College news
• Several local students received their degrees on May 13 at Johnson State College's 150th commencement. They included: Samantha D. Barth of Bellows Falls, Philip Richard Perkins III, Abigail F. Storm, and Jacobie Zaretsky of Brattleboro; Vicky Lea Butterfield, Chelby Virginia Nystrom, and Corey Joseph Nystrom of Brookline; Ashley Nicole Goddard of Jamaica; Jennifer A. Carr of Marlboro; Heather M. Muscat and Laura N. Pluff of Newfane; Rachel J. Stebbins Navy of Saxtons River; Leigh T. Nance of South Londonderry; Katherine L. Hallock and Brandy Elizabeth Lawrence of Westminster; and Mollie L. Wright of Windham.
• Sophia Cooper-Ellis of Putney will graduate from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., during Whitman's commencement ceremony on May 21.
• Castleton University student Kayla Wood of East Dummerston was the recent recipient of the Mary Ellen Evans Award for the 2016-2017 academic year. The Mary Ellen Evans Award is given annually to an outstanding female student-athlete who has played four years in one sport while also providing service to the college community. A softball standout, Wood was also honored as North Atlantic Conference Pitcher of the Week on May 3.
• Nicole Winot, a junior cinema production major from Brookline, was named to the spring 2017 President's List at Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C.
• Samuel Siegel of Brattleboro, a junior lacrosse player at Castleton University, was selected as a member of the All-North Atlantic Conference lacrosse team. Siegel, an attacker, received Second Team All-NAC honors as the team's regular season leader in goals and points with 31 goals and 50 points.
• Anna Mary Gaskill of Brattleboro and Alexandra Harris of Bellows Falls, were both named to the spring 2017 Dean's List at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, N.H.
Obituaries
• Tanya Lucille Beebe, 70, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died May 5 ar her home, following a lengthy and courageous battle against cancer. Born in Brattleboro on Jan. 13, 1947, the daughter of John and Blanche (Burgoyne) Ziter, she was raised in Brattleboro and attended St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Michael's High School, Class of 1965. In 1967, she married Paul Anthony Beebe, who predeceased her in 2008. She spent much of her working career in banking as a teller employed by Vermont National Bank, Chittenden Bank and People's United Bank. A devout Catholic, Tanya was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church. She enjoyed golfing with her husband and many friends and was a member of the Pine Grove Springs Country Club in Spofford, N.H.. She was passionate about cooking and found enjoyment from bringing family and friends together. Additionally, she loved to travel and took many trips with family and friends. She was a faithful and devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother whose life centered around her family especially her grandchildren. She found much enjoyment watching her grandkids in their school endeavors, including theater and sports. Survivors include her two children, daughter Leah Griffin and her husband, Richard, of Northfield, Mass., and son Paul Beebe and his wife, Kerri, of Guilford; a sister, Donna Burgoyne and her husband, Thomas, of Brattleboro; three grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held May 12 at Saint Michael's Catholic Church, with committal Rites and burial in Christ Church Cemetery in Guilford, where she was laid to rest beside her husband. Donations may be made in memory of Tanya's grandson, Brandyn, to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Oncology Department, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Jeffrey B. Brill, 59, formerly of Williamsville. Died at his home in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, on April 27. He was born in Philadelphia, the son of Whitney and Ruth Brill. He spent most of his childhood in Williamsville, and attended Leland & Gray Union High School, where he met his lifelong FSC friends. He graduated from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, where he met his first love, Cecelia Levesque, and where he became a part of his fraternity family. He had a one-of-a-kind character. His creative sense of humor touched everyone within earshot. He'd talk to strangers in line at the grocery store, businessmen across a bar, or customers who would give him a chance. He'd dress up as Santa, a chauffeur, or Barney if it meant it would make you smile, say hello, or give him a “thumbs up.” But most of all, he loved to talk to his children. He is survived by his sister, Wendy Rembisz, and her husband, Ron Rembisz; his son, Benjamin Brill and his wife, Carly; his daughter, Aja Conley, and her husband, Brett; Cecelia Levesque, friend and mother of his children; two grandchildren, his step-son Kyle McCormick, dear friend Shelia McCormick, and so many wonderful friends whom he considered family. Memorial information: Donations to his favorite charity, the Charlie Slate Memorial Christmas Breakfast in Brattleboro, where he volunteered serving breakfast on Christmas Day annually. Checks can be sent to Wendy Rembisz, 30 Kyle Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Helen F. (Hakey) Grover, 95, of Milford, Mass., formerly of Londonderry. Died May 5 at Blaire House of Milford, after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward W. Grover, who died in 2004. She is survived by two daughters, Cheryl G. Wilcox and her husband, Ronald, of Manchester, and Bonnie G. Lafleur and her husband, William, of Milford; five grandchildren, and two great-grandsons. Memorial information: In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place. Private graveside committal services will take place at the convenience of the family. There are no visiting hours. Donations to The Mountain Valley Health Center in Londonderry, or to the Londonderry Rescue Squad.
• Gerald Clark Knickerbocker, 92, of Brattleboro. Died April 21 at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington. Born in 1924, he was the youngest son of Douglas N. and Ruth (Loomis) Knickerbocker of Dalton, Mass. He graduated from Dalton High School in 1942, and then enlisted in the Navy. He attended flight school and received his commission as a Naval pilot. After successful tours of duty during World War I, he was honorably discharged in November 1945. In 1948, he enrolled in the New York State College of Forestry (part of Syracuse University) and completed a one-year course in the practice of forestry. He went on to finish his studies at Syracuse University, graduating with a B.S. in 1952. He married Ann Mela in 1951 and he later pursued a career with the New England Forestry Foundation in Boston, performing forest management until his retirement in 1982. After his retirement, he opened Connecticut River Safari in Brattleboro, a canoe rental, sales, and touring business located where the Connecticut and West rivers meet. He was well known for his love of the great outdoors. He loved camping, hiking, fishing, sunbathing, Spofford Lake, and picking blackberries.From 1981 thru 1984, the Knickerbockers spent off-season times sailing the Intercoastal Waterway en route to Marathon Island in the Florida Keys, where they spent the winter. His adventurous spirit resulted in many trips over the years, ranging from hiking and camping in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the Cascade mountains in the state of Washington. He would often be accompanied by at least one of his children. He also had a strong kinship with animals. Later in life, he developed a bigger appreciation for dogs. His pals, Sanford and Thomas were always by his side either at home or on one of his woodland excursions. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Ann, and his son, Jay Knickerbocker. He is survived by his sons, Jon and Scott Knickerbocker of Brattleboro, daughter Ruth Ann Chalifour of West Chesterfield, N.H., three grandsons, two great-granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, June 4, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Brattleboro Elks Club, 75 Putney Rd. All are welcome.
• Cornelia “Liela” Humphreys Rea, 82, of Concord, Mass. Died May 2. Born in New York City on Oct. 10, 1934, to Edith and George Humphreys, she went to the Brearley School, and graduated from Vassar College in 1956 with a degree in art history. She married Lawrence “Lorrie” Frank Rea in 1956, and they resided briefly in Oxnard, Calif., Willow Grove, Pa., Camillus, N.Y., and Syracuse, N.Y., before moving to the Conantum neighborhood in Concord in 1963. She served as an active and engaged participant in Conantum events, including the annual Fourth of July celebration and parade. The Reas lived in Conantum until 2005, when they moved to Concord Greene. They were married for 51 years at the time of his death in 2007. She earned her M.Ed. from Northeastern University and went on to teach in the Framingham, Mass., public school system from 1971 to 1997, specializing in fourth-grade education. She was a pioneer of gifted student education programs. During her career she displayed a love for teaching creativity and critical thinking skills, always encouraging children to think differently, and asking, “why do you think that?” She was also a prolific and professional artist who painted in oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Over the course of her lifetime, she created a significant body of work that defined her as a passionate and skilled practitioner of the craft, as well as some one with a unique and consistent vision. Her work was included in juried exhibitions, and sold through the Southern Vermont Art Center. She was deeply involved with Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord and part of a healing circle of prayer as well as a group of core parishioners. An avid reader and lover of poetry, she belonged to a local reading group. She was curious about other countries and cultures, and traveled throughout the world. A lover of natural beauty, she spent summers with her extended family in West Dover, where she continued to pursue her art, joined the congregation at St. Mary's in the Mountains in Wilmington, worked on multiple gardens, and produced an oral history account of early 20th Century Vermont life called, “Country Folk, City Neighbors.” Survivors include her sister, Edie Mas; children Cornelia (Nelie) Barnes Rea, Raymond Rea, and Maria Champney Rea, (Jim McKinney); two grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord on July 17, at 2 pm, and at St. Mary's in the Mountains in Wilmington on July 22, at 2:30 pm. Donations to WGBH in Boston or St. Mary's in the Mountains in Wilmington.
• David L. Magoon, 84, of Westfield, Mass. Died May 8 at home. Born in Brattleboro on April 22, 1933, he was the son of Leroy and Helen (Wells) Magoon and has resided in Westfield for the past 47 years. He attended Dummerston public schools, was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, and attended Florida Southern College. He proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. In 1968, David and his wife, Alice (Evans) Magoon, started their own business, University Products, located in Holyoke, Mass., and he served as Chairman until his death. For many years he and Alice enjoyed theater performances at Stage West and Broadway. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, golf, trips to Cape Cod, extensive traveling and time at their home in St. Petersburg, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife; his daughter Deborah Magoon; and son in law Donald Upchurch. He is survived by children: Scott and his wife, Lauren, of Northampton, Mass., and John and his wife, Kathleen, of South Hadley, Mass.; his siblings: Patience, Nancy, and Margaret, along with sisters-in-law Rita Wasserlein of Westfield and Barbara Johnson and her husband, Tom, and brothers-in law, Roger Evans and his wife, Faith, Gordon Evans and his wife, Linda, and Stanley Evans, all of Dummerston; and six grandchildren. Memorial information: Services were held May 12 at Dummerston Congregational Church, with burial in Dummerston Center Cemetery. Donations to Baystate VNA and Hospice, 50 Maple St., Springfield, MA 01104.
• L. Harry Slade, 74, of Vernon. Died May 6, following a long battle with Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia. Born Aug. 10, 1942, son of the late Lewis Franklin Slade and Viola Doris Keenan, he entered the roofing business in his teens, married twice, and owned and operated Harry Slade Roofing for more than 30 years. He then joined his son-in-law, James “Jim” Brow, to form Slade & Brow Roofing. Brow continued the business when Mr. Slade retired. He enjoyed following sports, playing poker at Mohegan Sun casino, spending winters with best friend Ted Nurmi, and sharing much time at church, Bible studies, cookouts, game nights, and events with his children, grandchildren, and church family. He grew up in the Catholic Church, and later joined the Agape Christian Fellowship in Brattleboro and dedicated his life to Jesus. He loved basketball and baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox, and in his early years played intramural softball as a pitcher, and basketball. In the end, the most important things to him were family and God. He is survived by two brothers, Chris Slade of Brattleboro and Terry Slade of South Londonderry; three sisters, Gloria Wilkins of South Londonderry, Karen Renn of Sharon, and Midge Kimball of Kissimee, Fla,; four children: Travis Slade of Putney, Eric Slade and his wife, Christina, of Guilford, Brandy Brow and her husband, James, of Vernon, and Justin Slade and his wife, Lucinda, of Vernon; and 15 grandchildren. Memorial information A celebration of his life was held May 12 at Green Mountain Chapel in Brattleboro, with burial at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. The family thanks all who have been an integral part of Harry's life.
Services
• Interment for Wayne Carhart will be conducted Saturday, May 20, at 3:30 p.m., in the family lot in Westminster West Cemetery. Mr. Carhart, a local historian, died on March 8, 2017, at Thompson House Nursing Home from Parkinson's disease.
• Graveside committal services in Baker Cemetery in Guilford for James Edward “Ed” Hale will be conducted on Saturday, May 20th at 11:00 A.M. with a celebration of life services to follow at the Hale home on Sweet Pond Road. Mr. Hale, of Sweet Pond Road, died Feb. 16, 2017 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.
• A graveside service for Marie K. Cobb of Jamaica, who died March 10, 2017, will be held on Saturday, May 20, at 2 p.m., at Rawsonville Cemetery, 109 Goodaleville Rd., Jamaica.