Obituaries
• Bettymae (Burnham) (Wood) Bond, 88, of Dummerston. Died peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 17, 2023 at The Arbors in Shelburne, Vermont, where she had resided for the past five years. She was married twice; first to Roger Wood with whom she had four children, Michael (deceased at birth), Diane (Alan) Saunders of Bristol, Timothy (deceased), and Ernest (Brenda) of East Dummerston; then Harry Bond after Roger's death. She had five grandchildren: Jenna, Patrick, David, Ben, and Keith. Bettymae was involved in many volunteer organizations over the years, as she loved helping people and children. She worked at Dwight Miller Orchards and the Scott Farm in Dummerston as the kids were growing up and spent her last working years at East Dummerston School as library resource clerk. Memorial information: Bettymae was laid to rest in the family plot at Dummerston Center Cemetery. Considering her love for cats and the upcoming kitten season, anyone wishing to remember her may do so with a contribution to their local humane shelter in her memory to their kitten fund.
• Elaine Boynton, 80, of Rockingham. Died peacefully in her home on April 19, 2023. Elaine was born in Rockingham to the late Burdette Pease and Elizabeth (Jones) Pease on Nov. 9, 1942. Elaine attended Charlestown (N.H.) High School, Class of 1960, and worked for Cray Oil Company in North Walpole and M&W Soils Engineering in Charlestown as an administrative assistant. She was always a friendly and helpful co-worker who brought a lively and fun spirit to every room she was in. She was a champion full-time mom and “meme,” raising her two children and three grandchildren and sharing her energy, fun spirit, and endless love. She was always cheering for the kids and their friends and frequently volunteered for school events or committees. The arrival of her first great-grandson in 2021 brought her endless moments of joy in her final days. Elaine was a longtime member of the Charlestown Women's Club and active with the Charlestown Area Christmas Fund. Christmas was her favorite time of year when the Boynton house was known for its beautiful Christmas decorations, including a Christmas tree in every room of the house for the Women's Club Christmas House Tours fundraiser. She was also proud of her involvement with the fundraising campaign to beautify Main Street with the lovely lamp posts that still adorn the town today with flowers in the summer and wreaths in the winter. Elaine is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, John Boynton of North Charlestown; daughter Deborah (Boynton) Blanc and her husband,Matt Blanc of Charlestown; son Todd Boynton and his wife Lorri (Demond) Boynton of North Charlestown; grandchildren Emily (Boynton) St. Pierre and her husband Gabe St. Pierre of North Charlestown; Austin Boynton and his wife Samantha (Weick) Boynton and their son, Elaine's only great-grandchild and light of her life, Parker Douglas Boynton, Charlestown; Samantha Blanc and her fiancé Christopher Bogossian of Manchester, Vermont. She was predeceased by both her parents and an infant sister. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Elaine's memory to David's House, 461 Mount Support Rd., Lebanon, NH. 03766 (davids-house.org), or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (alz.org).
• Patricia Edith “Pat” Butler, 84, of West Brattleboro. Died April 22, 2023 in the comfort of her home, with her family by her side, following an extended illness. Pat was born in Shoreham, Vermont on Jan. 9, 1939, the daughter of Archie and Mary (Haseltine) Putnam. She moved to Brattleboro at an early age with her family, and attended Academy School and Brattleboro High School. She worked in the binding department at the former Book Press in Brattleboro for 15 years and previously served as a route driver delivering papers for the Brattleboro Reformer. During her earlier years, Pat worked as a chambermaid at both the Colonial Motel and at the Quality Inn. With her family, she attended West Brattleboro Baptist Church. Pat enjoyed reading, watching old classic movies, and time shared with her family. On May 13, 1961 in Brattleboro, she was married to Clifford Martelle. She later married Herbert F. Butler, Sr. on April 7, 1984. Herbert predeceased Pat on Dec. 27, 2005. Survivors include daughters Diana Butler, Deborah Martin, and Denise Martelle, all of Brattleboro; six grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Dale Martelle, brothers William and Roy Putnam, and sisters Dorothy Foster and Ruth Bell. Memorial information: Graveside services will be conducted in West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road on Saturday, May 27, at 2 p.m., where Pat will be laid to rest with her husband in the Putnam family lot. Donations to the Brattleboro Senior Center, 207 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Eric Arthur Cutter, 54, of Brattleboro. Died April 25, 2023 at his home, with his family at his side. Eric was born on Jan. 2, 1969 in Brattleboro to the late Edward Cutter Sr. and Linda (Seymour) Cutter. Eric was a lifelong resident of the area and a familiar and friendly face to many. He was a talented mechanic who loved riding and fixing motorcycles. He recently finished restoring a 1977 Harley Davidson Shovelhead. Eric leaves behind a longtime good friend, Judy Wingerter of Putney; a sister, Wendy Parent and her husband Butch of Hinsdale, New Hampshire; a brother, Edward Cutter and his wife Paula Prifti of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; his big sister Yvonne Cutler and her husband Charles Cutler of Seymour, Tennessee; a niece, Crystal Mink and her husband Heath; nephews Joseph and Brandon Parent; and numerous cousins and many good friends. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of life at a later date. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.
• Doris L. Dearborn, 94, of Brattleboro. Died April 25, 2023 at her home with her beloved family by her side. Doris was born in Franklin, New Hampshire on Jan. 28, 1929, the daughter of Ivan L. and Winnifred M. (Cutler) Brown. Doris graduated from Franklin High School in 1947 and from the Household Nursing School in Boston with a degree in Practical Nursing in 1949. She practiced nursing in Boston and Brockton, Massachusetts, and Mystic, Connecticut. She married Frank H. Dearborn on Aug. 30, 1952 in Franklin, and they moved to Brattleboro in 1957 when Frank became the director of the Recreation & Parks Deparment. She lived a very active lifestyle and loved to play tennis and ping pong, walk, bike, hike, snowshoe, and cross-country ski. Doris was a Long Trail End-to-Ender and finished hiking the 270-mile long Vermont trail in 1999. The 251 Club captivated her and her husband's attention and inspired them to travel to the far corners of Vermont to visit all 251 towns with Ellen and Bob Rounds. She traveled to all 50 states, reaching the 50th state (Oregon) on her 50th wedding anniversary on a two-week trip in 2002 with her husband and daughter. For many years in the 1960s and 1970s, a tightknit group of families comprised the DDAC (Doris Dearborn Athletic Club), and joyfully set out on hiking, biking, or cross-country ski excursions nearly every weekend. She felt grateful for so many adventurous hikes shared with her husband and daughter, including hiking down into the Grand Canyon, around the island of Kauai in Hawaii, to high huts in the White Mountains, the Milford Track in New Zealand, and Mt. Washington for her 75th birthday. When she wasn't adventuring, Doris worked as a teacher's aide at Brattleboro Union High School, as well as for Dunham Brothers, the Holstein Association, and the Town Crier. She volunteered at Red Cross blood drawings, the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital coffee shop, RSVP, Thompson House, and Holton Home. Doris is remembered for her generosity and kindness, her boundless energy and spirit, and straightforward manner. She always made time to visit friends who were homebound or in a nursing home and treasured visits with friends and family even more so in her later years. Knitting was her lifelong hobby. Her fingers were constantly on the move knitting another baby sweater for a newborn or mittens for RSVP. Doris would never turn down the chance to play cards or Triominos. A revered cook, she is especially remembered for her apple pie, whoopee pies, chocolate éclair cake, lemon crisp cookies, and four-layer chocolate cake. Survivors include a daughter, Donna Dearborn (Wally Kangas) of Chester; a son, David Dearborn of Brattleboro; one sister, Elizabeth Logan of Leavenworth, Kansas; a grandson, Josh Hanson (Irina) of Kew Gardens, New York; a granddaughter, Meka Dearborn of Brattleboro; and a great-granddaughter Mara Kaplan Hanson of Kew Gardens. She was predeceased by her husband, a daughter, Debra Dearborn Hanson; three brothers, Ivan Brown, Bernard Brown, and Robert Brown; and two sisters, Virginia Morehead and Frances Jette. Memorial information: In accordance with Doris's wishes, there will be no service at this time. A private committal service will be held at Franklin (N.H.) Cemetery, at the convenience of her family. Donations to the Green Mountain Club, 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Center, VT 05677. To share a memory or send a message of condolence to the family, send to Donna Dearborn, 3514 Flamstead Rd, Chester, VT 05143 or visit atamaniuk.com.
• Frank E. Farnsworth, 74, of Saxtons River. Died peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 26, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Frank was born inClaremont, New Hampshire on July 15, 1948 to Edna (Dumas) and Ralph “Bronc” Farnsworth. Frank's lifelong love of animals and helping others started early and provided many stories and memories that will live on and be cherished by all that knew him. On Jan. 1, 1966, he married Charlene M. Bain of Bellows Falls, and they built a life of hard work and adventures with their daughters Tresa Williams of Westminster West, Bernadette Barr of Warwick, Rhode Island, and Heather Gregory (Jamie) of Grafton. Frank leaves his wife, daughters, and grandchildren Kristine Williams, Amanda Wilcox, Kayla Joyner, Mario Farnsworth, Fernando Meo, Taylor Gregory, and Lucas Gregory, as well as many great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and grandson Ryan Williams, as well as two of his favorite people, his Aunt Phyllis and brother John Morse. Memorial information: Visitation will take place on Friday, May 5, from 5 to 6 p.m., with a service starting at 6 p.m., at Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. Burial will take place at a later time in Saxtons River.
• Randall Alvin “Randy” King, 71, of Vernon. Died April 25, 2023 at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, following an extended period of declining health. He was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 28, 1952, the son of Ronald and Martha (Chowanec) King. Raised and educated in Dummerston, he attended local schools, including Brattleboro Union High School. Randy owned and operated King's Auto Body off of Governor Hunt Road in Vernon, which he established in 1982. The business included a full-service Gulf gas station. He previously owned and operated Brattleboro Shell on the corner of Putney Road and Terrace Street. Randy enjoyed restoring classic cars and his pride and joy was his 1957 Chevy. Throughout the years he restored many vehicles; his work was impeccable. He was an excellent mechanic and held membership in the Now & Then Car Club. In conjunction with attending area car shows, he drag-raced for several years winning several competitions. Of his other interests, he enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. On July 11, 1970 at the Putney Federated Church, he was married to Dianna Ellis who survives. Besides his faithful wife of 52 years, he leaves three sons, Randall A. King, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and John R. King and Joshua A. King, both of Vernon; four sisters, Cheryl Aplin, Dolores Sylvester, Norma Ives, and Frances Brochu; one brother, Alton King; six grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by four sisters, Sheila Lawrence, Clarice Short, Darlene Hutchins, and Joyce Keeler; and four brothers, Raymond, Reginald, Dennis, and Fred King. Memorial information: Funeral services were held on May 2 at Grace Community Evangelical Free Church in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, with burial in the King family lot in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Ira John Knapp Sr., 80, of South Wardsboro. Died peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 20, 2023. He was born in Wardsboro on January 23, 1943 to Ira A. and Ora Mae Knapp. Ira (known as “Pops” to family) enjoyed the outdoors and tinkering on many little projects. He will be dearly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to meet him on the road, share a story, and leave with a chuckle. He leaves behind his brother, Jim Knapp: his son, Ira John Knapp, Jr. (Michelle); and a granddaughter, Karli Knapp: James R. Knapp (Amy) and grandsons James and Alexander Knapp. He also leaves behind his longtime girlfriend, Terry Parsons and his beloved little dog Louie. He was predeceased by two sisters: Yvonne Lowe and Rose Ann Powers. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.
• Isabelle J. Mann, 85, of Spofford, New Hampshire. Died Jan. 29, 2023 at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Mrs. Mann was born in Keene, New Hampshire on Dec. 13, 1937, the daughter of Arvid (known as Pat) and Eleanor (Schlichting) Pearson. She was raised in the village of Spofford, where she often enjoyed riding her horses with her mother and swimming as often as possible each summer in Spofford Lake. She attended grade school in Spofford and graduated from Keene High School in 1955. Isabelle worked in Keene as a filing assistant during her high school summers for the Peerless Insurance Company. After graduating, she worked as a secretary for the International Narrow Fabric Company in Keene until she married, when she became a devoted wife and mother. Isabelle met the love of her life while sitting on the beach at Spofford Lake during the summer of 1957. On Oct. 4, 1958, she married Kimball E. Mann of Brattleboro, where they resided for the next 37 years. During this time, Isabelle was a homemaker who she raised three children and volunteered to help with public events and clubs such as the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Woman's Evening Club, the PTA, and many bake sales and fundraisers. Throughout the years, she also worked part-time in the family business at J.E. Mann's Department Store on Main Street. In 1995, Kim and Isabelle moved to North Shore Road in Spofford, where they soon retired to enjoy life on the lake. They enjoyed traveling and visiting many locations including the Caribbean, Alaska, the entire Eastern Coast, as well as Germany. During their later years, they enjoyed celebrating many family gatherings and occasions at Spofford Lake, including their 50th wedding anniversary. Isabelle also enjoyed the wildlife around the lake ,which was daily entertainment for her; especially the birds at her birdfeeder each day. Isabelle was predeceased by her husband on April 16, 2014. Her only sister, Eleanor “Tecia” Volz of Albuquerque, New Mexico died on March 25, 2023. Survivors include her daughters, Susan Mernick of Shelburne and Patti Shappy and her husband Bill of South Burlington; her son, Andrew Mann of Clarendon Springs; grandchildren Garrett and Brenden Mernick, Jennifer Swanson, and Sarah McLeod; great-grandchildren Cole, Stella, Leo, and Remi; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial information: A graveside service for family and close friends will be conducted Saturday, May 6, at 2 p.m., in Friedsam Cemetery in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Donations to the Spofford Fire Department (where her father served as Fire Chief for many decades), P.O. Box 136, Spofford, NH 03462; or to The Spofford Lake Association, P.O. Box 177, Spofford, NH 03462. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Robert F. “Bob” Moriarty, 78, of Springfield, Massachusetts. Died peacefully April 18, 2023 at his camp at Kenolie Campgrounds in Newfane, surrounded by his family and friends following an extended period of declining health. Bob was born in Springfield on Sept. 3, 1944, the son of Robert and Josephine (Bertelli) Moriarty. He was raised and educated in Springfield, graduating from Commerce High School, Class of 1962. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Coast Guard, serving during the Vietnam War. Bob enlisted in 1962 and was honorably discharged from active service in 1966. Bob was employed as a firefighter for the city of Springfield, retiring in 2001 as a lieutenant following 30 faithful and dedicated years with the department. Bob enjoyed camping, golf, and hunting trips in Maine. On Sept. 3, 1994 in Springfield, he was married to Donna Matosky, who survives. Besides his wife, he leaves one daughter, Shawna Moriarty of Springfield; siblings Marshall Moriarty of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, Carol Barnes of Southwick, Massachusetts, Jacqui Smith of Gilman, Connecticut, and Geraldine Brewster of Niantic, Connecticut; granddaughter Emily Moriarty and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by a sister, Geraldine Baird. Memorial information: In keeping with his final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Leonarda “Leah” Ostrowski, 92, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully in her sleep after a sudden illness on March 27, 2023 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Born in Poland on June 9, 1930, her young life spanned the depths of World War II as she survived the horrors against humanity that surrounded her. In her steely resolve, she married, had children, and immigrated to America in 1965, landing in Bellows Falls. There, she continued her strong work ethic at Green Mountain Paper Mill for many years. In 1995, she took employment at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire where she worked as head seamstress, and provided interpreter services for those patients who spoke Polish, Russian, German, Ukrainian, and other languages. She was a woman of many talents and a proud and valuable employee at the hospital. She remained employed there until she was 85 and boasted the title of oldest employee whenever she saw fit. Her traditional Polish cooking and masterful knitting and sewing talents will not soon be forgotten. Many have heard some of her tales, as she was a great storyteller. Her favorite subject was her unique life and the wisdom she had to offer. Those who knew Leah remember some of her favorite adages, sometimes delivered with a finger wag, such as “Work smart, not hard!” or “It is only up to you!” or “For what you need this?” She will be greatly missed by her family. Leah was predeceased by her beloved husband, Czeslaw Ostrowski, as well as two boys, Mietek and Leszek, lost in Poland to the Scarlet Fever epidemic. She leaves behind her children and their spouses, Anna and Scott Michaud, Janusz and Jodi Ostrowski, Marcus and Shelley Ostrowski, and Marjan and Victoria Ostrowski. She bids goodbye to her grandchildren Jarek, Jordan, Nathan, Justine, Alastair, Victoria, Andrew, and Bethany, as well as great-grandchild Brooks. She also leaves her most beloved sister in Poland, Danuta Kukuc, with whom she Skyped or emailed daily for many years. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m., at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls, followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Westminster ans a celebration of Leah's life at the Moose Lodge in Bellows Falls.
• Albert Harvey Root, 94, of Vernon. Died unexpectedly on April 23, 2023, one day shy of his 95th birthday. Mr. Root was born in Colrain, Massachusetts on April 24, 1928, the son of Adolphus and Olivine (Nadeau) Root. He was raised and educated in Halifax, where he attended public schools. He proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany. He entered active service on Nov. 9, 1949 and was honorably discharged from the service at the rank of corporal on Feb. 2, 1953. Mr. Root was employed as a woodworker at Basketville at its location in Brattleboro and later in Putney. Previously, he worked at the former Crosby Milling Company on Vernon Road. He was an accomplished woodworker and built furniture for all his family, the finished pieces included tables, grandfather clocks, entertainment centers, and other beautiful items for the home. He was a collector of antique clocks, amassing a collection of well over 200-time pieces. Albert also enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and time spent with his family. On Jan. 8, 1950, in Brattleboro, he was married to Sharon Martin. His devoted wife of 45 years predeceased him on Dec. 23, 1995. Survivors include one son, Jeffrey Root and wife Carol and a daughter, Deidre Parker and husband Mark, both of Vernon; a brother, Donald Root of Zephyr Hills, Florida; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Additionally, he leaves many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one son, Kevin Root; three brothers, Adolphus, Lawrence, and Alfred Root; and five sisters, Delia Hamblin, Ann Salerno, Ilene Bridges, Erma Crowell, and Sylvia Linnvill. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with military honors will were conducted on May 1 in the family lot in Tyler Cemetery in Vernon. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Robin Scudder, 66, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully following a brief illness on April 23, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on Sept. 27, 1956 in Keene, New Hampshire and graduated as a National Merit Scholar from Keene High School in 1974. She graduated cum laude from Bryn Mawr College in 1978 with a degree in sociology. Robin returned to the Keene area and became the editor of Leisure Weekly, a Keene-based weekly newspaper. Robin met the love of her life, Hervey C. Scudder III, during an interview Robin conducted for Leisure Weekly. They married in 1983. On February 26, 2023, Robin and Hervey celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Robin centered her life on caring for children who needed the kind of love and support she had to offer. As foster parents, she and Hervey provided a secure home for more than 120 children in the Brattleboro area. Robin's dedication as a child advocate was recognized statewide. She served as the president of the Vermont Foster and Adoptive Families Association and was honored with the Social and Rehabilitation Services Commissioner's Award from the state of Vermont. Her long-term loving care endeared her to many hearts in her community. There are not enough words to express the level of devotion she gave to her family and the foster children who joined them. Robin enjoyed cooking for her family and the Bradley House, and she was a food vendor at the Brattleboro Farmers' Market. She spent free time scrapbooking, gardening, and was an avid reader. In her later life, Robin picked up the ukulele and enjoyed playing it. Most of all, Robin took pleasure in spending time with her children and extended family. Robin is survived by her husband; her mother, Wilma Horton of Tennessee; her children, Christine (Niki) Pierce of Brattleboro, Amanda Scudder and her wife Heidi Lebron of Brattleboro, Kristen and Bari Barlow of Ocala, Florida, Kim and Mark Rowan of Sale Creek, Tennessee, Teri Fowler of Vermont, Alisha Scudder of Londonderry, Hervey C. Scudder IV and wife Linda Kelc of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Heather and Robert Burd of Titusville, New Jersey, Jocelyn and Michael Midgette of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Elizabeth and Michael Van Brunt of Bernardsville, New Jersey, and Sara Scudder of Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Robin also leaves her siblings Jeffery and Ruthie Horton of Palm Coast, Florida, Stephen Horton of Marlborough, New Hampshire, Heidi and Ron Bambach of Kinde, Michigan, and Pearl Foster of Harriman, Tennessee. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of life on May 21 at the VFW in Brattleboro from noon to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate your time or financial support to Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro (brookslibraryvt.org/donate).
• Nancy Gouger Whelan, 80, of Guilford. Died on April 26, 2023 in her son's home, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Nancy was born in Brattleboro on Feb. 3, 1943, the daughter of Henry and Marie (Torrey) Gouger. A lifelong resident of the area, she attended St. Michael's Parochial School and high school and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1960. For many years, she was employed as a meter reader for Central Vermont Public Service. She retired in 2006 following many years of faithful service with CVPS. Previously, Nancy worked at the former American Optical Company as a lens inspector and had also worked as a seasonal clerk at the post office and as a waitress at several Brattleboro area restaurants. A devout Catholic, she was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Active fraternally, she was a member of the BPO Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499, and the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary. She enjoyed wintering in Sarasota, Florida and vacations in York Beach, Maine. One of her most memorable trips was with her siblings traveling to Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and France. She also enjoyed watching and feeding hummingbirds, hunting, her dogs Maddie and Rocky, and time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. On Jan. 6, 1962, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, she was married to Edward Whelan, who survives. She also leaves her five children: Lisa Flannery (Bill) of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, Lori Brown of South Newfane, Lynda Mili (Jamie) of Worcester, Massachusetts, Edward Whelan II (Cajsa) of Guilford, and Leslie Houssan (Andre) of Millbury, Massachusetts; siblings Carolee Blouin of Brattleboro, Henry “Jack” Gouger of Dummerston, Christopher Gouger of Newfane, Jill Browne of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, Jeffrey Gouger of Brattleboro, Janis Wellbrock of Oldsmar, Florida, and Mark Gouger of Brattleboro. Additionally, she is survived by grandchildren Lindsey, Jodi, Chelsea, Lauren, Samantha, Trevor, Courtney, Sean-Patrick, Andrew, Brooke, Kayleigh, Chase, and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Austin, Emie, Laney, Ben, and Olivia; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by one brother, Charles “Chuck” Gouger. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial will follow in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Friday, May 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. Donations to Saint Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Susan Rae Wilkins, 64, of Saxtons River. Died on April 5, 2023 of natural causes after a lengthy illness. Susan was very well liked by everyone she encountered. Her unique sense of humor had many belly rolling with laughter. She also liked to play cribbage and Uno. Susan cared for people in many ways. She earned her LNA license and worked at McGirr Nursing Home in Bellows Falls. One thing, among many, that Susan was very proud of was her more than 18 years of sobriety. She took great pride in this accomplishment. Susan leaves behind her fiancé, Donald Pike Jr. of Saxtons River, their cat Rex, and her sisters Amy Carleton and Melissa Severino, both of Springfield, Vermont, as well as a handful of nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held June 11, at 2 p.m., at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. Donations to the Disabled American Veterans. DAV National Service Office, VA Medical Center, 215 N. Main St., White River Junction, VT 05001.
Services
• The life of Janette Neubauer will be celebrated on Saturday, May 6, at 1 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 161 Western Ave., Brattleboro. A reception will follow. Mrs. Neubauer died on Nov. 15, 2022, at her home in Brattleboro.