College news
• The following local students all graduated from Vermont Technical College after the spring 2022 semester: Tessa Pierce of Brattleboro, A.A.S, general engineering technology; Mariah Barnett of Saxtons River, A.S., nursing; Heather Benson of Bellows Falls, A.S., nursing; Alexandra Kennedy of East Dover, A.S., nursing; Erika Miller of Newfane, A.S., nursing; Lisa Ryan of Wilmington, A.S., nursing; Olivia Brown of Wardsboro, A.S., radiologic science; Jared Jackson of Townshend, B.S., computer information technology; Teagan Bacon of Bellows Falls, B.S., electromechanical engineering technology; Meka Dearborn of Brattleboro, B.S., applied business management; and Emily Mleczko of Putney, B.S., nursing.
• The following local students recently graduated from Castleton University and were recognized during their 235th commencement ceremony: Mariah Hazard of Jamaica, B.A., media & communication; Jonah Siegel of Brattleboro, B.A., art; Owen Sniatkowski of East Dover, B.A., history; and Anthony Martinez of Brattleboro, B.S., physical education.
• Suzanne Margaret Allen, a chemistry/biochemistry major from Stratton, was recently awarded a bachelor of arts degree from Connecticut College in New London, Conn. Allen also received Dean's High Honors for the spring 2022 semester.
• Sam Cowles of South Londonderry graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in environmental studies from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.
• Amy Johnston Speno of Brattleboro earned a Master of Social Work from Widener University in Chester, Pa.
• Kaylynn Gaskell of West Halifax successfully completed the requirements necessary to graduate from Springfield (Mass.) Technical Community College during the 2021-22 academic year with an A.S. in dental hygiene. She was also named to the Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester.
• Adam Culver of Grafton, Owen Rounds of Westminster, and Silas Holmes of Wardsboro all received degrees as members of the Class of 2022 at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn.
• Emily Harris of Bellows Falls was named to the Plymouth State University President's List for the spring 2022 semester.
• Kathleen Hodsden of Bellows Falls was named to the Plymouth State University Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester.
• Ella Warner of Putney was named to the spring 2022 Dean's List at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Conn.
• Michelle Marchica of Westminster was named to the spring 2022 Dean's List at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y.
• Kim Amidon, a mathematics major from Vernon, was named to the President's List for the spring 2022 semester at The State University of New York at Potsdam.
• Remus Harris of Brattleboro was named to the President's List for the spring 2022 semester at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
• Claire Holmes of Wardsboro and Griff Waryas of Bellows Falls were named to the spring 2022 Dean's List at the University of Rhode Island.
• Riley Barton of South Newfane achieved President's List honors for the spring 2022 semester at Nichols College in Dudley, Mass.
• Sarah Butterfield of Vernon was named to the University of Delaware Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester.
• Mary Ellis of Vernon was named to the University of Alabama Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester.
• Anna Seiple of Londonderry was named to the Dean's List at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., for the spring 2022 semester.
• Gabrielle Beal, a member of the Class of 2024 from Wilmington, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.
• Wyatt Rosinski of Brattleboro was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester at Norwich University.
• Luke Williams of Guilford was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.
• Jessica Tatro, a member of the Class of 2024 from Brattleboro, has been accepted into Sigma Alpha Pi, a national society of leadership and success, for the 2021-22 academic year at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. Students are selected by their college based on their academic standing and/or leadership potential.
School news
• The following local residents were among 197 students who graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon during its 139th commencement ceremony on May 22: Westerly Gooley of Brattleboro, Nicholas Hessel of Brattleboro, Lindsay Stamler of Brattleboro, and Lauren Carpenter of Vernon.
• Bailey Boyce of Whitingham, a graduating senior at Twin Valley Middle High School, is among this year's Green & Gold Scholarship recipients at the University of Vermont. UVM's Green & Gold Scholarship, a four-year, full-tuition award, is an academic merit scholarship program which considers the nomination of the highest-achieving rising high school senior from every eligible Vermont secondary school, and Vermont residents attending select border schools.
Obituaries
• Helen Bills Boudreau, 91, of Guilford. Died June 11, 2022 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, following a brief illness. Helen was born in Brattleboro on Sept. 17, 1930, the daughter of Lyman S. and Mildred V. (Vosburgh) Bills. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro, attending local public schools including Brattleboro High School. A retired proofreader, Helen worked for numerous local printing companies that included the former E.L. Hildreth & Co., The Book Press, American Stratford, and Irving Perkins Associates. With her husband, she owned and operated Duke's Deli, Home Comfort Cabins & Motel, and owned several apartment houses in Brattleboro. A lifelong Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Helen loved the outdoors, flowers, gardening with an amazing green thumb, as well as hunting and camping. With her husband, she camped at many destinations throughout the United States and Canada. On Aug. 20, 1949, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, she was married to Robert H. Boudreau who survives. Besides her devoted husband of almost 73 years, she leaves one son, Robb M. & wife Laura Boudreau of Guilford, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by two daughters, Wendi Makin and Cindi Rathbun; one sister, Arlene Bebee; and three brothers, Lyman, Jr., (Sonny), Danny and Jerry Bills. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Friday, July 15, at 9 a.m. in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Bernice M. LaRock, 88, of Guilford. Died May 27, 2022, following declining health from a broken hip. Bernice was born on May 6, 1934 in Montague, Mass., the daughter of Carl and Pearle Adler of Charlemont, Mass. In 1952, she married Bernie LaRock. She was predeceased by her husband, Bernie. Bernice is survived by a daughter, Denice LaRock and her partner, Lori Nelson, of Guilford; a son, Bernard “Rocky” LaRock and his wife, Brenda, of Guilford; grandchildren Tyson Cutting, Justin LaRock, Tara Cheney, and Kitsie LaRock; great-grandchildren Jaida, Trevor, Briar, Brody, Diem, Bay and Olive; and her beloved cat and constant companion, Miss Kitty. Bernice loved spending time with family and all her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved making her family quilts, was an avid birdwatcher, and was passionate about her gardens. Bernice was an exceptional baker; her lemon meringue pie and carrot cake were family favorites. She was a talented artist, taking after her father Carl who was well known in the Greenfield area for his paintings. Bernice was involved in the local church and volunteered as treasurer at the local cemetery for many years. Memorial information: Funeral Services and burial were conducted for immediate family. Bernice was laid to rest beside her husband in the Christ Church Cemetery in Algiers. Donations to Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Drive, Guilford, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Gilbert “Gibby” Gay, 86, of Bellows Falls. Died June 9, 2022, surrounded by his three children who loved him dearly. He was born in Bellows Falls on March 22, 1936, along with his twin sister, Gloria, to Marguerite (Harrington) and Robert L. Gay, Sr. He attended school in Gageville and was a 1955 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. Gibby served in the Air Force, which included a tour in Korea. Gib loved his wife, Janice Mae Bushway Gay. They were married on May 14, 1960 and had a wonderful life together. Gib owned Gay Brothers Fuel Service with his brothers, Robert and Richard. He and Richard went on to purchase BDR Transport. Many family members worked in these businesses and were happy to be able to be together on a daily basis. Many of the employees felt like they were family too. “He loved us almost as much as he loved his cars” his daughter joked recently, and none of us saw any negativity in that remark. Gibby played with toy cars much later than most kids. He built soap box derby-type cars on his own at age nine. He used to go out and start his sister's car for her on cold winter mornings when no one else could get it going. His brother had two cars, but only one engine. When his brother wanted to drive the other car, Gibby would move the engine to the other in one afternoon, working in the back yard of their home. He once was let out of class in high school so that he could get a school bus running to bring the kids home that afternoon. Gibby loved cars, trucks, antique cars, hot rods, antique trucks, and race cars. He drag raced for several years, and loved stock car racing. Gib drove oil trucks, milk trucks, propane trucks, tractor trailer trucks. and dump trucks. He owned many of them, but regardless, he was respectful of the equipment. He would only operate it as hard as he thought it could handle, and very rarely broke anything. He even brought a truck home once that had lost the fan belt by fashioning one out of his boot laces. Gibby was one of two people who started the Antique Truck Historical Society and Vermont Chapter. He and Dave Durling organized their Bellows Falls Truck Show for 20 years. Gibby supported his kids by providing them with time and labor throughout their lives. He would help daughter, Susan with dairy farming, horse farming, haying and was always there for her. He was proud of his daughter Cheryl's service to this country in the Air Force, and for providing him with beloved son-in-law, Chris, and his only granddaughter, Cassie Sherwin, who he was immensely proud of. Gibby helped his son, Greg, with numerous car projects. He spent 20 years in retirement, doing what he liked most - restoring his old cars and trucks. Gibby had so many friends. Everyone who met him liked him. He was predeceased by his sisters, Helen Hurley, Anne Curtin, and Nancy Sullivan, and his stepfather, Will Harlow. In addition to Jan, Greg, Sue, Cheryl, Chris and Cassie, he is survived by his brothers, Robert and Richard, his sister, Jean Ostrowski, twin sister, Gloria Quinn, brother-in-law, Jerry Bushway, (Linda), sister-in-law, Joanne Gay, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial information: There will be calling hours on Tuesday, June 28, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessy Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Gib's burial will be private.
• Ruth Elaine (Freihofer) Morse, 92, of Westminster. Died peacefully at home, with her loved ones by her side, on June 13, 2022. Ruth was born on Nov. 27, 1929 in Bellows Falls to George and Mathilde Freihofer (Barth). She graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1948. She worked in the Rockingham/Bellows Falls town manager's office until she married Richard S. Morse on June 10, 1960, and moved to Westminster. They were married 53 years. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband; her sister, Lois Freihofer; and her parents. She is survived by her children, Kenneth and Bette Morse of Westminster, Michael Morse of Westminster, Diane and Chip O'Brien of Westminster; stepchildren Salle Willson of Roanoke, Va., Richard Morse of Bellows Falls, and JoAnn Morse of Westminster, and 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A graveside service was held June 18 at Westminster New Cemetery. Donations to Westminster Cares, P.O. Box 312, Westminster, VT 05158.
• Eva B. Sherman, 87, of East Dover. Died June 8, 2022 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Eva was born in East Dover on Aug. 16, 1934. The daughter of the late Erwin Brown Sr. and Geneva Bartlett, Eva attended East Dover schools, graduating from Brattleboro High School. For more than 20 years, Eva was the postmaster for the East Dover Post Office. Eva was a member of the Ladies Aid Society, the East Dover Baptist Church, and the Dover Historical Society. She also was coordinator for the Strawberry Supper, a Dover Free Library trustee, and taught Sunday and Bible School. Eva was an avid reader, enjoyed baking and cooking, solving jigsaw puzzles and listening to the sounds of Charlie Pride, Jim Reeves, and Burl Ives. She enjoyed watching figure skating, was a Boston Red Sox fan, and cherished Sunday family lunches. Eva's life was all about family and her community. Eva is survived by her husband Sidney Sherman of East Dover, whom she married in Newfane on Aug. 10, 1954, her sons Stephen Sherman (Jenny) of Kennebunk, Maine, Keith Sherman (Tia) of Hinsdale, N.H., and Craig Sherman (Heather) of Redding, Calif.; her brother Erwin (Sonny) Brown, Jr., of East Dover; sisters Evelyn Brassor (Leon) of Norton and Beverly Murray of Beaver Dam, Va.; grandchildren Nathaniel, Vanessa, Janelle, and Matthew Sherman and great-grandchildren Cora Sherman and Grayson Sherman. She was preceded in death by her brother, Wallace Brown. Memorial information: At the request of the family, there are no formal funeral services at this time. Donations to East Dover Baptist Church, in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Dorothy Mary (Arsenault) Tillinghast, 96, formerly of Revere, Mass. Died June 8, 2022 at the home of Ken and Deb Tillinghast, her son and daughter-in-law, in Brattleboro. She had resided with them since September 2017. Dorothy graduated from St. Rose Catholic School in Chelsea and immediately went to work for the president at Chelsea Clock. She left there after becoming a wife and mother. She enjoyed ceramics, loved to travel and was on a bowling league. Dorothy enjoyed and looked forward to a weekly card game with five of her childhood friends spanning over 65 years. She was the beloved wife of the late Paul J. Tillinghast. She is survived by her children, Kenneth Tillinghast and his wife Deborah, Russell Tillinghast and his wife Rose, Michael Tillinghast and his life companion Barbara Dillon, and Susan Tillinghast. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by brothers Edward and Ernest Arsenault. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on June 14 at St. Joseph Church in Wakefield, Mass., followed by interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody, Mass. Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.
• Harriette Hazel (Sargent) Walsh, 82, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 3, 2022. Harriette was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 3, 1940, to the late Stephen and Vera Lucy Chamberlain. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, collecting recipes, yard sales, reading, and visiting with family and friends. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Richard E. Walsh, Sr., and two brothers, Carl Sargent and Robert Sargent. Survivors include her son, Richard E. Walsh, Jr., of Vernon; daughter, Debra E. Walsh Asbury of Guyton, Ga.; two brothers, Stephen Sargent of Newfane, and Norman Sargent of Brattleboro; five grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. Memorial information: The family will have a celebration of life on July 2, 2022, at 4:30 p.m., at the Kiwanis shelter at Living Memorial Park in Brattleboro. They ask that you bring a dish if you can.
• Percy Roy West, 90, of Guilford. Died unexpectedly on June 2, 2022 at his home, following a period of declining health. He was born in Wiscasset, Maine on November 19, 1931, the son of Fred and Beulah (Sprague) West, and was raised and educated in Wiscasset. A resident of Brattleboro since 1950, he worked at the Brattleboro Retreat, which he retired from as Food Production Manager in 1995 following 45 faithful years with the Retreat. Roy enjoyed fishing, woodworking, puttering around his home and time spent with his family. On Oct. 13, 1951, he was married to Laura Deuso, who survives. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past October. He also leaves a daughter, Linda Tom and her husband Gary of Fremont, Calif; a son, Gary West and his wife Barbara of Westminster; five grandchildren, Amber West, Leisha West, Kaitlyn Whitham and her husband Devin, Eric Tom and Phillip Tom; five great grandchildren, Landon, Kennedy, Claire, Alyson and Benjamin; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, Clarence, Fred, Jr., Robert and Glen West. Memorial information: Graveside services will be conducted in Greenlawn Cemetery in Wiscasset, where he will be buried in the West family lot. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05301; or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Services
• Graveside committal rites for Shirley R. Squires will be conducted in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery in Brattleboro on Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m. Mrs. Squires, 89, of Brattleboro, died on May 28, 2022. To view her full obituary, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Graveside services for Francis Stanley Wisell will be conducted Saturday, June 25, at 11 a.m., in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street in Brattleboro. Mr. Wisell, 86, of West Chesterfield, died on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. To view his full obituary, visit www.atamaniuk.com.