deborah Lynn Corsetti, 54, of Putney. Died July 28 following a brief illness. Daughter of Philip and Carol Corsetti of Daugherty Township, Pa. Sister of Lorrie Corsetti of Merritt Island, Fla.; Jeffrey Corsetti, MD, and his wife, Chrysanne, of Franklin, Pa. She was a resident of Windham County for the past 20 years, previously living in New York City. She was born and spent her childhood in New Brighton, Pa., and was a graduate of Edinboro (Pa.) University. She was a gifted artist and graphic designer, but what loved ones will most remember was her love of animals and nature, her intelligence and wit, her many shrewd observations about human nature, and her fierce individualism. Frank Sinatra's classic song “My Way” perhaps describes her. Memorial information: A gathering to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m., at Putney Cares Activities Barn, 54 Kimball Hill. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Clayton “Gris” Griswold, 80, of Bellows Falls. Died Aug. 4 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Husband of Mary (Barry) Griswold for 58 years. Father of Karen Brown and her husband, Charles, of Burlington; Mary-Jo Mumford and her husband, Walter, of New Haven, Vt.; and the late Noreen Ann Griswold. Born in Springfield, the son of the late Emerson and Josephine (Fontaine) Griswold, he was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School and Rutland Business College. He served in the Navy from 1952 until 1956 during the Korean War. Upon being discharged from the Navy, he began his career in the trucking industry, retiring from St. Johnsbury Trucking in 1994. He was a licensed real estate broker in Vermont and New Hampshire for many years. He was a member of St. Charles Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Parish Council, and chairman of the annual Bishop's Fund campaign. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and a former member of Hooper Country Club. He served as an auditor and a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the village of Bellows Falls. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Aug. 8 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls, with burial in St. Charles Cemetery in Westminster. Donations to Kurn Hattin Homes, P.O. Box 127, Westminster, VT 05158, or to the St. Charles Renovation Fund, 31 Cherry Hill, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Vincent Illuzzi Sr., 93, of Berlin. Died July 31 at the Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center. Husband of the late Angela Piscitelli for 51 years. Father of Vincent Illuzzi Jr., and his wife, Eileen, of Derby, Frank Illuzzi of Brattleboro, and Joseph Illuzzi of Berlin, who lived with and took care of him for the past 10 years. Brother of Giovanni Illuzzi of Bitonto, Italy. He was predeceased by four brothers and one sister. Born in Giovinazzo, a port city on the Adriatic coast in southern Italy, he attended school until eighth grade and then received training to be a granite sculptor. In 1937, he immigrated to the United States, where he learned how to speak English, and eventually settled in Barre to work as a granite sculptor and carver. He sent part of his earnings to his mother back in Italy, to help support the family that remained there. On Jan. 21, 1943, during World War II, still an Italian citizen, he volunteered to join the U.S. Army. A photograph at the Montpelier Historical Society shows him with a group of other enlistees in the front of the Washington County Court House, ready to depart for war. He was stationed in Iceland as a translator. During the war, Army officials realized he wasn't a U.S. citizen and ordered him to become one because the U.S. was at war with Italy. He was honorably discharged Jan. 5, 1946. As a self-employed sculptor, he was commissioned to carve monuments, which are located in parks and cemeteries across America. He was a member of the Barre Historical Society and an early supporter of the restoration of the Old Labor Hall in Barre, and he supported creation of the Barre Granite Museum at the Jones Brothers granite shed, where he carved many monuments. He was a member of the Montpelier Gun Club, American Legion Post 10, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 790, and Moose Barre Lodge 1391, among other organizations. Although self-employed, he joined the Granite Cutters Association as an associate member to support the collective bargaining rights of granite workers. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Aug. 3, at 2 p.m. at St. Monica Church in Barre, with burial in Berlin Corner Cemetery.
• Thomas A. LaFlam, 69, formerly of Brattleboro. Died July 23 in Palm Harbor, Fla. Survived by sons Kevin LaFlam of Palm Harbor, Fla.; Steve LaFlam and wife, Chery, of Hinsdale, N.H.; and their mother, Joanne LaFlam, of Brattleboro. Brother of Dolores Breen, Beverly Farrington, Les LaFlam, and the late Barbara Gover and Phil “Butch” LaFlam. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Henry and Ruth (Gilson) LaFlam, he lived in Brattleboro from birth until 2007, when he moved to Florida. Memorial information: At his request, there will be no services and no mourning. His wish was that family and friends remember only the good times.
• Thomas F. Lee, Jr., 82, of Guilford. Died Aug. 6 after a short illness. Husband of Marie (Schneider) Lee of Guilford for 55 years. Father of Michal K. Lee and his wife, Patricia, of New York; Elizabeth L. Goodin and her husband, Ronald, of Connecticut; and Stephanie L. Mathews and her fiancé, David Krysztopik, of Connecticut. Brother of the late Annamarie Calhoun. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Thomas F., Sr. and Elizabeth (Prinz) Lee, he served in the Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He taught elementary, high school, and some college courses to the soldiers through the University of Maryland. He earned a bachelor and master's degree from St. John's University, and was very proud of his 40 years working on Wall Street as Director/Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Kidder Peabody, Drexel Burnham Lambert, Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette, and Fleming & Co. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Aug. 10 at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Putney, with burial in Hinesburg Cemetery in Guilford. Donations to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements are under the care of Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• Simone I. Normandeau, 102, of Dover, N.H. Died Aug. 5. Wife of the late Paul E. Normandeau for 46 years. Mother of Paul Normandeau and his wife, Jody, of Dummerston and Marc Normandeau and his wife, Aimee, of Dover, N.H. Born in Upton, Quebec, the daughter of the late Francois X. and Corine (Guertin) Picard, she was one of 11 children. After moving from Quebec to New Hampshire with her family in 1923, she lived in Dover and Somersworth. She also enjoyed time spent between summers at the “camp” in Milton, and winters in Pompano Beach, Fla. Growing up in such a large family, it was the oldest daughter's responsibility to help mother with the household. As soon as the next oldest daughter could take over the chores, it was time to get a job. When it was her time to find a job, she began working in one of the mills on Washington Street in Dover. Later, she attended beauty school and became a hairdresser. After a few years, she opened Simone's Beauty Salon. In 1945, she married, and lovingly raised two sons. She volunteered her time to St. Martin's Parish. When the nuns would need transportation or anything else, she was there to lend a hand. She was a talented seamstress, making her own clothes. She also enjoyed traveling to different destinations, such as England, Bermuda and Seattle, Wash., among her travels, though she was content with just a Sunday drive as well. She came from a very close family. Every Saturday night was spent at a sibling's house on a rotating basis, getting together, having fun and playing cards. When she thought she had a better hand than the rest, there was a twinkle in her eye and that's when everybody at the table began to worry. She went through life with a smile, and she could light up any room. People were drawn to her and she made friends quickly. She was a nurturer to everyone in her life, especially her sons and grandchildren. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Aug. 10 at the Parish of the Assumption at St. Joseph's Parish in Dover, N.H., with interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Donations to a charity of one's choice.
• Richard John “Dick” Stevens, 87, formerly of Bellows Falls. Died Aug. 3 at the Woodlawn Rehabilitation Center in Newport, N.H. Husband of Carolyn Ward Stevens for 60 years. Father of Michael P. Stevens of Milton, Timothy Stevens of Walpole, N.H., and Karen Billingsley of Walpole. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of Steven Roland and Mary Ellen (Crotty) Stevens, he attended school in North Walpole, N.H., and was a graduate of St. Charles School and Bellows Falls High School. He served in the Army as an infantryman during World War II, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He worked for Holmes Transportation in Westminster. Following his retirement, he worked for Green Mountain Railroad. He was a life member of DAV and a member of the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, 40 & 8, and was a former member of the Drum and Bugle Corps at the American Legion. Memorial information: A graveside memorial service will be held at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph at the convenience of the family. Donations to American Legion Post 37 Baseball, P.O. Box 377, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Francis E. “Frank” Waterman Jr., 49, a former resident of Brattleboro. Died July 28, 2013 at his home in Bennington. Father of Travis Waterman of Eddington, Maine and Ava Elizabeth Waterman of Bennington. Brother of Michael Waterman of Brattleboro and Melissa Waterman of Beacon, N.Y. Born in Keene, N.H., the son of Mary (Smith) and the late Francis E. Waterman Sr., he was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1981. He served in the Army for three years, and was stationed in Germany. Following his honorable discharge, he worked as a self-employed carpenter in the Deerfield Valley and Bennington areas. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Aug. 10 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont, 100 Dorset St., Suite 14, South Burlington, VT 05403.
• A graveside service for Roger Katz, who died in April after a long battle with cancer, will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m., at the Wilder Cemetery on Rice Farm Road in Dummerston. A reception, memorial and celebration of his life will be held immediately afterward at the Dummerston Community Center on West Street. There will be food provided, and those who wish to bring a dish to share are also welcome to do so. For those wishing to honor his memory, donations in his name can be made to The In-Sight Photography Project, 45 Flat St., Suite 1, Brattleboro, VT 05301 (www.insight-photography.org) or The Vermont Center for Photography, 49 Flat St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 (www.vcphoto.org).