College news
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement during the summer 2020 semester at Community College of Vermont: Addison Worsman of Brattleboro was named to the President's List. Named to the Student Honors List were Dewanda Coull of Bellows Falls; Julia Luna, Marta McBean, Cecil McLaury, Jenna Rae, and Jason Trigg of Brattleboro; Kelly Garland of Guilford, Tysea Kurjiaka of Londonderry, Juliane Danielski of Putney, Renata Cuadrado-Santos of South Londonderry, Christopher Peck of Townshend, and Hannah Gantt of Vernon.
Obituaries
• Paul Marshall Brown, 82, of West Dummerston. Died Sept. 11, 2020 at his home, following a long battle with cancer. Born in Bridgeport, Conn. on Jan. 15, 1938, he was the son of John H. and Kathryn M. (Scott) Brown. He was raised in Redding, Conn., and graduated from Henry Abbott Technical School. In 1963, he married Gladys Christina Walsh and they moved to Vermont. Besides his wife of 57 years, he leaves his three children, Paul II and his wife, Dawn, of Brattleboro, Marshall and his wife, Devon, of Pocatello, Idaho, and Kimberly Lang of West Brattleboro; a brother, Timothy Brown of Dummerston; a sister, Linda Carcare and her husband, Sal, of Cape Coral, Fla.; six grandchildren, Randall, Kyle, Derek, Alyssa, Savannah and Tucker; five great grandchildren, Kaleb, Aubrey, Zoie, Blake, and Hunter; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Stephen Brown. Paul was well known for his comprehensive knowledge of the building trades. He always manifested a strong work ethic, combining hard work and a “can do” attitude. He operated a construction business, an auto recycling/repair business, and a winter maintenance service simultaneously for nearly two decades. Paul studied the Bible and loved what he was learning, becoming a member of the Brattleboro Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1974. He was an active member and an Elder in the congregation until his death. He loved the Bible truths and enjoyed sharing them with everyone he met. He was generous with his resources, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Paul often led groups of volunteers in assisting others and loved caring for and maintaining the Kingdom Hall. He will be missed by all who knew him. Memorial information: Due to the current COVID pandemic, no formal services are scheduled. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted via Zoom at a later date. Donations to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, in care of DHMC, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756. To share a memory or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Brian Lawrence Carley, 80, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 22, 2020. Brian was born in Brattleboro on July 29, 1940, the son of the late Lawrence and Helen Carley. He lived in Brattleboro his entire life, attending Brattleboro schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1958. In 1963, Brian married Linda Ann Willey. They met when Linda came to Brattleboro to work at Ludwig “Ludys” Hair Styling after graduating from the Burlington Beauty School of Hair Design. Brian started his working career with the Boston & Maine Railroad, working alongside his father and grandfather. He was a Windham County Deputy Sheriff and worked at The Book Press and the Brattleboro Reformer. Brian also owned his own businesses, VT Caretaker (plowing and cleaning) and Carley Photography (portraits and weddings). Brian's hobbies included photography, camping, hiking, canoeing and spending time with family and friends. Brian and Linda were members of the B&K Aqua Club in Spofford, N.H.; Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro and the Jaycees. Along with his four daughters and many nieces and nephews, Brian and Linda made time and welcomed many children into their home and along on family adventures. Brian was a third generation Mason and a member of Brattleboro Lodge #102 for 55 years. He was Worshipful Master of Brattleboro three times (1972, 1995, 2005). He was District Deputy Grand Master in 1979 and Grand Master of Vermont in 1991. Brian was an honorary member of the Brattleboro Shrine and York Rite Bodies. He was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was chosen as Vermont's Grand Representative to Hawaii's Masons. What Brian loved most about being a Mason was the ritual work and teaching it to new members. Besides his beloved wife of 57 years, he is survived by their daughters: Dawn and her husband, Rocky Ravenna; Erica and her husband, Mark Wojchick of Walpole, N.H.; Heidi Carley; and Ingrid and her husband, John Cutler; his sister, Joyce Banford and wife Linda Martineau of Turners Falls, Mass; and 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his sister Jerilynn and half-brother David Dewey.Memorial information: A memorial service was held at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro on Oct. 4. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association. To leave a message of condolence, visit phaneuf.net.
• Helen Margret Cole, 81, formerly of Newfane. Died Sept. 23, 2020, surrounded by her family, at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. She was born in Jamaica on Jan. 5 1939, the daughter of the late Camille and Mary (Wright) Paradis. She grew up and attended school in East Dover. Besides taking care of her handicapped daughter Autumn, she had many jobs caring for the elderly and children. She was known by the children as “Mimi.” In 1997, she received the Childcare Provider of the Year award from Windham Childcare Association. She enjoyed Bluegrass music, fishing, cooking for family and kissing babies feet. She was a woman of great faith in God and always tried to help others. Survivors include two daughters, Gina Chase of Brattleboro and Autumn Bundy of Charlestown, N.H.; a son, Rodney Chase Sr. and his wife, Lori, of South Newfane; four grandchildren: Ellis Chase- Pinkney and his wife, Stephanie, of Keene, N.H., Gibson Chase-Pinkney of Brattleboro, Rodney Chase Jr. and his wife, Venus, of South Newfane, and Douglas Wright of Wilmington; a brother, John Paradis and his wife, Andrea, of Tavares, Fla., a sister, Marilyn Fuller and her husband, Hal, of East Dover; a special friend, Herb Greene of Newfane, and many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Ralph Paradis, and her husband, Ernest Cole. Memorial information: A private burial will be held at a later date.
• Albert J. Gonyea, 88, of Saxtons River, formerly of Averill Park, N.Y. Died Sept. 24, 2020. As any good Vermonter, he died doing what he liked best - night fishing. He was born July 14, 1932 in Cavendish, the son of Wilfred Gonyea and Fern Thomas. In 1953, he served during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in 1961. Albert worked as a laborer on a farm, and for the Albany Felt Company and other woolen mills. He was also a truck driver whose CB handle was “Big Owl” for Barber & Bennett Feed Company. He also worked for the state of Vermont. After retirement, he drove buses for The Current. Albert returned to Vermont in 1984 to take care of his father. He was on the Saxtons River Volunteer Fire Department and was also a member of American Legion Post 37 and Bellows Falls Moose Club. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his spare time, and taught a survival course in Averill Park, and a hunter's safety course at his home in Saxtons River. In 1955, he married Marie E. Mayo, who died in 1971. In 1984, he married Barbara A. Vaughn, who died in 2014. Albert is survived by his children, Jean Anderson and Terry Shows, Lois Diak and Stefan, George Gonyea and Janine, Gilbert Gonyea and Lora, Edith Seifridsberger and Kevin, Evelyn Santoro and Shawn, Richard Gonyea and Andrew Gonyea, 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild and one niece. Albert was also predeceased by his sisters, Bessie Hodgeman and Helen Bemis. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Oct. 6 in Evergreen Cemetery in Wynantskill, N.Y.
• Mary Sibilia Grippo of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully at home on Sept. 13, 2020, with her family by her side. She was born in Jersey City, N.J., the daughter of the late Frank and Angelina Sibilia. Educated in Italy in her early years, she came back to the United States via Ellis Island in 1939. She attended the former New Jersey State Teacher's College and was awarded a B.S. degree in education and nursing. After raising five children, she began her 20-year career as real estate professional. In 1999, she was selected by Southeastern Vermont Board of Realtors as Realtor of the Year. She was active and prominent member of the community, particularly with St. Charles Church and the Rotary Club. She was selected as the first woman Rotarian in the Bellows Falls area. Mary's top priority was her family, and she will be forever loved and remembered for her unique brand of constructive criticism, boundless energy, love of Italian cooking, and strong religious belief. Mary took special pride in her ability to prepare a variety of traditional Italian dishes passed on from her mother. She especially enjoyed cooking when her immediate and extended family gathered to celebrate the holidays. She often began weeks in advance preparing the Italian dishes that included the family favorite, Zeppole, served at midnight on Christmas Eve. No matter who said grace at these occasions, Mary would always get the last word in with her special phrase, “Thank you [God] for letting us be together again. Amen.” Mary was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, Dr. Enrico M. Grippo, in 2008. Survivors include her five children: Linda Shays of Webster, Mass., Carol Grippo of West Palm Beach, Fla., Gerard Grippo of Bellows Falls, Paul Grippo of Chelsea, Mich., and Ann Grippo of Keene, N.H.; and four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Oct. 3 at St. Charles Church, followed by burial in St. Charles Cemetery. Donations to St. Charles Church, 31 Cherry St, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Warren Sumner Patrick, 109, of Townshend. Died peacefully Sept. 27, 2020 at Valley Cares Assisted Living, with his daughters at his side. Warren was born in Springfield, Mass., on June 13, 1911 to William Patrick and Anna Belle Dockham. On July 14, 1934, he married Phyllis Hoag and together they raised three daughters, moving to Jamaica in 1945. He was active in his community as a worthy patron of the Eastern Star, past master of Mt. Lebanon Lodge #46, and member of the Jamaica Community Church. He was a charter member of the New England Camera Club. He served as Town Clerk and Treasurer in Jamaica and drove the school bus. He was owner of West River Realty and Insurance and built several vacation homes in the valley. Warren enjoyed numerous hobbies, including antique camera collecting, photography, nature and a passion for writing. He is survived by daughters Marlene (Francis) Thibault, Paulene (Curtis) Lawrence and Sally (John) Wadsworth, seven grandchildren: Lorri Brown, Beth Thibault, Timothy Thibault, Sherri Lawrence, Sandra Lawrence-Clarke, Robert Wadsworth, and Christine Viele; 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters. He cherished his family. He was predeceased by Phyllis in 1994; a son, Douglas, age 2, in 1942; and three brothers and four sisters. The family would like to thank Susanne Shapiro and the entire staff at Valley Cares for providing a loving and supportive home for 13 years. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 10, at 11 a.m., at Jamaica Community Church; followed by a Masonic burial at Pleasant View Cemetery. Masks and social distancing will be observed. Donations to Valley Cares, 457 Grafton Rd., P.O. Box 341, Townshend, VT 05353. To share a memory of Warren or send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Florence Mae “Flo-Baby” Smith, 92, of Jamaica. Died Sept. 28, 2020 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H., following a period of declining health. Flo was born in Londonderry on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1927, the daughter of Raymond and Zoe (Gates) Beattie. She was raised and educated in Londonderry, attending public schools. For most of her life, she was a devoted homemaker, but always worked at a former pen factory in West Townshend and also cleaned for several families in the West River Valley area. A woman of faith, she had attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church in West Townshend and enjoyed studying the Bible. Flo loved animals, flowers and time shared with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was known for her wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke. On Oct. 20, 1947, in Jamaica, she was married to Chancy B. Smith, Sr. who predeceased her in 1996. Survivors include her four children, Chancy Smith Jr. of Colchester, Minnie Smith of White River Junction, Shirley Smith of Jamaica, and Marion Holcomb and her husband, Carl, of Peru; a brother, Gordon Beattie of Londonderry; a sister, Maxine Beattie of Burlington; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by 11 siblings: Marjorie Torrey, Roger Beattie, Jerry Beattie, Marion Desilets, Warren Beattie, twin brothers Walter and Wallace Beattie, Clifford Beattie, Wendell Beattie, and Robert Beattie. Memorial information: In keeping with Flo's final wishes, there are no funeral services scheduled. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Pleasant View Cemetery in Jamaica. Donations to Jamaica Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 285, Jamaica, VT 05343. To share a memory or send messages of condolence to Flo's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Services
• A virtual Celebration of Life to honor and remember Joy Carol Frelich Wallens-Penford on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m., via Zoom. To attend the service, visit the All Souls Church website, www.ascvt.org/calendar and log on before 11 a.m. In the absence of being able to share all the memories, stories, and reflections of Joy in person, the family sincerely welcomes your participation on her memorial page at www.lastingmemories.com/memorial/joy-carol-frelich-wallens-penford.
• Members of the Brattleboro Union High School Class of 1964 will gather to celebrate the life of their classmate, Carman Louise Dawson, who died Nov. 28, 2019, on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m., at the Dawson family lot in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street in Brattleboro. As was her wish, her ashes will be placed in close proximity to the final resting place of her father, Clarman Dawson. If you plan to attend, it is requested that you please respect the COVID-19 health guidelines by wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing at the gravesite.