Births
• In Lewiston, Maine (Central Maine Medical Center), Dec. 18, 2013, a daughter, Harper Destiny Wise, to Scott and Melissa Wise of Lewiston; granddaughter to Bob and Sue Stomski of Jamaica, Marianne Wise of Lewiston, and Mike Wise of Kissimmee, Fla.; great-granddaughter to Raymond and Joyce Ballantine of Jamaica, Helen and Bob Keeler of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and Miriam Jean of Auburn, Maine.
College news
• Tanya Brown of Brattleboro was one of 12 recipients statewide of the Community College of Vermont's 2013 Student Leadership Scholarship. Those awarded have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities by balancing commitments both to their studies and to extra-curricular initiatives. In recognition, each student will receive a $1,000 award, a certificate of achievement, and an invitation to a private luncheon with CCV president Joyce Judy to be held in their honor.
• Michael Dolan of West Townshend, a first-year student at Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y., has been named to the fall 2013 Dean's List.
• Adam Keil, a sound recording technology major from Putney, was named to the Dean's List at the University of Massachusettes at Lowell for the fall 2013 semester.
• Dummerston residents Madeline Conley and Kalinda Roberts were recognized for academic achievement at Connecticut College in New London, Conn. Conley was named to the Dean's High Honors list, while Roberts made the Dean's Honors list.
• Molly Ann Rice of Brattleboro, has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2013 semester at James Madison University in Harrisonville, Va.
• Christopher R. Woodworth, a mechanical technology major from Brattleboro, and Daniel S. Elliott, a mechanical technology major from Brookline, were both named to the President's List for the fall 2013 semester at the State University of New York at Canton.
• The following local students have been named to the Dean's List at the University of New Hampshire for the fall semester of the 2013-2014 academic year: Conor Madison of Londonderry earned Highest Honors. Adam Harrison of Brattleboro and Robert Meyer of Brattleboro both earned High Honors. Amy Smith of Brattleboro earned Honors.
• The following local students have been named to the Dean's List at Castleton State College for the fall 2013 semester: McKenzie Bover of Brattleboro, Keira Capponcelli of Brookline, Jack DelPriore of Brattleboro, Katie Derrig of Putney, Callie Ginter and Eric Ginter of Townshend, Megan Harris of Saxtons River, Daniel Rivers of Brattleboro, Kayla Wood of Dummerston, and Rachel Yrsha of Londonderry. Named to the President's List were Josephine Barrale of Brattleboro, Matthieu Fortier of South Londonderry, Alyson Marcucci of West Dover, and Soren Pelz-Walsh of Brattleboro.
• Davin Freeman, a senior and a management major from Vernon, made the fall 2013 Dean's List at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C.
School news
• Bellows Falls Union High School junior McKenzie Brandon was accepted into the New England Music Festival Band. For the audition, Brandon performed a transcripion of Emmett's Lullaby, a virtuosic show piece that demands the performer demonstrate extensive playing abilities. As one of hundreds of students auditioning from across New England, McKenzie earned a score of 130 out a possible 140 points, earning her 3rd chair in the tuba section.
Transitions
• Brattleboro Memorial Hospital has hired Robert Gailey as its new Director of Organizational Improvement. In this position, Gailey will work closely with the hospital's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kathleen McGraw in leading the hospital's Organizational Improvement efforts. He will also work with BMH's quality director and department managers in developing quality improvement teams for specific “service lines” within the hospital.
Obituaries
• Sister Ellen Therese Barry (Ellen Mary), 96, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, Mass. Died Jan. 20 in Mont Marie Health Care Center in Holyoke, Mass., in her 76th year in the Congregation. Born in Bellows Falls, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Loughlin) Barry, she graduated from Bellows Falls High School and Regis College in Weston, Mass. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Vermont in 1938 from St. Charles Parish in Bellows Falls. She became a Sister of St. Joseph of Springfield in 2001, when the two communities merged. She taught at Christ the King School and St. Peter's School in Rutland, and at St. Mary's School in Fair Haven. She was also a teacher and principal at Sacred Heart School in Bennington, Vt., for nearly 30 years. She remained in Bennington in her retirement years. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Jan. 24 at Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Church in Bennington. Burial will take place in the spring in Rutland. Donations to the Sisters of St. Joseph's Retirement Fund through Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.
• Dorothy M. Brooks, 89, of Hinsdale. Died Jan. 18 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Wife of the late Richard W. Brooks for 53 years. Mother of Richard W. Brooks Jr. and his wife, Crystal, of Lawrenceville, Ga.; James R. Brooks and his companion, Carol Corbeil, of Mesa, Ariz.; Roy E. Brooks and wife Karen of Gainesville, Ga.; and Joanne Mulligan and her husband, Michael, of Hinsdale, N.H. She was predeceased by six brothers and three sisters. Born in Keene, N.H., the daughter of Richard and Margaret (Donovan) Boyle, he was raised and educated in Keene later becoming a longtime resident of Hinsdale. She had worked for 25 years at Bridgeport Metal in Hinsdale and previously had been employed at the former Concel Co. in Brattleboro. She enjoyed reading, taking walks everyday and enjoyed time shared with her family, especially her grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Jan. 23 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Burial in Woodland Cemetery in Keene will take place in the springtime where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Donations to RISE…For Baby & Family, 147 Washington St., Keene, N.H. 03431.
• Francis H. “Fluffy” Capen, 85, of Wardsboro. Died Jan. 18 at his home. Husband of Beverly (Bills) Capen for 61 years. Father of Cindy Capen and Carleen Capen, both of Wardsboro. Brother of the late Herman Capen, Ruby Bristol, Lottie Lawrence, and Laura Capen. He was born in Jamaica, the son of Alfred and Rachel (Griswold) Capen, he attended Townshend Elementary School and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary, Class of 1946. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1948 and served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operation during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge from active service in 1952, he returned home to the West River Valley area. He was a tax preparer for over 50 years, assisting area residents with their year-end tax filings. He had been employed by American Optical in Brattleboro for more than 21 years and also worked at his father-in-law's mill, Bills' Lumber Company in Wardsboro. He was also a rural postal carrier for the Jamaica post office, and served as treasurer for the Windham County court. Active civically, he served Wardsboro as a selectman and lister, and was a longtime director on the Wardsboro School Board. He also served as a trustee for Leland & Gray High School and chaired the Leland & Gray Alumni Parade. He was a trustee for Grace Cottage Hospital and also ran the Bingo tent for Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Day. He was honored by each organization, receiving the Leland & Gray Alumni of the Year Award and the Grace Cottage Hospital Auxiliary Member of the Year Award. He was a longtime member and Past Master of Blazing Star Lodge #23 F&AM, a member of VFW Post 1034 in Brattleboro and West River Valley American Legion Post 16. He enjoyed trips to Mohegan Sun with his gambling buddies Mary, Jackie, and Terri; going to Bingo with Debbie; and sitting by a campfire with many nephews or under his apple tree at home. For the past five years, it was his great pleasure to invite family and friends to his birthday parties at the Stratton Town Hall. He attended the Wardsboro Yoked Parish with his family and was a steadfast supporter of his nieces' and nephews' area sporting endeavors. He also enjoyed trips to Pennsylvania and attending family gatherings. He was known for his easy-going nature and wonderful sense of humor. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with Masonic Rites and Military Honors will take place in the spring in West Wardsboro Cemetery at a date and time to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353, Attn: Dr. Backus, or to the Wardsboro Volunteer Rescue Squad, 49 Main St., Wardsboro, VT 05355.
• Muriel Crowell, 97, of Newfane. Died recently at her home. She was a known participant in local affairs along with her late husband, Robert Crowell. She grew up in New Jersey, attended Connecticut College for Women and is survived by three generations. She was an accomplished painter and lover of the arts. As well, she owned a needlepoint shop in New York City. Her design book, “The Fine Art of Needlepoint,” is on the shelves at Moore Free Library. For more than 30 years in Newfane, her donor activities included both social and environmental causes. She was known for those at Grace Cottage Hospital and several other organizations, but her strongest asset was in making a home that many enjoyed wherever she lived. Coming from a generation that saw the world change dramatically, she retained an unequalled flair that signalled a sense of humor, warm grace, and propriety. She will be missed by those who knew her. Memorial information: No information provided at this time.
• Thomas Eugene “Tom” Deyo, 85, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 21 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Husband of Janice (Pope) Deyo for nearly 66 years. Father of Gary and his wife, Cathy, of Goose Creek, S.C., Ronald of Safety Harbor, Fla., Mark of Brattleboro, Peter and his wife, Cheryl, of Vernon, and Delle and her husband, Max, of Boise, Idaho. Brother of the late Harold and Robert Deyo and Barbara Putnam. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Harold and Grace (Thomas) Deyo, he attended Brattleboro public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1947. While in high school, he excelled in varsity football, playing the position of center. For many years he owned and operated Deyo's Home Laundry located on Frost Place, working with his parents and brother. He later established Deyo's Cleaning Service, which he operated until his retirement in 1982. With his wife he later moved to Tarpon Springs, Fla., where they resided for 16 years before moving back to Brattleboro. For several years, he coached Little League baseball and was a former member of the Brattleboro Country Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking, and was a longtime sports fan. He cherished time spent with his family. Memorial information: A memorial service in celebration of his life will be conducted later in the springtime at a date and time to be announced by Atamaniuk Funeral Home. Donations to Vernon Green Nursing Home, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354, in care of Larry Knowles.
• Eleanor M. Fielders, 93, of Bellows Falls. Died Jan. 18 at Mt. Ascutney Hospital in Windsor. Wife of the late Pearl Fielders. Mother of Joyce King and her husband, Steve, of Canaan, Maine; David Fielders and his wife, Lora, of Sweetwater, Tenn.; Edward Fielders of Westminster; Priscilla Battice and her husband, Neal, of Chester; and the late Pearl Fielders Jr. Sister of Edith Barnett of Henderson, N.C., and the late Edward, Ernest, Earl, and Everett Moul, and Evelyn Foss. Born in Antrim, N.H., the daughter of the late Edward and Esther (Smart) Moul, she attended schools in Antrim and was a member of the American Legion Post 37 Auxiliary and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. She loved animals and enjoyed her many friends from her residence at the Riverview Apartments in Bellows Falls, as well as all of her friends at the Bellows Falls Senior Center. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 25 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Burial will take place in the spring at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph. Donations to TARPS, P.O. Box 274, Chester, VT 05143.
• Harriet Adam Fisher, 98, of Brattleboro, Died Jan. 24 at Thompson House. Wife of the late Roland J. Fisher for 72 years. Brother of Alfred Adam of Melbourne, Fla. She predeceased by many brothers and sisters. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Frederick and Hattie (Bruce) Adam, she was a prominent businesswoman in Brattleboro for many years and, together with her husband, owned and operated a number of successful businesses in Windham County. The Fishers are most remembered for establishing R.J. Fisher Real Estate on Main Street in Brattleboro. She loved the Brattleboro community and, together with her husband, supported many area organizations very generously over the years. She will be remembered by her family and close friends as a very kind, caring and thoughtful lady and will be deeply missed by all those she touched during her long life. Memorial information: In accordance with her final wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A private memorial service will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family.
• Dorothy Marie “Dot” Peterson Humphrey, 86, of Guilford. Died Jan. 22 in Hanover, N.H., after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Wife of Frederick Humphrey for nearly 65 years. Mother of Heidi Humphrey and her husband, Ben Benedict, of Shaftsbury; Alan Humphrey and his wife Wendy Rosen Humphrey of East Windsor, N,J.; and the late Brian Humphrey. Sister of the late Virginia Shea, her fraternal twin. She was born in West Hartford, Conn., and attended elementary schools in Simsbury and Avon, Conn., and graduated from Canton High School in 1945. After graduation, she enrolled in the Army Cadet Nurses Corps and received her R.N. degree in 1948 from the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing. Her wedding was a joint ceremony with her twin sister on her mother Frances Peterson's birthday on Sept. 4, 1948. She served as head nurse in Hartford and Manchester, Conn., hospitals before moving to Philadelphia in 1950. After the birth of her children, she continued to nurse part-time while moving to Peekskill, N.Y., Brattleboro, and then back to the Philadelphia area. In 1965, she moved with her family to Storrs, Conn., and became a volunteer at Connecticut Planned Parenthood clinics. In 1970 she enrolled in a family planning nurse practitioner program at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Hartford, Conn. After receiving her N.P. in Family Planning, she worked in and administered Planned Parenthood clinics in Connecticut. She was a fearless and tireless advocate for family planning and contraceptive rights. Upon retiring to Guilford in 1990, she became a trustee of the Guilford Historical Society. For several years, she served as Guilford representative to the Vermont Council On Aging. She delivered Meals On Wheels and was a member of the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She also headed the board of The Gathering Place in Brattleboro. She will be remembered for her determination, her ready smile, her ever-present willingness to help others, and for her love of the outdoors. She always kept both vegetable and flower gardens and enjoyed swimming and skiing. She was a strong supporter of not only her own career but also that of her husband. She often commented that during their 64 years of marriage, they moved 13 times, with Storrs being a special place where she developed many meaningful friendships and community connections. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on March 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the Guilford Community Church. Donations to Planned Parenthood, to the national Alzheimer's Association, or to the charities Mrs. Humphrey was associated with in Vermont.
• Beverly B. Landman, 95, of Jamaica. Died Jan. 14 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Wife of the late Wendell E. Landman for nearly 51 years. A lifelong Jamaica resident, she was born at home, the daughter of the late Leon and Beatrice (Emerson) Bemis. She attended school in Jamaica and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary, Class of 1936. She had been employed as a finisher for the Mary Meyer Manufacturing Company in Townshend, which she retired from following 33 faithful years with the Meyer family. A lifelong member of the Jamaica Community Church, she was very active in church affairs serving throughout the years on numerous committees. She was also a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Mt. Lebanon Chapter #89 in Jamaica. For several years, she was an active volunteer at Stratton House, becoming a volunteer during the time her husband was a resident at the facility. An excellent cook and baker, she was known for her delicious breads and homemade donuts. She enjoyed flower gardening and was an avid reader. Up until recently, she enjoyed taking walks and loved nature in general. She had a passion for helping people in need and especially enjoyed visits from friends and neighbors. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m., at the Jamaica Community Church. A reception will follow the services to be held in the church's fellowship area. Burial in Pleasant View Cemetery in Jamaica will take place in the spring. Donations to Jamaica Community Church, P.O. Box 287, Jamaica, VT 05343; Jamaica Village Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 31, Jamaica, VT 05343; or Jamaica Volunteer Fire & Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 285, Jamaica, VT 05343.
• Walter H. Momaney Sr., 82, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 19. Husband of Marilyn (Castine) Momaney for 59 years. Father of Walter Momaney Jr. and his wife, Donna of Guilford; Debra (Momaney) Powers and her husband, Stanley, of Brattleboro; Dawn (Momaney) Sheldrick and her husband Howard of Quechee; and Tammi (Momaney) Quinn and husband, Bevan, of Guilford. Brother of Richard Momaney and his wife, Mildred, of Brattleboro, and the late Clifford, Edmund, Francis and Ralph Momaney, and Rita Woodman. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Dolph and Edna (Cloutier) Momaney, he attended St. Michael's School and served in the Navy from 1952 to 1956. After his discharge from the Navy, he worked at various different jobs from helping to build Interstate 91 to delivering milk for Thomas Dairy. Most of his work years were spent painting houses. He worked for his Uncle Herman and other different painting contractors in the Brattleboro area until 1970, when he started Walter Momaney Painting Contractors. He was a very meticulous painter and wallpaper hanger and some his wallpaper work still adorns the walls of some of the finer homes in the Brattleboro area. He retired in 1996. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, including ice fishing and deep sea fishing. At one time, he held the world record for catching the biggest monkfish. Some of his most enjoyable times were spent with family and friends at his camp on Lake Champlain in Milton. He also enjoyed watching the Red Sox and the Patriots. After he retired, he finally got his dream car, a restored 1957 Chevrolet Belair two-door hardtop, which he enjoyed driving to the local car cruises with his son. Memorial information: Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring for family and friends to attend. Donations to the Reformer Christmas Stocking, P.O. Box 703, Brattleboro, VT 05302-0703.
• Aimee Alwina (Winter) Ranzau, 99, of Wilmington, N.C. Died Jan. 14 at the home she shared with her daughter, just two months shy of celebrating her 100th birthday. Wife of the late William “Bill” J. Ranzau. Mother of Margot Tangye of Lake Park, Fla., from her first marriage which ended in divorce, Barbara Anne Ranzau Taylor of Putney, and Aimee Ranzau Blacker of Wilmington, N.C. She was born in Astoria, Queens, N.Y., the daughter of the late Aimee Concord Winter and John F. Winter. When her father retired from the New York Police Department, he moved the family to a farm in Montvale, N.J., where they would grow and sell flowers and fauna. She graduated from Park Ridge High School, Class of 1932, and was a prominent member of the Glee Club. Upon graduation, Aimee would move to River Edge, N.J., where she found employment with a chic clothing boutique specializing in designer women's wear and develop her own sense of style. She would later reconnect with her high school sweetheart and marry. Together they owned and operated a farm, “Ranzaus,” in Montvale, growing and selling fruits and vegetables, both retail on a stand located on Chestnut Ridge Road, and wholesale in New York City. Later, they built a gas station adjacent to the farm stand. Her passion for singing, using her soprano voice, would reemerge as part of the choir of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Saddle River, N.J., during the late 1930s. Years passed and they would sell the farm and move to southern New Jersey to a town called Milford, where she cultivated her green thumb with a garden group, growing and cross breeding prize worthy Iris. She continued her love of singing with the choir there, at the United Church of Christ. As empty nesters, they moved to North Shapleigh, Maine, where they built their dream house on a lake and enjoyed making more new friends. More than a decade later, wanderlust hit the Ranzaus again, and they relocated to Hampton Bays, Long Island, to be near their youngest daughter and a home overlooking the ocean. They later moved back to New England, this time to Putney, where their eldest daughter resided, and she would become widowed. Mrs. Ranzau kept busy with the First Congregational Church of Westminster, baking pies and spending time with friends and family. In 2002, she relocated to Virginia to live with her daughter and later move to her final destination in 2012 to Wilmington, where she enjoyed swimming in her saltwater pool and growing her favorite Iris again. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 21 at Beagard Funeral Home in River Edge, N.J., with burial in George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, N.J. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
• Billy W. Robinson, 62, of Marlboro, formerly of Wilmington. Died Jan. 19 at his home after a period of declining health. Husband of Dawn M. Santor Robinson for nearly eight years. Former husband of Deborah “Scott” Tortorella of West Chesterfield, N.H. Father of Douglas J. Dix and his wife, Laurie, of Whitingham, Jacob C. Robinson of Wilmington, Luke B. Robinson of Wilmington, Ashley M. McGirr and her husband, Michael, of Hinsdale, N.H., and Megan E. Santor and her significant other, Timothy R. LaFlam, of Hinsdale, N.H. Brother of Jim Robinson and his wife, Lynne, of Dexter, N.Y.; Linda Jones of Guilford; Sally Packard and her husband, Douglas, of Guilford; June Buckley and her significant other, Jim Ure, of Hudson Falls, N.Y.; Charley Robinson and his wife, Amy, of East Falmouth, Mass.; and the late Marline Shepard. Born in Whitingham, the son of the late Ruby Bernice (Brown) and Marlin K Robinson, he left school after the 10th grade to live in New Mexico with his maternal grandparents. He worked for Webster Trucking in Brattleboro for 36 years and was well-known by everyone. He retired in July 2013 to enjoy time with his wife and family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was most at home in the outdoors. He also enjoyed watching football, basketball, baseball and NASCAR. Otherwise, he was reading or riding his Harley-Davidson. He also liked to spend time at his camp in Indian Lake, N.Y. He enjoyed making people laugh and was known for his great stories. He had a place in his heart for every one and was always there with an open ear and advice. Memorial information: A celebration of his life service was held Jan. 26 at the East Dover Town Hall. Donations to the Deerfield Valley Sportsman's Club's Conservation Camp Fund, P.O. Box 1360, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Eleanore Margaret Lowe Robinson, 90, formerly of Dummerston. Died Dec. 17, 2013 at Thompson House in Brattleboro, where she spent the past year. Wife of the late Claude Ora Robinson for 51 years. Mother of Jeanette Iverson and twins Don and Den Robinson. Born to the late Edward and Mary Lowe in Wardsboro, she attended grammar school in Wardsboro and spent her high school years at Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend. Her work life included employment at American Optical in Brattleboro during World War II, Dummerston Elementary School, Dunham Brothers Shoe Co. in Brattleboro, and BDR Trucking. She and her husband later retired to Englewood, Fla. She was widely known for her exquisite art, creating a legacy of color and texture in braided rugs, cross-stitch hangings, afghans, knitted garments, and countless holiday treasures. She enjoyed playing Bingo, Scrabble, and cards, and attending theater. Her yearning for knowledge, adventure, and spiritual understanding led her to Scotland and Ireland to reconnect with her origins, and a journey to the Holy Land in Israel. She also enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean with her husband. Books and flowers also brought much joy to her life. She served as librarian for her Brook to Bay community in Florida, and tended the rose gardens of the Venice Hospice House and Englewood Catholic Church. Memorial information: A family memorial service will be held in the spring. Donations to the Thompson House Activities Fund, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Gregory W. Tyler, Sr., 55, of Bellows Falls. Died Jan. 19. Husband of Donna Waryas Tyler for 25 years. Father of Justin Tyler, Gregory Tyler, Jr., Jake Franklin, Bridget Tyler and Stephanie Valliere. Brother of Shawn, Jerry, and Bill Tyler. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of the late Elizabeth Tyler and Harold Dufield, he attended schools in Springfield and Claremont, N.H. He was owner and operator of Sparks Welding, Shine Through Window Cleaners, and D & G Taxi in Springfield. With his wife, he also owned Hetty Green Treasures. He enjoyed camping, music, playing guitar, and always kept his dog with him. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and uncle. He had a very special relationship with his wife - they did everything together and he always went out of his way to make her happy. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Jan. 25 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Donations may be sent to the funeral home to help defer the cost of the funeral.
• Patricia Jean Clough Willard Viets, 71, formerly of Vermont. Died of cancer on Nov. 8, 2013 at the Banner Medical Center in East Mesa, Ariz. Wife of James Viets, of Apache Jct., Ariz. Former wife of Herbert Willard. Mother of Brian Willard of Payson, Ariz. Sister of Luey Clough of Mount Holly, Earl Clough of Kamiah, Idaho, Jeffrey Clough of Bernardston, Mass., and Susan Child, of Syracuse, Utah. Born in Dudley, Mass., the daughter of the late Lauren and Alice Clough, the Clough family managed the Morgan Horse Farm in Townshend in the 1950s, then moved to Wilmington to dairy farm on Stowe Hill Road. She attended grade school in Townshend and graduated from Wilmington High School, Class of 1960. She was active in 4-H and participated in a number of beauty pageants as a teen. In the late 1950s, she was selected as the Vermont Dairy Princess. After school, she worked at Mount Snow and waitressed at several area restaurants. She married local pharmacist Herbert Willard of Brattleboro in 1961. She was a stay-at-home wife and mother, settling in Rochester, N.H. and later in Newfane, Vt. They were divorced in 1968. She then married James Viets of Granby, Conn., in 1970 and the couple moved to Mesa, Ariz., after she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She would never return to New England, though she sorely missed Vermont's autumns. The dry Arizona climate and her strong faith in God would help her to manage the MS for many years. She was employed as a waitress, cook, and manager in local restaurants throughout her career. She remained a dedicated mom to her son, and enjoyed the climate and natural beauty of the desert Southwest. She enjoyed sketching, oil painting, and craft making as hobbies and had a great love for animals. Memorial information: Those who wish to offer a gift of remembrance are asked to donate to a favorite cancer charity, or to help someone you love stop smoking.
• John L. Wise, 64, of Brattleboro, formerly of Wilmington. Died Jan. 22. Former husband of Christine Wise of North Bend, Ore. Father of Kristy Wise Spini and her husband, Byron, of North Bend, Ore.; Travis Wise and his significant other, Jennifer Cannistraci, of Claremont, N.H.; and Jonathan Wise and his wife, Melissa, of Newfane. Brother of the late Gary Wise. Born in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Johnny and and the late Sylvia Wise, he served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was self-employed as a carpenter and known as one of the best finish carpenters in the area. He loved time with family and his grandchildren, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR.,and spending as many hours in the woods as possible. Memorial information: According to his wishes, there will be no services. He wished to be returned to one of his favorite hunting grounds. His family will meet at a later date to honor his last request. There will also be a gathering of friends and family at that time, to honor his life. Donations to the Marine Corps League.