College news
• Gabrielle Carpenter of Vernon has been named to the 2018 Castleton University volleyball roster.
• Craig Worden, a hospitality, resort, and tourism management major from West Dummerston, was accepted into the HTC Honors College and Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C.
Obituaries
• Nora Barton Bryant, 77, of Jaffrey, N.H., formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 15, 2018, at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Jaffrey, following a period of declining health due to cancer. She was born in Falls Church, Va., on Feb. 16, 1941, the daughter of Hubert C. and Rosamund (Churchill) Barton, Jr. She was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1959. After high school, she married a classmate, Ward Charles Bryant, in 1960. Together they raised two children, living first at the seacoast in Hampton Falls, N.H., then moving to Jaffrey in 1978. In 1986, she happened to take a class which led to a 30-plus year career as a real estate agent. In recent years she worked at The Masiello Group's Better Homes and Gardens office in Peterborough, N.H. Nora was a member of the Jaffrey Women's Club, The Friends of the Library, The Jaffrey Historical Society, and the Jaffrey Conservation Commission. As an avid reader, she was especially fond of May Sarton, and also took great pleasure in the garden flowers she tended at her home. She often hung them to dry on old hooks in the wood beams of her kitchen ceiling. She also liked nature shows and old British programs like All Creatures Great and Small. Recently, she joked about delighting in all the birds and wildlife in her yard - “All creatures great and small, mostly small.” She is survived by: her children, Bethany Bryant of Fort Mill, S.C., and Barton W. Bryant and his wife, Leisl, of Mont Vernon, N.H.; her sister, Sherwood Bromley of Putney; a niece, Nevada Bromley of Putney; and three grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Hubert C. Barton III. Memorial information: Donations to the Jaffrey Conservation Commission, in care of Town of Jaffrey, 10 Goodnow St., Jaffrey, NH 03452. To share condolences with the family, visit www.cournoyerfh.com.
• Lisa Charkey, 48, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home on Oct. 14, 2018, after bravely cheating death numerous times in her five-year long battle with cancer. Those who knew and loved her will remember her as a talented artist, extraordinary educator, and devoted parent. Born Sept. 17, 1970 in Northampton, Mass., she grew up in Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School. She attended Hampshire College, received her B.A. from Marlboro College, and did graduate work in art and education at Parsons School of Design and Bank Street College of Education in New York City. Lisa returned to Brattleboro with her daughter, Lily, in 2007 after living and working in Jamaica, St. John, Miami, New York City, and Paris, France. She had a generous heart and made us laugh. She is survived by her parents, Stan and Barbara Charkey of Brattleboro; her daughter, Lily Charkey Buren; her brother, Jacob Charkey; her sister-in-law, Veronica Simas de Souza Rosas; and her favorite aunt, Betty Smith of Portland, Ore. Memorial information: A memorial event will be held at a later date. To sign on online guestbook with messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mary Frances Clark, 96, of Bellows Falls. Died October 16, 2018. She was born in Bellows Falls on October 2, 1922, the daughter of Marion (Carey) and Philias Grignon. She graduated from St. Charles School, Bellows Falls High School (1940), and Kathleen Dell School in Boston (1942) as a dietician. She served in the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve (SPARS) during World War II from 1944 to 1945. After the war, she returned to Bellows Falls, married George E. Clark in 1949 and, together, raised three children - Philip Clark, Deborah Clark Tolaro, and Michael Clark. Mary was active in St. Charles Parish and American Legion Post 37. She worked in the insurance business in Boston and Bellows Falls before working at Bellows Falls High School until her retirement. Starting at a very young age, she spent many vacations with her maternal relatives, the Careys, at the family home in the Hyde Park section of Boston. These were cherished memories, especially spending time with her Aunt Veronica (Carey) Goslin. Mary enjoyed many happy years in her beautiful home creating and maintaining her many perennial and vegetable gardens. Her sense of adventure was endless on her many trips to Europe and St. Martens. Besides her children, Mary is survived by her grandchildren Philip Clark, Alison Amidon, and Jennifer Tolaro-Heidbrink. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren, two great-great-granddaughters, several nieces and nephews, and a very special sister, Elizabeth Lynch of Yarmouth Port, Mass., with whom she shared many memories and adventures. Memorial information: A funeral mass was held Oct. 20 at St. Charles Church, with burial following in St. Charles Cemetery in Westminster. Donations to St. Charles Church, 31 Cherry Hill St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Robert Vincent “Bobby” Kane Jr., 51, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 15, 2018 at his home. Born in Brattleboro to Robert and Sandra Kane. He spent most of his life in Brattleboro or Hinsdale, N.H. Bobby was a friendly, big-hearted guy who was known and loved by many. He was a man of many traits and held numerous jobs over his lifetime. He enjoyed saving and caring for animals, riding his motorcycle, being with friends, and making people laugh. He was extremely proud of his two daughters he leaves behind, Ashley and Ariel, of Guilford. He is also survived by his brother, Rick Kane of Hinsdale. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held Oct. 19 at American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. A motorcycle ride in his honor was held on Oct. 21.
• William Frank “Billy” Morse, 71, Died Oct. 16, 2018, in South Bend, Ind., from a sudden illness while traveling back to Vermont. He was born in Brattleboro on July 17, 1947, the first son to William and Jacqueline Morse. He is survived by several immediate brothers, David Morse, Robert Morse, Mark Morse and sisters Joanne Barry and Diane Valliere. After high school and community college, he joined the Army at the height of the Vietnam War and served one year there as a combat medic. Because of his abilities as an expert skier, he was then transferred to Garmisch, Germany, where he served on the Army Ski Patrol. After an honorable discharge from the Army, he moved to California. His biggest passion in life was skiing, especially at Mount Snow, where he worked on the Ski Patrol. He was also a ski instructor at Ascutney Mountain before it closed. He lived, worked, and skied for 20 years at Incline Village at Lake Tahoe, Nev. He loved to travel and earned a Black Belt in Karate while living in Japan. Memorial information: A private burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in William's memory to Kurn Hattin Homes, PO Box 127, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Warren “Clem” Parker, 81, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Oct. 14, 2018 at Applewood Rehabilitation Center in Winchester, N.H. He was born Sept. 24, 1937 in Harrisville, N.H., the son of Frances and Hilda (Epsberg) Parker. He married Virginia Fostyck in 1965. He worked for the Brattleboro Retreat Farm and Al Melanson Roofing. He retired in 1997 from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation after almost 21 years. He was a 41-year member of the Hinsdale Fire Department. Besides his wife of 53 years, he is survived by a son, Dennis and his fiancee, Jane Boroski, of Hinsdale; a daughter, Diane Pringle and her husband, Jack, of Hinsdale; a sister, Hilda Lancy of Swanzey, N.H.; five brothers, Minot of California, Carl of Milford, N.H., Hollis of Keene, N.H., Lindsey of Northfield, Mass., and Robert of Whitehall, N.Y.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by siblings Winifred, Neal, Allan, and John. Memorial information: Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Donations in his memory may be made to the Hinsdale Fireman's Association, 13 Depot St., Hinsdale, NH 03451.
• Brandon Lee Porter, 27, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Oct. 5, 2018 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., of a very brief and unexpected illness. was born on July 9, 1991 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. He attended elementary and high school in Hinsdale, but graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 2010. He enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles, but his passion was dirt biking. He started riding when he was 4, and was an excellent and experienced motorcyclist. He loved his fast cars as well. Brandon was caring, loving, full of life, active, and determined; a smart, but stubborn, young man who loved his daughter, Aubry Lee, more than anyone. He loved and treasured family and friends very much. Brandon was a remarkable young man who was loved and cherished by so many, and will forever be in the hearts and memories of all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter; father Jeffery Lee Porter and wife, Josephine, of Hinsdale; mother Rachael Lee Gauthier (Bostwick) and husband, Bruce, of Brattleboro; grandfather Raymond Porter of Brattleboro; grandmother Judith Jacobson (Aldrich) of Winchester, N.H.; grandfather Steve A. Bostwick of Falmouth, Mass.; grandmother Donna Lee Carreiro (Bostwick, Bowlin) of Brattleboro. Memorial information: A funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 26, at 1 p.m., at Ker-Phaneuf Funeral Home, 57 High St., Brattleboro. After the service, there will be a gathering at the Hinsdale Community Center.
• Agnes “Aggie” Jane (Sencabaugh) Reardon, 88, of Vernon, died Oct. 16, 2018 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a brief illness. A lifelong resident of the area, she was born in West Brattleboro on June 5, 1930, the daughter of Aplin and Isabel (Gage) Sencabaugh. She attended Academy School in West Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1949, where she participated in many clubs and was a coach of the girls' basketball team. She married Edward J. Reardon in 1954. He predeceased her in January 2007. A faithful and devoted homemaker, her life centered around spending time with her family. For a short time, she worked at Vernon Green Nursing Home and, in her earlier years, drove a cab for Helen's Taxi Service in Brattleboro. She was a woman of faith and was a former member of First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. Aggie enjoyed taking day trips on the back roads of Windham County, where she and her husband would have coffee and doughnuts. She also enjoyed taking care of animals and being outside with whatever little dog she had at the time. Most of all, she enjoyed time shared with her family and close friends. In addition to her husband, she was also predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Fred “Ted” Sencabaugh of Rhode Island and G. Edward Sencabaugh of Arizona. Survivors include a daughter, Diane Clarkson of Vernon; a son, Edward Reardon also of Vernon; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, her little dog Chewy, and many close friends who affectionately referred to her as “Ma.” Memorial information: A graveside service will be conducted Saturday Oct. 27, at 11 a.m., in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow the committal to be held in the fellowship hall at Vernon Advent Christian Church. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302 or Vernon Elderly Assistance Program, 567 Governor Hunt Rd., Vernon, VT 05354. To sign an online register book or send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• William “Billy” L. Rancourt Jr., 80, of Westmoreland, N.H. Died Sept. 24, 2018 at his home, following an 18-year battle with cancer. Born in Brattleboro on Oct. 9, 1937, the son of the late Lillian (Jones) and William Rancourt Sr., he married Judy Wilcox in 1969 after a short courtship. They were married for 49 years. He worked for Ball & Wixon, Bazin Bros., the Town of Walpole, N.H., and Pat Rawson Construction as an equipment operator and truck driver. He never met a stranger and knew people wherever he went. He loved camping, traveling and trading stories and laughter with family and friends. He could be found outside working on various projects, including his tractors and other equipment, and had a successful small business making maple syrup. Besides his loving wife, he leaves a son, Chad Rancourt of Delanson, N.Y., a daughter, Cara Baker and her husband, Chris, of Milton, N.H. and his beloved granddaughter, Natalie Baker. He also leaves a sister, Joan Richardson and her husband, Howard; a brother, Jack Rancourt and his wife, Elizabeth; a sister in-law, Natalie Rancourt, as well as cousins, many nieces and nephews, and his extended family and friends. Memorial information: A burial service will take place on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m., in the family lot at South Village Cemetery in Westmoreland. Donations to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Patient Relief Fund (Keene), Attn.: Jennifer Michelson. 480 Court St. Keene, NH 03431, or to: Westmoreland United Church, 9 Village Common, Westmoreland, NH 03467.
• Patricia “Patty” (Householder) Relyea, 89, of Vero Beach, Fla. Died Oct. 12, 2018 at VNA Hospice House after an extended illness. She was born April 20, 1929 in Madison, Wis., the youngest child of Glen and Erma (Dieter) Householder. She spent her childhood in Brattleboro, where she graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1947. She then attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. Following her graduation with a degree in speech pathology in 1951, she married her college sweetheart, Philip “Pete” Relyea at Camp Gordon in Augusta, Ga., before he was deployed to serve in the Korean War. In his absence, she lived in Hartford, Conn., where she worked as a special education teacher in the Hartford public school system and then moved back to Brattleboro to work at the Austine School for the Deaf. Upon Pete's return, they moved to Middlebury, where Pete managed a car dealership in nearby Vergennes. In 1959, they settled in Newfane and lived there until they retired in 1986 to Vero Beach. Patty was very active in the Newfane community. She belonged to the Newfane Congregational Church, served as president of the Newfane Garden Club, and volunteered to help the community in many ways. One of the most memorable stints came in 1970 as a census-taker going door to door via 4-wheel drive in the Vermont backwoods during “Mud Season.” She was assistant postmistress for 10 years at the Newfane Post Office. She embraced life and loved to be “on the go” - she was always game for an impromptu party, organizing a group to try the newest restaurant, or planning trips with dear friends and family. Her motto was “If you don't want me, don't invite me!” She loved to entertain family and friends, laugh at a good joke, and always have something fun to look forward to on her calendar. She had many passions from having a prolific green thumb, traveling, attending her granddaughters' sporting events and graduations, reading, solving the Sunday New York Times crossword, and staying connected on her iPad where she played numerous, concurrent games of Words with Friends. Most of all, she fiercely loved her family, friends and her dogs. She was predeceased by her parents and husband; brothers, Neil, Howard, and John; and sister, Helen. She is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Paige and Charles Lehman: beloved granddaughters, Sarah and Emily of Cooper City, Fla.; several nieces and nephews and grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews. Memorial information: At Patty's request, there will be no service. The family will host a celebration of her life at a later date.
• Margaret Alice “Peggy” Wright, 81, a former resident of Winchester, N.H. Died Oct. 11, 2018 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Born in Worcester, Mass., on Jan. 4, 1937, the daughter of William and Margaret (Reed) Wright, she was raised and educated in Worcester and Landgrove, Vt. She had many fond memories spending summers on her grandmother Ober's farm in nearby Grafton. She was employed as a machine operator at Erving Paper Company (now Georgia-Pacific), working for many faithful years with the company until her retirement. For a brief time, she worked at Northfield Mount Herman School in Northfield, Mass. Peggy enjoyed bowling, Polka dancing, sewing, working in her flower garden, and time spent with her family. She was first married in Brattleboro to Francis E. Clark. They lived many years in Northfield, Mass. After his death, Peggy married Henry Kazanowski, who also predeceased her in 2015. Peggy and Henry lived in Maryland prior to returning to Winchester to be close to family. Survivors include five children: Eugene F. Clark (Toni) of Wyoming; Robert N. Clark (Mary) and Gerald Clark (Jane), all of Marlboro, Vt.; Candace (Bill) Jantti of Hinsdale, N.H., and Andrew Kazanowski of Winchester. Additionally, she leaves five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, Robert, Gerald and William Wright. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, no funeral services are scheduled. Following cremation, she will be buried in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street. Memorial contributions to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302 or Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Dominick “Mick” James Zolnoski, 67, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 25, 2018 in Templeton, Calif. Born on Jan. 12, 1951, in Taunton, Mass., to the late Dominick and Gertrude (Wade) Zolnoski. The family moved to Brattleboro in 1961. He married Debora (Vail) Zolnoski in 1977. Mick was known for his positive outlook on life and his wonderful sense of humor. His favorite place was the family's summer house on Prince Edward Island. He is survived by his wife; daughter Laura Brehmer and her husband, Tim; and son Joe Zolnoski. He is also survived by three sisters, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: To honor Mick's memory, fill out an organ donor card, or donate to The Edible Schoolyard Project at edibleschoolyard.org/give. A memorial service will be held Nov. 10, at 1 p.m., at The Chapel of the Snows at Stratton Mountain.