Milestones

Obituaries

• Barbara L Bristol, 66, of Putney, formerly of Brookline, Died March 29, 2023. She was born in Townsend on Feb. 8, 1957, the daughter of the late A.S. and Betty Clark. She graduated from Leland & Gray Union High School and the Thompson School of Nursing. She worked for many years at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend. Later in life, she enjoyed working at the Brattleboro and Putney Food Co-ops. She is survived by her daughter, Emily Moore, and son-in-law, Gero Dolfus, of Putney; granddaughter Grace Dolfus of Putney; and siblings Jan Bingham, Archie Clark II, and Win Clark. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Jay Bristol; and her son, Trevor Moore. Memorial information: A celebration of life service will be held later in the spring at Dover Center Cemetery.

• Allen Peter Dearborn, 83, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home on April 12, 2023. Peter was born July 19, 1939, the son of Allen and Ethel Brown Dearborn. He attended St. Michael's School in Brattleboro and St. Michael's College in Colchester, earning his degree in mathematics. He married Mary Corbeil on June 10, 1961. Peter and Mary had five children: Chris, Alison, Melissa, Jon, and Jackie. Peter dreamed of a life of flying with the Air Force but due to hearing complications pursued another career. Peter worked at the Book Press in Brattleboro, Peerless Insurance in Keene, New Hampshire (as the head of the Data Processing Division when computers were still in their infancy), and Leader Building Supply in Brattleboro. Beyond his work, his true passion was that of an artisan. He enjoyed wood working, carpentry, and upholstery. His workmanship can be found in many homes he enhanced through all of his dedicated years. He and Mary divorced in 1986 and Peter married Collette Desmarais, who had two children, Jen and Zack. They resided in Swanzey, New Hampshire until Collette's passing in 2018. Peter reunited with Mary C. Rivers, and shared her home at Chestnut Street in Brattleboro. In his free time, he loved to water ski and camp. If the lake was smooth as glass in the morning, he would try to start off the dock on one ski so he wouldn't get wet. He always tried to fix things that were broken, and liked to tinker with electronics, all while parsing out random tidbits of humor. Never the disciplinarian, he preferred to lead by quiet example, that it is better to use your creativity to make the world a better place, as was evident in his many handmade gifts and restoration projects. Peter is survived by his former wife, Mary C. Rivers of Brattleboro; his daughter, Jacqueline Dearborn and her husband Rawley Fosler of Marble, Colorado; his son, Christopher and his wife Pamela Siegel and their two children, Jasper and Kelsey of South Hadley, Massachusetts; his daughter Alison Dearborn and her husband Dave Kelley of Boulder, Colorado and her two children, McKenzie and Anna; granddaughter McKenzie Rieder, her husband Dan Allen and their three children, Gambol, Winona, and Aubrey of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; his granddaughter Anna Woods and her husband David Woods and their son, Merritt of Denver, Colorado; his daughter, Melissa Dearborn of Avon, Connecticut; his son, Jonathan Dearborn and his wife Cassandra Ryan and his daughter Isabella of Brattleboro; his stepdaughter, Jennifer K. Desmarais Longiaru and her husband Christopher, and their two daughters, Persephone and Calliope of Monroe, Connecticut; and Zachary Wilson and his daughter Charlie of Charleston, South Carolina. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, please give donations to a charity of your choice. To share a memory or condolences to Peter's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Richard S. Eastman, 75, of Brattleboro. Died at his home, surrounded by family, on April 18, 2023, of congestive heart failure. He was born April 5, 1948 in Medford, Massachusetts. He spent his early youth in Milford and Hampton Beach, New Hampshire before moving to Hinsdale, New Hampshire. At 17 years old, he earned his harness racing driver's license, becoming one the youngest drivers to ever do so. Some of the happiest days of his life were spent grooming, training and racing harness horses at the Hinsdale Raceway as well as up and down the Eastern seaboard from New Hampshire to Maryland. To support his growing family he took employment in 1978 at what was then Boise Cascade in Brattleboro, retiring from the paper mill after 34 years. Most recently, he enjoyed working as a school bus monitor for F.M. Kuzmeskus. He loved all animals, especially his rescue dogs Willy, Benny and Joey, and his cat Millie. He was an avid golfer and for many years was a member of the Pine Grove Golf Course in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, partnering with his golfing buddy Rick Bokum. In his earlier years, he was a member of a men's bowling league, the Hinsdale Racetrack team, and played softball on the Boise Cascade team. He was predeceased by his parents Roger and Margaret Eastman of Hinsdale, siblings Robert Eastman of Nashua, New Hampshire, Carol Brown of Hinsdale, and niece Linda Konkowski of Chesterfield. Surviving family members include his wife Cicely Eastman of Brattleboro; sister Jean Nay of Hinsdale; children Hope and husband Dean Sarver of Parker, Colorado; Melissa and husband Brian Steyer of Soldiers Grove, WI; Brett Eastman of Hinsdale, and Alan and wife Paula Zappala of Laconia, New Hampshire; stepdaughters Dana Johnson of Treasure Island, Florida, and Jill Johnson of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren Brayden Eastman of Hinsdale, Shawn Zappala of Laconia, Tyler Steyer of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Cameron Steyer and fiancee Ashley Atteln of Readstown, Wisconsin, Evan Brittingham of Parker, Cheyanne Zappala of Holden, Massachusetts, and Madison Johnson of Brattleboro; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial information: There will be no calling hours. The immediate family will be holding a small, private memorial service at a later date. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.

• Louise Laura Elliott, 95, of Brattleboro. Died on April 9, 2023, Easter Sunday, at home with her family present. She was born Feb. 23, 1928 in Wrentham, Massachusetts. She attended the Providence Bible Institute where she met her husband, Eugene. They were married on June 4, 1949. She was a devoted Christian, loved to sing in the church choirs, and was the organist for some of the churches that her husband pastored. She was loved by everyone who ever had the extreme privilege of knowing her. Louise was the oldest member of the West Brattleboro Baptist Church and was known for her famous apple pies and the fudge she made every Christmas. She is survived by her three daughters, Donna McLellan of Brattleboro, Patti Paquette of Vernon, and Darlene and her husband Colgate Gilbert of Keene, New Hampshire; grandchildren Jolene, Laura, Frederick, and Nelson; and great-grandchildren Brittney and Evan Wright and Jace and Jaxon Snow. Her granddaughter Shannon predeceased her. She is also survived by a close family friend, Steven Paquette, who Louise thought of as a son and was always there when she needed him. Memorial information: A memorial service is planned for May 6, at 1 p.m., at West Brattleboro Baptist Church. Donations in her honor can be made to Bayada Hospice.

• Nancy Elizabeth Kaeppel, 80, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on April 17, 2023, in Saratoga Springs, New York, with family by her side. Nancy was born in Brattleboro on Oct. 3, 1942, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Coughlin) Parmenter. She attended St. Michael's Parochial School and Castleton State College. Nancy was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. She had worked as office manager for her son's business, Butch's Moving & Storage in Brattleboro, which she retired from in 2020. Previously, she was employed by Bolster Movers, and Georgia-Pacific, starting with the company at the time it was known as Erving Paper. Nancy enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her beloved dogs. Her summers were spent in York Beach, Maine, with family and friends, enjoying the ocean, shopping, and shows at the Ogunquit Playhouse. On Jan. 15, 1959, she married Robert M. “Bob” Kaeppel, who predeceased her. Nancy leaves four sons: Michael of Brattleboro, Kevin of South Berwick, Maine, Phillip (Karen) of Vernon, and Robert (Alisha) of Guilford; three daughters: Elizabeth Murdough (Herbert) of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, Lisa Levesque (Paul) of Charlestown, New Hampshire, and Barbara Hewes (Nathan) also of Charlestown. Nancy spent a great deal of time with her grandchildren Patrick, Kate, Jesse, Kody, Neylon, Nikolas, Colin, MacKenzie, Matthew, Jacob, Kristopher, Jordan, Morgan, Natalie, and Colleen. Nancy was blessed with nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Krista Murdough, and her brother, Thomas Parmenter. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 5, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Committal Rites and burial will follow in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or to Brigid's Kitchen, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Jonathan Kinnersley, 57, of Brattleboro, ended his battle with ALS on March 22, 2023 with the same grace and courage he'd shown throughout his illness. He died at home with his wife Susan present. Born on May 5, 1965, Jonathan loved life and learning. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a Ph.D. in atmospheric science and continued on to postgraduate work at the University of Washington in Seattle. There he met Susan during a hiking trip. Together, they had two children, Hazel and Charlie. He was a wonderful father and his children brought out the very best in him. Jonathan loved music. A violinist, he played classical music as well as modern and traditional fiddle tunes. He enjoyed composing music for friends and family both on the violin and the guitar. He recently had two of his fiddle tunes published in Fiddler Magazine, one of his last accomplishments. Jonathan loved singing and sang with the chorale, choir and his much loved a cappella group, the Harmony Lot. He enjoyed trying new things and began acting in recent years and took to it immediately enjoying both the work and the people. Jonathan loved the outdoors all seasons and all weather. He was an avid cyclist, hiker, skier, and snowboarder. He loved gardening and creating unique spaces to sit outside and enjoy nature. Everyone will miss this intelligent, kind, and sometimes goofy man. He leaves his family - Susan, Hazel, Charlie, his sister Theresa and her partner Mel with everlasting fond memories and music. Memorial information: A celebration of Jonathan's Life will be held on Monday, May 29, at 3 p.m., at 187 Hillwinds Rd. Brattleboro. Anyone who wishes to share a memory of Jonathan or would like to bring a snack to share may email Susan at [email protected].

• Douglas Lawton “Joe” March, 79, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully in his sleep on March 27, 2023 at his home in Warren, Maine, eight days after his 79th birthday. He was in the company of his wife Pat, his niece Nadine Kissell Lyman, and his sister-in-law Pat Lyman, who was telling him a story about “the good old days” that put a smile on his face. Born March 19, 1944, in Brattleboro to Hal Lawton March and Edith Louise (Coates) March, he is survived by his wife, Patricia, his niece Nadine Kissell (John Therrien), his nephew Paul “Buzz” Lyman (Nicole), cousins Phil and Bonnie Brown, great-niece Kelsey Kissell (Kyle Gouin), his beloved dog “Autumn Too,” and his brothers Robin and Hal March (Marge). In 1961, Joe graduated from Brattleboro Union High School. A metal plate in his leg from a bicycle accident kept him from armed service, but with his graduation present, a Caterpillar bulldozer, Joe immediately went to work. A few of his many jobs were as a deputy sheriff in Windham County, car salesman in Massachusetts, ski lift attendant at Hogback Mountain in Marlboro, go-kart mechanic (trophy, first overall, Thunder Road enduro at Barre), and contributing writer for Northern Logger. In 1974, Joe and Bob Davis of Dummerston went into business as March Construction. After building a garage, a sawmill, and a log house in Guilford, Joe and BUHS and University of Vermont graduate Patricia Lyman opened a second business, Thistle Ridge Greenhouses. Coming to a favorite vacation spot in Maine. In 1997, they were married on the point at Marshall Light. In 2002, they bought a plot of land on Otter Cove in Friendship, Maine. March Construction had evolved into a landscaping business, which they sold before they moved to their Maine property and built a house and garage by the sea. Soon unable to stand retirement, Joe bought The Dinner Pail clam shack on Route 97 in Friendship, where he and Pat moved plenty of lobster rolls and Whoopie pies. A year later, he sold that business and began another landscaping and earth-moving business in Thomaston, where he and Pat were very active in the creation of Thomaston Dog Park. Taking the name “The Black Dirt Guy,” Joe researched and wrote the book (which he also sold) on organic compost. In 2021, Joe sold his home on the cove and they moved into a new house on Wottons Mill Road in Warren. His Black Dirt business will continue under the direction of Pat, Nadine Kissell and long-time employee Chris Grout. “Joe” was a nickname that he grew up with, and he liked to give nicknames to all of his friends and associates. He loved his machinery; he named each one: “Dirt Girl,” “Gecko” (the green one), and so on. Joe's life was full of adventures and he was a great storyteller. He could be a hard-nosed businessman, but he valued honesty, high standards, and personal relationships above all. Beyond all his hard work and business success, Joe will be remembered for his sense of humor, his ready smile, and his big heart, always willing to help others in any way he could. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held on May 1, at 5 p.m., at Broad Bay Congregational Church of Christ at 941 Main St., in Waldoboro, Maine. It will be a celebration of Joe's life and legacy, with food, pictures and music and all things that Joe enjoyed. Another memorial gathering will be held at a later date in Joe's hometown of Brattleboro. Donations be sent to Thomaston Dog Park Association, P.O. Box 342, Thomaston, ME 04861. Letters of condolence can be sent to Pat March, 67 Wottons Mill Road, Warren, ME 04864.

• Romaine Michael Smith, 61, of Jamaica. Died April 11, 2023 on Route 30 in Jamaica as a result of injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident. A lifelong resident of the West River Valley, Romaine was born in Townshend on Jan. 19, 1962, the son of Raymond Russell and Irene Maude (Knight) Smith. He attended school in Jamaica and was a graduate of Leland & Gray High School. He worked in the logging business most of his career, for many years as an independent logger. Romaine loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, deep sea fishing, riding his Harley-Davidson, and time shared with his family and large host of friends. He also enjoyed music and watching detective shows. A man of faith, with his wife he attended Calvary Church in West Townshend. On Sept. 24, 2011, in Jamaica, he was married to Donna Marie Mercier, who survives. Besides his devoted wife, he leaves two sons, Michael (Monica) and Mitchell (Deanna), all of Jamaica; stepdaughters Desaray Mercier of Westminster and Amanda Bragg of Texas; stepson Joshua Mercier of Virginia; brothers Russell Smith of Jamaica, Raymond Smith (Debbie) of Londonderry, and Peter Smith (Patricia), also of Londonderry; a half-sister, Ginny of New York; and a half-brother, Norman of North Carolina. Additionally, he is survived by six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, and several cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters, Ramona Coleman and Rhonda Brown. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be conducted Saturday, May 6, at noon, at the Calvary Church in West Townshend with a reception to follow. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com. To defer the cost of funeral expenses, the family asks that donations be made directly to Atamaniuk Funeral Home using the Tribute Fund tab located on Romaine's online obituary.

• Judith Jayne “Judy” (Diem) Wagenbach, 77, of Putney, formerly of Madison, New Jersey. Died on March 28, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, after a sudden illness. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and longtime teacher, she was born in Newark, New Jersey on February 20, 1946, the daughter of Howard and Isabel (Jayne) Diem, proudly growing up in Newark with her older sister Carol. Growing up, Judy's idyllic summers were spent at Longwood Lake in Oak Ridge, New Jersey in a cabin built by her father. Judy graduated with honors from Vailsburg High School in 1963 and was a member of the Steven Crane Chapter of the National Honor Society. She graduated from Montclair State College, cum laude, with a B.A. in home economics in 1967, and was president of the College Chapter of the AHEA and a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. Judy continued her education by earning a master's at Seton Hall University and obtaining a Wilson Reading Certification, enabling her to work with dyslexic students. Judy began her teaching career in Parsippany and then taught from 1977 until 2004 in Morris Plains, New Jersey at both the Morris Plains Borough School and the Mountain Way School. Judy was named a teacher of the year and was twice invited by former students to their National Honor Society Induction ceremonies as the teacher who most influenced them, an honor of which she was especially proud. Judy is survived by her husband Wayne A. Wagenbach, whom she met in seventh grade, began dating in 11th grade, and married on Aug. 19, 1967, following their graduation from Montclair State. They chose to reside in Madison where they raised their family. Judy and Wayne were active members of Grace Episcopal Church in Madison where Judy was a Sunday School teacher and member of the Vestry. In 1994 they built a summer home on Cape Cod, where friends and family gathered and memories were made. In 2004, Judy and Wayne retired to Putney, where Judy continued teaching as a Wilson instructor at Putney Central School, Greenwood School, and Landmark College. In Vermont, Judy volunteered at the Hilltop House, serving on its Board, and was a member of the Brattleboro Floral Arts and Garden Club, serving as vice-president and president. Judy had many talents, including knitting and quilting and donated her beautiful mittens and quilts to many charitable organizations and events. Judy was famous for her baking and cooking skills and took joy in making chocolate chip cookies for all. Judy positively impacted countless lives and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her, including her faithful canine companions Gordon and Leona. In addition to her husband, Judy is survived by her sons Paul Wagenbach and his wife Staci of Mendham, New Jersey and Kurt Wagenbach and his wife Katherine of Putney, and her cherished grandchildren Kemp, Leah, Charles, and Kole Wagenbach. Judy is also survived by her sister Carol Diem Brady of Madeira Beach, Florida, and by her brother-in-law Todd Wagenbach and sister-in-law Camille Wagenbach of Brick, New Jersey and their sons Todd, Jr., and Michael. She is also survived by her aunt, Joy Jayne, and her children David, Kathy, and Kim, and by her cousin Nancy Jane Preston. And Judy's life was made all the better by her many friends, including Jane, Theresa, Harriet, and Gloria. Memorial information: At Judy's request, there will be no funeral services and the family will celebrate Judy's life privately. Donations to St. Brigid's Kitchen, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301 or the Putney Food Shelf, 10 Christian Square, P.O. Box 337, Putney, VT 05346.

Services

• A funeral Mass for Winifred J. “Winnie” Amarosa will be conducted Friday, April 28, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Burial will follow in the Amarosa family lot in Pine Grove Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. A lifelong resident of Hinsdale, Mrs. Amarosa died on January 7, 2023 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire. To view her full obituary and share condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Graveside funeral services for Dana Dix are scheduled for Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m., in Sadawga Cemetery in Whitingham. Mr. Dix, 73, a resident of Whitingham, died Feb. 8, 2023 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

• Graveside committal services for Thelma Latchis “Terry” Carvelas will be conducted Saturday, April 29, at 11:30 a.m., in Morningside Cemetery with Fr. Thomas Lokotis of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Holyoke, Massachusetts officiating. Mrs. Carvelas, 92, a native of Brattleboro, died on Feb. 25, 2023 in Park City, Utah. Her complete obituary can be viewed at www.atamaniuk.com.

• Graveside committal services for Phillip J. Haskins will be conducted Saturday, April 29, at 1 p.m. at the family lot in Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro. A reception will follow the services to be held at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street. Mr. Haskins, 83, of Brattleboro, died Feb, 28, 2023. To view his full obituary, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• A celebration of life service for Donna Ann Daley will be conducted Saturday, April 29, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Eagles Club on Chickering Drive. Donna, 74, died in her home on Jan. 21, 2023. To view her full obituary and share a memory, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• A celebration of the life of Geraldine “Gerry” Kunkle will be held at The Gleanery in Putney on Saturday, May 13, between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. Mrs. Kunkle, 92, of Putney, died at Vernon Green Nursing Home on March 23, 2023.