College news
• Oliver Rosand of Putney was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2019 semester at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. Rosand is currently enrolled in the university's Beyond Boundaries Program.
Obituaries
• Joseph Engel, 82, of Saxtons River. Died March 5, 2020 after a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born at home to George B. Engel and Edna Ashbridge Engel on March 8, 1937, in the coal region of Pennsylvania. Following the death of his father at an early age, his mother moved her growing family to New Jersey, where she lived the rest of her life. After beginning his education in the local elementary school in Rocky Hill, N.J., he went in third grade to the Milton Hershey Industrial School in Hershey, Pa. He graduated from Milton Hershey in 1955 with a certification in the field of meat preparation. Following his graduation in 1956, he married his first wife and the mother of his children and began his quest of 11 years to obtain his B.S. degree in engineering at Drexel University. His engineering career began at Ditmars & Carmichael in Princeton, N.J., where, over a number of years, he designed wastewater and water facilities in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In 1977, he and his second wife moved to Maine where he worked for Wright Pierce in Topsham, Maine, and again, was instrumental in the design of many treatment facilities throughout New England. His last move was to Vermont where he completed his engineering career with Dufresne Henry in North Springfield. During that time, he and his wife lived in Saxtons River, and much of his spare time was involved with the Saxtons River Trustees for several years, including his term as chair. One of his greatest joys was the time he spent at the family home at Coles Pond in Vermont, where he and his granddaughter, Samantha, spent several years volunteering for the state as water quality monitors for the lake. He was active in the formation and workings of the Eastern Avenue Property Owners Association, serving for several years as the organization's treasurer. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: George Engel, Ervin Engel, Charles Engel, Dorothy Mae Van Alstyne, Earl McDonald, John McDonald, and Samuel McDonald; and an infant son, Derek. He is survived by his wife, Anita; and their blended family, Michael Engel (Jayne), Michelle Mistretta (Vincent), Jeffrey Mount (Julie), Stanley Mount, Amy Lavertue (Kevin McNamara). Also surviving are two brothers, Robert Engel (Rose) and David Foley (Beverly); as well as sisters-in-law, Clarissa McDonald and Patricia Engel. He was the very proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his first wife, Myrtle Swanson (Bob); his god-daughter, Cammy Reger; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial information: At his request, there will be no funeral services. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
• Dierdre Janet Felker, 38, of Jaffrey, N.H. Died March 9, 2020, surrounded by family and friends, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Born Oct. 11, 1981 in Brattleboro, she grew up in Guilford and Williamsville, was a longtime resident of Keene, N.H., and more recently lived in Jaffrey. She is survived by her loving partner, Josh Boulay; her mother, Connie Felker and partner, Sean Kenney, of West Barnstable, Mass.; her father, Lansing Felker and partner Suzie Lott of Newfane; her brother, Myles Felker, of New Jersey; sister Haley and brother-in-law Ben; niece Marly and nephews Wendell and Augustus of West Townshend; and beloved grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and many cousins. Dierdre was fortunate to have so many who loved her and whom she loved. She also had a deep compassion for animals, especially cats. She loved doing arts and crafts, music, hanging out with family and friends, and shopping. Dierdre loved a good story and always showed her sense of humor, and sometimes was a bit of a prankster. She lost her lifelong battle with renal disease after complications from an unexpected illness. She was an independent hardworking woman, employed for many years at Teleflex Medical in Jaffrey. Her spirit will be a lasting inspiration to many. Her compassion and her ability to live life to the fullest will be remembered by all. Memorial information: Arrangements for cremation will be made by Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home of Brattleboro. A celebration of her life for family and friends will be held in the late spring or summer. Donations to the ASPCA or your favorite animal shelter.
• Thomas Charles Hagan, 66, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully at home on March 6, 2020, after a time of failing health. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on March 15, 1953, and most recently made his home in Rockingham with his life partner of 30 years, Mary Fredette. Thom was a career long-haul truck driver and was proud of his 45 years on the road, logging more than a million miles across this country and gathering a network of friends who became extended family. He was an animal lover, never without one or two by his side - all becoming what he termed “last bite Hagans,” always sharing the last bite of whatever. In 2012, he and Mary returned to Vermont where he enjoyed living close to daughter Heather (Fredette) Robertson, her husband Craig, and grandchildren Collin and Joel, all of whom survive. He wore the title of “Pappy” with pride. He is also survived by his beloved dogs Lucy and Romeo and so many dear friends near and far. Memorial information: At Thom's request, there will be no calling hours or service. Donations to The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or St. Joseph Regional School, 92 Wilson St, Keene, NH 03431.
• Erich Ernst Hoyer, 76, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully surrounded by his children on March 4, 2020 in North Bergen, N.J., after several years of declining health triggered by a traumatic brain injury in 2011. Erich was born on April 19, 1943 in Zwickau, Germany. His family immigrated to the United States in 1948 and settled in New York City. At the age of 23, Erich moved to Brattleboro to work at Vermont National Bank. He lived there for the next 48 years. Erich was the co-founder and owner of Brattleboro Area Realty for 38 years. He was especially proud to help first-time home buyers. Erich was also a respected landlord who regularly checked in on his elderly tenants. He was never known to decline an offer of “coffee and cake.” Erich was an active member of numerous real estate organizations, Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sunrise Rotary Club and the Green Mountain Investment Club for decades. He was a huge fan of playing the stock market. He loved to plan and take vacations with his family and friends. He treasured his memories of travel whether it was driving through Germany and the Alps with his family or sailing the seas of the Caribbean with his life-long friends. During the last several years of his life, Erich rediscovered his love of singing. He found joy in performing German folk and American patriotic songs with the Rheinischer Saengerbund in New Jersey. Erich is survived by his former wife of 44 years, Mary (Daniels) Hoyer, their three children and six grandchildren: Krista Oetsen, spouse Bert, and daughters Anneliese and Alina; Andrea Conkling Frost and spouse Chris and children Casey, Jaden, and Clenn; David Hoyer and son, David John; his sister, Erika Brickey; brother, Harry Hoyer; nieces and nephews, and his dear friend, Helga Rotter. Memorial information: The family invites all who knew Erich to a graveside service scheduled for May 17, at 2:30 p.m., at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro.
• Ronald W. Lemnah, 72, of Westmoreland, N.H. Died peacefully on March 3, 2020 at the Maplewood Nursing Home, following a period of declining health. He was born April 20, 1947 in St. Albans, the son of Warren and Doris (King) Lemnah. He grew up in New Hampshire and attended the Frances Hicks Memorial School in Brattleboro. Cheerfully and with never a complaint, he faced physical and mental challenges throughout his life. He found strength and enjoyment through relationships that he built with caregivers and friends from Monadnock Developmental Services, especially through their New Hopes, New Horizons program. In earlier years, he was a dedicated and hardworking employee at the Elliot Community Hospital in Keene. Ron loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved animals and had several pets over the years. He loved country and western music, especially the songs of Johnny Cash. He enjoyed fishing and being in the outdoors. He is survived by his sisters, Margaret Fontaine and her husband, Dan, and Sandra Edwards; his brothers, Richard Lemnah and his wife, Dee, and Bruce Lemnah and his wife, Deborah, and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is also survived by his dear friend and long-time caregiver, Wayne Erunski. Memorial information: A private celebration of his life will be held later this spring. Donations to Maplewood Nursing Home, 201 River Rd., Westmoreland, NH 03467.
• Susan Maddern, 61, of Whitingham. Died March 3, 2020 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. She was born in Montague City, Mass., on Jan. 15, 1959, the daughter of Arnold and Rosemary Carroll Maddern. She graduated from Turners Falls (Mass.) High School and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She began her career as a music teacher in Waterbury, Vt., also teaching in Putney, Whitingham, and Wilmington before retiring from Twin Valley High School. Susan was a member of the Deerfield Valley Players and was the organist for St. Mary in the Mountains Episcopal Church. She loved music and led several area singing groups. She was an avid gardener and loved all kinds of music. She also enjoyed kayaking, swimming and, most of all, spending time with her many friends and family. Susan is survived by her daughter, Hillary Smith-Maddern and her husband, Jacob Miner, of Springfield, Mass.; siblings, Carolyn Jenest of Pauley's Island, N.C., Anne Maddern of Turners Falls, Jane Devino of Erving, Mass., James Maddern of Erving, Paul Maddern of Brattleboro, and Andrea Platner and her husband, George, of Bernardston, Mass.; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins, as well as close friends of the family, Valerie Squindo of Wilmington and Adrian Sebborn of Williamstown, Mass. She was preceded in death by her sister, Leigh Bernard. Memorial information: A celebration of life was held March 14 at St. Mary in the Mountains Episcopal Church in Wilmington. Interment was private. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society or the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Ken S. Meek, 81. Died peacefully on March 12, 2020 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend after a short illness. Ken received a BFA from Rutgers University and later worked as a design expert with designer Halston at JCPenney. He retired and lived a quiet life in the places he loved most, Vermont and Provincetown, Mass., with his long-term partner, Sean Downey, who predeceased him. He loved dogs and was an avid supporter of many nonprofit and charitable organizations. He was also an insatiable reader and gourmet cook. Ken was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. He is survived by his niece, Jennifer (Zeller) Gutierrez, and many loving and trusted friends, including John Bonnette. He was the beloved cousin of Patricia Westcott, Elizabeth Edwards, Lois Cady and Lori Beth Davies. Memorial information: A memorial will be held at a later date. Donations to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital or the Windham County Humane Society.
• Theresa Mary “Terri” Miller, 62, of Michigan City, Ind. Died unexpectedly March 6, 2020 at her brother's home in Newfane. Terri had come to Vermont in the hopes of receiving cardiac care and advanced medical treatment for her heart condition. She was born in Norwalk, Conn., on August 10, 1957, the daughter of Clifford and Jane (Turpack) Church. She was raised and educated in Norwalk and attended Norwalk High School. Before moving to Indiana, she was a communicant of Saint Joseph's Parish in Norwalk. She previously spent a brief time living in Greenfield, Mass. Terri was known for her spirit of friendship and wonderful sense of humor. She was a devoted homemaker who enjoyed her home life and valued the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her husband, Joseph Miller, predeceased her in June 2010. Survivors include her son, Justin Miller of Michigan City, Ind.; three daughters, Mary Jane Miller of Palmer, Mass., BJ Miller of Greenfield, Mass., and Josie Miller of Michigan City, Ind.; two brothers, William Church of Newfane and Clifford Church of Manteca, Calif.; two sisters, Connie Holt-Warner of Salida, Calif., and Doreen Church of Denver, Colo.; three grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Terri was also predeceased by a brother, David Michael Church. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, March 28, from noon to 4 p.m., at Greenfield Gardens Community Center, 58 Pray Drive in Greenfield. Donations to Children's Advocacy Center, 56 Wisdom Way, Greenfield, MA 01301. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Paul M. Pelkey, 91, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Feb. 12, 2020, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on January 22, 1929 to the late Aaron & Ruth (Mannis) Pelkey. He graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1947, and then served four years in the Army. Following his service, he made his career as a Master Plumber, working for Al Jeffers & Sons just prior to retirement. Paul was predeceased by his brother, Richard “Dick” Pelkey, and his sister, Joan Pelkey Cherwa. He leaves a daughter, Kolleen Dodge; two grandsons, Lukas and Tyler; as well as several close friends. Memorial information: A memorial service was held March 13 at Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home in Brattleboro. Burial will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Hinsdale in the spring. Donations to Hinsdale VFW Post 4234, of which he was a lifetime member.
• Carol Ann Pineau, 73, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly March 10, 2020 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Carol was born in Bennington on Jan. 26, 1947, the daughter of Louis and Rita Marie (Trombley) Boutin. She was raised and educated in Bennington and was a graduate of Bennington Catholic High School, Class of 1965. Soon after graduating, she earned her X-ray technician's certificate and was employed in the radiology department at the former Putnum Memorial Hospital in Bennington. Carol later worked as a store clerk at the former Ames Department Store and Brooks Drug Store in Brattleboro. Most importantly, she was a stay-at-home mom and childcare provider, serving as a nanny for two Brattleboro families. With her husband, Joseph W. Pineau, whom she married in 1967, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Carol enjoyed sketching and travel, and loved doing crafts, bird watching, and time spent with her family. She was predeceased by her husband in 2018. She is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly Pineau Degear and husband Glenn of Norwich, N.Y., and Andrea Pineau Allbee and husband, Jason, of Westminster; one grandson, Nicholson William Degear; and two sisters, Marita Bonnier of Manchester, N.H., and Denise Lloyd of Bennington. Additionally, she leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: Graveside committal rites and burial were conducted March 16 at White Chapel Cemetery in Bennington, where she was laid to rest next to her beloved husband. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence to the Pineau family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Michael Stankiewicz, Jr., 91, of Brattleboro. Died March 6, 2020 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a period of declining health. Born in Stamford, Conn., on Oct. 3, 1928, the son of Michael and Eva (Labiak) Stankiewicz, he was raised and educated in Stamford, graduating from Stamford High School, and later went on to attend college. He proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged from active service on April 16, 1948. After returning home from the service, he worked as a mechanical design consultant in the field of engineering and operated his own business, D&M Design, based in Connecticut. A devout Catholic, he was a communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro and held membership in the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. He enjoyed fishing, travel and time shared with his family. He was first married to Dolores A. Winarski, who predeceased him. He later married Gail Lee Mascolo in 2000 at Saint Michael's Church. Gail died on June 8, 2019. Survivors include his five children: his daughter, Susan Southard of Sanford, Maine; and his sons, Michael of Boca Raton, Fla., Gary of Centerport, N.Y., Paul of Milton, Vt., and Christopher of Queens, N.Y. Additionally, he leaves 10 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held March 12 at at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Committal rites and burial with full military honors were conducted March 13 at St. Mary's Cemetery in Greenwich, Conn. Donations to St. Michael's Catholic Church, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Le Roy Harold Walker, 87, of Brattleboro. Died March 11, 2020, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Plymouth, Vt., on March 23, 1932, the son of Clarence and Lottis (Sanderson) Walker. He attended elementary school in Plymouth and was a graduate of Woodstock High School, graduating with high honors with the Class of 1950. He was awarded an academic scholarship to attend the University of Vermont, but chose instead to serve his country instead in the U.S. Army, entering active service on Jan. 6, 1953. He served in Europe stationed in Germany during the Korean War and was honorably discharged from active service on December 31, 1960. A resident of Vernon Street since 1961, he had been employed by the former Melsur Company in Brattleboro, where he retired as a foreman following over 20 years of faithful service with the company. He had also worked for Cersosimo Lumber Company and, during his younger years, worked as a logger. He was a faithful and devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life centered around his family. Of his leisure time activities, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, puttering around his home and, after giving up cigarette smoking several years ago, took up knitting and crocheting. He also enjoyed camping trips and vacations with his family. He was fearless and unintimidated by the unknown. For instance, in his 50s, when computers first burst on the scene, he fully embraced them and undertook to teach himself basic programming. He then went on to learn Excel programming and spearheaded bringing his company into the digital age by programmatically automating many of their administrative and financial processes. In his retirement years, he thoroughly enjoyed playing computer games, especially his favorite, World of Warcraft. In 1953, he married Lorraine Hall, who survives. Besides his wife of 66 years, he leaves three sons, Christopher of Brattleboro, Patrick of Hinsdale, and Keith of Brattleboro; and two daughters, Julie Mavrogenis of Salem, N.H., and Lori Gauthier of Marlboro. Additionally, he is survived by one sister, Leona Gilbert of West Brattleboro, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Clarence Walker, and a sister, Shirley Jones. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at a later date this summer. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.