College news
• Jonathan Elwell of Brattleboro, a member of the class of 2019 at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., is a member of Carleton's men's soccer team for the 2016 season.
Obituaries
• Judith “Judie” Vincelette Deschaine, 71, of Guilford. Died Oct. 13 at her home. Partner of Steve Martin. Mother of Michelle Vincelette. Sister of the late Jean Vincelette Provencher and Terrance and Carl Vincelette. Also survived by two granddaughters and many nieces and nephews. Born April 21, 1945, in Springfield, Mass., the daughter of the late Paul E. and Mary R. (Marchand) Vincelette, she graduated from Cathedral High School with the Class of 1963 and, later, from Community College of Vermont in Brattleboro. She retired from Brattleboro Memorial Hospital's Ambulatory Care Unit, and was an LNA doing home health care duties. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #2445, where she served as president and past president, and the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary. She was a volunteer for Brattleboro Area Hospice. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, and loved to cook, sew, crochet, and knit. She loved her family and enjoyed the young people who came to visit. Memorial information: A memorial celebration and pot luck will be held Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m., at the Eagles on Chickering Drive in Brattleboro. Donations to Guilford Cares, the Windham County Humane Society, or Brattleboro Area Hospice.
• Alfred A. Dunklee, 87, of Vernon. Died Oct. 11 in Greenfield, Mass. A lifelong resident of Vernon, he was the longtime owner and operator of Vern-Mont Farm, LLC, a thriving dairy farm in South Vernon. He was born on Aug. 4, 1929, in Northfield, Mass., the son of Warren and Mildred (Lackey) Dunklee. He graduated from Brattleboro High School and Vermont State Agricultural School before joining his father in running the family dairy farm. Over the years, he continued to expand its operation and was always striving to be a good steward of the land. In later years, he could often be found touring the farm on a golf cart. He married Martha Whitney on May 31, 1962, in Manchester, Md.; they were married for 54 years. A longtime supporter of the Boston Red Sox, he was ecstatic when they won the World Series in 2004, saying then he didn't know if he would live long enough to see the Sox win a World Series in his lifetime. He had a passion for owning John Deere tractors and farm equipment. He was a people person and enjoyed talking to people in person and frequently on the phone. He took great pride in growing tall, green corn and was often a winner of the National Corn Growers Yield contest for the state of Vermont. He served on the board of directors of Yankee Farm Credit Bank or one of its predecessors for 33 years. He was chair of the bank board for 17 years. He served his community as a town lister in the early 1970s. He was active in numerous agriculture organizations, including Holstein Association USA, National DHIA, the New England Milk Promotion Board, and the Vermont Farm Bureau. Besides his wife, Martha, he is survived by his son, Jeffrey and his wife, Kelli, of Vernon, granddaughter Whitney, his sister, Martha (Dunklee) LaMoria of Newfane, many nieces and nephews, and his dog, Maggie. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Ruth (Dunklee) Johnson and Alma (Dunklee) Mankowsky. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Oct. 24 at Vernon Advent Christian Church, with burial in South Vernon Cemetery. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090.
• Joseph Lonnie Earle, 48, of Guilford. Died Oct. 13 in Guilford from injuries suffered after an automobile accident. He was born July 9, 1968 in Copley Hospital in Morrisville, the first son of Herschel and Linda Allen Earle. He is survived by his mother; siblings Jim, Jason, John, and Jolene; several adored nieces and nephews; and his life partner, Marli Rabinowitz. He was predeceased by his father and a niece, Molly. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held Oct. 23. A celebration will be held in Eden, Vt., at a later time. Donations to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, 198 Farr Ave., Morrisville, VT 05661; or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• John Brooke Evans, 78, of Dummerston. Died Oct. 17 during his return flight from Tucson, Ariz., where he had completed a spiritual retreat. He was born and raised in Montclair, N.J., the son of the late Norris H. Evans and Beatrice Clark Evans. He graduated from New York University in 1960. His journalism career included stints at The Ridgewood News, The Washington Post, and The Newark Evening News. He went on to a successful career in corporate public relations at Johnson & Johnson. In 1984, he started Evans Communications, which he and Barbara ran until their retirement in 2000.
John was intellectually curious and valued that quality in others. He spent much of his adult life studying many spiritual traditions. Beginning with childhood vacations in the Adirondacks, he was an avid fly fisherman and fly tyer for many years. Nearly all his summers included time in the Adirondack Mountains, where his family had bought a camp in the late 1800s. He loved spending time with his brother and son fishing in the family guide boat in the quiet bays of Blue Mountain Lake. He and his family also spent many canoeing and camping vacations along the rivers and lakes of northern Maine. Sixteen years ago, he and his wife, Barbara, spent months looking for the place that would be their true home. They found it, at first sight, on a hilltop in Dummerston. There, he tended his pond and pasture, barn and house, fought to control invasive species, and served for many years on the council of Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife, whose newsletter he edited. He was a meticulous worker, whether building bookshelves, doing home repairs or creating a healing mixture of essential oils. He undertook many ambitious projects, most recently a wall to support a terrace, often with the assistance of wonderful neighbors who helped him out of tough spots. Whatever the project, he scoffed if someone called him an expert - there was always so much more to learn. After his death, a neighbor remarked that “he never settled for 'good enough.'” His compassion showed early. His sister remembers him as “my buffer against some of the more unpleasant parts of life. He was always there with a hand on my shoulder.” He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, David Evans of Brattleboro; his sister Ann Evans and her husband, Terence Stoeckert, of Hoboken, N.J.; and his brother, Norris Evans and his wife, Constance, of Dummerston. He is also survived by a niece, Hannah Coates, and nephews Owen, Galen, and Laran Evans. Memorial information: Family observances will be private, but family members are deeply appreciative of the sympathy and support from so many neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Donations to Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife, 72 Main Street, Vergennes, Vermont 05491.
• William R. “Billy” George, 30, of Townshend. Died Oct. 12. He was born in Rutland, the son of Russell George and Pamela Johnson. He was a lifelong West River Valley resident. He attended elementary school in Windham Elementary, went on to attend Leland & Gray, and later earned his diploma from the Community High School of Vermont. He was employed as a painter for New Start Painting. He enjoyed camping, fishing, swimming, and his dog. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his father, of Brandon; his mother, of Townshend; a brother, James Johnson and his wife, Shanika, of Alaska; a sister, Kelly Johnson of Townshend; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Oct. 21 at Ker-Westerlund Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Donations to the Phoenix House RISE Men's Supported Living Program, 435 Western Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Yvonne M. Highter, 102, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 19 at her home. Born in Montpelier on Feb. 4, 1914, the daughter of Edmund and Eugenie (Rousseau) Gingras, she was raised and educated in Montpelier, graduating from St. Michael's High School, Class of 1932. A resident of Brattleboro since 1948, she worked as a sales associate in the baby and toddler department at the former J.E. Mann department store in Brattleboro. Previously, she worked for several years in the S&H Green Stamps store in Brattleboro. A devout Catholic, she was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Ava Maria Circle #128. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, sewing and going on camping trips with her family. In 1937, she married Alfred Highter, who predeceased her in 1989. Survivors include two daughters, Judith Austin and her husband, Larry, of Montpelier and Jean Highter of Brattleboro; one son, John Highter of Brattleboro, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a special young woman, her caregiver, Katie Bristol. She was predeceased by one son, Douglas who died in infancy, two brothers, Adrian and Bernard Gingras, and two sisters, Marie Doyle and Rita Rivers. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 22 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial at St. Augustine Parish Cemetery in Montpelier. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, in care of Elaine Beam, principal, or to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of VT & NH, P.O. Box 1339, White River Jct., VT 05001. To sign an online register book with messages of condolence to the Highter family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Sarah P. “Sally” Lawrence, 79, of Townshend. Died Oct. 18 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. She was born Nov. 30, 1936, in New York City, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Ruth (Ruggles) Polhemus. She graduated from Brattleboro High School and married E. Donald Lawrence in New York City in 1953. She worked for Mary Meyer in Townshend for 10 years, at Vermont Academy, and in the lunch program at Grafton Elementary School. She was also a housekeeper for Valley Health Council. She volunteered for Council on Aging as a homemaker and at the Rockingham Memorial Hospital coffee shop. Survivors include her husband; a son, Scott Lawrence of Grafton; a brother, Kenneth Polhemus of Arlington, Texas; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Timothy Lawrence. Memorial information: Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.
• Beatrice Ann “Bobbie” Lavoy, 89, of Wilmington. Died Oct. 13 at home. She was born in Stamford, Vt., on Sept. 5, 1927, the daughter of Charles and Marguerite Dunn. She was the eldest of four children, brother Charles and sisters Geraldine and Joanne. In early childhood, the family moved to Wilmington where she resided the rest of her life. She graduated Wilmington High School in 1945. She was married to her husband, Raymond C. Lavoy, for 70 years. They had six children: Tamara (Eugene Karwoski), Dennis, Susan (Carl Ruprecht), Mark (Marie), Christopher, and Lisa (Jon Levitas). They had 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Joanne Brown; and a grandson, Kevin Lavoy. She was a homemaker and worked as bookkeeper for the family business. Some of her interests included country music and visiting flea markets. She especially enjoyed photography and always had her camera at the ready, as anyone who knew her can attest. She cherished time spent with her husband, family, and friends. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Oct. 19 at Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home in Wilmington, with interment in the family lot in Riverview Cemetery. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital c/o Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Edwin H. Lemp, 80, of Naples, Fla., formerly of Bellows Falls. Died Oct. 17. He had been a resident of Naples since 1987. He was the owner of White Metal Rolling and Stamping. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ann Marie (LaVecchia) Lemp; daughters Patricia Bushway and her husband, Harold, and Joanne Perry and her husband Raymond; and four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are siblings Lillian Lemp of Middle Village, N.Y., Ronald Lemp and his wife, Dorothy, of Succasunna, N.J., and several nieces and nephews. MEmorial information: Private services will be held at the family's convenience at a later date. Donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
• Charlotte Ann Marcy Mansur, 32, of Guilford. Died Sept. 30. She was born on July 19, 1984 in Brattleboro. She attended St Michael's School, The Grammar School in Putney, Guilford Elementary School, Brattleboro Union High School, Community College of Vermont, and Keene State College. She was pursuing a degree in law enforcement. Growing up, she spent her time outdoors playing baseball, swimming, and building tree houses and forts in the woods. She was a hockey sister for 10 years and could hold her own ice skating on her home pond. Workshop projects with her father, watching/helping her mother in the garden, playing with her brother, participating in gymnastics, bike riding, and camping with family filled many hours. She had an innate love of animals. Horses were a central part of her life since she was a child. She learned how to groom horses and do many barn chores in exchange for riding lessons and the opportunity to compete in horse shows. Show ribbons lined her bedroom walls. At the age of 15, with the money earned caring for horses and various pets, she was able to purchase her first horse, Jupiter. Charlotte's athleticism, courage, and love of horses seemed a natural fit to equestrian vaulting and cattle penning in which she later participated. In 2002, Charlotte joined the Vermont Army National Guard. She earned a physical fitness award in basic training and then continued with advanced military police training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. She sold her horse in preparation for deployment to Iraq with the Arizona Army National Guard's 860th Military Police Company. She served in Iraq from 2005-06 and suffered head and spinal injuries during this time when the vehicle she was driving came in contact with an explosive device. Horseless when she returned home, she rescued a white Percheron/Quarterhorse cross. Asked to deploy to Iraq again in November 2006, she served with the Army's 759th Military Police Battalion from 2006-08. She remained in action and was meritoriously promoted to sergeant. She was proud of her service and of the soldiers with whom she served, and mourned those that were lost in and after battle. Her horse, Mike, was waiting for her when she returned. In 2009, she purchased an acre of land in Guilford and designed and built a small house with the help of her parents and family friends. Her horse was able to be boarded nearby. Around that time, she drove to Missouri to purchase a Weimaraner puppy who she named Houligan. This dog became her faithful canine service companion. She volunteered for many years at the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center's emergency overflow shelter where she met an outreach coordinator, Paul Mansur. They were later married in October 2013. In December of that year, she retired from the military. As a result of her war-related injuries and experiences, she lived with chronic back pain coupled with the diagnoses of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. At a horse event on Labor Day 2014, her health was further affected by a life-threatening heat stroke resulting in an anoxic brain injury that left her with compromised speech and mobility. She was in various recovery settings for 21 months over the last two years. During that time, countless compassionate health care providers crossed her path, providing outstanding medical care. She remained involved with training and riding horses at Southern Vermont Therapeutic Riding Center in Wilmington, the Chester Vietnam Veterans Warhorse PTSD Program, and Full Circle Farm in Newport, N.H. She found comfort in the familiarity of a horse's presence. Given her years of equine experience, the therapeutic benefits from riding were an excellent match for her ongoing rehabilitative process. Her work ethic, determination, and independent spirit were an inspiration to many. She muscled her wheelchair over rough terrain, raced a mile in a charity race for the Marine Corps Special Operations Command, and participated in this year's Mark Dooley 5K memorial race in Wilmington on Sept. 24. She soldiered on in her quest for independence in her life. However, in her own words, she was “unable to come to terms with being handicapped.” She chose to take her own life, leaving behind her a legacy of courage and perseverance. She is survived by her parents, Therese and Michael Marcy of Guilford; her brother, Marine Corps Major Paul Marcy and his partner, Kate; a special friend, Gabrielle; and many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Memorial information: A celebration of her life and spirit will be held at the First Baptist Church, 190 Main St., Brattleboro, on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. The service will be followed by a reception at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St, Brattleboro. All are welcome to attend. If anyone wishes to sign an online guest book, visit www.atamaniuk.com. There will be a private burial service at a later date at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph. As an ongoing tribute, the Charlotte Ann Marcy Memorial Fund has been established to support others in therapeutic riding and sports programs in honor of Charlotte's thoughtful nature, kinship with horses, and openness to the process of healing. Donations can be sent to the Charlotte Ann Marcy Memorial Fund, in care of Brattleboro Savings & Loan, P.O. Box 1010, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Richard E. Nelson, 95, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 15 at his home. He was born in Pontiac, Mich., on Sept. 30, 1921. In the 1940s, he married Marjorie Carlson, who predeceased him in 2001. He married Pat Verboom in 2003 and they moved to Plano, Texas in 2010. He started working in Kansas for the Holstein Association in 1950, the world's largest dairy breed organization. Two years later, he moved his family to Brattleboro to work at the company's headquarters. When he retired in 2004, he was the executive assistant of domestic affairs at the Association. During his 54-year tenure with the Association, he was influential in building the Holstein breed to its current prominence in the industry. He was probably most identified with the initiatives that contributed to maintaining the integrity of the Association's records. Before he retired, he had been working with the Holstein Association National Farm Animal Identification and Records (FAIR) Program on national animal identification efforts, an initiative he began over 40 years ago to protect the livelihood of the country's dairy and livestock producers with electronic identification. He served as the chair of the U.S. Animal Health Association Livestock Identification Committee. He was a contributing editor of the International Embryo Transfer Society Manual, and co-author of the chapter which is accepted as the world standardized record system for identification of embryos. Winning numerous industry awards, including the prestigious World Dairy Expo Industry Person of the Year, his accomplishments speak loudly for a successful career in animal agriculture. He also received the Distinguished Service Awards from the National Pedigreed Livestock Council; Iowa State University Dairy Science Club; American Embryo Transfer Association; International Embryo Transfer Society, and the Meritorious Service Award from the Livestock Conservation Institute. In 1990, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Holstein Association, its highest honor, and he was one of only five individuals to achieve this honor in the past 100 years. Locally, he was very involved in community organizations including the Brattleboro Rotary Club, where he was both vice president and president. He was the president of the Brattleboro Council of Churches, and was active in Centre Congregational Church. An avid skier, he was on the board of governors for the Brattleboro Outing Club, serving for 25 years. He was president of the club when it was awarded the outstanding outing club in the U.S. in 1967. He helped establish the Brattleboro Outing Club Educational Foundation, and was the past president of the Eastern Ski Association. He served on the board of directors for both the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Vermont Association and chaired the Brattleboro Zoning Board of Adjustment for five years. He graduated from Iowa State University, and served in the Army Air Force as a B-17 pilot with 35 successful missions over Europe during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Pat Verboom; his two children, Karen Nelson and Dave Nelson; a younger brother, Ken Nelson. His sister, Loretta Bengtson, predeceased him. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Oct. 25, at 1 p.m., at Centre Congregational Church, with burial with military honors at Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Mark Michael Neurock, 63, of Bellows Falls. Died Oct. 15 at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center after a battle with cancer. Born at the U.S. Army Hospital in Nuremberg, Germany, on August 13, 1953, he was the son of the late Major (ret.) John Neurock and Janet Butler Neurock. He grew up in Cheverly Md., while his father was stationed at Fort Meade and Fort McNair in the Washington D.C. area. When his father retired, the family moved to Pennsylvania, where he attended St. Xavier Academy in Latrobe, Pa., and graduated from Derry (Pa.) Area High School. He was a proficient truck driver since the early 1970s, and drove right up till mid-August of this year. He was an avid sportsman and voracious reader. He loved his cats and dogs very much. He is survived by one son, Jonathan B. Neurock and his wife, Megan, of Winchester, N.H.; sisters Judi Ann Abate and husband, Bill Abate Jr, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Mary Winifred Gearing of Greensburg, Pa.; and two grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Paul Neurock of Richmond, Va., and his former wife, Candace Clace Thompson, of Byron Ga. Memorial information: At his request, there will be no services. Cremation arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. In honor of Mark and in celebration of his life, pay forward his kindness to a pet or take your child fishing.
• Spencer Alexander Reed, 92, of Tilton, N.H. Died Oct. 6. Born in Dummerston on Sept. 11, 1924 to the late Harold and Rena (Smith) Reed, he proudly served his country with the Army's 87th Infantry Division during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After being honorably discharged, he married Marjorie Nelson and began a family. Spencer spent most of his working years in construction as a crane operator. He was very proud of the bridge and building projects he participated in and enjoyed recounting stories about them in the last few weeks of his life. He was also a strong advocate of hydroponic farming. He enjoyed maple sugaring and, in recent years, took great pleasure in attending the annual reunions of the 87th Infantry Division. His love of life was demonstrated when he went sky-diving on his 90th birthday. Described as a no-nonsense man of few words who adored his wife and children, he loved nothing more than being surrounded by family. He is survived by his children: James A. Reed and his wife, Penny; Robert Reed and his wife, MaryJo; Randall Reed and his significant other, Nancy Brooks; Kathleen Lees and her husband, Richard; Cynthia O'Brien and her husband, Fred; Christopher Reed and wife, Val; and Pamela Doubleday; as well as 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased in 2011 by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie (Nelson) Reed, and his brother, Stuart Reed. Memorial information: A graveside committal service with military honors will be held Thursday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m., at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway in Boscawen. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is assisting the family with arrangements.
• Jill R. Stahl, 53, of Wilmington. Died Oct. 14 at Pine Heights in Brattleboro. She was born in St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 14, 1963, the daughter of Dean and Mary (Shultz) Stahl. was employed in the Expense Lead Department at C&S Wholesale Grocers for many years. She loved her job and would participate in many fundraisers and outings with her co-workers. She enjoyed gardening, spending time with her dog Tasha, knitting, crocheting, and making jewelry. She loved to spend time at her cabin in Phippsburg, Maine. She is predeceased by a brother, John Stahl. She is survived by her parents; her partner of 23 years, Raif Southworth of Wilmington; a brother, Greg Stahl of Somerset, Wisc.; a sister, Margaret Houle and her husband Armand of Attleboro, Mass.; and a nephew, Brian Houle, also of Attleboro. Memorial information: Per her request, there will be no services. Donations to Pine Heights at Brattleboro Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, 187 Oak Grove Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Kirby Robert “Kirb” Staib, 42, of Wardsboro. Died Oct. 18 in Wardsboro. Born in Brattleboro on Aug. 11, 1974, the son of Donald and Joan (Cole) Staib, he was raised and educated in Wardsboro and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Union High School, Class of 1993. Following high school, he went to work for Stratton Mountain Ski Area and later became employed as an equipment specialist for the Vermont Agency of Transportation, based in Jamaica. He was known as a hard worker and, in conjunction with his full-time employment, he also worked as a general contractor in the Wardsboro area. He enjoyed spectator sports, hunting, fishing and time with his family. He is survived by his parents, of Wardsboro; his companion, Laurie Gallagher of Wardsboro; a brother, Lonnie Staib and his wife Laura of Banesberry, Tenn., several aunts, uncles, two nephews, four nieces, and many cousins. Additionally he leaves his two beloved Rottweilers, Tonka and Roxanne.
• Donald A. “Don” Staib, 83, of Wardsboro. Died Oct. 23 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, following an extended illness. Born in Bethel, Conn., on June 24, 1933, the son of Harold and Evelyn (Frede) Staib, he was raised in Bethel and graduated from Bethel High School. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Army during the Korean War. In 1962, he married Joan (Cole) Staib. He worked as a self-employed general contractor in the Bethel/Danbury Conn., area prior to moving to Wardsboro, where he continued his business with his late son Kirby, (Kirby Staib & Father General Contracting). With his wife, he had been a resident of Wardsboro for over 50 years. An ardent outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and time spent at his camp in Averill, Vt. He was known as devoted family man who during his life experienced many personal tragedies, including the loss of three children. Besides his wife of 53 years he leaves one son, Lonnie Staib and his wife Laura; one sister, Betty Lou Hallock of Danbury, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son and daughter, Donald Staib, Jr. and Laurie Staib, who both died in a house fire, another son, Kirby Staib, who died on Oct. 18, 2016, two brothers, Delwin and Harold Staib and a sister, Evelyn Bailey. Memorial information: Graveside committal services for Kirby and Donald Staib were conducted Oct. 25 in West Wardsboro Cemetery. Donations to Wardsboro Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 151, Wardsboro, VT 05355, or Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Amelia L. (Genovese) Zezima, 95, of Westminster. Died Oct. 15. Born in Stamford, Conn., in 1921, she was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Michael D. Zezima. She lived in Stamford for most of her life until moving to Vermont in 2006. Mother of Fran Walsh of Westminster and Michael Zezima III of Bradenton, Fla. Grandmother of Mandy Walsh Fischetti of Saxtons River, Megan Shanks of Westminster, Amy Girvalo of Putnam Valley, N.Y., Salli Weiss of Mahopac, N.Y., and Josh Buchetto of Florida. Also survived by nine great-grandchildren. She was a selfless and caring woman who loved her family and friends until her last breath. Memorial information: She will be laid to rest in Westminster beside her loving husband and son-in- law. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Card of Thanks
• The family of Burdette B. Bills expresses its gratitude to family and friends for their tremendous outpouring of love and support by attending the services and arranging and providing a wonderful luncheon and time of fellowship. Thanks, also, to Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.