College news
• The following students at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) were named to the summer 2021 Student Honors List, which recognizes part-time students with a 4.0 grade point average: Grace Brissette of Bellows Falls; Cheryl Christophe, Amanda Conley, Rena Dimes, Art Miess, Jade Newton, and Jason Trigg of Brattleboro; Brooke Chaney, Mark Geno, and Cecil McLaury of Guilford; Kathleen Sullivan of Jacksonville; Emma Lane of Jamaica; and Hannah Hoffman of West Dover.
• Ella Warner of Putney, a first-year student at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Conn., was selected as the New England Intercollegiate Swimming & Diving Association (NEISDA) Women's Diver of the Week for the first week of the season. In her debut meet against Regis College and the University of New England, she earned a first and a second place finish in both 1-meter diving sessions, then swam the lead leg of the women's 200 freestyle relay.
Obituaries
• Victoria Ann “Vikki” Budasi, 79, of Dummerston. Died Oct. 15, 2021, following a period of declining health. Vikki was born in Chicago on Dec. 21, 1941, the daughter of Joseph John and Isadora (Frankovelgia) Budasi. She was raised and educated in Elgin, Ill., graduating from St. Edwards High School with the Class of 1960. She went on to earn a B.S. at Loyola University in Chicago, and later continued her education by taking computer programming classes at Control Data Institute in Chicago. Upon moving to the Brattleboro area, she took accounting and microcomputer classes at Community College of Vermont. Vikki was the creator and owner of Vermont Business Management, a company that worked with other businesses to improve their record keeping and marketing strategies. She also worked for the state of Vermont as a revenue examiner. Previously, she owned and operated The Inn at Pittsfield for ten years. Prior to that, while living in Illinois, was the president and key fundraiser for Teleflora in the Illinois/Indiana area. She had a love for all animals and enjoyed her many hours on the golf course. In 2000, she was united in Civil Union to Barbara Morris, and they were married in 2009. Barbara predeceased her on Oct. 14, 2016. Survivors include her dogs, Lexi and Lewi, and her cat, Flanagan, who are now in new loving homes. Memorial information: In accordance with Vikki's wishes, services will be private. Donations to West Dummerston Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 40, West Dummerston, VT 05357. To share a memory or send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Benny Lee “Ben” Coplan, 82, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home on Oct. 18, 2021. Ben was born on Aug 6, 1939 in Lafayette, Ind., the son of J. Edie and Bernice (Newman) Coplan. The family moved to Kewanee, Ill., where Ben attended and graduated from Wethersfield High School. During his high school years, Ben worked with his father on the family farm. In 1957, Ben enrolled in the agriculture program at the University of Illinois. Following his graduation, Ben took a position at Washington State University, where he wrote publications for county agents. Ben was later hired by the University of Nevada in Reno in 1963, where he produced radio programs on subjects of interest to the farming community. His tapes were aired on the local radio stations, and caught the attention of the McClatchy Broadcasting Company in Sacramento, Calif., who then hired Ben for its early morning radio farm show. Ben also was on the air daily at the noon broadcast show on television station KOVR in Sacramento. In 1965, Ben was hired by the California Dairy Council for their public awareness program for better health by promoting the four food groups. He wrote publication material and made radio tapes for the statewide radio networks. In 1960, he married Cheryl Irene Fuerst. Twelve years later, Ben and Cheryl joined the Peace Corps and moved their family to Bogota, Colombia, where Ben continued working on educating people on healthful eating. Upon their return to the U.S. in 1975, Ben was hired by the Holstein Association USA and moved to Brattleboro. Ben served on a variety of committees and organizations with a focus of helping people have a better life. He was executive director of NAMI, (National Alliance for Mental Illness) and both he and his wife served as teachers in the Family-to-Family education course developed by Joyce Burland. Ben received many certificates of appreciation for his work from Brattleboro Community Justice Center, Brattleboro Housing and Human Resource Council, and the Brattleboro Zoning Board. He ended his work-life career at VABIR, (Vermont Association of Business, Industry, and Rehabilitation), where he assisted clients in securing jobs and acquiring housing. After retirement, he created his own business, Northeastern Community Services: Health, Education & Advocacy. Ben was also an active volunteer at Loaves and Fishes and at the Brattleboro Senior Center. A man of faith, he was a member of the Guilford Community Church. Ben will be remembered for his spirit of friendship and generosity. Besides his devoted and faithful wife of 61 years, he leaves his children, Dawn Reed, her husband Steve, and their children William, Kara, and Julia; Kimberly Crisci, and her children Marcus and George; and Jason Coplan, his wife Jan, and their son Eldie. Memorial information: A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at a future date and time, to be announced. Memorial contributions in Ben's name may be made to The Ben Coplan Community Service Memorial, P.O. Box 271, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Margaret Tuttle Folsom Coty, 79, of Brattleboro. Died suddenly on Sept. 30, 2021 at Thompson House nursing home, due to heart complications. The daughter of Hugh and Mary Folsom, Margaret was born March 22, 1942 in Framingham, Mass., and attended Perkins School for the Blind. She married Daniel Coty of Maine and had two daughters, Teena and Meg. Those who knew Peggy thought of her as a ray of sunshine each and every day. She loved the ocean and spending time at the farm and Marshfield for the summers, enjoying life with her many friends and family. She enjoyed going “up north” to visit with her daughter Meg and her husband Rick where the fresh air and all the animals made her so happy. She loved spending time with her granddaughter Leah and watching her great granddaughter Brook grow up. She enjoyed going for walks with her nephew Hubey and hearing about all his adventures. Margaret was definitely a “foodie,” always looking forward to the next meal. She especially enjoyed meals brought to Thompson House by her daughter Teena. Church was also a large part of her life. She enjoyed singing the hymns and the potluck lunches. She will be dearly missed by many, including her wonderful friend Larry Pierce. She was known by many names, affectionately called Mom, Popeye, aunt Peg, or Margaret. She is survived by her daughters Teena Barnes of Bellows Falls and Margaret “Meg” Robinson of North Stratford, N.H.; her granddaughter Leah Moore of Guilford; great granddaughter Brook Hanson of Guilford; two nephews, Sam and Hubey; and three nieces, Lili, Cathy, and Elizabeth. She was predeceased by her brothers, Hugh and Jack Folsom. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held for family at a later date. Donations to the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired at vabvi.org.
• Joseph Daniel Crowley Jr., 77, of Brattleboro. Died of glioblastoma on Oct. 3, 2021. Born on Aug. 17, 1944 to the late Joseph Daniel Crowley Sr. and Elizabeth Andrea Emerson Crowley, he spent most of his career working at the Book Press in shipping and receiving. He held other jobs too, but the biggest joy he had in a job was later in life working at Sonny's Sunoco as a “petroleum transfer technician.” Those are his words, but his family all said he pumped gas and gave the best full service all around. He touched many lives while pumping gas and made long-lasting friends. He was also known to keep dog biscuits in his pockets for his most favorite customers. He loved all animals wild or domesticated. His heart went all mushy around an animal. When he needed a pick me up, he would head to the Monadnock Humane Society and sit in the cat room. Eventually he found his soul cats, Buster and Bandit, a.k.a., The B Boys. You could also find him sitting on his deck watching the birds that he fed. Animals brought him happiness and peace. He also had a passion for stock car racing, starting at an early age watching dirt racing in West Brattleboro. He could be found at racetracks around northern New England and New York, and raced a car in the 1980s at Bear Ridge Speedway. He later became a flagman with his good friend, Michael Griggs. His racing family was huge. Everyone knew Joe and his license plate that read “RACING.” He held his family and friends close to his heart, and would do anything for them. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Valerie Webb Crowley, and a brother, Powell Emerson Crowley. He is survived by siblings, Peter William Crowley of Vero Beach, Fla., and Elizabeth (Betsy) Mildred Crowley of California; a daughter, Bridget Crowley-Brown and husband, Brian, of Nokomis, Fla, a son, Brendan Crowley of Brattleboro; stepdaughter Deborah Ricker and her partner Lance Young of Windsor, Vt., stepson David Ricker and wife, Jennifer Ricker of Hinsdale, N.H.; and seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A celebration of Joe's life will take place at the Elks Home, 75 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, on Nov. 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. Donations to the Monadnock Humane Society in West Swanzey, N.H., or the Windham County Humane Society, 916 West River Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To view his online tribute, visit www.csnh.com.
• Graveside committal services for Wilbur and Katherine Gauthier of Eagle Village in Bradenton, Fla., and former longtime residents of West Brattleboro, will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m., at West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road. Following the service a reception will be held in Rand Hall, at St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St. The Gauthiers had made their home in Florida first as snow birds and then permanently for the past 30 years. They were married on June 3, 1950 in Brattleboro, and celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this past June. Katherine died in Bradenton on July 12, 2021, and Wilbur died in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. on October 14, 2021. Mrs. Gauthier was born in Springfield, Vt., on June 28, 1931, the daughter of Karl and Grace (Spaulding) Rice. She was raised and educated in Springfield and was a graduate of Springfield High School, Class of 1949. As a child, she enjoyed many outdoor adventures with her Dad and brothers. Kay had been employed as a telephone operator for New England Telephone, working in the Main Street office in Brattleboro, which she retired from following more than 20 faithful years with the telephone company. She also owned and operated Maple Grove Motor Court on Marlboro Road for many years. She was a member of the Brattleboro Ladies Shrine, where she proudly served as captain of the organization's clown unit. She spearheaded and participated in many Christian Bible study groups over the years. Kay was known for her hugs and made sure she hugged everyone at church each Sunday. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, board games and painting, especially birds on slate. Mr. Gauthier, fondly known as “Peanut,” was born in Brattleboro on April 14, 1931, the son of Oscar and Beryl (Carney) Gauthier. He was raised in Brattleboro, attending St. Michael's Parochial School and graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1949. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Navy during the Korean War and, upon his honorable discharge from active service, returned home where he enlisted in the Vermont Army National Guard serving in the Guard for more than 15 years. Peanut had been employed at The Book Press in Brattleboro, and he retired as senior pressman following 40 dedicated years with the company. With the culinary skills he obtained during his military service, he worked for the late Paul Morrisette at the former Country Kitchen Restaurant in West Brattleboro. During his earlier years, Peanut clerked for the Holstein Association for several years. He was a member of the Brattleboro Shrine Club, serving as captain of the snowmobile unit, was a member of the F&AM, Brattleboro Lodge 102, of which he was a 32nd degree Mason. Additionally, he held membership in the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Brattleboro Lodge 1499, VFW Post 1034, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie 2445. He was a longtime member and past commander of American Legion Post 5 and was very proud to be the last living member of Post 5's 40 & 8 Club. During the 1960s and 1970s, he was an on-call firefighter with the Brattleboro Fire Department. Peanut enjoyed reading, hunting, playing cards and golf. Together, Peanut and Kay loved to travel, going on many cruises and gambling excursions alone and with dear friends. They also enjoyed snowmobiling for many years in the West Brattleboro and Dummerston area. Kay and Peanut are survived by three sons, Roger and his wife Becky of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., Mark and his wife Kim of Lynchburg, Va., and Michael and his wife Sandi of Brattleboro, as well as 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Kay was predeceased by three brothers, Edward, Charles, and Arlon Rice. Peanut leaves one sister, Rosemary Gladding and husband Al of Otis, Mass. He was predeceased by a sister Margaret (Peggy) Roberts and her husband Joe. Memorial contributions in Katherine and Wilbur Gauthier's name may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. To send messages of condolence, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Zachary “Zac” Gembarowski, 68, formerly of Brattleboro. Died on Sept. 14, 2021, after living with cancer for four and a half years. Zac was born in Brattleboro on Nov. 22, 1952 to Jerry “Zowie” and Lorraine (née Pichette) Gembarowski, who predeceased him. He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Susan (née Moss), and their three children: Hannah, Caleb (Amber) and Jacob, as well as six siblings: Caroline (Erik) Hammarlund, William Gembarowski, Joseph (Renée) Gembarowski, Rebecca (Tim Fleming) Gembarowski, all of Brattleboro, Daniel (Dianne) Gembarowski of Shertz, Texas, and Noel (Jean-Marc Szwiten) Gembarowski of France, and a former sister-in-law, Midge Gembarowski. Zac attended school in Brattleboro and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1971. He served his country in the Army from 1972 to 1975, stationed in Germany. Upon receiving an honorable discharge in 1975, Zac attended a small Christian college in Tennessee and studied theology. In 1999, he and his family moved to Morrison, Colo., where Zac would attend graduate school. Zac was an expert carpenter and artisan who transformed homeowners' dreams into reality. His longtime customers became longtime friends, as Zac was “more than a carpenter” to all who hired him. It was often said that his master's degree in counseling was used daily as he spent time working for individuals and families who benefited from more than his building and remodeling skills. Zac's devotion was first and foremost to his Lord, Jesus Christ, and his family took a close second. He was known for his gentle kindness, servant heart, finely-tuned intellect, and rich humor. After his diagnosis, Zac balanced the pain and drudgery of treatments and medical procedures with living and engaging fully in life, continuing to learn new things, and being a dedicated father, husband, brother, and friend. He took up the guitar and honed his drawing skills, creating a series of self-portraits among countless other drawings. He was at peace with his decision to stop treatment and was a comfort to all who knew him as he entered the final phase of life with grace and without fear. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Sept. 22 at The Bridge Church at Bear Creek in Colorado. He will be interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
• Edmund P. “Eddie” Maloney, 87, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 19, 2021 of complications from throat cancer at Pine Heights nursing home in Brattleboro. He was born in Washington Heights in New York City on Dec. 14, 1933 to Elizabeth Curtin Maloney (a worker at the Woolworth Building in NYC) and Edmond Maloney (a bus driver in NYC), both originally from County Limerick, Ireland, having immigrated in the 1900s to New York. Edmund was a librarian and scholar educated at Hunter College in Manhattan and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He spent more than 40 years as head librarian at Fordham University in the Bronx, where he met and married his wife Margaret “Meg” Ricardi. The couple exchanged vows in the chapel at Fordham University and were married for more than 40 years. He was a devoted and loving husband. He served his country in the Marine Corps until his honorable discharge from active service. Edmund lived a full life living in Greenwich Village, Brooklyn, and Mt. Kisco in New York before moving to Brattleboro with Meg. They continued to travel the world together. To his credit, he rode a motorcycle for several years as his primary mode of transportation. A devout lifelong Catholic, Edmund was a faithful communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church where he served as a lector. He is survived by his wife and siblings John Maloney of Fremont, Calif., and Eileen Maloney Keane of Winter Haven, Fla. He also leaves behind nephews Derek Maloney, Mark Keane, and Andrew Keane, as well as a niece, Rachel Keane. Additionally, he leaves his Calico cat Delores, and the spirits of several beloved dogs. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Oct. 28, at 9 a.m., at Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Church, with interment in Berlin (N.Y.) Community Cemetery. Donations to Brigid's Kitchen, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Craig Edward McCullock, 60, of Dummerston. Died unexpectedly Oct. 18, 2021, during his morning walk. Craig was born in Brattleboro on July 4, 1961, the son of Harold (Jr.) and Margaret (Harding) McCullock. Craig grew up in Westminster West and Dummerston, attending local public schools, and graduating from Brattleboro Union High School in 1979. For those of you who remember him from those years, you may know him by his nickname, “Mad Dog.” Craig was an avid outdoorsman whose passion for archery began with employment at Continental Archery and ended 32 years later with Bowtech, Inc. He traveled and hunted all over the country making countless friends. He became an icon in the industry through hard work, and attention to detail. Craig set the standard for what it means to be an excellent archery salesman through high personal standards. His career touched many in the hunting industry, and he is fondly remembered by his willingness to mentor and support those up and coming in the hunting and archery field. Craig was a loving, generous man whose life centered around his family and friends. He touched numerous lives with his gregarious energy and ability to talk to anyone. His favorite pastime was sitting by the fire, listening to music, and chatting with friends. Around his neighborhood, Craig was always there when needed - particularly with leaf clean-up and snow-blowing. Craig is survived by his wife of 36 years, Linda McCullock, his two children, Katelyn and Luke McCullock, and his niece, Amanda McCullock, who the family affectionately called his “best kid.” Craig is also survived by his two granddaughters, Ariana and Vivian, two sisters, Tammy Bedard and Kim Goddard, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial information: Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. To send condolences to his family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Donna Jean Smith, 63, of South Londonderry. Died suddenly on Oct. 13, 2021. Donna was born in St. Johnsbury on Jan. 15, 1958, to Gloria (Barnes) and Larry Beswick. She attended Fall Mountain Regional High School and Bellows Falls Union High School. Donna worked at Robertson Paper Mill, but the job she enjoyed the most was catering and cooking with her father at The Pines restaurant in Newport, N.H. Donna married George Smith and lived in Rockingham most of her life before they retired to Titusville, Fla. Donna enjoyed local stock car racing for years with her husband. Donna also loved listening to George's band. Her favorite pastime was going to bingo and trips to the casino. Surviving is her son, Jason Smith (Debbie), of Acworth, N.H.; granddaughter Megan Corey and grandson Corey Smith (Darien), both of Charlestown, N.H.; her sister, Carol Holden (Earl), of Claremont, N.H.; and a special sister-in-law, Tiana Clough (Hiland) of South Londonderry. She lived with Tiana and Hiland for the past few years. Her dog, Barney, will miss her greatly. Donna had four great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews. Donna was predeceased by her husband, George, and her parents. Memorial information: Donations to The Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad, 6068 Vermont Route 100, Londonderry, VT 05148.
• Winifred Dorothy “Winnie” Sorg Vogt, 92, of Brattleboro. Died Oct. 9, 2021, surrounded by family, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Mother, wife, teacher, friend - Winnie was passionate about civil rights, equal rights for women, literacy, children, and charitable works. She was big-hearted and generous beyond measure. Winnie was born July 14, 1929, in East Orange, N.J., the daughter of Mildred (Hoops) and Harrison Theodore Sorg. She attended Kent Place School for Girls and Wellesley College, where she majored in English and was editor of the school newspaper. In 1951, she married Roy S. Vogt in Summit, N.J., in her words “the beginning of an adventure, a partnership, a love affair that would last almost 48 years” until Roy's death in 1999. The Vogts lived several years in Richmond, Va., where Winnie taught seventh and eighth grade at St. Catherine's Episcopal School, before moving to Princeton, N.J., in 1953. After raising two children, Winnie returned to teaching at Miss Fine's School. She continued teaching at Princeton Day School from 1966-1972, also serving one year administratively on the committee of four running the school pending the hiring of a headmaster. In 1959, the Vogts purchased a cabin in the woods in Brookfield, Vt., where the family spent many happy summers. In 1972, the Vogts' love of Vermont brought them to Dummerston. Winnie continued her teaching career at Bellows Falls Middle School, where she taught seventh and eighth grade Language Arts for 19 years. In 1985, the school yearbook was dedicated to her. Winnie was active in the Windham Northeast Education Association and became its president in 1979. Winnie loved reading aloud and teaching from Huckleberry Finn, Johnny Tremain, and other books, and instilled this passion for reading in her students, many of whom she encouraged to higher education. It was not uncommon, years after Winnie finished her teaching career, for a former student to approach her on the street and thank her for her impact on their life. Winnie's Christian faith was central to her life, and she and her husband were active members of a church in each community where they lived. She was a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years at the Dummerston Congregational Church, and also participated enthusiastically in the annual Dummerston Apple Pie Festival, the strawberry supper, and other church/community events. In the late 1980s, Winnie was one of the founders of the nonprofit Windham County Reads, a Vermont literacy organization. For many years she worked tirelessly on the board, reading to children at “Books & Breakfast,” and promoting the bookmobile. She was active in civic activities at the Dummerston Evening Star Grange and received their Community Service Award in 2004. Winnie volunteered at children's events at Naulakha (Rudyard Kipling's Vermont home). She was a long-time board member at the Lydia Pratt Taft Library in West Dummerston. She was forever looking after the elderly, visiting the sick and bereaved, organizing receptions for funerals, providing meals and transportation to the seriously ill, and stuffing packages with books and nonperishable foodstuffs for the needy at home and abroad. Winnie received a Senior Solutions Successful Aging Award in 2012, and was further honored by a Vermont House concurrent resolution. Winnie loved to travel and memorable trips included a European tour after graduation from college, a trip to Greece with her daughter, a trip to England and Scotland with Roy, a Roman Etruscan dig in Italy with Earthwatch, travels with Roy to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, a trip to Spain with a former Bellows Falls colleague, a trip to Costa Rica with her granddaughter, and travel to Turkey with Dummerston friends. In 2015, Winnie chose to move from Dummerston to Bradley House in Brattleboro, “so I can walk to the library.” She spent six happy years at Bradley House, where she was grateful for the care and attention of the dedicated staff. Mrs. Vogt is survived by a son, Henry Theodore Vogt and his wife, Susan Shea, of West Brookfield, Vt.; a daughter, Ginna Vogt, of Shelburne, Mass.; a granddaughter, Persephone Rose Hernandez-Vogt; a step-granddaughter, Camille Clasby; three great-grandchildren, Thomas, Sam and Josselyn Clasby; two cousins, Roger Sorg and Rev. Carolyn Raffensperger, and seven nieces and nephews, and their families, Bill Stoltzfus, Philip Stoltzfus, Winnie Host, Rebecca Dineen, John Timothy, Kathleen, and Maureen Devlin. Her sister, Janet Sorg Stoltzfus, died in 2004. Memorial information: Mrs. Vogt will be interred in a private ceremony in the Vogt family plot in the Princeton Cemetery. A service of celebration and remembrance will be held next year at the Dummerston Congregational Church. Donations to Bradley House, 65 Harris Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301, and the Dummerston Congregational Church, 1535 Middle Road, Dummerston, VT 05346. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.