College news
• Three local students graduated after the fall 2020 semester from Castleton University. Abby Chapman of Brattleboro received a B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies (cum laude), Keighan Eaker of Jamaica received a M.A. in Education, and Tyler Higley of Vernon received a M.S. in Athletic Leadership.
• The following local students all graduated after the fall 2020 semester from Vermont Technical College: Thomas Drummey of West Halifax, A.E. in Mechanical Engineering Technology; Gary Grout of South Londonderry, B.S. in Business & Technology Management, cum laude; Lucas Saunders of Saxtons River, A.A.S in Construction Management, cum laude; Rebecca St. Pierre of Newfane, B.S. in Nursing; and Morgan Stevens of Grafton, B.S. in Business & Technology Management, magna cum laude.
• Ava Zizza of Wilmington graduated in December from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Commerce & Business Administration.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement for the fall 2020 semester at Vermont Technical College. Named to the President's List were Teagan Bacon of Bellows Falls, who is in the B.S. in Electromechanical Engineering Technology program, and Emily Mleczko of Putney and Jenna Ross of Brattleboro, who are both in the B.S. in Nursing program. Timothy Haineswood of Marlboro and Lisa Ryan of Wilmington, who are both in the Certificate in Practical Nursing program, were named to the Dean's List.
• Hadley Stine of Putney was named to the Gettysburg (Pa.) College Dean's Honor list for outstanding academic achievement in the spring 2020 semester.
• Sydney Hescock of Wardsboro was named to the fall 2020 Dean's List at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y.
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I.: Connor Corbeil of Brattleboro, Venus Fu of Brattleboro, Abigail Sargent of Dummerston, and Nathaniel Tyler of Brattleboro.
• Amy Yannizze, a marketing major from Brattleboro, was named to the fall 2020 Dean's List at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C.
• Michelle Marchica of Westminster was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Springfield (Mass.) College: Nicholas Campbell, a Health Science and Pre-Physical Therapy major from Brattleboro; Marielle Meyer, a Health Science/Pre-Physician Assistant major from Brattleboro; Nathan Claussen, a Sport Management major from Townshend; and Danielle Wood, a Therapeutic Recreation major from Putney.
• Elizabeth Day of Brattleboro and Wyatt Keith of Vernon were both named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at American International College in Springfield, Mass.
• Brianna Jobst, a Business Administration/Management major from Vernon, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Bloomsburg (Pa.) University.
• Marissa Betit of Vernon was named to Southern New Hampshire University's fall 2020 President's List.
• Spencer Fowler of South Londonderry, Grace MacFadyen of East Dover, and Gabrel Vanni-Phillips of Newfane were all named to the fall 2020 Dean's List at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.
• Suzanne Allen of Stratton, an ACS Certified-Chem/Biochem major and member of the Class of 2022, achieved Dean's High Honors for the 2020 fall semester at Connecticut College in New London, Conn.
• Lilia Kocsis of Vernon was awarded a scholarship from the George R. Lanagan Sr. Scholarship Endowment Fund at the University of Findlay (Ohio) for the 2020-21 academic year.
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2020 semester: Katrina Ewens of Londonderry, earning Honors; Axis Balsley-Petraska of Brattleboro, earning Honors; Sienna Sperling of South Newfane, earning High Honors, and Alyson Jacobs of Stratton, earning High Honors.
• Meagan Kelly, a member of the Class of 2024 from Westminster, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.
• Jessica M. Tatro, a Biology major in the Class of 2024 from Brattleboro, was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.
• Nathaniel Macintosh was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Becker College in Worcester, Mass.
Obituaries
• Ashley Michael “Dbo” Bostwick, 39, formerly of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on Dec. 23, 2020 at his home in Knoxville, Tenn. Ashley is survived by his parents, Mike Wood and Pam Bostwick; his fiancée Raina Cormier; his two sons, Alden and Marcus, his sisters Gabby Bostwick and Tatum Bostwick, along with many friends and family. He is preceded in death by Dorothy Pacheco Bostwick, Karen Ward, June Bostwick, and Brandon Porter. Ashley was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 2, 1981 and attended Brattleboro Union High School. His core values revolved around loyalty and trust. He embodied consistent understanding to all who knew him and would provide comfort during the darkest of times. He had a laugh and a smile that that no person could ever forget. He always said, “Don't be saddened by my passing, but celebrate the life I had.” Memorial information: A spring service will take place on May 1 for the general public at a place and time to be announced. Donations can be sent to 18 Bramley Way, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Ernest “Ernie” Boudreau, 90, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Jan. 17, 2021 at the Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington. He was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Aug. 20, 1930 to the late Camille and Bibiane (Legere) Boudreau. He attended schools and resided in Athol, Mass., later moving to Brattleboro in 1999. Ernie enlisted and honorably served in the Marines from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War. He worked for Union Butterfield in Athol, Green Mountain Security at Vermont Yankee in Vernon; and spent 10 years working in security for Pinkerton prior to retirement. He was a man of great faith and enjoyed playing the guitar and piano as well as many other musical instruments, often writing his own songs. He was a cantor for the Catholic Masses in Athol, Orange, and Petersham, Mass. He was active in several music and worship programs in churches, senior centers, and nursing homes throughout Vermont and Massachusetts. Ernie was a man of many interests. He enjoyed music, canoeing, dancing, puzzles, writing, billiards, and reading. He is kindly remembered by some as the “hug” doctor and was loved by many. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rosalie May (Clark) (Vitello) Boudreau, and his brother, Leo Boudreau. He is survived by his children Christine Collins of Wells, Maine, Cynthia Clark and her husband, Wayne, of Hubbardston, Mass., and Mark Boudreau and his wife, Jacquelyn, of Athol; stepchildren Darlene Gamache and her husband, Gary, of Orange, Lorraine Boudreau and her husband, Dean, of Athol, Peter Vitello and his wife, Tracy, of Temple, N.H., and Gina Vitello-Shepard and her husband, Stewart, of Brattleboro; siblings Angie Chiasson and Francis Boudreau; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he adored, and who adored him. Memorial information: A graveside burial will be held at Mather Cemetery in Brattleboro in the spring. Donations to The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Virginia Carruthers, 100, formerly of West Dover. Died Jan. 25, 2021 at Applewood Rehabilitation Center in Winchester, N.H. Virginia was born in Jamaica Plain, Mass., on Nov. 14, 1920, the daughter of the late Andrew and Lillian Duquet Carnie, and attended local schools. Virginia was the Dover Town Clerk for many years, handwriting deeds for the town. She also owned and operated the Snow Shoe Lodge in West Dover. Virginia was a member of the Eastern Star and Ladies Aid Group in West Dover. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards, and traveling, especially to the beach where she loved to be. She enjoyed all kinds of music and was an avid fan of all Boston sports teams. She was also very involved and a longtime member of the West Dover Congregational Church. Virginia is survived by her children Gary Carruthers (Jackie) of Wilmington, and Judy Cloutier (Maurice) of Greenfield, Mass., grandchildren Michelle, Daniel, Jessica, Sarah, and Matthew; and great-grandchildren Colin, Josie, Cassie, Samantha, Henry, Hannah, and Cayden. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Caruthers, whom she married in 1942. Mr. Carruthers died in 2001. She was also preceded in death by her brother Charles and sisters Marion and Barbara. Memorial information: A celebration of life for Virginia will be held later in the year. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital or Applewood Rehabilitation Center, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215 ,Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Sandra Lee Filgate, 76, of Brighton, Mass. Died Dec. 17, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Brighton. Sandra was born in St Johnsbury on Feb. 20, 1944, the daughter of Norman and Marvourine (Daniell) Filgate. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro and graduated magna cum laude from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1962. Sandra went on to attend Northeastern University, earning her bachelor's degree in medical technology. She worked her entire career in healthcare as a medical records clerk in Boston, with her first position with Howard Pilgrim Hospital in Boston. Sandra loved ballet and held membership in the Boston Ballet Society. Active civically, she served as a board member and past president of the Friends of Samuel Library, was an active volunteer at Friendship Works, and served as a museum guide at the Brighton/Allston Heritage Museum, all in Brighton. Additionally, Sandra enjoyed spending time on the computer, which she was very proficient at, and loved music and the Boston Pops, going shopping, and her beloved cats. Survivors include her mother of Brattleboro; two brothers, Glenn Filgate and his wife, Mary, of Guilford, and Brian Filgate of Brattleboro; one sister, Allison Barrett and her husband, James, of Hinsdale, N.H.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, Darrell Filgate, who died in 1978. Memorial information: Due to the current pandemic, services for Sandra will be private. She will be laid to rest next to her brother in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Ashley Elizabeth Moore, 37, of Brattleboro, died unexpectedly. She was a high honors graduate of Hinsdale (N.H.) High School in 2002. She received her CNA from the Red Cross and was in pursuit of her RN certification. Ashley was a dedicated, proud, and compassionate employee of the Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, N.H., for 12 years, where she found her purpose and passion caring for the elderly. She participated in the Women in the Outdoors at the Fitzwilliam (N.H.) Sportsmans Club and enjoyed nothing better than being one with nature. Any body of water was her happy place. She loved hiking, swimming, exploring, camping, fishing, and many other things. The core of Ashley was the artist in her. That is where she came alive, where she could express herself - she made thoughts and visions come alive. The most important thing in her life was her children. There was nothing she was more proud of nor felt more joy from than the opportunity to be their mom. She was also a truly devoted daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to all who crossed her path. Ashley was predeceased by her father, Martin “Butch” Warner. She is survived by her two sons, Hunter and Clayton Dingman, and their father Wayne Dingman, Jr., of Hinsdale; her grandmother, Elizabeth “Honey” Coleman of Hinsdale; mother Tracie Warner and partner Duane “Sarge” Will of Winchester, N.H.; sisters Morgan and her husband, Edward Freckleton, of Winchester and Alison Moore of Lansingburgh, N.Y.; brother Ryan and his wife, Melissa, of East Dummerston; and nephews Devon Monegro and Benson Moore. Memorial information: A celebration of her life takes place on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the VFW, 35 Main St., Winchester. The service will begin at 2 p.m., but due to COVID and the amount of space, there will be a limited number of people attending in brief time allotments.
• Fred A. Stockwell, 88, of Putney. Died in his sleep on Jan. 6, 2021. Born in Putney on May 9, 1932, he was the son of the late Guy and Gladys Vaine Stockwell. He attended St Michael's High School in Brattleboro, then served his country in the Army, achieving the rank of sergeant during his service in the Korean War. Fred was proud of his Army service and became a faithful member of the Brattleboro VFW Post 1034. He could often be seen marching in area parades, leading his fellow veterans as a flag bearer. Following his military service and after residing in Connecticut for a brief time, Fred returned to Putney where he began work in the auto body repair business. He worked at numerous area car dealerships and repair shops and his skill, expertise, and attention to detail were well-known. He took great pride in his work and he was well-respected for his commitment to quality. When he wasn't at work, he spent a great deal of time tinkering on anything that had an engine, whether it was a car, a truck, or a farm tractor. He was particularly fond of Ford Mustangs, owning several during his life. While Fred was known for his hard work and dedication, he was also known for karaoke. He loved to entertain and traveled all over the area, singing wherever and whenever he had the opportunity. He was a regular at many nursing homes and senior centers, beginning as a solo act before being joined by his brother Erwin and his sister Irma. He sang all kinds of music, and was particularly fond of traditional country music, but he was also known to throw in a little Dean Martin. Fred's greatest passion in life was his family. He gave selflessly and will be remembered for his dedication to helping others, as well as for his unabashed humor. Fred is survived by his brother Erwin and his wife, Mary, of Brattleboro; his sister Irma of Hinsdale N.H.; his daughter Leanne Hettinger and her husband, Matthew, of Langdon, N.H.; along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his long-time companion, Julie Bronson and her daughter, Pennie, with whom he made his home during the past several months. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Paul Stockwell, and sisters Undine Weeks and Mary Blackstone. He was also predeceased by wife Janice (King) Stockwell and their daughter, Connie (Stockwell) Fitch. Memorial information: A commemorative Mass celebrating his life was held on Jan. 23 at St Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro.
• Michael A. Wheeler, 63, of West Halifax. Died Jan. 15, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. Michael was born in Bennington on Oct. 28, 1957, the son of the late George and Marion Williams Wheeler. He attended Whitingham schools, graduating from Whitingham High School. Michael was a salesman working at area auto parts stores for many years. He enjoyed fishing, driving his Mustang, attending car shows, and going to the beach (especially Maine). He was a big NASCAR and Jimmie Johnson fan and enjoyed listening to classic rock, especially Tom Petty. He is survived by his wife, Holly Wheeler, of West Halifax; daughters Kristy Dansereau of Westminster, Renee Wheeler of Adams, Mass., and Morgan Wheeler of Whitingham; brothers George Wheeler Jr., of Bernardston, Mass., Jim Wheeler of Erving, Mass., and Billy Wheeler of Readsboro, and their spouses; his sister Shirley McNish of Halifax; his grandchildren Grace, Jack, and Zoey, and six nieces. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held in the spring. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.