College news
• Ava Marie Zizza of Wilmington was named to the University of Alabama's Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester.
• Eben Holderness, a senior linguistics major from Brattleboro, has been named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass.
• Amelia Nick of West Dover, a member of the Class of 2020 majoring in Fine Arts, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
• Elkanah Linder of Townshend, a doctor of pharmacy student at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester.
• Gabriel Lurz of Brattleboro was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.
• Michaela Shea-Gander of Brattleboro, a member of the Class of 2019, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Denison University in Granville, Ohio.
• Alexander Groenewold of Bellows Falls, a sophomore majoring in computer science, and Emily DuFault of Saxtons River, a senior majoring in hospitality management, were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Endicott College in Beverly, Mass.
• Forrest Lisle, an anthropology major from Grafton, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.
• Elias Park of Wilmington earned Dean's List honors at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia for the fall 2017 semester. Park studies finance in the university's Erivan K. Haub School of Business.
Transitions
• Oak Meadow, a local curriculum publisher, accredited distance learning school, and home to Brattleboro School Without Walls, has announced the appointment of Steve Lorenz as Interim Executive Director. Lorenz has worked at Oak Meadow as school liaison since 2015. In that role, he has cultivated educational relationships with public, independent, and charter schools around the U.S. and abroad. Notably, he has assisted with program development at the Mezan International School in Kabul, Afghanistan, a school that uses Oak Meadow curriculum combined with Islamic studies for students in K-8; and at the MELOC Academy in Longido, Tanzania, a school that offers an alternative educational program for Maasai families with young children. Lorenz is the former head of The Grammar School in Putney, and has been involved with independent and public educational institutions, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and community service projects in Vermont for more than 30 years.
Obituaries
• James W. Akley, 74, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 6, 2018. Born in Hartford, Conn., on Feb. 9, 1943, the son of the late Harold and Mary (Weldon) Akley, he was a 1962 graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, and later worked as a mason for Helmuth Busse Masonry, Tri-State Rebuilders, and Henry Angel. He was a member of VFW Post 1034 in Brattleboro. He is survived by his brother, Charles Akley; his sister, Donna Bell; and many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Feb. 11 at West Brattleboro Baptist Church. Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls was in charge of arrangements.
• Carol E. Clark, 73, of Bellows Falls. Died on Feb. 4, 2018. Born on Oct. 27, 1944, in Springfield, Vt., the daughter of Charles and Eleanor (Garvey) Davis, she was a 1962 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. She was an active member of the Moose, the American Legion Post 37 Auxiliary, and the Polish-American Club in Bellows Falls. She enjoyed camping with her family, playing Bingo every Sunday, doing crafts, and decorating for Halloween. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1962, she married Henry Clark, who survives. Also surviving are her children: Tammie Clark of Palm Coast, Fla., David Clark of Rockingham, Tim Clark and his wife, Kim, of Springfield; Michael Clark and his husband, Sam, of Burlington; her brothers David Davis and his wife, Sharon, of Marlow, N.H., Bob Davis and his wife, Linda, of Alstead, N.H., and Kenny Davis and his wife, Mary, of Athens; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Roger Davis, Nancy Adams, and Pat Howard. Memorial information: A funeral service was held Feb. 10 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495.
• Richard Kenneth “Dick” Dunn, 88, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 3, 2018 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H. Born in Pittsfield, Mass., on March 8, 1929, the son of Dr. R. Kenneth and Marguerite “Peg” (Arienti) Dunn, he grew up in Brattleboro, where he lived all of his life. He graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1947 and went on to attend and graduate from Deerfield Academy in 1948 and from the University of Vermont in 1952. He started his career with The Insurance Company of North America and Standard Service Bureau in Springfield, Mass., from 1952 to 1955. He later joined the Hoffman & Clay Agency in Brattleboro as a claims adjuster/producer. The agency later merged with the Richards Group, forming Richards Hoffman & Clay Insurance Company. Mr. Dunn retired in 2005, following 43 years of faithful service with the company. Active fraternally, he was a member of Brattleboro Lodge #102 F&AM, Cairo Shrine Temple and the Shrine Oriental Band, and was a former member of the Brattleboro Rotary Club. Additionally, he was a member of the Brattleboro Ski Patrol for more than 25 years and the Brattleboro Tennis Club. In past years, he would ski many weekends through May, ending up at Brown's Drift in Wilmington and Tuckerman's Ravine in New Hampshire. He was an avid sports fan and reader, especially enjoying the New England Patriots. He enjoyed the outdoors and took pride in working around his home on many projects in his later years. For many years, he and his wife spent several weeks each summer in Ogunquit, Maine and Spofford Lake. Since his retirement, he would join his coffee group at Bruegger's Bagels several times a week. He was a longtime member of Centre Congregational Church. He was married to the former Phyllis (Hildreth), who predeceased him in 2009. Survivors include two stepsons, James F. O'Connor and his wife, Janice, of Belfast, Maine, and Thomas R. O'Connor and his wife, Susan, of Athol, Mass.; one sister, Barbara Lucas and her husband Richard of West Chester, Pa.; and several grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Memorial information: As per his wishes, there will be a private burial service in the spring in Morningside Cemetery when the cemetery reopens. There are no calling hours scheduled. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Priscilla May (Green) “Pat” Fisher, 83, formerly of Wilmington. Died Feb. 4, 2018 at Vernon Green Nursing Home, after an acute illness complicated by Parkinson's disease. She was born on April 1, 1934 in Wilmington to Dorothy Ellen Parsons Green and Leslie Edgar Green. She was raised by her loving grandmother, Mary Amanda Hescock Green Boyd, in Wilmington, where she attended school. On Aug. 28, 1953, she married Carl C. Fisher. They were blessed with three children during their marriage. Pat and her longtime companion, Lake Wayne Bernier, were later blessed with three more children. She was a quiet and private person who didn't like a fuss made over her. Most people who knew Pat well were aware she was afflicted by depression recurrent too early in life, which made those dark times extremely difficult for her. She always did the very best she could possibly do. She was the kindest, sweetest, most genuine person you'd ever meet and never spoke badly about anyone. Toward the end, she came to acknowledge that she was a truly amazing woman who touched so many hearts over her long life. She loved the Lord, her family, butternut squash, blackberry ice cream, a good cup of coffee, birds (especially hummingbirds), Kevin Fisher's apple pie, the Grammy Awards, jelly donuts, laughter, and country music. She was predeceased by her son, Carl C. Fisher Jr.; her husband, Carl C. Fisher Sr.; her longtime companion, Lake Wayne Bernier; her sister, Phyllis Green; her brother, Robert Green; and her parents. She will be missed tremendously and her love will live on through her surviving children: Edward C. Fisher, Victoria L. Thorpe, Tom W. Fisher, and Virginia A. Fisher; her sons-in-law; Kevin Fisher, William P. Simoneau, and Richard W. Thorpe Jr.; and her daughters-in-law Stephanie Fisher and Sue Brush Fisher; as well as her 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Feb. 10 at First United Methodist Church in Brattleboro. Internment will be private, and held at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in the spring. Donations to the Activities Department at Vernon Green Nursing Home, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Francis E. “Buckshot” Fletcher, 76, of Saxtons River. Died Feb. 9, 2018, after a prolonged illness, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, N.H. Born in Springfield, Vt., on Dec. 26, 1941 to the late Victoria L. (Duby) and Lyle D. Fletcher Sr., he served in the Army from 1958 to 1962. He returned to Vermont and married Linda L. (McQuaide) Fletcher in 1964 and they made their home in Saxtons River. She died on April 2, 2017. He briefly worked as a truck driver before he became a certified welder at Bryant Grinder in Springfield, a job he held until retiring after 38 years in 2000. After retirement, he spent time logging and plowing fields with the horses at the Holton Farm in Westminster. He was an accomplished deer and rabbit hunter, and enjoyed raising beagles, his horses, horse pulls, baseball, and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his children: Jessie L. Temple, and her husband, Dale, of Putney; Gordon L. “Spike” Fletcher of Saxtons River, Carissa A. Healey of Perry, Ga., June E. Streeter and husband Cole, of Westminster, and Amy-Sue Fletcher and her partner, Matthew Mabe, of Saxtons River; siblings Marcia J. (Fletcher) Furgat, and her husband Edward and brother Michael D. Fletcher, and his wife Alesia, all of Saxtons River, and Dianne S. (Fletcher) Smith of Cambridgeport; 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by three sisters, Judith A. (Fletcher) Bemis, Brenda J (Fletcher) Wilkins, and Lynda L. (Fletcher) Furgat, and two brothers, Lyle D. Fletcher Jr. and Steven W. Fletcher Sr. Memorial information: There will be no calling hours and a private celebration will be held at a later date at the family's discretion. Donations to the Saxtons River Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 81, Saxtons River, VT 05154.
• Thomas Edward “Tom” Fletcher, 70, of Jamaica. Died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, following an extended illness. Born in Brattleboro on Dec. 9, 1947, the son of Edward E. and Doris (Murphy) Fletcher, he was raised and educated in Vernon until his family moved to the West River Valley, where he attended Leland & Gray Union High School. He had been employed at Cersosimo Lumber in Vernon and previously worked for Arthur Brooks Excavating and Landscaping in the West River Valley. He also worked at Bromley Mountain in their ski shop. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. He was known for being a hard worker. Survivors include one brother, Raymond Fletcher of Jamaica; a sister, Sandra Johnson and her husband, Kenneth, of Saxtons River; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and one sister, Katherine Gleason. Memorial information: Graveside committal services and burial will be conducted in Houghtonville Cemetery on Route 121 in Grafton in the springtime at a date and time to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Timothy Eric Holt, 49. Died on Jan. 27 2018. He was born in Brattleboro on Dec. 16, 1968 to Carolyn (Newcomb) and the late Theodore Holt. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1986 and then went into the Air Force, serving from 1987 to 1992. He was a NASCAR fan, loved the Dallas Cowboys, and was happiest when he was fishing, spending time with family, or riding around with his music blasting in his red Cadillac. He is survived by his brother Thomas and sister-in law, Lenora Holt, and his sister Tammy and brother in-law, Richard Neathawk.Tim didn't have children of his own which gave him an extra special bond with his nieces and nephews Colton and Kasey White, and Wendy, Emily, Kimberly, and Amanda Holt. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at Putney Cares on Kimball Hill on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a graveside burial service on Saturday, April 7, at 1 p.m., at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Putney.
• Paul Charles Jensen, 64, of Bellows Falls. Died Feb. 2, 2018 at Elmwood Center in Claremont, N.H., from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest daughter, Anne Jensen Griffin. He is survived by his brother and sister; his daughter Susan Jensen and her partner Janna Thomas; three grandchildren and son-in-law Sean Griffin. Born April 30, 1953 in Summit, N.J., he spent his childhood in Livingston, N.J., where he graduated from high school in 1971. He then graduated from Roger Williams College in Rhode Island in 1977 and got married, delighting in the birth of his daughters, Susan and Anne. While they were young he worked as a magazine editor in Connecticut and then as an educational paraprofessional in Winchendon, Mass. He moved to South Carolina where he spent six years caring for his ailing father and, most recently, returned to education, spending 12 years working as a paraprofessional at Bellows Falls Union High School. From an early age, he was curious and interested in big ideas - notably peace, social justice, and left-leaning politics. He never liked rules and joyfully subverted authority whenever he could. He developed passions for music (Bob Dylan, The Band, John Prine, Grateful Dead) and, later, running and hiking in the New England outdoors. He enjoyed surfing the Jersey Shore, walking and swimming the beaches of Hunting Island, S.C. He was a kind man with a deep love for his daughters and his grandchildren. Memorial information: The family will be holding a private memorial service. Donations to the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association in Westminster (www.windmillhillpinnacle.org), where the woodland trails provided him hours of joy and peace.
• Virginia A. Knuebel, 74, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 30, 2018 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in Conneaut, Ohio on Nov. 16, 1943, the daughter of Reinhold Alfred and Elizabeth Irene (Benze) Knuebel, She was a graduate of Edgewood Senior High School in Ashtabula, Ohio, Class of 1961. She continued on to Kent State University in Ohio, graduating in 1965. She became a teacher in Rootstown and East Cleveland, Ohio, then retrained as a librarian at Western Michigan University, getting her master's degree in library science. She served libraries in Hackensack and Maywood, N.J., as a Director from 1967 until 1982. Miss Knuebel spent three years overseas in the Philippines as a missionary librarian for Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines, then returned home for training as a Teacher of English as a Foreign or Other Language. She then spent three years in Mainland China, teaching English in Northeast China (Harbin and Yanji) from 1992 to 1995. After that, she returned to the United States to work in the Englewood Public Library and the Woodridge Public Library from 1995 to 1997. She then moved to Taiwan to teach in Ming Chuan University, Taipei, and Chung Yuan Christian University in Chung Li, Taiwan from 1998 to 2000. In 2000, Miss Knuebel returned to the United States to spend her retirement years. She spent four years training with Vermont Associates at Austine School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Newfane Town Clerk's office. Upon completion of her work, she retired. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, hand crafts, reading, playing the flute, singing, painting with oils, traveling, and talking with her friends. She is survived by her friends, Deborah Jean Kimball and Christine Terry and Bob Hancock of Waterford, Conn., and Anchorage, Alaska, respectively. Memorial information: A memorial service will be conducted at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. Donations to Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, for the work of the music department. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Dr. Rene R. LaPlante, 89, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 4, 2018. He was born in Claremont, N.H., on Jan. 4, 1929, the youngest of 13 children of Oscar F. and Adelia Gregoire LaPlante. He was educated in the Claremont school system, the University of New Hampshire, and the New England College of Optometry in Boston. After graduation, he spent two years in the Army as an optometrist. He moved to Brattleboro in 1958 and was in practice until he retired in 1998. He cared deeply for the welfare of his patients and nothing pleased him more than to be greeted by them after he retired. He was active in local organizations and he served on the BUHS School Board for seven years. He was a past president of the Lions Club; a past exalted ruler of the local BPOE; a past president of the Vermont Optometric Association, and served two terms on the Vermont State Board of Optometry, serving as president in his last term. He was an avid outdoor person and enjoyed gardening, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, golf, hunting, and fishing. One of his youthful stunts involved skiing off the roof of his parents' home during a particularly snowy winter. He loved music and knew the lyrics of many old songs. While driving his daughters to school, he would serenade them with show tunes and then try to convince them they were songs that he had written. Most of all, he enjoyed bringing laughter into the lives of his patients, family and friends with a seemingly endless supply of bad puns, humorous stories, and shaggy dog tales. He was predeceased by his brothers, Harry, Leo, Wilfred, Arthur, Ernest, Edward, William and Henry LaPlante; and his sisters, Eva LaPlante, Alice (LaPlante) Giguere, Diana (LaPlante) Webb, and Leona (LaPlante) Denis. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Darlene Blodgett LaPlante; his daughters Raelene LaPlante and Alison LaPlante Schoales; his son-in-law David Schoales; two granddaughters; a great-grandson; and his brother-in-law Dalton Blodgett. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro on Feb. 9. Committal rites and burial will follow in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro VT 05301 (www.gatheringplacevt.org) or Thompson House, Attn: Activities, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro VT 05301. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Christopher A. Mathieu, 50, of Ashuelot, N.H. Died at his home on Feb. 5, 2018. Born Oct. 19, 1967 in Southbridge, Mass., the son of Robert and Marlene (Frederick) Mathieu. He grew up in Massachusetts and later relocated to Hinsdale, N.H., with his family. He attended Hinsdale schools. His employment career took him to Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. He worked many years in cross country moving for Aaron Moving and Storage, a family-operated business; Crofter Moving and Storage in the Brattleboro area and, most recently, for Asplundh Tree Services. He was always a compassionate person who loved with his whole heart, and was always willing to do whatever he could to assist a friend in need. His “whistle s--t eating” grin of a smile and laugh was infectious. When the love of his life, Sandra Ann “Sandy” Sanderson, battled cancer not once but twice, he was at her side tending to her. When Sandy died on May 7, 2017, Chris's world changed and, from that moment on, life was never the same. He enjoyed fishing and camping, and loved a good dirt-bike ride. Chris and Sandy would escape to Willough Vale Inn on Lake Willoughby, which was their favorite place. Above all, he loved his family and was a loving son, devoted father and caring brother. Chris is survived by his mother Marlene Mathieu and her companion, Robert Qualters, of Swanzey, N.H.; his father Robert Mathieu and his companion, Dorothy Ewell, of Pelham, Mass.; his sons Nicholas and Nathan James Mathieu of Hinsdale; stepson Matthew Sanderson of Keene, N.H.; two sisters, Karen Mathieu-Astley and her husband, Phil, of Newfane; Linda Mathieu and companion, Luke Phillips, of Winchester, N.H.; three brothers, Glenn Mathieu and his wife, Jean, of Northfield, Mass.; Donald Mathieu and companion, Humberto Solivan, of Brooksfield, Fla., and Richard Mathieu and his wife, Robin, of Ashuelot; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is also survived by countless close friends and the mother of his children. Memorial information: A celebration of Chris's life will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, from 1to 4 p.m., at the Eagles Club, 54 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro. Bring a “Chris” story or picture that you would like to share during this time. Donations to the charity of one's choice. Foley Funeral Home of Keene is assisting the family with arrangements.
• David W. “Sag” Putnam, 77, of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 2, 2018 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in Brattleboro on Sept. 6, 1940, the son of Karma and Doris (Tenney) Putnam, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1958. He went on to serve in the Navy aboard the USS Hazelwood until his honorable discharge. He was employed for more than 20 years working as a real-estate agent with Brattleboro Area Realty. Previously, he had been employed by the Mercury Company, working at Vermont Yankee. In his earlier years, he worked for Stowell Electric in Brattleboro. He had been a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445 and held membership in the VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and travel. One of his favorite vacation destinations was the coast of Maine. In 1962, he married Janet Cavanaugh, who survives. Besides his devoted and faithful wife of 55 years, he leaves two sons, Craig Putnam of Brattleboro and Kevin Putnam and his wife, Lisa, of Springfield, Vt., and two sisters, Lorraine Unwin and Barbara Putnam, both of Brattleboro. Additionally, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Ruth Cavanaugh of Brattleboro, several grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Burial in the family lot in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery will be held in the springtime at a date and time to be announced. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mary Ellen Shatney, 55, of Brattleboro. Died Jan. 18, 2018 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in Goffstown, N.H., on Dec. 31, 1962, the daughter of Clyde and Gloria (Boyd) Shatney, she was raised in Brattleboro and attended public schools there. Throughout the years, she had been employed as a caregiver for several area residents. She was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed the holiday seasons. She also had a love for cats. She is survived by her companion of 20 years, Robert Maynard of Brattleboro; her son, Billy Hartlen of Laconia, N.H.; her daughter, Nicole Hartlen of Ware, N.H.; two brothers, Clyde Shatney, Jr. and Daniel Shatney, both of Manchester, N.H.; four sisters, Barbara Cliché and Donna Momaney of Brattleboro, Elizabeth Hartlen of Colebrook, N.H., and Shirley Caron of Candia, N.H.; two grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial information: In accordance with her wishes, there are no formal funeral services. A celebration of her life will be held in the springtime. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Dorothy “Dotty” Skwirut, 76, of Wilmington. Died Feb. 4, 2018 at her home. She was born June 28, 1941 in Hartford, Conn., to Anthony and Stacia Swider. She graduated from Ellsworth (Conn.) High School in 1959 and took a job at Connecticut Bank and Trust. Eventually, she left the bank to pursue the sun and ski circuit from Cape Cod to Vermont. Working as a waitress, she spent time between seasons traveling to California and Europe. In 1969 while working at the Haystack Ski Lodge in Wilmington, she met the man who became her husband, Frederick Skwirut. They were married and became full-time Vermont residents. She continued to work as a waitress at local establishments such as Tito and Kay's, The Andirons, Sitzmark, and Anchor Seafood. Somewhere in between the shifts, she took the time to raise three children. She will be sorrowfully missed by her daughter Stacey Skwirut, along with Will Hurley; her son Adam Skwirut, along with Beth Nichols; daughter-in-law Belle Skwirut, and her surviving husband, Fred. She took every opportunity to provide for her family and five grandchildren. She filled their lives with cheer and celebration and delighted in sharing the small pleasures of life with them, either at home or participating in local events. She was known by many in the Deerfield Valley for her kind gestures and her live-it-up attitude. Those who knew her at home will keep up the feeding of her birds and the tending of her extensive arboretum. She is also survived by her sister Joanne, her brother, California Bob, and sister Linda Rotolo of Wilmington. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Charles Rotolo, her parents, her son, Fred John Skwirut Jr., and her brother, Anthony Swider. Memorial information: A funeral mass was held Feb. 13 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilmington. Donations to Deerfield Valley Rescue, in care of the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Daniel Joseph Underhill, 18, of North Walpole, N.H. Died February 5, 2018 from injuries suffered in a house fire. Born in Springfield, Vt., on Nov. 11, 1999, the son of Charles and Gloria (Gaudet) Underhill, he attended school in Walpole and was attending Fall Mountain Regional High School, part of the Class of 2018. He was a volunteer at the Monadnock Humane Society. He loved animals and dinosaurs. He was very kind, was a friend to everyone he met, and brought out the best in people. He is survived by his parents and his brother Christopher, all of North Walpole. Memorial information: There will be calling hours from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, with a celebration of his life beginning at 2 p.m., all at the Westminster (Vt.) Congregational Church. Friends and family are welcome to share in fellowship after the service. Donations to the Underhill Family Fund at the Savings Bank of Walpole, 68 Ames Plaza Lane, Walpole, NH 03608.
• Lois R. (Clarke) White, 89, of Standish, Maine, formerly of Brattleboro. Died February 2, 2018 in Scarborough, Maine. She was born Oct. 23, 1928 in Brattleboro, the daughter of William H. Clarke and Doris (Sequin) Clarke. She was Valedictorian of the Class of 1946 of St. Michael's High School in Brattleboro. She married Robert A. White in 1949; they spent 47 years together before his passing in 1996. She started out working in her father's insurance business in Brattleboro, and later went on to work at the Dunham Shoe factory in Brattleboro as a secretary for more than 15 years. She then went to work for Harding's Maple Syrup in Athens, Maine, making candies for many years. During the 1970s and 1980s, she owned and operated the White's Greenhouse in Athens. She was a member of the Athens Victory Club, and had a real passion for growing flowers and trees. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, and going to camp. In later years, she loved things that cheered her up - a joke, watching birds at the feeder, watching cats play, windmills, and sitting in the sun. She is survived by her two children, Marie Seder and her husband, Seth, of Standish and Robert White and his wife, Wendy Coons, of Athens; two sisters, Pauline Belair of Ocala, Fla., and Cecile Holden and her husband, Steve, of Moultonborough, N.H.; three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother and father, her husband, a son, Arthur John, and a brother, Arnold Clarke. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be celebrated in the spring at the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church with a burial to follow at the Mount Rest Cemetery in Athens. Donations to Food and Fellowship, Inc., 405 Sebago Lake Rd., Gorham, ME 04038.
• Gary Wayne Younger, 60, formerly of Vernon. Died Jan. 28, 2018, at his home in Rutland, Mass., following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Brattleboro on June 2, 1957, the son of Lloyd and Marion (Buffum) Younger, he attended Brattleboro public schools and was a graduate of Greenfield (Mass) High School, Class of 1975. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and later received a medical honorable discharge from active service. He was a paint technician for Perkins Home Center in Chesterfield, N.H., retiring early due to the progression of his illness. Previously, he worked for the former West River Paint in Brattleboro and Creative Walls in Springfield, Mass. He was a member of Brattleboro Lodge No. 102 F&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, a 32nd degree Mason and a past master of Brattleboro Lodge, (1997-1998). He was also a member of the Brattleboro Shrine Club. He enjoyed woodworking, travel, and time shared with his family, and was known for his easy-going personality, good nature, and spirit of friendship. In 2001, he married Christine A. Mendala, who survives. He also leaves a daughter, Brandi Younger of Dalton, N.Y.; a brother, David Younger of Nashua, N.H.; two sisters, Christine Roberts of Mansfield, Ohio, and Joy Flynn of Northampton, Mass.; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, James Younger. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Feb. 10 at Vernon Advent Christian Church. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com