Births
• In Lebanon, N.H., (Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center), Jan. 22, 2014, a daughter, Brooklynn Ava Chase, to Amber Hewes and Adam Chase of Townshend.
College news
• Michael Sanderson of Putney made the fall 2013 honors list at the New England School of Communications in Bangor, Maine.
• Jem Wilner of Putney was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2013 semester at Tufts University in Medford, Mass.
• The following local residents made the Dean's List for the Fall 2013 semester at Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology: Evan Darling of Brattleboro, a fourth-year student in the biomedical photographic communications program; Charles Eastwood of Townshend, a fifth-year student in the mechanical engineering technology program; Katherine Given of Brattleboro, a fourth-year student in the industrial design program; Ashley Moran of Westminster, a third-year student in the diagnostic medical sonography program; and Danielle Nutter of South Londonderry, a fifth-year student in the chemical engineering program.
Obituaries
• Ellenore T. Brinck, 85, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Feb. 15 at home following a period of declining health. Wife of the late Robert M. Brinck for 54 years. Mother of Robert Brinck and his wife, Debra, of Cocoa, Fla.; Thomas Brinck of Hinsdale, N.H.; Janet Ebbighausen of Hinsdale; and Ellen Shaw and her husband, Jeff, of Charlemont, Mass. Sister of Joan Farmer of Englewood, Fla., Maylon Barush of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the late Edward Thomas and Irene Morejon. Born in Yonkers, N.Y., the daughter of the late John and Janet (Wood) Thomas, she was raised and educated in the Bronx, later graduating in 1947 from high school in New London, Conn. She worked for many years as a secretary in the guidance department at Hinsdale High School and previously had been employed as a teller at the former Vermont National Bank in Brattleboro. From 1971 to 1978 she owned and operated Johnny's Drive-In with her husband in Hinsdale, purchasing the business from the late John Ziter. On a part-time basis, she worked as a ticket agent at Hinsdale Raceway. Prior to moving to Hinsdale in 1967 with her family, she had resided in Niantic, Conn., where she was a member of the Niantic Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling, wintering with her husband for many years in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., and spending time with her family. She was also an avid bridge player. A devoted homemaker, her life centered around her family. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Feb. 21 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale will be held in the springtime. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Rita Jeanne (Stone) Brown, 85, of Whitingham. Died Feb. 14 at home. Husband of Roy L. Brown for 67 years. Mother of Larry and his wife Linda Brown; Terry and her husband, Charles Dix, both of Whitingham; and Anthony “Tony” Brown of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Sister of Janice Kingsley of New Hampton, N.Y., and Antoinette Betit of Whitingham. Born in Readsboro, the daughter of the late Verne and Clara (Morse) Stone, she grew up in Halifax and Jacksonville, graduating from high school in 1946. She worked at Coombs Maple Products for 10 years, then at various places in the Deerfield Valley including True Value Hardware and Hogback Mountain. She was a Sunday school teacher, 4-H leader, and Cub Scout den mother. She was a member and former Elder of Whitingham Baptist Church. She loved her family, numbering 35, and enjoyed sewing, knitting and making quilts for them. She loved sports, especially the Red Sox, and enthusiastically followed her children and grandchildren in their activities. She would always look forward to hunting season and the visits from her family to show their trophies and share their experiences. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Feb. 21 at the Community Church of Whitingham. Burial will take place in the spring in Sadawga Cemetery. Donations to the Community Church of Whitingham, in care of the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Geraldine Mary Huse, 79, of Concord, N.H., formerly of Chesterfield, N.H. Died Feb 18 at the Concord Hospice House following a period of declining health. Wife of Lloyd Huse. Mother of Holly Huse, and her significant other, Denny Searles, of Walpole, N.H., and Tracey Sweet and her husband Scott, of Concord. Sister of the late Jacqueline Bahr. Born in Rockville Center, N.Y., the daughter of the late Frederic and Myrtle (Shea) Brandes, she grew up in Freeport, N.Y., and graduated from high school there. In her younger years, she was a secretary at the Hughes Hubbard Law Firm in New York City. She loved the city life and visited New York for many years after moving to New Hampshire. In 1965, she, and her family, moved to Chesterfield, where they lived for the next 27 years. During that time, she worked for Peerless Insurance in Keene, N.H., until she retired. After retirement, she moved to Florida and then Concord, where she lived out the rest of her life. She will be remembered for her love of cooking and willingness to always provide a meal for family and friends. She also enjoyed planting and arranging. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt to her family members and a great friend to many people she met during her life. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Feb. 22 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Chesterfield. Donations to the Concord Hospice House, 250 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03302 or to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Rd., Swanzey, NH 03446.
• Charles L. “Chuck” Lavalla, 83, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Feb. 16 at his home. Husband of Ann (Bevis) Lavalla for nearly 62 years. Father of Mark Lavalla and his wife, Suzanne, of Nashua, N.H.; Kevin Lavalla of East Greenwich, R.I.; and Holly Morelli and her husband, Daniel, of Winter Garden, Fla. Born in Montgomery Center, the son of the late Laurence and Blanche (Paquette) Lavalla, at the age of seven, with his family, he moved to Brattleboro. He was raised and educated there, attending Brattleboro public schools. He was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1951. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduation, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged from active service on July 4, 1954 at the rank of sergeant. Upon his return home, he went to work as a car salesman for Preston Motors in Brattleboro and later joined Kinney-Pike Insurance Agency, managing the company's Brattleboro office for 20 years. From 1990 until his retirement in 2010, he was employed by the Windham County Sheriff's Department working as a deputy sheriff. He was a selectman for the town of Hinsdale, where he served for a term as chairman of the board, and was a corporator for Southern Vermont Health Services/Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. He was a life member and past Exalted Ruler of B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499 and served as state president Vermont Elks Association. He was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 86 in Chesterfield, held membership in American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro, and was an active member of the Marine Corps League, Brattleboro Detachment #798. He was a member of the former Brattleboro Lions Club and a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. He was a communicant of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish in Hinsdale. He enjoyed golf and had been a member of the Brattleboro Country Club. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed time shared with his family. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Feb. 24 at St. Joseph's Church in Hinsdale. Committal rites and burial with full military honors will be held in the springtime in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donations to the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department, 13 Depot St., Hinsdale, NH 03451 or to the Camp Leadership Fund, in care of the Windham County Sheriff's Department, P.O. Box 266, Newfane, VT 05345. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Barbara Evans Little, 75, of Mendon and Williston. Died Feb. 13 at Vermont Respite House in Williston. Wife of Edward R. Little for nearly 53 years. Mother of Janipher Ann Kane and her husband, Mark, of Fairfax. Born in Burlington, the daughter of the late Harrison L. and Anne (Case) Evans, she was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1956, and the University of Vermont, Class of 1960. She was a lifetime educator, teaching and tutoring at Montpelier Middle School, Proctor High School, and Mill River and Otter Valley Union High Schools. She also served as a librarian at Proctor High School. She was an avid genealogist and a life member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendents, having served as an officer of the Vermont chapter. She greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of her many friends and made new ones with ease. She showed others the value of humor, laughter and love and was gracious with her time, expressing her gratitude openly. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Feb. 19 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rutland. Burial will be at a later date in Dummerston Center Cemetery, at the convenience of the family. Donations to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1 Hillside Rd., Rutland, VT 05701.
• Doug Painter, 55, of Jacksonville. Died Feb 15 at home. Life partner of Susan Taylor and her sons Shawn and Travis. Father of Danielle Latulippe. Sister of Diana Charland and her husband, Allan, and Debra Tamayo and her husband, Hector. Born in Burlington, the son of Ann and the late Richard Painter, he grew up in South Burlington on the Vosburgh family farm, where he spent many hours by his grandpa's side developing a love for animals and the land. He attended South Burlington schools, playing outstanding hockey for many years, a sport his dad coached and introduced him to at a young age. After graduating from South Burlington High School, he worked in construction and went on to gain certification as master welder. Highly qualified, he was hired at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant where he remained for over 18 years. After Vermont Yankee, he built and renovated homes and rental properties in Southern Vermont. His next career step was to develop a successful Miracle Method franchise throughout Vermont and New York. He loved the home in Jacksonville he shared for many years with his cherished partner Susan, and the old Rupert schoolhouse his mother passed on to him. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Feb. 23 at the Jacksonville Community Church. Donations to Deerfield Valley Rescue or Jacksonville Community Church, in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Martha I. Root, 91, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 12 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Wife of the late Alfred L. Root. Mother of Delia Zagoreos and her husband, Anthony, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; Diane Gerry and husband, Glenn, of Hinsdale; Peter Root and his wife, Jacie, of Guilford. Sister of the late William and James Gilson, Ruth LaFlam, and Virginia Prot. Born in Greenfield, Mass, the daughter of the late William and Bernice (Miller) Gilson, she was a lifelong resident of Brattleboro. She was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1940. Through her mother, she was a descendant of John Sargent who came to Fort Dummer in the 1720's. In high school, she worked at the Latchis Theatre and Restaurant. In addition to raising her family, she sewed baseballs for A.G. Spalding Co. in the 1950's in the basement of her home and worked for Allen S. Brown, predecessor to the Book Press. She also was the bookkeeper for the family business, A.L. Root Transportation on Birge Street. She retired after 15 years of service from Georgia Pacific/Erving Paper in Brattleboro. She then went to work for another 10 years at the Holstein Association USA, Inc., retiring in 1996. To keep herself busy, she worked part-time as a product demonstrator at Price Chopper, finally retiring in her mid-80s. She enjoyed square dancing with the Green Mountain Squares, loved to travel, attend family reunions, and work in her garden. She also enjoyed stamp collecting and was a longtime member of the Brattleboro Stamp Club. She was known for her spirit of hospitality and, during the Vermont Yankee refueling periods, provided housing to many employees throughout the years. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Feb. 22 at North Hinsdale Community Church. Burial in Locust Ridge Cemetery will be held in the springtime. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Charles E. Simeon, 90, of East Dummerston. Died Feb. 19, on his 90th birthday, at Westwood Center in Keene, N.H. Husband of the late Ada (Townshend) Simeon for 46 years. Former husband of Caryl (Boyce) Simeon. Father of Thomas Simeon and his wife, Barbara, of Dummerston; Lydia Case of Brattleboro; Anna Klienfeldt of Ipswich, Mass.; John Simeon of Brooks, Ky.; and Chuck White and his wife, Stella, of East Dummerston. Born in South Londonderry, the son of the late Edward and Augusta Simeon, he attended schools in Vernon, Putney, and Dummerston, where he completed up to the eighth grade. During and after school, he worked on the family farm. Later in life, he did construction work, poured foundations and retired from Boise Cascade as his last job. He also served in the Army. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro, the Evening Star Grange, and Windham Pomana #5. He had lots of interest in life, from machinery to tools and woodworking. He lived on Dummerston Station Road for more than 70 years and took great pride in taking care of his property. His favorite sport was snowmobiling and he loved to camp. Memorial information: Burial will be held in the spring at East Dummerston Cemetery. Donations to The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro is in charge of arrangements.
• William H. “Billy” Vigneau Jr., 62, of Orange, Mass. Died Feb. 12 at Health Alliance-Leominster (Mass.) Hospital. Father of Caleb Vigneau of Gilmer, Texas. Brother of Timothy Vigneau of Putney and Kathy Vigneau of Brattleboro. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Modesta (Engerman) and the late William H. Vigneau, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1969. A resident of the Athol/Orange area for almost 30 years, he worked as a machinist for over 20 years for Starrett Tool Co. in Athol, Mass. Following the death of his father, he took over his driving route for the Vermont Association for the Blind. In his earlier years, he had worked at The Book Press in Brattleboro. He owned a large collection of sports memorabilia, and was a NASCAR enthusiast and New England Patriots fan. He also enjoyed playing Bingo and taking trips to the Foxwoods casino. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Feb. 25 at VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. Donations to the Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired, 38 Park Place, Suite 2, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301, attn.: Elaine Beam, principal. Arrangements were under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Dennis Lynn “Denny” Waterman, 68, of East Dummerston. Died Feb. 16 at his home. Husband of Shirley Lewis Waterman for nearly 36 years and the late Barbara Ann Kohut. Father of Brent Waterman and his wife, April, of East Dummerston; Lisa Waterman of Brattleboro; Yvonne Goddard and her husband, Alan, of East Dummerston; Denise James of Tacoma, Wash.; Denise Waterman of East Dummerston; Carrie Martin and her husband, Shane, of Westminster West; Erika Waterman of East Dummerston. Brother of Douglas Waterman of Putney, and David Waterman, Kathy Bickford, and Sharon Waterman, all of Paris, Tenn. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Lyndon and Ethel (Valentine) Waterman, he was a lifelong resident of the area. For the past 30 years, he owned and operated New England Stake and Hub as well as a saw mill adjacent to his home. He was an ardent outdoorsman who loved to go hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed trips to Alaska. He was known as a “jack of all trades” and could fix or repair just about anything. He also enjoyed tinkering on his Ford tractors. He was a longtime and proud member of the National Rifle Association. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Feb. 21 at VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. Burial in Bennett Cemetery in Dummerston will be held in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Betty Lou Zopf, 71, of Dummerston. Died Feb. 19 at her home. Wife of Tom Zopf for more than 46 years. Mother of Maude and Adam Zopf. Born in Goldsboro, N.C., the daughter of the late William and Beatrice Barfield, she graduated from Watts School of Nursing in Durham, N.C., and later received her BSN degree from Mercy College. In 1964, she joined the Peace Corps and served two years in Afghanistan as a midwife. She met her future husband while he was directing her Peace Corps training program in Dummerston. In 1969, the Zopfs began a new life of service overseas, beginning in India where their children were born. Leaving India in 1975, they lived in the Philippines; in Tunisia, she served as Peace Corps Medical Officer; in Congo, she directed the U.S. Embassy medical service; and in Egypt. They returned to the United States in 1983, and she continued her nursing career while living in New Rochelle, N.Y., and then in Washington, D.C., where she was a regional medical officer for the Peace Corps and then manager of a travel medicine clinic before moving to Vermont in 2002. Her “retirement” in her home on the banks of the West River in Dummerston found her as active as ever. In addition to working at the VNA and the Brattleboro Retreat, she could be found delivering Meals-on-Wheels, spending winter nights at the Overflow Shelter, helping with Dummerston's Perennial Swappers, volunteering at the library, serving on the Green Mountain Camp board, chatting with patients at Pine Heights, hosting the annual Cow Party, and just being there when anyone needed help or friendship. Memorial information: Services will be held at a later date. Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro is in charge of arrangements.