College news
• Teri Sauter of Brattleboro recently received a B.S. in business analysis and management from Bellevue (Neb.) University.
• Carly Emond of Guilford and Jessica Kane of Vernon were both named to the Dean's List for the spring 2015 semester at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine.
• Dillon Sparks, a marketing major from Guilford, has been named to the spring 2015 Dean's List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I.
Obituaries
• Barbara W. Beebe, 75, of Brattleboro. Died July 27 at her home. Wife of the late Victor “Pete” Beebe for nearly 34 years. Mother of Peter J. Beebe and his wife, Lavona, of Brattleboro, and Ann Marie Paterson and her husband, Tom, also of Brattleboro. Sister of Michael Mulvey of North Kingston, R.I., Gwendolyn Baker of Ruckersville, Va, Patricia Frost of Franklin, Tenn., and Deborah Moss of Warwick, R.I. She was predeceased by four brothers and two sisters. Born in Providence, R.I., the daughter of Thomas A. and Thelma E. (Field) Mulvey, she was raised and educated in Wickford, R.I., and was a graduate of North Kingstown (R.I.) High School, Class of 1958. She had been employed in the medical records department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital whern she retired. She was also a devoted homemaker who loved spending time with her family and talking with her siblings. She was a parishioner of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: In accordance with her final wishes, memorial services will be private for the immediate family, with interment in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements were under the care of Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• Margaret (Peggy) Frances DeLuca, 93, of Brattleboro. Died July 29 at her home. Wife of the late Michael “Mickey” Deluca. Mother of Maria DeLuca of Brattleboro, and her partner, Marty Scales, of Bridgeport, Conn., and the late Paul and Daniel DeLuca. Sister of Mary Ann Hornish of New Hope, Pa. Born and raised in Bridgeport, Conn., the daughter of the late William and Ann (Tickey) Flanagan, she graduated from Warren Harding High School in 1940. In November 1942, she eloped with her high school sweetheart and love of her life. Their storybook romance lasted 65 years, and she always carried his picture with her. They moved to Brooklyn, N.Y, where Michael was stationed with the Navy. She trained as a nurse at Staten Island Hospital during World War II, where she continued to work as an R.N. after graduating in 1945. To this day, she still has her nurse's cape and cap. She cared for numerous veterans, newborn babies, and others. Despite her experience in the maternity ward, she didn't recognize the signs of her own labor, and very nearly had her first child, Paul, on the Staten Island Ferry. Paul's middle name was Hamilton - the name of the ferry boat on which he was almost born. In 1950, the family moved to Greenwich, Conn., where she worked at Greenwich Hospital until retiring in the 1970s. The years in Greenwich were filled with parties, clambakes, laughter, and a sense of community rarely seen today. In 1982, she and Mickey moved to Florida, living in Palm Beach Gardens to be near their son Daniel, who worked at Pratt & Whitney. He had numerous patents on board the space shuttle, and his parents watched the launches with pride and awe. The couple split their time between Florida and New Hampshire until 2004, when they moved to Vermont to be closer to family. Her relationship to daughters-in-law Ginger DeLuca and Linda Judkins were a profound comfort and solace to her after the losses of her sons. Her tuxedo cat, Crow, was her guardian angel. She was known for her unique sense of humor, love of flowers, gardening, animals, entertaining, music, and dancing. She loved to get dressed up and hit the dance floor, which she did well into her 90s. The Brattleboro Senior Center was a favorite place to socialize, dance and volunteer. She cherished her family gatherings on the holidays. She attended both St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro and Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Putney. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Terrace Street on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Putney.
• Gladys Earle, 84, of Brattleboro. Died July 21 at Thompson House, where she had been a resident since 2012. Wife of Robert Earle for 65 years. Mother of Jan Brown and her husband, Todd of Dummerston, and Sue Coleman of Hinsdale, N.H. Born in Brattleboro, one of four children of the late Esther (Gerrish) and Gustave Raithel, she left high school to work and help support the family, returning later to complete her education. Family was what she cherished the most and “Nan” loved her household pets and wild animals as well. She was an avid knitter, cook, baker, and a favorite mom with neighborhood children. Many summers were spent on Spofford Lake, which brought her great joy. She lived a life of simplicity. She worked as manager of the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital coffee shop for 37 years. Upon her retirement, she was honored with the planting of a young cherry tree on the hospital lawn which held a plaque citing her years of dedication. Additionally, she was named “Auxiliarian of the Year” shortly before her retirement. She loved her volunteers and customers and until a few days before her death, she was remembering the tomato soup, seafood chowder and crabmeat rolls that were her signature lunch favorites. Her years there were a very important part of her life. Memorial information: There will be no calling hours. Following cremation, the family will gather at a later date to celebrate a life well lived. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or The Thompson House “Blanket Warmer Fund,” P.O. Box 1117, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Elizabeth Ann Eason, 68, formerly of Guilford. Died June 20 of complications from lung cancer in Melbourne, Australia. Wife of Campbell Eason for 24 years. Former wife of Rob Hinrichs for 20 years. Mother of Tyler Hinrichs and Heather Andersen. Sister of Pamela Byrne and Randy Welton. Born in Winsted, Conn., she graduated from the Mary Burnham School in 1965, and then attended Colorado Women's College. In 1968, she married Rob Hinrichs and moved to Guilford. They ran the Hinrichs Dairy Farm and, in 1982, they were named Vermont Young Farmers of the Year. She loved music. She sang in the Blanche Moyse Chorale and played her viola with Friends of Music in Guilford. After her divorce in 1988, she moved to Hawaii and married Campbell Eason in 1991. She and Cam moved to Hawaii in 1992. She played the viola in the Kona Symphony Orchestra, taught snorkeling and hula and swam with the dolphins in the bay. The Easons moved to Melbourne in 2003. She traveled to Hawaii regularly to visit friends and family and continued to play music and swim with the dolphins. She never missed a sunset if she could help it, and always loved a party. She had a wonderful sense of humor and used it to bring joy and laughter to all around her. Memorial information: None provided.
• Leona “Lee” Fisk, 96, of Claremont, N.H. Died July 28 at her home. Wife of the late Cecil Fisk for nearly 70 years. Mother of Calvin and his wife, Elsa, of Indianapolis, Ind.; Carlton and his wife, Linda, of Bradenton, Fla; Cedric, his late wife Martha, and current companion Evelyn Page of Charlestown, N.H.; Conrad and his wife, Linda, of Keene, N.H.; June and her husband, Bob Stacey, of Hartland, Vt., and Janet of Charlestown. Sister of the late Gordon, Robert, and LeRoy Lundin. Also survived by 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was born in Mankato, Minn., daughter of the late Jennie (Gustavson) and Adolph Lundin. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1936 and attended secretarial and hairdressing schools in Minnesota. She married in 1941, and she and Cecil moved into the home in Charlestown, where they lived together for nearly 70 years until he died in 2011 and where she lived the remainder of her life. Their homestead included large vegetable gardens, fruit trees, berries, grapes, chickens, and cows, which the Fisks nurtured to feed the growing family. She picked bushels of produce and canned and preserved thousands of jars of fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, pickles, and juices over the years, well into her 90s. She loved to bake and enjoyed needlework of all kinds; sewing clothes, knitting sweaters, hats and mittens, embroidering dish towels, tablecloths and quilts for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also created many craft items for the church bazaars. She was quite athletic and provided guidance and encouragement to her children while coaching softball and field hockey. She was an accomplished bowler, holding several scoring records and state titles. She attended hundreds of sporting events over the years to watch her children and grandchildren play. She continued to follow sports on TV and especially liked watching the Red Sox, Patriots, tennis, and golf. Music was a big part of her life and she especially loved hymns. She played the piano and loved to sing. She was a member of the Silvertones and Silver Country singing groups and she sang “Away in a Manger” at Charlestown's annual Christmas pageant for over 60 years including this past year at age 95. She was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Charletowns where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and served as treasurer of the Guild for many years. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held at the Charlestown Memorial Chapel on Main Street from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug, 14. Funeral services will be held at the Unitarian Church on Main Street in Charlestown on Saturday, August 15, at 1 p.m. There will be a reception to follow at the Charlestown Senior Center on Old Springfield Road. She loved to see things grow, especially flowers, so if you have something blooming in your yard or garden, pick a few to bring for a community bouquet. Donations to the Charlestown Senior Center, P.O. Box 1333, Charlestown, NH 03603.
• Frank Iberger, 80, of Brattleboro. Died July 26 at his home. Wife of the late Betsy Iberger of Vergennes. He operated a limousine company for many years, chauffeuring stars like Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormé, and Paul Newman. He was a life member of VFW Post 1034 and American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. He is survived by a stepdaughter, Shary; a son-in-law, Christian, and grandchildren, Amelia and Fletcher. He was the adopted father of Joanne Condosta. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial service was held at American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro on July 31. Donations to the American Legion.
• Bonnie Winton Jones, 79, of Cambridge, Mass. Died Feb. 28, 2015. Mother of Rebecca, Bennett, and Tracey. She grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and got her Masters in Social Work from Boston University. She devoted much of her life to issues of civil rights and social justice. Early in her career, she worked to confront racial prejudice and support fair housing in Lexington, Mass., where she lived. She spent much of her career as a social worker in Salem, Mass., and finally Somerville, Mass. Memorial information: A memorial service was held July 25. Donations to The Sierra Club, American Civil Liberties Union, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and Doctors Without Borders.
• Patricia Arlene (Doyle) Nantell, 76, of Brattleboro. Died July 21. Born in Sacramento, Calif., the daughter of the late Ralph Doyle and Catherine Bruegger, she was married in 1979 to Robert Nantell, and was the loving mother of Michelle Woodcock, Kevin Fraser and his wife, Anna, and Cathy Fraser. Memorial information: A private ceremony was held. Donations to the American Cancer Society.
• Lucille H. “Lucy” Parker, 94, of Brattleboro. Died July 28 at Thompson House. Wife of the late Rev. Charles W. Parker for nearly 42 years. Mother of James W. Parker and Cynthia Lou Parker. Sister of Dorothy Osborn and the late Roy S. Hurley, Louie Hurley Jr., and Eddie Mae Dawson. Born in Stamps, Ark., the daughter of the late L.S. and Eula Mae (Petrey) Hurley, she was raised and educated in Minden, La., and was a graduate of Minden High School. She was a graduate of Southern Methodist University and went on to graduate work at Hartford (Conn.) School of Missions. In her early years, she worked as secretary to the mayor of Minden and was well known in the community there. Later in Waitsfield, Vt., she owned and operated The Country Squire, “A Teeny Tack Shop”. A resident of Dummerston Center since 1973 and of Brattleboro since 1994, she was employed for many years as a secretary for A.G. Edwards Co. in Brattleboro, and later in the company's Greenfield, Mass., office. She also served as church secretary at Dummerston Congregational Church during her husband's pastorate. A devoted and faithful wife and loving mother, her life centered around her family. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she was a very active member of Dummerston Congregational Church. She served on many church social and community committees and was a member of the church choir, serving as choir director for many years. She was also active statewide with the UCC women's groups where she held several offices. She volunteered for the Vermont Association of the Blind and was an active volunteer for several years with Brattleboro Area Hospice, working in the group's Experienced Goods Shop. She also was an active member of the Dummerston Women's Association, where she served as president. She enjoyed music, square dancing and was a member of the Maple Leaf Squares. She also enjoyed clogging and was a member of the Brattleboro Senior Center Cloggers. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Aug. 5 at Dummerston Congregational Church, with committal services and burial in Hillside Cemetery in Norwich, Vt., where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. Donations to Dummerston Congregational Church Life Fund, 32 Park Laughton Rd., East Dummerston, VT 05346. Arrangements were under the care of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Patricia S. Patrick, 80, of Westminster Station. Died July 26. Wife of the late Wallace Patrick. Mother of Helen Bryk and her husband, Mitchell; Holly Patrick of South Britain, Conn.; Heidi Fielders of Townshend; and Heather Patrick and her wife, Jessie Bacon, of Westminster Station. Born in South Britain, Conn., the daughter of the late George and Alice (Bower) Stannard, she attended schools in Connecticut and worked as a caregiver for the Southbury Training School. She moved to Vermont in 1984 and loved living there. She loved her pets and enjoyed trips to the casino, the Brimfield Antique Show, family vacations, and time spent with her family. She was a great mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who lent her support to many. Memorial information: Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls.
• Arthur O. “Pete” Peterson Jr., 89, of Concord, N.H., formerly of Saxtons River and Northfield, Vt. Died July 22 at Concord Hospital. Husband of the late Gladys V. (Anderson) Peterson for 65 years. Father of Ann and Peter Bradley of Goffstown, N.H.; Laura and Blair Jasie of Dennis, Mass.; David and Tiffany Peterson of Bedford, N.H.; and Carol LaRose of Whitehall, N.Y. Brother of the late Miriam (Peterson Ketcham) Nelson. Half-brother of Jon Peterson. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of the late Alice (Stream) and Arthur O. Peterson Sr., as a young child, he moved to Brooklyn and then to Long Island, N.Y., where he lived until moving to Northfield in 1942. While on Long Island, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 15 and continued serving the Scouts as a Scoutmaster. He attended Northfield High School, however at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Marines during World War II. Upon his return, he graduated from Northfield High School. He attended the University of Vermont and joined the Army National Guard. In addition, he graduated from Officer Candidate School and retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Army Reserve. He worked at the Northfield Post Office, starting in 1946, for 27 years. He left his post as Assistant Postmaster to become Postmaster in Randolph, and then later in Bellows Falls. He retired from the Brattleboro Post Office in 1985. He was actively involved in the United Church in Northfield and Christ's Church in Saxtons River. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 1 p.m., at Pleasant View Retirement, 227 Pleasant St., Concord. A reception will follow the service. Donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association in memory of Gladys Peterson, who died in January of this year.
• Catherine Marie Sprague, 69, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died July 27 at her home following a courageous battle with MS and cancer. Wife of Dwight B. Sprague for nearly 49 years. Mother of Andy Sprague and daughter-in-law, Janine Gallagher, and Ramona Sprague and son-in-law, John Lewis. Sister of Jerry, David, Michael and Fran Renaud, Martha Seagar, Mary Jane Giroux, Cindy Renaud-Kim, Margaret Moulton, Caroline Houle, Judy Clark, Pauline Wilson, Nancy Renaud, Claire Renaud-Svenconis, and the late Ruthie Felski and Helen Hassey. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of Louise (Bittner) and the late Hyacinth Renaud, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Michael's High School, Class of 1964. She went on to graduate from the former Thompson School for Practical Nursing, where she received her LPN. She was a former co-owner of Costume Ladies and was known for her memorable Victorian tea parties. She was also known for her passion of quilting and was a member of the Cheshire Quilters Guild. She enjoyed giving sewing lessons, donating her quilts and spending time with her family and friends. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she had a strong and positive outlook on life. She was a communicant of both St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro and St. Joseph's Parish in Hinsdale. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held Aug. 1 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall at St. Joseph's Church in Hinsdale. Arrangements were under the care of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Arleen Winchester, 97, of West Brattleboro. Died July 27 at her home. Wife of the late Ray Winchester for 69 years. Mother of Rodney Winchester and his wife, Doreen, of Brattleboro, Ralph Winchester of Guilford, Janice Nadeau of Stillwater, Minn., and Iva Wood and her husband, Joseph, of Winchester, N.H. Also survived by a brother, Proctor George of Rochester, N.Y., 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren 15 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by a sister, Kathryn Batchelder, and a half-brother, Caryl George. Born in Fairlee, the daughter of the late Ami and Jennie (Holtham) George, she was raised and educated in Fairlee and was a graduate of Orford (N.H.) High School, Class of 1935. She later attended nursing school where she earned her R.N. diploma. She had been employed at several Brattleboro health care facilities, including Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, and the former Johnson's Nursing Home and Garfield's Rest Home. For several years, she was a nursing instructor at the former Thompson School for Practical Nursing. She also performed private duty nursing in the greater Brattleboro area and retired in 1981. He life centered around her family. She especially enjoyed gardening. She was a natural healer who was very proud of her nursing profession, always taking an interest in the wellbeing of others. A woman of deep faith, she was a longtime member of the Green Mountain Chapel on Western Avenue. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral service was held Aug. 3 at Green Mountain Chapel, with burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery, where she was laid to rest next to her beloved husband. Contributions to Green Mountain Chapel, 480 Western Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements were under the care of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Mary A. Wright, 87, of Bellows Falls. Died July 22 at Sullivan County Nursing Home in Unity, N.H. Wife of the late Wayne B. Wright. Mother of Pam Wright of San Jose, Calif. Born in Langdon, N.H., the daughter of the late John and Magdalena (Swiatek) Panek, she is the last surviving sibling of 16 brothers and sisters. She attended schools in Langdon and Walpole. She was a 1946 graduate of Bellows Falls High School, and later worked as a cook for Bellows Falls High School. She also worked as a cashier at the First National grocery store. She was a lifelong communicant and choir member of the Sacred Heart Church and she was also a member of the Bellows Falls Woman's Club.She spent many years volunteering at Walpole Elementary School in the classroom of her niece, Joanne Houghton. She also volunteered at Central Elementary School in Bellows Falls, where she enjoyed her work in the library. Her greatest joy was her daughter and grandchildren, hosting Sunday dinners and holidays. She joyfully cared for her grandchildren when they summered with her every year throughout their childhood, providing memories and stories that are now passed down to the next generation. Memorial information: A funeral mass was held Aug. 3 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls, with burial to follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Westminster.
• The family of Lewis R. Newton, who died on March 20, 2015, would like to invite family and friends to attend a celebration of his life at the Dummerston Congregational Church, located at the intersection of Middle and East-West roads in Dummerston Center, on Aug. 8, at 11 a.m.