College news
• Randii Elie and Daija Germain of Brattleboro were among more than 160 students who presented their undergraduate research at Keene State College's 16th annual Academic Excellence Conference on April 9. This student professional conference is designed to showcase the academic work of Keene State students and the collaborative work between students and faculty. It allows students to share excellent work with a broad audience, and prepares them for submitting proposals to professional conferences.
• Tilden Remerleitch of Guilford, a sophomore geography major and Chinese minor at the University of Vermont, has been awarded a prestigious Boren Scholarship. The David L. Boren Scholarship is a nationally competitive award that provides up to $20,000 for students to study a critical foreign language in a nontraditional country important to U.S. national security. Remerleitch first formally studied Mandarin in Shanghai during a pre-UVM gap year experience through a State Department-funded National Security Language Initiative for Youth. This summer, in Dalian City, Remerleitch will build her Mandarin language skillset, as a participant on the Critical Language Scholarship program. In September she will return to Shanghai for a full academic year, thanks to the Boren Scholarship.
School news
• Sarah Forrett, a senior from Dummerston, and Manny Vargas, a junior from Brattleboro, were named as the Windham Regional Career Center's Students of the Month for February and March, respectively.
Forrett is the current president of the school's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter. Her business teachers shared that she stepped into that role and brought a very strong and dedicated team forward this year, resulting in her team being named the most outstanding chapter of the year for the state of Vermont. She will be attending Southern New Hampshire University in the fall, with a major in Business Administration. She hopes to return to this area after college to pursue her career.
Vargas has been involved with the culinary arts program at the Career Center, and his instructors say he's usually the first person in the kitchen every day, always working to improve his skills and striving to produce good, quality meals. He plans to attend college after graduation, but isn't sure yet whether he'll focus on culinary arts as a major, since he really hasn't settled on a career path. He is hoping to play college football, though. He played both offensive and defensive tackle for Brattleboro Union High School's varsity football team this year.
Transitions
• Brattleboro Area Hospice has appointed Kathy Leo to the position of Hospice Care Coordinator in the Greater Falls Region. The Hospice Care Program offers trained volunteers and staff who offer practical and emotional support to people at the end of their lives and to their families. In 2003, as an extension of her volunteer work for Hospice, Leo founded the Hallowell Singers, a local group that offers songs for healing and comfort at the bedsides of the ill or dying. Leo also teaches workshops in the practice of bedside singing and has recently completed a manuscript she hopes to publish as a guide through stories.
• Sandy Otero, the office manager at the Brattleboro Development Credit Corp. (BDCC), recently announced her retirement after 16 years. Otero has managed the finances for all of BDCC's projects, as well as running day-to-day operations at its Cotton Mill Hill office.
• Bill Norwood has been hired as Brattleboro Memorial Hospital's new Director of Human Resources. Norwood was previously employed as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Mass., where he focused on employee relations, labor relations, recruitment and retention, compensation, and benefits. A graduate of Greenfield Community College, with a degree in Business Management, Norwood has a professional background in both the insurance and manufacturing industries.
Obituaries
• Sandra A. Adams, 76, of Townshend. Died April 17 at her home. Wife of Stanley Adams for 54 years. Mother of Sven Adams of Jacksonville, Fla., and Lori McDaniel of Bellows Falls. Sister of Wayne Mellish of North Walpole, N.H., Lynn Mellish of Bellows Falls; and Debi Monahan of Bellows Falls. Also survived by four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Born in Brattleboro on July 5, 1939, the daughter of the late Park and Priscilla (Fletcher) Mellish, she was a 1957 graduate of Bellows Falls High School and worked at J.J. Newberry's in Bellows Falls, as a bus aide and as a rental agent in Maryland, and at the O-Zone in Bellows Falls for five years. She was a member of the Women's Club in Bellows Falls, was a Red Hatter, and also served as a Brownie leader in Germany. She enjoyed music, hiking, oil painting, cooking, and baking cookies for her children. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A graveside service was held April 21 in Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls. Donations to Bayada Hospice, P.O. Box 8081, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Pauline “Polly” Yates Brillant, 77, formerly of Bellows Falls. Died at her home in Alabaster, Ala., after a 40-year long battle with Crohns disease and cancer. Born in Bellows Falls on Jan. 25, 1939, the daughter of the late Donald E. Sr., and Margaret Bordeaux Yates, she graduated from Bellows Falls High School, class of 1957. She went on to marry Lorenzo “Pete” Brillant, who survives. They had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on March 4, 2016. After graduation, she started working at Moore-Thompson Paper Company in their accounting department, then at J.J. Newberry's in Bellows Falls. While employed there, she and her best friend, Sandra Mellish Adams, traveled to Rutland, Burlington, and St. Johnsbury to set up and organize J.J. Newberry's stores. Shortly after, she and her husband started and owned Brillant's TV Repair and Service Store for many years. While there, Polly was employed at Vineyard Brands Vine Co. in Chester as account manager. When the company moved to Birmingham, Ala., she moved also and continued as their account supervisor. After 27 years, she retired. Her greatest treasure was spending their vacations and part of her retirement at their summer home in Morgan, Vt., overlooking Lake Seymour. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Bellows Falls since childhood. A very active member of the Order of Eastern Star, Alpha Chapter No. 53, she served in every office and served for six years as its worthy Matron, was made a life member this year after over 46 years. She and her mother were also very active in the American Legion Auxiliary Unit Post 37, where Polly served as chapter president. She is survived by her two daughters Josephine Brillant of Colchester and Paulette Brillant of Helena, Ala.; siblings Florence Y. Storey of Brattleboro, Donald E. Yates Jr. of Barre, Frederick W. Yates and his wife, Lorraine, of Westminster, and Roswell P. Yates of Virginia City, Va. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral service was held April 23 at the United Church of Bellows Falls, with burial at a later date at the convenience of the family. Donations to the American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 304, Alicia Roberts, Treasurer, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Nancy Ruth Comeau, 63, of Brattleboro. Died April 20 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Spouse of Kennethea “Punken” Craig of Brattleboro. Mother of Christine “Crissy” Belcher-Dudley and husband Robert, III of Hyde Park, Vt., and the late Christopher Belcher. Sister of Arthur Comeau and his wife, Karen, of Discovery Bay, Calif., and twin brother Thomas Comeau and his wife Susan of Bay Shore, N.Y. Stepmother of Kenneth and Jeremy Craig, both of Brattleboro. Born in Amityville, N.Y., on May 4, 1952, the daughter of Arthur and Gladys (Leviness) Comeau, she was raised and educated in Farmingdale, N.Y., graduating from Farmingdale High School, Class of 1970. She had been employed by ThyssenKrupp Elevator North America for several years and previously worked as a restaurant manager for several restaurants in New York State. Nancy also owned and operated her own commercial cleaning business, Nancy's Cleaning Service. She enjoyed, reading, writing poetry, family get-togethers, and time shared with her immediate family and close friends. She was a former communicant of St. Kilian's Parish in Farmingdale. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A Liturgy of the Word services will be conducted April 27 at noon at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. A calling hour will precede the service starting at 11 a.m. Donations to Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Charles J. Eno, 93, of Bellows Falls. Died April 14. Born in Bellows Falls on May 11, 1922, the son of Charles and Theresa (Nooks) Eno, he was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School and worked for Moore & Thompson and White Mountain Paper. In 1942, he joined the Army and served in England France, Belgium, and Germany. It was while serving in England that he met Doreen Thumwood, to whom he was married in 1946 in London. He was a member of the American Legion and was an avid sports fan, following Notre Dame football, the Red Sox, and the Bruins. He is survived by his wife Doreen; his daughters, Doreen Rochester and husband, Dennis, of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and Marie Laplante and her companion, Terrance Ryan, of Springfield, and James Eno of Westminster; his sister, Jeanette LaFoe of Connecticut; three grandsons; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers, John and Joseph Eno. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: There will be a calling hour from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 12 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. A funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls. Burial will follow the service in St. Charles Cemetery.
• Diana R. Germain, 87, a former resident of Danby, Vt., and Westfield, Mass. Died March 28 in Bardstown, Ky., following a period of declining health. Wife of the late Elmer J. Germain for nearly 51 years. Mother of Donna Germain of Bardstown, Steven Germain of Campbellsville, Ky., and the late Barbara Germain Rising. Sister of the late Wilfred (Mert) Martell. Also survived by six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, two nieces, and a nephew. Born in Brattleboro on March 31, 1928, the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Bedard) Martell, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and St. Michael's High School. For 14 years, she worked at Digital Equipment Corp. in Westfield, from which she retired in 1988. She had also previously worked at the former American Optical Company in Brattleboro. She was a former communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and had been a charter member of VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. She enjoyed attending yard sales and playing Bingo and cards. She also cherished time spent with her family. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Graveside committal rites and burial will be conducted Saturday, April 30, at 1 p.m., in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
• Sadie C. Kenny, 91, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died April 17 at Thompson House Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Born in Guilford on Sept. 3, 1924, the daughter of Sidney and Gladys (Weatherhead) Coleman, she was raised and educated in Guilford. As a young woman, she was a waitress at Howard Johnson's, before working for many years as an inspector at Concel Paper Manufacturing Co. She later worked at Dunkin' Donuts on Main Street and then the Village Fair Restaurant in West Brattleboro. She was a member of North Hinsdale Community Church for more than 60 years. She enjoyed reading, especially newspapers, as well as flower gardening, sewing, knitting, and time shared with her family. She also loved to go to tag sales and always looked forward to blueberry season. In 1943, she married Robert Kenny, who predeceased her. She is survived by two sons, Steven Kenny of Guilford and Douglas Kenny of Nashua, N.H.; three daughters, Susan Fedraw and her husband, Jim, of Cleveland, Tenn., Gail Sheldon and her husband Carl of Georgia, Vt., and Rebecca Wilson and her husband, Greg, of Hinsdale; siblings Norman Coleman of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Eleanor Emery of West Dummerston, and nine grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two step-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A celebration of life service will be conducted Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m., at the North Hinsdale Community Church followed by a graveside committal in Oaklawn Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Kathryn M. Kesek, 86, of Bellows Falls. died Thursday, April 7, 2016, at the Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehab Center in Middlebury, Vt. Kay was born November 26, 1929 in Weathersfield, Vt., the daughter of Elwin J. and Nellie V. (Heald) Spaulding. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1947. Following her marriage to Robert Sherwood in 1953, she moved to Bellows Falls, where she lived the rest of her life. Kay was active in many local organizations such as the Bellows Falls Moose Club, the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. She was honored in 2011 with the Governor's Award for Outstanding Community Service for her work with groups such as RSVP, Women of the Moose, Red Cross Blood Drive and the Bellows Falls Community kitchen. The award was personally presented to her by Gov. Peter Shumlin at the Statehouse. She married Walter A. Kesek in 1971, and they lived a full and active life together until his death in 1999. She is survived by four sons: Richard Sherwood and his wife, Harriette, of Chester, Walter J. Kesek of Bellows Falls, Mark Kesek of West Swanzey, N.H., and David Kesek of Warren, N.H.; three daughters: Jean Kuhn and her husband, Bryant, of Westminster, Lorraine Dotson and her husband, Stephen, of Center Rutland, and Mary Davis and her husband, Kenneth, of Athens, along with 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings Irwin Spaulding and Carrie Guild, and her son, George Kesek. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 2 p.m. at Fenton & Hennessy Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.Calling hours will be noon to 2 p.m.,with a short prayer service at 1 p.m. by the Women of the Moose. A private burial will take place at a later date. Donations to Mooseheart International, 155 S. International Dr., Mooseheart, IL 60539-1118; or to the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont and New Hamsphire Chapter, 172 N. Main St., Barre, VT 05641-4124.
• Kathleen Dolores (Capone) LaTaille, 84, of Jamaica. Died April 21 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, following a brief illness. Born in Union City, N.J., on July 15, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Emil and Luetta (Elliott) Capone. In 1953, in New Jersey, she married Frederick H. LaTaille, Sr. The couple then moved to Fred's family's dairy farm in Salisbury, Vt. for a year before relocating to Jamaica. With her husband, she owned and operated the former Jamaica Hotel for 16 years after which the LaTailles built a new home on Main Street. Never one to sit still, she managed the former Chocolate Barn in Jamaica, then opened a thrift shop with her dear friend, Jean Brooks. For many years, she made fudge for several stores and gift shops in the valley. She also loved her gardens and took great pleasure in raising hundreds of flower and vegetable plants from seed each year. Survived by daughters Linda (and husband Michael) Antonowicz of Putney and TeriAnn LaTaille of Jamaica; her sister, Rosemary Russell of New Jersey; two special sisters-in-law, Dorothy Capone and Marjorie Capone; and many cherished friends. Besides her husband, Kathleen is predeceased by her husband, her son, Frederick H. LaTaille, Jr., who died in 2015, and her three brothers, Emil, Alfred and Anthony Capone. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: In accordance with her final wishes, burial in Pleasant View Cemetery in Jamaica will be private. Donations to the Grace Cottage Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353 or to Jamaica Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 179, Main Street, Jamaica, VT 05343. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• John Armand Marinaro, 67, of Marlboro. Died April 15. Born in East Orange, N.J. on April 17, 1948, John grew up in North Brunswick, N.J. He attended St. Peter's High School, where he was class vice-president and a star high-hurdler. He graduated from Drew University, where he met his beloved wife of 45 years, Nancie Gerson. He earned an M.S. in Molecular Biology from Seton Hall University and did post-grad studies at City University of New York. His first career, in science, began at Bristol Myers Squibb as a statistician and, later, as a clinical monitor. He served as vice-president for clinical research trials at Anthra Pharmaceuticals, director of clinical management services at RTL, and finally as senior director of clinical trials for Supergen. Then he, with his wife and son, Peter, began a new career as chef and innkeeper of Colonel Williams Inn in Marlboro. A lifelong love of history led him to join the re-enactor groups Warner's Regiment for the Revolutionary War and Campagne de Landis for the French & Indian War. He loved athletics and the outdoors. He was a lifeguard in his youth and sailed for decades with his family. He co-founded the Morris Rugby Club in 1977 and played rugby for 40 years. A Boy Scout leader, he loved hiking and camping trips with his sons. He also loved travel, with family road trips to 39 states and three excursions to Europe. He brewed his own beer for decades, long before home-crafted beers became trendy. He was predeceased by his parents, Janice and Armand, and his brother, Mark. He survived by his wife; his sons, Michael and Peter; his daughter, Gina; his siblings, Anthony and Renee, and many other relatives and friends. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A celebration of his life was held April 23 at the Colonel Williams Inn.
• Brie Elizabeth Momaney, 25, of Spofford, N.H. Died April 20 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 10, 1991, in Richmond, Va., the daughter of Philip Momaney of Brattleboro and Joan (Sadd) Momaney of Spofford. She was raised in Brattleboro where she attended St. Michael's School and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 2009. She was a photo specialist in the photography department at Walgreens on Canal Street for the past five years. Previously, she had worked at Price Chopper in Brattleboro. She brought a beautiful quiet sweetness with her wonderfully quirky artistic spirit. She was admired by many for her determined optimism during her time of illness. She was an avid photographer with an eye for beauty. She also enjoyed jewelry making, hiking and camping, and ghost hunting, as well as time shared with her family and close friends. She is survived by her parents, maternal grandmother Veronica Sadd of Spofford; paternal grandmother Mona Momaney of Brattleboro; her partner, Stephanie Browne of Spofford and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She also leaves a host of friends. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Family and friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on April 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Donations to the Oncology Department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Gannett Building, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Oscar L. Newell, 94, of West Wardsboro. Died April 16 at his home. Born in Wilmington at the home of his aunt, Kate Cooper Davis, on March 13, 1922, he was the son of the late Charles Leonard and Marion Clare (Cooper) Newell. He grew up on the family farm in West Wardsboro, attending local schools and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend. He worked at the former Crosby Milling Company, which later became Agway, retiring following 32 faithful years of service when the company closed. He was an accomplished carpenter and, following retirement, did carpentry work in the West River Valley area. He first married Shirley Elaine Chapin in 1948. Initially, the couple lived on the Howland farm in Dummerston where Oscar worked. The couple later moved to Brattleboro, where they resided until moving to Williamsville in 1963. Following his wife's death in 1981 he returned to the family farm in West Wardsboro to care for his uncle, Malcom Newell. He later married Sandra DeFrancesco, who survives. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and competed in many area tournaments, winning many events throughout the years. He also loved sugaring season every spring at the farm, gathering sap with his childhood friend, Robert “Bob” Allen. Part of his routine was his visits to the Dam Diner in West Townshend, where he enjoyed visiting with his many friends and the diner staff. Besides his wife, he is survived by his four children, Cynthia Bell of Lake City, Fla., Brent Newell of Stratton and West Wardsboro, Rebecca Newell of Jamaica, and Timothy Newell of Brookline. Additionally, he leaves his nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two nieces. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Graveside committal services were held April 23 in West Wardsboro Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m., at Wardsboro Methodist Church, with a reception to follow at the Wardsboro Town Hall. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353, in care of Dr. Robert Backus. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Todd Michael Rabideau, 52, of Brattleboro. Died April 15 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Born in Plainfield, N.J., on Oct. 24, 1963, the son of James and Mary Jane (Deneault) Rabideau. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's School and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1981. He went on to attend Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center for a short time. He worked as a general contractor, and was employed for 10 years by Clark Construction, until the company closed. He eventually established his own general contracting business. He was an accomplished builder with a reputation for his meticulous work. He thoroughly enjoyed his craft and profession. During his younger years, he excelled in sports and enjoyed skiing, fishing, and many other outdoor activities. He was a quiet unassuming and humble man, known for his spirit of friendship and a heart of gold. A lifelong Catholic, he was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Survivors include his mother, Mary Jane Bibeau of Brattleboro, a sister, Jodi Harrison and her husband, J. Robbie, of Brattleboro, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, a brother, Brian James Rabideau, and his stepfather, Robert Bibeau. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: In accordance with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Burial of his cremated remains will be in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to a charity of one's choice. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Virginia Jean Tyler, 84, of Brattleboro. Died April 18 at Thompson House Nursing Home, where she had been a resident since mid-January. Wife of Donald L. Tyler for nearly 65 years. Mother of Kelly Tyler and his wife, Erin, of Brattleboro, Brenda LaRock and her husband, Rocky, of Guilford, and the late Gregory Tyler. Also survived by seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Born in Brattleboro on Oct. 20, 1931, the daughter of Ossip and Teofila (Kobus) Urko, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro High School, Class of 1949. She had worked as bookkeeper for the family business, A.L. Tyler & Son Electric, Inc., for 40 years, retiring in 1994. Previously, she worked at the former Dunham Shoe Company as bookkeeper for their wholesale division. For many years, she wintered in Naples, Fla., with her husband, where she enjoyed playing golf, becoming club champion at her golfing community in 1994. She was a faithful and devoted wife and homemaker whose life centered around her family. She loved family gatherings and time shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She spent countless hours as room mother for all three of her children at the time they were growing up and also served as a Brownie leader and Cub Scout den mother. She enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and taking long walks. She also enjoyed time spent at the family camp in Wilmington. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Funeral services were held April 25 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with burial and committal services in West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association, VT Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495.
• William Edgar Uptegrove, 96, of Jamaica. Died April 22 at Pine Heights in Brattleboro. He was predeceased by his sister, Florence, and his wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Mathews of Abingdon, Va.; his two daughters, Frances Uptegrove of Pomfret and Jane Uptegrove of Philadelphia; four grandsons, three great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of dear friends. Born March 18, 1920, in Hood River, Ore., his family moved east soon thereafter. He grew up in Maplewood, N.J. His high school senior year was spent at The Putney School. From there, he went on to Dartmouth College, graduating in 1942, just in time for World War II. He served in the Navy on destroyers and was awarded the Bronze Star “for meritorious achievement” as gunnery officer of the U.S.S. Fitch on D-Day at Normandy. After the war, he obtained a Master's in Regional Planning from the Harvard School of Design. In 1947, he married Betsey Doolin, whom he had known at Putney School, and they were together until her death in 2012. His first professional job was with the Regional Plan Association of New York. He then was a Town Planner for Greenwich, Conn., a post he held for 10 years. He then took a job with the Monroe County (N.Y.) Department of Planning and moved with his family to Rochester, N.Y. He stayed in this job for 15 years, and was the director for the last eight years. In 1975, he retired to live in Jamaica on an old farm that he and his wife acquired in 1951 as a vacation home. For 25 years, they kept several horses, including a delightful pony, and rode over hill and dale within a radius of a dozen miles from their home. Their daughters became good riders, and neighborhood children often rode with the Uptegroves. They would often take one long horseback trip lasting two weeks, alternately camping out and staying with friends, riding as far north as Tunbridge, then circling back home by a different route. They also enjoyed backpacking in the White Mountains and Adirondacks, and canoe camping on small islands in Lake George, Lake Huron, and Penobscot Bay in Maine. Next to caring for their horses, his main interest at the farm was woodlot management. They heated their house with wood, much of which was obtained from their own woods, using hand tools only. He also made trails for walking, horseback riding, and skiing. He and his wife were environmental activists, especially for clean water. When Jamaica was threatened with uranium mining, they worked closely with Malvine Cole in her organization (Stop Uranium Mining) and were instrumental in getting a protective law passed in the Vermont Legislature. They were active members of the Conservation Society of Southern Vermont, which acquired and protected both Pikes Falls and Hamilton Falls in Jamaica. Later, they became members of the Stratton Area Citizens Committee, West River Watershed Alliance, Vermont Wilderness Association, and Vermont Natural Resources Council. For years, he was a member of the Jamaica Planning Commission and the Windham Regional Commission. He also had an interest in music. When his daughters visited, they often played together. Their favorite pieces were Bach's Suite No. 2 for flute and strings, Haydn quartets, and Mozart quartets. He occasionally played the flute, accompanied by Eleanor Worthen, in the Jamaica Church and with the West River Chorus in Townshend. He most recently lived at June Anderson's house on Locust Street in Brattleboro, and appreciated her kindness and generosity. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Arrangements are pending, and will be announced at a later date.
• Elinor Ann “Ellie” Walsh, 63, of Brattleboro. Died March 23 after a long struggle with COPD. She was born on Feb. 11, 1953 in Queens, N.Y., the first child of Elinor Ann Hudkins and James Joseph Walsh of Long Island City, N.Y. In 1955, after the birth of Elinor's brother, the Walsh family moved to Merrick, L.I., where she spent her formative years. At age 8, her father died, and she spent the rest of her childhood being raised in a small single-parent family. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School and Stanford H. Calhoun High School, prior to earning her Baccalaureate of Science Degree in Psychology from the State University of New Paltz in 1975. After graduation, she married and moved to Greeley Colo., where she lived for a few years working with troubled adolescents in a group home. She returned to the East Coast and Vermont, where she had spent many visits while growing up at her uncle's farm in Gassetts. At the prompting of a good friend of her and her husband's, who sent them a Vermont Life magazine with a feature article about Brattleboro, its countercultural nature, its large psychiatric hospital offering employment, and it generally being a place for hippies to grow old. She worked most of her career at the Brattleboro Retreat, doing both direct patient care and specializing in discharge planning, a role she also filled for a few years at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She ended her 30-year career at the Retreat working in the outpatient children's program. There, her talents for providing caring and respectful yet no-nonsense supportive instruction and supervision seemed to be most appreciated. She would often be seen in meetings busy with her current knitting project yet still able to provide a clear and direct opinion on a topic. She had many artistic talents but, by far, her proudest achievement was, after her second marriage, the birth of her daughter, Mariah K. Hayes, of Putney. She is survived by her brother, James Joseph Walsh, of Saxtons River, and her extended family, many of whom go by the name Hudkins. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 30, at 10 a.m., at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed at noon by a celebration of her life at a memorial gathering at Turning Point Recovery Center, 39 Elm St., Brattleboro.