College news
• Cassidy Santorelli of Bellows Falls, a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Florham Campus in Madison, N.J., has been inducted into FDU's Phi Zeta Kappa honor society for the spring 2017 semester.
• Tyler Clement, a biomedical engineering major from Vernon, was welcomed into Western New England University's chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society on Aug. 25, during the university's Convocation ceremony in Springfield, Mass.
• Mikayla G. Lathrop of South Londonderry and Jiajin Shan of Saxtons River are part of the incoming Class of 2021 at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.
• Patricia Hartland of Putney has enrolled at the University of Iowa for the fall 2017 semester.
• Chad Bernard of Jacksonville has enrolled as a nursing major at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, N.H. for the fall 2017 semester.
Obituaries
• Mary Elder (Hoover) Berg, 87, of Rockledge, Fla. Died Sept. 17. She was born in Linneus, Mo., in 1920, the oldest daughter of Clarence and Anna Hoover. After her mother's tragic death when Mary was 6, she and her three siblings were raised by nuns in New Mexico. Her favorite childhood memories were summers and holidays spent at her grandparents' house in Bellville, Texas, where she was able to finish high school. After graduation with the true grit that was to see her through her whole life, she put herself through nursing school at St. Paul's in Dallas, Texas and nurse anesthesia school at Barnes in St. Louis, Mo. Upon completion, she proudly began her career in Dallas during World War II. There, she met Roy Berg, a member of the Army Air Corps, on a blind date. That date blossomed into a marriage that lasted 61 years. The Bergs relocated to the Washington, D.C., area for his law practice, to raise five children, and to continue her career. The family later moved to Florida, where she happily lived out the remainder of her life near three of her five children, fiercely living independently and often visiting her other two children in Vermont. Her love of life was a joy to behold; she was always current on geopolitical events and did not shy away from strongly held opinions. When she finally had some free time, she took up golf, bridge, travel, and the iPad. But her first love and priority were family, including 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased in 2004 by her kind, patient, and supportive husband of 61 years. LeRoy E. Berg. She is survived by two sons and three daughters: Becky Day (Graeme King) of Brattleboro, Patricia Van Vonderen (Bob) of Satellite Beach, Fla., Christopher Berg (Wendy) of Titusville, Fla., Timothy Berg (Karen Blumberg) of Brattelboro, Carolyn Goodmon (Randy) of Titusville, Fla. Memorial information: Memorial denotations may be made to Dr. Jey Pillai Center for Hospice Care, 661 Eyster Blvd., Rockledge, FL 32955.
• Mary Lillis Gardner, 92, of Swanzey and Newport, N.H., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 15 at Sullivan County Health Care Center in Unity, N.H., where she had been a patient for the last month. Born in Brattleboro on June 11, 1925, the daughter of Daniel and Olivette (Buckley) Lillis, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Michael's High School. She was a graduate of the Thompson School for Practical Nursing in Brattleboro and later completed her training at New London (Conn.) Hospital. She worked for many years at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and at the Brattleboro Mutual Aid Association, formerly on Harris Place. A devout Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro and was a member for many years of the Daughters of Isabella, Ave Maria Circle #128. She enjoyed golf and traveling. She was first married to Dominic Canova, and later married Richard Gardner, who predeceased her. Survivors include a son, Michael Canova of Charles Town, W.Va., a daughter, Maryann “Nicki” Coffman of Cedar Grove Tenn., several grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, John F. Lillis, and two sisters, Margaret E. Johnson and Olivette J. Lillis. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 20 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial in the Lillis family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St, Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 in care of Elaine Beam, principal. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Elizabeth Elledge “Betsy” Grobey, 66, of Saxtons River. Died Sept. 4 at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Born in Bellows Falls on March 29, 1951, she was the daughter of the late John and Kathryn Shepard. She attended Stoneleigh-Burnham School and later enrolled in The Academy for Dramatic Arts in New York City. Drama - especially the stage - was one of her life's passions and a God-given gift. Another of her great passions was for her children and family. She is survived by her son, Daniel Wolf Shepard; her daughter, Azora Brooke Nichols; her identical twin sister, Brooke “Judy” Shepard; her sister, Nancy Kovaleff; her brother, John Shepard; seven beloved nieces and nephews; and her grand-niece, Clara. Over the course of her life, she made homes in many interesting and unusual places, including New York City, St. Thomas, Nova Scotia, Martha's Vineyard, and beyond. Her impeccable taste in both people and things was undeniable. She had an easy, Bohemian sensibility which seeped into each, meticulously decorated space she occupied. She was a naturally stunning woman who valued love, peace, beauty, and community. She will be missed by everyone she touched with her generous and free spirit. Memorial information: Her ashes will be scattered at her family home in Saxtons River. A memorial service will be held on a future date. Donations to Thompson House, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Kathleen H. “Kay” Gunther, 95, of Grafton. Died Sept. 15 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. She was born on Nov. 18, 1921 in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of the late Frank H. and Mary (Robinson) Gunther. She had been a Grafton resident for more than 25 years. She was employed as a Realtor until her retirement. She was an avid bridge player and a member of the Heritage Foundation, and the Garden Club. She was also a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Townshend. She was predeceased by a brother, George A. Gunther, and four sisters, Virginia Harkins, Ann Gunther, Priscilla Gunther. and Mary Francis Gunther. She is survived by two nieces, Mary Gunther of Newburgh, N.Y., and Penny Marwede of Worcester, Vt.; a nephew, Dr. Peter Gunther and his wife Paulette Thabault of South Burlington; a grand-niece, Sasha Gunther of Boston; and a grand-nephew, Jamie Gunther of Bronx, N.Y. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 27 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Townshend, with burial in Houghtonville Cemetery in Grafton. Donations to the Grace Cottage Foundation, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353. To offer condolences, visit www.kerwesterlund.com.
• Marianne “Patty” (Mayotte) Miller, 72, of Suffield, Conn. Died Aug. 4 at home, unexpectedly. Loving wife of 53 years to Marvin Miller, she was born March 18, 1945, in Richford, the daughter of the late George and Mary (Lavender) Mayotte. She was raised in Vermont, where she met her husband before their move to Connecticut. She was a longtime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 1034 in Brattleboro. She enjoyed camping with her family and friends and reading. She is also survived by three daughters, Melinda Miller of Suffield; Cindy Germano and husband, Paul of Newington, Conn.; and Kimberly Brutnell of Newington; and seven beloved grandchildren. She leaves three brothers, James Mayotte and wife, Wendy, of New Hampshire, Dennis Mayotte, and Charles Mayotte and wife, Sue, all of Vermont, and a sister, Gloria “Buttons” Lisella of Newington. She also leaves several nieces and nephews. A son, Marvin “Marski” Miller, Jr., died earlier. memorial information: A funeral service took place Aug. 9 at the Leete Stevens Enfield Chapels in Enfield, Conn. Donations to the American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 7000, Albert Lea, MN 56007-8001. Friends and family - including members of the Brattleboro Union High School class of 1963 - are invited to a celebration of life, which will take place Sunday, Oct. 1, from 1 to 5 p.m., at VFW Post 1034, 40 Black Mountain Rd., Brattleboro.
• Brett Edward Perry, 59, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 17 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. Born in Brattleboro on May 7, 1958, the son of Malcolm and Albertine (Hier) Perry, he attended Green Street School and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1976. He also attended Lyndon State Collage and the University of Kansas. He was a machine operator at The Book Press but, more recently, he ran his own business from home, providing pre- and post-production digital video services for a variety of films. He also worked at the Guilford Welcome Center on Interstate 91, where he greeted visitors and provided other assistance. He loved sports and was active in a number of football fantasy leagues. He was a Minnesota Vikings fan and rooted for the New York Yankees against his family's wishes. He was a loyal friend who never hesitated to help someone when they needed it. He was married to the love of his life and wife of 22 years, Fran Duggan, who predeceased him in 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. Together, they raised several Boxers and Bulldogs. He is survived by two brothers, Scott (Sharon) Perry and Curtt (Lisa) Perry, both of Montgomery, two sisters, Danielle Perry (Tom Wagener) of Guilford and Janelle (John) Askew of Charlotte, a sister-in-law, Karen Duggan (Moss Kahler), and a brother-in-law, Timothy Duggan (Cheryl). He is also survived by three nieces, Kyla Perry, Elise and Maryn Askew, a nephew, Jeffery Kahler, and his Bulldog, Zappa. Memorial information: In keeping with Brett's wishes, there will be a private graveside interment service at St. Michael's Cemetery. Donations to Vermont English Bulldog Rescue, 170 Lamplite Lane, Williston, VT 05495, or Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Barbara F. Smith, 89, of Leesburg, Va., formerly of Windham. Died Sep. 18 at Heritage Hall in Leesburg. Born Sept. 11, 1928 in Windham, she was the daughter of the late Nelson and Marion (Abbott) Fontaine. She was passionate about her family and adored spending time with them. Surviving are daughter Linda (Steve) Earley of Leesburg, grandchildren Paul (Tina) Earley and John (Kayann) Earley, five great-grandchildren, brother David Fontaine, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Online condolences may be expressed at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com.
• Winston Arthur Thomas, 74, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 12, cradled in the arms of his beloved wife, Laura (Potter) Thomas. It was one day shy of their eighth wedding anniversary. He swaggered into the world on Jan. 7, 1943, when Elvis Presley first took the stage as a little boy. He liked “The King” so much that he visited Graceland on four separate occasions. He was fond of saying his birthday was one day off from Elvis's. Born in Newport, the son of Frances Parker and Arthur “Duke” Thomas, he attended grade school in Newport, then the family moved to Westminster and he graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1961. After attending a couple of years at Northampton (Mass.) Junior College, he enlisted in the Vermont National Guard, serving at home at the North Springfield armory. The flip of a coin literally brought him to California, where he ended up staying for several years, working in various trades. His love of Mexican food was born there, when he rented an apartment in the home of a Mexican family. He was renowned for his tacos. After returning to the East Coast, he eventually found himself working in sales at WTSA Radio in Brattleboro. There, he found some lifelong friends and a treasure trove of stories to go along with them. He was a mentor, coach and supporter to many over the course of his life. He was the embodiment of someone who had a lot of moxie. He knew people and how to relate to them, which made him an excellent sales rep. As a member of the United Electrical Radio and Machinist Union #218, he advocated for the rights of his fellow employees, and wasn't afraid to speak truth to power. He loved gardening, antiquing, camping, motorcycles, and the Boston Celtics. He relished time spent with family and friends, telling stories from his wild days in California, as well as his younger days growing up in Vermont in the 1950s. In addition to his wife Laura and her four children, Emily, Jane, Max and Carrie, he leaves two daughters, Martha Faxon and and Dawn Thomas-Contryman, and six grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother Philip (a.k.a., Sonny). Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held Sept. 23 at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center. Donations to Red Knights Vermont Chapter II, P.O.Box 8032, Brattleboro, VT 05304-8032. Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls handled arrangements.