Obituaries
• Donna J. Beers, 64, of Windham. Died July 29 at her home following a courageous battle with cancer. Wife of Donald Beers for nearly 47 years. Mother of Lee A. Beers of Walpole, N.H. and Sandy Beers Ferreira of Londonderry. Born in Townshend, she grew up in Windham, and went to Leland & Gray High School in Townshend. She worked at a few different places during her career - most recently at the Weston Village Country Store. She loved golfing and won the club championship at Lake Fairways Golf Course in North Fort Myers, Fla. in 2008, and was also a runner-up in 2009. She also loved gardening and puzzles. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at the Second Congregational Church in Londonderry on Saturday Aug. 9, at 1 p.m. Donations to TARPS Animal Shelter, PO Box 274, Chester, VT 05143.
• Michael Lyndon Brooks, 81, formerly of New York City. Died July 17 at Valley Cares in Townshend after a brief battle with cancer. Brother of Dennis Brooks of Taos, N.M., Nancy Brooks of Brattleboro, Margaret Bills and her husband, Bruce, of Townshend, and the late Stephen, Bruce, and Mort Brooks. Born in Newfane, the son of Margaret (Higgins) and Colonel Roy Brooks, he graduated from Columbus (Ga.) High School in 1952. He attended the University of Vermont and Georgia State. He worked in advertising and also as an independent marketing researcher. He traveled extensively and shared his photographic artistry of wherever he went, including New York City. Whenever anyone visited him in the city, they would end up at his favorite restaurant, Gene's. He was extremely independent, had a positive approach toward life, and seldom complained. He was a gentleman whose quiet humor, vast knowledge and positive outlook will be missed by all. Memorial information: A gathering to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Eagle's Club, 54 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro. Donations to the Roy and Margaret Brooks Scholarship Fund, in care of Margaret Bills, P.O. Box 172, Townshend, VT 05353.
• John Waymire Cook, D.D.S., 79, of Goshen, N.H. Died July 18 at the home of his eldest son in Brattleboro. Husband of the late Lorraine Sarah Cook. Father of Jay Cook of Brattleboro, Robbin Cook of Media, Pa., John Cook II of Los Angeles, Deanna Cook of Northampton, Mass., Hillary Cook of Crozet, Va., Tobye Cook of Suffield, Conn., and Katrina Cook of Ellington, Conn. Stepfather of Roy James Taylor of Groombridge, England, and Ronnie Taylor of Hoboken, N.J. Brother of Wendell and Barbara Cook. Born in Willimantic, Conn., the son of the late Wendell and Frances (Waymire) Cook, he was raised and educated in Storrs, Conn. He graduated from Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1964 and, after his residency at Hartford Hospital, returned to Storrs to open his dental practice. He serviced patients from Storrs and neighboring towns for 14 years before moving to Goshen in 1980. In New Hampshire, he practiced in Claremont and Newport, servicing the surrounding area for 16 years before retiring from dentistry in 1996. His excellent dentistry is fondly remembered and missed. He loved the Goshen community and until recently welcomed drop-in visits from friends and neighbors for dental advice. He enjoyed baseball, playing it as a child and in college, and rooting for the Atlanta Braves as an adult. He very much liked tennis in his 40s, hosting doubles matches on his court at his Connecticut home. He discovered golf in his late 50s and played the Newport course often with his wife. He brought his veneration for UConn Huskies basketball with him to New Hampshire and loved his Patriots on Sundays in the fall. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Dr. Cook's residence at 33 Four Corners Road, Goshen, N.H. 03752. Donations to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Rd, P.O. Box 8081, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• William J. Devino, 70, of Wilmington. Died July 24 at the home of his brother, Ralph “Buzzy” Devino, in Middlebury, Conn., after a brief illness. Born in Waterbury, Conn., the son of the late Paul and Kathryn (Eagan) Devino, he was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1961, and continued his studies at Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Saint Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Md., as well as Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn., where he earned his two Master's degrees in Theology and Secondary Education. He was a Sulpician priest and spent more than 30 years as an educator. He taught at St. Edward Seminary in Kenmore, Wash., Carol College in Helena, Mont., and spent many years at Whitingham School, where he was awarded Vermont Teacher of the Year, four years in a row. He loved his students and had a passion for teaching. He was always willing to help any of his students who were struggling by providing them individual instruction, assisting them to achieve their goals. He loved literature, and enjoyed reading, watching old movies, and traveling. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to surround himself with family and friends while singing, laughing, and playing the piano. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Waterbury, Conn., with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Donations to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
• Josephine F. Jones, 90, of Bellows Falls. Died July 27. Wife of the late Francis S. Jones for 28 years. Mother of Evelyn Weeks and her husband, Bradley. Born in Boston and, following her schooling, worked for the International Paper Company for 35 years. She was president of the Newton Upper Falls (Mass.) Women's Club. She moved to Bellows Falls in 2003 to be closer to family and resided at Riverview Apartments. She was actively involved in the United Church of Bellows Falls in both the Women's Fellowship and as a United singer. She was also active in the community as a member of the Woman's Club and the Senior Center. Memorial information: A service of remembrance was held July 29 at The United Church of Bellows Falls. She will be buried beside her husband in the Needham (Mass.) Cemetery. Donations to the American Cancer Society (Ref: “Team Superhero”), 55 Day Lane Williston, VT 05495. Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls was in charge of arrangements.
• Barbara J. Kingsbury, 69, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died July 27 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Wife of Charles R. Kingsbury for 21 years. Mother of Tanya (Czernich) Brown. Stepmother of Charles Kingsbury II. Sister of John and William Martischnig. Born in Adams, Mass., the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Chase) Martischnig, she was a 1962 graduate of Adams Memorial High School. She had several careers in her lifetime, including banking, owning Sherman's Country Store in Chesterfield, N.H., and working as a teacher's aide at Hinsdale Elementary School. Despite her failing health, she kept connected to family and friends through social media and email. She was fond of online games and Pinterest. When she was able, she loved to attend plays at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls, Mass. Memorial information: She chose to donate her body to science, and will be spending at least a year at Harvard Medical School. As a result, there are no plans for a memorial or service at this time. Donations to American Lung Association of the Northeast, 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451.
• Anne Mausolff, 81, of Andover. Died June 8 of natural causes at Valley Cares Assisted Living in Townshend. She was a teacher, calligrapher, artist, poet, skier, hiker, leader of cross country bike and ski trips, dowser, Reiki master, railroad line grader, woodswoman, role model, healer, mystic, Smith College Art Librarian, and nun for 25 years until the age of 43. An eclectic, she was a student of ancient religions and civilizations, languages both written and spoken, the arts, and esoteric readings. She read, discussed, critiqued and encouraged others in the expression of their creativity. Always generous in lending a helping hand, she was cheerfully available to her friends and community. She enjoyed a deeply reverent connection to nature as seen in her outdoor activities and lifestyle choices. She was recognized for being an Appalachian Trail end-to-end 2,000 miler, and as a “111-er” for having climbed all the major peaks in the Northeastern U.S. The majority of her hiking was during her sixth decade, and continuing into her eighth decade. She was often sighted carrying a full pack on Andover's trails and roads well into her 70s. She lived consciously in harmony with the earth in her octagonal Andover home of 38 years which she built with the assistance of her father, Alfred Mausolff, and friends. She spent the last few months of her incredibly full life at Valley Cares. In March, Anne presented the art of packing a backpack to the residents, hoisting the full pack to her back at the completion. She is survived by her brother, Tom Mausolff of California, seven nieces and nephews, Edna Northrup, her hiking and traveling companion of 30 years, and a multitude of friends and acquaintances. Memorial information: A life celebration was held graveside on June 15. Donations can be made to Brattleboro Area Hospice, Vermont Public Radio, or your favorite charity.
• Michael P. Melendy, 67, of Springfield. Died July 28 at his home. Brother of Earl R. Melendy II of South Londonderry, David E. Melendy of Chester, Marie Purtle of Tolland, Conn., and Barbara Rowe of South Londonderry. Born in Dover, N.J., the son of the late Earl R. and Marie R. (Marubio) Melendy, he attended schools in South Londonderry. He was employed at Smith Mills in South Londonderry, McDonald's and the Woodstock Inn. He had lived in South Londonderry, Bellows Falls and, most recently, Springfield. He enjoyed science, magnetics, optics, astronomy, and astrophysics. He also enjoyed music, walking, and riding his bicycle. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at a later date in Glebe View Cemetery in South Londonderry.
• Henry W. Meyer, 97, formerly of Wilmington. Died July 26 of a heart attack in the arms of his wife of 28 years, Kay Tapp Meyer. Also was married to the late Elizabeth “Budge” Grilk for 42 years. Father of John Meyer and his wife, Cindy, of Wilmington, and Tandy Meyer Jones and her husband, Peter, of Evergreen, Colo. Stepfather of Bo Aylin and his wife, Mari, of Northfeld, Minn., Stuart Aylin of Durham, N.C., and Cara Aylin Twenty and her husband, Ian, of New Market, Md. Born in Jamaica, N.Y., he attended the St. Paul School in New York and Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire before graduating with a B.A. from Harvard College in 1939. With his first wife, whom he met while at Exeter, he returned to New York City where he worked for the Chase Manhattan Bank. He joined the Navy in 1942 and served in the Philippines during World War II. After the war, he and Budge moved to Wilmington, and lived there together for 40 years. He worked at Margolin's and then for Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, both in Brattleboro. He was very involved in Wilmington activities, serving on the zoning board, the planning commission and the school board for many years. He was an active member of the Lion's Club and the Masonic Lodge. After retirement and the death of Budge Meyer, he married Kay Tapp and, in 1989, they moved to Camden, Maine, and then in 2004 to Waldoboro, Maine, where he lived until his death. He possessed enormous enthusiasm and energy, tempered by strong discipline. He was happiest when he was entertaining friends and family and maintained an avid interest in politics throughout his life. Driving on winding New England roads was one of his greatest pleasures, enjoyed to his last day. Memorial information: No service information was provided.
• Andrew Robb Stacy, 90, of Brooksville, Fla., formerly of Brattleboro. Died July 27 at Heartland of Brooksville Nursing Home in Florida, where he was a resident for 13 years. Husband of Anita B. Stacy for 14 years and the late Dorrine Stacy for 52 years. Father of Rita Mudd and her husband, Ed, of Vernon, and the late William Stacy. Stepfather of Michael Doucette and his wife, Karen, of Marietta, Ga., and Lee Doucette and Timothy Doucette, both of Brooksville. Brother of David Stacy and his wife, Vivian of Austell, Ga., and the late Gilbert and Phoebe Stacy. Born in Greenfield, Mass., the son of the late Harrison and Blanche (Stanclift) Stacy, he graduated from Northfield High School, Class of 1942. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Army Air Corps. During World War II, he served as a gunner and had flown 31 missions in Europe before being discharged in December 1945 at the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was awarded the EAME Ribbon with 3 bronze stars, the Air Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was employed at R.S. Roberts as an automotive mechanic for 12 years and at Deerfield Academy for 18 years as the supervisor of maintenance. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 and VFW Post 1034 in Brattleboro, and the Elks in Greenfield. He regularly attended at both St. Anthony the Abbot Catholic Church in Brooksfield and the Fellowship Community Church in Spring Hill, Fla. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m., at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home, 57 High St., Brattleboro. Burial will follow with military honors at West Northfield Cemetery.
• Judith L. Stebbins, 70, of Springfield. Died July 30 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Wife of the late Edmond J. Stebbins for 36 years. Mother of Scott A. Stebbins of Perkinsville. Stepmother of Edmond J. Stebbins Jr. of Nashua, N.H., Chris Stebbins of Eugene, Ore., Diane Goldberg of Ormond Beach, Fla., and Karen Pinchin of British Columbia. Predeceased by her five brothers. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of Henry and Grace (Buttstead) Lee, she attended Brattleboro schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School. She made her home in Rutland for 35 years and worked as a loan officer for Chittenden Bank in Rutland for 33 years, retiring in 2007. She lived in North Springfield since 2009. She enjoyed crafts, crocheting, puzzles, and cooking. She was well-known as an expert soup maker. She also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bird watching, and animals. Memorial information: Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8 at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph Center. Donations to Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.
• Olin James Stephens III, 80, of Newfane. Died July 23 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Husband of Carol Stephens of Newfane. Father of Olin James Stephens IV and his wife, Marcy, of Jamaica. Brother of Sam Stephens of Keene, N.H. Born in Westchester, N.Y., the son of the late Florence (Reynolds) and Olin J. Stephens II, he grew up in Westchester. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1956 with a bachelor's in economics. After graduation, he delved into banking in New York City, but soon moved to Vermont and began to work in the fledgling ski industry where he managed several ski lodges in Wilmington. He later managed the Valley of the Inns, an information and accommodation association for visitors to the area. After moving to Newfane, he went into real estate, both in sales and renovation work. He was especially interested in affordable housing and returning some of the interesting apartment buildings in the area to be not only affordable, but be a place that a tenant would enjoy living in. His various interests led him back to his passion for the fields of economics and finance, which he then followed throughout the rest of his lifetime. He discovered sailing at an early age, and founded the Windham County Sailing Club in the 1960s. This club remains vibrant and is still using Lake Whitingham as its home base. He loved to travel. He spent some very happy and lively college years in Colorado, and in Ohio. He spent time in Austria and Germany while in the Army in the 1950s and returned as a tourist as often as he could. He especially loved Italy and all things Italian, including a lifelong appreciation of Alfa-Romeos among other Italian cars. He could talk about cars, especially Italian cars, as long as anyone cared to listen. He enjoyed his property on top of Putney Mountain to the fullest, spending many enjoyable hours working on the property, or just sitting on the deck reading, listening to either classical music or jazz, or just watching nature unfold around him. Memorial information: There will be no public services. A family gathering will be held at a later date.