Milestones

Births

• In Brattleboro (Memorial Hospital), on Nov. 2, 2013, a son, Alexander Michael Gantt, to Hannah Braskie Gantt and Andrew Gantt of Vernon. Grandparents are Mark and Sharlene Braskie and Rev. Michael and Barbara Gantt.

College news

• Alyson Marcucci of West Dover was inducted into Castleton State College's chapter of the Sigma Beta Delta International Business Honor Society. The induction took place on Nov. 13 in front of family and friends at Castleton President Dave Wolk's home. Created nearly 20 years ago, the honor society's purpose is to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishments among students and to promote personal and professional growth. The society also recognizes those in the college and surrounding community who have demonstrated business excellence, achievement, and service.

Obituaries

• John Billington, 72, of Dummerston. Died Nov. 13. Husband of Lynn Billington. Father of Kate and John Billington. Brother of David and James Billington. He grew up in Narberth, Pa., the youngest son of the late Nelson and Jane Billington, and resided in Rosemont, Pa. for most of his life. He attended Lower Merion High School and Lycoming College, and served in the Army from 1962 to 1965. He taught history at various private schools in his early career and later worked in financial services. He then retired and moved to Southern Vermont to be closer to his children. He was a gifted conversationalist who engaged people wherever he went and loved to share history, hear people's stories, and stimulate laughter. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Nov. 23 at St. Michaels Episcopal Church in Brattleboro. Donations can be made to the Lycoming College Fund in memory of John Billington, Class of 1967.

• Catherine A. Furgat, 58, of Rockingham. Died Nov. 21. Wife of Gary Furgat for 37 years. Mother of Barbara Beaudry of Bellows Falls, Collette Sinclair of Winchendon, Mass., Holly Ri­chards of Saxtons River, Saman­tha Kimball of Rockingham, and Eliza­beth Perry of Athens. Sister of Ed and Kevin Vancor, both of Bellows Falls; and Jean Monty of Bellows Falls. Stepdaughter of Norm Vancor of Bellows Falls. Born in Bellows Falls, the daughter of the late Fernand Beaudry and Barbara Scanlon, she was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School and worked for Beaudry Trucking, Green Mountain High School, and locally as a waitress. She was an avid camper and a member of the Good Sam Club. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Nov. 26 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls. Arrangements were handled by Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls.

• Karen Louise (Schaefer) Hall, 77, of Grafton. Died Nov. 13 at home after a courageous, four-year strug­gle with various elements of Parkinsonism. Wife of Robert C. Hall. Mother of David Hall and his wife, June, of West­field, N.J., and Addie Hall and her husband, Harry Reindel, of Williston. Memorial information: A celebration of her life is planned for the spring at the fam­ily home in Grafton. Donations to Grafton Cares, P.O. Box 134, Grafton, VT 05146.

• Wilfred P. “Harvey” LaFountain, 86, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 16 at Thompson House Nursing Home. Husband of Grace (Miller) LaFountain for nearly 63 years. Father of Nancy Graves and her husband, Bruce, of Keene, N.H.; Jane Bellville and husband, Bruce, of Hinsdale, N.H.; and Richard LaFountain of Bedford, N.H. Predeceased by many brothers and sisters. Born in Mooers Forks, N.Y., the son of the late William and Marguerite (Ebare) LaFountain, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro. He served in the Army during World War II as a military policeman in Italy and Germany, attaining the rank of sergeant. He held various jobs in the area until establishing his own building contracting business. He designed and built many custom homes, vacation homes, and commercial buildings throughout Windham County. He was a member of the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445, American Legion Post 5, and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034. He loved golf and was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club. He is credited with, and was very proud of, his four holes in one. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with full military honors were conducted on Nov. 21 in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Thompson House, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements were under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.

• Pamela S. Levey, 52, of Bellows Falls. Died Nov. 20 at her home. Mother of Ryan and Eli McGuire. Sister of Lory Levey-Bellino of Columbia, S.C., and Michael Levey of Columbus, Ohio. Born in Middle­town, Ohio, the daughter of the late Barry Levey and Sandra (Leavitt) Barshop, she was a graduate of The Solebury School in New Hope, Pa. She worked as a craft artisan, and enjoyed a long career in professional retail sales. She was an ac­complished chef and ca­terer, as well as an avid gardner. She embraced life to the fullest. She welcomed visits to the beach, attending sporting and music events, and spending time surrounded by her family and friends. Most importantly, she was the proud and adoring mother of two amazing young men and a deeply involved parent. Memorial information: A memori­al service was held Nov. 24 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home. Burial was private. Donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

• Duncan A. Nor­wood, 30, of Guilford. Died Nov. 18 at his home. Son of Alice M. Kehoe and partner Wayne Cyr of Rich­mond, N.H.; and Gordon A. Norwood and wife Lauren Y. Watrous of Bernardston, Mass. Father of Na­talie Ann and Logan Arthur Nor­wood. Brother of Honor C. Norwood. Born at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, he grew up in Westminster West. He was a confident, exuberant soul whose enthusiasm for adventure was contagious. He al­ways enjoyed the company of friends and family around him. When he had children of his own with Jennifer Bradbury, he spent much of his time sharing with them his love of nature and sports. He loved being outdoors - hunting, fishing, and hik­ing in the woods. He enjoyed many sports, including hockey, running, and swimming; he loved dirt biking and four wheeling and he loved to go snorkeling in the Caribbean and camping in Maine. He also worked as a train conductor for Amtrak and was proud of his job. Memorial information: A private service will be held in Bar Harbor, Maine. A public memorial service will be held at The Congregational Church in Westminster West on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.

• Theresa Ann (Young) Powlin, 56, of Marlboro. Died Nov. 17 at Grace Cot­tage Hospital in Townshend. Wife of Robert Powling for 38 years. Dawn Marie Powling, and Madonna Racine and her husband, Tim, all of Marlboro. Sister of Robert Young, Alan Young and his wife, Barbara Ann, and Juanita Young. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Charlotte Mason and Robert Young, she attended Brattleboro High School and married her high school sweetheart in 1975. With her husband and family, she spent many joyful times outdoors. She often raised her own animals including ducks, chickens, turkeys, pigs, and cows. During the summer, she enjoyed going to the fairs and watching horse pulling. She also enjoyed country mu­sic, dancing and traveling. With her family, she cruised the Bahamas and Mexico, and made trips to Las Vegas, Penn­sylvania, and Niagara Falls, N.Y. Camping, fishing, gardening, cro­cheting and sewing were among some of her other hobbies. She made quilts and gave them as cherished gifts to her family. On weekends, she would often be “camping” down at her property on Lahar Road. Theresa had many talents that she acquired doing var­ious jobs throughout her life. She helped support her family by log­ging in the woods with horses and helping deliver firewood. She also ran her own housecleaning busi­ness. She worked several years with her husband, caretaking at Mountain Meadows Farm, and enjoyed helping her daughter Ma­donna at the local farmers' market. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Nov. 24 at the Elks Home in Brattleboro. Eternal Blessings of Guilford handled funeral and cremation arrange­ments.

• Theresa Marie Toney, 58, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 17 in Lebanon, N.H., following a period of declining health. Daughter of Nathan and Deanna (Simon) Toney. Sister of Kenneth Toney of Brattleboro, Robert Toney and his wife, Marie, of Graham, N.C., and the late Raymond Toney. Born in Brattleboro, she attended St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1974. She went on to attend Springfield Technical Community College, becoming a dental assistant. In addition, she worked with her family as a sales clerk at the former Toney's Market on Canal Street. Of her many causes, she was most proud to serve as a committee member with the Living Memorial Park Snow Sports Program and helped organize and support the reopening of the park's ski tow. She spent much of her time with friends and family often engaged in animated debate. Some of her other interests included singing and playing the flute, reading and frequenting the Retreat petting farm to visit her beloved horses. She was proud of her Lebanese heritage and worked at cultivating knowledge of her ancestry. Most of all, she was always an advocate for the disenfranchised and needy. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. A reception will follow at the American Legion on Linden Street. Atamaniuk Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

• Shirley Elaine Webster, 85, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 19 at Thompson House Nursing Home following a long illness. Wife of the late Walter Charles Webster for 45 years. Mother of Diane Girroir and her husband, Dennis, of Guilford; Michele Webster of Brattleboro; and Walter Webster Jr. and his wife, Sheila, of Guilford. Sister of Glenn, Leeds, and Lloyd Ackerman and the late Ranson, Calvin, Lois, Marge, and Virginia Ackerman. Born in Hanover, N.H., the eighth child of the late Esther and Louis Ackerman, she was a resident of Brattleboro for many years. She was an avid gardener, a faithful and devoted wife, and a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose life centered around family. She had many interests which included doing pastels, reading, and bird watching. She was a member of the Vernon Union Church. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m., at the Vernon Union Church. A reception will follow the services in the church fellowship hall. There will be no calling hours. Graveside committal services and interment will take place in Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph at a later date. Because of her love of the arts, donations may be made to The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.