Obituaries
• Jacalyn “Jackie” Abrams, 72, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 6, 2021 at her home. A loving mother, partner, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend, and engaged community member, Jackie was born on Jan. 19, 1949, in New York City. She grew up on Long Island and graduated with a B.A. in early childhood development and an M.Ed., both from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She started out as a classroom teacher and quickly found her love for art, starting with a basket making apprenticeship in her 20s. She began as a traditional basket weaver and over her 46-year career as a fiber artist, her work evolved. Her creations explored colors, textures, materials, and mediums, and Jackie frequently sought ways to address social issues through art, particularly around the role of women, political persuasions, and the environment. Her work throughout the years included deep collaborations with other artists. A main focus in recent years was to raise awareness of the extreme range of homes and shelters throughout the world. Jackie continued to create up until her final days, even while living with cancer, including a recent retrospective show highlighting the diversity and creativity of her career. Jackie loved to say that her greatest creations were her two daughters, Dani and Rina Rose. She raised them in Vermont, where she lived for over 40 years. Jackie worked and taught internationally, was known for her creativity, and was deeply involved in her local community through volunteering and many art groups. She also practiced Buddhism and had a strong spiritual connection. She was an avid traveler, both for work and pleasure, and found great joy learning from and working with local artists and indigenous women wherever she went. Her community was truly worldwide. Jackie loved teaching, reading, walking, yoga, and gardening, and was a lifelong learner. She was an animal lover known for feeding birds, taking in stray cats, and talking to the chipmunks. She also adored her grandchildren and took every possible opportunity to spend time with them. She was incredibly generous in all aspects of her life. Jackie was preceded in death by her sister, Deborah, her father, Moe, and her mother, Eleanor. She is survived by her long-term partner, Mary, sister Roberta, brother-in-law Robert, daughters Dani and Rina Rose, sons-in-law Reginald and Brandon, and grandchildren Mace, Esteban, and Taye. Memorial information: Donations in her name can be made to Groundworks Collaborative (groundworksvt.org) or North Country Studio Conference, who established their first “legacy scholarship” for students in honor of Jackie (ncsw.org/jackie-abrams-legacy-scholarship). The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is assisting with arrangements. To view Jackie's online tribute, send condolences to her family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.
• Marcia Ann (Stone) DeWitt, 85, of Townshend. Died peacefully, with her family by her side, on Nov. 8, 2021 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Marcia was born at home in Williamsville on Aug. 26, 1936, the only daughter of Bernard Clyde and Doris Elizabeth (Stedman) Stone. She was the only student in her eighth grade class at Williamsville Elementary School. While attending high school, Marcia became a member of the Williamsville Grange and was crowned Miss Vermont Dairy Queen in 1953. She graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1954 and throughout the years enjoyed attending her annual class reunions. In 1956, she married Amon G. DeWitt, who survives. The couple celebrated their 65th anniversary in January 2021. Marcia was a devoted stay-at-home mother until her children were school age. At that time, she volunteered at the Townshend Elementary School and eventually became a paraprofessional and a Title IX instructor. This way, she could still be with her children during school holidays and vacations. She had been employed at the school for 28 dedicated years, retiring in June 1999. Active civically, Marcia served as the secretary of the Grace Cottage Hospital Auxiliary, was the Townshend correspondent for the Brattleboro Reformer and was very active with the Townshend Historical Society and very involved in the research and collaboration of the book, A Stitch in Time. Marcia loved history and was an avid genealogist and philatelist. Through her genealogy research she was able to document her ancestral relationship to John Howland and the General Society of Mayflower descendants certified this relationship and granted her membership in their society. She was also very crafty and enjoyed doing crafts. Steadfast in her walk of faith, she was a longtime member of South Newfane Congregational Church. With her husband she enjoyed snowmobiling, square dancing with the Maple Leaf Squares, and spending the summers with her family on Lake Winnipesaukee. For 20 plus years, the DeWitts enjoyed early spring in Florida and South Carolina. Besides her devoted husband, she leaves her four children, GailAnn Fisher and her husband Steven of Grafton, Margot E. “Chickie” Grout and husband Bennett of Marlboro, John A. DeWitt and wife Alisa (Johnson) of Bradford, Mass., and Carla Bailey of Kingston, N.H. Additionally, she leaves her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who always brought a big smile to her face and pride to her heart. Her family truly was her pride and joy. Marcia was predeceased by her parents, her other sibling Chester M. Stone, sister-in-law Roberta (Putnam) Stone, and her nephew Craig M. Stone. Memorial information: Funeral services were conducted on Nov. 12 at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with burial in Williamsville Cemetery. Donations to the Townshend Historical Society, P.O. Box 202, Townshend, VT 05353. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Richard Allen “Poppy” Hall, 95, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died unexpectedly Nov. 7, 2021 at his home, following a period of declining health. He was born in Great Barrington, Mass., on Dec. 14, 1925, the son of Guy E. and Ruby A. (Bailey) Bettis. Raised and educated in the Berkshires, he attended local public schools before enlisting in the Navy during World War II at the age of 17. He proudly served as a member of the assault transport crew on board the USS Harry E. Lee, stationed in the Pacific/Asiatic Theater of Operations. Upon his honorable discharge from active service in 1947, he returned home to civilian life and for several years resided in California where he married his first wife. They had six children together. Richard eventually moved back home to New England where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Alice MacNeil, who predeceased him in 2005. Together, they had one child. While living in the Springfield, Mass., area, Richard worked for Salem Horn Ethan Allen Furniture. Locally, in West Dover, he worked as a carpenter in the maintenance department at the Hermitage Inn. In 1998, Richard retired to Selma, N.C., along with his wife Mary. There, he went back to work part-time at Cracker Barrel Restaurant. In 2006, after the death of his wife, Richard returned to Vermont to live with his daughter, Kelly and family, in Brattleboro. Richard never met a stranger, as he became friends with everyone he met at various restaurants and clubs in the area. Richard enjoyed many things in life. He remained independent until the end, driving himself back and forth to doctors' appointments in Townshend and never missed Sunday breakfast with his family in Vernon. Richard cherished his independence and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He was a member of the American Legion and the Hinsdale VFW Post 4234 where he became very close with several of the members and employees there. One in particular was a special friend, Harry Watling. Being a World War II veteran, he had an interest in military history and was a war movie enthusiast. He enjoyed gardening, wood working, refinishing furniture and meeting up with his friends and comrades at the Hinsdale VFW where they enjoyed reminiscing about their military service and war experiences. Richard always enjoyed time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren JJ, Mackenzie, and Jadyn. He loved to reminisce with them during holidays and birthdays along with the occasional weeknight visits. Richard will be dearly missed by: his daughter, Kelly Hall and partner, Ian Gallup of Vernon; grandchildren, John Crosby and Jadyn Butts ,also of Vernon, and Mackenzie Butts and partner Mitchell Flood of Guilford; his son, Mark Bettis, Sr. and partner, Susanne Psyris of Springfield, Mass., along with their children, Andrew McDonald of Springfield and Mark Bettis, Jr. of Winton, CA. Additionally, he leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by six brothers, Roland, Clinton, Leon, Harold, Hamilton, and Donald; and two sisters, Norma and Ruth. Memorial information: A memorial gathering in celebration of his life will be held Nov. 20, at 1 p.m.. at the Hinsdale VFW. Anyone who would like to attend and share a story or a memory is welcome. Donations to Hinsdale VFW Post 4234, 66 Main Street, Hinsdale, NH 03451. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Harriet Bancroft Ives, 96, of West Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Nov. 3, 2021 at Thompson House nursing home, after a period of declining health. She was born March 6, 1925 in Washington D.C., to Arthur R. Ives and Marguerite R. (Bancroft) Ives. Her family moved several times in her childhood from Panama to New York City to Oregon, before eventually settling in California. Growing up, Harriet traveled to Brattleboro often, spending time with her “Aunt Mil” (Mildred Bancroft) and her grandfather, Carmi Bancroft. After high school in California, Harriet went straight to work - her jobs always focusing on numbers. Several early jobs included bookkeeping at Dewitt Beverage in Brattleboro and at a car dealership in California. But her brilliance with numbers and money was promptly noted when she began work at the Southern California First National Bank in 1945, beginning her career in banking. Moving through the ranks, she became the bank's first female branch manager and eventually rose to Vice President with 35 bank branches in her charge, quite an accomplishment for a woman of the time. She retired in the 1980s and moved back east to settle in Brattleboro, her lifelong friend Pat Cameron made the move with her. Without hesitation, Harriet focused her time on volunteering in town and her passion for rescue dogs led her to Windham County Humane Society. For many years, until quite recently, she was the person who set out donation cans and collected the money at businesses all around Windham County. Harriet was never without a dog and she loved taking her dogs to local nursing homes to visit the residents. She became a greyhound enthusiast years ago and “Fast Friends” in Swanzey, N.H., held a special place in her heart. The death of her last dog earlier this year, a greyhound named Buddy, was a huge loss to her and she missed him dearly. Harriet also volunteered and was an honorary trustee at the Brattleboro Historical Society, being involved from its infancy. With her exceptional organizational skills and love of local history, she created countless files and notebooks, accessioned donations, assisted patrons, trained new volunteers, researched genealogy and of course had a hand in bookkeeping. There is nothing at the historical society that she didn't have a hand in. For years, she also loved her time volunteering at Brooks Memorial Library's Local History Room, often mirroring her work at the historical society. She also organized books and microfilm, researched genealogy and helped with the library's book sales. Harriet made many friends at Chelsea Royal Diner. The staff was her family and she looked forward to the chatter among the regulars each and every time she went there. She often spoke of how much she missed that part of her life when they closed due to the pandemic. Harriet had one brother, Robert A. Ives, who predeceased her. She leaves her lifelong friend, Patricia Cameron, her niece Kathy Andujar, nephew Kenneth Ives, many longtime friends throughout the area, as well as her fellow historical society volunteers and library staff. Memorial information: A graveside service was held Nov. 12 at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or Fast Friends, P.O. Box 10093, Swanzey, NH 03446.
• Nora Jean LaManna, 60, died Nov. 4, 2021 at Springfield Rivers in Springfield, Vt., after a valiant struggle with a lengthy illness. She was born July 12, 1961, in Kennebunkport, Maine, daughter of William F and Dorothy J (Buzby) Bushey. She is survived by her son, Jason Daniel Bushey and his partner Jennie Poland, their daughters Crystal and Lyra, of Putney; her daughter Stephanie Jean Marie LaManna, of Nashville, Tenn.; her brother, William Joseph Bushey, Jr, of Torrance, Calif.; and her beloved dog, Digger. She was predeceased by her parents and a nephew, William Joseph Bushey III, of Brattleboro. Her faith was strong and enduring as it provided her sanctuary and comfort through her earthly journey. She stood steadfast in that belief and was always a light to those who needed it the most. Nora Jean's
loyalty, tenacity, wisdom and wit were her shining lights. She was an accomplished published writer whose subject matter was raw, transparent and soul-searching to each reader, bringing them to unimaginable places to search their truths for themselves. She had a gift of bringing “it” to life and her vibrant personality was often bigger than life itself. Her smile could light up the room, she was the life and light of any gathering. Her passion was cooking for people. She loved to entertain and serve up delicious food with a smile. It was always made with love and served with joy, regardless of the occasion. She was the consummate “hostess with the mostess,” and you left with a satisfied palate and an enriched soul. She will be dearly missed by all those lived she touched. She led by example in every way. She is now at peace and can rest her beautiful soul in her knowledge of her gifts to the world and those she loved. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m., at Agape Christian Fellowship, 30 Canal St., in Brattleboro. Donations to Agape Christian Fellowship.
• John Francis Leary, 90, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Nov. 2, 2021. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so many, he was born on June 14, 1931, in Brattleboro to Ruth (Fuller) and John Leary. He graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1950 and soon after he joined the Army and served during the Korean War. He worked for more than 30 years at DJ Wholesale. He then worked for The Current as a bus driver. John had a great zest for life, passionate about bingo, helping others, but mostly his devotion to his family, which was his greatest joy. He is survived by his sons Lonnie Geer and daughter-in-law Lori, Lennie Leary and daughter-in-law Linda, and Lee Leary; his daughter Lori Leary; his granddaughters Megan, Heather, and Kelsey Geer, and Shyanne and Alexis Clark; and grandson Coulson Leary. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Anna Leary; his daughter Luanne Geer; sisters Barbara Blow, Mary Brown, Polly McAllister, Josephine Aiken, and Lucy Taylor Smith; and brother William Leary. Memorial information: Services will be held at a further date.
• Tammie Lee LaClair, 54, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on Nov. 5, 2021. She was born in Brattleboro on Feb. 17, 1967 to Adrienne (Martin) Lamb and Robert LaClair. Raised and educated in Brattleboro, she graduated from Brattleboro Union High School and spent the majority of her life as a resident of the area. Tammie worked for Brattleboro Agway as a retail sales associate. Prior to that, she worked at Circle K on Route 30 in Dummerston. Tammie enjoyed shopping, listening to music, time spent at the beach, and had a special love for the freedom she felt on the back of a Harley-Davidson. Through many trials and tribulations, Tammie showed strength and fortitude while connecting with those around her in a meaningful way. She leaves behind an enormous number of friends, family, and acquaintances from all walks of life who will not soon forget her. Tammie is survived by her three children, Amanda Forrett and her partner, Jon May, of Marlboro, Kylee Shatrau of Brattleboro, and Brandon Bucossi and his wife, Abigail, of Vernon; grandchildren, Nevaeh and Ninah Favreau and Naysah May, all of Marlboro; her stepfather, William Lamb of Marlboro; her sister, Pamela Smith of Ferrisburg, Vt.; a close friend, Bunge “Dad” Sullivan of Wilmington; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her aunt, Linda Hagg (Lenny) and her aunt and uncle, Joyce and Arlo Manning of Brattleboro, all who have supported her in various ways throughout the years. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Nov. 13 at Mountain View Seventh Day Adventist Church in Vernon. Donation to Vermont Recovery Network, P.O. Box 244, Montpelier, VT 05601 (www.vtrecoverynetwork.org). To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Harold Benjamin Prouty, 95, of Bennington. Died Nov. 2, 2021, surrounded by his family, at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation. Harold was born in Manchester, Vt., on Aug. 13, 1926, the son of the late Benjamin and Etta Jefts Prouty and attended local schools. Harold served his country in the Army during World War II and, upon his discharge, came home and worked as a truck driver for A.J. Dewey & Sons for many years and then for the Bennington Highway Department for 26 years, retiring as foreman. Harold enjoyed tinkering and repaired lawn mowers for Clyde Sanders. Harold enjoyed following his grandchildren's baseball games, in his earlier years enjoyed watching wrestling. He cherished times spent with his wife and family. Harold is survived by his wife of 70 years Elizabeth Slade Prouty whom he married in Peru, Vt., on March 23, 1951, son Bruce Prouty of Bennington, daughter Janice Rowe (Stanley) of Florida, his sister Mildred Williams, brother Donald Prouty, 5 grandsons, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his true longtime friend, Joseph Coonradt. He was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law Jeanne and Timothy Flynn, siblings Theodore, Raymond, Ralph, Norman, Clyde and Howard Prouty and Edna Goodnow and his friend Clyde Sanders. Memorial information: At the request of the family there are no formal funeral service at this time. Donations to the charity of one's choice, in care of Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 957, Bennington, VT 05201.
• Evelyn Frances (Marshall) Stearns, 104, formerly of Claremont, N.H. Died October 9, 2021 at 104 years of age at the Vernon Green Nursing Home after a brief illness. Evelyn was born in South Berwick, Maine on March 31, 1917, to Helen and Perley Marshall. She was predeceased by her four-year old daughter, Linda. Evelyn was a 1938 graduate of Nashua (N.H.) Memorial School of Nursing, where she earned her R.N. After enlisting in the Army in 1942, Evelyn was transferred in 1944 to Goodenough Island, part of New Guinea, in the South Pacific where the Army was engaged in operations from January 1943 until the end of World War II in August 1945. Evelyn was awarded a Bronze Star medal for her service during the war and was honorably discharged from the Army Nurse Corps in 1946. Evelyn retired from Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont in 1982 after 22 years in the operating room, serving as supervisor for the majority of her tenure. Evelyn's dedication to her profession is embodied in this passage from The History of The Nashua Hospital Association 1893-1943: “It seems that a hospital, more than any other type of institution, is almost a living organism whose daily work in alleviating suffering and healing the sick is possible only through the interest, industry and devotion to duty of many individuals whose names do not get into the permanent records, but without whom the organization would be unable to carry on.” Evelyn was an avid bridge player and played through her late-90s. She kept physically fit by walking and maintaining her home on Mann Court. Happy pursuits included gardening, fishing, cribbage, crossword puzzles, and reading. Survivors include three daughters: Diane Binnick of Washington, D.C.; Gail Solomon of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Sally Brassor of Vernon; grandchildren Jason, Jennifer, Marc, Sarah, Scott, Kate, and Kurt; and nine great-grandchildren. She also leaves her dear friend, Patricia Waite, and cousins Martha Barrett and David Pierce in Nashua, N.H., and Jim Pierce in Woodstock, Vt. Memorial information: A celebration of Evelyn's life will be held at a later date. To send condolences, visit www.stringerfh.com.
• Virginia A. Stone, 89, of Halifax. Died Nov. 9, 2021 at her son Craig's home, surrounded by her family. Virginia was born in Readsboro on April 7, 1932, the daughter of the late Carrol and Josephine (Burns) Cutting, Sr. She attended Whitingham schools, graduating from Whitingham High School. Virginia assisted her husband with the town books for more than 45 years and was a member of the West Halifax PTC. She loved her home and cherished times spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed baking, snowmobiling, sewing, square dancing, and watching game shows. Along with her husband, she enjoyed attending local fairs especially the Tunbridge Fair. Virginia is survived by her sons Craig Stone (Rebecca) and Keith Stone (Vicki) both of Halifax; her grandchildren Justin Stone and his partner Tiffany, Travis Stone and his wife Brianna, Kaitlin Stone and her partner Mike, and Valerie Jure; great-grandchildren Aiden, Brantley, Sawyer, Lailee, Chloe, Mahlia and Jeffrey; many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dogs Molly May, Molly Moo, Gracie, Sadie, and Jacoby. She was preceded in death by her husband James Stone, whom she married in Jacksonville on June 5, 1955. Mr. Stone died in 2005. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Nov. 16 at Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home in Wilmington, with interment in Niles Cemetery. Donations to Bayada Hospice, Deerfield Valley Rescue, or the Halifax Volunteer Fire Department, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.