College news
• The following students recently graduated Castleton University and were recognized during the 231st commencement on May 12: Alex Derosia of Brattleboro, summa cum laude B.A. in multidisciplinary studies; Marcos Gallegos of Saxtons River, B.A. in political science; Nikolas Rancourt of Brattleboro, B.A. in art; Tyler Higley of Vernon, B.S. in sports administration; Nikhon Keopraseuth of Brattleboro, B.S. in health science; Emily Sheehan of Londonderry, B.S. in business administration; and Samuel Siegel of Putney, B.S. in business administration.
• The following local students received a degree from Clark University in Worcester, Mass., on May 20: Meyru Catherine Bhanti of Brattleboro graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in environmental science and geography and Molly Marie Gurney of Brattleboro graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in international development and social change.
• Ben Jerome-Lee of Dummerston received an M.A. in teaching at the secondary level from the University of Vermont's College of Education and Social Sciences. He had graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2014 with a bachelor's in History and a second bachelor's in communications, and subsequently taught in Thailand and Myanmar for a year.
• Evan Perkins of Brattleboro is a member of the Class of 2018 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, N.Y. Perkins graduated from the heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technical services academic program.
• The following local students received a degree from Keene State College at its May 5 commencement: Stephanie Case of Brattleboro, B.A., American studies and B.S., management; Sean Kiziltan of Newfane, B.A., Art; Kebrina Howard of Putney, B.S, education; Jason Macie of Putney, B.S., computer science; Luke Darling of South Newfane, B.S., sustainable product design and innovation; Kayla Savage of Vernon, B.S., education; and Bridget Johnson, B.A., history.
• Shealine Rivera Caraballo of Brattleboro and Tyler Andrews of West Halifax were both named to the Dean's List at Lyndon State College for the spring 2018 semester.
• Bridget Bolster of East Dummerston and Emma Griffith of West Halifax were both named to the Dean's List at Southern Vermont College for the spring 2018 semester.
• Genevieve Pennington-Fitzgerald, an applied exercise science major from Putney, and Danielle Wood, an exploratory studies major from Putney, were both named to the Dean's List at Springfield (Mass.) College for the spring 2018 semester.
• The following local students received academic honors for the spring 2018 semester at Johnson State College: On the Dean's List were Quinn Lambert of Bellows Falls, Victoria Higley and Riley Peterson of Brattleboro, Haley Frechette of Dummerston, Evan Daigneault of Newfane, Maia Struthers Friedman of Putney, Adrienne Derry of Townshend, and Ellen Boles of Wilmington.
• Madison Derosia of Brattleboro, a student in the College of Business of the University of New Haven (Conn.), has been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2018 semester.
School news
• The following local students received academic honors for work completed during the 2017-18 academic year at Northfield Mount Hermon: Lars Andrews of Halifax and Kim Amidon of Vernon were both named to the Head of School's List. Michaela Lawyer of Brattleboro, Lillie Richards of Brattleboro, and Suzanna Toledo Cornman of Brattleboro were all named to the Dean's List. Elliot Gooley of Brattleboro, Ruby Powers of Dummerston, and Molly O'Brien of Vernon were all named to the academic honors list for work completed in the spring 2018 semester.
Transitions
• Stevens & Associates welcomes Vermont native Andrea Ameden, EI, to their team as an associate engineer. After witnessing the destruction Tropical Storm Irene inflicted on road and bridge infrastructure in her hometown of Bondville, Ameden was motivated to pursue a career in engineering beginning by earning a B.S. in civil engineering with a minor in mathematics from the University of Vermont. Ameden's senior capstone project involved the design of a pedestrian arch-bridge to cross the Battenkill River and provide a crossing for the Manchester Riverwalk trail. She developed leadership skills as the president of the UVM Student Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and interned with the Essex (Vt.) Department of Public Works.
• Ryan Jennings, supervisor for Community Bank's Brattleboro branch, was recently appointed to the board of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce. He will be responsible for providing general oversight of the organization's finance committee, attending meetings and events, and voting on new bylaws.
Obituaries
• Ruth B. Allard, 90, of Dummerston. Died June 18, 2018 at Thompson House in Brattleboro, where she had been a resident since May. She was born at home in Putney on April 30, 1928, the daughter of George Reuben and Gladys Myra (Ward) Braley. She was raised in Putney, attending Washburn Elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse (#3) for years one through six, and Central School in Putney for two years. She graduated from Brattleboro High School, Class of 1946. Following graduation, she went to work for Ray Pestle, then extension agent at the Farm Bureau Extension service, until she married Robert C. Allard in 1947. Sixteen years later, she worked for the Windham County Farm Bureau. Her last position was with Ray Godfrey at the Soil Conservation Service. She took great pride in her home and was also a devoted homemaker. Active civically, she cooked for the Loaves and Fishes program in Brattleboro for 15 years, knitted hats, scarfs, sweaters and mittens for RSVP, made baby quilts for the Linus project and was an active volunteer for many years with the annual Dummerston Apple Pie Festival. She also was active with the strawberry, peach, blueberry, and chicken pot pie suppers held at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center. She also enjoyed making quilts and was a member of the Yankee Pride Quilting Group in Vermont and the Pelican Piecemakers in Florida. The Yankee Pride group won the Governor's Award for a group quilt at the annual quilt show in 2001 for a quilt called “Vermont Beauty.” She also won the People's choice award in Florida for an individual quilt. A woman of faith, she was a member of Dummerston Congregational Church and a former member of Putney Federated Church and Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. She wintered in Florida, where she and Bob bought a home in 1972 in Edgewater. For 53 years, she made Edgewater her home during the winter months. While in Florida, she enjoyed watching the wildlife and shrimping. She was predeceased by her husband, in 1992, and two sisters, Gladys Miller and Harriet Aplin. Survivors include two sons, Robert Allard, Jr. and his wife, Kathleen, of Putney and Clifford Allard and his wife, Sally, of Guilford; a sister, Sylvia Barton of Springfield, Vt.; two grandchildren, Trevor and Brittany Allard; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A funeral service was held June 24 at Dummerston Congregational Church, with burial in Dummerston Center Cemetery. Donations to Dummerston Congregational Church, 1535 Middle Road, East Dummerston, VT 05346, or to the Thompson House Activities Fund, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Olive (Madsen) Anderson, 95, of Londonderry. Died Dec. 12, 2017, in Troy, Mich. She was born in Worcester, Mass., to the late Sarah Hanola and Herman Madsen. Olive (“as in martini,” as she liked to say) wore many hats throughout her 95 years. She most notably was proprietor of Madsen's General Store in Londonderry for several years. She also was a very talented seamstress, devoted volunteer, and most loving and kind wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was the loving wife of the late Norman Earnest Anderson. She was preceded in death by her sons, Col. Norman Earnest Anderson Jr. (Andy Jr.) and Stephen Eric Anderson; and siblings Albert Madsen, Irene Benson, and Hazel “Honey” Smith. She leaves her four grandchildren, David Anderson, Susan (Michael) Kraemer, Peter (Elin) Anderson, and Molly Anderson; and seven great-grandchildren; Tate, Tess and Drew Kraemer, Nora and Adam Anderson, and Scout and Lily Anderson; and her recently acquired and loyal companion, her Yorkie, Charlotte. Olive spent most of her life in Londonderry but during her husband's time in the Army, was delighted to spend many years living all over the country and the world. She loved to sew, knit and crochet, to garden, exercise, travel, read, play bridge, solve crossword puzzles, walk in her woods, have parties, organize family parades and plays, eat interesting foods, and tell jokes. She was involved in any and all church activities and was a lifelong member of the Second Congregational Church in Londonderry, where she was recently named Deacon Emeritus. Memorial information: A memorial service was held June 23 at the Second Congregational Church.
• Barbara Jean Comtois, 78, of Bellows Falls. Died June 13, 2018. Born April 20, 1940 in Barre, the daughter of Americo “Mac” and Dorotha (Edwards) Gioria, she was a graduate of Spaulding High School in 1958. She earned a bachelor's degree in home economics education from the University of Vermont in 1962, making the Dean's list, and was a teacher at Bellows Falls High School/Bellows Falls Union High School for 30 years. During her tenure, she made many of the state championship banners that hung in the BFUHS gymnasium and was awarded District Home Economics Teacher. She was a member of the Alpha Chapter #53, Order of the Eastern Star, the Bellows Falls Woman's Club, and the United Church of Bellows Falls. At the United Church, she was a Deacon, and served on the Christian Education Committee and the Mission Board. She was proud to have been awarded 1992 Mother of the Year, of being president and co-president of the Woman's Club, and mentoring cancer patients. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafts, knitting, baking, playing piano, listening to music, doing jigsaw puzzles, and collecting angels, handkerchiefs, and miniature Christmas cards. She always treasured her family, especially at the Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Lake Dunmore gatherings. She also enjoyed dinner with friends on Friday nights and attending the numerous sporting events, concerts, and art shows of her grandchildren and great-grandchild. She also enjoyed many trips to Nova Scotia as well as a trip to England and a cruise to Bermuda. In 1964, she married Richard Comtois, who predeceased her in 2009. She is survived by her children, James R Comtois and his wife, Kim, and Jean M. Illingworth and her husband Geoff, all of Westminster; her brother Robert of Graniteville; her sister Elizabeth Brent of North Port, Fla.; and six grandchildren, one great-grandson, and several nephews and nieces. Memorial information: A funeral service was held June 23 at the United Church of Bellows Falls. A private burial was held in Oak Hill Cemetery. Donations to the Comtois Family Scholarship, in care of Thomas Chisamore, TD Bank, 2 Church St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Donna Marie Crawford, 53, of Dover. Died unexpectedly on June 18, 2018 at her home. Born in Worcester, Mass., on July 4, 1964, daughter of the late Lloyd Brown and Maureen (Webb) Brown, she attended school in Middletown, Conn. She worked as a caregiver and housekeeper for many years. She enjoyed being a member of the bowling team “Double Trouble,” where they claimed she was the biggest instigator of trouble. She enjoyed fishing, camping, reading, playing games, and listening to country music. She liked to travel, especially to Somerset Reservoir where she and her husband spent much of their time during the summers, and to the Maine coast where she enjoyed searching for crabs and clam digging. She enjoyed taking leisurely car drives and going on cruises. She was especially proud of being a “Meme” and cherished time spent with her family. She is survived by her husband, Ronald W. Crawford Jr., whom she married in 1988; her son, Justin Brown and his fiance, Heather Birmingham, and daughter Tina Andrews and her partner, Zachary Younger, all of Brattleboro; her brother Scott Brown and his fiance, Jamie Tommassetti, of Hadlyme, Conn.; sisters Diana St. Amand and husband, Craig, of Bellingham, Mass., Penny Murphey of Middletown, Conn., and Christine Brown of Portland, Conn.; three grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. She had a big heart and never hesitated to help someone who was in need. She had a sense of humor and enjoyed laughing. Her love and support will be greatly missed by all who were close to her and knew her. Memorial information: A private graveside service is planned. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Robert James Lind, 32, of Brattleboro. Died Friday, June 8, 2018 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Route 30 in Newfane. He made an early entrance into this world on March 21, 1986 in Leominster, Mass. He graduated from Doherty Memorial H.S. in 2005 as an honor society member and an outstanding athlete. He attended Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass. While majoring in psychology, he became their first cross country athlete to be awarded athlete of the year. Eventually he transferred to Worcester State College to major in communications and run with the Lancers. He loved the outdoors and running seemed to rejuvenate his spirit. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, and snowshoeing were among his favorite activities. Quiet times meant movies, chess, and experimental cooking. He had an infectious smile, a determined spirit, and a pure love of life. He tried to help and share his light with everyone. He fell in love with Mandi Gamache in October 2017. They were to be married on July 21, 2019. Instead, she too died from injuries sustained in the June 8 crash. They left this world within hours of each other to spend all eternity together. Rob is survived by his mother, Lisa A. Lind and his “Auntiemom,” Brenda Petersen, both of West Brattleboro; his sister, Shayne Petersen and her partner, John, of Las Vegas, Nev.; his grandmother, Sandy Boudreau Scott and her partner, John Merrifield, of Sebago Lake, Maine; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly. Memorial information: A graveside service and a celebration of his life are being planned and will be made public as soon as they are finalized. In Rob's memory, please live large, laugh loud, and love life.
• Gertrude E. “Trudy” Squires, 85, of Vernon. Died June 12, 2018 at Vernon Green Nursing Home, following a period of declining health. She was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 20, 1933, the daughter of Walter and Edna (Pratt) Underwood. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1950. In 1955, she married Lyndon M. Squires, who predeceased her in 2009. She was employed as a dispatcher for the Vermont State Police, working out of the Brattleboro Barracks on Marlboro Road, for 25 years until she retired. Previously, she had worked at the Brattleboro Savings & Loan Association and also as an assistant town clerk in Brattleboro. She enjoyed golf and with her husband was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club and the Pine Grove Springs Country Club in Spofford. She also liked to bake, loved dancing and, most of all, time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Survivors include one daughter, Kimberly Ellis and her husband, Turk Ellis of Putney; a son, Michael Squires and his wife, Tammi, of Keene, N.H., her five grandchildren, Tyrel Ellis, Mindy Lentini, Rachel, Elizabeth and Sydney Squires, a great-grandson, Finnegan Lentini, and a very close niece, Patty Grover of Bernardston, Mass. She was predeceased by one brother, Robert Underwood, and a sister, Ruth Covey. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Saturday, June 30, at 11 a.m., in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street with Pastor Lise Sparrow of Guilford Community Church officiating. Donations to the Vernon Green Nursing Home Activities Fund, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence to the Squires family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Services
• Graveside committal services for Rose B. Howe will be conducted on Friday, June 29, at 10 a.m., in Riverside Cemetery in Brookline. Rose, 86, of Plain Road in Hinsdale, N.H. died February 9, 2018 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Arrangements are under the guidance of Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.