College news
• The following local students were awarded degrees at the University of Vermont during its 213th Commencement on May 18: Rachel Alberico of Brattleboro, B.A., English; Haley Blair of Stratton, B.S. in Education; Jillian Blaisdell of Londonderry, B.A., communication science and disorders; Emily Brown of East Dummerston, B.S., biological science; Kathleen Clark of Brattleboro, B.S., nursing and health sciences; Kiah Coble of Brattleboro, B.A., English; Jacqueline Dezendorf of Townshend, B.A., anthropology; Gage Fichter of Putney, B.S., exercise and movement sciences; Elise Gloeckner of West Dover, B.S., professional nursing; Neil Goldberg of Putney, B.S., community and international sevelopment; Kelsey Guarino of Guilford, B.S., exercise and movement sciences; Teague Henkle of Putney, B.S., forestry; Alexander Hernandez of Londonderry, B.A., economics; Edward Hetzel of Guilford, B.S., civil engineering; Sadie Holliday of Brattleboro, B.A., film and television studies; Kerry Johnson of Newfane, B.A., Spanish, Michael Keefe of Brattleboro, B.A., psychology; Karolis Krulis of Jamaica, B.S., neuroscience; Alicia Laughney of Whitingham, B.S., professional nursing; Jordan Lewis of Putney, B.S. in education. Marie Limoges of Newfane, M.S. in dietetics; Desiree Mack of Wilmington, B.S., environmental sciences; Marion Major of Putney, B.S., environmental studies; David McCormack of Newfane, B.S, nursing and health sciences; Hanna Miyake of Guilford, B.A., English; Aaron Morton of Saxtons River, B.S., computer science; Thomas Orner of Vernon, B.S., business administration; Paul Pagnucco of Landgrove, M.S., communication science and disorders; Andrew Palumbo of Whitingham, B.S., music education; Oakley Payne-Meyer of Putney, B.A., environmental studies; Shad Payne-Meyer of Putney, B.A., geography; Gail Powers of Brattleboro, B.S., nursing and health sciences; Katherine Rabideau of Dummerston, M.E., education, curriculum, and instruction; Brittany Roemmelt of Wilmington, B.S., biological science; Jordan Roy of Brattleboro, B.S, in mathematics and statistics; Andrew Seier of Londonderry, M.S., electrical engineering; Julia Stickney of Saxtons River, B.S., business administration; Sarah Stracco of Putney, B.S., nursing and health sciences; Ian Straus of Putney, B.A., philosophy; Reilly Struthers of Putney, B.A., biology; Colby Taylor of South Newfane, B.S, human development and family studies; Andrew Tetreault-Cramer of Brattleboro, B.A., computer science; Nicole Thomas of Brattleboro, B.A., psychology; Erek Tuma of Brattleboro, M.E., education, curriculum, and instruction; Jacob Ungerleider of Brattleboro, B.A., music; and Eben Viens of Brattleboro, B.A., anthropology.
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2014 semester at the University of Vermont: Analiz Cancel of Brattleboro, Linnea Jahn of Brattleboro, Timothy Marine of Brattleboro, Jamie Martell of Brattleboro, Miranda Moseley of Brattleboro, Kellie Schiller of Brattleboro, Nicole Thomas of Brattleboro, Jordan Wyckoff of Brattleboro, Chelby Nystrom of Brookline, Rebecca Potter of Guilford, Jonah Ullman of Jamaica, Jillian Blaisdell of Londonderry, Rachel Lundsted of Marlboro, Kerry Johnson of Newfane, Hayley Ryan of Putney, Guillaume Sparrow-Pepin of Putney, Ian Straus of Putney, Rachel Peloquin of South Londonderry, Willoughby Bourne of Saxtons River, Manya Gordon of Saxtons River, Aaron Morton of Saxtons River, Colby Taylor of South Newfane, Jacqueline Dezendorf of Townshend, Kiara Wilhite of Townshend, Katherine Amidon of Vernon, Elizabeth Doiron of Vernon, Trenton Fletcher of Vernon, Thomas Orner of Vernon, Kelsey Pearson of West Dover, Andrew Palumbo of Whitingham, Ruth Shafer of Williamsville, and Shannon Lozito of Wilmington.
• Adam P. Boyle of Brattleboro received a B.A. in biology and Casey A. DeMarsico of Newfane received a B.A. in geography from Clark University in Worcester, Mass., at its 110th Commencement on May 18.
• Isaac Brock Copeland of West Chesterfield, N.H., graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., on May 18 with a B.A. in political science.
• Hillary Harrington of Bellows Falls received a B.S. in diagnostic imaging and Benjamin Jerome-Lee of Dummerston received a B.A. in history during Quinnipiac University's 83rd undergraduate commencement exercises on May 18 in Hamden, Conn.
• Jonah Stoller, a junior from Brattleboro, and Megan Young, a junior from Guilford, both made the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester at Beloit (Wis.) College.
• Elena Eames of Brattleboro was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.
• Madison M. Hinrichs, a junior Mathematics major from West Halifax, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.
Obituaries
• Esther Irene Carvell, 76, of Brattleboro. Died May 29 at her home after a lengthy illness. Wife of Donald Carvell for 27 years. Mother of Peter Carvell and his partner, Toni Sewing, of Brattleboro; Sheryl Yelle and her husband, Bruce, of West Springfield, Mass.; and Gail Roberts and her husband, Christopher, of Hinsdale, N.H. Sister of Hiram Carpenter, Jr. and his wife, Marilyn, of Franklin, Mass.; Herbert Carpenter and his wife, Jean, of Feeding Hills, Mass.; Gordon Carpenter and his wife, Diana, of East Longmeadow, Mass.; and the late Amabel Bennett and Richard Carpenter. Half-sister of the late Thelma Psholka, Alton Carpenter, and Almon Carpenter. Born in Springfield, Mass., the daughter of Hiram and Lena Nilson Carpenter, she was raised and educated in Springfield, graduating from Commerce High School, Class of 1954. She was the co-owner of the former Village Fare Restaurant in West Brattleboro and had previously been employed at Vernon Advent Christian Homes, the Brattleboro Retreat, and the Putnam Insurance Agency. Steadfast in her faith, she was a longtime member and deaconess of the Green Mountain Chapel of the Christian Missionary Alliance on Western Avenue in Brattleboro. She enjoyed reading, church activities, word searches, and sharing time with her family and many friends. Memorial information: A memorial service was held June 5 at the Green Mountain Chapel in Brattleboro. Donations to the Green Mountain Chapel Great Commission Fund, 480 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements were under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro.
• Catherine E. Ferris, 73, of Vernon. Died June 4 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Mother of Robert A. Ferris of Naples, Fla., Thomas A. Ferris and his wife, Melissa, of Vernon,Catherine Ferris Conroy and her husband, James, of Bayville, N.J., and the late Michael Ferris. Born in Pittson, Penn., on July 13, 1940, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Lahey Hughes. She was raised and educated in Newark, N.J., and was a graduate of Essex Catholic High School in Newark. A former resident of South Toms River, N.J., she had been employed as a retail sales associate for the Boscov Department Store in Toms River. She moved to Vernon four years ago and was very active with the Vernon Seniors, serving as co-treasurer, while enjoying taking bus and day trips with the group. She especially enjoyed attending plays, and time shared with her family and friends. She also loved the beach. She was very proud of her Irish heritage. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Memorial information: No formal service was held. Donations to the Vernon Senior Citizens Activities Fund, in care of Vernon Town Offices, 567 Governor Hunt Rd., Vernon, VT 05354. Arrangements were under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Robert Lee “Bob” Franklin, 90, of Vernon. Died June 2 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Bangor, Maine, following a period of declining health. Since December, with his wife, he had made his home with his daughter and her family in Orrington, Maine. Husband of Edith (Beals) Franklin for more than 71 years. Father of Sylvia Williams and her husband, Sherman, of Orrington, Maine, Cheryl Damian of Vernon, Robert Jr. and his wife, Veronica, of Stokesdale, N.C., and Timothy and his wife, Cheryl, of Vernon. Brother of the late Jed, Eugene, Charles, and Joanna Franklin. Born in Van Wert, Ohio, the son of the late Jedediah and Helen (Lininger) Franklin. At age 8, he and his older brother moved to Vermont to live with their grandparents in Guilford, and attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. Well known as an excellent finish carpenter, he worked for many years for Lea & Deane Builders of Bernardston, Mass. In his early years of marriage, he worked as a farmhand in Guilford. A longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Leo Council 917, he volunteered his time and expertise working on many building projects both large and small for the church, St. Michael's School, the rectory, and Brigid's Kitchen adjacent to the school. He also held membership in the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge 1499, and was a member of the former Moose Club in Keene where he served a term as governor, and was recognized as the Northeast Moose of the Year. He was known as a hard worker and devoted family man. Quiet and unassuming, his spirit of friendship touched many in the community. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, puttering around his home and the homes of his kids and grandkids, and time shared with his family. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held June 7 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial at St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, Principal.
• Timothy Kenneth Lahey Jr., 67, of Athens. Died May 30. Father of Kelly Behen, T. K. Lahey, III, Shaun Lahey, and the late Kevin Lahey. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Janet E. (Garfield) and Timothy K. Lahey Sr., he graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1966 and immediately volunteered to serve in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He served for one tour, and then worked as an auto body repairman, diesel mechanic, and truck driver, intermittently, through his life. He enjoyed listening to music, fixing up cars, fishing, and flea markets. Memorial information: No services announced. Donations to the American Cancer Society.
• Nicholas Mattingley, 35, of Brattleboro and Nashville, Tenn. Died April 21. Born in Tucson, Ariz. to Bev Miller and the late John Mattingley. Nicholas is survived by his mother, and his sister, Sarah Mattingley. Many knew him as “Nashville Nic,” with golden curls, beautiful blue eyes, and his charming accent. He was a talented musician and many danced to his renditions of Southern songs. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at noon on Sat., June 14, at the Guilford Fairgrounds (Rain date: June 15). Memorial donations to Nic Mattingley's Memorial Fund at www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/nic-mattingley-s-memorial-fund/169301.
• William “Bill” Menachem Leons, 78, of Brattleboro. Died June 2 at home. Husband of Kim-Anh Leons. Father of Natalia Leons, Eve Leons, Jeff Leons, David Hanford Nguyen, and Michael Leons Nguyen. Born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, during World War II, a Dutch Mennonite family, at great risk to themselves, hid him in the small attic room of their apartment house in Rotterdam during the German occupation from 1942-1944. This was a lonely and traumatizing experience for a young child. The Nazis had taken his father away and he never saw him again. They placed his mother in the Vught interment camp southeast of Rotterdam. She miraculously survived this horrendous experience and with the help of underground connections, he was reunited with his mother after Vught was liberated by English and Canadian troops in October 1944. After the war, in December 1949, mother and son were eventually able to come to the United States and they settled in Hoboken, N.J. Living close to New York City, he took advantage of what that city had to offer and spent many hours in the museums there. Intensely self-directed and motivated, he hoped to become an anthropologist. He worked days and attended classes at night to get his high school diploma. After achieving that, he drove to California. He attended Los Angeles City College while he was establishing residency there, before he could enroll in UCLA. While attending college in the early 1960s, he became aware of the great civil unrest that was happening in the country around the issue of civil rights. Because he avidly read newspapers, he was well acquainted with the attacks on civil rights workers in the South and this disturbed him enough that he was easily recruited to join others in traveling to the South to join the protests as a Freedom Rider. He was arrested, along with other Freedom Riders, in Jackson, Miss., and ended up spending about a month at the Mississippi State Penitentiary (also called Parchman Farm) living under miserable conditions. Eventually freed, he returned to UCLA to earn his Masters Degree. From UCLA, he next attended Pennsylvania State University to work on his doctorate. He did field research in Bolivia and wrote his thesis on “Dimensions of Pluralism in a Changing Bolivian Community.” He received his Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from Penn State in 1971. He taught at Goucher College in Baltimore, Md., from 1969-1975. Leaving Goucher, he held a professorship at the University of Toledo from 1975 until his retirement in 2010. In 2011, he and his wife moved to Brattleboro, buying a home on Wantastiquet Drive. Their lovely gardens grace the street and the Leons became an integral part of a close-knit neighborhood. Memorial information: A memorial gathering was held June 5 in the garden of the Leons' residence. Donations may be made to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements were under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Ronald James “Ron” Read, 92, of Brattleboro, formerly of Dummerston. Died June 2 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a period of declining health. Husband of the late Barbara March for 20 years. Stepfather of Philip Brown of Somersworth, N.H. and Bonnie Brown of Massachusetts. Brother of the late Frank Read. Born in Dummerston, the son of the late George and Florence Ray Read. He was raised and educated in Dummerston and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1940. A veteran of World War II, he proudly served his country in the Army as a military policeman, stationed in Italy. He was honorably discharged at the rank of technician fifth grade in 1945. He was a member of the former Order of Odd Fellows, Wantastiquet Lodge 5, and was a member of the Dummerston Congregational Church. An ardent outdoorsman, he enjoyed chopping wood, puttering around his childhood home in Dummerston and as well as at his home in Brattleboro. He was known as a “Jack of all Trades,” and hard work was his passion. He enjoyed collecting both stamps and coins. Memorial information: A graveside committal service with military honors was conducted on June 10 at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Dummerston Historical Society, in care of Jody Normandeau, Treasurer, 250 Tucker Reed Road, Dummerston, VT 05301. Atamaniuk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Elizabeth M. Ryan, 73, of Vernon. Died June 2 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Wife of the late Robert E. Ryan Sr. Mother of Susan Welsh and her husband, Arthur, of Elkin, N.C.; Jodie Balous and her husband, Trevor, of State Road, N.C.; Robin Lawrence and her husband, Ronald, of Westminster; and the late Robert E. Ryan Jr. Sister of Barbara McArthur of Moline, Ill., and William Sellar of Waynesboro, Pa. Born in Augusta, Maine, Sep. 13, 1940, the daughter of the late Robert and Geraldine Carter Sellar, she attended nursing school in Maine for one year, and then got married. Memorial information: Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 27, at 1 p.m., at Brookside Cemetery in Chester. A reception will follow to share photos and memories at the home of Ron and Robin Lawrence, 5298 Westminster West Rd., Westminster West, VT 05346. Adams Funeral & Cremation Service of Chester is handling arrangements.
• Ronald D. Simonds, 74, of Putney. Died June 2 at his home, after a long battle with cancer. Husband of Martha “Susie” Clark for 52 years. Father of Wendy Hier of Walpole, N.H., Connie Simonds of Putney, and Rita Simonds of Walpole, N.H. Brother of Leroy (Bud) Simonds Jr. of Saxtons River, Jerry Simonds of Bellows Falls, George Simonds of Springfield, Bruce Simonds of Putney, and the late Clifford (Kip) Simonds, Carolyn (Simonds Pecor) Whitaker, and Barbara (Simonds) Sprague. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of the late Mildred O. and Leroy D. Simonds Sr., he attended schools in Saxtons River and Bellows Falls. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Basketville in Putney, Turner Wood Products in Bellows Falls, and Bill Frey Wood Turnings in Bellows Falls. He loved working for Frank Wilson at Basketville and worked his way up to plant manager. He helped design buildings and machines for the production of Basketville's products. and was featured on Basketville's promotional materials. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandsons. He also enjoyed working with his hands. He was a jack of all trades and was proud to have helped his grandson build his home, camping in the cellar through much of the construction. He loved fudge, deep-fried hot dogs, and Martha's homemade donuts. He enjoyed boating, hunting, and working on timber frame construction with family. Memorial information: A graveside memorial service was held on June 9 at the Saxtons River Cemetery.
• Barbara Elizabeth Stetson, 88, formerly of Hinsdale, N.H. Died May 31 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, N.H. Daughter of the late William F. and Helen (Koski) Stetson. Sister of Wendell Stetson and his wife, Jane, of Rowe, Mass., and the late Gordon E. and William F. Stetson Jr. Born in Hinsdale, she was a graduate of Hinsdale High School. She was employed for many years working as a personal secretary and bookkeeper at Ashuelot Paper Mill. A quiet unassuming woman, she enjoyed reading, gardening, and time spent with her family. Memorial information: A graveside committal service was conducted on June 5 in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or to Maplewood Nursing Home of Cheshire County, Activities Fund, 201 River Rd., Westmoreland, NH 03467. Arrangements were under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Frederick R. White, 83, of Cambridgeport. Died June 2 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Husband of Grace (Davis) White for nearly 58 years. Father of Leroy R. White of Texas, Raymond Lester White of Athens, and George Allan White of Cambridgeport. Born in Worcester, Mass., the son of the late Charles and Mildred White, he attended schools in Massachusetts. He worked at Standard Paper, and retired from Unified Data. He served four years in the Army and 24 years in the National Guard. He was a member and former commander of the VFW in Bellows Falls. He was also a 40-year member of the American Legion. He was a Red Sox fan, a coin collector, and loved yard sales. He was very proud of his brand new Dodge Ram, which he kept for 26 years. Memorial information: A funeral service was held June 7 at the Christian Community Church in Athens, with burial in Houghtonville Cemetery. Donations to the Christian Community Church, P.O. Box 7, Cambridgeport, VT 05141. Arrangements were under the direction of Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
• Gail H. Zirkle, 65, of Vernon. Died May 30 at her home. Wife of Charles “Chuck” Zirkle for 15 years. Mother of Randy Willette and his wife, Corina of Ossipee, N.H. Stepmother of Charles Zirkle III of Winchester, N.H., Julie Moorehead of Springfield, Vt., and Michelle Russell of Keene, N.H. Sister of Edward Gallup of Westfield, Mass., Brian Gallup of Holyoke, Mass., Douglas Gallup of Chicopee, Mass., Sherman Gallup of East Grand Forks, Minn., Sharon Robertson and Wendy Hocog, both of Holyoke, and Lou Ann Gallup of Westfield. Born in Newport, Vt., the daughter of Winnie Scott Gallup and the late Stanley Gallup, she was raised and educated in Holyoke, and was a graduate of Holyoke High School, Class of 1966. She had been employed at her family's business, Holyoke Memorials, which she operated with her bother. Previously, she was store manager at the A.R. Sandri convenience store on Putney Road in Brattleboro and worked for a time at the Holstein-Frisian Association in Brattleboro. She was a faithful and devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many. A devout Christian, she was steadfast in her walk of faith and was very active within Whetstone Church of Brattleboro. Throughout the years, she hosted many Bible studies at her home. She was a former member of F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. Memorial information: A funeral service was held June 6 at Whetstone Church, with burial in Irasburg Cemetery in Irasburg. Donations to Care Net Pregnancy Center of Windham County, 26 Birge St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to the Whetstone Church, 28 Birge St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements were under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.