College news
• Elena Tansley of Putney was hooded for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ithaca (N.Y.) College on May 21. During graduate school, Tansley was awarded the Department of Physical Therapy Professional Excellence Award and was nominated into the Alpha Eta Society. Throughout her years in school, she enjoyed her roles as class representative, PT mentor to undergraduates, and Resident Assistant on campus. She is looking forward to completing her final clinical rotation at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. this summer. She is the daughter of Daron and Priscilla Tansley.
• Runway 2022: Reimagined was held on May 6 and 7 at Lasell University in Newton, Mass. The shows featured original design work from more than 70 students and a production team of more than 150 behind-the-scenes student leaders. Olivia Zschirnt of Whitingham and Sophia Mark of Brattleboro both presented original design work at the Friday undergraduate showcase.
• Bradie Harris of Bellows Falls was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y.
• Cassandra Dunn of Brattleboro, a theatre major at the University of Evansville (Indiana), was named to the spring 2022 Dean's List.
• Owen Wesley Ameden of Jamaica, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering, and Arin Catherine Bates of West Wardsboro, a junior majoring in biology, were both named to the Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y.
• Noah Hed, a member and volunteer at the Brattleboro Boys & Girls Club, was one of 50 teens nationwide who received a $5,000 scholarship from Planet Fitness, who said the scholarships were presented to youths “who model the judgment-free, pro-kindness, and anti-bullying values for which Planet Fitness and Boys & Girls Clubs of America collectively stand.” Hed will use his scholarship at the University of Vermont this fall.
Obituaries
• Terry Bernard Carey, 71, of Brookline. Died peacefully at his home on May 9, 2022. Terry was born Dec. 13, 1950 to Bernard and Virginia (Martin) Carey in Keene, N.H. He graduated from Keene High School in 1968, and lived most of his adult life in Vermont. He worked at many jobs over the years including The Book Press and Vermont Islands. He enjoyed working with his hands, building things and working with leather. He loved gardening and had some beautiful flower gardens. One of his greatest passions was setting up at different flea markets and selling stuff he had obtained from yard sales or thrift stores. He was a huge Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan and also enjoyed watching the Celtics and other sports. He also had a huge love of all animals and always kept his bird feeders full. He is survived by his mother; daughter Morah and her husband Chuck Chowning; granddaughters Briana, Chloe, and Kathryn Chowning; brother Michael Carey and his family; and sister Bonnie Corliss and her family. He was predeceased by his father, his sister-in-law Sandra Peace-Carey, and many other family members whom he loved dearly. Memorial information: Per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral arrangements.
• Gail Deutsch, 84, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died May 18, 2022 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a period of declining health. Gail was born on April 18, 1938 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Murray and Ann (Ether) Paris. She married Dr. Harvey L. Deutsch in 1958. Harvey predeceased her in 2008. Gail graduated from Brooklyn College with honors in sociology and anthropology and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated magna cum laude. She was employed as a social worker for the New York City Bureau of Child Welfare. After moving to New Hampshire, she completed graduate studies at Keene State College and received a teaching conversion certificate. She was employed by the Hinsdale school system as a substitute and then full-time teacher. She was a dedicated teacher who earned respect and a great deal of affection from her students. Following retirement from the teaching profession, she was employed as a fine jewelry consultant at Evan James, LTD in Brattleboro. She enjoyed collecting nesting dolls, traveling and reading. Active civically, she was a former member of the Hinsdale Woman's Club, the Hinsdale Grange, and the Hinsdale Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). Gail is survived by her devoted son, Evan James Deutsch, and his wife, Nancy; her grandson, Matthew James Deutsch; and her beloved cat, Jewel. Memorial information: Friends may call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Friday, June 3, from 4 to 6 p.m., where she will be honored with a celebration of her life. A private graveside service will be held the next morning in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Mary E. Lunge, 71, of Ames, Iowa, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at her home on April 12, 2022, with her nieces Jeanna Sargent and Sherrie Langlois by her side. Mary was born Dec. 27, 1950 in Brattleboro to Earl W. Cook and Marie (Siebert) Cook. Mary was raised in Putney, and spent 70 years living in the Brattleboro area. In September 2021, Mary moved to Iowa and quickly made it her home. On July 27, 1972 Mary gave birth to her only child, Richard Aaron Aldrich. At the age of 21, Mary earned her LNA license at the Thompson Nursing School. She took pride in her work and spent more than 40 years as a nurse. Most of her nursing career was spent at Eden Park and Vernon Green nursing homes and on private duty. Mary was quick-witted, always up for a joke, and had an infectious laugh and smile. She loved posing for pictures while giving the “one finger salute.” Mary loved spending time with family and friends. Her love for animals was something to be admired. She loved cruising on her pontoon boat, singing her own lyrics from songs spanning 60 years and dancing all the while. She enjoyed gardening, reading, quilting, crocheting, and making plant hangers and Christmas ornaments out of beads. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law Charlie and Sue Cook of Virginia, her brother Harold Cook of Hinsdale, N.H., and her son Richard A. Aldrich of Brattleboro. She leaves behind siblings Clarence and Barbara Cook of Marlboro, John and Elizabeth Cook of Keene, N.H., her sister-in-law Roberta Cook of Hinsdale, and her “bestest” sister, Sharon C. Sargent of Brattleboro. In addition, she also leaves her daughter-in-law Heather Aldrich and her grandchildren Makayla, Evelyn, Jared and Abby Aldrich of Brattleboro. Memorial information: A private burial for the immediate family will take place per Mary's request. A celebration of her life will be held at the VFW in Winchester, N.H., on Friday, June 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. Donations to the local animal shelter of your choice.
• Steven P. Maxham, 70, of Putney. Died May 26, 2022 from complications due to cardiac arrest. Steve was born May 22, 1952, in Windsor, Vt., the son of Richard C. Maxham Sr. and Eva (Martin) Maxham. He attended Hartland and Westminster schools. He was married to Wanda Hale on Dec. 9, 1972, in Putney. He worked at Goodell Farm tending animals, planting/harvesting, and repairing and maintaining mechanical equipment and grounds. Post-retirement, he worked at Santa's Land for Tim and Lesley Wells. At Santa's Land, he served as an occasional Santa, ran and maintained the rides, and tended to the animals, including hand-feeding the reindeer. He was a good friend and neighbor who often gave advice and helped with home and auto repair, farming/gardening, and tending animals. He often threw backyard barbecues, with loved ones gathered together. Steve leaves behind his wife; daughters Tammy (Maxham) King and her husband Ray King, Jr. of Simpsonville, S.C., and Lynn Maxham of Putney; grandchildren Kyle Melroy, Brittany (Melroy) Firman and her husband Jack Firman, and Seth Melroy. He also leaves his siblings, Richard Jr. of Tunbridge, Patricia Barbour of Reading, and Sheila Martel of Charlestown, N.H., and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Robert and Richmond. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 25, at 1 p.m., at the Westminster Fire Department for family and friends to share memories and pay their respects. Condolences may be sent to 556 River Road South, Putney, VT 05346.
• Roger E. Maynard, 94, of Wilmington. Died peacefully May 21, 2022 at The Center For Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, where he had resided for more than two years. The son of Eleoda and Mary (Buffum) Maynard, he was born in Wilmington on Nov. 1, 1927. He grew up on the family farm, received his education in Wilmington schools and was a 1945 graduate of Wilmington High School. Following his graduation, he entered the Navy where he served from 1945 to 1947 and was honorably discharged as a Seaman First Class. Roger began a lifelong career at Deerfield Valley Supply in 1947 where he eventually became the general manager of five businesses including heating, propane delivery, and building supplies. He retired in 2010. Not ready for full retirement and with his strong work ethic, he traveled to Bennington to take computer courses enabling him to work from home in sales offering solar panels. He was honored as “Wilmington Citizen of the Year” in May 2011 and, in 2019, was honored with the Quilt of Valor from Deerfield Valley Quilt of Valor Organization at Memorial Day Festivities. He was a lifetime member of the Wilmington American Legion. Roger enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He loved being with family and those around him became family which brought him great joy. Following the death of his wife, Barbara, in 2018, he began to spend time with his daughter Linda in Florida where he liked to take “mystery rides” and eat lots of seafood as well as enjoy the ocean. Roger attended the Valley Town Church and while in Florida he became active in Linda's church. Roger will be remembered as a hardworking man. As a young family man, he took to trapping and sold the pelts to Sears Roebuck & Company. To put an addition on his home to accommodate his growing family, he cut trees, had the lumber sawn, and built the addition. Roger will be remembered as having a “Heart of Gold.” He leaves his daughters Linda Maynard of North Lauderdale, Fla., and Jacquelyn Maynard of Woodstock, Ga.; sons David Maynard of Sebec, Maine and Steven Maynard of Wilmington; sister Vera Deyo of Brattleboro; brother-in-law Paul Rafuse of Long Island and sister-in-law Harriet Maynard of Wilmington; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife; brothers Reginald, Allison and Peter Maynard, daughter Beverly Bickford, and sister Jacquelyn Bradley. Memorial information: A Celebration of Life will take place at the Valley Town Church in Wilmington, followed by burial with military honors in the Riverview Cemetery, which will be held at a later date. Donations to Deerfield Valley Meals on Wheels or The Gathering Place, in care of the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Stephen Russell “Pop” Mears, 63, of Brattleboro. Died May 18, 2022 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a lengthy period of declining health. Steve was born in Brattleboro on Aug. 25, 1958, the son of Russell and Marcia (Martel) Mears. He attended St. Michael's Parochial School and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School. Steve worked as a teamster/truck driver for Lane Construction Co. which he retired from following 22 years of service with the company. Previously he worked for Tecco Sprinkler Company, Southern Vermont Sprinkler, and assisted with the operation of his family's business, Emil's Pub, located in Brattleboro. Steve was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church and was a former member of Sportsman's, Inc. He was an ardent outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and spending time in Maine with his many friends and his family. Later in life, his most treasured moments were time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the fall of 1994, at a sunset ceremony in Vernon with family and close friends in attendance, he was married to the love of his life, Maureen Mansfield, who survives. He also leaves five children: Colleen and Chuck Draper of Plainfield, N.H., Michele and Jared Powers of Putney, Sean and Dawn Brennan of North Haven, Conn., Kathleen Brennan of Brattleboro, and Judy Brennan and Juan Molyneaux of Ft. Lee, N.J.; sisters Deborah Mears of West Townshend and Cindy Mears of Brattleboro; and a brother, Rick Mears of Brattleboro. Additionally, he leaves ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, four nephews and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. You are certainly welcome to remember Steve and say goodbye in your own personal way by maybe hunting, sitting in the woods, casting a fishing line - or whatever works best for you. Donations to Sportsman's, Inc., P.O. Box 313, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Loretta Jane Slicer, 77, of La Fargeville, N.Y., formerly of Guilford. Died May 15, 2022 at the Carthage (N.Y.) Center for Rehabilitation, following a period of declining health. She was born at home in Guilford on Dec. 7, 1944, the daughter of Walter and Etta (Akeley) Petrie. She was raised and educated in Guilford and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1962. Loretta had worked as a sales associate employed for many years by JC Penney in Brattleboro and Watertown, N.Y. Previously, she had worked at the former W.T. Grant Store in Brattleboro. Of her leisure time activities, she enjoyed flowers, gardening, and time shared with her family. Survivors include: one daughter, Brenda Ryan, of La Fargeville, NY; four stepchildren, many step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Loretta was predeceased by two sisters, Shirley Franklin and Frieda Franklin; and three brothers, Herman Petrie, Richard Petrie, and Edward Petrie, who recently passed away in April 2021. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted May 20 in West Brattleboro Cemetery. Donations to Thousand Island Emergency Rescue (TIERS), P.O. Box 524, Clayton, NY 13624. To share a memory or send condolences to her family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Zephyr Joseph “Joe” Renaud, 79, of Dummerston. Died peacefully May 22, 2022 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born in Montague, Mass., on July 27, 1942, the son of Felix Rosario and Dorothy Ann (Bittner) Renaud. He attended St. Michael's Parochial School and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1961. Zephyr received his associate's degree in architectural drafting from Northern New Mexico Community College with the Class of 1990. In 1991, he received his associate of Applied Science from Santa Fe Community College. An accomplished woodworker, he worked as a carpenter later operating his own insulation business, working with Gary Goodemote of Friends of the Sun. In the early 1970s he established and was the original owner of Zephyr Designs on Main Street. A proud veteran, he served his nation in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, serving stateside at Beale Air Force Base in California as a bomb navigation systems technician until his honorable discharge from active service. He was a member of American Legion Post 5. A lifelong Catholic, he was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Zephyr had a fascination with nature, especially rocks and boulders, which he collected on his property. Of his other pastimes and interests, he enjoyed gardening and music. He owned a large collection of records, was an avid reader with an extensive book collection, and especially enjoyed time spent with his family. On Dec. 20, 1989, in Espanola, N.M., he was married to Maria Quintero, who survives. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 32 years, he leaves one daughter, Isabel Renaud of Dummerston and one son, Daniel Renaud of Carlstadt, N.J. From his previous marriage with Mary Renaud of Danbury, Conn., he leaves two daughters, Sherri Renaud of Oakville, Conn., and Dione Nelson of Danbury, Conn.; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Zephyr also leaves two sisters, Fran Renaud and Rosemary Tefft; and five brothers, John Renaud, Felix Renaud, Tom Renaud, Jim Renaud, and Chris Renaud. Memorial information: A memorial service was held May 28 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Burial of his cremated remains will be in Wilder Cemetery in Dummerston. Donations to Brattleboro Area Hospice, 191 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Marvin E. Spooner, 84, of Guilford. Died May 22, 2022 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, following a period of declining health. Born at home in Plymouth Union, Vt., on Dec. 6, 1937, he was the son of Daniel and Agnes (Derosier) Spooner. He attended elementary school in Plymouth where he was assigned the important duty of being “keeper of the fire,” loading the wood stove at the school during cold weather months. He later attended Randolph Agricultural School, now Vermont Tech, in Randolph Center. In 1957, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Texas and at Westover Air Base in Chicopee, Mass., serving proudly until his honorable discharge from active service. He was a member of the American Legion Post 5. He worked as a machine technician at Georgia-Pacific in Brattleboro, joining the company when it was known as APW, and later at Erving Paper, Inc. He retired in 2000 following over 30 faithful years of service with the company. He later worked for several years in the maintenance department at Pine Heights Nursing Home. Marvin was well known for his steadfast work ethic, rarely missing a day at work. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, boating on Lake Champlain and locally at Harriman Reservoir, and enjoyed time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. On Oct. 31, 1964 in Hinsdale, N.H., he was married to Judith Ann Brice, who survives. Besides his faithful wife of 57 years, he leaves one son, Mark E. Spooner of Westmoreland, N.H.; a daughter, Lorri A. Gerbasi and husband, Tim of West Brattleboro; one brother, David Spooner of Wallingford, Vt.; a sister, Patricia Wendt of Springfield, Vt.; and five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren (with one more on the way), and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, he leaves his beloved dog, Bandit. He was predeceased by a sister, Denise Neathawk, and a nephew, Daniel Nebelski. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Jacqueline Dorn “Jackie” Yakovleff, 95, of Charlestown, N.H. Died on April 21, 2022. She was born Jan, 1, 1927 in Wichita, Kansas, and lived in Kansas until graduating high school. She then was accepted at Northwestern University and graduated with a B.A. in speech. She met and married the late Boris Yakovleff, and worked in television. The couple worked for a stretch in Chicago, before moving to New York City to start a family. Boris and Jacqueline both wanted to give their family a chance to live in and understand nature and headed to Vermont. There was an old farmhouse with a large fairly decrepit barn and approximately 100 acres of land that they bought in the mid-1950s. That began the time that the family grew and experienced much happiness and struggle to find out how to manage a place in Vermont, and to pay for it while her husband had to work in New York. Jackie, as she enjoyed being called, stayed with the children in Vermont and took care of the two youngest while the oldest went to Dover Elementary school. These were happy times, and she enjoyed the house with a telephone party line and so much snow. During the summer, the family would pack up the car and head to Vermont to spend a glorious time raising farm animals and tending a garden. After deciding that living in Vermont year-round was untenable, the family moved back to New York City. For that period, Jackie did not work and was a house mother. Then, the family moved to Long Island and, as the children were older, Jackie was hired in Queens to teach English. She worked there for about a year and, while that was enjoyable, the travel became too much. So, she once again became a homemaker. In 1971, the family again moved to Vermont and Jackie began to work at a college as an employment counselor. She had a deal with the kitchen to take their food scraps and haul it home in her convertible Volkswagen for their pigs. She developed friends almost anywhere she spent time. In 1976, after her husband died, she wanted to do something totally different and applied to the Peace Corps and was sent to the Pacific Island of Tonga, where she taught English as a second language, and joined for a second tour of two more years. After that, she became the executive director of the Red Cross and remained in Tonga for a total of six years. She was very excited to be part of this and would send home letters about her adventures. From this tiny island, she was able to find a buyer and sold the land in Vermont. This was a wise move as there was little ability on the part of the family or her to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the farm. She returned from the island and went to Evanston, Ill., where her mother and sister lived, her sister having a son living with them as well. After mother and sister both died, she decided to move to Oregon, first to Astoria and then to Pendleton, where she enjoyed her retirement and lived close to her daughter. There she enjoyed friends and family and had some adventures exploring the history of the Oregon Trail. After that, she moved to Charlestown, still enjoying her retirement and family. She was always a presence for the family and always supported her offspring, and her sister's son, with kind words, and counsel. The real testament for her ability to make friends came after her stroke on April 5, 2022. She was in the neuro ICU and then moved to the neuro specialty room where she spoke with the nurses, in a halting and sometimes unintelligible speech, which frustrated her no end. But the nurses and doctors told family members that she was their favorite patient, and when it was decided that hospice was necessary, one of the nurses said they wanted to be included in the hospice care. This epitomized Jackie's ability to make friends. She will be sorely missed. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Glennis Wilson. She leaves a nephew, Bruce Wilson, as well as her three children Misha (born Michael), Matthew, and Martha. Memorial information: She was cremated and a memorial ceremony is planned for a future date. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, visit www.csnh.com.