College news
• Noah Distefano of West Townshend and Veronica Stevens of Newfane were members of the class of December 2022 at Castleton University. They will be recognized during Castleton's 236th Commencement in May.
• Tyler Millerick, a general business major from Vernon, was named to the President's List for the fall 2022 semester at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts.
• Cassidy Gallivan of West Dover and Avery White of Townshend were both named to Ithaca (N.Y.) College's fall 2022 Dean's List.
• William Frank of South Londonderry, Caroline Mehner of West Wardsboro, and Owen Rounds of Westminster were all named to the fall 2022 Dean's List at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut.
• Madison Haskell of Bellows Falls and Haley Covillion of Bellows Falls were both named to the fall 2022 Dean's List at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts.
Obituaries
• Anna (Annie) Shold Boemig of Brattleboro died after a struggle with Alzheimer's dementia and an aggressive and rare cancer. She was born in Storm Lake, Iowa on January 14, 1947 to Nel Mae (Furlow) and Clifford Oliver Shold. She always called herself an Iowa farm girl, even after decades of living in Vermont. Annie always felt blessed to have survived polio and childhood cancer from which she lost her eye. She decided to become a nurse while reading books in a crab apple tree on her family's farm in Albert City, Iowa. Annie graduated from Albert City High School at the top of her class and was given a full scholarship to the Swedish Covenant School of Nursing in Chicago. She won the Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow award before heading off to college. After being licensed as a Registered Nurse she worked in the ER at the Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago. When she and her best friend, Paulette, decided they wanted to leave Chicago, they spun a map attached to a lazy susan, covered their eyes and pointed. Someone's finger landed on Brattleboro, Vermont. They both got jobs at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital intending to stay one year. Instead, Ann met Peter Boemig when he was her patient and she never left Brattleboro. They were married on April 24, 1976. Annie worked in the ER, then as the head of pediatrics and later in the ambulatory care unit. People remembered being her patient, and even years later if they encountered her they would compliment her and thank her for her care. One of her last reviews included that Annie spent “too much time with her patients.” She volunteered for the American Red Cross blood drives for decades. She was a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church; where she was a lifelong member of the choir, taught church school, the childrens' weekly sing-a-long, and was at the heart of the annual Swedish bake sale. Every year she made sure that hundreds of loaves of cardamom bread, Tea Rings, and Swedish Limpa bread were produced. Additionally, she was a board member and a delegate of the New England WELCA. She believed deeply in compassion, medicine, science, and faith. She leaves behind her husband and their children Katrina Boemig, Amy Boemig, Jacqueline Velazquez, and David Velazquez; David's wife Rachel and their kids, Lucia, Ellianna, Gloria, and Josie. She also leaves behind brothers Ted, Dan and his wife Sue, and Clifford Jr. and his wife Frankie, and her “nibblings” Joshua, Kelli, Vicki, and Carole Marie and their extended families. Additionally, she leaves behind Bob Boemig, his daughter Adele and her partner Nick. Peggy (Boemig) Cavangh and her husband David, as well as their children Scott and Alan and Alan's fiance' Kirstin. Annie's close cousins are many and blanket America but especially dear to her heart was her cousin Deb, who was like a sister to her throughout her life. Annie's chosen family included the Richardson's of Vernon, and Paulette Duria of Wisconsin. Memorial information: Funeral services were held Feb. 18 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brattleboro. Donation to the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer's Association, David's House in Lebanon, New Hampshire, or Trinity Lutheran Church.
• Rhonda Lee Brown, 62, of Jamaica. Died unexpectedly on Jan. 23, 2023. Rhonda was born in Southport, North Carolina on Sept. 10, 1960, the daughter of Raymond Smith and Irene (Knight) Smith. She graduated from Leland & Gray Union High School with the Class of 1979. She was married to Carl Brown in 1979 and later divorced. They had two children together. She graduated from Whitman's Academy of Hair Design in Brattleboro in 1990. Rhonda enjoyed spending time in her flower gardens, strumming on the guitar, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends. She loved the beach and playing in the sand. She loved animals, especially her late dog Jazzy. Rhonda leaves one daughter, Crystal Jackson of Jamaica, and one son, Carl Brown Jr. of Jamaica. She is also survived by her brothers, Romaine Smith of Jamaica, Raymond Smith of Londonderry, and Milton Smith of Londonderry. Additionally, she is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Rio and Rally Jackson, and her best friend and cousin, Toni Nickell Benton of Shallotte, North Carolina. Rhonda was predeceased by her parents, her beloved sister Ramona Coleman, and her brother Norman Smith. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held at a later date. To share a memory or send condolences to Rhonda's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Gary L. Carrier, 81, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Feb. 10, 2023. Services will take place in Brattleboro in the spring, and a full obituary will be published at a later date.
• Dana F. Dix, 73, of Whitingham. Died Feb. 8, 2023 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. Dana was born in North Adams, Massachusetts on Aug. 16, 1949, son of the late Frank Jasper and Geneva Malah (Bernard) Dix. Dana attended local schools and, in his earlier years, worked for Francis Bartlett before and after enlisting in the Coast Guard. He then started his own business in 1986, Dana Dix Builders. Dana was very active in the community. He was a Fire Chief and Forest Fire Warden, Commander of the American Legion, Town Constable, and a member of the Whitingham Zoning Board, Selectboard, and Cemetery Commission. He was on the Old Home Week Committee in charge of fireworks and the parade, was the main organizer for Maple Fest, designed the club patch for the EZ Riders snowmobile club, and was a boating safety instructor. Dana was also an EMT and officer with the Whitingham Ambulance Service. Most of all, Dana enjoyed sugaring, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, playing horseshoes and dominoes, and spending time with his family at his camp in Morgan, Vermont. He enjoyed taking cruises to the Caribbean and embarked on a cruise to Alaska for his 25th wedding anniversary. Dana is survived by his wife Shirley LeMaire Dix of Whitingham, whom he married April 19, 1975 in Readsboro; their children Sheldon Dix and his significant other Kristen Breeden of Jacksonville and Maureen Dix and her significant other Jason Tobey of Wilmington; brothers Robert Dix and his wife Cindy of The Villages, Florida, and Gary Dix and his significant other Jane Price of Whitingham; grandchildren Tyler, Callie, Sara, William, and Beau, his great-grandson Tyler Jr., and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by brothers Richard, Frank, and Douglas, and his nephew Richard. Memorial information: A celebration of life for Dana was held Feb. 17 at Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home. Graveside funeral services for Dana will be held April 19, at 11 a.m., in Sadawga Cemetery in Whitingham. Donations to the Whitingham Rescue Service/Fire Department, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Edward John “Ed” Druke Sr., 91, of Newfane. Died peacefully on Feb. 8, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Ed was born to the late Josef Karl Johann Druke and Gertrude Emma (Hickethier) Druke in 1931 in Williamsville. He was the ninth of 13 children and graduated from St. Michael's High School in Brattleboro in 1949. Ed married Jean Anne (Gray) Druke of Williamsville in 1952 and they lived in Williamsville until moving to Newfane Hill in the early 1980s. Together, they built a wonderful life and raised six children. In the 1950s, Ed served in the Army and was stationed in Italy as a Chaplain's Assistant. He also spent decades serving his community at home by way of the Newfane Selectboard, local school boards, and much more. As the town of Newfane noted in its 2004 Annual Report, which they dedicated to Ed and Jean: “Ed has served on just about every board or committee that has existed over the years.” He was a devoted and supportive husband and father, and his primary focus was always his family. Ed was known for his kindness, generosity, humor and empathy, traits that radiated from him throughout his life. He was also known for his near-constant laughter, captivating stories, frequent brushes with catastrophe, and signature phrases that his loved ones are honored to carry on in his memory. As an expert farmer, meticulous property manager, skilled problem-solver, relentlessly hard worker, and a self-described “old bastard,” Ed devotedly supported his family throughout his entire life, cultivating countless meaningful relationships along the way. When you spoke with him, he listened intently and was eager to have spirited conversations. Ed was deeply dedicated to Jean, his loving wife of 64 years, whom he tenderly cared for leading up to her final moments in 2016. He loved spending time with his family and truly lit up when surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was charismatic, gracious, community-centered, and deeply respectful of others. He was very loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. Ed is survived by four daughters and two sons: Claire Johns of Dummerston, Cathy Coonan (Rick Manson) of Brattleboro, Elaine (Rob) North of Ferrisburgh, Emily Long of Newfane, Edward (Terri) Druke, Jr. of Newfane, and Tom (Melissa) Druke of Middletown, New York. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Ed was predeceased by his grandson, Joshua Druke, as well as all 12 of his siblings: Gertrude, Elizabeth, Bernard, Mathilda, Arthur, Joseph, Mary, Frances, John, Theresa, Barbara, and Charles. Memorial information: In accordance with Ed's wishes, there will be no service. Plans for a future celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Donations to Bradley House (gardenpathelderliving.org/donation) or Brattleboro Area Hospice (brattleborohospice.org/how-you-can-help/donate-to-hospice). In his honor, and in grateful celebration of his remarkable 91 years on this earth, the family wishes to close with one of Ed's signature phrases of endearment that he shouted, through laughter, when anyone he cared for would leave his house: “Come again when you can't stay so long!” To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Peter L. Dupuis, 75, of Rockingham. Died Feb. 10, 2023 at his home. Peter was born on November 5, 1947 to Carl and Eleanor Dupuis. He served his country in the Army from 1964 to 1968, spending 18 months in Vietnam. Peter is survived by his wife JoAnne (Small) and children Michelle Dupuis of Springfield, Vermont and Michael Dupuis of Westfield, Massachusetts. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, his brother Ronald Dupuis of Florence, Arizona, an aunt, June Smith of Saxtons River, whom he was very close to; as well as many nieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Dayton Dupuis. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on Feb. 18 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, with burial in the Rockingham Meeting House Cemetery.
• Andrew F. Hauty, 68, of Marlboro, and Medford, New Jersey. Died Jan. 6, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a series of medical complications that led to respiratory failure. Andy was best known for his fun-loving and plucky spirit. He was spontaneous, joyful, and always up for a game, idea, action, or shenanigan. He had a gift for helping those around him feel appreciated, valued, and uplifted. He had a rollicking, contagious laugh, which he deployed many times a day, in all contexts. Born Jan. 30, 1954 in San Antonio, Texas, Andy spent most of his youth in Newark, Delaware, and attended the University of Delaware where he studied criminal justice. After graduating, he worked for the Criminal Justice Council in Wilmington, Delaware, where he focused on special programming alternatives to incarceration. In 1989, he moved to New England and earned his M.S. in education from Antioch New England Graduate School. He went on to become a career educator, teaching at Townshend Elementary School, Center School in Greenfield, Massachusetts, and in the Windham Southwest Supervisory Union, where he served as director of Wings Community After-School Programs as well as coordinator for the Deerfield Valley Community Partnership to prevent drug and alcohol abuse. Andy's boundless energy, imagination, and creativity was especially evident when it came to producing his one-of-a-kind youth theater productions. These extravaganzas were executed against many odds via extraordinary vision, hard work, and can-do attitude. No idea was too daunting for these immersive, innovative productions which were fueled by Andy's faith in the young performers and the community who surrounded them. Andy also spent joyous time in the care and keeping of his vast lavender gardens and off-the-grid house, which he built and adored in Marlboro. A natural athlete, Andy ran cross-country and spent a year with the national team for modern pentathlon. He was an avid swimmer from a very young age and swam regularly all of his life, no matter where he lived, including a memorably chilly and gutsy swim to Alcatraz Island. Andy loved action, especially in nature. He and his wife Jobi shared a passion for rock climbing and most especially loved the Shawangunks of New York and Red Rocks of Nevada. He loved bike-touring, hiking, and camping. He, Jobi, and his children Lizz and Lucia enjoyed wilderness canoe adventures in Maine, the Canada Maritimes, and Algonquin Provincial Park. Andy spent most of his free time dreaming about his next travel adventure. He and Jobi lived abroad in Panajachel, Guatemala for several years where they taught school and eventually founded Panajachel Colegio Internacional. Recently Andy, Jobi, and their children Lia, Beckett and Quinn, lived for two years in Bordeaux, France where he enjoyed van camping trips around Europe. In 2021, they moved to New Jersey, where Andy continued to have dance parties with his children, swim as often as possible, work in the garden, and make his family laugh their butts off. Andy loved deeply and was loved in turn by his family and many friends. He is survived by his wife Jobi and their children, Lizz, Lucia, Lia, Beckett, and Quinn; grandchildren Hayden, Ariana, and Luca; siblings, Mike, Kathy, and Chris, sister-in-law Rose, nieces Savannah and Heather, nephews George and Jackson, parents-in-law, Peggy and Art, first wife, Jodi, his good dog Sebastien, and his cat Dog. Andy was predeceased by his parents, George and Patricia, and father-in-law Herb. Memorial information: A public celebration for Andy will be held Saturday, May 27, at 2 p.m., at Memorial Hall in Wilmington. Come prepared to celebrate Andy with that magically wild spirit that he could bring out in all of us. The family suggests “donning tutus, flashy sunglasses, colored wigs, Hawaiian shirts, and…well, just surprise us in true Andy fashion!” If you have a favorite picture or story to share, bring it along for an interactive scrapbook. Visit the memorial website at www.andyhautymemorial.com for more information. Cards and letters can be sent to P.O. Box 345, Marlboro, VT 05344. Memorial contributions for the care and education of Andy's youngest children, “Hauty-Dansy Children Memorial Fund,” can also be sent to that address, or donate through Venmo @Jobi-Dansy with the note “Andy's Kids.”
• Norbert Bernard “Norb” Johnston, 91, of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Feb. 3, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. Norb was born in Pittsburgh on Jan. 9, 1932, the third of eight children born to Gorman James and Anna Josephine (Thinnes) Johnston. He was raised and educated in Pittsburgh, where he attended Catholic schools. After graduating from high school, he proudly served his nation in the Army, enlisting on Sept. 18, 1950. He served with the Signal Corps during the Korean Conflict and was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam Conflict. While in the Army, Norb also earned two bachelor's degrees and a graduate degree from the University of Southern California in international relations. Norb was honorably discharged from active service at the rank of colonel on May 1, 1980 at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Following his discharge from the Army, he attended Antioch New England University, earning a master's in organization and management. Norb was passionate about helping others, and in particular helping them do what they loved through small business. In his work with the Small Business Development Centers in Brattleboro and Springfield and, later, through his own consulting business, he helped many in the area start and maintain their own small businesses. Norb was always involved in the community in a number of different ways, most notably as a member of Rotary International serving in the Brattleboro Rotary Club, the Shelburne Falls Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Gideons International (Windham County Camp) and the Shelburne Falls VFW. He also served on various boards in the Brattleboro area throughout his career. Norb considered himself a Catholic and non-denominational Protestant and was most recently a communicant of Saint Joseph's Parish in Shelburne Falls. Of his leisure time activities, he enjoyed flying, hiking, camping, swimming and sharing time with his family. Anyone who knew Norb knew how much he loved: his faith, his family, his community, his country, and flying. He believed that one person could make a difference in the world, and he did his best to put that belief into action in the lives of those around him. He didn't always do it gracefully, but that never kept him from trying. His sense of curiosity, humor, duty, honor, and faith was with him until the end; they now live on in his family, and those who knew him best. He will be dearly missed. On Oct. 9, 1952, he was married to Joanne A. Marshall. They had five children together, and the marriage ended in divorce on March 31, 1971. Four of their five children survive him: Robert, Norbert, and Richard Johnston of Pittsburgh; and Mary Ellen Hessenauer of Rochester, New York. On Oct. 2, 1971, he was married to Doris Lillian Robinson, who survives, along with their children Kristopher Johnston of Brattleboro, Kimberley Morrell of Brattleboro, and Kelley Johnston Willison of Gloucester, Massachusetts. He also leaves three siblings: Regis of Luzby, Maryland, Verna of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, and Coletta of Cape Coral, Florida, and 17 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, James (Jim) Johnston; a grandson, Joshua (Josh) Prescott; and siblings Gorman, Richard, Adrian and Barbara Ann (Sister Mary Gorman). Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Shelburne Falls on March 4 at 11 a.m. Burial services will be held at a later date at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center. Donations to the Christian Appalachian Project (www.christianapp.org) or Kiva (www.kiva.org). To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Scott Edwin Lake, 36, died unexpectedly on Dec. 1, 2022. Scott was born on March 17, 1986 in Brattleboro. He was an amazing, fun, loving, and adventurous father. He graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 2006 and worked doing roofing and solar installation. He was a super handyman who could fix or build anything. Scott was very creative and artistic using many different kinds of materials. He was very thoughtful and helpful to his neighbors. He leaves behind two beautiful daughters, Desiree Lake and Payton Loomis both of Brattleboro. His mother Cathy (Jenna) and stepfather Mathew Shaw of Brattleboro; his father Ronald Lake of Saxtons River; his brother Keith Lake and his wife Sarah of West Brattleboro; half-brothers Julius Montagna and his wife Amber and Demitrius Montagna, and half-sister Gabriella (Montagna) and her husband Arijan Sejdic all of Tennessee; half-sister Jessica Lake and half-brother Joshua Lake, both of Vermont; a stepsister Tonya and a stepbrother Tyler; his grandmother Roberta Jenna of Guilford; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandparents Sherwood Sr. and Lauria Lake of Brattleboro, and his grandfather William (Bill) Jenna Sr. of Guilford. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on March 18 at American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro, from 3 to 5 p.m.
• JoAnn Harada Lemieux, 63, of Alstead, New Hampshire. Died Feb. 9, 2023. She was born Feb. 27, 1959 in Japan, the daughter of Elwood and Nancy (Harada) Lemieux. She grew up in Plattsburgh, New York and graduated from Plattsburgh Senior High School in 1977 and went on to earn her B.A. in industrial/organizational psychology from State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 1982. She worked in the financial services industry with various companies as an agent, principal broker, wealth strategist, life insurance consultant, and estate planning specialist throughout her career. Most notably, she worked for A.B. Gile Financial Services in Hanover, New Hampshire as principal broker from 1989 to 2001, and for Smith Companies, LTD, as a sales vice-president and estate planning specialist from 2002 to 2012. It was during her tenure with Smith Companies that she met her love and partner, Philip George. They made their home together in Alstead. JoAnn's life revolved around hers and Philip's family, her Rotary club of Lebanon New Hampshire, and her world travels. JoAnn would often comment on how blessed she was to have been able to travel to places like Patagonia, Galapagos, Myanmar, Switzerland, Norway, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas with Philip. She also enjoyed traveling with Rotary on Friendship Exchanges to Australia and New Zealand. She was planning another Rotary Friendship Exchange trip to Scotland this summer. When she was not traveling, JoAnn busied herself at her and Philip's home making sure it was always ready to host visitors. She always envisioned her home as a place for the kids and grandkids to come and play in the large yard or adventure out onto the trails in the woods. She loved to host weekend soirees with friends and entertain them with her stories over sometimes spirited card games. She enjoyed her plants and herb garden, hiking in the woods behind her home and always had a passion for riding her motorcycle. JoAnn will be greatly missed by all of her family, friends, colleagues, and especially Philip; his sons Edwin, Jeremy, and Andrew and all the grandkids who have lost their “Omi.” She was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Jennie Lemieux. Memorial information: A service and celebration of life will be conducted at a later date to be announced by the funeral home. As a Rotarian for over 35 years, Joann would be pleased if donations were made to the Rotary Foundation (www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation). To share a memory or send condolences to JoAnn's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• William Bayley “Bill” Lockwood, 73, of Bellows Falls. Died Jan. 14, 2023 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, after suffering the long-term effects of Covid and a recurrence of the cancer he had kept at bay for many years. At his side was Jeanie, his loving wife of nearly 44 years, and her sister, brother, brother-in-law, and nephew. Bill was born in 1949 to the late Harry and Marguerite Lockwood, in Baltimore, Maryland, where he lived and thrived until the early 1990s before settling in Vermont where he continued to live a happy, active, and full life. He was much loved by his wife's family, sadly not having much family of his own, his numerous friends, co-workers throughout his social work career and his adopted community of Bellows Falls. He especially loved being an uncle. Bill will always be remembered for his warm and welcoming smile, cheerful and optimistic nature, sense of humor, generous spirit, kindness, and willingness to help. He loved good conversation and could talk to anyone from anywhere about anything and had the ability to stop everything and just listen, making anyone feel like the most important person in the room. Above all, he will be remembered for his unconditional love for his wife, family and friends. Bill had numerous and varied interests and many talents, most beginning at a young age. He pursued his passions for writing, reading, theater, music, concerts, liberal politics, film, trivia, carpentry, making models, trains (real ones and models), the outdoors, and travel his entire life. He added new ones along the way - including gardening, entertaining, being what he called his wife's “sous chef,” summer grilling with his favorite beer in hand, helping with his wife's Christmas cookies, and exploring the Vermont state parks. He loved working with his hands and, growing up, he wanted to be a carpenter but his parents insisted he go to college. Some highlights from his Baltimore years include attending Calvert Hall High School, four years playing the trumpet for the Baltimore Colts Marching Band, and graduating from Loyola University, with a major in political science. Immediately after graduation, he began his long career as a social worker, working for the state of Maryland as a juvenile and foster care case worker for about 20 years. He started his lifelong involvement in community theater while in high school, and eventually was one of the founders of the very successful Fells Point Corner Theater, where he directed plays, operated lights and sound, played drums and guitar, built sets, wrote programs and press releases, and did whatever had to be done from painting to cleaning toilets or meeting with argumentative zoning council members. Bill met Jeanie, his lifelong partner and soulmate, when she moved to Baltimore in 1974 and she began doing shows with the same community theater groups he worked with. They married in 1979 and started their adventures together. After his wife attended graduate school at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, they fell in love with Vermont and decided to move there permanently in 1994. They settled in Bellows Falls, where they renovated an historic “Painted Lady” (for which they won a Rockingham Old House Award) and brought his parents from Baltimore to spend their last years together. After his parents passing, they converted the in-law apartment into a B&B, the Village Guest Suite, until they sold the house. After coming to Vermont, Bill continued his career (what he jokingly referred to as his “day job”) in social work with the state of Vermont, for about 17 years, working in foster care, long term care, and as a benefits worker. He was a much-respected case worker, well known for his compassion towards others. When not getting paid to work, he quickly found opportunities to pursue his many interests. The couple established themselves as community volunteers when they joined the Our Town Civic Organization in Bellows Falls, dedicated to improving the cultural life of the area and preserving its rich history. First came the restoration of the Clock Tower at the Town Hall, which led to Bill volunteering to be the Chair of the Bellows Falls Opera House Restoration Committee, acting as a liaison with the Selectboard, state representatives, and the many volunteers who wanted to see the Opera House spruced up and become a multipurpose cultural facility. With his wife and a small group of people with community theater backgrounds, they formed the Front Porch Theater Company, which produced many plays, including the original “Front Porch Tales” (written by the members themselves) “Vagina Monologues” (the first official production after the restoration), a production for the Rockingham 250th Celebration, and a very successful, multi-year summer concert series that used the charming front porches and other historic venues in the village. They also organized other events and projects, including a cookbook. All the funds raised by the group were donated to the restoration fund. Bill was awarded the Greater Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year in 2006 in recognition of his nearly 10 years of work as chair of the committee. Bill remained an active volunteer with several area community theaters until recently, helping out at Main Street Arts, Wild Goose Players, Springfield Players, Walpole Players, and River Theater - writing press releases and articles, building sets, directing, stage managing and being an all-around “go-to” guy. The only thing he wouldn't do was act or sing (although he was known to do a cameo or two), preferring to work behind the scenes. After his retirement he realized his life-long dream of having his first novel published and started devoting himself more fully to writing novels and short stories. Bill had six historical fiction novels published by The Wild Rose Press. In addition, he wrote reviews for various literary journals. He leaves behind his wife, Jeanie Levesque; his sister-in-law MJ Trask and her husband Ben; his brother-in-law Jeff Levesque and his wife Bev; niece Laura Levesque, her husband Russ, and children Alex, Althea and Caleb; nephew David Levesque and his children Rachel and Chris; niece Michelle Januzzi Marshall and her husband Erik; nephew Nick Januzzi, his wife Veronica and their daughter Gia; and several of his wife's cousins. Memorial information: A joyful celebration of his life is planned for September, his favorite month. Donations to the Bellows Falls Opera House (bellowsfallsoperahouse.com), the Rockingham Free Public Library (rockinghamlibrary.org), or the Wild Goose Players (wildgooseplayers.com).
• Jonathan Mark “Jon” Miller, 63, of Grafton. Died Jan. 20, 2023 at his home in Grafton. Jon was born on June 28, 1959. He coached baseball for the younger kids and was league commissioner for a period of time when his kids were attending Grafton Elementary School. He always took an interest in the friends of his children and many of them have shared their memories of those conversations. He also put in a stint on the Town Planning Committee. Jon was a true autodidact. He had many interests and loved learning. He jumped on the technology bandwagon early on and became very knowledgeable about computer systems. The jobs that put his talents to best use were working as data system manager at Stratton Mountain, Janos Technology, and Choicepoint and as technology support at Westminster Schools until 1999. Jon had been dealing with thyroid eye disease, a number of heart issues and battling end stage kidney disease, learning and using home dialysis for four years. The combination was a hard fight to win. Jon enjoyed - both for pleasure and at competitive levels - tennis, ping pong, and chess, which he could play without a board or pieces, keeping the entire game in his mind! Jon had many interests and an encyclopedic knowledge of many topics. His many interests included planning and creating model train layouts, chess, drumming, math, music, history, philosophy, religious history, computers, comics (especially Batman) and a love of old-time radio and TV. He could regale you with facts on Sherlock Holmes, the DC universe, Marvel, Tarzan, Star Trek, The Munsters, and Dr. Who as he found the history and many overlaps of characters and plots interesting and often amusing. He loved the knowing of things for the sheer fun of it and happily engaged in conversations and debates. People loved his sense of humor and dry wit. After traveling back and forth many times across the country as a child, Jon's favorite place to be was his home in Grafton. No job or social engagement could compete with his love of home. Jon's main focus the minute he left home was how soon he was going to be back there. He loved to sit on his deck and ponder life and in recent years plan his train layout. He could spend hours with his Walthers train catalog, happy as a clam. Jon was predeceased by his parents Barbara Clark Miller (1976) and Robert Miller (2000), his daughter Megan Marie Miller (2000), and his beloved mother-in-law Beatrice Fisher, who loved him as her own (2013). He is survived by his wife Sheryl Fisher Miller; his beloved children, Marissa and Nathan Bennett of Grafton; Mark and Soledad Fernandez Miller of Austin, Texas; grandsons Dante Bennett, Theo Bennett, and Ori Bennett, and sister Heidi Schroeder and her three sons, John, Jason and Jordan. Memorial information: None provided.
• Leola M. “Lee” Ramsay, 85, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died February 11, 2023, in Slocomb, Alabama. Lee was born April 10, 1937, in Rockingham to Joseph and Alice Annie (Howe Butson) Perry, the youngest of nine children. She grew up in Athens, and spent most of her life in the Walpole, Westmoreland, and Hinsdale area. Lee worked various jobs throughout her life, including MPB in Keene, Electrosonics in Spofford, and many waitress and chef jobs in the area. She owned and operated H'n'R Restaurant in Westminster in the 1970's. She worked for G. Allen Holmes of Walpole at Crescent Farms and then at Lilac Hedge Garden Center for many years. Lee was known for her beautiful flower gardens and her pies, both of which she shared with many friends and neighbors. She is survived by her children Leon (Michelle) Kenyon of Cape Coral, Florida, Beverly (Normand) Gagnon of Milford, New Hampshire, James (Terri) Kathan of Langdon, New Hampshire, and Earl (Kathy) Kathan Jr. of Red Creek, New York; grandchildren Angela (Derrick) Boulais, Jaime (Dan) Goulet, Courtney (Mike) Klappert, Eric (Jennifer) Kenyon, Ginger (Rob) Hughes, Diana (Jason) Leach, Benjamin Kathan, Scott (Sarah) Ramsay, and Sharon Ramsay O'Laughlin; sisters Shirley Peele of Taylor, Alabama, and Elizabeth Tuttle of New Berlin, New York; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Kenneth Ramsay, an infant son, Benjamin Kathan, stepson Kenneth Ramsay Jr., and siblings Bertha Fernette, Gordon Perry, Henry Perry, Bernard Perry, Cora Fletcher and Robert Perry. Memorial information: Private burial will be in South Village Cemetery in Westmoreland. A celebration of her life will be held at a date yet to be determined. Donations to Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services, 312 Marlboro St., Keene, NH 03431.
• Mary Elizabeth “Betsey” Reagan, 63, of Wilmington. Died Feb. 9, 2023 at her home. Betsey was born in Bethpage, New York on March 21, 1959, the daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Griffin) Reagan. She graduated from McArthur High School in Levittown, Long Island, and earned her bachelor's in fashion and business from Westbury College. In her earlier years, Betsey was the youngest window dresser for many large retail stores. Upon moving to Vermont, she owned and operated Dot's Restaurant of Dover for many years. Betsey enjoyed shopping, was always in fashion and was known as a fashion plate. She was a member of the Mt. Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce and volunteered at Twice Blessed. Betsey is survived by her sister Phyllis Arnold (Al) of Virginia and Florida; brother Paul Reagan (Jane) of Quechee; sister-in-law Patti Reagan of Wardsboro; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, John Reagan. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, of which she was a member. Visiting hours will be held Monday, Feb. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home in Wilmington. Interment will be held in the spring in Riverview Cemetery next to her parents. Donations to the Gathering Place, Grace Cottage Hospital or Twice Blessed, in care Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Barbara Ann Smith, 76, of Athens. Died on Feb. 6, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on Feb. 14, 1946, to the late Cedar Vorce and Helen (Dennett) Lumbis. Barbara was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She spent her early years as a CNA caring for those in nursing homes until she became a devoted mother and stayed home to raise her family. With her family grown, she decided to get back in the workforce and spent many years working for Vermont Academy, from which she later retired. Barbara's true joy came from spending time with family. She loved hosting holidays and family get-togethers at her home. She treasured the times spent with them and held a special place in her heart for them. Barbara was blessed with the companionship of Bruce Tenney, where they shared these memories together, in their home, for 20 plus years. In her free time, Barbara enjoyed baking, shopping, Bingo, coffee with friends, and visiting family in Massachusetts. She was also an animal lover and loved all her pets greatly, especially her “baby boy” Elliot, who she found through a dog adoption agency. She had a great sense of humor and loved storytelling and reminiscing about past memories with her loved ones. Barbara was preceded in death by her grandparents, Enville and Jennie (Bullard) Vorce; parents Cedar Vorce and Helen (Dennett) Lumbis; brothers Larry Vorce and Ricky Lumbis; sisters Bonnie Kunesch and Helen Lumbis; and grandson Cameron Parker. She is survived by sisters Donna Fernet and Diana Swan; a brother, Ronald Vorce; daughters Richess (Henry) Crosby, Brina (Richard) Parker, Jaime (Tom) Smith, Melissa (Walter) Hare, and Chrystal Amidon; a son, Richard (Renee) Prue; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Memorial information: A celebration of her life was held Feb. 14 at the Bartonsville Grange.
• Matthew Tenney, 47, of Athens. Died suddenly in Hinsdale, New Hampshire on Feb. 1, 2023. Matthew was born on Jan. 15, 1976 in Bellows Falls to Gerald and Patricia (Leary) Tenney. Matt is survived by his parents; his sister, Tracey Noyes; his grandfather, Adrian Tenney; his aunt, Lori Bissonett; his wife, Melinda Tenney; and his children Savannah, Abigail, and Joe. Matt was raised and settled in Athens. His hobbies included tending to his plants inside and outside of his house. He loved to cook, working on his home, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, and spending time with his children. Matt would say that his children were the best thing about him. Matt also enjoyed driving his school bus and having his children accompany him. This became a morning ritual for him. He liked spending time with his family and friends. His smile and humor were contagious. Everyone who met him liked him and many loved him. Matt loved cuddling with his children while watching a good movie or helping them learn how to fix things. The small things mattered the most, even something like plowing snow turned into a family event. He will be missed. Memorial information: Services will be held at a later date.