Transitions
• Youth Services has hired Kimberley Diemond as Director of Mentoring for the organization. In addition to serving as program manager of Big Brothers Big Sisters, she will also provide oversight of the agency's Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) which serves youth ages 13-17 in need of extra support at three high schools in Windham County. Since 2007, Diemond was employed as a paralegal in the law firm of Bragdon, Dowd & Kossayda, P.C. in Keene, N.H. In her “free time,” she founded Joy's Network in 2010, in honor of her late mother, to provide resources for local cancer patients. In that capacity, she works with and trains volunteers to carry out its mission of providing financial assistance and support for individuals facing a cancer diagnosis. For seven years after college, Diemond worked as a resident service coordinator and property manager at Keene Housing Authority, where she did outreach and education, facilitated meetings and managed a 30-unit public housing complex. She has a B.S. from Franklin Pierce University and a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Marlboro College Graduate School.
Obituaries
• Shane Justin Brodeur, 26, of Townshend. Died Aug. 20. Son of Dianne P. Flood of Brookline and Louis W. Brodeur of St. Petersburg, Fla. Stepson of Bill Flood of Brookline. Brother of Jessica A. Brodeur of Johnson. Born in Putnam, Conn., he lived the majority of his life in Vermont, having moved there in 1991. He graduated from Leland & Gray Union High School in 2009. He was an avid snowboarder and dirt biker, and loved racing and off-roading. A loyal friend, he enjoyed spending time with the many people in his life who shared his passions. He also had a tremendous love for animals. He was a talented carpenter and meticulously professional painter who took a great deal of pride in his work. His attention to detail was evident in all that he helped to create and improve. He was a beloved son as well an devoted big brother. Memorial information: A memorial service was held at Calvary Chapel in West Townshend on Aug. 27, Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Thomas Dorsey, 58, of Randolph, Maine, and Zephyrhills, Fla. Died Aug 23. Father of Travis Dorsey, Tyler Dorsey, and Molly Suttie. Significant other of Kristen McAuslin and her children, Jessica Bernier and Jeffrey McAuslin. Brother of Leo Dorsey and the late Maddie Dorsey. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., the son of the late Leo and Kathleen (Douglas) Dorsey, he graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in Bellows Falls and served in the Navy during the Vietnam era as an underwater demolition team member. He later attended Bridgeport (Conn.) University. The image he showed the world was that of a true biker, and he was known for his long blonde locks which he kept swept up in a ponytail, great hugs, smiles, his voice, and “the look” when needed. Underneath the biker exterior was a loving, caring, and compassionate soul. He was proud of his children and tried to give them the best childhood possible. He often introduced his girlfriend, Kristen, as his “wife” and accepted her children as his own and treated them with the same loving care as he did his own children. He had a great way with people, so his profession as a bartender was a perfect fit. He always thought of Bellows Falls as his home. He made lasting friendships with Dave, Mark and too many more to be mentioned, and talked often of the antics he and his many friends were involved in. He also loved the ocean, especially Old Orchard Beach in Maine, where he bartended and owned Mr. Goodbar for several years. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held Aug. 30 at the Gardiner waterfront. Donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, or any charity of your choice that betters the life of young people.
• Patrick Lawrence “Larry” Doyle, 92, of Pittsburg, Calif. Died Aug. 11 after a brief illness at Delta Center Hospital in Antioch, Calif. Husband of the late Dorothy Doyle. Stepfather of Robert Roberts of Pittsburg, Calif. Brother of the late John Doyle, Clarence Doyle, Elizabeth Kuczynski, Mildred Bashaw, William Doyle, and Florence Stankevich. Born in Rumford, Maine, the son of the late Joseph and Christina (Coughlin) Doyle, he attended St. Charles School and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1940. He was an outstanding athlete in baseball, basketball, track and football during high school. During World War II, he served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946 as an Electrician's Mate 3rd Class in the Atlantic, Pacific, European and Middle Eastern theaters, and was the recipient of three battle stars. Upon discharge from the Navy, he settled in California as a civilian employee of the Naval Supply Center in Alameda. He remained in California until about 15 years ago, when he began spending a part of each year in Bellows Falls in order to be closer to his siblings William and Florence. In Vermont, he was an active member of the American Legion, the Moose, and the Polish American Club. He had a gregarious personality and enjoyed train travel and the opportunity to meet new acquaintances. He spent many enjoyable hours playing cards with his friends in Bellows Falls. Although he lived on both coasts. he maintained long-standing friendships in California and Vermont. He was the last surviving Doyle family sibling. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held this fall in Vermont.
• Katherine A. Gleason, 65, of Jamaica. Died Aug. 26 at her home. Wife of the late Arthur E. Gleason III for 34 years. Mother of Arthur Gleason IV and his wife, Pamela, of Jamaica, Karen Reilly of Newfane, and Lori Hughes of Lempster, N.H. Sister of Thomas and Raymond Fletcher, both of Jamaica, and Sandra Johnson and her husband, Kenneth, of Saxtons River. Born in Grafton, the daughter of Edwin and Doris (Cutts) Fletcher, she was raised and educated in Jamaica and was a graduate of Leland & Gray High School, Class of 1967. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Springfield. A devoted wife and mother, she was always involved in her children's sports and many activities, and was often referred to as the typical “soccer mom.” She enjoyed playing cards and a good game of Bingo, reading, word search puzzles, and baking and cooking for her family and friends. She was a collector of knickknacks, especially pigs. Memorial information: A graveside committal services was held Sept. 2 in East Jamaica Cemetery. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Arrangements were under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• Suzanne J. “Suzi” Hamblin, 64, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Aug. 22 at her home following a courageous battle with cancer. Wife of Robert L. Hamblin for nearly 44 years. Mother of Ashley Houston and her husband, Jarrod, of Keene, N.H. Sister of Nikki Rancourt and her husband, Phil, of Brattleboro. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of Gladys (Burns) and the late Harold Jaquith, she was raised and educated in Hinsdale, graduating from Hinsdale High School, Class of 1968. She was employed as a manager at the Brattleboro Retreat, retiring due to her failing health in 2013 following 38 faithful years with the hospital. She was a longtime member and a past president of the B.P.O. Elks Brattleboro Lodge #1499 Emblem Club. She also served one term as president of the Vermont Elks Emblem Club. For more than 25 years, she was very active with the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where she served as treasurer. She was the recipient of the Auxilirian of the Year Award and the only volunteer to be presented with this distinct honor twice, something she was extremely proud of. Additionally, she was a member of the F.O. Eagles Auxiliary, Brattleboro Aerie #2445 and held membership in the Daughters of Isabella, Ave Maria Circle #128. While on staff at the Retreat, She coordinated the annual United Way campaign as well as the Relay For Life Retreat team. A devout Catholic, she was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading, volunteering, and vacations on Martha's Vineyard, and time spent with her family, especially her granddaughter. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 2 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Donations to the Brattleboro Retreat, Anna Marsh Lane, P.O. Box 803, Brattleboro, VT 05302, in care of the Development Department, or to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, N.H. 03756 .
• Katelyn Rose McFadden, 20, of Townshend. Died Aug. 20. Daughter of Wendy L. and Kenneth G. McFadden. Sister of Mark S. Archer Jr., Corey L. Archer, Nathan K. Archer and his wife, Elizabeth, Stephen P. Collins Jr., Kenneth (Albert) McFadden, Jimmy Mills, and Erica Cullum and husband, Rob. Born in Brattleboro, she went to Newfane Elementary School, then on to Leland & Gray Union High School. Although she did not graduate, she had been working on getting her diploma. She spent a few winters working at the Stratton Mountain Inn, and enjoyed working in the kitchen as well as being a hostess. She loved family gatherings, horses, all animals big and small, dance, and music. She enjoyed volleyball, basketball, and baseball. She was an avid Red Sox fan (against her father's wishes). In many ways, she had an untamable spirit. She was beautiful and could light up a room with her bright smile and make you feel warm inside. She loved her family and will always be loved by them. Memorial information: A graveside service was held at Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend on Aug. 27. Donations to The Christie Archer Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition for students with special needs who would benefit from attending the Mountain School at Winhall, at The Mountain School at Winhall. 9 School St., Bondville, VT 05340.
• Bruce W. Miller, 73, of Westminster. Died Aug. 25 at his home. Husband of Kay Lou (Bartlett) Miller for nearly 51 years. Father of Stacey Shaughnessy and her husband, Don, of Bellows Falls, Kelley Green and her husband, Dan, of Westminster, and the late Jeff Miller. Brother of Roger Miller and his wife, Judi, of Brattleboro, David Miller of Florida, and Bev Baldasaro and her husband, David, of Bellows Falls. Born in Bellows Falls, the son of the late Hyman and Olive (Wilson) Miller, he was a 1959 graduate of Bellows Falls High School, attended Wentworth Institute in Boston, and worked for Printers, Inc. He retired as a captain of the Bellows Falls Fire Department after volunteering for over 25 years. He was a former member and past Exalted Ruler of BPOE #1619. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Aug. 30 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls. Donations may be made to Hospice, P.O. Box 976, White River Junction, VT 05001, or to the Westminster Fire Department, P.O. Box 111, Westminster, VT 05158.