College news
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2013 semester at Lyndon State College: Denise Kingsbury of Bellows Falls, Matthew Leblanc of Brattleboro, Laura Pluff of Newfane, Michelle Sawyers of West Dover, Sarah Choquette of Westminster Station, and Anne Wright of Halifax. Meghan Hopkins of Brattleboro and Stephanie Walton of Dummerston were named to Lyndon State's President's List.
• Nicholas Massucco of Bellows Falls and Wendy Toney of Brattleboro were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2013 semester at Southern New England University in Manchester, N.H. Maranda Greenwood of Bellows Falls, Tanya Mayhew of Brattleboro, Robert Davis of Vernon, and Martha Schoonmaker of West Dover were named to SNEU's President's List.
• Sarah French, a sophomore in actuarial mathematics from Vernon, was named to the fall 2103 semester Dean's List at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.
• Elena Eames of Brattleboro has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2013 semester at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement in the fall 2013 semester at Nichols College in Dudley, Mass.: Kylie-Blu Crawford and Devon Spirka of Wilmington and Alexandra Morrow of Townshend all achieved Dean's High Honors while Lucas Bogdanski of West Dummerston was named to the Dean's List.
• Kori Huffman of Brattleboro has been named to the Fall 2013 Dean's List at American International College in Springfield, Mass.
• Alexander C. Breau of Vernon has been named to the Dean's List at Western New England University in Springfield, Mass., for the fall 2013 semester.
School news
• Ryan Chase, a Vernon senior, has been named the January 2014 Windham Regional Career Center Student of the Month. He was nominated for this award by Jennifer Connor, his English teacher, as well as by Jim Valliere, his Automotive Technology instructor, for his professionalism and work ethic. Valliere says Chase is “very good at problem solving and working independently when diagnosing and making an automotive repair.” Chase is currently employed at Stop & Go Oil Change on Putney Road in Brattleboro. His plans after graduation are to work full time for two or three years and then to pursue post-secondary education in diesel mechanics with the goal of working for a dealership or local garage.
Transitions
• Madeline Bergstrom has been hired by The Grammar School in Putney as their new Summer Camp Director. Bergstrom has 15 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, including public relations, event planning, teaching, and curriculum development.
• Scott Larabee of Vernon has been installed commandant of Detachment 798 of the Marine Corps League in Brattleboro. Other officers elected and installed with Larabee include Anthony Previte of Marlow N.H., as senior vice commandant; Richard Hodgdon of Brattleboro, junior vice commandant; and Christopher Casey of Brattleboro and Florida, judge advocate. Appointed officers include Doug Reed of Newfane, adjutant; Joseph Garofalo of West Dover, paymaster; Craig Lawrence of Brattleboro, Sergeant-At-Arms; and James Wall of North Swanzey, N.H., as chaplain.
Obituaries
• Russell O. Capron, 70, of Rockingham. Died Jan. 14 at Springfield Hospital. Husband of Jane St. Lawrence. Father of Nancy Capron of Holyoke, Mass., and Susan Dearborn and husband, Bryn, of Portland, Ore. Brother of Shirley Capron of North Walpole, N.H. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of Orlando and Shirley (King) Capron, he attended school in North Walpole, N.H. and was a 1960 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. He served in the Navy as a medic at the Chelsea Naval Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. He worked at St. Johnsbury Trucking and went on to become the business agent for the Teamsters Local Chapter 597. He dedicated his retirement to community. He was a member of the Bellows Falls Union High School Board, the Rockingham School Board, and the State of Vermont School Board, serving a total of 15 years among them. He served as part of the Falls Area Community Television board. He had a passion for politics and served as state chairman for Ross Perot's presidential campaign in 1992. After he retired, he enjoyed frequent trips to Oregon to visit his family. He was a member of the American Legion Post 37 and the Elks No. 1619, both in Bellows Falls. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Jan. 18 at St. Peters Church in North Walpole, with burial in St. Peters Cemetery. Donations to the Rockingham Free Public Library, Attn: Sam, Children's Library Programs, 65 Westminster St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101, or to the Bellows Falls Alumni Association, in care of Lori McGinnis, 10 Morgan St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Irene P. (Wheeler) Cyr, 82, of Readsboro, formerly of West Halifax. Died Jan. 13 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. Wife of the late Ralph Wheeler and the late Alfphie Cyr. Sister of Marion Wheeler of Halifax, Eleanor Herzig of Colrain, Mass., Beverly Dzemia of Big Sandy, Tenn., and the late Kenneth, Harry, and Roger Williams and Lillian Rosenburg. Born in Readsboro, the daughter of the late Harry and Nellie (Ross) Williams, she grew up in Readsboro where she attended local schools. She loved country music, watching the wild birds, crocheting, and puzzles. Memorial information: A funeral service will be held in the spring. Donations to the Halifax Fire Department or Readsboro Fire Department, in care of Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Christine “Chris” O'Dette Damaziak, 64, of Walpole, N.H. Died Jan. 10. Wife of the late Norman “Junior” Parrott for 20 years and William C. Damaziak for nearly three years. Mother of Steven Parrott and his wife, Jennifer, of Bellows Falls and Jodi French and her husband, Walter, of Newfane. Sister of Wendy O'Dette of Bellows Falls and Larry O'Dette of Utah. The oldest child of the late Barbara (Leach) and Roland O'Dette, she grew up in Bellows Falls, and graduated from Bellows Falls High School with the Class of 1967. She married “Junior” in 1968, and after his death from cancer in 1988, she began dating Mr, Damaziak in the fall of 1989. They eventually made their home together in Walpole, and finally married on March 18, 2010. Together they enjoyed snowmobiling, bonfires and their dog, Tink. She was at home in the water and was a beautiful figure skater. She also enjoyed hiking, kayaking, tending her garden and reading. She had previously worked for Holmes Transportation, Mary Meyer, and Vermont Medical. She was employed at Whitney Blake Company of Vermont as a supervisor, even working after her diagnosis with ovarian cancer in the fall of 2012, until her health finally forced her to stop. Memorial information: A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Arrangements will be handled by Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
• Colby A. Donovan, 13, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 12 at his home. Born in Greenfield, Mass., he was a lifelong Brattleboro resident. He was a student at the Brattleboro Area Middle School, and was part of the Colonels' football team. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, ice skating, and camping. He had many friends with whom he enjoyed hanging out. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather Jerry Donovan, maternal grandmother Jane Forbes, and an aunt, Sorell Bushway. He is survived by his mother, Jessica Gleason and her husband, Josh, of Brattleboro; his father, Tim Donovan and his girlfriend, Darcey Earle of Brattleboro; a brother, Brendon Shippee, of Barskdale Air Force Base, La.; a sister, McKayla Donovan, of Brattleboro; paternal grandmother Janet Wrightson of Florida; maternal grandfather Richard Mercier of Vernon; four aunts, Brandy Evitts, Jackie Mailoux, Darcy Donovan, and Patti Smith; as well as many uncles, cousins, and friends. Memorial information: A funeral service was held at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Burial will be held in the spring. Donations to the Vermont Bearhound Association, P.O. Box 224, Lyndonville, VT 05851.
• Gary James Gagne Sr., 65, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 7 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Father of Angela Johnson, Kerry Sullivan, Tanya Maskell, and Gary Gagne Jr. Stepfather of Jason Gagne, Toby Gagne, and Lisa Gundry. Brother of Wayne Gagne, Carlton Sheldon, Patricia Brown, and Doris Gero. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Homer and Nettie (Bobee) Gagne, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1967. He had been employed by the Vermont Agency of Transportation, District 2, which he retired from after 38 years of faithful service. He loved hunting, fishing, and time shared with his family. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held at the Elk's Lodge in Brattleboro on Jan. 17. Donations to Sportsman's Inc. P.O. Box 313, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Elbert “Bert” A. Lynde, 79, of Greenfield, Mass. Died Jan. 15 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. Husband of Karen (Flo) Lynde for 20 years. Father of the late Tony and Edward Lynde. Brother of Kenneth Lynde of Guilford, Eva Harris of Brattleboro, and the late Helen Dix, Grace Stebbins, Doris Barber, Mowry Lynde, Karl Lynde, and Alice Lynde. Born in Guilford, the son of Elbert and Clara (Worden) Lynde, he attended local schools in Brattleboro. He served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was a commercial driver for Brattleboro Haulage and BH Trucking for 20 years. Prior to that, he built modular homes. He loved animals, especially dogs and horses. He was a car collector. He enjoyed riding his horses and working on the home he and his wife, Karen, built in Leyden, Mass. Memorial information: At his request, there will be no funeral services or calling hours. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations to the charity of one's choice.
• Robert “Bob” S. St. Pierre Sr., 75, of Williamsville. Died Jan. 14 at his home. Husband of the late Jane Elinor (Richmond) St. Pierre for 43 years. Father of Robert St.Pierre, Jr. and his wife Julie, of Townshend; Rebecca Jarvis of Newfane; Holly Ridley of Naples, Fla; and the late Melissa Lee St.Pierre Astley. Born in St. Albans, the son of the late Frank Medor St.Pierre and Mary Rose (Chennette) St. Pierre, he moved to Williamsville in 1950 where he resided for 64 years. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1958 and then went on to join the Navy where he served two tours aboard the submarine USS Albacore. He later went to Hobart School of Welding, where he became a certified welder. He was employed by Vermont Yankee until he retired in 1999. After completing his first term with the Navy, he returned to Williamsville, where he met his wife and they were married shortly after in 1965. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and ice fishing trips to Lake Champlain with his wife and kids. He enjoyed gardening and spending time on his woodlot cutting wood. He spent countless hours with his grandchildren whom he adored, going fishing, four wheeling, strawberry and apple picking, gardening and attending sports activities and school functions. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, 54 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro. Donations to NewBrook Volunteer Fire & Rescue in Newfane.
• Tracy Ann Williams, 43, of Sumter, S.C. Died Jan. 13. Former wife of Michael Williams. Mother of Anthony Michael Williams of South Carolina and Christine Marie Williams of San Diego, Calif. Sister of Beth Tribles of Baltimore, Md., Danielle DeSerres of Hallowell, Maine, and Mary Lachenal of Putney. Born in Newport, Vt., the oldest daughter of Kip DeSerres and Karen (Ensign) DeSerres, she attended schools in Guilford and Brattleboro, and attended Brattleboro Union High School. She lived most of her life in Vermont, and moved to North Carolina and, more recently, to South Carolina, four years ago. She worked in real estate, hotel management, and was also a foster parent to several young women. She was always trying to help others. She cared deeply about her family, and loved her children dearly. She also loved her dogs, and is survived by her final companion, her dog, Villa. Memorial information: The family is planning a service and a celebration of life to be held at a later date.
• Milton Wolinsky, 85, of Whitingham. Died Jan. 10 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. Husband of Ruth Katherine Usher for nearly 55 years. Father of David Wolinsky, and his wife, Jean, and Sarah Mullins, and her husband, Kevin. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Louis and Ann Wolinsky, he attended public schools in New York City and City College of New York. He entered the family dental supply business as a salesman and covered a sales territory in New York and New Jersey for 45 years. He always joked that he only had one job in his whole life, but the company kept changing hands. In 1996, he and his wife retired and moved to Whitingham. They spent many winters in Spain and traveling through Europe. In his younger days, he was an avid skier and hiker and especially loved boating and waterskiing. He was active in the Whitingham Lions Club later in life and loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was a fun-loving guy who always loved life, always had a joke and a laugh. Memorial information: The family plans a celebration of his life in the spring. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital or Deerfield Valley Rescue.
• Jerald “Jerry” R. Young, 68, of Jamaica. Died Jan. 2. Husband of the late Lucille (Bunny) Young. Father of Melissa Maturo and fiance Dennis Bills of Wardsboro and the late David Young. Brother of the late Robert Young. Born in Wardsboro, the son of the late Raymond and Lois Young, he attended schools in Wardsboro and Townshend. He worked as a logger and truck driver. He also worked for many years on the town of Jamaica's road crew and, later, became the road foreman. In 2012, he retired but he continued to work as needed for the town. He loved his community and was always willing to lend a hand. Jerry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family was his life and his greatest joys were his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially boating. He loved country music and truck pulls at local fairs. He was always smiling and a friend to all. One of his greatest gifts was his ability to always make you laugh, no matter what the situation was. Memorial information: A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 1 p.m., at the Jamaica Community Church in Main Street. A private burial is pending at a later date. Donations to the Jamaica Community Church. And when you see the Jamaica town crew out working, doing what they do to keep the roads safe, stop and say, “Thank You,” in honor of Jerry.