Obituaries
• Sarah Ellen Bensenhaver, 58, of Brownington, Vt. Died Sept. 25. Born on Nov. 30, 1957, she grew up in Westminster West. She married Allen Folsom in 1985. Nurturing the land was important to her, and she pursued her talents in gardening at the farm she and Allen owned. She enjoyed taking the family dog for walks through the fields. She was also fond of fishing, reading, writing, as well as studying history. She is survived by her husband, her children, Joshua Folsom of Morrisville, Conn., Jasmine Folsom of Bristol, Conn., and Kathleen Folsom of Brownington, and by siblings Mary Piluski of Hinsdale, N.H., and Charles Bensenhaver of Walpole, N.H. Memorial information: A small commemorative service will be held at a later date for close friends and family. Donations to Northeast Kingdom Human Services or your local humane society.
• Elliott H. “Pickle” Boyd, 88, of Wilmington. Died Sept. 27 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. Born in Wilmington on Sept. 30, 1927, the son of Milo Edwin and Helen (Pratt) Boyd, he attended local schools. In his earlier years, he worked in the paper mill, was an apprentice electrician, and had a milk route. For many years, he was a truck driver in the construction business and worked for Dick Holland, the town of Wilmington, the state of Vermont, Stewart Brown, Haynes Barn Board, Robert Covey, Webster Trucking, Stub Thomas, and Phil Davis. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, farming, old country and polka music. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and spending time with his family. He is survived by his children, Catherine Goodell (Marshall), Gordon Boyd (Deborah), and Robert Boyd (Earlene), all of Wilmington, as well as nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys I. Boyd, and siblings Charlotte Fraser, and Urban, Herbert, and Ernest Boyd. Memorial information: Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m., at Intervale/Cutting Cemetery. There are no visiting hours. Donation to the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, Inc., in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Gregory Ross Bristol, 49, of Kissimmee, Fla., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 30 at his home. He was born in Greenfield, Mass., on April 28, 1967, and is the son of Merlin Bristol of Brattleboro, and Janice Nichols of Kissimmee, Fla. He was the loving father of two children, Avary Bristol and Gregory Bristol, both of Kissimmee, Fla., and the brother of Deborah Bristol of Kissimmee, Fla., and Shelby Bristol of Dummerston. He is also survived by several nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins that will miss him as well. He was an executive chef by trade and while that consumed much of his time he dedicated the rest to his kids, church, and family. He had an easy smile and didn't mind teasing his sisters and kids when he could. When he needed a break from it all, he would find a golf course. He was dedicated to his trade and his family. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Oct. 7 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kissimmee, Fla. Donations can be made to his children at Bank of America, in care of Avary & Gregory Bristol, account number 84147447.
• Bartholomew Fay “Bart” Clayton, 33, of Keene, N.H. Died Sept. 29 at his home. Born in Brattleboro on Nov. 23, 1982, the son of Dwaine and Lynn (Gilson) Clayton, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro and Dummerston. He attended St. Michael's School, Dummerston Middle School, and later Brattleboro Union High School. For the past 14 years, he worked at Phantom Fireworks in Hinsdale, N.H. He was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. He enjoyed classic 1980s movies, hunting.and fishing. He especially loved the outdoors. Survivors include his mother, Lynn Bruce and her husband, Michael, of Hinsdale,; his father, Dwaine Clayton and his wife, Paula, of Townshend; his two children, Jaxson and Bailey Clayton, both of Hinsdale; one brother, Chad Clayton of Hinsdale, his maternal grandmother, Agnes Gilson of Brattleboro, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 in care of Elaine Beam, principal. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Karen Chase, 50, of Guilford. Died Oct. 2 after suffering an unexpected medical event. She was born on April 6, 1966, in Brattleboro, daughter of Roland and Shirley Chase. She grew up in Wilmington, attended Deerfield Valley Elementary School and graduated from Wilmington High School in 1984. She attended the University of Rhode Island from 1984-1986, where she studied journalism and psychology. From 1990 to 1994, she attended Keene State College and graduated with a degree in elementary special education and psychology. She became a certified Reading Recovery teacher in August 1995. Later, she attended Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and received her master's as a Reading Specialist. She began her professional career as a paraeducatior supporting children at the Brattleboro Retreat. In 1994, she continued on as a para working at the Halifax School. She joined the staff of the Deerfield Valley Elementary School in 1999 and was instrumental in the creation of the consolidated Twin Valley Elementary School in 2013 where she continued to work for the past three years. She was a classroom teacher, special education teacher, and a literacy coach during her time at DVES and TVES. She is survived by her husband, Lon Hiebert, of Guilford; her mother, Shirley Chase; her father, Roland Chase and stepmother, Wendy Chase, all of Wilmington. She is also survived by her siblings Julie Chase O'Hare, her husband Dan O'Hare of Holbrook, Mass. and her brother Doug Chase of Bellows Falls, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. She was greatly admired by all who knew her, and was loved and appreciated by the hundreds of children she taught over her long educational career. Her leadership at Twin Valley was unsurpassed and her work ethic was admired by all. Kindness and gratitude were at the forefront of her work as an educator. She knew how to inspire all those around her and made a conscious effort to listen sincerely. She never stopped learning and her passion for reading has been passed on to hundreds of inspired students, young and old. She supported congenital heart research her whole life. Other passions she supported included her appreciation of all animals, great and small, and her delight when sharing the perfect meal with her dear friends. Anyone who knew her was introduced to all things related to sunsets, warm seas, tropical breezes, and the kind of calmness that such images evoke. She valued relationships above anything else, and the phrases heard over and over again on social media since her death can be summed up as “she cannot be replaced, her spirit will always be with us, and she will continue to inspire us all to always do our best.” Memorial information: A celebration of her life took place Oct. 8 at the West Brattleboro Meeting House. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397. Brattleboro, VT 05302; Twin Valley Elementary School in care of the Karen Chase Memorial Fund: 360 RT 100N, Wilmington VT 05363; or the Adult Congenital Heart Association, www.achaheart.org.
• Rosaline Alice “Roz” Davidoff Copans, 97, formerly of of Newburgh, N.Y. and Delray Beach, Fla. Died Oct. 2 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Born on Jan. 20, 1919 in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Pearl Privin Davidoff and Abraham Isaac Davidoff, she grew up in Stamford, Conn. A graduate of Stamford High School, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from New York University in 1939 and a master's in psychology from Columbia University in 1940. In 1941, she married Lawrence William Copans in Stamford. After World War II, the young family moved to Newburgh, where she raised her children and remained active in the local community. She was a candidate for the Newburgh City Council in the 1950s. She worked in the family accounting office, specializing in non-resident state tax returns. She developed a loyal clientele among the firm's regulars, thanks to her acuity and efficiency. Her hobbies were golf, which she greatly enjoyed and won several tournaments, and travel. She was predeceased in April 2007 by her husband, Lawrence Copans; brothers, Milton and Norman Davidoff; and her sister, Muriel Davidoff Lewis. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Stuart and Mary Copans of Brattleboro, Kenneth and JoEllen Copans of Newburgh, and Ruth Copans and her husband John Anzalone of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. She took great pleasure in her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Oct. 5 at the Independent Lodge Cemetery in Darien, Conn. Contributions in her memory may be made to Thompson House, 80 Maple St. Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to the Scott David Copans Memorial Children's Library of Congregation Agudas Israel, 290 North St., Newburgh, NY 12550.
• Marjorie Alice “Midge” Dunham, 100, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 29 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Born in Brattleboro on April 24, 1916, the daughter of Guy and Katherine (Clune) Jones. She was raised in the Esteyville section of Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and later graduating from St. Michael's High School, Class of 1934. She had been employed as night supervisor at the Austine School, which she retired from in 1989. She also worked for the former Maple Farms Dairy, Grant's Department Store, the Holstein-Frisian Association and as a night dispatcher for the Brattleboro Police Department. Active civically, Mrs. Dunham was a volunteer for R.S.V.P, the Brattleboro Senior Center, the Southern Vermont Home Health Agency, and the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce. A devout Catholic, she was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. She was very proud of her Irish heritage. Survivors include one daughter, Janet Taylor of Hollis, N.H., one son, Gary Dunham of Anderson, S.C., three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one nephew. She also leaves her extended family at the Thompson House. She was predeceased by one daughter, Carol Ann; two brothers, Paul and Richard Jones; and two sisters, Jesse Cummings and Evelyn Jones. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Friday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Committal Rites and burial will follow in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, principal. To sign an online register book or send messages of e-condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Glendon “Roger” Grout Jr., 70, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 4 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro following a lengthy illness. Husband of Linda M. (Aleksiewicz) Grout for 33 years. Father of Brett Grout of Northfield, Mass., Kelly Goodell of Yarmouth, Mass., and Heather Brown of Brattleboro. Brother of Nancy Rupe of Pennville, Ind. Also survived by three grandsons and one niece. Born in Brattleboro on Sept. 3, 1946, the son of Glendon and Evelyn (Ford) Grout, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a member of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1964. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas as a truck and tank mechanic. Following his honorable discharge from active service, he returned to Brattleboro. He was a skilled carpenter and woodworker, spending more than 40 years in this profession. For many of these years, he worked for Arnold Lane Builders, and then was self-employed until his retirement in 2011. He was especially happy to assist his friends and family if they needed his help with building a deck or any type of repairs or remodels. He enjoyed as well working on the Class of 1964 Alumni parade floats, many of which were award winners. He was a member of American Legion Post 5. He enjoyed the outdoors, jeeping and camping. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved animals, especially his golden retrievers. He loved to “tinker” and spent many hours in his shop. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Graveside committal services with full military honors will be held in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence to the family. visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• George A. Laine, Jr., 84, of Westmoreland, N.H. Died Sept. 29 at his home following a period of declining health. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on May 25, 1932, the son of George and Alice (Watterson) Laine. He was raised and educated in Brooklyn. He received his B.A. and M.A. in education from Keene State College. He was a resident of Westmoreland for the past 55 years. His first teaching assignment was at Keene Junior High School where he taught art. In 1959, he joined the faculty at Brattleboro Union High School, teaching art until his retirement from BUHS in 1987. To his credit, he established a photography program that was incorporated into the arts curriculum at the high school that included a fully-equipped modern darkroom, at no cost to the taxpayers. During many summers, he worked with the youth and served as art instructor at Camp Walt Whitman in Piermont, N.H. Following retirement, he worked part-time for Webster Trucking Company in Brattleboro. Active civically, he served as deputy constable for the town of Westmoreland and was an active volunteer with the Westmoreland Fire Department from 1961 to 1996. He was a member of the Westmoreland United Church and held membership in the Harrisville Historical Society. He was well known for his spirit of friendship and wonderful sense of humor. Throughout the many years following his retirement from teaching, several of his former students kept in communication with him. Survivors include one son, Sean Laine and his wife Catherine of Westmoreland, a granddaughter, Amanda Laine of Westmoreland, and his beloved German Shepherd “Bucky.” Memorial information: A memorial service in celebration of his life was conducted Oct. 11 at the Westmoreland United Church. Burial in South Village Cemetery in Westmoreland will take place in the spring of 2017. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or to Westmoreland United Church, 8 South Village Common, Westmoreland, NH 03467. To sign an online register book or send messages of e-condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Frank A. LeRay, 68, of Colchester. Died Sept. 27 at the University of Vermont Medical Center after a prolonged illness. Born on April 7, 1948 in Brattleboro, the son of the late Nellie Pearl (Clark) and Donald LeRay Sr., he graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1966 and attended the University of Vermont, majoring in mathematics. He served six years with the 131st Engineers of the Vermont Army National Guard. Frank worked at IBM in Essex Junction as a line operator for 28 years. He had a passion for cooking and was a very accomplished chef. He loved all animals, but especially the many dogs and cats he had during his lifetime. He also loved to travel and took many wonderful trips with the love of his life, Maureen Griffin, and their furry friends. He was also an avid sports fan who stood by his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, through good years and bad. Besides his beloved Maureen, he is survived by his sister, Dorothy Class, his very special niece, Robin Zegge of Brattleboro, his aunt-in-law, Carol Griffin, Maureen's cousin, MJ Fitzgerald, as well as, his good friend William Barrett. He is also survived by numerous nephews and cousins, and his much loved canine companions, Toby, Sammy, and Jethro and his cats, Galaxy and Elvira. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Oct. 3 at Ready Funeral Home in Burlington, with interment in Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington. Donations of The Humane Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness Court, South Burlington, VT 05403.
• Charlotte Marcy Mansur, 32, of Guilford. Died Sept. 30 at her home. A complete obituary will be published in a future edition of The Commons and also posted on the Atamaniuk Funeral Home website, www.atamaniuk.com. Memorial information: A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held on Veteran's Day, Friday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 190 Main St., Brattleboro. A reception will follow the services at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street.
• Irene (Letts) Sorensen Wenker, 89, of Farmington, Conn., formerly of Townshend. Died Sept. 30. She was the daughter of the late Millard and Hazel (Harris) Letts and was also predeceased by her first husband, John C. Sorensen, and her second husband, Harold E. “Bud” Wenker. Her sister, Marion Bulgren, and brothers, Millard and William have died as well. As her family and friends reflect on her life, the memories of family gatherings, parties and lunches with friends, and Christmases in Vermont will be fondly remembered. In her early years, she was quite adept at knitting sweaters and socks as well as sewing clothing for her children. She loved to put together 1,000-piece puzzles, was an avid reader, and was known as a strong competitor in the game of Rummikub. She had been employed as a bank officer for First New Haven National Bank of Connecticut. She will most surely be missed by her family and friends. To carry on her legacy and family traditions, she is survived by her five children: Deborah (Sorensen) Valentine and her husband, David, of Vineland, N.J.; Keith Sorensen and fiance Susan Pawluk of Farmington, Conn.; Dorothy (Wenker) Gagnon and her husband, Don, of Stratford, Conn.; Sharon (Wenker) Richters and her husband, Edward, of Windsor, Conn.; and James F. Wenker and wife, Annette, of Windsor, Conn.; 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, extended family, and special Vermont friends. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Oct. 7 at Newfane Congregational Church. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.