College news
• McKenzie Bover of Brattleboro and Matthieu Fortier of South Londonderry were among 45 Castleton University students who were recently selected to present at the annual Castleton Scholars Celebration: A Showcase of Original Student Work. The event gives the university the opportunity to showcase the rich variety of students' scholarly and creative endeavors at Castleton across academic departments and programs. Each presentation arose from course assignments, capstone experiences, and independent study programs, all supported and guided by faculty mentors.
School news
• On April 22, the Student Council of The Grammar School in Putney hosted a burrito lunch to raise money for the Connecticut River Watershed Council in celebration of Earth Day and the schoolwide study of water this year. In addition, each student was given a reusable waterproof snack bag, designed by art teacher Hannah Richards and sewn by parent and staff volunteers.
Obituaries
• Paula Marie Chickering, 60, of Spofford, N.H. Died April 24, 2016 at her home following a lengthy illness. Wife of Carl B. Chickering for 41 years. Mother of Carleen Chickering of Brattleboro, and Celena Chickering and Amanda Chickering, both of Keene, N.H. Sister of Christopher Moore of Keene and the late George Moore, Jr. and Gail Moore Chickering. Also survived by four grandchildren (with one more on the way), and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Born in Brattleboro on Jan.17, 1956, the daughter of George and Barbara (Pollica) Moore, she was raised and educated in Chesterfield and was a graduate of Keene High School, Class of 1974. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis approximately 40 years ago and courageously lived day-to-day with her illness. She was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed kayaking, painting with oils, playing competitive Scrabble and time shared with her family. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Graveside committal rites and burial took place in the Chickering family lot in Chesterfield West Cemetery on April 29. Donations to the Greater New England MS Society, 101 A First Ave., Waltham, MA 02451. Arrangements were under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro.
• Leon E. Knapp Jr., 57, of South Newfane. Died April 24. He was a loving man who was born to hunt and fish. He was a hard worker who would take the shirt off his back to help someone out. He went to school in Marlboro and Whitingham. He was a man of many talents as a carpenter and logger. He worked at Carroll Concrete and Renaud Brothers. He enjoyed the outdoors and went on a trip of a lifetime hunting elk in Montana. He enjoyed sharing stories with his family and friends. He is well loved and missed by many. He is survived by his mother Nancy Powling; stepfather Percy Powling; fiancee Melissa D. Brown; their son Logan B. Knapp; ex-wife Ann (Wood) Knapp and their three sons Leon A, Evan M., and Orin A. Knapp, his siblings Wannetta Powling and Milo Knapp, three grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews and cousins. He predeceased by his father Leon E. Knapp Sr. and his brother Peter Alonzo. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Funeral services were held April 29 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with graveside committal services and interment in South Newfane Cemetery.
• Antoinette “Toni” Legere, 77, of Jamaica. Died April 21, 2016 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Born in Tufino, Italy on June 2, 1938, the daughter of Domenick and Ursula (Orientale) Prisco, she was raised and educated in New Britain, Conn., and was a graduate of the E.C. Goodwin Technical High School, Class of 1957. She was a longtime resident of Plantsville, Conn., where she was employed as a cashier at a supermarket and drug store. She was a devoted homemaker whose life centered around her family. A devout Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Joseph's Chapel in Londonderry. In 1958, she married David Legere, who predeceased her in 1999. Survivors include two sons, David and his partner, Steven, of Jamaica, and Thomas and his partner, Jay, of Atlanta. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held April 30 at St. Joseph's Chapel in Londonderry. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353. To sign an online register book or send messages of e-condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Patricia Ann “Pat” Lynde, 79, of Guilford. Died April 21 at her home. Wife of Kenneth C. Lynde for 59 years. Mother of Cathy Hunt and her husband, Doug, of Guilford; Cheryl Sund and her husband, Tim, of Greenfield, Mass.; Steven Lynde and his wife, Wendy, of West Brattleboro; and Gary Lynde and his wife, Nancy, of Guilford. Sister of Elaine Forrest of Hampden, Mass., Charles Grant of Ledyard, Conn., and the late Lillian Fisher and Sylvia Curtis. Born in Greenfield, Mass., on Jan. 24, 1937, the daughter of the late Charles and Lillian (Widdison) Grant, she was raised and educated in Bernardston, Mass., and attended the Powers Institute. She had been employed for many years as secretary for the family business, Lynde Well Drilling. In her earlier years, she had worked at the former H. Margolin Pocketbook Shop in Brattleboro. Her love of family was the most important part of her life, next to her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She served both faithfully her entire life. She was involved with her father's gospel music radio program that aired for many years on radio station WHAI in Greenfield. She also was active in the Bernardston Minstrel Shows with her sisters. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she was a member of the Greenfield Christian & Missionary Alliance Church. She enjoyed fishing, puzzles, and reading her Bible and daily devotionals. She also cherished time shared with her family, especially her 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A celebration of her life was held on April 30, with burial in West Guilford Cemetery. Donations to Guilford Cares, 93 March Davis Drive, Guilford, VT 05301. To sign an online register book or send messages of e-condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Jill Marie Martocci-Frost, 74, of Brattleboro. Died April 27 in Brattleboro. Born on March 3, 1942 in Brattleboro, daughter of the late Nicholas Martocci and Corinne June Harris Martocci, she graduated from St. Michael's High School and the College of Saint Joseph the Provider. She took graduate classes at Notre Dame College and Franklin Pierce University. She was a nun for seven years with the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Rutland before becoming an elementary school teacher for 32 years. She started her teaching career in Waterbury at Thatcher Brook Elementary School. She taught at St. Michael's School in Brattleboro for 17 years. In retirement, she loved being with the children and driving a school bus for Laidlaw Transportation and Head Start. She had an immense love for children and joyous people. “Sunshine, rainbows, and lollipops” were her common wish to many, and “Let go and let God” were her other words of departure. “Grammy Jill” had a beautiful spirit, kindness, and a love-filled heart, and always saw the world through wonderous, joyous, and delighted eyes. She lived by the Golden Rule and led by example, teaching her family a way of being, morals and values that are the greatest treasure to them. She was happiest when with her family and friends, in particular, her children Christopher Frost, Jed Frost, Cori Frost Yelverton, and Gionna Martocci-Wismann, and her grandchildren Angel Frost, Nichol Frost, Jed Jasper Frost, Leela Frost, Jasmine Frost, and Ben Yelverton. Her laughter and love will forever linger in our hearts and ears. She was preceded in death by her siblings Frank Martocci, Phillip Martocci, and JoAnne Martocci. She is survived by her children and grandchildren and her siblings Paul, Nicholas, and Mario Martocci. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: She has requested no funeral, but for all loved ones to celebrate and have a good time. Donations to Kids in Coats, in care of United Way of Windham County, P.O. Box 617 Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Evelyn (Brown) Morris, 104, of Stratton, formerly of North Clarendon. Died April 24 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Born March 29, 1912, she was a gentle and caring soul that loved animals, and took great pleasure in watching her birds. She loved to dance and garden, and could grow the most beautiful flowers. She loved being surrounded by her large family at their many get-togethers, and reminiscences about her childhood, filled with many, many funny stories. She also had the ability to stop you in your tracks if you were on the receiving end of one of her looks that her grandchildren referred to as “The Stink-Eye,” which, if you received one, immediately made you “sit up and fly right.” She touched the hearts of so many people that no mere words can begin to express how much she will be loved and missed. She was predeceased by her brothers. Earl Brown of Bridgewater and Forrest Brown of Proctorsville; and her long-time companion Paul Beauchain of East Wallingford. Survivors include her daughter, Virginia Moore, of North Clarendon, seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A small graveside service will be performed at a later date. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Margaret (Mullowney) “Margie” Pelosi, 84, of Wilmington. Died April 23 at her home after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. She made a career in the home decor industry, first at Augustine's House of Carpet in Melrose, Mass., where she and her husband spent many happy years, and later at Sears in Saugus, Mass. Always an amazing cook and baker, she spent much time cooking, perfecting new creations, and teaching many of her nieces her secrets. She delighted in setting the perfect table and in entertaining with charm and grace. She was a woman of simple needs whose family was her only priority. She was a role model for the younger generations of facing adversity with a smile and a cookie. Since her move to Vermont after her husband's death, she challenged the effects of her chemotherapy by continuing to bake, and by spending many of her summer days with dear friends in her trailer at Three Ponds Campground in Brentwood, N.H.. She was the proud wife of her sweetheart, Augustine Pelosi, who predeceased her in 2011. She leaves her son, Robert Pelosi; her son-in-law, James Follett of Wilmington; and her “honorary granddaughters” Justine Hibbard of Woburn, Mass., and Missy Gilbeau of Wilmington. She was predeceased by her parents John and Annie Mullowney, her sister Bernadette Hickey, and her brother William Mullowney, all of Everett, Mass. She was most recently a proud member of St. Mary's in the Mountains Episcopal Church in Wilmington. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral service was held April 27 at St. Mary's in the Mountains Episcopal Church. Donations to Deerfield Valley Rescue or Kindle Farm School.
• Betty E. Rafus, 73, of West Halifax. Died Feb. 19 at the home of her sister Jean in Brattleboro, where she had made her home for the past seven months due to a period of declining health. Born in Halifax on June 24, 1942, the daughter of the late Harry and Ada (Dalrymple) LaRock, she was raised and educated in Wilmington and was a graduate of Wilmington High School, Class of 1960. That year, she married Thomas D. Rafus, who predeceased her in 2010, not long after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a large number of family and friends. She was a homemaker all her life. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her family and preparing meals for them. She was always concerned that there was enough to eat, so there was always plenty of food such as her homemade pies, breads, and baked beans, at gatherings. She also enjoyed her part in maple season, canning all the syrup that was made by the family. She was also a foster mother to 27 foster children from 1968 to 1981. She cared for children from both the Brattleboro and Bennington areas. In addition to foster care, she also babysat for numerous local children. She served on the Elementary School board, was a dispatcher for the Halifax Fire Department, and she and her sister Jean for many years sponsored fundraisers in order to put on the town children's Christmas party and making sure every child in town had a wrapped gift. She enjoyed Bingo, tag sales, knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She shared her handiwork with her family and the community, with countless mittens and hats given to almost every child she knew. She is survived by her sister, Jean Earle and her husband, Dick, of Brattleboro; a brother, Richard LaRock and his wife, Sharon, of Rockwall, Texas; her five children: Jackie Hill and her husband, Joe Signa, of Swanzey, N.H.; Tim Rafus and his wife, Rhonda, of Whitingham; Brad Rafus and his wife, Peggy, of Halifax; Jennifer Birch and her husband, Kevin, of Jacksonville; and Stephanie Pike and her husband, Dennis, of Whitingham; 13 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings Beth Dalrymple and Albert LaRock. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 7, at 1 p.m., at the West Halifax Village Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the West Halifax Elementary School. Donations to the Deerfield Valley Senior Mealsite, P.O. Box 514, Jacksonville, VT 05342. or to Deerfield Valley Rescue; Attn: Heidi Taylor, P.O. Box 854, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Arlene Davenport Reed, 96, of Bellows Falls and Townshend. Died April 26. Born in 1920, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary Davenport of Walpole, N.H. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 76 years. Everett Ernest Reed. She graduated from Walpole High School in 1939 and attended Bay Path College in Brattleboro and worked part-time at a local dental practice. She took pleasure in her second home in Country Village Park in Orange City, Fla., as well as in camping throughout New England. She enjoyed square dancing, watching the Red Sox and UConn women's basketball, along with tending to her bird feeders. She is survived by her two sons, Alan E. Reed and his, Jane, of Wallingford, Conn., and Bruce A. Reed and his wife, Joanne, of Hingham, Mass.; her sister-in-law, Margaret Reed Ross of Walpole and Townshend; and seven grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Hollis Davenport of Rochester, N.H., and her son, David C. Reed. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: A funeral Mass was held on April 30 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls. Arrangements were under the direction of Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls.
•Sophia A. Wessel, 89, of Brattlenboro. Died April 25 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands on July 1, 1926, the daughter of the late Johannes and Neeltje M. (Haagberg) van Hoeven. She was educated in the Netherlands and earned an associate's degree in psychiatric nursing. In 1954, she and her husband, John Wessel, and their two children came to the United States and settled in Brattleboro. She had worked a number of years at the Southeast Regional Library in Dummerston. Previously, she was employed at Leader Beverages in Brattleboro. For many years, she was a volunteer at Brooks Memorial Library and RSVP. Survivors include five children: Nellie Hamilton of Hinsdale, N.H., Willem Wessel of West Chesterfield, N.H., Trixie Stinebring of Spofford, N.H., Joy Trigg of Williston, and Rosemary Wessel of Cummington, Mass., nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and two sisters, both of the Netherlands. Additionally she leaves many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, who died in 2014. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: In accordance with her final wishes, burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery will be private. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Herman Frederick “Ham” Wondroski, 87, of East Jamaica. Died April 24 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Born in Bristol, Conn., on Oct. 28, 1928, the son of the late Edward and Alma (Gertz) Wondrofski, he was raised in Bristol, where he attended public schools and graduated from Bristol High School. He proudly served his nation in the Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged from active service on May 28, 1952. He worked for many years for New Departure, a division of General Motors in Connecticut. He moved to Jamaica more than 40 years ago with his companions, Waldemar and Dorothy Konopas. From 1978 to 1992, he drove school buses in Jamaica and was well-known and loved by the many students he transported over the years. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed farming, vegetable gardening, and hunting with his brother and friends. Survivors include his niece, Donna Bates Gaudio of Wolcott, Conn.; his nephew, Kenneth Norman Bates of Cocoa Beach, Fla.; and his good friend and neighbor, Diane Allen. He was predeceased by siblings Martha Wondrofski Bates and Arthur Edward Wondrofski. MEMORIAL INFORMATION: Graveside committal services with full military honors will be conducted Thursday, May 5, at noon, in East Jamaica Cemetery on Route 30. Donations to Jamaica/Wardsboro Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 179, Jamaica, VT 05343. To sign an online guestbook with messages of e-condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• A graveside service for Winnifred “Winnie” Thomas of North Hinsdale, N.H., who died on Feb. 3, 2016, will be held on Monday, May 9, at 11 a.m., at Oaklawn Cemetery on Meetinghouse Road in North Hinsdale.