College news
• The following local students completed the Practical Nursing program in the spring 2020 semester at Vermont Technical College: Kadidjatou Diallo of Brattleboro, Kaitlin Haskins of Brattleboro, Ilana Newton of West Townshend, Dina Pacilio of Brattleboro, and Chelsie Poplawski of Brattleboro.
• Meyru Catherine Bhanti of Brattleboro recently graduated with a M.S. in Geographic Information Science from Clark University in Worcester, Mass.
• The following local students recently received degrees from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn.: Carley Wainwright of Putney, B.S. in Management, and Jennifer Perry of Westminster, M.S. in Teacher Leadership.
School news
• The Board of Trustees of the Moore Free Library in Newfane and the family of the late Robert L. Crowell awarded the 2020 Robert L. Crowell Scholarship to Alex Urbaska of Newfane. The Crowell Scholarship awards are given annually to graduating high school seniors from either Newfane or Brookline who will be entering their first year of college, community college, or trade/vocational school. Alex will be attending the University of Vermont's Grossman School of Business in the fall.
Transitions
• Erik Rosenbauer, Director of Security at the Brattleboro Retreat, has been elected chair of the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition (VHEPC). His one-year term began on July 1. VHEPC is a multi-disciplinary partnership that collaborates with its members, stakeholders, and surrounding communities to improve and expand emergency preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities across the state. Its members include healthcare organizations, emergency medical services providers, emergency management agencies, public health professionals, jurisdictional entities, and business and volunteer organizations within Vermont. A member of VHEPC for the past four years, Rosenbauer was nominated to serve as chair by coalition membership and elected by membership vote.
Obituaries
• Bonnie Jean (Stewart) Bennett, 65, of South Deerfield, Mass. Died June 30, 2020. An amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Bonnie was kind, loving, and joyful. Her smile brightened every room she entered, and her kindness filled the hearts of all those around her. She brought out the best in everyone who knew her and was an inspiration to her two daughters Gretchen and Remy. She was an adoring wife and best friend to her husband, Gil Bennett, for 46 years. As well as being a wonderful wife and mother, Bonnie was a great daughter to her parents, Harriet and Bernard Stewart, of Bellows Falls. She was a dedicated sister to Claudia (Stewart) Allbee of Westminster and Brenda (Stewart) Graves of Bellows Falls, and her brother-in-law David Allbee of Westminster. She was also a supportive and loving aunt to her three nephews, JD and Josh Allbee, and Samuel Graves, as well as her niece, Kathryn Graves. She was blessed with not only a fabulous family but an amazing group of friends who will help keep her spirit and memory alive. Memorial information: A future celebration of Bonnie's life will be announced at a later date.
• Anthony Church, 56, formerly of Brattleboro. Died March 20, 2020, surrounded by family and his love, Trish Kennerly, in Syracuse, Utah. Known to some as Andy and others as Tony, he was born July 26, 1963 in Bellows Falls, as the third child to Frances Belczak Church and the late Lawrence Anthony Church. Andy grew up in Brattleboro with his surviving siblings - Robyne, Gail, Joan, Margret, and Patrick - until he joined the Air Force in 1979. As an aircraft mechanic and crew chief, “Big Boots” Tony excelled in his work and made lifelong friends. After retiring from the Air Force at the rank of master sergeant, he settled in Syracuse, Utah, with his surviving children - Jason, Forrest, and Emelia. He went on to serve in the Air Force civil service, applying his active duty knowledge and tinkering with his many home projects. No matter the name he was known by, he will be remembered as loving and friendly to all and a proud and devoted father to his three children. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held July 3 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Committal rites and burial with military honors followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Bellows Falls. To share a memory of Anthony, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Anna M. Filion, 95, a native of Northampton, Mass., and a longtime resident of Brattleboro. Died June 24, 2020 at Pine Heights Nursing Home. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes there will be no services. She will be laid to rest in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Arrangements are under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Sharon Rae (Hennagin) Goldsmith, 89, formerly of Vermont. Died peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 8, 2020 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Los Angeles. She was born in The Dalles, Ore., on Sept. 15, 1930, the eldest child of Lloyd and Henrietta Hennagin. The family moved to the Los Angeles area in 1945, where Sharon graduated from Burbank High School and attended Los Angeles City College. In high school and college, Sharon pursued music and vocal studies that led to performing both classical music and musical theater. Her vocal career included work with both the Los Angeles and San Francisco Civic Light Operas. In 1950, Sharon married famed film composer Jerry Goldsmith, and together they had four children. She later moved from the Los Angeles area to Mammoth Lakes, Calif., where she worked as a substance abuse counselor. She retired to San Diego, but later moved to Vermont. During retirement, Sharon was busy. She loved being an active part of her grandchildren's lives and bringing family together. She had a passion for lifelong learning and actively participated in the Osher program at University of San Diego and the CALL program at Keene State College. Sharon was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Vermont's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She sang for many years with the Brattleboro Community Chorus and the UU All Souls Church Choir. She loved to travel, and did so all over the world through programs like Semester at Sea and Roads Scholars. Sharon was a friend of Bill W.'s for almost 46 continuous years, and her steadiness and support to others through that friendship was greatly appreciated and will be remembered with gratitude. Sharon was loved by all she came to know; she was “Grandma Sharon” to a large, extended family. No one will forget her adventurous spirit as she traveled the world on her own, and her great passion for learning, exploring different cultures, and all things artistic - music, literature, the movies, and theater. We will all miss her enthusiasm for sushi and card games, along with her fierce sense of personal responsibility in regards to the democratic process and social justice. Sharon was predeceased by her parents, her sister Derrie Barone, her brother Michael Hennagin, her son Joel Goldsmith, and her former husband, Jerry. She is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Ellen Goldsmith Edson of Swanzey, N.H., Carrie Goldsmith and husband Gary Barnard of Swanzey, N.H., Jennifer Goldsmith, and husband Nowell Grossman of Valley Village Calif., her daughter-in-law Martha Goldsmith of Hidden Hills, Calif., her six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends and acquaintances made over her long lifetime. Memorial information: A future date for a memorial service will be announced. Donations to The Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, Playing for Peace Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 217, Sullivan, NH 03445-0217.
• Beverly (Putnam) Hanson, 82, of Brattleboro. Died June 21, 2020, of natural causes, at her home. She was born Sept. 22, 1937 in Brattleboro, the daughter of Lee and Treva Putnam. She attended Saxtons River School and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1956. She then attended Castleton State Teachers College. She loved cats and enjoyed music and family gatherings. She was a big fan of CNN. She held a variety of jobs, including at the Holstein Association, Mike's Restaurant, and Bradley Terrace. She was predeceased by her husband Kirk Hanson, sisters Doris Jack and Maxine Andrews, and brother Prentice Putnam. Survivors include nieces Sheila Crowley of Brattleboro and Sharon Williams of South Carolina; nephews Gary Sanderson of Hinsdale, N.H., and James Jack of Springfield; several great-nieces and great-nephews and her many friends at the Samuel Elliott Building, where she resided for 17 years. Memorial information: At her request, there will be no services.
• Sherwood D. Lake Sr., 86, of Brattleboro. Died June 26, 2020 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born in Natural Bridge, N.Y., to Ernest L. Lake and Leona G. Finley, at the age of 18, Sherwood joined the Army and served in the 7085th Military Police Detachment in France. When he returned from France, he continued to serve in the New York National Guard. Sherwood later came to Brattleboro and joined the Brattleboro Police Department on July 4, 1965. He served the town as a police officer, retiring on July 1, 1995 at the rank of Detective Sergeant. Sherwood was well known in law enforcement as a forensic specialist. He was proud to be a police officer, and he enjoyed serving the residents of Brattleboro for 30 years. After retiring from the Brattleboro Police, Sherwood consulted and taught forensic investigation techniques to numerous law enforcement agencies in the Northeast. Sherwood was honored to serve his country and was proud to be a life member of the American Legion. He served on the Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Board of Directors at American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro. He managed the post's daily operation until stepping down in 2010. Sherwood remained active in the Post 5 Honor Guard. He was passionate that all service members have an honor guard at their funeral, and he attended as many as he could. Sherwood is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lauria Lake; three sons; Sherwood Lake Jr. of Townshend, Ronald E. Lake of Rockingham, and Robert J. Lake of Shelburne, Vt., as well as two nieces in New York State; and nieces and nephews in England. He has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Vermont. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Ernest H. Lake and Keith N. Lake, and a half-brother, Macklin Brown. Memorial information: A graveside service with military honors was held July 6 at Locust Ridge Cemetery in Brattleboro. To share a memory of Sherwood or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Scott Larabee, 50, of Putney. Died June 10, 2020 at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, with his wife by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer. Scott was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 29, 1970, the son of Charles and Judith (Leclaire) Larabee. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1988. Following high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served during the Persian Gulf War, participating in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield and Operation Provide Comfort. Following 15 years of service in the Marines, he was honorably discharged in 2003 at the rank of sergeant. Scott was an active member and was Commandant of the Brattleboro Detachment 798 of the Marine Corps League. He was also a member of American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 in Brattleboro. He was the Chair of the Marine Corps League's annual Toys for Kids Program, which he thoroughly enjoyed helping to coordinate. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR racing, and trips to Hampton Beach with his wife. Scott was also an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. Scott is survived by his wife, Stephanie; his six children, Gregory, Amber, Charles, Kristopher, Brianna, and Dylan; and eight grandchildren: Madysin, Rylynn, KJ, Lillyauna, Tucker, Abigail, Peighton, and Ryker. Additionally, he leaves his parents; his sister, Lori; niece Miranda, nephew Glenn, five great-nieces, and aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Normand and Bernadette Leclaire and Charles and Marguerite Larabee. Memorial information: A service in celebration of Scott's life will be held at a date and time to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to the Toys for Kids Program, in care of the Brattleboro Detatchment 798, Marine Corps League, P.O. Box 1942, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To share a memory of Scott or send messages of condolence to his family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Maria B. Lawrence, 90, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully of pancreatic cancer on June 29, 2020, surrounded by her loving daughters, in her home in Brattleboro. She was born in Harrisville, N.H., on Sept. 27, 1929 to the late Burton and Mabel (Vance) Bailey. She graduated from Groton High School as valedictorian of the Class of 1940. She was a farmer's wife and helped manage Bordertown Farm in Brattleboro (later the Vermont Agricultural Business Education Center) with her husband, Milford B. Lawrence. Maria enjoyed tending to her garden and flower beds, baking, freezing and canning items. She loved spending her summers picking blueberries with her daughter Linda, and was always excited to hear her grandchildren share their hunting stories as well as assisting in processing the meat. She took pride in her home and kept it immaculate. Her favorite pastimes included watching farm activities and wildlife overlooking the farm field, listening to country music, and Friday night fish fries. She loved Easter egg hunts and confiscating Madison's eggs. She especially loved “Smokin' Thurber pulled pork,” Mindy's carrot cake, and daily visits from her granddog, “Holly.” Maria was able to live long enough to watch her grandson Jim get married and was able to dance for the first time with him at their wedding. She was very proud of her grandchildren; Spencer for receiving his bachelor's degree, and Taylor who just became a homeowner. She always turned to Jim for any mechanical repairs and his expertise. Maria was known for giving the best hugs, which will be sincerely missed. She was predeceased by her husband in 2001, brothers-in-law's Stuart Lawrence and Earl Saucier, and sister-in-law Esther Saucier. She is survived by her daughters Joyce Rathbun and her husband Michael and Linda Thurber; grandchildren Taylor and Spencer Thurber, Jim Ethier and his wife Emily, Chris Rathbun and his wife Donna, Jennifer Clark and her husband Tim, Karey Thurber, Megan Thurber, and Melissa Guyette; nephew Leon Saucier and his wife Linda; nieces Betty Brooks and her partner, Gordie, and JoAnn Theriault and her partner Gene; great-granddaughter Madison Severance; sister-in-law June Lawrence; special family member Mike Norcia; and other distant great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A visitation will be held at Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home in Brattleboro on July 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. A committal service will be held on July 9, at 11 a.m., at Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfane. A reception will follow burial at the Vermont Agriculture Business Center, 8 University Way, Brattleboro, in the Maria Lawrence Conference Room. Donations to Shriners Children's Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104, or Community Bible Chapel, 107 Atwood St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Daniel James “Dan” Martin, 41, of Halifax. Died unexpectedly June 26, 2020 in Waynesboro, Va., while hiking the Appalachian Trail with his sister, Diana. Dan was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 14, 1978, the son of Wayne and Nancy (Mazzoccoli) Martin. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, and graduated with the first class of the newly formed Community High School. He worked as a logger and owned and operated Martin Farms in Halifax. Dan also owned and operated Vermont Muay Thai Gymnasium, a martial arts studio located on lower Main Street in Brattleboro. Previously, he was co-owner of Sweet Place Candy Store at the base of South Main Street. Dan enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, and wilderness camping. Survivors include his two children, Tatiyana and Channah Martin, as well as the mother of his children, Tierre Murphy of Halifax; his father and stepmother, Wayne and Kimberlee Martin of Brattleboro; his mother, Nancy Rowe of Bozman, Md.; nine siblings, Valerie Wilson (Abe) of Hobe Sound, Fla., Emily McIntosh (Jason) of Goffstown, N.H., Bonny Kenyon of Vernon, Alyssa Kenyon Crysler (Ryan) of Palm City, Fla., Amanda Somsy (Matthew) of Stuart, Fla., Abby Kenyon of Nantucket, Mass., Andrew Martin of Brattleboro, Diana Martin of Stuart, Fla., and Rick Kenyon, Jr. of Eldorado Springs, Colo.; and his paternal grandmother, Janice Martin of Brattleboro. Additionally, he leaves many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and several cousins. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held July 2 at the home of Jeff and Ellen Hardy in Vernon. Donations to Diana's Go Fund Me page to help her complete her journey to honor his commitment to save her life: www.facebook.com/donate/3641034535966526. Atamaniuk Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
• Garold “Gary” Richards, 74, of Rockingham. Died June 27, 2020. He was born Dec. 1, 1945, in Lebanon, N.H., the son of Clifton and Geraldine (Daggett) Richards. He graduated from Woodstock High School and served in the Army. He worked for Holmes Trucking, St. Johnsbury Trucking, Conway Shipping, and retired from XBO Logistics. He was a member of American Legion Post 37 in Bellows Falls. He enjoyed his dog, Scrappy. Survivors include his wife, Joyce (Masure), whom he married Nov. 22, 1997; two sons, Gary Richards of Saxtons River and Chris Chartier of Ryegate; a daughter, Amy Norton of Springfield; two stepchildren, Aaron Bridge and Ann Stevens, both of Rockingham; four grandchildren and a step-granddaughter. Memorial information: Calling hours are Saturday, July 11, from noon to 2 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. The graveside service will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls.
• Winthrop Merrill “Wink” Roberts, 86, of Bondville. Died June 11, 2020 at the Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center. He was born to Merrill Cobb “Bud” Roberts and Edna May Connolly Roberts in September 1933 at the old farm house on the way to Gale Meadows in Jamaica.Wink graduated from Burr and Burton Seminary in 1950. He worked at various jobs while in high school and staying in the dorm in Manchester. From there, he went to the Vermont School of Agriculture, and graduated in 1951. Wink was a loving husband and father. He married Phyllis Lowe in 1955 on his birthday. He joined the Navy in October 1951, and served aboard USS Kleinsmith, APD 134; USS Corpoal ,SS 346; USS Quillback, SS424; and the USS Tinosa, SSN 606, where he was the COB (chief of the boat). After two decades in the Navy, he retired as Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1971. He later went to work at Stratton Mountain Resort and farmed. Wink and Phyllis started the New Broom Chimney Sweep business. They ran a successful business for 18 years before deciding to sell and retire. Wink liked to garden and watch the wild animals and birds. He liked to mow the lawns on his John Deere and enjoyed telling a good sea story with his friends. He also liked old movies, especially westerns and war movies. He enjoyed country music, particularly George Jones, Hank Williams, and Dolly Parton. He was very proud of his service in the Navy and he wasn't afraid to tell you that. He spoke his mind, and didn't care if you liked it or not. He liked to help other veterans who were not as fortunate as he was. Wink leaves behind his wife, Phyllis; his daughter, Rhonda; and sisters-in-law, Phyllis and Barbara. He was predeceased by his older brother, Lawrence. Memorial information: A funeral services will be held on July 11 at 11 a.m. in Bondville Cemetery. Donations to the Vermont Veterans' Home, Attn.: Veterans Mobility Trail, in care Brewster-Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255.
• Richard “Richie” Wyman, 86, of Springfield, Vt. Died peacefully on June 27, 2020, after a hard fight against cancer. He was born on Feb. 7, 1934 in Springfield, the youngest son of Oliver and Marguerite Wyman. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1952, where Richie excelled as a three-sport lettered athlete, he went on to play baseball at Springfield (Mass.) College as the first in his family to attend and graduate from college in 1956. Richie married his beloved wife, Phyllis Chico, in 1956 prior to serving overseas in the Army until 1958. Upon completing his service duties, he began his career as a teacher and coach in Penacook, N.H. They soon returned to Springfield, where they would raise their family. Richie would serve his community as a teacher, coach, and mentor. At both the junior high and high school, Richie taught physical education from 1960 to 1984, and additionally taught many of his students how to drive as a Driver's Ed teacher. He was best known for coaching basketball and baseball during his career, but also spent time coaching football and track in his early years in the school system. Richie is survived by his daughter, Sherry Hatt and her husband, Michael, of Springfield; and his son, Jeffrey Wyman and his wife Elizabeth of Naples, Fla. He is also survived by his special caregiver and friend of many years, Bonnie Shepard, and his sister, Geraldine Gardner. He greatly adored his grandchildren, Cody (Lisa) and Kyle (Jackie) Hatt, Sophie and Emily Wyman, and his great granddaughter, Lyla, and took great pride in being a part of their lives. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springfield Parks & Recreation Department, earmarked for enhancing youth baseball in memory of Richie.