Obituaries
• Doris Frances Harvey, 95, of Brattleboro. Died Nov. 24, 2021 at Pine Heights nursing home. She was born on June 22, 1926 in Brooklyn, N.Y. In her amazing 95-plus years, she touched the lives of many along the way. As a young girl, she lived through the Depression. Her favorite place to go was at St. Sylvester's Church, where she would sit in the balcony and watch weddings and christenings. She asked her mother for a nickel to go to the Church Fair and bet on a little mouse race, which she won. She took her winnings to a spinning wheel and won a bag of groceries with a pound of coffee. During the Depression, this was a miracle. When her mother met her at the door, she was so surprised and gave her another nickel and said, “Go, do it again!” And she did. Doris played hooky from school with a couple of her girlfriends where they spent their lunch money to see Frank Sinatra in concert. She worked in Manhattan, and remembered the ticker tape streaming through the air and landing in her hair when World War II had ended. She married and had three daughters - her “life,” as she often stated. Doris displayed courage throughout her life, but didn't know it. When money was tight and during a time when women didn't work, she became a Realtor. She was not only good at this, but she was awarded “Best Realtor in the Tri-State area” of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. Doris had a talent for creating special moments. Even a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich was made extraordinary when it was accompanied by a trip to Sagamore Hill (Teddy Roosevelt's house) to eat and enjoy it. In 1981, she separated from her husband and moved to the Hamptons on Long Island with her youngest daughter, Lynne. This would be the most special time of her life that she would speak about daily, even when her memory began to fail. Realizing being a Realtor wasn't working as well in the Hamptons, she re-invented herself by placing an ad in the local paper, “Cleaning to Great Expectations,” that launched a successful new career. After a couple of years, she was introduced to the CEO of Revlon and became manager of his Hamptons home. Ten years later, she was given the opportunity to move with her oldest daughter, Karen, and her family, to Hong Kong; a new adventure that led her to meet more people and see more of the world. Moving back to the U.S., she settled in Burlington to be closer to her second daughter, Susan, and her family. Remembering how it felt to be hungry as a child, especially during the holidays, Doris began a food drive while living at The Pines for the 18 years she lived there. She appeared on the local news and was acknowledged by the Governor for her 92nd birthday. Doris spent the last five years of her life at Pine Heights, where she received excellent care. Even through the shutdown, their staff served as surrogate family when gift boxes, daily phone calls, and weekly zoom calls were all that was allowed. Doris is survived by her daughters, Susan Messier and husband, Bob, and stepchildren, Martha, Holly, Jason and Rob; and Lynne Drinkwater and husband, Steve; son-in-law, Ned Cox, and his two daughters, Sarah Cole and husband Mike, and their son, Logan, and Ashley Cox and her sons, RJ and Brayden; and her brother, Bob Bowen and wife Judy, and their sons, Bobby, David, and Daniel, and their families. Doris was predeceased by her oldest daughter, Karen, who passed away at the beginning of this year. Memorial information: Doris would've loved nothing more than if you would give to your local food bank or pantry to prevent anyone from being hungry, especially during the holidays. To share a memory or send condolences to Doris' family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• JoAnn Fitch Judice, 78, formerly of Guilford. Died Nov. 26, 2021, at Poet's Seat Health Care Center in Greenfield, Mass., after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born Aug. 18, 1943 in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late William H. and D. Virginia Fitch, she grew up in Guilford and attended elementary school there. She graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1961. Over the years, she kept in touch with classmates and attended many class reunions. After high school she attended and graduated from Northampton (Mass.) Commercial College, then later attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration. In 1978, she married the love of her life, Frank R. Judice. Over the years, they frequently traveled on cruises and by train to many places around the U.S. and the world, including Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Australia. They first settled in Wendell, Mass., then had a home built in Sunderland, Mass., where they installed a pool. There, they held many parties for family and friends. Later, after Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson's, they moved to Applewood in Amherst. In July 2015, Frank passed away and JoAnn remained there until she fell in April 2020. This necessitated giving up her Applewood home and being forced to live in nursing homes. JoAnn loved her family above all else. She was a cat person, enjoyed reading, walking, crocheting, and planned trips for her family. Over the years, she was a travel agent, and worked in human resources and as an office assistant. She was a caring person, taking part in adopt-a-family programs at Christmas time and volunteering with her sister in various fund-raising activities. Predeceased by her husband, parents, and nephew, she is survived by her brother Dwight E. Fitch and his wife, Mary, of Townsend, Mass; sister Barbara Fitch Haumann of Guilford; niece Karen Benyo of Ayer, Mass.; nephews Jonathan Haumann of Brattleboro and Jason Fitch of Townsend, Mass.; as well as cousins, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces. Memorial information: A short graveside service was held on Dec. 3 at Christ Church Cemetery in Guilford. A memorial service for friends and family will take place at a future date at the First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. Donations to a charity of one's choice. Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home of Brattleboro is handling arrangements.
• Linda Ruth Lowe, 77, of Westminster West. Died at home on Nov. 28, 2021. Linda was born on Aug. 10, 1944 in Brattleboro to Ernest and Madilyn (Fairman) Kall. She attended Brattleboro Union High School, and graduated with the Class of 1962. After graduation, Linda married Edward Lowe in 1963. She enjoyed watching baseball, always rooting for the Boston Red Sox. She cherished family vacations and seeking out beautiful flowers. Linda also enjoyed attending car shows, relishing in the beauty of an antique car. Linda was a caregiver her whole life, whether it was home with family or at her job at the Thompson House nursing home, where she worked for 25 years. Prior to that, she attended nursing school there and got her license/certification to fulfill her duties as a nurse's aide. She retired from her job to take care of her father and aunts during their last days. She later would spend her winters in Florida and summers in Vermont for 15 years. Linda is survived by her husband and their four kids, their son Brian Lowe and daughters Kelly Lowe, Victoria Lowe, and Kimberly Reeves. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Ernest Jr. Memorial information: Services will be announced at a later date. Donations to a charity of one's choice.
• Hildur Elaine “Heedie” Holland Murdock, 84, of Jacksonville. Died Nov. 28, 2021 at the Jack Bryne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care in Lebanon, N.H. She was born on Aug. 25, 1937 in Monroe Bridge, Mass., to the late Harry Elliot Holland and Rena Hazel Dumas Holland. She graduated from Drury High School in North Adams, Mass., and went on to marry Robert L. Murdock. Heedie had resided in Jacksonville for most of her life; she spent a brief time in Ohio, returning to Jacksonville to be closer to loved ones. Heedie had spent many years working at Brattleboro Family Eye Care. She enjoyed working for many years for Robert Cotter, OD, prior to retirement. Her interests included knitting with her best friend Susie Putnam and the KnitWits group, reading, and camping with her family. She was a member of the Couples Club, Superintendent of Sunday School, a founding member of Whitingham Ambulance Service, Inc., a Selectboard member, and served on the Board of Directors of the Whitingham Free Public Library. She is survived by her children Melody (Robert) Eccher, Adam (Sara), Zane and Hazel Eccher, Evan (Kayla), Blake and Berkley Eccher, Melissa Matz, Richard (Rick) Matz, Betsey Huri, Patrick (Ashley Schroll), Jenna Huri, Kyle (Kylie) Huri, Grace Huri; sisters Audrey Eilers and Sharron Mirke; as well as Bernice Murdock, Lois Bouchard, Richard (Sue) Tefft, Rosemarie Dufresne, Andrew (Laurie), Murdock, Leah Belanger, Matthew Murdock, Raymond Eilers, Rodney Eilers, Rhonda (Omar) Smith, Karl (Joanne) Mirke, Nancy (Stanley) Janovsky, Denise Carrier, Joe (Estelle) Reynolds, Don Reynolds. She was predeceased by her great-grandson Logan Robert Huri, her sister Shirley Reynolds, nephew Terry Reynolds, and niece Peggy Porter. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Dec. 4 at Jacksonville Community Church, with burial in Jacksonville Cemetery. Donations to Jacksonville Community Church, or a charity of one's choice.
• Lorraine Emma Barnett Parsons, 90, formerly of Wilmington and a resident of Valley Cares in Townshend. Died Nov. 27, 2021 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Lorraine was born in Cabot, Vt., on Oct. 18, 1931. The daughter of the late Ashley Charles and Sara Elizabeth Clarke Barnett, she attended schools in Cabot. Lorraine enjoyed her home and worked on the family farm for many years. Lorraine and her husband, Richard, whom she married in Wilmington on Nov. 11, 1949, built their home in Wilmington in 1964 with the help of a family friend. She enjoyed crafts, solving crossword puzzles, making people smile, and listening to country music. She was an avid reader and cherished times spent with her family and reading about her great-grandchildren's hockey games. She enjoyed spending time with her sister-in-law and best friend, Shirley Crawford. She was a charter member of the Wilmington Flea Market and enjoyed birds, especially cardinals. Lorraine is survived by her husband; children Richard Ashley Parsons of Brattleboro and Sandra Ruby O'Neal of Hinsdale, N.H.; grandchildren Douglas O'Neal, Michelle (O'Neal) Foster, Sarah O'Neal, Richard Parsons, and Kimberly (Parsons) Gassett; and 10 great-grandchildren and 69 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a great-grandchild and siblings Elwin (“Doodle”), Robert, William, Philip, Paul, and Carleton Barnett and Louise Richardson and Madeline Law. Memorial information: Graveside funeral services were held Dec. 3 at Riverview Cemetery, in Wilmington. Donations to Valley Cares, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Jeffrey H. Rawson, 60, formerly of Vernon. Died peacefully at home in Carver, Mass., with his family by his side, of osteosarcoma cancer on Nov, 22, 2021. He was born Oct. 17, 1961, in Hartford, Conn., the son of Hugh A. and Eleanor A. (Stevens) Rawson. Jeffrey graduated from Greenfield (Mass.) High School in 1979 and served with the Massachusetts Army National Guard from 1979 to 1985, when he was honorably discharged. He also attended Greenfield Community College. In 1989, Jeffrey married the love of his life, Terry Jean (Shover), and settled in Vernon to raise his family. Jeffrey began his law enforcement career in 1982, working with the Vernon Police Department and graduating with the 44th Basic Training Class of the Vermont Police Academy. He also served as a Provisional Reserve (part-time) Officer on the Greenfield Police Department until 1991. Jeffrey began working in the security department at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Vernon in 1996, transferring to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Massachusetts in 2016, and then to Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Station in Mississippi in July 2019. Jeffrey enjoyed family activities and coaching youth sports. While he served as assistant coach for his daughter's softball team at Brattleboro Union High School, the team won back-to-back Division I state championships in 2010 and 2011. Jeffrey continued coaching softball at BUHS after his daughter graduated until 2017. He was greatly humbled when the team's captain promised to win the state championship on his behalf after the team learned he had cancer in 2013, a promice that the team fulfilled. Jeffrey also coached for seven years in the summer league now known as the Brattleboro Heat Girls Softball. Jeffrey enjoyed playing sports from an early age to his adult years. He played Babe Ruth and American Legion Baseball, in the men's softball leagues in Greenfield and Brattleboro, and men's flag football in Greenfield. He loved all the Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox and Patriots. Jeffrey loved the outdoors, including hunting and fishing. Jeffrey continued to battle cancer during the past eight years since the original diagnosis in 2013. His loving family and many friends supported his arduous journey through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He valiantly battled this beast of a disease from his home until exhausting all treatment possibilities. Jeffrey was predeceased by his sister Kathleen (2012), mother Eleanor (2013), mother-in-law Sandra Shover (2019), granddaughter Remi Rose (2021), and Maggie (2021) who was his constant pet companion and nurse for 13 years. Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Terry (Shover) Rawson, sons Zachary of Loris, S.C., Cody and his wife Heather (Bachinski) of Spofford, N.H., and daughter Cassandra of Goose Creek, S.C., step-grandson Mason of Conway, S.C., and Tank, the family pet bulldog. Jeffrey is also survived by his father, Hugh of Merrimack, N.H., brothers Edward (Ellen) of Merrimack, N.H., Craig (Dianna) of Greenfield, and Michael (Alicia) of Cohasset, Mass, father-in-law Alexander Shover of Myrtle Beach, S.C., brothers-in-law Dean Shover of Conway, S.C., James and Stephen of Myrtle Beach, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 4 at Vernon Advent Christian Church, with burial in the family plot at North Cemetery in Vernon. Donations to Massachusetts General Hospital in support of Dr. Gregory Cote's Sarcoma Research at giving.massgeneral.org/donate, or by mail to Mass General Development Office, Attn: Keith Erickson, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.
• Michael Odean Rogers, 64, of West Chesterfield, N.H. Died peacefully in the arms of his wife, JoAnne, with family at his side, on Nov. 26, 2021. Michael was born in Plant City, Fla., in 1957 and moved to Hyattsville, Md., with his family in 1967, and then to New Hampshire in 1974. Mike was a wrestler throughout his high school years, culminating in a New Hampshire state championship title in 1975. After graduating from Keene High School in 1975. he went on to study business administration, getting his bachelor's degree from Keene State College in 1982 and his MBA from Western New England College in 1987. He spent most of his career with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as chief financial officer and, later, as vice president of finance. He worked at BMH for more than 36 years, along with a two-year stint at Franklin County Hospital in Massachusetts. In addition to his career, Mike loved gardening, a passion he inherited from his parents. His peony and iris beds were the envy of all. Mike met his good friend Frank doing judo after he looked for something to replace his wrestling passion. An avid skier, Mike made several trips to Utah and Colorado to ski the West with his family, his double black diamond runs were not the envy of anyone. Mike could often be found on the racquetball court, or the golf course with his friends Frank and Steve. Michael and his wife JoAnne enjoyed Jimmy Buffett concerts, spending time on the beaches of Cozumel, entertaining friends, and renovating their home together. Michael loved his family most of all, and was swift to act on any family challenge that presented itself. He was a generous father, giving both love and opportunity to his three beloved children from his first marriage. He is survived by his wife, JoAnne; children Amy, Matthew, and Meggan; sisters Judy (Gary) Brinkley, Catheryne MacPherson, Beth (Joe) Campoamor, and Susanne (Frank) Frangie; brothers Bruce (Cindi) and John (Judy); his stepmother Betty Gravitt-Rogers; many aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews. He will forever be in their hearts and missed very much every day. Preceding him in death were his father, Ennis Odean Rogers; his mother, Margaret Doughty-Rogers; his brothers Daniel Allen Rogers and Charles Buddy Rogers. Memorial information: A service in celebration of his life will be held at a time and date to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Oncology Dept. or Cardiac Rehab Dept., 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Kathleen “Kathy” Hodsden Spence, 59, of Bellows Falls. Died Nov. 23, 2021 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was born Oct. 21, 1962, in Pensacola, Fla., the daughter of Thomas and Eleanor (Walsh) Hodsden. Kathy attended St. Charles School and was a graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School. She has worked as a food server at Exit Ate Diner in Ascutney, Fathers' Restaurant in Westminster and, most recently, at Denny's in Lebanon, N.H. She was also an expert seamstress and sold cosmetics door-to-door. She was never happier than when she was on an ocean cruise or cuddling a furry animal. She had a heart of gold and spread sunshine to all who knew her. Survivors include her father, Thomas Hodsden; four brothers and their wives, Susie and Lee of Addison, Jean and Christopher of Bellows Falls, Julie and Scott of Dripping Springs, Texas, and Heather and Keith of Bridport. Also surviving is her companion, Ed Reynolds; many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Eleanor Hodsden. Memorial information: There will be calling hours on Saturday, Dec. 11, at noon, followed a funeral service at 1 p.m. at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Burial will be at a later date in St. Charles Cemetery. Donations to Vermont Special Olympics.
• Jeffrey Darrow “Jeff” Stebbins, 74, of Leyden, Mass. Died Nov, 29, 2021, surrounded by loved ones, at the family home he built in Leyden. He was born on Jan. 12, 1947, the son of George Stebbins and Ethel Beebe. Jeff grew up in the family restaurant, the Tom Thumb Snack Shop in Brattleboro. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1965. Jeff was a multi-sport athlete and passed his love of all sports down to his family. Jeff was an avid skier, patrolling the North Face of Mount Snow for many years. He was the definition of poetry in motion on the slopes. As a young man, he trained as a stone mason in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Jeff was also a Freemason. He then returned to the Green Mountains and made his home in Fairfax. A master carpenter, specializing in post and beam, he rebuilt many of Vermont's covered bridges and historic barns. Decades ago during a torrential rain storm, he found Ann “Annie Z” Zaveruha on her broken-down motorcycle late at night. It was so much more than a rescue mission. It was love at first sight. Traversing over flooded roads, the legendary man affectionately known as “Vermont Strong” arrived at the farm in Leyden and never left. They married and immediately started building and repairing the old farm sharing his wife's enthusiasm for country living. Over the next 37 years they created “Birch Mountain Farm” where they raised their children with strength and love. He always had the ability to make everyone feel as though they were special to him, because they were. The forever young Jeffrey will always be remembered for his stellar dancing moves and the charisma to go with it. His dry sense of humor was equally matched by words of wisdom and truth that were bestowed upon all. He took his favorite saying, “If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space,” quite literally. Through numerous accidents and illness, he displayed a spirit of courage and a love for life that is an inspiration for all who were privileged enough to have known such a strong and devoted man. His stepbrother Pete Gregg predeceased him. He is survived by his wife and their five children - Jason David, Brianna Kelly, Katherine Elinor, Hannah Alexis, and Colton Harlan; his sister, Sue Ellen Nelson and her husband, Richard; and his stepsister, Sue Strong. He will be greatly missed by his 10 grandchildren, and his extended family and a multitude of friends who became family. Memorial information: In 2022, when the pastures are green, family and friends will come together at the farm in Leyden to celebrate and remember this most amazing man.
• George G. Tarbell III, 72, of Jamaica. Died Nov. 16, 2021, at Vernon Homes, following a long and brave battle with Alzheimers Disease. Born on Nov. 30, 1948 and brought up in Lincoln, Mass., George graduated from Franklin Marshall College in 1970 with a Bachelors in Science and from Antioch College in 1979 with a Masters in Science. George moved to Putney in 1972 and never left Vermont. George worked in sales for many years for AT&T, Suburban Propane, and New Chapter. He loved and exceeded in sales, but his heart lay in the work he did with his independent business, Chainsaw Services, whose slogan was “the affordable alternative.” He prided himself on his skills with his chainsaw and loved being outdoors, no matter the weather. He was a hard worker and knowledgeable arborist and believed the quality of the work more important than the fee earned for the service. As a young man, George was an avid gymnast and competed at the state level. Throughout his life, George was very conscientious of maintaining his health through diet and exercise and prided himself for not seeking medical attention for many years. One of his favorite forms of exercise and pastimes was going for lengthy and vigorous walks in Jamaica State Park, which was directly across the street from his home. In retirement, he looked forward to his daily outings into the park and went as frequently as he could. Charismatic and bright, George loved to engage in spirited conversations about many subjects, including the existence of alien life, which he firmly believed in and hoped to meet; health issues and the benefits of various diets and exercise; science and geology; and the current state of world affairs. Jamaica meant the world to George, and was thankful for the General Store, the Post Office, the library, and the park. Without these resources, George would not have been able to live independently as long as he did. He received so much assistance and care from all in the town. His family would like to express their gratitude for all those who assisted George. George was a longtime and devoted member of the Calvary Chapel of Southern Vermont, where he found camaraderie, friendship and support. George is survived by his three children, Misty Rose of Maine, Susie Ruth Cooper and her husband, Jed, of Portland, Ore., and their sons Isaiah and Ari, his son George of Vermont, and his granddaughter Hannah of Maine. He is also survived by his sisters Martha Shreve and her husband, Racket, of Salem, Mass., and Sarah Clampitt of Anchorage, Alaska, his nephew Gabriel J.Viani and his wife, Betsy, of Salem; his niece Andrea Evans and her husband, Tom, of Anchorage, and his great-niece Ava D. Evans of Anchorage. Memorial information: A Celebration of Life will be held for George at Calvary Chapel Southern Vermont in West Townshend, on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m.
Services
• A Celebration of Life service for Kenneth Lynde, 85, of Guilford, who died Nov. 30, 2021, will be conducted Saturday, Dec. 11, at 10:30 a.m., at the home of his son Gary, (under the big tent) at 5345 Hinesburg Rd. in West Brattleboro (in the open field across the road from the residence). Officiating will be Pastor Steve Dunklee of Vernon Union Church. An hour of visitation will precede the service at 9:30 a.m. The family requests that those planning to attend dress in warm, comfortable clothing since the service will be outside. Ken Lynde will be laid to rest next to his wife in the family plot in West Guilford Cemetery, and his full obituary will appear in a future edition of The Commons. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.