College news
• Rachel Yrsha of Londonderry recently received a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Frostburg (Md.) State University.
• Hope Divello of Townshend recently graduated from Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology with a B.S. in biomedical engineering.
• Gabrel Vanni-Phillips of Newfane achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA during the spring 2021 semester, earning a spot on the Provost's List at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. Named to Hofstra's Dean's List were Spencer Fowler of South Londonderry and Grace MacFadyen of East Dover.
• Abigail Dryden of Londonderry was named to the Gettysburg (Pa.) College Dean's Honor list for outstanding academic achievement in the spring 2021 semester.
• Malaya Wright of Marlboro was named to the spring 2021 Dean's List at Berea (Ky.) College.
• Meagan Kelly, a member of the Class of 2024 from Westminster, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2021 semester at Bryant University in Smithsfield, R.I.
Obituaries
• Delores Anne Barbeau, 78, of Londonderry. Died July 9, 2021. Born on April 18, 1943, in Lynn, Mass., to Hazel Delia Lloyd and Raymond Arthur Barbeau, Delores grew up in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., along with her two brothers. From an early age, Delores knew she would devote herself to helping others. Immediately after high school, she joined the Maryknoll Sisters in Ossining, N.Y. After receiving her B.A. from the University of New York at Maryknoll, she briefly taught in the Lower East Side before moving to Bolivia, where she studied and received her medical degree at Universidad de San Simon and surgical residency at Elizabeth Seton Hospital in Cochabamba. For 25 years, Delores practiced medicine in Bolivia and Nicaragua, building community and friendships wherever she went. These years, in her own words, “changed my life forever.” She saw the world through new eyes and walked in different shoes. She learned to dance, to love, and live the gospel in solidarity with others. It was in Bolivia, too, Delores met her life partner, Carol M. Olstad (1942–2011), a registered nurse from Alberta, Canada. Delores completed additional studies in medicine at Wayne State University and the University of Massachusetts-Fitchburg. She also served as a clinical faculty member at Harvard Medical School and the University of Massachusetts-Fitchburg. In Vermont, where she made her home in the final decades of her life, Delores continued to advocate for the vulnerable and treated patients in the Springfield Health Center and Rutland Free Clinic. In 2009, along with Gloria Dawson, she co-founded Neighborhood Connections, a community-based health and human services organization in Londonderry. In 2014, the Vermont Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians distinguished her as Physician of the Year. Her close association with Weston Priory, a Benedictine religious community, gave her strength and opportunities for contemplation amidst so many rigorous professional commitments. All who knew her were struck by her depth of insight, love for community, and dedication to the most vulnerable. She is survived by a brother, David L. Barbeau and his wife, Rita, in North Carolina, as well as a large extended family and many friends in New England and around the world, including the Maryknoll sisters in New York. Memorial information: All are invited to a Eucharistic celebration on Friday, Aug. 13, at 5:15 p.m., as well as a graveside service and celebration of her life on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 10:30 a.m., at the Priory in Weston. Pictures and slides, organized by Neighborhood Connections in Londonderry, will also be shared at the Visitor Center at that time. Donations to “The Delores Fund” at Neighborhood Connections, P.O. Box 207, Londonderry, VT 05148.
• Barbara Goldman, 90, of Brattleboro. Died July 14, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. Barbara was born in Bronx, New York on March 18, 1931, the daughter of Arnold and Elfriede (Greunewald) Kirchheimer. She was their first child to be born in the United States. She married Daniel Goldman in 1952 in New York City and, in 1954, the couple moved to Vermont. Her husband of 44 years predeceased her in 1996. A self-taught seamstress, she spent most of her life sewing for a living and took great pride in her work. Barbara did bridal alterations at the former Casual House for 6 1/2 years and taught lessons at the Singer Sewing Center. She sewed for many customers at home for many years, and was the seamstress for JCPenney in Brattleboro for 25 years until she retired. Active in the community, she was a Town Meeting Representative in Brattleboro for several years. A woman of faith, Barbara was a member of the Baha'i World Faith most of her life and served as treasurer for the Brattleboro congregation for over 25 years. She enjoyed gardening, classical music, counted cross stitch and spending time with her family and her cat “Peaches.” Barbara is survived by her three children, David of Houston, Texas, Deborah Goldman of Putney, and Elizabeth Goldman of Ohio. Additionally, she leaves nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Memorial information: A private graveside service was conducted in the family lot in Dummerston Center Cemetery where she was laid to rest next to her husband. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or 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.
• Bernard Joseph “Bernie” Hindes, 85, of Bellows Falls. He was born on March 1, 1936 to George and Gladys (Bushway) Hindes. He was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School. In 1958, he married Frances (Franny) Page. Bernie was a member of the Vermont National Guard in his younger years and loved to share stories about his escapades during his time at Fort Drum. Bernie worked and retired from the New England Power Company, where he discovered his love of scuba diving and perfected his skills as a hard hat diver repairing canals, dams, and anything he was requested to fix. He was a skilled craftsman and carpenter which was his true passion. Bernie spent countless hours in his garage making beautiful wooden bowls and other wooden crafts. He could build or fix pretty much anything. His favorite sayings were “It's hell to be handy!” and “I ain't the best, but I'm better than the rest!” Bernie was adored by his children and they will miss him terribly. He is survived by his brother Edward Hindes. Bernie is also survived by his sons, Michael Hindes and Bernard Hindes (Sue-Ann); his daughters, Heidi Brown (Jason) and Lisa Hindes-Moody (Tom). He is survived by 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his best friend and companion, his dog Caesar. Bernie was predeceased by his beloved wife, Franny; his mother and father; and his brother, William Ernest Hogan. Memorial information: Funeral services were held July 27 at St. Peters Church in North Walpole, N.H., with burial at St. Peters Cemetery in Drewsville, N.H.
• Michael R. Johnson, 66, of Searsburg. Died unexpectedly at his home on July 15, 2021. Michael was born in Westfield, Mass., the son of the late Roy Johnson, Jr. and Katherine (Iserman) Johnson. He attended Blandford, Mass., elementary schools and graduated from Westfield Vocational High School. Michael worked as a master electrician for many years but, as everyone knew, he could fix or build anything. He was always helping a friend or family with any project, big or small. Living most of his life in Vermont, he worked on the lifts at Mount Snow as well as at Ward Electric. Michael had a passion for his hot peppers (the hotter the better), trains, computers, artwork, politics and listening to various types of music, especially Stevie Nicks and Madonna. He was a former Lister, Selectboard member, and Justice of the Peace in Searsburg and he had a great green thumb. He was a member of the Windmill Committee and loved watching them in the distance. “Johnson” was an icon in the Valley and will be greatly missed by his family, many friends, and extended family. Michael is survived by his children Jennifer Johnson (Michael Rosso) of Whitingham and Michael R. Johnson, Jr. of Wilmington; his brother Bryan Johnson of Becket, Mass., sisters Tamie Martin (Jimmy) of Chicopee, Mass., and Judy Breault (Greg) of Ludlow, Mass.; grandchildren Marissa, Maya, Nick, Natalya and Alexis; and niece Sabrina and nephew Bryan, Jr. He was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Liberty. Memorial information: Graveside funeral services were held July 23 at Crosier Cemetery in Searsburg. Donations to the Boston Children's Hospital, in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Harold I. Rice, 88, of Wilmington. Died peacefully July 22, 2021 at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington. The son of Merton and Marjorie (Williams) Rice, he was born in Wilmington on Sept. 17, 1932. He grew up in Searsburg, where he attended elementary school and later graduated from Wilmington High School in 1951. During the summers while in high school, he worked at Greene's Service Station. Harold served in the Army and was stationed in Hawaii during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge, he returned to the area and worked for the Vermont Highway Department for 18 years, then for Deerfield Valley Supply for a number of years. In 1974, while working with his friend Buzz Cole doing landscaping and lawn maintenance, he also saw a need in the Valley and he established his own business, Rice Lock. Over the next 28 years, he served his community and built a reputation of being fair, honest and generous to his customers. He truly enjoyed this endeavor and became immersed in the business. He retired in 2002. Harold was a member of the Wilmington Baptist Church, and a former member of the Wilmington Lions Club and American Legion Post 15. His hobbies included painting, photography, model building, collecting watches and clocks, as well as driving his Lloyd Alexander which he purchased new in 1959 and took on his honeymoon with his wife Lucille (Stone) Rice. Harold was a well-known, friendly fixture in the community who could always be counted on to help anyone in any way he could. He leaves his wife of nearly 62 years, Lucille, who he married on August 1, 1959; daughter Vicki Wilson and her husband, Peter, of Shaftsbury; sons Timothy Rice of Groton, Conn., and Vincent Rice of Wilmington; brothers Steven Rice of Portland, Maine and John Rice of Live Oak, Fla., four grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial information: Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 29, at 11 a.m. at Wilmington Baptist Church, followed by burial with full military honors in the family lot in Riverview Cemetery in Wimington. Donations to Wilmington Baptist Church in care of the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Michael E. “Mike” Rinfret, 72, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly at home on July 17, 2021, following a brief illness. Mike was born in Brattleboro on January 12, 1949, the son of the late C. Edward and Theresa (Casavant) Rinfret. He attended Saint Michaels' Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Michaels' High School, Class of 1968, the last class to graduate before the high school closed. He had been employed at C&S Wholesale Grocerts. He started with C&S when the company opened in Brattleboro, and retired following more than 30 years of faithful service with the company. Mike was a quiet, unassuming, and solitary man who appreciated nature and had a love for animals, especially dogs. Throughout the years, he adopted several dogs and cats which he loved deeply. Survivors include sisters Mary Filgate and husband Glenn of Guilford, Joan Flynn and husband Patrick of Newfane, and Ann Rinfret Bellstrom of Brattleboro; nieces Saryn Lauzon and Jolie Lauzon, both of Brattleboro; nephews Colby, Silas, and Tyson; and several great-nieces and a great-nephew. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no services scheduled. Burial of his cremated remains will be in the family lot in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Lois Marie Rouleau, 92, of Brattleboro. Died at home, with her family at her side, on July 11, 2021, following a period of declining health. Lois was born in Northfield, Mass., on July 15, 1928, the daughter of Ralph and Gertrude (Holton) Gibson. She was raised in Northfield, graduating from Northfield High School. In 1951, she was married to Lawrence Joseph Rouleau, who predeceased her in 2020. She had been employed for more than 30 years by the town of Brattleboro as a crossing guard. Her post was at the intersection of Canal, Clark and Elm streets. Previously, she worked for various clubs in Brattleboro that included the Elks, American Legion Post 5, and the former Odd Fellows. Lois also worked side by side with her husband assisting with Mercy Ministries, a food ministry affiliated with Agape Christian Fellowship. She had a lifelong love for children and enjoyed her volunteer work. With her husband she was instrumental with establishing the Clark/Canal Street Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch. Lois enjoyed reading, camping, fishing, spending time on her family's pontoon boat and, most importantly, time shared with her family. Survivors include one son, Michael Rouleau of Swanzey, N.H.; three daughters, Patricia MacMurtry of Brattleboro, Mary Rouleau of Lake City, Fla., and Jeannette Prukalski of Bellows Falls; one brother, Leslie Gibson of Northfield; nine grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, Robert, Paul and Frederick Gibson. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Friday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m.,in West Northfield Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Thursday Aug. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. Donations to Agape Christian Fellowship, 30 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Henry Parker Taggard, Jr., 77, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home, with his sons by his side, on July 11, 2021. He had received a recent diagnosis of cancer. Henry was born in Boston on March 4, 1944, the son of Henry Parker Taggard and Katharine (Lee) Taggard. He was raised on the harbor in Marblehead, Mass., and lost his father at the age of 10. He graduated high school from Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass., in 1963 and then attended the University of Vermont, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1967. After college, Henry worked in Burlington, before marrying his former spouse, Melinda Richards, and later moving to her hometown of Brattleboro. He became very close to his father-in-law, Edward Richards, who was an influential mentor, role model, and friend. Henry joined The Richards Group, where he became vice-president, with a career that spanned five decades. He started the firm's employee benefits practice and proceeded to work with many of the area's top employers, with client relationships often lasting for decades. Henry's personality matched his stature. His tremendous sense of humor, indomitable spirit, and clever problem-solving abilities helped him contend with multiple sclerosis for over 40 years and remain active professionally as well as in the community. He was generous, engaging, and empathetic, quick to take a genuine interest in people. Henry was a tireless advocate for those he cared about. He was never shy about pursuing an issue that he felt needed to be addressed, often telling his family and friends that, “if you don't ask, they can't say yes.” He was deeply involved in the Brattleboro community for many years, with volunteer activities including the Winston Prouty Center, Thompson House, Windham County Humane Society, and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. In addition to Board leadership positions, he served in the roles of High Bailiff and Weigher of Coal. He was a lifelong fan of Boston sports teams, which led to many moments of celebration and shared experiences with his family. Henry enjoyed music, gardens, and his family's nautical history. All who knew him will miss his caring nature, curiosity, and big smile. Henry leaves three sons: Benjamin (Debra) of Brattleboro, Alexander (Sarah) of Bedford, Mass., Samuel (Megan) of West Simsbury; grandchildren Ryan, Katharine, William, Parker, John, Piper, Andrew, and Walker. In addition, he leaves former spouse Melinda Richards Taggard, sisters Polly Taylor and Kitty Buckley, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; father- and mother-in-law Edward and Barbara Richards; sister-in-law Susan Richards Shaw; and nephew Daniel Taylor. Memorial information: Friends are invited to a celebration of Henry's life, starting at Meeting House Hill Cemetery at noon on Sunday, August 22, followed by a reception at the Brattleboro Country Club.
• Helen A. Wilson, 101, of Brattleboro. Died July 18, 2021, following a brief illness. She was born in West Rutland on June 22, 1920, the daughter of Karol and Monica (Pryzvara) Stompor. She was raised and educated in West Rutland, attending St. Stanislaw Parochial School. A resident of Brattleboro since 1950, she had worked at the former Book Press, which she retired from in 1982. Previously, she had been employed as a nurse's aide at Thompson House Nursing Home and had also worked at the former H. Margolin Pocketbook Shop on upper Canal Street. A devout Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church since 1950 and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Ave Maria Circle #128. She enjoyed knitting, baking, flower gardening and time shared with her family. In 1942, she married to Clarence R. Wilson. Her husband of more than 25 years predeceased her in 1968. Survivors include two granddaughters, two grandsons, several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews, plus a very special friend and adopted granddaughter, Bonnie. She was predeceased by a son, Michael Wilson (2015) and a daughter, Carlie Patch (2007); three brothers, Joseph, Anthony, and Stanley Stompor; and seven sisters, Frances Dido, Vickey Senecal, Mary Senecal, Sophie Piekielnak, Josephine Pitts, Julia Martin, and Genevieve Salois. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held July 22 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, followed by committal rites and burialin St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Tanner J. Wincek, 18, of West Halifax. Died July 16, 2021 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Tanner was born in Brattleboro on Oct. 1, 2002, the son of Jason E. and Cheryl Roy Wincek and attended local schools. Tanner worked in property maintenance as a groundskeeper in Florida and Vermont. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, sledding, mudding, working on and building his Jeep and loved wrenching. In his younger years, he played football, listened to all kinds of music (very loud), and cherished times spent with his family and many friends. Tanner was a member of Baggin Creations T.C. Jeep Club of Ocala, Fla,. and the ONF Clear Lake Riders. He is survived by his parents; his sister Brianna Wincek of West Halifax, maternal grandmother Judith Roy of West Halifax; paternal grandfather Edward Wincek of Baxley, Ga.; the love of his life, Destiny Hubbard; and many friends and cousins. Memorial information: Memorial gifts in Tanner's memory may be made to gofundme.com/f/99e3e-tanners-funeral-funds. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
Services
• A memorial celebration for Mary Alice “Mal” Herbert will be held Sunday, Aug. 8, at 2 p.m., at the Putney Friends Meeting House, 17 Bellows Falls Rd. (Route 5) in Putney. Mrs. Herbert died on May 13, 2020 at the age of 86. For more infomation, contact Leslie Reed at 802-257-4117.