College news
• Andrew Zuckerman of South Londonderry has been nominated by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., to be a member of the Class of 2025 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.. Zuckerman was one of 28 Vermonters who were vetted and selected by Vermont's Congressional delegation for nomination to attend the nation's Service Academies.
Obituaries
• Carleton Stanley Barnett Sr., 87, of Halifax. Died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Dec. 24, 2020 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Carleton was born Oct. 21, 1933 in Cabot, the sixth of nine children born to Ashley Charles and Sarah Elizabeth (Clarke) Barnett. His parents died when he was in his teens and he came to Wilmington to live with his older sister, Lorainne, and her husband, Richard. He graduated from Wilmington High School. Carleton was married to Bernice Burnett of Halifax in 1956 (Bernice always joked she didn't want to change her name much). Within a year, they bought a house in the village of West Halifax. Sadly, Bernice died in 2018, leaving Carleton heartbroken. Carleton and Bernice raised two children, Carleton Jr. and Tammy. Their son predeceased them in 1991, due to a logging accident. In his earlier years, Carleton worked at various jobs in the area including the New England Box Company, for Verne Boyd in his sugaring operation, and for Link Haynes, during which time he helped in the construction of the Deerfield Valley Health Center. Around 1964, he went to work for the Kendall Company (later became American Fiber and Finishing) and worked there until his retirement in 1995. Meanwhile, he worked for various area people mowing lawns and doing other tasks for them. Without a doubt, his most cherished job was as Halifax's town constable, a position he held for about 20 years. Carleton was a great storyteller and loved to get a laugh out of anyone he met. Always a lover of children, Carleton could always be counted on to have cookies on the shelf or a dollar in his pocket to give out. His childhood home remained dear to him and he and Bernice made frequent trips “up North” with family and friends. Carleton loved the outdoors and that is where you could find him most anytime. Another great enjoyment was growing a garden every year. He would start his plants inside, covering every available surface. Family waited anxiously every summer for the “best tomatoes in town.” He was especially pleased when his son built a sugarhouse on his property around 1988. And he was very pleased when his grandson, Ben, decided to dismantle the sugarhouse and reconstruct it on his nearby property. He loved being involved in whatever project was going on. Even after his eyesight started to fail, he would go along with his grandson, Ross, to help on projects. If he could find a way to help someone, he would. Bernice and Carleton always had an open-door policy and showed hospitality to all. If you went away from their home hungry, it was your own fault. Carleton and Bernice loved to travel and took trips west to see family. In 2002, they joined Tammy and her family on a trip to the Grand Canyon. In 1989, they took a trip to Florida with their daughter and family and Carleton immediately fell in love with the fact he could be outdoors year around. They purchased a home on that very trip and spent the next 26 winters enjoying time there. They sold the home in 2014 due to Bernice's failing health. Carleton is survived by his daughter, Tammy Lacey and husband Daniel; his late son's wife, Barbara Brown and husband, Francis; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lorainne Parsons and husband, Richard; a sister-in-law, Madeline Burnett; a very special cousin, Marjorie Greaves; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and son, he was predeceased by brothers Robert (Jim), William, Ashley (Paul), Elwin, and Philip; and sisters Louise and Madeline. Memorial information: Services and a time of remembrance are being planned for late spring 2021. Donations to Vernon Green Nursing Home Activities Fund, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354, or to the West Halifax Fire Dept., P.O. Box 27, West Halifax, VT 05358. To share a memory or send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Beth Yeskel Greene, 70, of Wilmington. Died peacefully Dec. 26, 2020 at her home, following a long courageous fight with Parkinson's Disease. She was born Sept. 11, 1950, in Newark, N.J., the daughter of Stanley and Evelyn Yeskel, and grew up in Maplewood, N.J. Beth graduated from Columbia High School and received a Bachelor's degree from George Washington University. Beth fell in love with Vermont and moved here in late 1973. She met her beloved husband, John Greene, when her car broke down and they were married in 1975. They celebrated 45 years of marriage this year. Together, they ran the family business, Greene's Service Center, where she was the office manager. While working at the service station, she also worked at Marlboro School, Dover School, residential schools for adolescents, and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Beth was involved in many organizations and community events, including the Wilmington School Board for 10 years, nine of which she was the chair, Deerfield Valley Rotary Club for 14 years, Wilmington PTC, Wilmington/Whitingham Leadership Project, Booster Club, and organizer of the pet show at the Deerfield Valley Farmers' Day Fair. She was a member of the Eastern Star and was an involved member of the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, teaching Hebrew school and leading services, and also was a member of the Temple of the Presence. Her most favorite role was that of Mom and Nana. Beth was a talented artist, loved her gardens and sunsets from home, enjoyed lakes and boating, swimming in pools, dancing, traveling, planning and hosting parties, getting ice cream with her caregivers, and making her friends and family laugh. Beth was a light of love and kindness to all she met. She was predeceased by her parents, in-laws Robert and Evelyn Greene, brother-in-law Joel Greene, and sister in law Jill Yeskel. She is survived by her husband, daughter Jessica (Barker Willard) of Wilmington, grandson Matthew Hammond, brothers Barry Yeskel and Peter Yeskel (Candace), many nieces and nephews, and her dog, Jojo. Memorial information: Services and burial will be private, with a celebration of life planned for a later date. Donations to the Deerfield Valley Rotary Club in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Paul Harrington Kinney, 90, of Newfane. Died Aug. 1, 2020 at Mirabel Lodge in Forestville, Calif. Paul was born in Worcester, Mass., on May 8, 1930. He joined the Navy in 1947 and fought in the Korean War. He served as a Seabee on the Pacific islands of Guam and Saipan and was certified as a construction equipment operator. He reenlisted and spent the remainder of his service at Adak, the Naval Operating Base on the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, clearing the runway and unloading returning planes. He was honorably discharged and received a Good Conduct Medal in 1952. Paul spent most of his life in Newfane with his wife, Sylvia B. Kinney. He was employed as a linotype operator at American-Stratford Book Press for over 25 years. Previously, he worked at American Optical and later he drove school bus for Laidlaw in Brattleboro. After leaving Vermont, he spent 12 years with his childhood friend, Joanne Lippencott, in Cornelius, N.C. In 2016, he moved to Santa Rosa, Calif., to live with his daughter Melissa, who cared for him until his death. Paul was always eager to help the neighbors and was generous with the vegetables and flowers he grew, giving them away to anyone who came by. He loved animals, especially birds, and spent his free time hiking in the mountains and swimming in the streams of Vermont. He is survived by his former wife, Sylvia B. Kinney; daughters Amelia and Melissa; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial information: None provided.
• Mary Helen Larmie, 86, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 13, 2020. She was born on July 11, 1934 in Bellows Falls, the daughter of Patrick and Helen (Donegan) Lawlor, and sister of Patty Bullock of Guilford. She was married at age 22 to Merl C. Larmie Jr., who predeceased her in 2002. Mary Helen was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and grandchildren, embracing every moment with them. At age 83, she left her longtime home in Brattleboro to relocate to Hoover, Ala., to be close to her cherished grandchildren, Riley and Spencer Drouin, and imparting on them her unique combination of honest frankness, sensibility, and zest for life. Even in her last days, she again would prove to be the unselfish person we know, love and will miss terribly. She is survived by her four children, Merl C. Larmie III of Manchester, N.H., Jill (Kip) Record of Dummerston, Lynn (Daryl) Bucossi of East Dover, and Juli (Tim) Drouin of Hoover, Ala. A family friend described her as a force of nature and a fountain of knowledge on how to lead a great life. Her most often overlooked, but enduring. quality was her ability to listen, hearing a problem or complaint unfold, and then provide just enough guidance. Always the optimist, her family often said she looked at life with a “rainbows and butterflies” attitude. Fiercely independent, she was kind and caring, exemplifying these qualities in her daily activities. Never out of fashion, she valued hard work, character, and integrity and chose to surround herself with those who met her high standards. Memorial information: A family gathering will be held in the summer of 2021 where her ashes will be combined with her husband's and spread in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., a place where they spent many happy family occasions during their life together. Donations to Friends of the Valley Foundation, P.O. Box 1641, Wilmington, VT 05363, or online at www.friendsofdeerfieldvalley.org.
• Carol Margaret Levin, 79, of Brattleboro. Died on Dec. 26, 2020, the day after her birthday. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Dec. 25, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Herbert J. Levin, MD and Margaret Clara Matuschak Levin. Carol graduated from Rostraver High School in Belle Vernon, Pa., and went on to graduate from Thiel College in Greenville, Pa., with a bachelor's degree from the D.T. Watson School of Physiatrics. For two years, she worked as a physical therapist at the Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital in West Haverstraw, N.Y., and then in 1966 joined Project HOPE, a global health organization. As a member of the Project HOPE medical team, she worked as a physical therapist providing services in the countries of Nicaragua and Colombia. In 1968, she settled in Philadelphia and continued her physical therapy career at a neighborhood health care center. In the early 1970s, Carol became actively involved with the Philadelphia Folk Song Society, helping to organize their annual Folk Festival. Her love of folk music and of the state of Vermont prompted a move to Brattleboro in 1974, where she opened the Chelsea House Folklore Center in West Brattleboro, a music venue that operated until 1981. In September 1979, Carol Levin married Richard Gottlieb in a ceremony at the Chelsea House. Making their home in Guilford, they established Sunnyside Solar, a solar energy installation company. In 2002, she and Richard received the NESEA Distinguished Service Award for their contributions to the field of solar energy. Carol was involved in a number of community activities that included serving on the board of the New England Coalition on Nuclear Pollution, organizing contra dances, and volunteering for the Guilford Gazette. Carol was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard in 2012. She is survived by her son, Reuben J. Gottlieb of Brattleboro. She is also survived by siblings Ruth Levin and her husband, Michael Snedecor, of Volcano, Hawaii; James Levin and his wife, Sandra, of Encinitas, Calif; Paula Levin of Cardiff, Calif.; Harriet Levin of Hadley, Mass.; Edward Levin and his wife, Risa Hiller, of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and Susan Levin and her husband, Charles Hoot, of Maryville, Mo., as well as by her beloved nieces and nephews and their children, many cousins, and a wide network of friends. Memorial information: A service and interment was held Dec. 29 at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community Cemetery. A video of the service is at youtu.be/4klMMZ3jYyw. Donations to Groundworks Collaborative, P.O. Box 370, Brattleboro, VT 05302; the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, P.O. Box 2353, West Brattleboro, VT 05303; the New England Coalition, P.O. Box 545, Brattleboro, VT 05302; the Guilford Gazette, in care of Guilford Free Library, 4024 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301; or to the charity of one's choice.
• Ann Austin MacGregor, 93, of Sarasota, Fla., and a former resident of Wellesley, Mass. Died Dec. 23, 2020 in the comfort of her home. She was born in Worcester, Mass., on Feb. 28, 1927, the daughter of Elvira (Goulson) Austin and Francis M. Austin. She was a graduate of Classical High School in Springfield, Mass., and The College of New Rochelle, graduating with honors in 1948. She was a loving wife and mother who created a gracious and beautifully decorated home for her family. She enjoyed the many years she worked part-time at John Douglas in Wellesley, often kidding that she spent her entire paycheck buying beautiful clothes for the family. She was an avid tennis player and created many beautiful needlepoint pieces. She was a true Lilly Pulitzer girl and loved shopping as well as a chilled glass of Chardonnay. She loved the Scottish terriers she shared many years with and was a true dog lover. Ann was the beloved wife of the late Frederick Morse MacGregor, Jr. with whom she spent 62 wonderful years of marriage. They traveled the world together on tours and cruises and enjoyed a wonderful life in Sarasota where they moved in January 1990 upon Fred's retirement. They loved the Florida lifestyle where they had numerous friends and made many happy memories. Ann leaves her beloved daughter, Sandra O'Brien and her husband, John, of Lynn, Mass.; her daughter-in-law, Anna MacGregor of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and granddaughters Ashley Elizabeth O'Brien and Alexis MacGregor. She also leaves her brother, Francis M. Austin, Jr. and his wife, Dr. Virginia Weldon Austin, of St. Louis, Mo. She was predeceased by her son, Frederick (Greg) Morse MacGregor, III. Memorial information: Graveside committal rites and burial will be conducted in the Austin family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery in Brattleboro. Services will be private due to COVID-19 restrictions. Donations to the Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center, P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087-7106. To share a memory or send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Allen Myrick, 90, formerly of Brattleboro. The son of Kenneth and Hester Eppens Myrick, he was born in Cambridge, Mass., on July 29, 1930. He grew up in Medford, Mass., where he attended public schools. He graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., in 1948; from Harvard College in 1952, and from Union Theological Seminary in 1955. He married Judith Cross in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1954 and, three years later, Allen and Judith were commissioned as missionaries in South Africa, where Allen taught in theological schools in Modderpoort and Alice from 1958 to 1968. Returning from South Africa, Allen served as minister of the Whitneyville Congregational Church, Hamden, Conn., and the United Church of Christ of Kent, Ohio. In 1984, the Myricks were appointed to missionary service by the United Church of Christ, and worked in the newly independent country of Zimbabwe, where Allen did lay training work and local parish ministry from 1984 to 1994. In 1994, they retired, living first in Minnesota and then in Brattleboro. In 2014, the Myricks moved to Covenant Village of Cromwell, Conn. In retirement, Allen volunteered with various local organizations, including Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing, Brattleboro Pastoral Counseling Center, and the Brattleboro Justice Center. He was an active member of Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro and, since 2016, of First Church of Christ in Middletown, Conn. Allen was a loving, compassionate man who was an avid reader and loved gardening. He also led many theological study and prayer groups, and was a leader amongst ministers. Allen is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Judith Myrick; his three children, Becky Myrick, Helen Davis and her husband, Dale, and Philip Myrick and his wife, Thea; and six grandchildren, Jessie Myrick, Krista Maruca, Hannah Davis, Cameron Davis, Alyona Myrick, and Denis Myrick. He is survived by three sisters, Katherine Mulhern, Helen LaFleur, and Debbie Martin. Memorial information: Gifts may be made in his memory to Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44115.
• John “Big John” Scott, 59, of Jacksonville. Died Dec. 22, 2020, due to complications resulting from COVID-19. Born on Dec. 24, 1960, John was just shy of his 60th birthday when died. Big John was an avid motorcyclist with a passion for classic vehicles, guitars, and a cold beer. He was a carpenter by trade, though had retired in recent years due to a worksite injury. He was currently living in Jacksonville ,but had also lived in different parts of Vermont and Massachusetts throughout his life. The reason for his nickname of “Big John” was obvious - he looked big and tough. But anyone who knew John would say that underneath his tough exterior, John had a huge heart of gold and would go out of his way to help anyone in any way he could. Big John was really just a big softie who loved animals (especially dogs) and spending time with his family and friends. He was a great son, brother, friend, uncle, and so much more. He was predeceased by his mother, Janet (Erikson) Scott. He leaves behind his father .Ronald Scott and his partner Barbara Cheda of Plainfield, Mass.; brothers Todd Scott and his wife, Bonnie, of Easthampton, Mass., and Eric Scott and his wife, Caitlyn, of Seattle, Wash.; nieces Samantha Scott and Monica Martinez and nephews Reilly Scott, Keanu Martinez, and Jordan Martinez, as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends. Memorial information: There will be no calling hours or funeral for the time being. A celebration of life for John will be held at a later date, once it is safe to do so.
• John M. Skibniowsky, 90, of Vernon. Died Dec. 18, 2020 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. He was born in Vernon on June 17, 1930, the son of Peter and Mary (Chudzik) Skibniowsky. John was educated in Vernon schools and was a 1949 graduate of Mt. Hermon School in Gill, Mass. He attended the University of Vermont, but was drafted into the Army, where he served two years in Germany as a dental assistant. He was married to Stella Pokrywka on June 16, 1962 in Hinsdale, N.H. Early in life, he worked as produce manager for Grand Union in several northern Vermont communities. He later worked at the Northfield Mount Hermon School until he became a postal employee for the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired in 1987. He served the town of Vernon as Health Officer for more than 25 years. He was very active in the Vernon community and was also very active at St. Patrick's Church in Northfield, Mass. He loved gardening, and acting as a clown. John was quiet patient man with a twinkle in his eye and laughter in his heart. He enjoyed working with people and music, especially jazz and polka. Most of all, he enjoyed working in the garden, nature, and children. He also enjoyed going to the casinos and playing the slots. He and his wife traveled extensively during early retirement, visiting many places around the world, with Antarctica being his favorite. He is survived by his wife Stella. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including Mellisa Allen, who was very special to him. Memorial information: There will be a memorial Mass in the spring at St. Patrick's Church, with burial with full military honors in St. Mary's Cemetery in Northfield. In his memory, pass on a kindness or smile to someone who least expects it.
• Jean Elaine Wilson, 85, of Newfane. Died on Dec. 27, 2020, with her family by her side. Born Oct. 19, 1935 in Manchester Conn., she was the last of seven siblings of Burton and Gertrude (Carey) Halladay. Jean was a 1953 graduate of Brattleboro Union High School and had been employed at the Holstein Association in Brattleboro. She was co-owner of Rick Wilson Builder and the Newfane Greenhouse & Nursery with her husband and the love of her life, Richard A. Wilson, whom she married in 1960. Jean was a member of the Newfane Congregational Church, where she was a member of the Bell Choir. She was also was very active in her community. She is survived by her husband; her son Jay Wilson and his wife, Samantha; four grandsons, three great-grandsons (with another due in March), and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Services will be private. Donations to Newfane Congregational Church, P.O. Box 27, Newfane, VT 05345, or NewBrook Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 77, Newfane, VT 05345. To send the family condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.