College news
• Sylvie Littledale of Putney was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Littledale was initiated at Brigham Young University.
• The following local students at Northern Vermont University were honored for academic achievement in the fall 2020 semester. Named to the Dean's List were Noah Bemis of Athens, Samantha Martin of Brattleboro, Braxton Lynn of Dummerston, Abigale and Hanna Buedinger of Vernon, and Joseph Rafus of Whitingham. Named to the President's List were Emmalee Waite of Brattleboro, Kaylee Gargett of Jamaica, Samantha Palmer of Townshend, and Laura Gypson of Williamsville.
Transitions
• Vickie Case of Brattleboro has joined Food Connects as its new Development Manager. She previously worked at the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro and in radio advertising sales. Food Connects, which describes itself as “an entreprenurial nonprofit that delivers locally produced food as well as educational and consulting services,” aggregates and delivers from more than 115 local farms and food producers to more than 195 buyers in southeast Vermont, southwest New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts. It also has provided Farm to School programming for more than 30 area schools.
• Jason Lovett has joined Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors of Brattleboro as a licensed Vermont Realtor. Lovett has dedicated his professional life to education, specifically working with children and young adults with special needs. Most recently, Lovett has served as the Lead Special Educator and Case Manager for a school serving students from Southern Vermont and New Hampshire.
• The Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed three new directors to the governing board: Connie Burton of burton Touch Free Car Wash, Chris Stoner of Twombly Wealth Management Group, LLC, and Jon Potter of the Latchis Hotel & Theatre/Latchis Arts. They joined continuing directors Nicole Braun (C & S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.), Michele Coursen (Brattleboro Savings & Loan), Bob Gammon (WTSA Radio), Shawn Garland (VABIR), Ross Gibson (The Richards Group), David Harlow (Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC), Carla Lineback (SIT/World Learning), Ryan Jennings (Community Bank NA), Tracey John (Vermont Country Deli), and Gina Pattison (Brattleboro Memorial Hospital).
Obituaries
• Alan Prentice Betz, 74, of West Chesterfield, N.H. Died at home on Nov. 15, 2020, after six months of declining health. Alan was born in Park Ridge, Ill., on Nov. 26, 1945, to Ruth Rehder and Carl Richard Betz. At age 10, his family moved to Phoenix, Ariz., and upon finishing high school, he skipped going to his graduation ceremony so he could join his paternal grandfather, who was driving to the East Coast on business. Arriving in New York City, after a summer picking lobster meat at a Nantucket restaurant, he found a one-room apartment and landed a short-lived job in an electronic “bug fix-it” shop. Next, he was hired in a clerical position at the Main Branch of the New York CIty Public Library at 42nd Street and there he met his future wife, who walked past him working at his desk every morning on the way to her office. An eccentric artistic autodidact, he landed on building things, mostly of wood. He rebuilt a piano-forte in the couple's apartment and happened on an apprenticeship of sorts repairing stringed instruments at a violin shop opposite Lincoln Center. During this time, he began his lute-making career. Friends urged Alan to come to Vermont to join the summer Early Music Collegium as lute maker in residence, held at the former Windham College in Putney and directed by lutenist Joseph Iadone. In 1970, the pair left New York with their two young sons in tow and settled in a living loft with shop space in one of the Estey Organ factory buildings in Brattleboro. Alan immersed himself at the Collegium. In just over three years, he built at least two dozen lutes commissioned by clients across the country. In the fall of 1971, the young family moved to West Chesterfield, where Alan built his woodworking shop in the barn and, little by little, renovated their 1910 Cape house. Over the years, he worked locally, regionally, and in the Boston area on house renovations and building projects, made fine furniture and custom cabinets, did mill and lathe work, and built outdoor garden structures. Alan went to California to build an addition to his father's house for his grandfather to live in, and also built a “spec” house on his father's property. His projects expressed his highly creative and one-of-a-kind sensibility. He was part of the team that built the partially deconstructed “Victorian Grandmother's House” for the opening of the Boston Children's Museum. It featured exposed framing, plumbing, and other infrastructure so that children could learn about what was behind the walls that made things work. When he wasn't working in his West Chesterfield shop, making “sawdustforever” his quirky email handle, he could be found reading on the couch under a camel hair blanket or outside sitting in his secret garden where he communed with the birds nesting in the bushes. He read everything, remembered every word, and was more than willing to tell you about it. He might explain Einstein, talk about an esoteric detail of the French & Indian War, and tell you how Anthony Bourdain's best book was actually his first little mystery book, and you should read it. Other interests included perennially-losing baseball clubs, first the Cubs, then the Red Sox, He created delicious evening meals, gardened and landscaped, and canned tomatoes and pear chutney. A lover of music - from Early Music to the Jazz greats to an unexpected San Francisco punk rock phase - classical music was his greatest love. After a third-strike visit to the ER, Alan declined dialysis, stopped taking medications, and went home with hospice care. His last days were filled with limited suffering, reading, reminding family of final house repairs and tinkering needed, and meaningful conversations with loved ones. Alan died peacefully with acceptance and curiosity. A humorist to the end, his requested epitaph is granted and will be written in stone: “Work in Progress.” He is survived by his wife, Beth-Ann (Slotnick) Betz; sons Matthew Betz and his wife, Michele Nelson, of Dummerston, Emanuel Betz and his wife, Cammy Richelli, of Richmond, Vt., and grandchildren Lola and Benjamin Nelson-Betz. Memorial information: All who knew Alan would agree, he was one of a kind. If you have an “Alan memory” to share, Beth-Ann will be very pleased to receive it.
• Gary F. Brassor, 71, of Brattleboro. Died at home surrounded by family on March 11, 2021, after a short battle with cancer. He was born on Jan. 23, 1950 in Wilmington to Raymond and Alice (Howard) Brassor. He attended Wilmington schools and graduated as a standout athlete in 1968. In 1973, he met and married Deborah Fitzpatrick in West Dover. He would work for a number of years at The Book Press in Brattleboro before going on to The Brattleboro Retreat, where he worked for 29 years until retiring in 2015. He coached Little League baseball in Wilmington for many years and got great enjoyment helping kids learn the game of baseball. Taking teams to Major League games was the highlight of each season. He loved attending sporting, horse pulling, and live music events with friends and family. He leaves behind his wife; a son, Joshua, of Brattleboro; a sister, Marie Benkowski, of Hinsdale, N.H.; a brother, Leon Brassor and his wife, Evelyn, of Norton, Vt., and numerous nieces nephews and cousins. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held later in the spring. Donations to Draft Gratitude, in care of Becky Roy, 148 Ashuelot St., Winchester, NH 03470.
• Merlin Francis Bristol, 86, of Dummerston. Died peacefully on April 2, 2021 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. Merlin was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 17, 1934, the son of Everett and Elizabeth (Pratt) Bristol. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1952. Following high school, he served his country in the Army and Vermont National Guard. Following his service, he was employed at The Book Press in Brattleboro. He was a loving and compassionate father and grandfather. His passion was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind two daughters, Shelby Bristol of Dummerston and Deborah Bristol of Kissimmee, Fla., grandchildren Tyler McNary, Kiarra McNary, and Allie North of Dummerston, Avary Bristol of Austin, Texas, and Gregory Bristol of Dummerston, and siblings Verne, Dean, Stewart, Charlie, Neil, Barbara, Betty, and Brittney. He was predeceased by his son Gregory Bristol, and siblings Ed, Eugene, George, Donald, Robert, Ginger, Esther, and Marjorie. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date.
• John P. Chamberlin, 79, of Chesterfield, N.H. Died Sunday, April 4, 2021. John was born the son of the late Priscilla (Grant) and Paul Chamberlin on Sept. 22, 1941 in Brattleboro. He served his country in the Air Force and was honorably discharged. In 1962, he married Bonnie J. Jaquith. John was the owner and operator of the Bonjon Transport Co. LLC, based in Chesterfield. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie J. Chamberlin of Chesterfield; children Michael J. Chamberlin and his significant other, Christie McKay, of West Chesterfield, Bethann M. Bushee and her husband, Richard, of Turners Falls, Mass., and Richard S. Chamberlin and his wife, Christine, of Turners Falls, Mass.; siblings Judith Piawlock and her husband, Stanley, of Portland, Maine, Anne Arseneault and her husband, Richard, of Westbrook, Maine., and Steven Chamberlin and his wife, Ruth, of West Brattleboro. Memorial information: Funeral services were held April 11 at Friedsham Cemetery in Chesterfield.
• Paula Marie (Johnson) Ewen, 65, of Vernon. Died on March 24, 2021. She said she didn't want any fanfare, just an obituary that said “Paula died,” but her family said she deserves more. Paula was born May 9, 1955 to Frank and Evelyn Johnson of Vernon. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She led a difficult life, putting hers aside to raise her two grandchildren. She always put others before herself. She would always say “it's all good,” and had a great sense of humor. Paula had a real zest for life but old age, for her, wasn't meant to be. Anyone who knew Paula will miss her. Paula is survived by her husband, Rod; her son, Joshua (Crystal) Carpenter; her daughter, Jaime Carpenter; siblings Dennis Johnson and Alane Bruce; five grandchildren. and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Per her request, there won't be any services. She said, “I want people to visit me when I am alive and not when I am dead.” Donations may be sent to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital or to a charity of one's choice.
• Patricia Bridget “Pat” Fletcher, 86, of Vernon. Died unexpectedly April 2, 2021 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She was born in Brattleboro on July 14, 1934, the daughter of Simon and Dorothy (Brown) Garrity. She attended St. Michael's Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Michael's High School, Class of 1952. In 1955, she married to Dana R. Fletcher, who survives.Pat had been employed at Academy School for 22 years working in the cafeteria. She also owned and operated the former Fisherman's Net on Elliot Street with her husband. First and foremost, however, Pat was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose life centered around her family. Steadfast in her lifelong walk of faith, she was a devout Catholic and communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. She enjoyed vacations and trips to the Maine seacoast and loved to cook. Besides her husband of 65 years, she leaves nine children: Dana, Jr. (Deborah), Daniel, Sr. (Kim) and Duane (Kim), all of Vernon; Dennis (Celine), David, Donald (Wendy) and Douglas, all of Brattleboro; Marybeth Gilson (Steve) of Winchester, N.H., and Diana Fletcher (Meredith) of Poultney; one brother, Michael Garrity of Texas, 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by one great grandson, Tyler Carpenter. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held April 9 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church with committal rites and burial in West Brattleboro Cemetery. Donations to Brigid's Kitchen, 38 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To share a memory or send messages of condolence to the family please visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Joseph M. “Joe” Lawrence, 80, of Brattleboro. Died at home, while holding the hands of those dearest to him, on April 2, 2021 (Good Friday). Joe was born in Woodside (Queens), N.Y., on May 26, 1940, the son of Walter and Elizabeth (McNamara) Lawrence. He was raised and educated in Queens, attending St. Theresa's Parochial School and was a graduate of Rice High School in Westchester, N.Y. Joe went on to attend Iona College in Westchester, earning an associate's degree in economics. Additionally, he served his country in the New York National Guard. He was employed at the Brattleboro Food Co-Op, where he retired as the dairy manager. Previously, he had worked at the former O.K. Fairbanks and SuperPlace grocery stores in Brattleboro. A devout Catholic, he was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and held membership in the Knights of Columbus, Leo Council #917. Joe was known for his kind, gentle and selfless soul. He always greeted you with a smile and would say farewell with “take care of yourself.” Joe enjoyed cooking, reading the paper with a cup of coffee, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. In 1963, he was married to Eileen Mulhern. In addition to his faithful and devoted wife of 57 years, he leaves two sons, Joseph M. Lawrence, Jr. of Brattleboro and Robert P. Lawrence and his wife, Michelle, of South Hero, Vt.; and two daughters, Kathleen Fortier of Brattleboro and Elizabeth Lawrence of Brooklyn, N.Y. He is also survived by six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings Walter Lawrence and Elizabeth Andreach, and a granddaughter, Ashley Fortier. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held April 10 at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Fr. Justin Baker, pastor, celebrant. Committal rites and burial will follow in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Theatre Adventure, P.O. Box 2264, West Brattleboro, VT 05303, or www.theatreadventure.org. To send messages of condolence to the family. visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Betsy E. Levine, 74, formerly of Vermont. Died Feb. 22, 2021, after a sudden decline of health. She was buried according to Jewish law (halacha) in Jerusalem. She is survived by her sons David Messing of Wilmington and Sky Goodman of Florida, daughter-in-law Christine Colella, and grandchildren Lucas and Rita. She also leaves beloved nieces Fredda and Hally, and nephews Andrew and Evan. She was predeceased by her father Harry Levine, mother Judith, and brother Irving. Betsy was born in New York City and grew up on Manhattan's Lower East Side. The family later moved to Long Island. She graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in education in 1968. Betsy moved to Southern Vermont in 1973 and helped establish Dover Day Care, which still operates today as Kids in the Country. She loved the outdoor life in the Deerfield Valley - hiking Haystack, skiing, and days at the lake were some of her favorites. It is here that she met many lifelong friends. She moved the family to Florida and was greatly involved at The New Covenant Church in Pompano. She fell in love with Israel while on a church trip and upon returning, obtained her Doctor of Ministry. Shortly after, Betsy moved to Israel. Of her many jobs there, Betsy's favorite was working for an organization that brought Jewish and Palestinian women together in hopes to create peace. After spending six years in Israel, Betsy moved back to Vermont to rejoin her family. “Bema” loved spending time with her two grandchildren. She worked at the Vermont Department of Labor in Springfield for 12 years. Spiritual and religious life was an important part of who Betsy was. She had an active role with “messianic” Jewish groups in the Springfield area, in particular, “Lion of Judah.” For many years, Betsy was an officer on the board of Temple Meyer David in Claremont, N.H., and attended services at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Sher Harim, in Brattleboro, and discussion groups led by Rabbi Raskin in West Brattleboro. Last year, Betsy fulfilled her dream of making Aliyah to Israel. She was excited to spend her retirement traveling throughout the country, visiting with longtime friends, all while enjoying Israel's many traditions. Family and friends are comforted that she attained her dream and died at peace in the land she loved. Her beautiful smile, musical talent, warm heart, and ardent spiritual nature will be missed. Memorial information: There are no local services planned at this time.
• Richard Hobart “Rich” Paige, 77, formerly of Brattleboro. Died March 26, 2021 at Gulfside Regional Hospice in Zephyrhills, Fla. He was predeceased by his parents, Hobart and Ruth (Hall) Paige. His survivors include his sister, Susan (Dick) Strifert; his loving wife, Gloria; four stepchildren, Debra (John) Leahy, Susan Provencher, Regina (Bruce) Elliott, and Burton (Anne) Riendeau; and many step-grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was also survived by an aunt and uncle with several sister-in-laws, Nancy Wright, Phylis Howe and Shirley Miller; and brother-in-laws Roger Miller and Lewis LaClair. Rich was in the Navy and served on the USS Bainbridge during the Vietnam War from 1964-1969. After that, he dealt in parts for heavy equipment in Vermont and in Florida. He was a member of the VFW Post 1034 and American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro, AmVets Post 550 in Zephyrhills, Fla., and was a Shriner and a Mason in Vermont. Memorial information: Graveside services will be held at a later date. Donations to your local Hospice caregivers or to any of the organizations where Rich was a member.
• Trevor Nichols Quest, 24, of Putney. Died March 27, 2021. He was born in Brattleboro on Oct. 24, 1996 to his proud parents, Jeannie and Benjamin Quest. Trevor was a happy and healthy child: he loved playing outside, and spending time with friends and family (and to Trevor, if you were his friend, you were family). He attended Putney Central School, graduating in 2011. At Putney Central, Trevor made lifelong friends and built relationships with faculty and staff that endured for many years: even as a middle schooler, his teachers were struck by his kindness and genuine desire to help out. Trevor went on to attend Brattleboro Union High School, where he developed a love of mathematics, physics, metaphysics, philosophy and mythology. Trevor was a remarkable thinker: he could untangle complex mathematical equations, while relating the numbers to philosophical theories and political identities. His mind danced between the concrete world of numbers and the abstract world of philosophy and ethics, often leaving the rest of us in the dust. After graduating from BUHS in 2015, Trevor took a year off before beginning studies at River Valley Community College, graduating with a Liberal Arts degree in 2018. While at RVCC, Trevor shared his gift for academia by tutoring his peers in math. A true teacher, Trevor approached tutoring with empathy and patience. Most recently, Trevor was employed at the Putney Food Co-op, where he brightened the days of shoppers, many of whom would wait in a longer line for the opportunity to engage with him. The way that Trevor would ask, “how's your day going?” made you feel like he really wanted to know the answer. Additionally, Trevor served as the vice-chair of the Putney Town Energy Committee, as well as on the Board of Directors for Forest for Learning, which took over ownership of the Putney Central School forest last year. In these roles, he threw himself into the work of fundraising and advocacy, unafraid of the eyebrows he might raise, or conflict he might encounter in his quest to preserve Putney's remarkable natural environment and extensive trail system. Trevor had big plans for his future, including stand-up comedy, further conservation advocacy, and careers in teaching and writing (and beyond). Trevor's bright smile and brilliant mind will be deeply missed by his family and his extensive and loving group of friends. He is survived by his parents; his paternal grandparents, James and Leslie Quest; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on April 10 in the blueberry field at Harlow's Sugar House in Putney. Donations to the Putney Forest for Learning at www.putneyforestforlearning.org.
• Nicholas “Niko” Sung, 44, of Brattleboro. Died April 5, 2021. He was born Nov. 12, 1976 in New Jersey, the son of Bing Sung and Kathryn Lavely. Nicholas graduated from Brooks School in North Andover, Mass., in 1995 where he was on the wrestling and football teams. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1999 with a degree in politics, philosophy, and economics. He worked in finance as an options trader in Philadelphia and Chicago. In 2008, he moved to Vermont and worked for the Grafton Village Cheese Company in marketing and management. Recently, he earned a master's degree in teaching for social justice from Marlboro College. Outside of work, he was ever passionate about continually learning and doing in the arts, cuisine, technology, and culture. Nicholas will be remembered for his warmth, his affectionate wit, his interests in painting, cooking, reading, and all the gifts he shared with bravery and perseverance even through more than two decades of adversity with syringomyelia and related illnesses. Nicholas is survived by his mother Kathryn Lavely Merriam, his stepmother Robin Heald Sung, his sister Lilian Merriam Wilcox, and his brothers Zachary Sung, Max Sung, and Henry Merriam. His niece and six nephews will also dearly miss their Uncle Nick, and his extended family and dear friends will fondly remember his humor and huge heart. Nicholas was predeceased by his father and his stepfather, E. William Merriam. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held at a later date. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Susan Kathleen Sweeney, 63, of West Dover. Died peacefully on April 6, 2021 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center after a brief illness. Born June 19, 1957 in Bridgeport, Conn., Susan and her family relocated to West Dover in the early 1960s, where they owned and operated the Whippletree Lodge for 40 years. Susan attended Dover School, and graduated from Wilmington High School. She earned a B.S. in nutrition from the University of Vermont, then followed her interests in floral design and gardening, taking her to Cape Cod and Lake Tahoe. Upon her return to Vermont, she worked as a wedding consultant in the Burlington area, coordinating catering services and flowers for many functions. In 2004, Susan returned to West Dover where she joined the staff at Twin Valley Community School and helped implement programs to support autistic students in the district. She also offered gardening lessons for the WINGS afterschool program at Twin Valley Elementary School. Most recently, Susan worked as a paraprofessional at the Windham Regional Career Center and found a new passion in the Culinary Arts program. Susan will always be remembered for her contagious laughter, her fun-loving spirit, her gardening and floral talents, and her passion for holiday celebrations and decorations. She is survived by her mother, Eleanor; brothers Peter, David and and his wife, Rebecca, and James and his wife, Kimona; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and her companion Bill Miller of Brattleboro. She was predeceased by her father, Henry J. Sweeney, in 2004. Memorial information: A private family burial is planned, and a celebration of Susan's life will be held in June. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.