College news
• Angelo Domina of Brattleboro was awarded a B.A. in political science from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island.
• The following local students recently earned their degrees at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts: Liam Kennedy of Brattleboro, magna cum laude with a B.A. in geography; Julianne Liebow of Townshend, summa cum laude with a B.A. in biology; Abbe Kathryn Cravinho of Bellows Falls, magna cum laude with a B.A. in mathematics; Kai S. Hammond of Putney, B.A. in physics; and Jack T. Langeloh of Putney, cum laude with a B.A. in history.
• Two local students at Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts presented original research, creative works, and academic presentations at the annual Connected Learning Symposium in April 2023. Kaie Quigley of West Wardsboro presented work done by the staff of the 1851 Chronicle, Lasell's student-run newspaper, for which Quigley was co-editor-in-chief, and Sophia Mark of Brattleboro participated in a ceramics presentation, “Perseverance Pays Off.”
- Hope Soucy of Landgrove, a member of the class of 2023 majoring in biomedical engineering at Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute, recently completed a senior thesis that is required of all graduating seniors as part of the university's distinctive project-based educational experience. The project, Improved Actuation System for an Artificial Tongue Prosthesis, was Soucy's Major Qualifying Project (MQP), one that is usually team-based and often focuses on very specific issues or needs of an organization that has partnered with the university to sponsor the student's work.
• Liliana Buettner of Dummerston was recognized as an Andrew B. Saxton Undergraduate Fellow in Theatre Arts during Hartwick College's annual Honors Convocation celebrated on May 3 in Oneonta, New York. A fellow is selected by the faculty to recognize outstanding achievement. Fellows serve as student assistants in their major department and receive a tuition credit.
• Marielle Meyer, a health science/pre-PA major from Brattleboro, was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Springfield (Mass.) College.
• Bradie Harris of Bellows Falls was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York.
• Elizabeth Day of Brattleboro and Wyatt Keith of Vernon were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Obituaries
• Wanita (Johnson) Martin, 74, formerly of Newfane. Died on Dec. 9, 2022, surrounded by her family. Wanita graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary with the Class of 1968. Memorial information: A public graveside service will take place on Saturday, June 10 at Oakwood Cemetery in Townshend, at 1 p.m. She will be laid to rest next to her son, Robert H. Martin who preceded her in death in 1986. Immediately following will be a potluck picnic at the Townshend Dam at the Davis Shelter. All are welcome and encouraged to bring your fondest memories to share with friends and family as they remember the life she led here on earth and celebrate her eternal life in heaven. Donations to the Grace Cottage Foundation, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353.
• Joyce Ann Ranney, 77, of Westminster West and a resident at Thompson House in Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly May 24, 2023 at the facility. Joyce was born in Burlington on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1946, the daughter of Chauncey and Luella (Webster) Mudgett. She was raised and educated in Cambridge, Vermont and was a graduate of Cambridge High School, Class of 1964. She went on to attend Johnson State College. On Nov. 12, 1977 in Cambridge, Joyce married Harold Ranney of Dummerston, who predeceased her on May 24, 2013. She and her husband ran their family's dairy farm in Westminster West from 1982 until 2009. She was a devoted homemaker who enjoyed time shared with her family, especially her grandchildren. Of her leisure time activities, she enjoyed taking nature walks, and photography. Joyce was a member of the Westminster West Congregational Church and Women's Fellowship Group. Survivors include one son, Philip Ranney and his wife Trisha Kneeland of Woodstock; grandsons Garrett Ranney of Saxtons River and Sawyer Ranney of Rutland; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one son, Gary Ranney, and her brother, Wendell Mudgett. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted on Saturday, June 10, at 2 p.m., in Westminster West Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband and son. Donations to Thompson House, 80 Maple St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or to Westminster Cares Inc., P.O. Box 312, Westminster, VT 05158. To share a memory or send condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Services
• A celebration of life for Seward Jackson “Ward” Ogden III will be held on Saturday, June 10, at 4 p.m., at Green Mountain Orchard on West Hill Road in Putney, followed by a community potluck supper and live music/dancing. For more information, see Ward's Caring Bridge page at www.caringbridge.org/public/wardogden. Mr. Ogden, 62, of Putney, died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on Dec. 28, 2022 in Point Reyes, California while hiking with Maria, his wife of 41 years.
• Family, friends, colleagues and musical acquaintances are invited to a celebration of life for Ray Massucco on Sunday, June 11, at noon at the Rockingham Meeting House. Ray died suddenly on Sept. 27, 2022, leaving the community in shock from losing someone who was so close and so connected to many people. The Rockingham Meeting House was one of Ray's favorite venues for acoustic music, which he shared with many people over many years on the second Sunday in June as another Roots on the River Festival was winding down. It's a perfect place to recall a memory, share a story, and pay tribute to Ray for all that he gave us during his time on this earth. The Meeting House does have a maximum seating capacity so limited seating inside the building for the general public will be available on a first come, first serve basis while gathering on the grounds is open to all who attend. Some of Ray's favorite snacks will be served outside (food and drink are prohibited inside the Meeting House).
• The family of Frederick “Fritz” Engstrom will hold a celebration of his life on Saturday, June 24, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Broad Brook Community Center, 3940 Guilford Center Road, Guilford. Bring along your Fritz memories, jokes, and stories.