Obituaries
• Donferd (Don) Berg, 86, of Westminster. Died Dec. 3 at his home. Husband of the late Joan Somerville Berg for 24 years. Father of Dana Berg and her husband. Michael Monhart, of New York City; Bettina Berg and her husband, Chris Harlow, of Westminster; and Amelia Berg of Seattle. Born in Dalton, Ohio, he was the youngest son of the late Ira and Laura Adams Berg of Dalton, Ohio. In 1951, he received a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After receiving an M.A. in English from Ohio State in 1952, he began a four-year enlistment in the Air Force which included a tour in Tripoli, Libya. After his discharge, he worked briefly for Ohio Bell in Toledo before returning to Ohio Wesleyan, where he worked in the publications office and served as editor of the Alumni Magazine. After retiring from Ohio Wesleyan in 1984, he was named registrar at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, where he was employed until his second retirement in 1992 when he moved from Delaware to Columbus. In 2006, he moved to Brattleboro, where he was a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held St. Michael's Episcopal Church on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. Donations to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Lori Ann Gouin, 45, of Hinsdale. N.H. Died Dec. 1 at her parents' home in Brattleboro, following a courageous battle with cancer. Daughter of Wilfred and Marilyn (Rabideau) Gouin. Mother of Amber (Gouin) Renaud, and Ericka (Gouin) Barrows. Sister of Tammy Cobb of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Lisa Raymond of Vernon. Born in Brattleboro, she attended Brattleboro Union High School, where she was a member of the high school band, graduating with the Class of 1988. She had worked various jobs in the greater Brattleboro and Keene area. A kind and loving daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother, she enjoyed time spent with her family, especially her granddaughters. She also loved time spent at her parent's land in Putney, four wheeling, snowmobiling, barbeques, and helping to get the hay in. She loved the outdoors, swimming, tubing down the West River, and an occasional stop at the Flat Rocks as well as visits to the ocean. Memorial information: Memorial services were held Dec. 6 at Vernon Advent Christian Church. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements under the care of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Andrew Bininger Hopping, 89, of Londonderry. Died Nov. 27 at Hospice of Connecticut after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Father of Nancy C. Hopping of Monroe, Conn., and the late Jane T. Hopping. Brother of the late Robert Cushman and Richard Sprague Hopping. Born in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., son of Spencer Bininger and Louise Cushman Hopping, he graduated from Hastings-on-Hudson High School. He served in the Navy during World War II in the V-5 Flight Training program. He attended Cornell, New York, and George Washington Universities, and graduated with a BSBA from American University. He was employed by AT&T Long Lines from 1947 to 1982, after which he retired to Londonderry. He had lived in Alexandria, Va., Armonk & White Plains, N.Y., Wellesley, Mass, and Venice, Fla. He was a life member of the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad; a 44-year member of the Stratton Volunteer Ski Patrol, and a member of Manchester Country Club, Psi Upsilon Fraternity, and Telephone Pioneers of America. Beside his passion for skiing at Stratton and Steamboat, he was an ultralight pilot, gardener, and crafter of Nantucket baskets. He was a member of Zion Episcopal Church in Manchester, and served as vestryman at Olivet Episcopal Church in Franconia, Va., and St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Armonk, N.Y. Memorial information: Memorial services will be held at Zion Episcopal Church in Manchester on Friday, Dec. 19, at 1 p.m.
• Margaret Elaine Johnson, 80, a former resident of Greenfield, Mass., and a native of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 2 at Sullivan County Health Care in Unity, N.H., where she had been a resident for the past three years. Wife of the late Robert V. Johnson. Former wife of George Minckler. Mother of Deborah Remillard and her husband, Robert, of Croydon, N.H.; Mark Minckler and his wife, Donna, of Hinsdale, N.H.; and Daniel Minckler and his fiancé Eileen Bouch of Greenfield. Sister of Mary Gardner of Keene, N.H., and the late John Lillis and Olivette Lillis. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Daniel Patrick and Olivette (Buckley) Lillis, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending the Austine School for the Deaf, and later graduating from St. Michael's High School, Class of 1952. She went on to attend Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C. While residing in Greenfield, she worked as a file clerk for Phoenix Life Insurance Company in Greenfield. She was also a devoted homemaker, and was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. She enjoyed drawing, painting with oils and watercolors, sketching with charcoal, antiques, and rug braiding. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 8 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with burial in the family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, Principal.
• Margaret Eleanor “Peggy” Leo, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 30 at Holton Home in Brattleboro. She is survived by her ex-husband, Arnold Leo, her children, Erik Leo and Melissa Leo, her grandchildren Jason, Melissa and Jack, and her (really) great-grandson, Fin. An “Air Force Brat,” she was born in San Bernadino, Calif., to the late Frances Clarise (Stone) and Colonel James Buell Chessington. She grew up in such diverse places as Florida, North Carolina and Greenland, but southern Vermont was her home. A lifelong learner, she held two masters degrees: one in Education from Antioch and the other in Social Work from Smith College. She was also a most remarkable artist, producing paintings and sketches in her wonderfully whimsical style right up until the end of her life. Always community-minded, she was instrumental in the founding of Putney Family Services, and was honored for her work by being named “Putney Person of the Year” in 1999. In her latter years, she established herself as a loved and loving member of the Holton Home family and much sought after and feared for her skills at Scrabble. During her life, she not only survived two bouts of cancer, but also the Sixties, marriage, divorce, living in a commune, broken cars, broken bones, wood heat, funky plumbing, and an extended co-habitation with her mother-in-law, Elinore Leo. She leaves a large number of family and friends - including those at Red Clover Farm in Putney, where she lived, the folks from St. Rose Street in Jamaica Plain, Mass., and those from New Hampshire, El Salvador and the Netherlands. Memorial information:A celebration of her life took place at Holton Home on Dec. 9. Donations to Holton Home. 158 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• William James “Jim” Nusbaum, 87, of Minnetonka, Minn. Died Nov. 13 in after a long struggle with Alzheimers. Husband of the late Elizabeth “Betty” Iverson Nusbaum for 49 years. Longtime companion of Norma Walton. Father of Nancy Tierra of Brattleboro, William “Bill” Nusbaum of St. Louis Park, Minn., Dr. Jean Nusbaum of Bemiji, Minn., and Jill Nusbaum of Arlington, Va. Born in Faribault, Minn., he grew up on farms in the Medford and Owatonna area in southern Minnesota, much like Lake Wobegon. In 1944, at age 17, he enlisted in the Navy. He was a member of the Owatonna High School, Class of 1945, but, like many others in his class, he was awarded his diploma in absentia because of military service. A serious episode of scarlet fever kept him from overseas duty, but he refused the Navy's offer to discharge him, serving until 1946 at Treasure Island Naval Station in San Francisco and Oakland Bay. The G.I. Bill brought opportunities for education to his generation, and he completed a degree in business at the University of Minnesota. In 1951, he married and the Nussbaum's first home was a quonset hut at the “U.” He was happy anytime he was busy; he was always full of plans and projects. Many of his happiest years were spent at the family's land in the north woods of Wisconsin, where he constructed a small primitive homestead and dreamed of a “real” cabin, which was finally completed in 2002. Once grandchildren entered his life, he was a doting grandpa to the next generation. Before his health began failing, he travelled east several times to visit his daughter Nancy in Vermont. He especially enjoyed meeting her church family at the Guilford Community Church and her friends and neighbors. Growing up on a farm, he was always drawn to animals. As his health failed him and he became more inactive, he treasured his kitty companions more and more. His last two cats, Sami and Midnight, were dearly loved. Memorial information:No service information provided. Donations to the Guilford Community Church, 38 Bee Barn Road, Guilford, VT 05301
• Elisha (Eli) Prouty, 87, of Grafton. Died Nov. 20 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Husband of Marjorie Prouty for 59 years. Father of Pamela, Bruce and his wife, Rosa, and Peter and his wife, Darcy. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Elisha and Ethel Prouty, he graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1945 and was inducted into the Army the same year, where he served in Germany with the 252nd Engineer Corps. Upon his honorable discharge, he studied at the Vogue School of Design and at the University of Illinois in their design program (both in Chicago). Upon graduation, he became a textile designer and weaver specializing in wools. He eventually became part-owner of his own textile mill manufacturing company. The Proutys lived in Pelham, N.Y., and Winnetka, Ill., before retiring and coming back to Vermont in 1985 to live in Grafton. In Grafton, he became president and, later, curator of the Grafton Historical Society. He especially enjoyed working with little children and having the kindergarteners visit to learn all about wool from how it's shorn from the sheep to how it's spun and finally woven on looms. He was very active in helping and mentoring staff and volunteets at other museums throughout Vermont. His eagerness to see all Vermont historical societies grow in sharing information and ideas inspired him to help to create the Vermont History Expo, where historical societies have a chance to creatively tell their own town's story to the public. He also enjoyed giving guided tours in Vermont for the National Trust of Washington, D.C. Memorial information:At his request, there will be no formal funeral service. Donations to the Grafton Historical Society, P.O. Box 202, Grafton, VT 05146, or Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Stanley “Stan” A. Richmond, 61, of Spofford, N.H. Died Nov. 25 at his home, the day before his 62nd birthday. Brother of Hyla Richmond Smith of Keene, N.H.; Barbara A. Doyle and her husband, Peter, of Spofford; and Russell A. Richmond and his significant other, Margaret Jenna, of Chesterfield. Best friend of the late Kevin Lougee. Born in Keene, N.H., the son of Arlene (Buckley) and the late Stanley A. Richmond, he graduated from Keene High School, Class of 1971. Soon after high school, he enlisted in the Navy. He had been working for Marcus Lovell-Smith at Boggy Meadow Farm in Walpole, N.H., where he was the head cheese maker. He had been with Boggy Meadow Farms for the past 18 years. He loved raising and riding horses. He could be found working in his flower and vegetable gardens. He also liked to go kayaking on the local ponds and rivers. His farm included peacocks, rabbits, chickens and, of late, miniature ponies. Memorial information:A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 23, 2015, at his annual barbeque. Donations to Donna A. Harwood, DVM, 77 Concord Rd. Keene, NH 03431, to assist with the placement of his horses.
• George Edward “Ed” Sencabaugh, 86, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 1 in Sun City West, Ariz. Husband of Sue Sencabaugh. Father of Steve and Dave Sencabaugh and Becky Nesvik, all of Wyoming. Brother of Agnes Reardon of Vernon and the late Frederick Applin “Ted” Sencabaugh. He was born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Isabelle (Gage) and Applin “Red” Sencabaugh. In high school, he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He served in the Army from 1946 to 1949, and then moved to Wyoming and went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1951. He retired in 1986. He also served in the Wyoming State Legislature from 1963 to 1967. In 1987, he served as chairman of the Wyoming Centennial Commission. Memorial information: None provided.
• Juanita B. Shannon, 88, of East Dummerston. Died Nov. 28 following a period of declining health. Wife of the late Reginald Shannon for nearly 55 years. Mother of Barry Shannon of Brattleboro, Kathy Bacon and Lori Reynolds, both of East Dummerston, and the late Dana Shannon. Sister of Worthy Reynolds of Morgan, Vt., Polly Simons and Connie Reynolds, both of East Hartford, Conn., Barbara Anderson of West Hartford, Conn., and Joyce Carter of Palm Coast, Fla.; and the late Ted Reynolds and Carol Stevens. Born in Newport, Vt., the daughter of Oscar and Eva (Stevens) Reynolds, she was raised and educated in Newport where she attended public schools. Prior to relocating to Brattleboro in 1967, she was a former resident of East Hartford. For many years, she had been employed in the bindery department at The Book Press in Brattleboro. She was also a faithful and devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. Of her leisure time activities, she enjoyed traveling, gardening, playing Bingo and getting together with her family and friends. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Dec. 6 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Burial will be in the springtime in Newport Center Cemetery. Donations to Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Albert R. Spillman, 82, of Keene, N.H. Died Nov. 29 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., after a brief illness. Husband of Katherine Scanlon, formerly of Brattleboro, for 58 years. Father of Jeanne Marie S. Vayda and her husband Dr. Michael of Fayetteville, Ark.; Carol Conant and her husband, Steve, of Billerica, Mass.; Mary K. Bullis and her fiancé, Tim, of St. Albans; Kathleen M. Clark and her husband, Chris, of Brattleboro; James R. Spillman and his wife, Kate, of Middletown, Md.; and Patrick J. Spillman and his fiancé, Nancy, of New York City. Born in Denver, the son of the late Albert R. and Mary (Sullivan) Spillman, he grew up in Hempstead, N.Y., and summered in Estes Park, Colo., with his family. He was a graduate of Chaminade High School in Mineola, N.Y. He received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley in 1956. He also got married that year and got his first math teaching job was in Saginaw, Mich. In 1957, the Spillmans moved back to New York State where he taught in the Huntington and Brewster area schools for 15 years. In 1967, he received his masters in mathematics from Central Connecticut State College. The family moved to Keene in 1972, where he taught math at Brattleboro Union High School from 1972 to 1979, and then at Keene High School from 1979 to 1986. He continued to teach others his love of math as a tutor at Community College of Vermont in Brattleboro and at River Valley Community College in Keene. He was a Boy Scout Leader and a square dance caller in New York. In Keene, he was an active parishioner at St. Margaret Mary's Church, including the church choir, folk group and a former member of the St. Margaret Mary Parish Council. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 50years and held several officer positions. He was named Knight of the Year in 2008 by the Knights of Columbus Council #5414, Keene, NH. He was an active organizer for the Red Cross's Operation Appreciation each year to honor service members. His love for music was very well known, and he enjoyed many hours behind the wheel of his John Deere tractor. Memorial information:A funeral Mass was held Dec. 6 at St. Margaret Mary Church in Keene, followed by burial in St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro. A scholarship fund that has been created for students at River Valley Community College at the Keene campus. Donations to: Albert Spillman Math Scholarship Fund, in care of Community Colleges of New Hampshire, 26 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301.
• Wesley Bruce Towle, 82, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Nov. 25, after a period of declining health. Husband of Karen (Mitchell) Towle for 53 years. Father of Susan Jarvis of Fort Wayne, Ind., Jean Hair of Woodstock, N.H., Scott Towle and his wife, Debbie, of Brattleboro, Wayne Towle and his wife, Melissa, of Spofford, N.H., Kimberly Towle and her companion, David Braswell, of Winchester, N.H., and Wade Towle of Hinsdale. Brother of Helen Place of Windsor Locks, Conn. Born at home in Franklin, Vt., to the late George H. and Ruth (Welcom) Towle, he had previously worked at the Vermont State Hospital for five years and for 30 years with the Brattleboro Retreat. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 35 years in Northfield, Mass. He held an avid interest in old cars and stock car racing. In the 1950s, he raced at several dirt tracks in Vermont and New Hampshire. He was a member of NHRA, Redmens, Moose, Eagles, NRA, GONH, AARP, NALC, Northeast Chevy-GMC Club, and both the Winchester and Hinsdale historical societies. He was also an active member and former officer of Now and Then Vehicle Club of Southern Vermont. Memorial information: At his request, there are no services or visiting hours. He will be cremated, with his ashes to be present at bi-weekly family dinners. As he once said, “Our bodies are but rented for a time, and as all things loaned must be returned from whence they came when the time is up.”
• Evelyn B. Wellwood, 94, of Vernon. Died Dec. 2 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Wife of the late Earl Wellwood. Sister of Albert Barrett and Ethelyn Stephens, both of Florida, and the late Winston and Donald Barrett. Born in Hinsdale, N.H., the daughter of the late Marvin and Hazel (Hudson) Barrett, she was a graduate of Hinsdale High School, Class of 1939. After high school, she worked for A.G. Spaulding in Brattleboro, making tennis rackets, until 1946. She then owned and operated Wellwood Store in West Brattleboro for many years until her retirement. She enjoyed eating lobster, traveling around the country with her husband, and lighthouses. She was very spiritual, and wasn't afraid to embrace life or death. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 6 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home, with burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.