College news
• Veronica Faro Bagundes of Brattleboro, a senior majoring in chemical engineering, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2015 semester at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y.
• Colton Butler of Whitingham, has been named to the Elmira (N.Y.) College Dean's List for the fall 2015 term.
• Tufts University in Medford, Mass., recently announced the Dean's List for undergraduate students enrolled for the Fall 2015 semester: Joanna Brown of Dummerston, Class of 2019; Maia Fulton-Black of Guilford, Class of 2017; Benjamin Janis of Brattleboro, Class of 2019; and Jem Wilner of Putney, Class of 2016.
• Carli Gossard of Dummerston and Ashley Dwyer-Lawson of Wilmington have been named to the Dean's List at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2015 semester.
• Stephanie Green of Westminster, a freshman who in Husson University's B.S. in health-care studies/M.S. in occupational therapy program, has been named to the President's List for the fall 2015 semester.
Obituaries
• Jeanne L. Anderson, 84, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 5 at Thompson House, following a period of declining health. Wife of Roland Anderson for 64 years. Mother of Donna Gouin and her husband, John, of Florida, and Thomas Anderson and his wife, Laura of Connecticut. Sister of the late Thomas Lynch. Also survived by four grandchildren. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of Thomas M. and Mildred (Grover) Lynch, she attended St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Michael's High School, Class of 1949. She was a member of the high school band as a majorette and, in 1947, the band won the state title and was selected to march in New York City. She had been employed as supervisor of registry at the Holstein-Friesian Association, which she retired from after 27 years with the Association. She enjoyed putting on holiday meals for her family, and also enjoyed genealogy, gardening, and time spent with her family. She was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and held membership in the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Graveside services will take place at a future date. Memorial contributions in Jeanne's name may be made to Saint Michael's School, 38 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the care of Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• James Edward Buzby, Jr., 77, of St. Johnsbury. Died Jan. 26 at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehabilitation Center, following a period of declining health. He had lived in the area for over 30 years. Born in Brattleboro, son to the late James E., Sr. and Myrtle Rosalie (Hunt) Buzby, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro. He joined the Marines, serving for nine years and honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. He worked as a carpenter and later as a case worker for Southeastern Vermont Community Action. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed watching baseball and golf, and loved putting his carpentry skills to use by working in and around his home. He is survived by his wife of more than 15 years, Mary L. (Noyes) Buzby of St. Johnsbury, six children: Jennifer Buzby, Cora Colebank and Bridget Trulove all of Phoenix, Ariz., Julianne Baldwin of New York, James E. Buzby III and Jeffrey Buzby, both of Brattleboro; a brother, Thomas Buzby of Brattleboro; a sister, Joan Dwyer of Nevada; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Shirley Buzby. Memorial information: Services were private.
• Jerry S. Coleman, 67, of Manchester, Vt. Died Feb. 8 at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center from an injury from a fall the previous day. Wife of Ramona Smith Coleman for 47 years. Father of Josh Coleman of Manchester and Camille Coleman Gunther of Manchester. Also survived by two grandchildren and his stepbrothers, Bruce and Richard Charbonneau of Manchester. Born in Jamaica, the son of the late Erald Coleman and Leo Charbonneau, he graduated from Leland & Gray High School in Townshend, and went on to graduate from Benjamin Franklin Institute in Boston where he studied mechanics. He joined the Navy in 1968 and was in the Seabees and was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. He later worked as a surveyor for 10 years for Dauchy Creamer Associates in Jamaica. He loved geography and maps and enjoyed his years as a surveyor. Most people remember him for managing Leo's Motors in Manchester for over 25 years. With Jerry in charge and his wife at his side, Leo's was much more like a general store than an auto dealer.His hospitality made Leo's a popular meeting spot where locals could relax and catch up on town happenings and social gossip. In his free time, he enjoyed talking politics with friends and socializing with the community. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and the days and nights spent at deer camp. He loved snowmobiling and knew all the local trails. He loved animals and learning all about their habits on the TV and websites. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and a good friend to all. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held Feb. 13 at VFW Post 4479 in Manchester. Donations to either VFW Post 4479 or the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, in care of Camille Gunther, P.O. Box 1104, Manchester Center, VT 05255.
• Beatrice E. Perry, 95, of Saxtons River. Died Feb. 9, being reunited with her husband and favorite dance partner, the late Franklin Perry. They were married February 16, 1957 in Grafton, and had many wonderful and active years together. Daughter of the late Elmer and Mary (Schultz) French, she attended school in Westminster West and Saxtons River. She enjoyed playing Bingo, visiting friends and family, traveling, attending dances, and loved going shopping. She is predeceased by her brothers, Richard French, Robert French, Clifford French, and Albert French and sisters, Bertha French, Hattie French, and Madeline Kinney. She is survived by daughters, Karen Fortune of Bellows Falls, Mary Schofield and husband, Paul Schofield Jr., of Chester, and son, Edward Perry of Bellows Falls, stepdaughter, Barbara Duprey of Rutland, and stepson Ronald Perry of Brandon, 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grand-children, and three great-great-grandchildren. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral was held Feb. 13 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Donations to the Vermont Veterans Home 325 North St., Bennington, VT 05201.
• Cynthia S. Sprague, 80, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 9 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a lengthy period of declining health. Wife of the late Francis “Franny” Sprague. Mother of Karen Nadeau of Brattleboro, Ricky and Marc Sprague, both of Hinsdale, N.H., and David Sprague of Putney. Sister of Richard “Dick” Green of Brattleboro and Mary Harris of Florida. Close friend and companion of the late Joseph Bober. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Born in Orleans, the daughter of the late Harold “Zeke” and Eliza (Stimpson) Green, she attended Brattleboro-area schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1952. She worked most of her career as a bookkeeper at the Montgomery Ward store and Stowell Electric, both formerly in Brattleboro. For several years, she held membership in the Esteyville Neighborhood Association. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family and her beloved dog, “Missy.” She also loved vacationing at York Beach, Maine. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A memorial service was held at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Feb. 17. Burial in Locust Ridge Cemetery will be in the springtime. Donations to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Rescue Inc., P.O.Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Winnifred L. Thomas, 98, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 3 at Pine Heights Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. Wife of the late Leon Thomas. Mother of Chester Thomas and his wife, Shirley of Hinsdale, N.H.; Anders Thomas and Bill of Toledo, Ohio; Lawrence Thomas of Portsmouth, N.H.; Edith Carrier-Brooks and her husband, Ron, of Hinsdale; and the late N. Nygren Thomas. Sister of Phyllis Rouillard of Michigan and the late Delmore, Harold, Lawrence, and Lowell Brooks, and Bertha Abugel, Doris Hodge, Arlene Tuttle and Mildred Norton. Also survived by 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews ,and cousins. Born in Wolfeboro, N.H., the daughter of the late Raymond and Della (Brown) Brooks, she was educated in the Freedom, N.H., school system. She relocated to Vermont in 1936. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and square dancing, and she loved to sit and people-watch. Memorial information: A graveside service and burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rescue Inc., 541 Canal St, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Harry Younger Twiss Jr., 80, of Whitingham. Died Feb. 8 at his home. Wife of the late Elaine (Cross) Twiss for 53 years. Father of Lynn Twiss and her husband, Steve Martineau, of Westminster West; Peter Twiss of Willington, Conn.; Nancy Russell and her husband, Michael, of Jacksonville; and the late Virginia Twiss. Brother of Bob and Sandy Twiss of Bangor, Maine, Sandra and Wayne Williams of Brooksville, Fla., Steven and Carolyn Twiss of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Jerry and Judy Twiss of Easthampton, Mass.; and the late Cheryl, Lois, Ted, and Ella Twiss. Born in Morrisville, the oldest son of nine children of the late Harry and Hesther (Anderson) Twiss Sr., he graduated from St. Michael's High School in Montpelier. He served in the Army, and was stationed in Germany from 1953-1958. He worked for Deerfield Glassine in Monroe Bridge, Mass., for 22 years, owned and operated the Jacksonville General Store with his wife Elaine for seven years, and was a dispatcher for the Vermont State Police in the Brattleboro and Shaftsbury Barracks for 16 years. He was a charter member of the Whitingham Ambulance Service, and served for 20 years. He loved football and was an avid New England Patriots fan. He also loved working around his home and cherished times spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Feb. 13 at Jacksonville Community Church. Interment will be held later in the spring. Donations to the Jacksonville Church or the Vermont State Police Archive Center, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 215 Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Errol Wood, 89, of Putney. Died Feb. 10 at Pine Heights in Brattleboro, where he was a resident for the last three years. Husband of the late Elberta Wood for 60 years. Father of Philip Wood and his wife, Saskia Whallon. Brother of the late Dorothy Bastille and Cecil Wood. Born on West Hill in Putney, the son of the late Willis and Nellie Wood. He attended the little red schoolhouse on West Hill in Putney, and began working for the Brailey Farm in his teens. He went on to work for the town of Putney road crew in the 1940's. He had plenty of stories about plowing snow with the track bulldozer with the V plow and two wing plows, he loved to tell how the exhaust pipe would get cherry red by the time he reached Dusty Ridge. In the 1950s, he bought a log truck and hauled logs to saw mills in Putney and Vernon. His first bulldozer was purchased in 1963 and he was firmly in business for himself. He was very proud of his many ponds and roads that he built during his career as an excavator. He was a very skilled bulldozer and grader operator. In 1972, his son Philip joined him in the family business and continues to operate from Errol's shop on Black Locust Road in Putney. Errol continued to work with his son into his 80's. He had a special team of oxen that he raised as calves. Errol and his big Brown Swiss team were often photographed as they plowed a field or hauled logs. He also hauled sap with the oxen every spring for Quintard Farm sugar house. Snowmobiling, ATVing and Jeeping were some of his favorite pastimes. Getting outside, going over the mountain, and spending good times with good friends was what meant the most to him. An avid deer hunter, the 16 days of the hunting season were time to shut down work and load up the '46 Jeep to go hunting with his brother, Cecil. His stories are legendary and his successes are visible in the large collection of antlers in his home and on the barn. Errol and Elberta spent a lot of time together, but his family and friends remember them most fondly in their enormous gardens. They spent the summers growing enough vegetables to feed everybody that could or would take some home. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: The family is planning a graveside service this spring at Baldwin Cemetery on West Hill in Putney. Donations to the Putney Fire Department. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Peter Alan Zachary, 62, of Westminster. Died Feb. 2 in Rochester, N.Y. Born in Terre Haute, Ind., the son of the late Melton and Mary (Ikemire) Zachary, he was raised in Martinsville, Ill., and attended Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute. He started his career working for All Steel in Aurora, Ill., working as an assembler on the desk line. He advanced quickly through the company and left All Steel as a Vice President. He was also an entrepreneur, founding his own business in which his children still remain active. From there, he moved to Fast Heat in Elmhurst, Ill., as VP of Operations. It was here that he met the love of his life, Jill (Judge) Zachary. In 2001, he moved to Asheville, N.C., where he was self-employed. Peter and Jill were married in 2002 in Las Vegas, and moved to to Westminster in 2005 to work at Jill's family business, R.O.V. Technologies, Inc., where he was Vice President-General Manager. R.O.V. was sold to Rolls-Royce Nuclear Services in March, 2015, and Peter was promoted to Vice President, Key Accounts North America. Hos favorite activity was golf, and he was an active member of the Brattleboro Country Club, serving on various committees, including the office of the President. His wife shared his passion for golf, and they were fortunate to play the game all over the country, including tournament golf. Through golf, they met and made many wonderful friends in the Brattleboro area. He adjusted to life in the country, spending time on his Kubota tractor working on his property. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Heather Leigh Zachary and her partner, Mike Wilhelmsen, of Joliet, Ill., and Nicholas Peter Zachary of Naperville, Ill.; siblings Steph Zachary of Paris, Ill., Don and his wife, Shelly Zachary, of Sandwich, Ill.; Steve and his wife Carla Zachary of Martinsville, Ill., and Tom and his wife Andi Zachary of Calhoun, Ga. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Feb. 12 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro. Donations to Webster's House Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 274, Chester, VT 05143 or to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.