College news
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Ithaca (N.Y) College: Colin Costa-Walsh of Putney, Logan Cota of Bellows Falls, Cassidy Gallivan of West Dover, Nathan Kaufman of Brattleboro, Brett Swanson of Wilmington, and Avery White of Townshend.
• Angel Baikakedi of Putney earned academic distinction for the most recent semester at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.
• Hannah Kelly, a Nursing major from Bellows Falls; Paige Starkweather, a Liberal Studies/Education major from Brattleboro; and Olivia Weeks, a Entrepreneurship major from Vernon all were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Endicott College in Beverly, Mass.
• Chelsea D. Lee of Vernon was named to the Honors List for the fall 2020 semester at Husson University in Bangor, Maine.
• Elizabeth Longo of West Townshend was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2020 semester at Quinnipac University in Hamden, Conn.
Obituaries
• Nancy Stoughton Barber, 82, of West Brattleboro. Died, with her family at her bedside, on Jan. 23, 2021 of complications from Chronic T Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia. Nancy was born in Troy, N.Y., on July 31, 1938, daughter of Norton Barber and Marcia Lamberton Stevens of Bennington. On arrival, she helped teach her eldest brother Orion that their parents' attention would be henceforth divided. Although born in New York state, Nancy grew up in Bennington and attended Bennington schools. She finished her last two high school years at Northfield (Mass.) School for Girls, graduating in 1956. She earned her B.A. in English/Spanish from the University of Vermont in 1961. After graduation, she worked as a secretary in Boston until 1972, when she married. After a move to California, she was divorced, and worked for Syntex Research, first as a secretary, followed by a new career as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA). She lived in California until 1993, when she returned to Boston and worked as a CRA for Biopure Corporation. In 1994, she joined Wyeth Pharmaceuticals as a Senior Clinical Trial Support Specialist. She retired from Wyeth in 2006. Nancy moved to Brattleboro following retirement to be near family, happy to be away from the city and to enjoy a slower pace of life. She loved animals and over the years had a series of cats and for several years a rescued Greyhound, Daisy. She immersed herself in local organizations, volunteering at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in the oncology department. She served on the Westgate Housing Inc. Board and was a Town Meeting Representative from District 1. As a member of the West Brattleboro Association, she was voted Community Leader of the Year in 2016. She co-chaired the Brattleboro Solid Waste Committee. She was fierce about recycling, and woe to those who put something in the trash that could be recycled. For several years, she was the West Brattleboro coordinator for Green-Up Day. Nancy celebrated when Brattleboro banned the single-use plastic bag and always had several sturdy canvas bags at hand for purchases. Nancy loved music and grew up singing with the family, especially sea chanteys, accompanied on the banjo by her father. She played the banjo too, but admitted that she was never as skilled as her dad. She enjoyed opera in HD at the Latchis Theatre and was a member of the BMC Concert Choir. As a center of her life in each community she lived in, she joined the local Episcopal church. After moving to Brattleboro, she joined St. Michael's Episcopal Church. She participated in many of its activities and sang in the choir. Nancy was a much beloved member of any group she was in. In recent years in Brattleboro, a favorite activity was lunch or dinner with a group of women friends that referred to themselves as “wise old birds.” Her blithe spirit, intelligent wit, humility and love overflowed in everything she was a part of. She was loyal, honest, direct and forthright, with a gift for friendship. Nancy was a prolific reader with a large range of interests but she loved nothing better than a ripping good murder mystery. She loved spoonerisms and could, when prompted, recite “Prinderella and the Since.” In 2014, after 51 years, Nancy was reunited with her son, Jonathan O'Connor. Because of the stigma of being an unwed mother in the early 1960s, she was pressured into giving him up for adoption. Jonathan often refers to their story of re-intersection by saying “The story is very much akin to a Hallmark movie, wherein one should have an abundance of tissues close at hand.” Jonathan not only gave Nancy the love only a child can give, but a wonderful family to fill her final years with much joy. She is survived by her son, Jonathan O'Connor and his wife Kimberly Galandak, of North Westminster; grandchildren Hailee, Kiernon, Cassidy and Ciara; her brother Orion II and his wife, Carol, of West Brattleboro; her sister Elizabeth Houck and her husband Oliver of New Orleans; and her brother Jonathan and his wife, Margaret Howes, of Cambridge, N.Y.; nephews Nathaniel and Caleb Barber, Cyprian and Gabriel Houck and niece Claire Maxwell; cousins in the Stevens, Howard and DuHamel families and many devoted friends. A special thanks to Jane Southworth, all around best pal and supplier of many a good read. Memorial information: St. Michael's Episcopal Church will hold a memorial service on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 4 p.m. To attend the service, go to www.stmichaelsvermont.org and click on the eNews box in the middle of the home page. Scroll down in the eNews until you see the announcement about the Nancy Barber funeral and click on the Zoom link in the announcement. Her ashes will be interred in the Barber family plot in Bennington's Park Lawn Cemetery later in the spring at the convenience of the family. Donations to Windham County Humane Society; Rescue Inc.; Brattleboro Music Center; and St. Michael's Episcopal Church. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• John C. Lancaster, 67, of South Londonderry. Died suddenly at his home on Jan. 27, 2021. He was born March 4, 1953, in Glen Ridge, N.J., the son of Joan C. and Edward S. “Ned” Lancaster Jr. He was the oldest of four siblings. His early school years were spent in Northborough, Mass., where he was involved with the Boy Scouts and many camping and outdoor activities. In 1963, the family moved to Litchfield, Conn. Living next door to a dairy farm, he had early jobs delivering milk and helping bring in hay crops. He had early exposure to winter outdoor activities such as sledding, skiing and ice skating. He was also a member of The First Litchfield Artillery (a historic active re-enactment group that performed parade and cannon firing exhibitions throughout New England) with his father and brother, Ted. He attended Loomis/Chafee School in Windsor, Conn., where he excelled in his studies, was on the hockey team and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1972. John moved to Vermont this same year, and began his lifetime love of its beautiful mountains. John began his career in the ski industry as a snowmaker and lift operator at Magic Mountain in Londonderry. For a time, he sold snowmaking equipment for HEDCO in New Jersey. This was in the early development of the ability to create manmade snow, which was crucial to the growth of the ski industry. Subsequently, he worked as operations manager at the Brodie Mountain and Bousquet ski areas in Massachusetts. During these years, he and Judith (Nash) met, married, and had their son, Nash. In 2004, the Vermont mountains called to him once again and the family moved to South Londonderry. John began work as general manager at Magic Mountain. In early-2005, he began his career in association management at Stratton Mountain. Most recently, he was the community manager to the Bear Creek, Fairway Meadows, Slopeside, Snowbridge, Stratton West, and Tamarack Heights Homeowner Associations, a position he held until his death. He also served as a long-standing member of the Londonderry Development Review Board. John will be remembered for his friendly, generous personality, his great love for his family and dear friends, and his quiet, even-handed approach to problem solving - always ready to assist anyone in need even at a moment's notice. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Judith; his son, Nash, and his partner, Ashley, and their son - his beloved grandson and best buddy - Ryder; his daughter, Priscilla of Fort Edward, N.Y.; his mother, Joan Lancaster of Boothbay Harbor, Maine; brother Ted Lancaster (Mary Ann Fisher) of Waterville, Vt., and their sons, Sagen and Ellis; sisters Susan Lancaster (Peter Kunkel) of Taos, N.M., and Berry Lancaster of Boothbay Harbor, and her children, Alex Williams (Kale) and Abby Snell (Ed); sister-in-law Cynthia Nash (Paul Sheehan) and their daughter, Isabel; and many loving cousins, friends, co-workers and neighbors (and his kitties). He was predeceased by his father, Edward S. Lancaster; and his brother-in-law, Todd Williams. Memorial information: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services will be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John's memory to any one of the following charities: The American Red Cross; Champion Volunteer Fire Dept. #5 of South Londonderry; the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad; or The Stratton Foundation in care of Brewster-Shea Funeral Services, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255.
• Gillian M. “Gill” Pettit, 64, of Putney. Died Feb. 1, 2021 after a valiant two-year battle with CJD, a rare and cruel degenerative brain disease. Amazing and talented, she was a darling and beautiful wife, proud mother of two sons, and loving grandmother to four grandchildren. She leaves a huge hole in the hearts and lives of those who knew and loved her, but will be forever remembered. Gill was born July 16, 1956 in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, the daughter of the late George and Lil (Lonsdale) Bailey. As an innkeeper at Hickory Ridge House Bed & Breakfast in Putney for the past 15 years, she was proud to set the standard for hospitality and befriended many guests while serving her incomparable gourmet breakfasts. Still vigorous and energetic as recently as two months ago, she was able to walk 6 to 10 miles daily, setting the pace for a team of volunteer companions to whom the family is beyond grateful. Gill leaves her loving and faithful husband, Dennis; her two sons, James and Andrew; her brother, David; her sister, Jean and her four grandchildren. Memorial information: A celebration of Gill's life will be held at a later date. Donations to the CJD Foundation, 3634 W. Market Street, Suite 110, Akron, OH 44333 (www.cjdfoundation.org/donate); or to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• William Albert Reynolds, 65, of Brattleboro. Died Jan, 20, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., after a battle with leukemia. The son of Don and Bernice Reynolds, he was born Aug. 17, 1955 in Willow Creek, Calif., and raised in Hoopa, Calif. He was a loving son, brother, father, uncle, husband, and grandfather. He was the husband of Laura Reynolds, whom he married in 1980. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Forrestal and USS Nimitz. He enjoyed NFL football, NASCAR, camping, reading, making Indian beadwork, and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by siblings Merrill Dean Reynolds and Lora (Reynolds) Linderman. He is survived by his wife; his daughters Angela Russell and her husband, Gary, and Trina Reynolds and her fiancé, John Clark; and his son Donald Reynolds. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Brianna (Reynolds) Schwab and her husband, Patrick Schwab (and great-grand puppy Chewie Lando Schwab), and grandsons Jacob Russell, Justin Russell, and William Reynolds. He is also survived by his siblings David Reynolds, Teri (Reynolds) Jefferson, and Mike Belyeu and his wife, Teresa Belyeu. He had many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorial information: None provided.
• Lincoln Frederick “Link” Smart, 86, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Feb. 4, 2021 at the home of his granddaughter in East Dummerston. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Link was born in Hinsdale, N.H., on Feb. 12, 1934, the son of Frederick and Lillian (Horton) Smart. He was raised and educated in Hinsdale and Winchester, where he attended public schools. He proudly served his country in the Army from 1957 to 1959, stationed at Fort Dix, N.J. Link was an “old school” auto mechanic, working at the former R.S. Roberts dealership on Canal Street. He retired in 1996, following 35 faithful years. Previously, he had worked for C.H. Hains & Son Oldsmobile in Mount Holly, N.J. With his wife, he was a member of First United Methodist Church in Brattleboro. Of his pastimes and interests, he enjoyed antique and classic cars and held membership in the Now & Then Car Club. He also loved outdoor activities that included hunting and fishing as well as time spent with his family. Link especially enjoyed time spent at his family's camp on Lake Francis in Pittsburg, N.H. In 1957, he married Donna Lee Retz, who predeceased him in 2013. Survivors include three daughters, Lisa Smart and Lori Sargent, both of Brattleboro, and Lynda Lawrence of Dummerston; two sisters, Sonja Waite and Helen Boudreau, both of Brattleboro; five grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Richard, Roland, and Francis Smart; and a sister, Laura Cretelle. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with military honors in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery will be conducted in the springtime at a date and time to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Larry E. Snide, 82, of Bellows Falls. Died unexpectedly at his home on Jan. 21, 2021. He was born Sept. 1, 1938, in Springfield, Vt., the son of Harvey S. and Sarah P. (Chase) Snide. He attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School, Class of 1957. He also attended Bentley Business School in Boston. In 1979, he married Judith A. (Smith) Snide; she predeceased him on July 24, 2020. Larry was employed at the A&P Grocery Store in Springfield from 1954 to 1967, with E.R. Wiggins Builders from 1967 to 1976, and as a manager with LaValley Building Supply from August 1976 until his retirement in February 2008. He enjoyed hunting, dancing, gardening, and maintaining his home. He is survived by four sons, Danny Snide, James Snide, Roger Snide and Mark Snide; three stepsons, Scott Snide, Bradley Snide and Kevin Snide; and one sister, Patricia Hardy. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Frederick, Paul and Robert; and by one sister, Dorothy Stearns. Memorial information: A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 22. 2021, at 11 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Springfield. Burial will follow the funeral service, in the Walpole Village New Cemetery in Walpole, N.H. Donations to Visiting Nurse & Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire, P.O. Box 881, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• John Hoyt Stookey, 91, of Great Barrington, Mass., and for many years a devoted second-homer in Williamsville. Died Jan. 31, 2021, in Pittsfield, Mass., two days after his 91st birthday, of complications from COVID-19. He leaves his devoted wife of 66 years, Katherine Emory “Appy” Stookey; daughters Helen (Allen) Jones of Vancouver, B.C., and Laura (Stephen) Johnson of Easthampton, Mass.; sons Hunt Stookey of Boston and Anson (Marilyn) Stookey of Middletown, R.I.; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; a brother, Byron and his wife, Lee, of Brattleboro; and many friends from far-flung canoe trips and business and nonprofit work. Memorial information: Donations to the Mahaiwe Performing Art Center, P.O Box 690, Great Barrington, MA 01230; the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, P.O. Box 565, Waitsfield, VT 05673; or any musical organization of your choice.
• Daniel Bruce “Dan” Wells, 74, of Cambridgeport. Died Feb. 1, 2021, surrounded by his loving family, after an 11-year battle with cancer. Dan was born Dec. 31, 1946 at home in East Bethel, the youngest of eight kids of the late Dorothy and Edwin “Ray” Wells. He was a three-sport athlete at Hartford High School and played in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl after graduating in 1966. Following graduation, he joined the Navy and served one tour in Vietnam onboard the USS Richard Edwards as a radioman. After his Naval service, he returned home to Vermont and got married to Robin in 1970. He drove for UPS for seven years before starting his own business, D&R Fire Extinguisher, in Bellows Falls. Dan & Robin then moved to Cambridgeport, where they owned and operated the D&R General Store until he retired in 2009. Dan loved being on the ocean, as well as hunting, fishing, traveling, and camping. His true love was his family and watching his kids and grandkids play sports, rarely missing a game. Dan is survived by his wife of 50 years; son Todd (Casey) of Rockingham; daughter Tatha (Edward Brown) of Halfmoon, N.Y.; sisters Eleanor VanAlstyne of Ludlow, Jan Luce (Jim) of Palmer, Ark., Joy Soule (Bill) of Hartford, Sandy Heavisides of Claremont, N.H.; and six grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held in the spring at his home in Cambridgeport, with a military burial at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph.