College news
• Casey Greenleaf of Brattleboro, a Northeastern University student majoring in English and anthropology, was named to the University's Dean's List for the fall 2017 semester.
• The following local students received academic honors from Clark University in Worcester, Mass., for the fall 2017 semester: Meyru C. Bhanti of Brattleboro earned first honors, while Molly M. Gurney of Brattleboro earned second honors.
• Christiana M. Strysko of Wilmington has been named to the fall 2017 President's List for outstanding academic performance at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla.
Transitions
• The Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Eric Durocher will be the new Executive Director of the Chamber in April. Durocher is currently the membership Director and Events Coordinator for the Chamber, a position he has held since May 2017. Durocher is a lifelong resident of Southern Vermont, with many years experience working in and growing small businesses around the area. He received degrees in business administration and music business and industry from Lyndon State College in 2009. Durocher was selected after a unanimous vote from the board of directors to replace outgoing executive director Sharon Cunningham in April 2018.
Obituaries
• Barbara Ragle Barnes, 94, of Norwich, Vt. Died March 7, 2018. A student, consummate teacher, administrator, gardener, horsewoman, mother, and friend, she was born in Boston to David Barnes and Margaret Fitz who inspired her lifelong commitment to learning and education. She attended the progressive Shady Hill School in Cambridge, Mass., and graduated in one of the first classes at The Putney School. Her experience at Putney - with its commitment to coeducation, equality of the sexes, and the philosophy of learning by doing - set her on the path of a lifetime educator. She graduated from Radcliffe College and planned to attend Tufts Medical School. After spending a summer as a camp counselor teaching sailing, she called her father and told him to tell Tufts she'd changed her mind. She would be a teacher. She began teaching in one-room schools in Vermont and soon settled in Norwich with her then-husband, Richard H. Ragle, and young family. As a teacher at the Norwich School, she met two distinguished Dartmouth professors, physicist Leonard Rieser and biologist Bill Ballard. In the post-Sputnik era, Barbara and Professors Ballard and Rieser were eager to create an experiential, hands-on science program where students were encouraged to observe, ask questions and experiment. The three of them developed a laboratory-based science program. It was enthusiastically received and quickly generated the desire to train more science-oriented teachers in elementary schools in Vermont and New Hampshire. Running summer workshops sponsored by Dartmouth and the National Science Foundation, Barbara laid the groundwork for what has become the Upper Valley Educator's Institute (UVEI), now based in Lebanon, N.H. She believed that if well-educated adults with life experience could work for a year as apprentices with experienced teachers in real classrooms, they could become qualified to teach and had the potential to become great teachers. Forty-five years and more than 1,000 students later, the success of UVEI in its many forms, now with a master's program and principal certification, is a testimony to Barbara's foresight and hard work. After serving as the founding director of UVEI, Barbara went on to Dartmouth as a dean during the early years of coeducation. Subsequently she was the head of The Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio and then The Putney School. She established a nationally-recognized search organization helping both public and independent schools find and select new heads. She spent her career teaching school, teaching school boards, teaching heads of schools, and teaching individuals and friends, insisting on high standards and high expectations for students and teachers alike. Barbara was as much a student as she was a teacher. She was the first recipient of the Master's of Arts in Liberal Studies at Dartmouth and was an eager student in dozens of Osher Dartmouth classes. Beyond teaching and learning, Barbara's greatest passion was Ridgewood Island on Little Sebago Lake in Maine, a family island for more than 100 years. Her father, an architect, designed the original structures, and Barbara continued the family tradition spending countless hours building cabins, repairing docks, and entertaining family and friends. She is survived by her daughters and their families, Holly and Andrew Cole and granddaughter Devon, Wendy and Brian Pickett and grandson Ivan; and Hilary and Thomas De Carlo. Memorial information: A celebration of Barbara's life will take place in Barnes Hall at The Putney School this summer at a date to be announced. Donations to The Putney School, in care of Hugh Montgomery; 418 Houghton Brook Road; Putney, VT 05346.
• Earl Edward Cavanagh, 77, of Dummerston. Died March 12, 2018 at his home in Dummerston. Born on July 23, 1940 in Brattleboro, son of Edward and Ruth (McArthur) Cavanagh, he was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a 1958 graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. He married Nancy Thrower, his high school sweetheart, in 1959 and joined the Navy. He retired at the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 1986. After retirement, he held a position with the U.S. Customs Service, and eventually opened his own upholstery business in Brattleboro. After the closing of the business, he enjoyed his retirement years traveling with Nancy and spending time with his family. He was the Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Elks Association as well as secretary of Brattleboro Elks Lodge BPOE 1499. He previously held the offices of National Grand Tyler, Exalted Ruler of the Brattleboro Elks and Exalted Ruler of the Plymouth (Mass.) Elks Lodge BPOE 1476. He also spent countless hours volunteering with the Silver Towers Camp in Ripton, Vt. He was a man known for his strong convictions and spirit of friendship. He was also known for his larger than life personality, strong sense of humor and grand story telling. He proudly held the title of the first pitcher to throw a perfect game in Brattleboro Little League and the title of Vermont Heavyweight Lifting in his age bracket and would be sure to share that with anyone who would listen. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Dummerston; his mother, Ruth Cavanagh, of Brattleboro; children, Cheryl Cavanagh of Brattleboro, Melinda and Tim Baronoski of Gilsum, N.H., Julie and Jeff Houle of Brattleboro, and Katie and Matt Hoffman of Gretna, La.; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sisters, Debra Cavanagh and Janet Putnam of Brattleboro and brother Michael of Newfane. He is preceded in death by his father, his son John Cavanagh, and brother James Cavanagh. Memorial information: A funeral service was held March 16 at First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. Donations to Silver Towers at 56 Silver Towers Road, Ripton, VT 05766. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Doris Coolbrith 78, of Whitingham. Died March 4, 2018 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a period of declining health. Born Jan. 5, 1940 in Rowe, Mass., to Myrtle and John Clement, she had been employed by Yellow Cab and McDonald's as well as other businesses in her younger years. She loved hunting and fishing and spending time with family. She also loved basset hounds, and she and her husband George owned many over the years. She was predeceased by siblings James, John Jr., Marjorie, and Barbara; her daughter LuEllen Wilkins, and her son Marcus Wilkins. In addition to her husband of 37 years, George Coolbrith, she is survived by sisters, Lauria, Marion, Delores, MaryEllen, and Korienne; brothers Samuel and Joeseph; daughters Laurie Favereau (Mike) and Luna Plante (Daniel), sons Merlin Wilkins and Robert Coolbrith; and 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A celebration of Doris's life will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Carly Cemetery in Whitingham later this spring. Cards and/or gifts to George Coolbrith, P.O. Box 415, Jacksonville, VT 05342.
• Michael “Mike” Elliott, 60, of Acton, Mass. Died March 9, 2018 at his home, 10 days before his 61st birthday. He leaves a loving wife, Terri (Curtis) Elliott. They knew one another in high school in Brattleboro, reunited in an unexpected love affair in 2008, and married in 2011. The dichotomies in the wedding vow of “for better or for worse” couldn't have been better shown than they were by Terri in Mike's last months. He leaves two children, Luke and Sarah. Luke, 17, is a junior in high school in Littleton, Mass., and Sarah, 20, is a sophomore at Temple University in Philadelphia. His mother, Nancy Cavanaugh Elliott, never expected this turn of fate in her lifetime. While her 85 New England winters have forged her in steel, this experience has strained her great might. He was the oldest of four children. Chris Elliott and Greg Elliott were his brothers, and Elizabeth Elliott Mackle his sister. Mike leaves two nieces, Katie Mackle and Allison Elliott, and a nephew, Chris Mackle, as well as two cousins, John and Joe Cavanaugh. His father, Birnie Jo Elliott, predeceased him. He was born in Manchester, N.H., on March 19, 1957, and lived there until 1963 when the family moved to Brattleboro. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1975 and earned a B.S. in forestry sciences at the University of Vermont in 1979. An expert on the impact of large engineering projects on waters and wetlands, he had a 32-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was proudest of his largest project, the Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island, the first ocean wind farm in the U.S. He was a star athlete in high school, notably in tennis and skiing. He backpacked across Europe after college and often spent his vacations hiking Denali National Park or swimming with manatees in Florida. His love of the natural world and his scientific mind melded into a singular one that permitted a seamless ebb and flow between the shared identities of his heart's great passions and his chosen profession. Memorial information: A funeral service was held March 17 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro, Donations to the Glioblastoma Foundation at glioblastomafoundation.org.
• Vernon G. Fumagalli, 89, of East Dummerston. Died March 7, 2018 at his daughter's home in West Chesterfield, N.H. Born in Randolph, Vt., on June 20, 1928, son of Victor and Wilma (Rogers) Fumagalli, he lived in the Brattleboro area since 1951, where he met his wife, Janet E. Cudworth. During World War II, while living in Randolph, he worked as a logger, at a rubber shop, and for the Central Vermont Railroad. After moving to the Brattleboro area, he worked for APW (later Concel), Melsur, Cersosimo Lumber and Putney Paper, eventually retiring in 1990 at age 62. He was a lifetime NRA member and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed flea markets, tag sales, history, Westerns starring John Wayne and, most especially, spending time with family and friends. He was an animal lover, having rescued several pets. He most especially enjoyed time with his canine companion, Shortie, a Yorkshire Terrier. He was predeceased by his wife in 1998. Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Kent of West Chesterfield, Linda Willis of Winchester, N.H., and a son, Mark Fumagalli of Wilmington. He also has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A celebration of life will take place at a later date in the spring. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Pamela Jane Pearson “Pam” Hutchins, 64, of Vernon. Died March 13, 2018 at home. She was born on Oct. 26, 1953 in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Barbara Pearson, and attended Brattleboro Union High School and Castleton State University. She married the love of her life, Owen F. Hutchins Jr., in 1973. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and taking long walks with her dog, Akasha. Her greatest accomplishments were her two sons. She took pride in watching them grow and succeed. She adored her granddaughters immensely and enjoyed watching them in all of their activities. Everyone was welcome in her home and she extended her love to many. Everyone who knew Pam loved her and her welcoming smile. She would sit and talk with you for hours while filling your belly with food and your heart with love. She is survived by her husband, her sons Jeremy and Christopher, daughter-in-law Angela Hutchins, granddaughters Alexandra and Berkley, sisters Marilyn Loper and Laura Taschereau. Memorial information: None provided.
• Juanita B. “Nita” Kimball, 94, formerly of Bellows Falls. Died March 16, 2018. She was born August 7, 1923 in Nashua, N.H., the daughter of Albert and Sibyl (Day) Hinds. She was a 1941 graduate of Bellows Falls High School, and continued her studies and graduated from the Heaton Hospital School of Nursing in Montpelier in 1945 as a registered nurse. She worked many years at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1982. In 1946, she married Frank Kimball, who died in 2012. She is survived by her daughter Diane Ackley, her son-in-law Dick Healy, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and four sisters: Audrey Gochey of Bellows Falls, Patricia Maynard of Tunbridge, Sandra Fitzpatrick of Enfield, N.H. and Sherry Morrison of Bridgeton, Maine. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Barbara Healy, and a brother, Albert Hinds. Memorial information: There will be calling hours Friday, March 23, at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 24, at 11 a.m., at the United Church on School Street in Bellows Falls, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Donations to the United Church or the American Legion Scholarship Fund.
• Margarite Esther Lamb, 80, of Townshend. Died March 15, 2018, with her family at her side. Born on Oct. 18, 1937 to Everett and Elizabeth Bristol of Brattleboro, Margarite, known as Esther to family and friends, was one of 17 children. Being raised in such a full household instilled a strong sense of family and laid the foundation for her caring and generous spirit. She was a creative and artistic woman who enjoyed painting, music, poetry, and sewing. She was quick to volunteer her talents, whether a child needed a costume for a school play or Halloween, or a neighbor needed a quilt or a pair of curtains. She enjoyed nature and wildlife, spending summers in the Adirondacks with her husband and children. Fishing from a rowboat, picking berries or wildflowers, and watching the sunrise over the lake were all cherished moments for her. Ultimately spending time with her children and grandchildren was what offered Esther the most joy. Her quick wit, nurturing spirit, and loving nature made her such a comforting presence to them all. These qualities extended beyond her family to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was predeceased by her husband, Leroy Lamb, and grandson Daniel Moore, as well as several brothers and one sister. She is survived by her children, Kimberly Woodbury and her husband, Dan, Leroy Lamb Jr. and his wife, Filma, Tracey Lamb, Brian Lamb, Michelle Mortimer and her husband, Jeffrey, as well as five grandchildren. Memorial information: Services will be held on Saturday, March 24, at 11 a.m., at Newfane Congregational Church, with a luncheon immediately following. Donations to Valley Cares Assisted Living, 457 Grafton Rd., Townshend, VT. 05353.
• Earl Carl Sawin, 92, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Feb. 9, 2018 at Paoli (Pa.) Memorial Hospital. He battled cancer and its after-effects for more than 20 years but, ultimately, the disease brought on complications that could not be cured. He and his loving wife, Pat, retired to Sanibel Island, Fla., in 2002, but returned to Pennsylvania to live out their final years. Born on Dec. 19, 1925 to Earl Clifton Sawin and Lydia (Bohne) Sawin in Brattleboro, he was the youngest child of three. Athletic in high school, he was an All-American football player from Vermont. Following high school, during World War II, he joined the Marine Corps and was sent to Naval Officer Training School at Cornell University where he earned his B.A. That is where he met his beloved Pat, and they were married in 1949. Their marriage brought two children into the world, a daughter Christine and a son, Scott. He went to work for Lehigh Cement in Allentown, Pa., but, as he was still in the Marine Corps Reserve, he was called up for active duty when the Korean War broke out. He served there as a captain of an anti-aircraft unit. Promoted to major, he considered a military career with the Marines but decided to return home to a life of a businessman and raise a family. After another stint with Lehigh Cement and then Scott Paper, he was approached in the early 1960s by John and Bob Reese to join them in a graphic arts venture, American Photoengraving, which eventually became American Directory Systems. He was very successful in growing the business and diversifying it to serve the Yellow Pages industry, which ultimately became its primary focus. In the early 1980s, he purchased American Directory from the Reeses. He became very active in the Yellow Pages industry and joined a number of associations promoting the medium. Anyone who met Earl was immediately taken by his warmth and easy-going nature. He had that “how can I help you” attitude that made him successful in both business and his social relationships. In retirement on Sanibel Island, he often gave back to the community by volunteering on civic boards and their church, Sanibel Congregational United Church. And, his golfing buddies at the Dunes Golf Club appreciated his starting up of the weekly men's golf group, the PogeyBaiters, which continues on to this day. Most of all, he loved his family and was always interested in their lives and activities, and wanting the best for each as they pursued careers and started their own families. He was a generous, kind, and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by a daughter, Christine Lamb, and husband Christopher, along with their two children, Colin Lamb, his wife Carrie and their three children, Chloe, Daphne and Reid; Peter Lamb and his wife Katie along with their two children, Kelley and Juliet; a son Scott and his wife Deb along with their two children, Paige and Corey; and his loveable alpha pup, Suki. Memorial information: Services were private. Earl and Pat's ashes will travel the oceans of the world, but their souls will ever embrace their beloved family.
• Kaya Benjamin Siegel, 25, of Putney. Died unexpectedly on March 8, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minn. Born at home on March 22, 1992 in Brattleboro, son of Ea Maples and the late Johnathon Guy Siegel, he graduated from Putney Central School and Brattleboro Union High School. He was working and living in Minneapolis as an automobile recovery specialist (a.k.a., Repo-Man) and damn proud of it. He was full of love and laughter and had a heart for anyone who needed it. He had a strong and firm connection with his family and friends. He played music and loved to write. From childhood on, he loved to read, tell jokes, and enjoy adventure. He is survived by his mother Ea Maples, his siblings, Jack and Audrey Maples and Dakota Roberts; his stepfather Krishna Maples; his grandparents Hyam Siegel, Judy Kinoy, Rick Spruchman, Gary and Jean Maples; aunts and uncles, Brenda, Tommy and Sarah Siegel and Holly, Chris and Jon Maples, Camellia Alexander, his cousins Ajna, Rylan, Max, and Emma Siegel; Taylor and Teegan Maples; Samantha Douglas-Maples; and Darby, Ceciley, and J.D. Alexander; and many close friends. Memorial information: A memorial service was held March 13 at West Village Meeting House, followed by a graveside service in the BAJC Cemetery at Morningside Cemetery. Donations to the Putney Recreation League, P.O. Box 73, Putney, VT. 05345. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• June Hope Swift, 86, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died March 10, 2018 at Thompson House Nursing Home. Born in Berkshire, Vt., on Sept. 6, 1931, the daughter of Harold and Edith (Johnson) Wetherby, she was raised and educated in Berkshire, attending class in a one-room school house. She had been employed at the former Stacia's Restaurant in Brattleboro and also worked as a teacher's assistant at Keene (N.H.) High School. Her most important job was being a devoted homemaker and her life centered around her family. She was a past member of the VFW Auxiliary, Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting and time spent with her family as well as with her beloved Shih-Tzu, “Buddy.” In 1973, she married Donald E. Swift, who predeceased her in 2013. Survivors include three daughters, Brenda Phillips of Putney, Linda Castine of Dummerston and Debra Riley of Casselberry, Fla.; three sons, Stewart Swift of San Antonio, Texas, Gary Swift of Garland, Texas, and Larry Swift of Bryan, Texas; one sister, Martha Sweet of Richford; two brothers, Wayne Wetherby of Richford and Fred Wetherby of Winchester, N.H. Additionally, she leaves 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by one daughter, Cheryl Swift; a son, Larry Riley; and three brothers, Albert Wetherby, Harold Wetherby Jr., and Daniel Johnson. Memorial information: A memorial gathering was held March 17 at the North Hinsdale Community Church on Meetinghouse Road. Burial in Oaklawn Cemetery in North Hinsdale will be in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to the Thompson House Activities Fund, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Norman M. Vancor, 79, of Bellows Falls. Died March 14, 2018. Born in Bellows Falls on July 26, 1938, the son of Jed and Jean (McGregor) Vancor, he was a 1957 graduate of Bellows Falls High School who then went on to serve in the Army until 1960. Norm worked for many years as a car salesman for Westminster Auto, where you could always find him at his desk in the corner window. Norm loved picking blueberries and strawberries and listening to his favorite baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles, on the radio. However, his favorite hobby was attending local sports games, cheering on his grandkids and great-grandkids over the years. He is survived by his sons Edward and Kevin (Gloria) Vancor, and his daughter Jean Vancor, all of Bellows Falls. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Barbara Scanlon Vancor, his daughter Catherine Furgat, and his brother Gordon Vancor. Memorial information: A funeral service was held March 18 at Christ's Church in Saxtons River, with burial to follow in the Saxtons River Cemetery. Donations to the Connecticut Valley Pee Wee Football League, P.O. Box 703, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Wendy McLeod Watson, 75, formerly of Putney. Died on Feb. 23, 2018 at her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she lived next door to her daughter Mary, who cared for her in her last months. She met the unrelenting challenges of cancer with courage and grace to the last. She was the daughter of the late Aldren and Nancy (Dingman) Watson. She was preceded in death by her son James Harrah, and her brother Peter Watson. She is survived by her daughter Mary Harrah of Phoenix; sisters Clyde Watson of Etna, N.H.; Linda Watson of Bristol, Vt.; Ann Watson of New Haven, Vt.; N. Cameron Watson of Truro, Mass.; Caitlin McLeod of Nevada City, Calif.; brother Thomas Watson of Truro; 13 nieces and nephews, six great-nieces and nephews, and her companion cat, Elijah. She was born in 1942 in Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., and grew up on a farm in Putney, where her parents settled when she was five. From a very young age, she knew she wanted to be an artist. She received her primary education and early art training from her parents. She later studied painting and drawing with Jerry Farnsworth, Helen Sawyer, and Daniel Greene, and received a B.A. in Latin, magna cum laude, from Bryn Mawr College. She was the author-illustrator of 22 books for children, and the illustrator of 75 books for other authors. Her books have received many prestigious awards and honors and her artwork has been exhibited widely, and included in numerous national and international shows. To her children, she was an unrelenting pillar of support, advice, companionship, and encouragement. She passed on her deep love of nature, animals, cooking, performing and visual arts, language, reading, and adventure to both her children. Her determination, strength, and courage will live on in all her family members. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Windham County Humane Society or another charity of your choice.
• Jean E. Willis, 89, of Keene, N.H. Died Feb. 12, 2018, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. Born on Dec. 6, 1928, to Arthur D. and Helen (Gregory) Mulvaney in Lewiston, Maine, she moved to Keene at the age of two and attended local schools, graduating salutatorian of the Class of 1946. While at Keene High School, she starred in several plays, sang in the a cappella choir, and was the drum majorette. Jean then attended Connecticut College for Women, from which she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in French and Spanish. 1950 proved to be a banner year for Jean. Upon graduating from college, she returned to Keene and that summer was crowned Miss Keene. In the fall, she embarked upon what was to become a lengthy and very satisfying teaching career. On Dec. 23, she married the love of her life - Edward C. Willis, with whom she would spend the next 50 years-in a beautiful Christmas-themed wedding at St. Bernard's Church in Keene. Jean's teaching career spanned almost 30 years. She taught high school-level French, Spanish, and English in Troy, Keene, and Walpole, and later at Fall Mountain Regional and Monadnock Regional. Jean was respected and admired by her students and colleagues alike, and formed lifelong friendships with many of them. Following her retirement from teaching, Jean worked with Acre Realty and later with the Masiello Group as a real estate agent. She particularly enjoyed helping young, first-time home buyers, many of whom were her children's friends, find homes. Since both her father and her husband were great athletes and coaches, it's not surprising that she was an avid sports enthusiast. In addition to the joy and pride in watching her children participate in their various sporting events throughout the years, Jean was also a rabid Celtics and Red Sox fan. She loved to explore the world and was fortunate enough to travel abroad many times with groups of her students, her colleagues, the bridge ladies, and her daughter, Bonnie. She and Ed also spent time on Longboat Key, Fla., and visited Bonnie in Miami regularly. No summer was complete without a trip to the Maine coast with her son, Scott. She enjoyed spending time with her son, Andy, and daughter-in-law, Kathy, talking politics on both the local and national level. She was especially pleased to see her grandchildren, Colleen and Dan, pursue their passions for political science and computer science at Keene State College. She loved her family, her friends, her children's friends, cats, teaching, learning, reading, playing bridge, discussing politics, arguing, laughing hard, summer, the coast of Maine, Spain, the Bee Gees, red lipstick, a good cheeseburger, and pie. She disliked widowhood, willful ignorance, mean-spiritedness, and vegetables. Many in the community will miss her dry sense of humor, her kindness, and her charm. This is especially true for her children, Scott G. Willis of Brattleboro, Bonnie J. Willis of Lakeland, Fla., Andrew A. Willis and his wife, Kathleen O'Donnell, of Keene; her two grandchildren, Colleen Willis and Daniel Willis, both of Keene; and numerous nieces and nephews in Massachusetts. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 16, at 1 p.m., at Solar Hill, 229 Western Ave., Brattleboro, with a private burial in Monadnock View Cemetery in Keene. Donations to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446.