College news
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement during the winter 2022 semester at Southern New Hampshire University: Melina Nelson of Brattleboro, Megan Shanks of Westminster, Rachael Morse of Brattleboro, Forrest Brooke-deBock of Brattleboro, and Kobe Bazin of Westminster were all named to the President's List, while Ozzee Haskell of Bellows Falls was named to the Dean's List.
Obituaries
• Lawrence Eugene Crosier, 79, of Halifax. Died May 11, 2022 at his home in Halifax. Larry was born in Halifax on Oct. 19, 1942 the son of Paul D. and Margaret E. (Hill) Crosier. He attended Halifax School and Whitingham High School and married Vera M. Chase on Jan. 31, 1970 in Keene, N.H. Larry started work on the Halifax Highway Department road crew at age 17 and continued until the mid 1970s. He and Vera delivered mail for 12 years along the Jacksonville Stage route. For years, he repaired vehicles in his garage for neighbors and friends, and passed on his love, appreciation and automotive knowledge to anyone who wanted advice or to talk about cars. He especially enjoyed keeping “The Center” in Halifax mowed, cleared of brush, and looking well-kept, including mowing the church lawn and plowing out the mailboxes. Larry was predeceased by his wife Vera and his son Michael. Larry is survived by his son Paul, his wife Michelle (Maynard) and their son Eli as well as Michael's children Kody, Alec, and Addison. He is survived by his brother James and his daughters. Larry is also survived by two daughters from a previous marriage, Laurie Spear and Holly Oliveira and their families. Memorial information: The family will hold a remembrance for Larry on June 4, 2022 at the Community Hall in Halifax, from 2 to 4 p.m. Anyone who wishes to share their memories or stories are invited to join the family or are welcome to send correspondence to 72 Old County Rd., West Halifax, VT 05358. Donations to Senior Solutions/Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, 38 Pleasant St., Springfield, VT 05156 or The Cael Scholarship Fund in care of Halifax Town Clerk/Treasurer, P.O. Box 127, West Halifax, VT 05358.
• Ruth Foster, 65, of Rockingham. Died May 2, 2022 at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. Ruth was born on Oct. 31, 1956 in Springfield, Vt. She graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School and, shortly after graduating, married her high school sweetheart Edward Foster on June 21, 1975. They had many wonderful years together. Ruth worked at Vermont Custom Cabinetry for many years, building beautiful kitchens until she retired. She was a very talented woodworker who took great pride in everything she built. Ruth enjoyed gardening, both vegetables and flowers, and sitting on her swing by her pond watching her goldfish. Ruth was a great cook and a very talented baker who enjoyed making food and sweets for friends and family. She had a very kind heart and always tried to see the best in people. She loved animals of all sorts and had many pets over the years, including her cat Rosie, who misses her very much. Ruth was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend to many and will be missed always. Ruth is survived by her husband; her daughter Beth Muzzey and son in-law Travis Muzzey, her son David Foster and daughter in-law Christina Clayton; and grandchildren Kiera Bathrick and Logen Patten. Ruth is also survived by siblings Richard Lafayette, Janice Vojtecky, Sandy McGivern (Reg), Mark Lafayette (Deb), and Janet Yarosevich (John); and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Ruth Lafayette, siblings Joe Lafayette and Francis Anderson, and sisters in-law Trilla Lafayette and Pat Lafayette. Memorial information: The family will host a celebration of life for Ruth at the Bartonsville Grange in Rockingham on Sunday, June 5, from 1 to 4 p.m., and welcome all friends and family to come look at pictures and share some memories. The family asks that if you are not feeling well, do not come as they do not want anyone at risk to get sick. Donations to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society in Windsor.
• Mary P. (Luciani) Hamilton, 99, of Winchester, N.H. Died May 5, 2022 at American House Assisted Living in Keene, N.H., with Pat and Jim at her side. Her parents, Leda (Piccioni) and Pasquale Luciani, welcomed their daughter into the world on Sept. 5, 1922 in Willimantic, Conn. Sadly, her father passed away when Mary was nine months old. She and her two brothers were blessed to be raised by her stepfather, Thomas Lausi and their mother, Leda Lausi. The family moved to Brattleboro, Vermont when Mary was 2. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School in 1940. Mary went to work with the Holstein-Friesian Association in Brattleboro, where she was a secretary with the company for 40 years. Mary married the love of her life, Walter H. Hamilton, in Biloxi, Miss., on Aug. 5, 1945. The couple purchased their home on Keene Road in Winchester, and opened their own gift shop, “Westwinds,” offering antiques, souvenirs, cement items, and religious items in a Christmas room, for 10 years. In 1982, she and Walter, who served as the postmaster at the Turners Falls (Mass.) post office, retired. Mary and Walter purchased a motorhome and enjoyed traveling and visited every state with the exception of Alaska. Mary also enjoyed making crafts, painting by number, completing word search puzzles, and reading. She was a member of the Brattleboro Emblem Club, the National Association Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), and a charter member of the Daughters of Isabella in Brattleboro. She will be greatly missed by many, especially her daughter, Pat Plante and her husband, Jim, of Hinsdale, N.H.; two grandsons, Seth and Luke Smalley; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Walter, who died on their 70th wedding anniversary. Two brothers, Vivaldo Luciani and Mario Luciani, also predeceased her. Memorial information: A celebration of Mary's life, and a burial service in Evergreen Cemetery in Winchester, will be held privately by the family. To offer condolences, visit www.foleyfuneralhome.com.
• BettyAnn Hayden, 71, of Westfield, Mass., formerly of Dummerston. Died peacefully on May 15, 2022 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., after a short, but brave, struggle with cancer. She was born in Brattleboro on Feb. 1, 1951. BettyAnn often laughed about her childhood in Dummerston, with her parents John and Mildred (Mortimer) Houghton and siblings Ruth, George, and Linda. She met her husband, Robert, in 1968, and they spent 53 years together running a business, raising a family, and loving each other. BettyAnn will be remembered as a voracious reader and road trip warrior who was very artistic and known for her hand-sewn and crocheted holiday decorations. She was fiercely loyal to those she cared about and loved, especially her family. BettyAnn's work family included colleagues at C&S Wholesale Grocers through JB Hunt, BH Trucking, and Cowan Systems. BettyAnn was preceded in death by her parents and siblings George Houghton and Linda Arsenault. She is survived by her husband; her children Michelle Stigter (Marvin), Catrina, Lisa Schwarzenbek (David), and Robert; her grandchildren Hannah, Claire, Jared, Maya, Gabi, Emma, Avery, and Devyn, her sister Ruth Barton (Merrill); and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial was held May 22 in Westfield. Donations to the ALS Foundation.
• Linda Marie Johnson, 72, of Brattleboro, formerly of Vernon. Died unexpectedly on April 26, 2022 at her residence, following a lengthy period of declining health. Linda was born in Brattleboro on April 24, 1950, the daughter of Clyde and Mary (Franklin) Covey. She was raised and educated in Vernon, attending Vernon public schools. She was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. She had been employed for several years at the Holstein-Friesian Association in Brattleboro and later worked as a secretary/clerk at the Brattleboro Reformer. Linda later received her LNA certificate and worked in several area nursing homes. She enjoyed knitting and crafts. Survivors include two sons, Jason Johnson of Guilford and Travis Johnson of Vernon; two sisters, Cindy Malcom of York, S.C., and Debra Cover of Farmington, N.H.; two stepbrothers, Gary Covey and Christopher Covey; two grandchildren, Alexandra and Derek Johnson of Guilford; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. To share a memory or send condolences to her family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Joseph R. “Joe” Landry, 82, of Guilford. Died May 11, 2022 in the comfort of his home, following an extended illness. Survivors include his sister, Roberta Bremmer, and nephew, Stephen Bremmer, both of Guilford. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro is in charge of arrangements.
• Michelle Dee “Mickey” Leitgeb, 53, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully on May 12, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family and with her beloved daughter holding her hand. She was born Dec. 17, 1968, in Keene, N.H., to Sandra Lanou and Michael Blanchard. Mickey attended Westminster Center School, Central Elementary and was a 1987 graduate of Bellows Falls Union High School. As a single mom, Mickey worked hard to earn her bachelor's degree online through Johnson State College completing her business degree in 2016. Mickey worked at various jobs, including Vermont Apple, Hill House Day Care Center, and most recently, the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union. She spent the last 20 years working with special needs students and recently moved to the Health Office assistant at the high school. Through her years in WNESU, she touched many students' lives, whom she lovingly referred to as “her kids.” She attended sporting events, graduations, birthday parties, and more for these students. If you ever needed to find her, your best bet would be to check the beach. To her, Hampton Beach was home. She loved being at the race track, outside walking, going on adventures, and always had a plan. She loved summer, flamingos, cats and boy bands like New Kids on the Block. She took great pride in her porch in the fall and summer, always filling it with flowers. She spent every minute with her daughter. They were always going somewhere and finding something to do, all while laughing the entire time. When she got sick, her daughter stayed by her side, never straying. They were a package deal; where one went, so did the other. Mickey had the most sarcastic, dry sense of humor and you never knew what was going to come out of her mouth. She was predeceased by her father, Michael Blanchard; mother Sandra Lanou; grandmother Phyllis Leitgeb and grandfather Robert. She is survived by her pride-and-joy daughter, Samantha Barth; sister Jaclyn “Jackie” Lanou; brothers Jamie Lanou and wife Beth, and Joseph Lanou. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Calling hours will be Saturday, June 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral in Bellows Falls. Per Mickey's request, don't wear black. There will be a private graveside service following calling hours. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society at P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Edmund C. “Ed” Miller, 80, of Brattleboro. Died May 11, 2022, in the comfort of his home with his family at his side, following a brief illness. Ed was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 14, 1942, the son of Gordon and Winona (Chapman) Miller. He attended Brattleboro public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1960. Ed had been employed at Vermont Yankee in Vernon as a health physics technician, which he retired from following 20 years of service. Previously, he worked as a carpenter for Dick Mitchell Builders of Hinsdale, N.H. He was a member of the VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034, and held membership in the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499 and the F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. A “jack of all trades,” Ed enjoyed puttering around his home, always having a project on the back burner. Of his other pastimes and interests, he enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, playing cards and time spent with his family. He was also an avid reader, especially mysteries. In 1967, he married Jean Christmas, who predeceased him on July 25, 1995. Survivors include: one son, Andrew Miller and his wife Dodi of Hinsdale; a daughter, Samantha Craig of Brattleboro; a grandson who was the apple of his eye, Dylyn Craig of Brattleboro; and four brothers, Fred Miller (Sue) of Colebrook, N.H., George Miller (Rose) of Walpole, N.H., Charlie Miller of Coventry, and Jim Miller (Debbie) of Hinsdale. Additionally, he leaves many nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by one brother, Harry Miller, and a sister, Emily White. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted on May 25, at 11 a.m., in West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Dorothy Franklin Moore, 103, formerly of Concord, Calif. Died peacefully in her sleep on May 6, 2022 at Bradley House in Brattleboro. Dorothy was born in Manila, in the Philippine Islands, on Oct. 3, 1918, the daughter of Robert Lee Somers of Kansas, and Soledad Mercedes (Dominguez) Somers of Madrid, Spain. She was raised and educated in Manila until 1931, when the family moved to San Diego, Calif., where she graduated from San Diego High School in 1937 and then attended business school. Dorothy met and later married Navy Lt. Loyd F. Moore Jr. in 1944 in San Diego. After World War II, she and Loyd settled in Turlock, Calif., where her three boys were born. The family moved to Concord, Calif. in 1955 where, with a brief stay in Walnut Creek, Calif., she lived until 2018 when, at the age of 99, she relocated to Brattleboro. Dorothy worked at the Farm Bureau in Concord and continued to work at insurance firms until she retired in 1988 at the age of 70. Dancing was her passion and she spent many hours ballroom dancing. Her greatest love was teaching line dancing at various senior centers throughout Contra Costa County, California. She taught many dedicated students and friends up until she moved to Vermont. Survivors include three sons, Robert L. (Paula) Moore of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Stephen A. (Carol) Moore of Vernon, and Richard P. Moore of Murfreesboro, Tenn., as well as numerous nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many friends, all of whom greatly miss her. She was predeceased by her parents, former husband, two sisters, one brother, and one grandson.
• Cynthia White Nau, 89, of Brookline, Died peacefully May 12, 2022 at her home in Brookline, where she resided for the last 68 years. Cynthia was born on March 12, 1933 in New York City, the daughter of Frank C. White and Stella (Sinclair) White. Cynthia grew up in Stamford, Conn., graduating from Low Heywood School, where she excelled in basketball and field hockey. Cynthia attended Centenary Junior College and, in 1989, she received her A.A. in early child education from Community College of Vermont. In 1991, she received her certification from the Vermont Department of Libraries as a public librarian and, in 1993, obtained her B.A. in liberal arts and library media from Johnson State College. In seventh grade, Cynthia met Courtney Nau and they began a long and adventurous life with lots of goals and dreams. They got married in 1953 and, together, they had four children. In March 1954, they bought Alpine Meadows Farm. While farming, Cynthia also worked at the Buckeye Root Beer Stand, Maple Valley Ski Area and the Dam Diner. Cynthia was also a Girl Scout Leader for many years. In 1960, Cynthia started the Farm in the Dell kindergarten, beginning in the main part of the house and later moving to the renovated attached barn. Cynthia continued to provide kindergarten to the local students until 1977, when she closed and started a day care and summer camp program. She and Courtney would provide a live-in “Summer on the Farm” experience to four out-of-state youths. In 1989, Cynthia continued her love for books and reading and became the librarian at Moore Free Library in Newfane. Her favorite parts about the job were the childrens' programs and story hours. In 1990, she became school librarian for the elementary schools in the Windham Central school district and offered several after-school programs. Cynthia retired from Windham Central in 2018, when her teachers certificate was up for renewal. In 2010, she opened Teachers Treasures, a teachers supply store in Newfane she ran until 2019. In 2003, Cynthia and Courtney fulfilled another of their lifelong dreams - they bought a motorhome and traveled across country twice. Following Courtney's death, she made two additional solo trips on group tours to the Navajo Nations and Canyon De Chelly. Cynthia loved Brookline and living in the “Valley.” She was instrumental in securing a grant to restore the Historic Round School House. She was active in many organizations, serving on several committees at the local and state levels. She always looked forward to being a part of the local NewBrook Horse Shows. She was a Justice of the Peace and enjoyed the responsibilities of this position; she had the honor of officiating two weddings. She also enjoyed counting ballots at local elections. Although her vision was impaired the last two years of her life, she continued to enjoy books through the Department of Libraries' Books on Tape program. Up until her final days, she wanted to know the local news, including local sporting events, and wanting to stay active and involved until the end.Cynthia was predeceased by her husband M. Courtney Nau, her sons John Dennis and Michael Peter, and her daughter Catherine Louise. She is survived by her daughter Laurie Nau-Martocci (Nicholas Martocci), her brother Foster White, her grandchildren, Brittany Nau, Jared Nau, Victoria Lewis, Elizabeth Kimball, Nicole Percy, Mark Martocci, Gino Martocci as well as eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of Cynthia's life on Saturday, June 18, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the NewBrook Fire House on Route 30 in Newfane.
• Bruce Edward Parks, 78, of Chester. Died peacefully at home on April 9, 2022, surrounded by his wife and three children. Bruce was born on April 23, 1943 in Orange, N.J., to Edna Klemm Parks and Ira George Parks. The family lived in Maplewood, N.J., until Bruce was 7, when they moved to Denville, N.J. Bruce attended Denville schools (and later in life became a member of several Denville school groups on social media). He graduated from Morris Hills Regional and one of his major enjoyments was playing trumpet and the French horn in all of the high school bands (orchestral, marching, he did it all). He was accepted at Fairleigh Dickinson University on a music scholarship, where he continued playing his horns and was also the editor of the student newspaper. He enjoyed writing and journalism and often wrote for the local newspapers including the Morristown Record and the Denville Citizen. He earned his way through college, and often joked about doing 41 part time jobs - everything from driving a cab and limos to selling Christmas trees. While he was earning his undergrad degree, Bruce joined the Denville Rescue Squad and enjoyed being of service to the town. He especially enjoyed marching in parades, and frequently marched in costume as Smokey Bear. One of his first dates with his wife Kathryn was at a parade dressed as Smoky, where they walked down the street, hand-in-paw.He received his bachelor's degree in 1965 and went on to complete his master's in education at Newark State College. While living in Denville, his first job was teaching sixth grade at the Denville elementary school, which he enjoyed thoroughly. Kathryn and Bruce were married in 1966, and their first child, Carolyn, was born in 1970. Shortly after Carolyn was born, the family moved to Sandyston-Walpack in northern New Jersey, where Bruce enjoyed having his own section of a trout stream running through the yard. Their son Evan was born in 1973, and daughter Betsy (Elizabeth) was born in 1976. Shortly after Betsy's birth, the family moved north to Vermont, first shortly in Ludlow, and then to their home on Main Street in Chester to the same house they own today. Bruce was a longtime educator and spent many years as a grade 9-12 science teacher at Wilmington High School and, later, at Okemo Mountain School and the Springfield Parent-Child Center. He covered subjects like general science, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and his favorite - meteorology. Bruce was a real weather geek; a member of the World Meteorological Society, and attended many of their summer programs all around the United States, and even attended the World Meteorological Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland with Kathy. He very much enjoyed the camaraderie of weather fans, and even once had a walk-on role with The Weather Channel during a conference. He was also a longtime member of the Vermont Science Teachers Association and the National Science Teachers Association and thoroughly enjoyed his time working with fellow science teachers throughout the state and country. Bruce enjoyed the beauty and wonder of the natural world. He was a lifetime trout fisherman and member of Trout Unlimited, and a lifetime member of the Audubon Society. For several years, he participated in Audubon's annual Christmas Bird Count in Vermont. The family also had many backyard bird feeders and Bruce could identify any bird. A true people person and the extrovert of the family, Bruce enjoyed meeting new people and made friends easily wherever he went. He was also very loyal, and was lifelong best friends with John Bowker, whom he met in Denville when they were in the third grade. The pair took many fishing trips together as young men, and later with their children and grandchildren on lakes, oceans, and rivers, and brought home as many stories (probably more) as they did fish. Bruce volunteered with many organizations during his life. He was one of the founders of the Chester-Andover Family Center along with other members of the Unitarian Universalist Church, and served on the board and helped with various tasks long into his retirement until his physical ailments prevented him from contributing. He also served as a board member of the Whiting Library. He maintained his lifelong love of music, and performed often with The Chester Brass. He enjoyed summer pilgrimages to Tanglewood to hear the Boston Symphony and other orchestral performances. He was predeceased by his parents, and survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathryn (Kathy), and his children Carolyn Parks (John Stocker) of Soquel, Calif., Evan Parks of Chester, and Betsy Parks of Boston, and his granddaughter Emma Cook of San Luis Obispo, Calif. Memorial information: A memorial service was held May 21 at First Universalist Parish of Chester. Donations to the Chester-Andover Family Center at www.chester-andoverfamilycenter.org.
• Ann Marie Perra, 87, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully of natural causes on May 10, 2022, at Vernon Green Nursing Home, with her husband of 62 years by her side. Ann was born in North Dighton, Mass., on Dec. 2, 1934, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Veronica (Barrett) O'Connell. She attended St. Mary's Parochial School and was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Taunton, Mass. Ann was a devout Catholic and spent years as a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. She was actively involved with the parish's Marriage Encounter workshops with her husband, and as a catechism teacher. She was a volunteer at St. Brigid's Kitchen, Brattleboro Hospice and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for over ten years. She was formerly employed at the Newfane Country Store, where she was affectionately known as the “Fudge Lady.” Ann also worked as an advertising sales representative for the Brattleboro Reformer, Emerson's Furniture Store, and, for many years, at Sam's Department Store in the accounting department. She enjoyed bowling as an active member of the Senior Bowlers, miniature golf, time at the beach at the B & K Aqua Club and traveling with her husband, Ray. Together they enjoyed ballroom dancing, jazz music, annual trips to Newport, Rhode Island, Nantucket and Pemaquid, Maine. They were founding members of Supper Lovers of Brattleboro (SLOBS), a supper club they created with friends, they also loved sharing meals at excellent restaurants. She was an accomplished seamstress and an avid reader, particularly mysteries. Ann was a devoted wife and mother to six children and later beloved grandmother of 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Being herself one of six children, she worked to keep her family connected and informed with the “Perra Pertinent Patter” quarterly newsletter when the kids left home for studies and beyond. The annual day-after Christmas party held at her Oak Street home, which they occupied for 40 years, became an anticipated tradition and brought together family and friends in the community. She made her home welcome to all whether it be a meal, holiday gatherings, exchange students or refugees. There was always a spare bed and extra seat at the table. On August 6, 1960, she married Raymond P. Perra, who survives. She also leaves behind her sons, Rich Perra (Jeanette) of Brattleboro and Tony Perra of Barrington, N.H.; daughters, Elizabeth Chevalier (Michael) of Brattleboro, Cate Dwyer (Duane) of Pasadena, Md., Mary Dix (Thomas) of Jericho, and Meghan Brown (Chris) of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Alex Dwyer, Joey Dwyer, Gillian Dwyer, Jonathan Dwyer, Amelia Dwyer, Finn Dwyer, Xoe Perra, Liam Perra, Jack Dix, William Dix, Michael Dix, Aidan Perra, Cole Perra, Owen Perra, Addie Brown, Gigi Brown, and Emmy Brown; three great-grandchildren, Peter Dwyer, Anneliese Dwyer, and Esther Dwyer; as well as many nieces and nephews. Ann was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and William O'Connell, and three sisters, Kay Curley, Mary Ellen Makris, and Claire Librandi. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Michael's Catholic Church on Thursday, July 14, at 11 a.m. Donations to St. Brigid's Kitchen, in care of St. Michael's Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To share condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Margaret M. Perry, 75, of Rockingham. Died May 14, 2022, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born July 20, 1946, in Concord, N.H, the daughter of Royal and Margaret (Pickard) McGirr. She attended schools in Keene, N.H., and graduated from Keene High School. She attained her B.A. at Windham College in 1978 and her Master of Human Service Administration from Antioch University in 1981. She was the administrator at McGirr's Nursing Home from 1971 to 2012 and Hill House Daycare Center from 1986 to 2021. Margaret's love for family and children began early in her life and was part of her being. Her greatest joy was spending time with them playing Scrabble, frosting Christmas cookies, or just sitting around the table chatting. Margaret was active in her community as a school board member for many years on the Rockingham School Board and the Bellows Falls Union High School Board. Margaret received the Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award from the Vermont Health Care Association in 2002. She also enjoyed gardening, walking on Hampton Beach, rescuing dogs, horses, and donkeys, reading, and traveling. Margaret is survived by daughters Theresa Perry, Melissa Matthews, and Bethany Perry-Ives (Leslie); son Douglas Perry (Betsy); 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; her partner, Glen Gibson; and her grandson, Ethan Matthews. Memorial information: There will be a service July 14, 2022 at Rockingham Hill Farm in Rockingham. Donations to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation (www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org); or the Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue (www.saveyourassrescue.org/donate.html).
• Madeline L. “Billie” Pichette, 94, of Guilford. Died May 17, 2022, in the comfort of her home, with her family at her side following a period of declining health. Billie was born Jan. 6, 1928 in Greenfield, Mass., the daughter of Arthur H. and Minnie Mae (Howard) Freeman. She was a graduate of Orange (Mass.) High School, Class of 1945 and went on to graduate from Becker Junior College in Worcester, Mass. in 1947. In 1948, she married John L. Pichette and moved to Brattleboro. Her husband of 67 years predeceased her in 2015. Billie had been employed by several businesses in Brattleboro that included the Holstein-Friesian Association, Sears Roebuck, Taylor Insurance Agency, and Central Vermont Public Service. She retired from the Vermont Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services in 1991, following 20 years of faithful service. She was a member of the B.P.O. Elks Emblem Club #517, American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary, Guilford Historical Society, Vermont Retired State Employees Association, National Association of Retired State Employees, and AARP. Additionally, Billie was a member of the Guilford Community Church and was also active with the Senior Center in Brattleboro. She was an active volunteer with R.S.V.P. and at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed gardening, volunteering, travelling, collecting candlewick crystal and was an avid yard sales enthusiast. Survivors include two children, Joseph Pichette (Rebecca) of Brattleboro and Donna Phinney (Robert) of Alstead, N.H.; a grandson, Seth Pichette of Brattleboro; and two great grandchildren, Neve and Noland Pichette. She also leaves many nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. She was predeceased by one sister, Marjorie Rochon. Memorial information: Funeral services were conducted on May 24 at Guilford Community Church, followed by burial in Christ Church Cemetery in Algiers, where she was laid to rest beside her husband Donations to Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Dr., Guilford, VT 05301; Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to Brattleboro Senior Meals, 207 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mary Lou Raymo, 80, of Dover. Died May 13, 2022 at Clare Bridge Memory Care at Brookdale Fillmore Pond in Bennington. She was born June 16, 1941 in Townshend, the daughter of Dorothy and William Holland. Mary Lou grew up on the family dairy farm on Holland Road in East Dover with her parents and her younger brother Ray Holland. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in East Dover through eighth grade, then attended Wilmington High School, graduating as class salutatorian in 1959. It was at WHS that she met her future husband James “Jim” Raymo; he was always Jamie to Mary Lou. They were married at the East Dover Baptist Church in 1960. After their marriage, Jim and Mary Lou lived in Wilmington for a year and then returned to Holland Road and built their house on the family farm. It was a house designed by Mary Lou and built by her husband, her father, and neighbors. Jim and Mary Lou made Cider Mill Pasture their home for 57 years. Following high school, she worked in a variety of jobs, including as a milk tester for dairy farms around southern Vermont and, with her mother, as janitors at Dover Elementary School. In the mid-1970s, she began her career in Dover town government, starting as an auditor, secretary, and assistant town clerk. In 1979 she ran for town treasurer, and seven years later, after Virginia Carruthers' retirement, she became the town clerk and treasurer. She served as town clerk for 30 years, retiring in 2007. Not completely done with town duties, in 2007, she was elected as First Constable and collector of delinquent taxes, a part-time position she held until 2015. Mary Lou was active in the Vermont Coalition of Municipalities during the initial fight against the implementation of Act 60. That included withholding town tax payments to the state education fund and a court case that eventually went to the State Supreme Court, where the law was upheld. She knew many people through her work in town government. One of her most cherished friendships was with former secretary of state and governor, Jim Douglas. Aside from government, they shared a love for Vermont history and would often cross paths at events around the state. She loved to tell the story about him passing her on the interstate and waving from the governor's official vehicle. Chronicling history was something Mary Lou felt was important and took seriously. As town clerk she took great pride in designing the annual Town Report for Dover. Often the cover was an original drawing by Mary Lou. She won multiple awards for her efforts in producing them, and continued compiling them for the town even after her retirement. She was also a driving force in the planning and execution of the Dover bicentennial celebration in 2010. A lover of genealogy, she researched and recorded long-lost family history. She, Jim and her cousin Ernie Wilson visited countless cemeteries looking for missing relatives and dates. A highlight was a trip to Up Holland, England that she, Ernie and his wife Janet took, all in the name of research. Mary Lou was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She spent time fundraising and commemorating veterans, including placing flags at Dover cemeteries every Memorial Day. She was also active in the Dover Center Cemetery Association and was president for many years. Mary Lou had vast interests and hobbies. She was a talented artist working with acrylics and oil on canvas, wood cutouts, and natural mediums, focusing on rural landscapes and local scenes. She built numerous replica doll houses and loved photography and videography (much to her family's amusement at holiday gatherings). She loved to dance to country music and loved dancing with Jim. Together, they would turn many heads on the dance floor. Mary Lou and Jim stayed true to their agricultural roots, raising heifers, mowing fields, baling hay, and continuing to work the family homestead well into their 70s. Mary Lou enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, crocheting, and sewing, including designing clothing for her daughters and their Barbie dolls. She could be found late in the evening at her sewing machine. Jim and Mary Lou loved to travel, taking trips all over the United States and Europe. She also liked sports and could be seen rooting for her children and grandchildren at games. She was also a big fan of professional bull riding and traveled to New York City for competitions. She was intelligent, hardworking, and fierce. She would tell you what she thought, whether you wanted to know or not. She was always moving, making every hour count. She touched many things in life and everything she touched was made better. No one was angrier than Mary Lou when she was diagnosed with memory loss. It seemed unfair for someone who had been so dynamic and talented. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband on Jan. 3, 2021, and her brother on June 30, 2021. She is survived by daughters Victoria and her husband Randy Capitani, of Dover, Michelle and her husband Larry Mann, of Wilmington, and Janet Sherman and partner Richard Sprague, of Searsburg. Also surviving are in-laws Linda Holland, Diane Raymo, Jane and Bart Raymo, and Isabelle and Steve Rice; grandchildren James Sprague and wife Sarah, William Capitani, and Wesley Capitani; great-grandchildren Taylor and Brayden Sprague; many cousins; and her beloved cats Smoky and Jessica. Memorial information: A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at Dover Center Cemetery, 22 Holland Road. A reception will follow. Donations to the Dover Center Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 249, West Dover, VT 05356, or the Daughters of the American Revolution, Brattleboro Chapter, in care of Jayne Rivers, 173 Country Hill, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• JoAnn “Jo Jo” Howard-Wisniewski, 66, formerly of Brattleboro. Died April 23, 2022 in St. Petersburg, Fla., surrounded by her family. She was born Feb. 6, 1956, in Fort Smith, Ark, and grew up in Bryant Pond, Maine. She was a ski instructor and ski patroller as a young adult when she met her first husband, Cameron Howard. They co-owned Howard's Restaurant in Colebrook, N.H. JoAnn was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and advocated to bring the snowmobile trail from the Country Club through the town of Colebrook to help generate more business for the town. JoAnn met her current husband, Andrew Wisniewski, while discovering a new passion for the medical field. She decided to pursue a career in nursing, graduating from Vermont Technical College with High Honors as a Registered Nurse. She retired from nursing after 20 years due to health concerns. JoAnn was a 15-year member and former officer of Brattleboro Elks Lodge #1499. Above all else JoAnn found joy from time with family, playing guitar, singing, gardening, and cooking. Her door was always open to her children's friends and she always kept bellies full and spirits high. JoAnn will be greatly missed by her husband; her two daughters, Jessica and Abigail Howard; her stepson, Matthew Wisniewski; granddaughter Eleanor Wisniewski, her brother Dennis Farrow, and her half-sister, Gayla Pulkinnen. Memorial information: Friends may call at Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro on Thursday, May 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the Grace Community Evangelical Free Church in Spofford, N.H. on Friday, May 27, at 1 p.m. It will be followed by a luncheon at the Brattleboro Elks Lodge. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Arthur H. Wright, Jr., 87, of Keene, N.H. Died May 15, 2022 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., after a brief illness. He was born in Brattleboro on April 14, 1935 to the late Cora W. Carey and Arthur H. Wright, Sr. Arthur was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1954. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and served overseas in Okinawa from 1954-1958. He was employed by Cheshire Oil Company in Keene for 25 years. He was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club of Keene. “Art” was a NASCAR enthusiast and fan of the New England Patriots. He enjoyed yearly trips to Florida, and “Breakfast Club” with his friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters Louise Petrie of Brattleboro and Janice Seaver of Concord, N.H., and brother George W. Wright of Lincoln, R.I. Survivors include sister Carolyn Peck of Brattleboro, and his longtime partner Nancy L. Russell of Keene. Surviving children include Lisa W. Secore and husband Michael of Keene, Edward W. Wright of Belchertown, Mass., Linda Jacke of Hinsdale, Mass., Michelle Marsh of Ashland, N.H., Diane Lee of Brattleboro, Harold Wright of Brattleboro, and Betty Nardino of Manchester, N.H. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A private memorial service with military honors will be held at a later date. Interment will be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H. Contributions may be made in his memory to the New Hampshire Heart Association, Wounded Warrior Project, or the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, N.H. To view Arthur's online tribute and send condolences to the family, visit www.csnh.com.
Services
• A funeral Mass for Ellen C. Rounds will be held on Wednesday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Committal rites and burial will follow in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Mrs. Rounds, 95, a resident of Brattleboro since 1953, died January 6, 2022. To view her full obituary, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• A celebration of life for Jeffrey W. “Jeff” Durborow will be held on Friday, May 27, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Brattleboro with a reception to follow. Mr. Durborow, 78, of Vernon, died on April 19, 2022 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. To view his full obituary and send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• A memorial service for JoAnn Fitch Judice will take place at First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro on Saturday, May 28, at 1 p.m., The service is open to friends and family members. A reception will follow at the handicapped-accessible church. JoAnn, 78, died on Nov. 26, 2021. A committal service was held Dec. 3, 2021, at Christ Church Cemetery in Guilford. Daughter of the late William and D. Virginia Fitch of Guilford, she graduated from BUHS in 1961.
• A celebration of life for Joseph F. “Joe” Boyle III will be held on Saturday, June 18. Joe died last September at his home in Encinitas, Calif. A mass will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Townshend at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the home of Doug and Kathy Ballantine, 6685 Vermont Rt 30, West Townshend, to gather to share memories together.