Obituaries
• Andrew Walter Brown, 29, of Newfane. Died Oct. 13, 2020 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a courageous battle against Germ Cell Carcinoma, a very rare cancer. Andrew was born in Portland, Maine, on May 25, 1991, the son of Duane and Jessica (Currier) Brown. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 2009. He worked as a machinist at GS Precision in Brattleboro up until his illness. Previously, he worked for Donovan Equipment Company, Inc. of Londonderry, N.H., as a route driver. Andrew enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hiking, riding his motorcycle, and puttering on his car. He was known for his spirit of friendship and his wit. He was a very determined individual, often insistent he could accomplish most anything if he researched, learned, and continued to try. Andrew also loved following current events and discussing politics, and certainly didn't shy away from entertaining a good debate or expressing his views. On Oct. 9, 2020 in Lebanon, he married Alexandra Louise Destromp. Besides his wife, survivors include his mother and her husband, Matthew, of Vernon; his father and his wife, Heather, of Brattleboro; a brother, Dustin Brown of Readsboro; a step-brother, Cole Merkle, of Brattleboro; paternal grandparents Jeanne Brown and her husband, Dan, of Townshend and Allen Brown and his wife, Helen, of Charlestown, N.H.; maternal grandfather Frank Raymond of Grafton; his niece, Aurora; his nephew, Calvin; several aunts and uncles and many cousins; and his beloved dog, Wall-E. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Virginia Raymond. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held Oct. 31, at the residence at 120 Hinesburg Rd., in Brattleboro. A service for the family will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a reception, from noon to 4 p.m., for others who wish to pay their respects. All are asked to wear a mask and practice responsible social distancing. Donation to the Oncology Department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Cynthia Jane (McKay) Clough, 81, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Oct. 12, 2020. Cynthia was born in Orange, Mass. on Aug. 23, 1939, daughter of the late Clyde and Lucy Delva (Smith) McKay. Cynthia lived rooted in her values to do God's work through love and service to others. She graduated from Athol (Mass.) High School in 1957 and lived in Hinsdale for most of her adult life. The family historian, Cynthia could trace her mother's heritage back hundreds of years. She delighted in attending the Annual Delva Family Reunion in Warwick, Mass., held since 1886. Cynthia was proud to visit Gettysburg and have her picture taken with her great-grandfather 1st Lt. David T. McKay's name on the Pennsylvania Monument. Cynthia was a member of the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Brattleboro, United Methodist Women, and was active in Troy Conference. She found great joy in attending Walk to Emmaus, and deepening her relationship with God and her ability to carry out God's work as an associate pastor. Cynthia was an avid Red Sox fan, her radio was almost always tuned to NPR, and she was looking forward to a Democratic Party win this November. Her many hobbies included ceramics, rug braiding, sewing, knitting, playing cribbage, cooking and cake decorating. She enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, and going to the ocean. Cynthia was employed at Erving Paper Mill and Georgia-Pacific, where she worked her way up to being a supervisor and foreman. She later worked at Sonnax. During retirement, Cynthia devoted herself to the mission of CHABHA (Children Affected by HIV/AIDS) to assist orphaned children in Rwanda. She was preceded in death by brothers Wayne Kidder McKay, Clyde Delva McKay and Rev. Peter Boyer McKay; stepdaughter Alyce Boyle; and her stepchildren's father, Edwin Clough Sr. She is survived by her children: Donna (Joe) Leavitt, Marlene (Arnold) Rose, Karen (Harold) Connell, Laura Monette, and Janet (Bruce) McComb; her children's father Bernard Davis; stepchildren Edwin Clough Jr, Jodi Clough, Cheryl Brisette and Debbie Gleason; sister-in-law Pat McKay; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: A celebration of Cynthia's life will take place in the spring. Donations to the Parkinson's Foundation, United Methodist Women at FUMC of Brattleboro, or the Peter Delvee Family Fund.
• Elliot Lee Georgina Jr., 58, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly Oct. 14, 2020 at his home, following a period of declining health. Lee was born in Marlboro, Md., on August 2, 1962, the son of Elliot and Arlene (Searles) Georgina. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1980. He had been employed by United Natural Foods in Chesterfield, N.H., for the last 30 years. Raised Catholic, he was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Lee was known for his easy-going personality, great sense of humor and his boisterous, contagious laugh. He always enjoyed sharing a good joke. Of his leisure time activities, he enjoyed golfing, barbecuing, music, attending concerts and, most importantly, time spent with his family. Survivors include his parents of Brattleboro; one daughter, Jacquelyn M. Georgina and her wife, Melissa; a sister, Kathy Georgina and her wife, Jennifer, and her two sons Tyler and Jack; a grandson, Braydon Fostyck; two nieces, Madison and Rylie Georgina; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by an infant son, Ryan Lee Georgina. Memorial information: Graveside committal rites were conducted Oct. 23 in the family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Lee was laid to rest next to his son. Donations to St. Brigid's Kitchen, 38 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To share a memory or send condolences to the Georgina family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Emily Ruth “Chici” Leclaire, 64, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Oct. 18, 2020 at her home, following a courageous battle against leukemia. She was born in Brattleboro on June 6, 1956, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Streeter) Pardee. She was raised and educated in Hinsdale, graduating from Hinsdale High School with the Class of 1974. For the past 20 years she owned and operated her own e-commerce business, Now & Then Odds & Ends. Previously, she ran her own daycare center for children, initially in Brattleboro and later at her home in Hinsdale. She was loved and adored by the many children whom she cared for. Many of them, now adults, have kept in touch with her throughout the years. Chici enjoyed being on the computer, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, and loved her animals, birds and fish. She was a devoted homemaker and excellent cook. In 1976, she married Ronald O. “Ron” Leclaire, who survives. Besides her husband of 44 years, she leaves her four children: Sara Breton and her husband, Jamie, of Hubert, N.C., Amy Burris and her husband, Michael, of Tampa, Fla., Charlsie Partington and husband Nathan of West Topsham, and Ronald Leclaire, Jr. and his wife, Jessica, of Swanzey, N.H. Additionally, she is survived by 10 grandchildren, several siblings, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and her extended family of the many children she cared for. She was predeceased by her parents, an infant son, Charles Normand, and a brother, Joseph Pardee. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Carlene Marie “Carlie” McAllister, 58, of West Brattleboro. Died surrounded by family and close friends on Oct. 13, 2020 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. The daughter of Carl and Polly (Leary) McAllister, she was born on June 27 1962 in Bellows Falls. She was raised in Putney and would later go on to graduate from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1980. After graduation she become employed as an LNA at Linden Lodge Nursing Home, where she worked until the late 1990's. She then took on various jobs in the Brattleboro area until she found her niche as a customer favorite, working part-time at Walmart Super Center in Hinsdale, N.H. She later went on to work at Hannaford Supermarket in Brattleboro, Pierre's Place/Irving, and most recently at the Shell gas station in West Chesterfield, N.H. Carlie had a zest for life and enjoyed time spent outdoors soaking up the sun and maintaining her beautiful flower gardens. In the evenings, she enjoyed crocheting, doing paint-by-numbers, going on walks with her son and having long telephone conversations with her girls. She had a love for all animals and had many beloved pets over her lifetime. She was a devoted fan of all 1980s “big hair” bands and worshiped Def Leppard. She was also known for her immense love for Kurt Cobain and was an avid concert goer. She never turned down a shopping excursion or a free lunch with her daughters and enjoyed a nice rainy day curled up on the couch with a good mystery novel. Most of all, Carlie cherished being “Grammy” to her four incredible grandbabies. Carlie is survived by her four daughters: Amber L. West of Guilford, Leisha M. West of Vernon, Kaitlyn G. Whitham and her husband, Devin, of Westminster, and Shannon R. McGivney of Vernon; her son, Tanner W. McGivney of West Brattleboro; her brothers Brian McAllister and Marshall McAllister and his wife, Doreen, both of Westminster, and Steven McAllister of Annapolis, Md.; her sisters Gwen Jones and her husband Robert of California, Md., Gene Letlow of Whitesboro, N.Y., and many nieces, nephews, and loyal friends. In addition to her parents, Carlie was predeceased by siblings Carl McAllister Jr., Sandra Casey, and Judith Allen. Memorial information: A celebration of Carlie's life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, at 4 p.m., at Father's Restaurant in Westminster. Donations to the “End of Life” program at Grace Cottage Hospital or the Windham County Humane Society.
• Laura Mae “Sears” Merithew, 65, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully, with her family by her side, on Oct. 13, 2020 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, N.H., after a short, but aggressive, battle with lung cancer. Laura was born March 14, 1955, in Gardner, Mass., the daughter of the late Marion Morgan. In the late 1970's, she moved to Brattleboro. She worked at the Brattleboro Retreat as a housekeeper for many years. She owned her own business, L&S Cleaning Services, where she cleaned local Brattleboro businesses and private homes. She was an active member of the community. She volunteered for The Hotline and Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center and, most recently, was a home healthcare worker. Caring for the elderly was a passion of hers. Laura was very family-oriented and loved her family very much. She made it a point to always attend every birthday party, barbecue, graduation celebrations, and any other family gatherings. She loved stopping at every yard sale, taking scenic car rides, baking, Betty Boop, country music, and her favorite soap opera, Days of Our Lives. No one touched the woman's dishes, though. She cooked every meal with a smile on her face. You could always find Laura with a tea cup in her hand. She even threw tea parties for her grandchildren, teaching them the art of a perfect tea. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her world and she loved them with all her heart. In 1998, Laura married Jimmy Merithew. To Jimmy, Laura will always be her Yellow Rose. They renewed their vows of 20 years in September 2018. She was predeceased by her mother, Marion Morgan; her niece, Laura Marie Sears, and her brother in law, David Pelto Sr. She is survived by her loving husband; her five children: Herbert Scott Jr. and his wife Holly of Oak Hill, Fla.; David Scott Sr. and his wife, Tiffany, of Guilford; Jonathan Scott and his wife, Sara, of Hinsdale, N.H.; Heather Aldrich and her husband, Richard, of Brattleboro, and Krystal Crandall and her husband, Grant, of Hinsdale; brothers Gerald, Roland, and Eddie; sisters Geraldine, Delores, Ramona, and Lynette; and 18 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A celebration of life service will be held at a date to be announced.
• Cyril Jeffery “Jeff” Moss, 77, of Brattleboro. Died July 26, 2020 in Bremerton, Wash. He was born in Brattleboro on Nov. 4, 1942. He spent most of his life in the Brattleboro area. Jeff was a “rock hound,” hunting all over the world for gems and other precious rocks, and was also a stamp and currency collector. He was also a Navy veteran. Jeff was visiting his sisters in Washington state at the time of his death. In addition to his sisters Judy Cunningham of Wilbur, Wash., Jan Moss of Silverdale, Wash., and Jada Bothum of Herminston, Ore., he is survived by his “adopted” family at the Black Mountain Inn. He will be missed by all. Memorial information: Services will be held at a later date at his final resting place beside his parents and uncle in Bremerton.
• John Edward “Jack” Mulligan Sr., 82, of Brattleboro. Died at his home on Oct. 13, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born in Lynn, Mass., on June 24, 1938, son of the late Phyllis and Joseph Mulligan. He spent his childhood years in Swampscott, Mass., then later enlisted in the Air Force, where he served in Alaska, Washington, and Massachusetts. It was in this season of life he met his wife of 53 years, Sharon, and they were united in marriage in 1960. Jack was a master in the kitchen, always preparing holiday dinners, and cutting the roasted ham with his perfectly sharpened carving knife. He was a good grandfather, the type that kept butterscotches in his pocket at church and, one-by-one, sent them down the pew to the grandchildren. He would stand by your side, with a nudge and a joke. His presence was a constant, for sporting games, proms, and long rescue drives through New England snowstorms. Jack was a social man, always making friends at the campsite where he spent his final summers, and hosting his neighbors for coffee or to watch a game. He had a soft side too, and in those special moments on occasion you would see his eyes well up with tears. His service continued into his later years where he spent time as a volunteer driver for Connecticut River Transit taking chronically ill patients to and from their doctor appointments. He leaves his four children: John Edward Mulligan Jr. and his wife, Carin, Wendy Lee Lynde and her husband, Steven, William Joseph Mulligan and his wife, Mindy, and Vicky Lynn Jelley and her husband, Ralph; his brother-in-law, Brian Francis Diggins and his wife Candace; seven grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and his dog Buddy. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Diggins Mulligan, nephew Joseph Diggins, and granddaughter Alisha Mulligan. Memorial information: All are invited to share stories, memories, photos, thoughts, and condolences with the family. These memories will be shared during a private family memorial service on June 24, 2021. In lieu of flowers, send cards to 6 Oyster Hill Drive, Sandwich, MA 02563.
• Garry Benson West, 77, of Jamaica. Died unexpectedly at home on Oct. 16, 2020. Garry was born in Londonderry on July 26, 1943, the son of Malcolm and Mona (Benson) West. He attended public schools in Londonderry and graduated from Chester High School with the Class of 1961. Following graduation, he went to work for the Stratton Corporation in 1961, and worked his entire career at Stratton. He retired in 2013 following 52 faithful years of service with the resort. Prior to moving to Jamaica, Garry resided in South Londonderry, where he was an active volunteer with the Champion Fire Department. After moving to Jamaica, Garry became an active volunteer with Jamaica Volunteer Fire & Rescue for 41 years, serving one term as Assistant Chief. Known for his Yankee stubbornness, he will also be remembered for his spirit of friendship, steadfast work ethic, and being a true gentleman who considered himself a simple and humble man. Garry was a faithful and devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life centered around his family. He enjoyed gardening, puttering around his home, and following NASCAR, as well as being an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. In 1964, he married Bonnie L. Smith, who survives. Besides his wife of 55 years, he leaves two sons, Dana and his wife, Danielle, of Jamaica, and Dale and and his wife, Darcy, of Townshend; one sister, Janice King of Dummerston; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by brothers Malcolm Jr., Everett, and Walter, who died during childhood. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted Oct. 25 in Pleasant View Cemetery in Jamaica, with honors accorded at graveside by members of Jamaica Fire & Rescue. Donations to Jamaica Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 285, Jamaica, VT 05343; or to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.