College news
• The following local students recently graduated from Castleton University and were recognized during its 236th commencement ceremony: Kristopher Carroll of Brattleboro, A.A., general studies; Devon Harding of Londonderry, B.A., ecological studies; Morgen Janovsky of Wilmington, B.A., criminal justice (magna cum laude); Rebekah Lazarek of Westminster, B.A., theater (cum laude); Jessica Roberts of Putney, B.A., psychological science; Maria Page of West Halifax, B.S., nursing (magna cum laude); and Jordan Wright of Brattleboro, B.S., sports management.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement in the spring 2023 semester at Castleton University: Named to the President's List were Cameron Allembert of Whitingham and Maria Page of West Halifax. Named to the Dean's List were Sally Densmore of Wilmington, Emma Dornburgh of Whitingham, Morgen Janovsky of Wilmington, Marcus Pratt of Newfane, Jenna Robinson of East Dover, and Jairen Sanderson of West Townshend.
• Liam Ian Allan McNeil of Brattleboro recently received a B.S. in mechanical engineering, with a minor in mathematics, from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.
• The following local students recently earned degrees from Plymouth (N.H.) State University: Jack Armbruster of West Dover graduated cum laude with a B.S. in business administration; Megan Banik of Westminster graduated cum laude with a B.S. in allied health sciences; Emily Harris of Bellows Falls graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in elementary education; Kathleen Hodsden of Bellows Falls graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in nursing; and Noah Rawling of Bellows Falls graduated with a B.S. in management.
• The following local students were honored for academic achievement in the spring 2023 semester at Community College of Vermont: Named to the President's List were Wyatt Schaefer of Bellows Falls, Noah Morgan and Avery Witman of Brattleboro, Alexis Drake of Dummerston, Julie Cermola of Saxtons River, and Kailuna Holmes and Nicholas Petronic of Townshend. Named to the Dean's List were John Gibbs and Mirela Weis of Brattleboro, Sierra Lane of Dummerston, Liam Mallan of Saxtons River, and Madison Anyan of Townshend. Named to the Student Honors List for part-time students were Angela Jardine and Jourdan Metcalfe of Bellows Falls; Mya Bailey, Elijah Barrett, Eleanor Cautela-Clouet, Joseph Dwyer, Emma Ethier, Jessica Farquhar, Chelsea Lawson, Emma Li, Daelyn Lynn, Alexandra McLaughlin, Samantha Richardson, Jason Shatney, Hailey Taylor, and Alexandria Tupper of Brattleboro; Sierra Gagnon of East Dover, Deborah Jacobs and Molly Peters of Guilford, Rachael Edgar of Newfane, Shane Martin of Putney, Martha Jordan of South Londonderry, Maureen Velsor of Saxtons River, Paul Jerz of Townshend, Kayla Pendlebury of Vernon, Jeffrey Rivard of West Brattleboro, Madisyn Illingworth of Westminster, and Melissa Sutton of Wilmington.
• The following local residents were named to the spring 2023 Dean's List at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts: Earning first honors were Lydia Hazzard-Leal of Brattleboro, Freddie G. Learey of Brattleboro, Julianne L. Liebow of Townshend, Tori D. MacKay of South Newfane, Max H. Spicer of Williamsville, and Lucy M. Szpila of Brattleboro. Earning second honors were Abbe Kathryn Cravinho of Bellows Falls, Kai S. Hammond of Putney, and Jack T. Langeloh of Putney.
• Liliana Buettner, an inclusive elementary education major from Dummerston, was named to the spring 2023 Dean's List at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.
• Kade Perrotti, a computer engineering major from Vernon, and Eli Leclaire, an electrical engineering major from Brattleboro, were named to the spring 2023 Dean's List at Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology.
• Sapphire Joy of Bellows Falls and Makenna Milbauer of Grafton were named to the spring 2023 Chancellor's List at University of South Carolina-Beaufort.
• Tyler Millerick, a general business major from Vernon, was named to the President's List for the spring 2023 semester at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts.
• Jamie Jarvis-Stores, a media arts production major from Putney, was named to the spring 2023 Dean's List at Emerson College in Boston.
Obituaries
• Sandra Ann Atherton, 70, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully July 4, 2023, in the comfort of her home with her husband at her side, following a period of declining health. Sandra was born in Townshend on May 10, 1953, the daughter of Richard and June (Smith) Thomas. She was raised and educated in Townshend and Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1971. Known for her strong work ethic, Sandra worked for many years for Motel 6 on Putney Road, starting at the motel as a chambermaid and retiring as manager of the facility. Sandra was known for her pleasant personality and spirit of friendship. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, spending time at the Townshend Dam, going fishing with her husband, and sharing time with her family. On Jan. 4, 1980, in Wilmington, she was married to Kendrick G. Atherton, who survives. Besides her faithful and devoted husband of 43 years, she leaves two brothers, Richard Thomas, Jr. and his wife, Bonnie, of Townshend and Mitchell Thomas and his wife, Laura, of Vernon; one sister, Barbara Cutler of West Townshend; a sister-in-law, Sandra Thomas of Townshend; and many nieces, nephews, and several cousins. Additionally, she leaves her pet Labrador/Golden Retriever “Co Co”. Sandra was predeceased by one brother, Donald Thomas, and a sister, Phyllis Stickney. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no services scheduled. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or offer condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Ralph J. Barnes, 104, of Westminster. Died on June 21, 2023. He was born on May 21, 1919 in Westminster to the late Harlan and Carrie (Cater) Barnes. Ralph married Louise Ella Wilcox on June 14, 1941 and later divorced. He then married Joyce Jefts on Oct. 31, 1960; she died in 2005. Ralph worked for Cray Oil, F.W. Whitcomb, Southeastern Vermont Community Action (where he transported people), Charlie Kelton, and C&L Petroleum. Ralph was a member of the Odd Fellows, where he held every office, and the Eastern Draft Horse Association. Ralph was known to tell stories of his childhood, working on the family farm, and driving trucks. He thoroughly enjoyed driving for SEVCA, saying “he was taking old people to their appointments.” Ralph was an avid Bingo player and would set up and call Bingo for the Odd Fellows in Saxtons River as well as the NewBrook Fire Department. Ralph could be seen many days having breakfast at Lisai's and lunch and dinner at the Dari Joy. Ralph is survived by his children: Ruth Smith, Douglas (Vicky) Barnes, Judy Budzik and Curtis (Michelle) Barnes. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings Leighton and Joseph Barnes, Beatrice Fisher, and Rhoena Longley. Memorial information: A service was held on July 5 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, followed by burial in Houghtonville Cemetery.
• Rodger A. Borgeson, 64, of Spofford, New Hampshire. Died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on June 20, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. Rodger would never answer his phone, but when the Lord called, he answered on the first ring. He was born on Jan. 28, 1959 in Binghamton, New York to the late Robert and Carolyn Borgeson. In 1977, after graduating from Victor (N.Y.) High School and BOCES (a trade school where he majored in carpentry), he worked many different jobs throughout his life. Some of them included Audio Vision Electronics for 10 years, installing and servicing satellite television systems, and at Hannaford Supermarket in Brattleboro for 12 years. One of his last employers before retirement was Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, New Hampshire. Rodger was a quiet soul, but full of life. He was a minimalist by nature. He would tinker, repairing and reusing an item instead of purchasing it new. He had a good sense of humor, but not everyone appreciated it. He aspired to be a gourmet cook, watching Julia Child and the Food Network. He had a host of hobbies, including model cars, woodworking, and vintage stereo equipment. His greatest hobby or obsession was his love of recorded music. To him it was more than just songs. If you started talking about music with him, you opened Pandora's Box. He was a wealth of knowledge when it came to the history of rock and other music genres. He had an amazing ability to hear the most minute and obscure tones and lyrics. Many of us miss those details listening to the same recording. His specialty and love was rock music. Name a band, and he could tell you every member, every hit song, and how many weeks they spent in the Top 40. You'd start to sing a lyric and he would tell you which artist sang it and any other recordings. Sadly, given his talents including love and knowledge he never pursued a career in any music field. He had hundreds of thousands of music files, which consumed his time. Among all those recordings, his favorite was “Miles To Nowhere” by Cat Stevens. He said it was his song, and it described him to a T. He is survived by his only son, Rodger Borgeson of Brookline; sisters Karen Elliot (Ken) of Leyden, Massachusetts and Christine Klauck (Darrell) of Elloree, South Carolina; a brother, Ricky Borgeson (Linda) of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire; as well as extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Memorial information: Services will be announced at a later date.
• Ruth Canedy Cross, 100, of Brattleboro. Died July 5, 2023 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Born Oct. 13, 1922, in Jacksonville, the third child of William Dana and Mary Jane (Coombs) Canedy, she was educated in the Jacksonville public schools and graduated from Whitingham High School in the class of 1939. After a year there as a postgraduate, she attended business schools in Brattleboro and Springfield, Massachusetts. She was then employed by the British Information Services in New York, but was soon called home by her mother's illness. Back at home, she taught commercial subjects at Whitingham High School for two years, replacing Walter White, who was serving his country in World War II. She was secretary to writer/translator Barrows Mussey of Guilford until 1949, when she returned to New York to join the firm then known as Harper & Brothers as secretary and editorial assistant, remaining there until her marriage in 1957 to Grosvenor Montgomery Cross. They then moved to West Concord, Massachusetts, and later to British Columbia, Canada, Deming, New Mexico, and finally to Kennebunk, Maine, where her husband died in 1994. In 1972, she began a freelance career of indexing books which she continued during her travels, ending at the age of 92 having processed a total of 564 books for nearly 50 different publishers. One of her clients called her “the best in the business.” She came back to Brattleboro in 2002, retiring in 2015, and remained there until her death. She was predeceased by her husband and by her two sisters, Rachel Moore of Arlington, Vermont and Harriet Murdock of Brattleboro. Her survivors include two nephews, Millyn Moore of Hartland and William Moore of Colchester and their families; and a niece, Mary Jane Penfield of Brattleboro and her son Colby Hescock and his fiancée MacKenzie. Memorial information: She will be cremated and there will be no services. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Nicole Gouin “Nicki” Dix, 77, of West Des Moines, Iowa. Died at Methodist Hospital on June 28, 2023. She died peacefully of natural causes with her daughter by her side. Nicole was born June 21, 1946 in Sutton, Quebec, Canada to Roland Wilfred Gouin and Mae Emelia (Sturgeon) Gouin. She moved to the United States with her parents and three of her siblings and became a naturalized citizen on May 13, 1957. She attended Brattleboro Union High School, where she met her future husband, and graduated with the class of 1964. Later that year, Nicole married Bernard Eldon Dix, Jr., of Brattleboro on Oct. 10, 1964. Nicki and Bernie started their lives together buying a home in Brattleboro. Later they moved to West Chesterfield, New Hampshire to start their family, returning to Brattleboro in the early 1980's. Following Bernie's passing, Nicki moved to Englewood, Florida, and then Reno, Nevada, before making her final move to West Des Moines. Nicki loved to spend time on crafts and enjoyed learning something new. She started cake decorating in the 1970's and made several wedding cakes for friends and family. One of her more memorable cakes was an enormous Halloween scarecrow that fed the entire St. Michael's elementary school. She then started ceramic painting, macrame, and quilting. Throughout her life, and to the very end, she loved to crochet and knit, often making and donating beanies to premature babies in the NICU. Nicole leaves behind her son, Dennis B. Dix of Norwalk, Iowa; daughter Deborah M. Ahlberg and her husband Dale; granddaughter Taiya M. Glas and her husband Casey; grandson Adam B. Ahlberg; and great-grandchildren Zayleigh and Addilyn Glas, all of Des Moines; her brother Wilfred Gouin of Brattleboro, and her sister Mary Ann Dennis of Syracuse, New York. Nicole was predeceased by her husband of 46 years and her brothers Gerald (Joseph) Gouin, Robert Gouin, Claude Gouin, and John Paul Gouin. Memorial information: Per Nicole's request, no service is scheduled and she will be interred with her husband in a private ceremony.
• William E. “Bill” Eckhardt, 99, of Brattleboro. Died June 26, 2023 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Bill was born on Jan. 24, 1924 in Mount Vernon, New York to William and Marie (Berghausen) Eckhardt. He joined three sisters at home, Norma (“Nonie”), Eleanor, and Margaret (who died young). Bill attended schools in Mount Vernon, graduating from A.B. Davis High School in 1942. He enrolled at Hobart College, where he played football and lacrosse. He also signed up for the V-12 Officer Training program, then successfully completed Naval Officer training at the Northwestern Midshipman School in Chicago. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, eventually receiving a commission as Ensign, serving on the L.C.I. (L.) 548, an infantry landing craft. After the war, Bill returned to Hobart College, earning a B.A. in business administration. He worked as an insurance adjustor at Dun and Bradstreet in New York City, then worked for several years at American Mutual Liability Insurance Co., in Boston. In 1968, Bill began a 55-year career working for Bartlett Tree Experts as a sales representative. In the 1960s, Bill's love of the sea led him to purchase a sailboat, which he upgraded several times to a larger vessel over the years. His last boat, the “Bali Hai,” was specially made for him at the Choy Lee Shipyard in Hong Kong. Bill was a Boy Scout troop leader for a number of years while living in Greenwich, Connecticut. In 1968, Bill met the love of his life, Nancy W. Carlson. They shared many common interests, especially sailing. Wedding bells rang for them on Oct. 10, 1970, when they were married at Christ Church in Greenwich. On that day, Bill became a stepfather to Nancy's three teenaged children, Jennifer, Christopher, and Peter. The “step” in stepfather was quickly forgotten, as Bill excelled in all aspects of fatherhood. The family lived in Connecticut, first in Greenwich, then in Fairfield. In 1972, Bill and Nancy purchased Top Notch Farm on East Hill in Townshend, and made their home there for the next 42 years. Bill became very involved in the local community, becoming a Selectman for many years. He was accepted as a Freemason, as well as a Shriner, and was a member of American Legion Post 16. The Eckhardts were faithful members of the Jamaica Community Church for many years. Bill was instrumental in installing a chairlift at the church, as well as a sign in front of the church. He also established an art scholarship program which benefits local Jamaica students who attend Leland & Gray Union High School. On several occasions, Bill even found himself offering a sermon. In 2014, Bill and Nancy sold their hilltop home and moved to Valley Cares Assisted Living facility in Townshend. Bill eventually moved into Pine Heights Rehab Center in Brattleboro in 2018. Bill was predeceased by his parents, as well as a granddaughter, Rebecca Harris; his sisters Margaret, Nonie, and Eleanor; a son, Christopher Carlson; a nephew, Lee Woodward; and nieces Joan Kingsley and Nanette Stansbury. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy W. Eckhardt, a daughter, Jennifer Harris; a son, Peter (Roxane) Carlson; nephews Peter Kingsley and Grant Woodward, and nieces Laurie Jenssen and Barbara Hirtle. Also surviving are grandchildren Todd (Kathryn) Einig, Tracey (Travis) Farrell, Kristin Grossbach, Amy Carlson, Jaclyn (Michael) Kruse, Rachel Carlson, Sarah (Justin) Adams, Jared Carlson (Clarissa Taylor-Wesley) and Jason (Kayla) Carlson; as well as great-grandchildren Ava Einig, Madelyn, and Freya Adams; Alan and Joshua Grossbach; Shayla and Sharice, Dennis, Brayden, Grayson, and Emersyn Kruse; Evangeline and Oaklen Carlson, and Wesley Carlson. Memorial information: A celebration of life service was held at Jamaica Community Church on June 30. Donations to Jamaica Community Church, P.O. Box 54, Jamaica, VT 05343, or Grace Cottage Hospital, 185 Townshend Rd., Townshend, VT 05353. To share a memory or offer condolences to Bill's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• William T. “Bill” Huestis III, 76, of Brattleboro. Died July 1, 2023, with his family at his side, at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Bill was born in Brattleboro on May 26, 1947, the son of William and Isabel (Tupper) Huestis. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1965. He later enlisted in the Coast Guard serving from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1969. Upon returning home to Brattleboro, he joined the family business and completed his apprenticeship under his father earning his master plumber's license. Following the death of his father, Bill became president of Huestis Plumbing & Heating and continued with the company following the merger with Fleming Oil Co. and, later, Dead River Co. of Maine. He retired in 2017 following 48 faithful years in the business. At the time of his death, Bill had been employed on a part-time basis with GS Precision of Brattleboro. A lifelong communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Bill was an active volunteer with Brigid's Kitchen, sharing his passion for cooking and preparing his many unique recipes and dishes. Additionally, he held membership in American Legion Post 5. Of his other leisure time activities, Bill enjoyed gardening and time shared with his family. With his wife, he enjoyed dining out at their favorite restaurants and wintering in the Carolinas. He was a faithful and devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, as well as a friend to many. On July 26, 1969 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, he married Ngitchob “Yudah” Ngiralmau, who survives. Besides his wife of nearly 54 years, he leaves one son, Christopher of Brattleboro; a daughter, Kelly Huestis-Colford and her husband Mark of Brattleboro; a sister, Barbara Miller of Brattleboro; two grandchildren, Oliver Huestis and Lillian Fleming; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters, Corinne Bristol and Catherine Huestis; and a son, Max Huestis. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on July 11 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Donations to Brigid's Kitchen, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Doris LaValley, 99, formerly of Vernon. Died on July 1, 2023, in Sebring, Florida. She was born on Dec. 22, 1923 in Altona, New York to the late Joseph and Julia (Fisher) Barnaby. She married Oscar Houle in 1942 and was married for 23 years. Two years later, she was re-married to Harold LaValley and moved to Vernon. While in Vermont, she worked at Molly Stark Furniture and Chremerics, as well as doing house cleaning. She moved to Florida in 1984 and worked as a seamstress, sewing suits and curtains at the Marriott inside Disney World. After retiring, she enjoyed cooking, planting flowers, playing cards, line dancing, and spending time with family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter Patsy Rutty and companion Sheldon Stoke. Doris is survived and will be missed by her nine children: Robert Houle of Westfield, Massachusetts, Sandra Thompson of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Richard Houle of Sebring, David Houle of Davenport, Florida, Oscar Houle of Alabama, John Houle of Sebring, Tom Houle of Brattleboro, Patrick Houle and his wife Sandra of Vermont, and Donald Houle and his wife Caroline of Brattleboro. She also leaves behind 29 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A graveside committal service will take place on Thursday, July 13, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro. To leave a message of condolence, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Marita (Coleman) Martin, 82, of Putney. Died June 29, 2023, after a battle with dementia. Born in 1941, she was the daughter of the late Wilma (Robbins) Bentley and Kenneth Coleman. She was a graduate with the Class of 1959 from Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend. Marita is survived by her son, Kevin Ray Martin; sisters Marcia LaCroix, Melody Rodgers, and Margo Paluilis, all of Putney; brothers Raymond Coleman of Springfield, Vermont and Melvin Coleman of Londonderry. She was predeceased by her husband, Neil Martin, and her sister Janice (Coleman) Page. Memorial information: Per Marita's request, there will be no services. Donations to The Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Eva Mondon, 81, of Putney. She ied peacefully on July 7, 2023. Using the VSED method (vsedresources.com), she chose to stop eating and drinking on July 1 as a way to find relief from the suffering caused by rheumatoid arthritis, finally allowing her ravaged body to take precedence over her incredible lust for life. Eva was a spirited and inspiring presence in Putney for 54 years and her absence will be acutely felt by her community. There was no one like her. The youngest of eight siblings raised in a house without indoor plumbing, Eva was born in Bartow, Florida on July 16, 1941. She never knew her mother, Elizabeth Hamn Mondon, who was institutionalized shortly after Eva was born. She was fortunate to be mothered by her older sisters since her father, Doda Gorten “Gort” Mondon, was a scary man. “I grew up barefoot and feral, climbing trees, avoiding adults,” she said. “I didn't want any of them touching me.” She shot fox squirrels and gray squirrels with a .22 to help feed the family. Her father repaired her shoes with bits of copper wire which was useful in drawing blood from the shins of boys who humiliated her at school for her poverty and for wearing feed sack dresses made by an aunt. “Early on, I knew I was a lesbian,” Eva said. “I had no interest in boys. But the girls mostly laughed at me because we were so poor.” The impossibility of coming out as gay in rural Florida in the very early 1960s launched Eva into a trajectory aimed at leaving her roots far behind. After graduating from Florida State in Tallahassee, she went to Alaska to work with Native and homesteading elementary school children, from 1963 to 1965, as a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) volunteer, and she stayed on after experiencing the shattering Anchorage earthquake of 1964. After VISTA, she enlisted in the Peace Corps and spent two life-changing years in West Africa, where she learned to make the addictive peanut stew that she sneaked onto the menu 20 years later when she was lunch chef at the Saxtons River Inn. Not wanting to return to the mainland U.S. after Africa, she took a job in the Virgin Islands before returning briefly to Florida to complete the math and science requirements for a master's degree in arts and education at Florida A&M, a historically Black college in Tallahassee. Later on, she joined an international brigade cutting sugar cane in Cuba. Her politics were formed by seeing the effects of poverty everywhere she went in her travels and by encountering the world as a lesbian. In 1969, she came to Putney to finish her master's at Antioch New England, earning her degree in 1971. “I found freedom in Vermont,” Eva said. “It was a safe place to come out - the people were wonderful.” But there were no jobs in Vermont public schools for out lesbians at that point, so she began her career at Putney Day Care, memorably shaping the lives of hundreds of wide-eyed toddlers and young children who regarded her with awe and adoration. To a two-year-old who was trying to smuggle home a daycare doll when it fell out from beneath her dress, Eva said, “Look, if you're gonna steal something do it right! Stick it in your underwear and you'll get away clean. But bring it back tomorrow, hear me?” She lived with her first great love, JoAnn Golden, at Alice Holway's West Hill boarding house, then in an apartment over the Putney Day Care. In the mid-1970s, she and JoAnn formed a ménage with Marianna Amster in the house they built (Meadow Ark) in Westminster West. Gabrielle Amster (“our daughter”) came into Eva's life and has remained central, a source of pride and deep affection. Eva was a genius at friendship. One often left a conversation with her a better person. She expected a lot of herself and being her friend meant allowing her to feel entitled to expect a lot of you, too. At her core, Eva was deeply empathic, wanting most of all to encourage growth and happiness among the large and diverse community of people she loved. She remained charismatically magnetic, despite her battle with constant pain, and part of missing her will be missing so many random encounters with fascinating people at her home. Too impatient to wait for reincarnation, Eva lived several lifetimes concurrently. When first in Putney, she had a sideline as “Lawn Woman,” driving from job to job in her beat-up VW Bug with her LawnBoy mower riding shotgun where the passenger seat used to be. Later, she was a fearless EMT first responder and was privileged to serve with the Westminster Fire Department. After becoming certified, she devoted herself to body and energy work. A dyke on the make for some years before publicly proclaiming her celibacy, Eva became a faithful Quaker at Putney Meeting, where she was a “released friend” for 10 years, working with traumatized survivors of abuse. She called the Quakers “the bones of social work in this country.” Eva was a role model for the value in deepening one's self-awareness as a means of getting the most out of life and a student of Thích Nhât Hanh - who gave Eva the dharma name True Welcome - and a member of his order of interbeing. She was the center of so much generous attention from her community when she needed it and was an enduring example of how to love the world and treasure its people vigorously while living with a progressive illness. She loved to hand out her card, which read: “EVA MONDON/storytelling • matchmaking/advice sought and unsought/advisor to the lifelorn/word of mouth.” Memorial information: There will be a celebration of Eva's life at Green Mountain Orchards in Putney on Sunday July 16, at 10 a.m.
• John S. Ogden, 56, of Landgrove. Died at his home, surrounded by his family and friends, as well as a loving cat and dog. This was the final stage in a challenging, decade-long journey with rectal cancer, a battle that he fought with strength, determination, and grit until the end. John was a pillar of every community he was ever a part of. After attending Flood Brook Union School, he went to high school at Phillips Andover Academy, graduating with the Class of 1985. He went on to Middlebury College, graduating with the Class of 1989. He served on the Landgrove Selectboard, the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad, and the Peru Fire Department. He was fiercely proud of this very special part of Vermont and was a frequent catalyst for community events - from movie nights in the Ogden barn to a gigantic community concert in his field on the Landgrove flats. John was in perpetual motion and an incredible athlete. He loved cross country skiing, telemark skiing, windsurfing, soccer, and only the most technical of mountain bike trails. He approached each of these pursuits all-in with his signature energetic passion. Even when the treatment for a tumor meant having half of one of his lungs removed, he steadfastly maintained his position at the front of the pack on the Holt Mountain Bike, Ski and Literary Club's group mountain bike rides. His passion for cross-country skiing included racing, coaching, timing, and serving for many years on the boards of directors for both the Stratton Mountain School professional team, as well as the New England Nordic Ski Association. He fostered an enduring love of skiing and biking in all three of his children, always cherishing opportunities to watch them race or to spend time with them on skis or on a bike. A skilled craftsman, his unique and artful woodworking projects live on in homes across the country. Everything he created struck the perfect balance between form and function. Anything that was important to John was made obvious by his infectious enthusiasm, the clearest example of this being his family. Together with his wife, he parented three strong, happy children, each with their unique expression of his passions. He will be sorely missed by everyone within his life, most especially his family. However, we are taking solace in the fact that the community that has always orbited John will continue to hold each other up, working together to keep his zeal for life in our midst. John was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Sheila Ogden. He is survived by his wife, Andrea; his children Katharine, Ben, and Charlotte; his sister Mary; half-brothers Shep and Sam; more nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends than can be counted; and by his constant companion, Leo the dog, who will be missing him right along with everyone else. Memorial information: John's family and friends will host a potluck gathering at their home in Landgrove on Friday, July 21, at 4 p.m., to share an evening of music, memories, community, and Vermont summertime. In lieu of flowers, John's request was that everyone spend a little extra time outside - be it on foot, on a bike, or on skis - in his honor.
• Laura “Susie” Putnam, 85, of Jacksonville. Died June 8, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her family. Laura was born in North Adams, Massachusetts on Sept. 3, 1937 the daughter of the late Louis and Doris (Page) Furlon. She attended school in Monroe Bridge and graduated from Drury High School in North Adams. Laura was a rural route carrier and also worked inside at the Halifax Post Office for many years. Laura was a member of the Ladies Aid, loved crafts, and was an avid knitter, quilter, sewer, and canvas painter. She was a member of the Red Hatters. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Laura is survived by her children Jeff Putnam (Marylee), Lori Marchegiani (Paul Poissant), and Timothy Putnam, all of Halifax; grandchildren Amber, Charles, Lora, Brian, Abigail and Leah; four great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Putnam whom she married in Readsboro on May 26, 1956. Memorial information: Funeral services for Laura were held June 23 at Jacksonville Community Church. Interment followed in Jacksonville Cemetery. Donations to the Jacksonville Community Church, in care of Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Steven E. Rogers, 69, formerly of West Wardsboro. Died peacefully on June 18, 2023 in Reading (Pa.) Hospital. He was born Aug. 2, 1953. the son of Edward and Jewel (Bassemir) Rogers. He received his GED from Brattleboro Union High School. Steven was an auto mechanic for most of his life until he became disabled. He married Sharon Allen in November, 1975 and they lived in West Wardsboro until 2005, when they relocated to Fleetwood, Pennsylvania to be near their son and family. Steven was a member of the Wardsboro Fire Department, where he served as its assistant fire chief for several years, and ran a small engine business at his home for many years. Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Jeffrey Allen (Roberta) and grandson Joshua Michael .who was the light of his life. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Betsy, and several aunts, uncles, and a cousin. Memorial information: Services will be held on July 15 in West Wardsboro Cemetery at 1 p.m., followed by a reception next door. Donations to the Wardsboro Volunteer Fire Department, Wardsboro, VT 05355.
• Genevieve (Rhoades) Rowell, 95, of Townshend. Died on June 22, 2023. She was born in Braintree, Vermont on June 3, 1928 to Francis and Pearle (Flint) Rhoades. She graduated from Randolph High School in 1946. She married the love of her life, Wayne Rowell, on Sept. 3, 1946 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage until Wayne's passing in 2014. Growing up, she loved to ride her pony to her grandparents on Braintree Hill and help on the farm. When she married, Genevieve moved with Wayne to the Rowell family farm in Tunbridge and managed it for 10 years until they moved to Wilmington. Genevieve worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Wilmington until her retirement. After retirement, she and Wayne spent 20 years traveling and camping in every state except Hawaii. They journeyed to Alaska twice in a pickup camper where Wayne would catch salmon and she would can them in the camper. They truly enjoyed their adventures while traveling together, eventually purchasing a Class A motorhome and towing a car behind it. Genevieve was a more than 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and belonged to Good Sam and the National Campers and Travelers Association. She was an avid knitter, attending Knitting Camp with Elizabeth Zimmerman for several summers. She created several patterns and sold them to knitting magazines. She also taught knitting classes in Wilmington. Later, when her arthritis prevented her from knitting, she created intricate greeting cards which she sold. After Wayne's death, Genevieve moved to Valley Cares in Townshend, where she was active on its board of directors. Genevieve is survived by her five children and their spouses: Richard and Sandra of Gardendale, Alabama, Helen and Frank of St. Albans, Mary and Joel of Randolph, Steven and Janet of Keene, New Hampshire, and Robert and Susan of Newfane. She also leaves nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way), and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Lois. Memorial information: Funeral services will be private. Donations to Valley Cares Inc. 457 Grafton Rd., Townshend, VT 05353. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Virginia Stone, 72, of Bellows Falls. Died at her home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. She was born on Aug 29, 1950 in Bellows Falls, the daughter of Edward and Leona Moul (Crosby). Virginia attended schools in Bellows Falls. She worked many years for Whitney Blake and Vermont Medical in Bellows Falls and retired from the Grafton Inn. She took great pride in her cake baking/decorating skills. Virginia is survived by her husband of 51 years, Rodney Stone; her sons, Kenneth Hayes (Sarah) of Rockingham, Todd Hayes of Bellows Falls, and Christopher Hayes of Ashland, New Hampshire; a daughter, Michelle Powers (Clem) of Fairlee; sisters Edna Heath of Northampton, Massachusetts and Laurie Smith of Hinsdale, New Hampshire; grandchildren Grace, Matthew, Brody, and Amilya Hayes; Sam and Jacob Kamel; and Autumn Powers. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Virginia was predeceased by a brother, Charles Moul. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on July 8 at Immanuel Episcopal Church in Bellows Falls. Donations to Pine Heights, 187 Oak Grove Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• Jeanette (Doust) Tenney, 100, of Bellows Falls. Died on June 16, 2023, after a brief illness. Born in Laconia, New Hampshire on Oct. 18, 1922, she was married three times, widowed twice, and divorced once. She had seven children, and buried three, including losing her daughter Judy at 3 weeks old in the mid-1950s, and more recently her daughters Margaret and Nancy. In recent years, she also lost two of her 14 grandchildren. She is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren and 28 great-great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. She was first widowed in early 1954 with the unexpected death of her first husband, Stanley Smith. He was 34, she was 32 and suddenly the single mother of four. She moved to Bellows Falls from Keene, New Hampshire at that time, where she would marry Albert Hutchins Sr. in December 1954. She married Claude Tenney of Saxtons River in 1973. Claude died in July 1978. Jeanette was a simple and resilient woman, who's sense of humor seemed to get better with age. And she was tough. Besides the marriages and deaths, she survived both surgery for uterine cancer and a mastectomy for breast cancer. She dealt with congestive heart failure in her final years for well over a decade and, in January of this year, she successfully weathered a bout of COVID-19. She never complained through any of this, and was consistently cheerful and good-natured, always joking with the staff at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, in New Hampshire, where she happily spent her last five years. She lived independently in her own home until she was 95. Her years at Maplewood were wonderful for her. After outliving all of her friends and contemporaries, she loved having the Maplewood staff around her, and they loved her. She considered them family, enjoyed all the activities at the home, and said that's where she wanted to die. She got her wish. After a lifetime of taking care of others - in her 70s, she joked that she was still caring for “old people,” which she was - she was happy to be in a place where she didn't have to cook or clean. She maintained a good appetite for food and life right up until the end. In fact, she showed very little cognitive or physical decline in her last years until the last week or two before her death, when she began to experience complications from kidney issues. For many years, Jeanette was a member of the Bellows Falls congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. She is survived by her children Carolyn (Smith) Castor of Keene, Robert Smith of Bellows Falls, Sharon Hutchins Smith and husband Michael of Keene, and Albert Hutchins Jr. and wife Patti of Charlestown, New Hampshire. Memorial information: A graveside remembrance will be held this summer at the convenience of her children. Donations to Maplewood Nursing Home, 201 River Rd., Westmoreland, NH 03467.
• Jared James “Jerry” Welsh, 79, formerly of Brattleboro. Died on June 23, 2023 in Churchville, Maryland, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Jerry never had a dull moment. He lived to spend time with his family and friends - whether boating on the Chesapeake Bay, driving his Alfa Romeo, golfing, skiing at Smugglers Notch in Vermont, or engineering a train on the Maryland & Pennsylvania (“Ma & Pa”) Railroad, he brought joy to everything he did. He was an avid sportsman and sports fan - he enjoyed hunting for geese on the Eastern Shore, refereeing ice hockey and football games and, perhaps most of all, cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. No matter what he was doing, Jerry was always surrounded by friends, family, and fun. Jerry grew up in Renovo, Pennsylvania, and was one of three sons born to Roscoe and Mary Welsh. He attended the South Kent School in Connecticut and then, upon graduating from Bucknell University in 1967, he became a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps, where he earned his Naval Aviator wings. He served in Vietnam with HMM-364, the “Purple Foxes,” as a CH-46 helicopter pilot with 776 combat missions, 38 Air Medals, and a Combat Action Ribbon. He continued his love of flying with the Army National Guard and his own private plane. After the Marine Corps, Jerry entered the printing business working at Maple Press in York, Pennsylvania, where he quickly progressed through numerous roles and into management. His time at Maple Press led him to a move to Brattleboro, where he became the co-owner of The Book Press. He grew that business for many years before taking on a series of leadership roles at John D. Lucas (Cenveo) in Baltimore. His experience, humor, and laughter was well known throughout the industry. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time serving his customers. Jerry is survived by his wife, Patricia of 56 years; his son Jay (Gail) Welsh; daughters Dawn Welsh and Tara Welsh (Zachary Bamberger); beloved grandchildren Hannah, Emily, and Patrick Welsh, and Hotchner Bamberger; his brother David Welsh of Seattle, and sister-in-law Doris Anne Welsh of Boca Raton, Florida. The Welshes have a well-loved extended family in Germany, Tanja Konrad Frohlingsdorf, and her five children. He was also loved by his sister-in-law Lillian “Sue” Gosnell and her children Jeffrey and Kelly Gosnell. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks. Donations to the American Cancer Society or the Ma & Pa Railroad Preservation Society, P.O. Box 2262, York, PA 17405-2262.
• Bruce Wyman, 77, of West Dover. Died June 21, 2023. Bruce grew up in Blandford, Massachusetts, and lived in West Dover for 45 years. Bruce was an electrician and had a long career at Mount Snow. Bruce proudly served in the Air National Guard and the Army National Guard. He was the president of The Blandford Fair for nearly 40 years. Bruce was predeceased by his companion of 46 years, Jean Stevens, also of West Dover. Memorial information: A celebration of Bruce's life will be held for family and friends at a time to be determined. Donations to The Blandford Fair, P.O. Box 875, 10 North St., Blandford, MA 01008.
• Mickey F. Yurkevicz, 71, of Halifax. Died peacefully at home with family present on June 23, 2023 after a two-year battle with lung cancer. Mickey was born Oct. 27, 1951 in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He grew up in Sunderland, Massachusetts, attending Frontier Regional High School. He graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1973, earning a degree in sociology. He received his master's at York University in Toronto, Canada. He was a man with many talents and careers. His endeavors included a stint as IT manager, starting his own business laying hardwood floors, real estate investments and, most recently, was a postal delivery worker. He loved exploring the dirt roads in his corner of Vermont. Mickey loved nature and all animals, especially his beloved phoebes who return each year to the same nest. He was an avid reader and had a large collection of books in his home, his “library.” Mickey loved traveling and made multiple trips across country. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary Woods; daughters Margaret Morgan, Emily Yurkevicz, and Kayla Yurkevicz; grandson Fletcher Matthew Hughes; and a sister, Robin Yurkevicz. Memorial information: There will be a private celebration of life service in the fall. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society (in honor of his love for animals), P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
Services
• Graveside committal services with full military honors for Andrew William “Andy” Bird will be conducted in the family lot in West Brattleboro Cemetery on Mather Road on Saturday, July 22, at 11 a.m. Mr. Bird died unexpectedly at the VA Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee on Jan. 5, 2023. To view his full obituary and offer condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.