Transitions
• Robert Bassett, M.D. has joined the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine department. He comes to BMH from his most recent appointment at Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, N.H., preceded by positions at hospitals in California and Kansas. He has taught extensively within the University of Southern California School of Medicine, and has co-authored and contributed to many scholarly articles on a wide range of orthopaedic conditions and procedures. He is board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery, with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery.
• Richard Berkfield and Daniel Seals were recently elected to the Brattleboro Food Co-op Board of Directors. Berkfield is executive director of Food Connects, a symbiotically compatible organization that works to make local healthy food accessible to all. He has been a member of Vermont Farm to School Steering Committee, Vermont Farm to Plate Steering Committee, and a Vermont delegate to the New England Food Summit. He has been a working member of the Brattleboro Food Co-op since the day after his family moved to Brattleboro in 2007. Seals is a staff representative to the Board of Directors, and works in the Co-op commissary kitchen as a cook. He also joined the Co-op soon after moving to the area from Philadelphia, where he was involved with the Weaver's Way Co-op as a member owner. He is a volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and a member of the Putney Rowing Club.
Obituaries
• The Rev. Paul Gerhard Alberti, 93, of Londonderry. Died Nov. 29 at Our Lady of Consolation in West Islip, N.Y., following a period of declining health. Born on March 24, 1923, in Brodhagen, Ontario, Canada, the youngest son of Rev. Johannes and Johanna Alberti, his family emigrated to the U.S. in 1932 and settled in Johnstown, Pa., and eventually Philadelphia, where he attended public schools. He graduated from Olney Senior High School in Philadelphia in 1940 and then Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y., in 1944. He attended the Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and was ordained in 1946. He obtained a graduate degree from the New York Theological Seminary in 1975. In 1946, he married Dorothy E. Gross. Their life together included various periods serving churches in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as Malaysia, before the Albertis retired and moved to Londonderry. They founded Koinonia of Vermont with the mission of the creation of a New England center for development of spirituality and Christian community. His dedication is best expressed in this quote from Mother Teresa: “The fruit of Silence is prayer. The fruit of Prayer is faith. The fruit of Faith is love. The fruit of Love is service. The fruit of Service is peace.” He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, and is survived by five loving children; Paula Ciancola of Branford, Conn., Janet Bernzott of West Islip, N.Y., Kenneth and his wife, Lisa, of Londonderry, Peter and his wife, Faith, of South Londonderry, and Richard and his wife, Colette, of East Islip, N.Y. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Memorial services were held Dec. 10, 2016, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Babylon, N.Y., and will be held Dec. 17, at 2 p.m., at Second Congregational Church in Londonderry. Donations to either the Second Congregational Church, 2051 North Main St., Londonderry, VT 05148; or Cross of Christ Lutheran Church at 576 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, N.Y. 11702.
• Gideon Spence Applegate, 89, of South Newfane. Died Dec. 4 at the Vermont Veteran's Home in Bennington. Born on Dec. 2, 1927 in Newport, R.I., the son of Gideon and Roseana (Pine) Spence, his parents predeceased him when he was a child and with his three sisters became foster children of Clarence and Nellie Applegate of East Providence, R.I., who adopted him as a son. He was raised and educated in East Providence where he graduated from East Providence High School, Class of 1945. While in high school, he excelled in varsity sports and later was inducted into the East Providence High School Hall of Fame. While still in high school, he also played professional baseball in the Negro Leagues - in 1943 for the New York Cuban Giants and in 1944 for the New York Black Yankees. In 1946, he enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged from active service in 1948. He held membership in the Disabled American Veterans Association of Rhode Island. After returning home from the Navy he attended Brown University for two years. He resumed his professional baseball career in 1949 as the first black player in the Boston Braves organization. He later played in the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox organizations. In six seasons in the minor leagues, he compiled a 45-26 record as a pitcher and was selected to play in three all-star games. After retiring from his baseball career in 1953, he went to work as a cartographer for the Defense Mapping Agency in West Warwick, R.I., and retired from his position following 30 years with the U.S. Government. While a resident of Rhode Island, he served as a referee for the Rhode Island Football Officials Association and refereed high school and Pop Warner games. He was a member of the Eastern Association of Intercollegiate Football Officials. He was inducted into the Providence Gridiron Club Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1997 he also received the Elizabeth Porter Award from the Rhode Island Football Officials Association. He also was a local tennis and ski instructor. Being a gifted athlete throughout his life, he enjoyed all sports, especially skiing and tennis and of course baseball. He enjoyed music and most of all, time shared with his family. He was a member of the Haven United Methodist Church in East Providence and locally attended the South Newfane Church. In 1971, he was married to Eleanor M. Greenwood who survives. Besides his wife of 45 years he leaves two sons, Gideon Spence Morse of Amherst, Mass., and Joshua Spence Applegate of Park City, Utah, two grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his four sisters. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with military honors were held Dec. 10 in South Newfane Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m., at the Haven Methodist Church in East Providence. Donations to Townshend Community Food Shelf, P.O. Box 542, Townshend, VT 05353 or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Jasmine Leigh Blake, 28, of Plymouth, N.H., formerly of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 7 at Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth from complications of diabetes. Born in Brattleboro on Aug. 23, 1988, the daughter of Thomas St. Dennis of Saratoga, N.Y., and Tammi Whelan (Anthony Strange) of Rutland. She was raised and educated in Hinsdale and was a graduate of Keene High School, class of 2007. She worked for several years as a licensing clerk for the state of New Hampshire. Her interests included shopping, designer handbags, photography, and spending time with her family and friends. She had a passion for low riders, including her own Honda Civic. She could also be found rooting on her favorite team, the Golden State Warriors. Besides her mother and father, Jasmine leaves behind her fiancée, Justin Racine of Plymouth; her adopted uncle with whom she resided for many years, Robert White of Plymouth; her best friend, Courtney Stanclift of Alstead, N.H.; and three aunts, Terri Whelan (Eugene Wilcox), Traci Gundry, and Tonni Class; three cousins, Trevor Gundry, Brionna Gundry and Delaney Wilcox; and her grandmothers Sandra Bennett of Hinsdale, N.H., and Eloise St. Dennis of Elizabethtown, N.Y. Memorial information: A memorial gathering was held Dec. 13 at American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. Donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Katherine Mary “Catty” Blake, 89, of Islesboro, Maine and Bellows Falls. Died Nov. 11 at Boardman Cottage in Islesboro. She was born in North Walpole, N.H., on March 7; 1927. She was married to John Gerald Blake on Aug. 3, 1947 ,and was his wife for more than 60 years. Together, they raised eight children in the Gageville section of North Westminster. She was predeceased by her husband, John, her son, David, and her daughter, Eileen, She is survived by her six children: MaryBeth Blake of Islesboro; Rev. Peter Blake of St. Louis; Pauline O'Brien and her husband, Joe, of Bellows Falls; Thomas Blake of Fitzwilliam, N.H.; Katherine Blake of Bellows Falls; and Pat Lindahl of Clinton, Conn. In addition, she is survived by 13 grandchildren and a vast number of nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren who comprise her loving family. She was the last surviving member of the Kiniry family of North Walpole, and was predeceased by her parents, George and Margaret Kiniry, as well as her brothers and sisters: Julia, Marion, Doris, Malcolm, Elizabeth, Edward, Francis, William, Daniel, Alice, Anne, George, Ellen, Jean, and Margaret. For most of her life, she was raising her eight children in Gageville. For part of her life, she worked at Whitney Blake in Bellows Falls and later joined the staff of Head Start in North Westminster. One of her greatest joys in life was swimming and she taught all of her children and most of her grandchildren how to swim. She was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting; snowshoeing, quilting, and line dancing. She especially loved playing Scrabble, which she continued to do almost daily. She was a devout Catholic and spent more than 30 years as a strong alto voice in the St. Charles Church choir. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Dec. 10 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls. Her son, Father Peter Blake, officiated. Burial took place at St. Charles Cemetery. Donations to Boardman Cottage, 131 Main Rd., Islesboro, ME 04848.
• Martha Charlotte Clayton, 87, of Townshend. Died Dec. 5 while in hospice care at Grace Cottage Hospital, following extended illnesses this past year. She was born Oct. 30, 1929, the daughter of Martha and Charlie Steiner. She was a 1948 graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary and married Raymond Clayton. They met at a Hunters' Dance held at the Townshend Town Hall. As a vibrant young couple, they and their friends joined a Western square dance club held in the Valley. Raymond was a Mason and Charlotte belonged to the Eastern Star. While in high school and after, she worked at Robinson's IGA Store and for several other owners. She helped care for Bob Kearley while his wife, Martha, ran the oil business. Also, she worked in the kitchen at Grace Cottage Hospital. Another role in her life was to be bookkeeper and helper in her husband's house painting and building business. The Claytons loved to cook and can foods together. They even ran a small antique shop in their railroad depot building. They were avid horse pulling fans, following the Joe Danjelski teams. Leland & Gray was important to her. She went to all the girls' team basketball games as a coach and team member helper. Post-graduate activities included yearly float building for the alumni parades. All their children attended Leland & Gray, and Charlotte and Raymond followed their son, Dwaine, all through his championship season with the Rebels' basketball team. She loved doing for others. She solicited sandwiches for the local Red Cross blood drawings, and foods for the annual Grace Cottage Fair Day. She was unselfishly giving to neighbors, family, and friends. She was an up-with-it, smiling, ready to do and go gal. She would anxiously await winter to enjoy her love of snowmobiling. She and her sister enjoyed the Harris Hill yearly ski jumping event in Brattleboro. Her trips to Island Pond also gave her great pleasure. The only acceptable music for listening was country & western. She co-parented her sister's two children, Sabrina and Otto, while their mom was working. She had many fans of her homemade chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies on Halloween nights, along with fans of her custard pies and upside-down cakes during other special times. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, Raymond, her daughter, Charlene, her grandson, Bartholomew Clayton ,and brother-in-law, Walter Tarbell. She is survived by her son, Dwaine Walter Clayton, and his wife, Paula, both of whom became her attentive caregivers and also lived with her. She is survived by two siblings, Rose-Marie Tarbell-Lyman and her husband, Ona, and Carl Steiner and his wife, Eloise, as well as five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A graveside committal service was held Dec. 9 at Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Donald S. Damian Sr., 71, of Vernon. Died Dec. 6. Born in Brattleboro, VT on April 5, 1945 to Emily (Galanek) and Stephen “Mickey” Damian. A lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, he attended St. Michael's High School, graduating with the Class of 1963. Soon after, he began his career in the flooring business, eventually becoming a self-employed installer by the late 1960's. He also served his country during the Vietnam era by joining the National Guard. He married Cheryl L. Franklin in 1966, and raised three children. As the flooring business grew over the years, he was able to realize his lifelong dream of opening his own store, Damian Flooring, in 1987. He continued to run the business until his retirement in 2012, cherishing his work and recognition in the tri-state area as a leader in the flooring sales and installation industry. In 2006, Don was married for the second time, to Eva P. Bushee, and they enjoyed 10 happy years together. He loved to bowl and had his own team at the Brattleboro Bowl for many years. He enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting, trips to casinos, and spending time outdoors working in his yard and garden. Like his mother before him, he learned to make amazing Polish dill pickles, using his own homegrown cucumbers. He was also known as the kielbasa connection for many friends and family members, by organizing and placing orders for them with his kielbasa distributor. He spent many hours during sugaring season helping his friend Ken Emery boil maple syrup. He was a loyal New England sports fan with a Red Sox or Patriots game always playing on the TV. He is survived by his wife, Eva; his daughter, Karen Damian and her husband Larry Knowlton of Greenfield, Mass.; his son, Donald Damian, Jr. and his wife, Lisa, of Vernon; his daughter, Lori Lockaby and her boyfriend Timothy Roberts, of Vernon; his stepson, Raymond Bushee and his wife, Misty, of Walpole, N.H., his stepdaughter, Renee Howard and her husband, Joel, of Hinsdale, N.H.; his stepson, Rob Bushee and his wife, Sheena, of Winchester, N.H., his sister Diane Damian and her husband, Donald Jacobson, of Lake Toxaway, N.C.; five grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Florence Mecheski, and his parents. Memorial information: Calling hours were held on Dec. 12 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 in care of Elaine Beam, principal.
• Jonathan Oliver “Jon” Eldridge, 55, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 22 at home of heart failure. Born in Seoul, South Korea on Dec. 7, 1960, he was adopted at age 3 into the home of the late John E. and Betty Jean (Chicoine) Eldridge of Newark, Del. He was the fourth child adopted by the Eldridges. Upon his graduation from Newark High School in 1978, he found his way to southern Vermont. He had lived in this area since age 20. He was inspired in the kitchen, and was an excellent chef. He worked in Brattleboro at the Blue Moose Bistro, Dalem's Chalet, The Marina restaurant, and Metropolis Wine Bar. Recently retired, he enjoyed occasional catering jobs for special clientele and impromptu feasts for friends. He was a connoisseur of fine foods, wines, and tobacco, and had a passion for music, with an eclectic CD collection. He enjoyed reading, especially avant-garde literature and history, and was a lifelong learner. He had a unique and unforgettable sense of humor. With a generous smile and his good-natured style, he made friends easily and sustained longlasting friendships. He was a Renaissance man who made the most of his short time on earth and will be greatly missed by those who treasured his friendship. He is survived by his older siblings, Matthew of Boothbay, Maine, Phoebe of Newark, Del., and Elizabeth of Canton, Ohio. He is also survived by numerous cousins and friends. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date in Boothbay, Maine. Donations to the Vermont Foodbank at vtfoodbank.org/give.
• Manuel John “Mickey” Fernandes, 96, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 4. Born on March 13, 1920 to Joseph and Virginia (DeCastro) Fernandes, was raised in Lowell, Mass., and was a longtime resident of Hinsdale. He was a father, husband, teacher, hunter, fisherman, mentor, and friend. He served as a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II, and fought on Saipan. After the war, he worked at First National Stores (Finast) as a produce manager for many years. After he retired from Finast, he did numerous maintenance jobs around Brattleboro up into his late eighties. His hobbies included meticulous attention to his yard and garden, word searches, yard sales, playing games such as Yahtzee and Cribbage, watching sports (especially all the Boston teams), and enjoying a sweet treat. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gloria Fernandes of Hinsdale; their son; Mark John Fernandes and his partner, Bill Slattery, of Bethel, Maine; their daughter, Linda Smith and her husband Don, of Vail, Ariz.; and two grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. In addition, he leaves behind his children from his first marriage to Mabel Dumontet; Mike Fernandes and his wife Donna Fernandes of Keene N.H.; Carol Perry and her husband Bob Perry of Keene, N.H.; and Marlene Brodeur and her husband, Dan, from Hooksett, N.H. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro VT 05301.
• Beverly Isabel (Ingalls) “Bev” Lynch, 93, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 5. She was the beloved wife for 67 years of the late Thomas B. Lynch. Born on Jan. 8, 1923 to Arthur and Anna (Sullivan) at Ingalls Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury after her mother was transported by a family member's sleigh outfitted with straw, heated irons, and blankets. She spent her early years on her grandfather's farm until her family moved to Danville and Waterbury and finally, Brattleboro in 1939, where she entered her junior year of high school. At that time, tragedy struck her life when her only brother, Duane, became ill and died of misdiagnosed appendicitis. She always remembered that her family was treated with great kindness and understanding on the part of teachers and students and the community as a whole. At Brattleboro High School, Beverly was the captain of the girls' basketball team and the only female speaker for her class graduation in 1941. During World War II, she worked for the Holstein-Friesian Association in Brattleboro. Around this time, she met a local boy, Tom Lynch, and they married in 1945 in the Chapel at the Wellington Field Army Air Corps base in Houston, Texas, where he was stationed. During the next three decades, she accompanied her husband throughout his military career wherever he was required to serve in the U.S., and abroad in Orleans, France, Okinawa, Japan and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Lynchs traveled throughout Europe. In Okinawa, she lived in a Quonset hut with no running water, working as a secretary for the Army and had to return home when the Korean War began. When her husband was selected to work in a diplomatic assignment as an Assistant Army Attache to Vernon Walters in Rio de Janeiro, she attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., and graduated at the top of the Portuguese language class. She also attended the State Department class for foreign service wives. During her stay in Brazil, she made many Brazilian friends including the son and daughter-in-law of President Costa et Silva. While in Brazil, using her language skills and personality, she contributed many important items of interest to the Department of Defense. Later in 1968, when her husband was in Vietnam, her Brazilian friends visited Bev in Brattleboro. Upon her husband's retirement, she returned to Brattleboro working at the Brooks Memorial Library and later in the office of Dr. Clyde Newton. She was a nature lover and maintained a backyard that was designated a nature preserve by the National Wildlife Federation. She treasured the company of six Dachshunds, the last being Katrinka. She leaves a step-brother, Brad Ingalls and his wife, Carol of Maine, and her brother-in-law, Roland Anderson. In addition, she leaves her nieces and nephews, Donna Gouin and her husband, John of the Villages, Fla.; Tom Anderson and his wife, Laura of Wethersfield, Conn.; Jason Ingalls of Gardner, Maine; Shelly Clough of Oakland, Maine; and her five great nephews and nieces. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Dec. 10 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. A private burial followed. Donations to the Thompson House Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 80 Maple St., P.O. Box 1117, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Tyler Erik Dane McCue, 20, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 1 at his home due to complications of epilepsy. Born in Port Charlotte, Fla., on Feb. 10, 1996, the son of Jason McCue and Sheri (Blake) West, he was a lifelong resident of the area. He attended Guilford School and later graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 2014. He had been employed as a package handler for UPS in Brattleboro and previously he worked for the Grafton Village Cheese Company in Brattleboro. He was well known for his spirit of friendship and his contagious smile. He was a kind spirit, always thoughtful in his ways, and willing to help anyone in need. He was also known for his embracing hugs. If you didn't have a smile, he would give you one of his. He loved the outdoors, hiking, fishing, snowboarding, and music. He especially cherished time spent with his family and many friends. Survivors include his parents, Sheri (Blake) West and her fiancée, Matthew Higgins, of Orleans, Mass., and Jason McCue and his fiancée, Kate Emond, of Turners Falls, Mass.; his stepfather of 18 years, Donald West of Guilford; four sisters, Cassidy Lynn Dennis of Athol, Mass., Alicia Skye McCue and Savannah Erika Quinn McCue, both of Turners Falls, and Charlotte Marie Higgins of Orleans. Additionally he leaves his paternal grandparents John and Diane McCue of Brattleboro, maternal grandparents Regis and Donna Caouette of Hinsdale, N.H., and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorial information: A memorial gathering was held Dec. 10 at American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. He was laid to rest in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery in the McCue family lot with a private ceremony. Donations to the American Epilepsy Foundation, 8301 Professional Place, Suite 200, Landover, MD 20785. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Ernest R. “Ernie” Norman, 87, of Westminster. Died Dec. 3 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. He was born in Flushing, N.Y., on Nov. 11, 1929, the son of Raymond and Dora (Laroche) Norman, he served in the Army in post-World War II Germany, where he participated in the Berlin Air Lift as part of the 14th Constabulary, 3rd Battalion in Coburg. He worked as a truck driver for Dairy Transport, St. Johnsbury Trucking, and retired from Holmes Transportation. After retiring, he also drove school bus for the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union. He was a member of the Westminster Fire Department since 1965, was a chairman for Civil Defense, and served the town of Westminster as a selectman and lister. He was a chairman for the first Green Up Day in Westminster and served as Deacon of the First Congregational Church. He had a lifelong dedication to his family, the town of Westminster, and anyone that needed a helping hand. In 1948, he married Phyllis Bruyn, who predeceased him. He is survived by his daughter, Wanda West and her husband, Scott, of Westminster; his sons Forrest Abild and his wife, Peggy, of Easthampton, Mass., and Arthur Abild and his wife, Carol, of Springfield, Vt.; his brother Raymond Norman of New York; his sisters Barbara Harrison of Westfield, Mass., and Doris Bermani of Manchester, N.H.; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son, Wayne Norman, and brothers Richard and Arthur. Memorial information: A graveside funeral service was held Dec. 9 in Westminster Cemetery. Donations to the Westminster Fire Department, in care of Pete Harrison, P.O. Box 111, Westminster, VT 05158.
• William M. Schommer, 92, of Newfane. died Wednesday, Nov. 23 at Grace Cottage Hospital, succumbing to an injury and complications suffered in a fall at home. His was a brief struggle, but he always remained optimistic and smiling. He was born to Edgar and Louise Schommer on Aug. 22, 1924, in Appleton, Wis. In 1943, during his senior year of high school, he enlisted in the Navy. He proudly served his country for three years as a pharmacist's mate 2nd class in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, American Campaign, and World War II Victory medals prior to his honorable discharge. He returned to civilian life and settled in the Bay Area of San Francisco where he studied art and met the love of his life, Shirley Mae Quelland. Not long after their marriage, they moved east and settled in New York City where he pursued his career as a very successful commercial graphic artist. He traveled the world with Shirley and, over the course of their more than 60 years together, visited France, England, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, Yugoslavia, Morocco, Egypt, Ireland, and China. His favorite trips were the 14 winters they spent together spending two months each time relaxing on the beach, swimming, fishing and enjoying their time together and with their many newfound friends on the Caribbean island of Culebra, Puerto Rico. The travel bug was still biting, even after his wife's death. At 88, he took off for a cross-country adventure in his car, visiting friends, family and enjoying the scenery. On a later expedition, he went cross-country by train, and even visited the Grand Canyon. He never lost his passion for art, design, and painting. Some of his commercial projects included working with Dristan, Mattel (Barbie), and the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. He continued to create his wonderful art, long after relocating from the Big Apple and moving to Vermont. Much of his art is on display in various homes and businesses throughout the world. He worked on many advertising and business projects, while he and his wife also created a successful antique business in Newfane. He was also an avid fan of both the Boston Red Sox and the Green Bay Packers. He was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John and Philip. He is survived by a sister, Louise, and her husband, Roger Steppe; his daughter Sara and her husband, Howard; two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at Newfane Congregational Church on Jan. 14, 2017, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the church. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital or Valley Cares. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Susan C. Snow, 79, of Putney. Died Dec. 3 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a short period of declining health. Born in Wilmington on April 5, 1937, the daughter of Theodore and Myrtle (Shippee) Ray, she was raised in Dover on the Shippee homestead. She was a 1955 graduate of Wilmington High School. She was married to Raymond Snow for 52 years. She most recently worked as a postal clerk at the Putney post office. Previously, she had worked at Basketville, the former H. Margolin's Pocketbook Shop, the former Skyline Restaurant, and the Holstein-Friesian Association. Active civically, she served as a special deputy with the Windham County Sheriff's Department, and she was a member of the Putney Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary of Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034. She had attended the former Putney Federated Church and, more recently, Windham Community Chapel. She was a NASCAR fan, enjoyed dancing, fishing (especially in Pittsburg, N.H.), spending time at her family's camp in Dover, and quality time with her family. She also enjoyed bowling and for many years was part of the Brattleboro senior bowling league. Survivors include two sons, Mark Snow and Allen Snow, both of Vernon; two daughters, Kim Fletcher and her husband, Skip, of Dummerston and Pamela King and husband, Brad, of Putney; one brother, Marty Ray of Poultney; a sister, Betsey Myers of York, Pa., six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Another brother, Theodore Ray Jr., died in infancy. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted Dec. 9 in Riverside Cemetery in Wilmington. Donations to the Putney Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 875, Putney, VT 05302; or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Phillip S. “Pete” Sprague, 80, of Readsboro. Died Dec. 2 at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, where he had been a resident for the past 16 years. Born in Readsboro on May 1, 1936, he was educated in Readsboro and spent his life at the family farm in Readsboro with his parents, doing what he loved. He enjoyed farming and spending time with his many nieces and nephews. He liked reading farm journals and took a particular interest in the farm's tractors, which he was very proud of operating and maintaining. He also owned and operated his own trucking business for many years. He was predeceased by his parents, Blanche Reynolds Sprague and Vernon Sprague, and two brothers, Preston and Gilbert Sprague. He is survived by his brother, Marshall Sprague and his wife, Lucille, of Readsboro; his sister, Thelma Hover of Stockbridge, Mass.; his sister-in-law, Gertrude “Betty” Sprague of Readsboro, as well as many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A graveside burial service will be held in the spring at a date to be determined at North Hill Cemetery in Readsboro. Donations to the Readsboro Baptist Church and the Whitingham Ambulance Service, in care of Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Services, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Anne P. Tobey, 91, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 29 at her home. Born on Sept. 12, 1925, the daughter of the late Emily M. Pierson, she grew up in Cromwell, Conn., and was educated in the Cromwell school system. She went to Boston University, earning a degree in physical education from Sargent College in 1948. She received her Master's degree from Ithaca College in New York in 1961. She was first employed as a physical education teacher in Barrington, R.I., where she met her husband, Jonathan Tobey. They were married in 1949. Anne also taught in Culman, Ala.; Ithaca, Dryden, and Mamaroneck, N.Y.; and later in the Windham Central Supervisory Union. She and her husband resided in Townshend from 1976 until 1994. While there, they ran a cross country ski touring center on their farm. In 1984, they purchased and ran the Townshend Corner Store from 1984 to 1985. They were very active in supporting Grace Cottage Hospital at the fair and throughout the year. She served as agent for the Cemetery Commission in Townshend from 1988 to 1994. Anne and Jon moved to Brattleboro in 1994. She enjoyed participating in many sports - especially walking, hiking, swimming, sailing, and horseback riding. With her husband, she participated in track & field events at the Green Mountain Senior Games. She was an outdoor enthusiast and supported her family in their many athletic events. She was always learning and cared deeply about civil rights, social justice, and the health of our natural environment. She enjoyed sewing, weaving, and photography. She attended the Wednesday Night Picture Group in South Wardsboro, and she loved to go to craft fairs. She had a green thumb and loved to garden. She was surrounded by plants and flowers both indoors and outdoors, all throughout the year. She loved to travel and learn about people and cultures in the United States and in other countries. She liked learning about politics and political change. She enjoyed spending many summers with her family at the beach in Madison, Conn., and in Maine in her later life. She loved family gatherings. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jonathan Tobey of Brattleboro; a son, Peter Tobey of West Windsor, Vt.; a daughter, Katie Tobey of Guilford; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews, 18 great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great-niece and one great-great nephew. Memorial information: A memorial service will be celebrated in the spring. Donations to Bayada Hospice, P.O. Box 8081, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Condolences may be offered at www.kerwesterlund.com.