College news
• Kharisma Boyd, an exercise science major from Brattleboro, was named to the spring 2023 Dean's List at Monclair (N.J.) State University.
Obituaries
• Kenneth Vincent Deuso, 85, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on Aug. 10, 2023. Kenneth was born on Sept. 26, 1937 in Montgomery, Vermont to the late John A. and Stella M. (Vincent) Deuso. Kenneth attended Enosburg Falls High School, after which he served in the Army. He married the love of his life and lifelong best friend, Emily (Shover) Deuso, in 1956. They spent nearly 66 happy years together, before Emily died in August 2022. Many will fondly remember Kenneth from the many years he spent working at The Book Press in Brattleboro. Kenneth had many interests, including riding motorcycles, camping, hiking, and spending time with his family. Kenneth is survived by daughters Peggy Deuso and Ellen (Henry) Gero, both of Hinsdale, and Julia Deuso (Blessed) and Bonnie (Brian) Miller, both of Keene, New Hampshire; son-in-law Chris Reynolds of Hinsdale; grandchildren Janet (Gerren), Hank (Cassie), Thomas, Mikelle, Lauren, Sofia, Scarlett, and Alyssa; great-grandchildren Olivia, Noah, Myeligha, Elijah, Cheyenne, and Lilyian; his sister Verna (Roger) Peck; his brothers Clifford Deuso and Raymond (Jeanne) Deuso; brothers-in-law Gilbert Shover, Alexander Shover, and John (Eleanor) Shover; and sister-in-law Gloria Gagnon. In addition to his parents and his wife, Kenneth was predeceased by his sister, Wanda Deuso. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held privately by the family. Donations to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 564, Keene, NH, 03431. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence, or for more information visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Susan Margaret Dumas, 72, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Aug. 12, 2023 after her struggles with heart disease. Daughter of the late Marie Frances (Pellerin) and John Stewart Dumas, she leaves behind her spouse of nearly 26 years, Kathleen (Jackson) Dumas. She also leaves her daughter Elizabeth Marie (Sulham) Pitts, her husband, Eli, and their daughter Aubrey Marie Pitts. Also left behind are stepsons Geoffrey Mark Moore and his wife Laura, and their daughter Lyra Jane Moore, and Kevin Andrew Moore and his wife Kristy Caminoli. Susan also leaves her brother Steven Dumas and his wife Suzi. Her many friends will also miss her dearly. Susan had many things she loved and enjoyed. Her greatest love was her family, especially her granddaughter Aubrey with whom she shared adventures and much music and mischief. She enjoyed modern music and dancing as well as traveling. Her favorite place to travel was Italy. She had a green thumb both indoors and out. Animals were an important part of Susan's life too, her own pets as well as a few stray cats. She was a strong advocate for justice and fairness for all and would stand up for what she thought was right. Memorial information: A committal service was held Aug. 17 at Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society (windhamcountyhumane.org) or Groundworks Collaborative. (groundworksvt.org). To send condolences, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Colleen Joy Jacobs, 65, of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 9, 2023 at Pine Heights, following a long illness. Colleen was born June 11, 1958, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to Thelma (Facemire) and Arthur F. Jacobs Jr. She attended Academy School and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1976. Following high school, she enlisted in the Vermont National Guard. Her working career included American Stratford Printing, NK Graphics, and HCRS. She also was a private home health care attendant for several Brattleboro families. She is survived by her mother Thelma Sharlow, of Guilford, her sister Betty McGinn (Dominique Perroud) of Virginia, her brother Randy Jacobs Sr. (Biz Dana) of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, sister-in-law Katrina Jacobs of Brattleboro, and son Aaron Jacobs of Brattleboro. She will be deeply missed by all, especially her grandchildren Derek, Ayden, Allura, Arius, Atayos and Aluna Jacobs, and her great-grandson Grayson Jacobs, all of Brattleboro, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her father Arthur F. Jacobs Jr., and her brother Arthur F. Jacobs III. Memorial information: Calling hours for Colleen will be held on Friday, Aug. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home, 57 High St., Brattleboro. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or The Gathering Place (gatheringplacevt.org).
• Paulene Sibley (Patrick) Lawrence of Townshend died peacefully at home on Aug. 9, 2023 after a brief illness. She was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary, and was married to her high school sweetheart, Curtis Lawrence, for 61 years. Mrs. Lawrence was well-known in the West River Valley community. She worked for the Jamaica Bank for 38 years, where she rose to the position of branch manager. She was a member of the Townshend Church and volunteered at Grace Cottage Hospital, as well as their Hospital Fair Day, for many years. She and her husband were also well-loved members of the Acecapaders Park in Lithia, Florida, for the past 20 years, where they enjoyed being snowbirds. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband; their daughters Sandra Lawrence-Clarke of Las Vegas, Nevada and Sherri Lawrence of Sun City, Arizona; sons-in-law Tygh Lawrence-Clarke and Jim Bumgardner; and her beloved grandchildren Elena, Adam, Kasey, and Ben. She is also survived by her sisters Marlene Thibault and Sally Wadsworth, and their husbands Francis and John, with whom she enjoyed many international trips. In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews, and many friends. Memorial information: A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m., at the Townshend Church. A brief burial service will follow at the Oakwood Cemetery. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353. To share a memory or offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Paul Craig Leavitt, 66, of Williamsville. Died on July 19, 2023 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut on June 30, 1957 to Robert and Anne (Riley) Leavitt. He was raised and educated in Guilford, Connecticut, graduating from Guilford High School in 1975. He was a lift operator at C&S Wholesale Grocers in Brattleboro for more than 20 years. On May 15, 1976, in New Haven, he married Cindy L. Thompson, who survives. In 1987, he moved the family to Vermont, where he happily adapted to rural life. Paul was hardworking, clever, practical, and always willing to tow friends and strangers alike out of a ditch or snowbank. He took a great interest in military history, and was an avid New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. He often expressed himself by quoting song lyrics and funny movie lines. He was dedicated to his family and kept in close touch with his friends, many of whom he has known since high school. He loved his pets beyond measure, as well as the variety of wildlife in the forest surrounding his home. He enjoyed going on day trips with his wife, often to historical sites, natural attractions, and the coast for fried clams. He was equally content to stay close to home and work on various home projects with her, take leisurely drives along back roads together, watch their favorite shows, and sit by the firepit at night. He enjoyed spending time in the workshop with his son, keeping him company while encouraging his woodwork and other artistic endeavors. He always helped his daughter move frogs and toads out of harm's way before mowing the lawn, a ritual he continued even after she left home. He had a great sense of humor and a deep appreciation of music, which he instilled in his children. Besides his wife of 47 years, he leaves behind his son Todd Leavitt and his wife Mary; his daughter Kirsten Leavitt and her partner Jeremy Cote; his mother Anne Leavitt; his sister Cathy Leavitt LaPointe; and two brothers, Robert Leavitt and Gary Leavitt. Paul was predeceased by his father, Robert Leavitt Sr. Memorial information: In accordance with Paul's wishes, there will be no funeral services. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Michael S. Robert, 69, of Westminster West. Died at his home on August 10, 2023 of cancer. Michael was born on November 22, 1953 in Norco, Louisiana, the son of the late Curtis Robert Sr. and Milda Huertin Robert. He was predeceased by his brothers Mark "Porky" and Barry Robert. Michael leaves his partner of 16 years, Leslie Hall of Westminster West, his son Benjamin of Oakland, California, and daughter Monique of Londonderry, New Hampshire, as well as his brother Curtis Robert Jr. of Norco. His early work career was spent at the Shell Oil Refinery in Norco before moving north to work at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant for 33 years. It was a job that he loved and looked forward to every day. He would always say it was the people he worked with that made it so enjoyable. After retirement, Michael maintained contact with his old co-workers and was thankful to be able to see many of them before he died. Michael loved the outdoors; his early years were spent in the fields and waterways of the Mississippi River hunting and fishing. He especially loved the coast of Maine for its diversity of seafood. East Grand Lake in northern Maine was a special place, where he spent countless hours at Leslie's family camp, watching and listening to the loons, kayaking and traveling the back roads in hopes of seeing bears and moose. In his later years, he traded in his guns for a camera and loved to take photos of wildlife, flowers, and especially the bear that came through the yard every year. When asked what his "spirit" animal might be, he said either a deer or an owl. So if you should see the flash of a white tail or the call of an owl, think of Michael. A devoted pet owner, he had many dogs and cats over the years. It started with a dog named Mo, and has ended now with his Gordon Setter, Gypsy, who he was often seen driving around town as she hung her head out the truck window. Memorial information: Michael asked that there be no services. Instead, he asked that you consider making a donation on his behalf to your local hospice or animal shelter. Michael chose to be cremated. When asked where he would like to have his ashes spread, his answer was always the same, "Surprise me." To leave condolences, visit www.csnh.com.
• Nancy Jane (Tyler) Scranton, 86, formerly of Dummerston. Died on Aug. 1, 2023. She was born in Brattleboro to Agnes Jean (Allen) and Wallace Tyler on April 14, 1937 and grew up in Dummerston. She attended Brattleboro High School before going to work for the H. Margolin pocketbook factory in Brattleboro. Nancy married Duane Scranton on Oct. 29, 1955 and they moved to Colrain, Massachusetts in 1963 where they purchased Windswept Valley Farm and raised a family. Nancy ran the farm, including milking more than 100 cows daily. She ceased daily operations of the farm when she took time to help raise her grandchildren. She often joked she was grateful they got her out of the barn. She was an avid snowmobiler, and loved boating, crosswords, reading, Westerns, and collecting dolls. She was accomplished at needlepoint, embroidery, and knitting. Nancy was the most kind and loving person. She opened her heart and home to family, friends, and neighbors. The farm was a welcoming place to all. She is survived by two sons, Michael Scranton and Mark Scranton and his wife Katie; her loving grandchildren Brian Scranton, Liza (Drew) Pantermehl, Kelsey Scranton, Rebecca Scranton, Jamie Hunkler and his family, and Jillian Jacques and her family; great-grandchildren Jane and Nelson Pantermehl and Mila Nancy Scranton. She is also survived by her brother Paul Lincoln and his wife Dawn of New York, sisters-in-laws Mary Tyler of Vermont and Rhonda Tyler of Texas, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, her son Timothy, and brothers Terry and Wayne. Memorial information: Services were held Aug. 19 at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Burial will be at the convenience of her family. Donations may be made to the Colrain Volunteer Ambulance or the UMass Extension Service's 4-H program. To send condolences, visit www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com.
• Robert Howard "Bob" Sherwood, 70, of Dummerston. Died Aug. 10, 2023. He was a brilliant mind and a sensitive soul who felt totally unsuited for the culture in which he found himself. He was born Oct. 8, 1952 to Loyd Sherwood and Helen Jeanne Marshall at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, California. He lived their until college and was an enthusiastic attendee of concerts at the Fillmore in its early days. Bob gained proficiency in ancient Greek at Vassar College and graduated in 1976 with a degree in anthropology. After Vassar, a job conducting hearing tests enabled him to travel often to Europe. An avid student of Carl Jung, Eric Neumann, and Eric Voeglin, he enrolled in the California Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in 1983. He graduated with an M.A. in 1985. He went to work in Silicon Valley writing documentation for computer programs. Later, Bob accepted a logistics position with an AIDS organization in India. He stayed in India for eight years where he spent time at the ashram at Tiruvannamalai. Returning to the States, he settled in Palo Alto where he served as a Red Cross volunteer locally and in hurricane disasters including Hurricane Andrew in 1992. In 2000, he moved east, having been priced out of his hometown. He reconnected with college friends, including Annamarie Pluhar. In 2006, Bob and Annamarie moved to Dummerston. It was there that he wrote, edited, translated, analyzed, and annotated chess tournaments from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For Caissa Editions he produced eight books: (Avro 1938, Morphy, Karlsbad 1907, Saint Petersburg 1895/96, San Remo 1930, Pasadena 1932, and Chicago 1926/Lake Hopatcong 1926) His pet project, Cambridge Springs 1904, became a book in 2022 through Russell Enterprises. He completed Moscow two weeks before his death. He was a loyal, caring friend and family member. He is survived by his 23-year-partner Annamarie; her siblings Karel and Stephanie, Andrea, Madeleine, Stephanie, and Brian; and nephews Jefferson, Christopher, Pavel, David, Mikael, Brian, and Christian; his sister Joan Sherwood Zallee; brothers Larry, John, and Loyd; his niece, Sarah, nephews Galen and Devon, and his great-niece, Sophie. He also is survived by Sasha (dog) and Minka (cat). They all loved him more than he knew.
• Jeanette Eva Shield, 84, of Guilford. Died Aug. 14, 2023 at Pine Heights nursing home. Jeanette was born at home in Guilford on Dec. 30, 1938, the daughter of Perley and Marjorie (Baker) Squires. She attended Guilford schools and Brattleboro Union High School. Prior to retiring, she was employed at the former Appropriate Technology in Brattleboro, and the former H. Margolin Pocketbook Shop on Canal Street. Jeanette enjoyed sewing, music, dancing, and time shared with her family. On Feb. 17, 1962, in Guilford, she was married to Kenneth Shield, who predeceased her in 1989. Survivors include grandsons Christopher Wasserlein (Christina) of Guilford and Matthew Belanger (Leah) of Marlboro; sisters Beverly Beckwith of Bernardston, Massachusetts and Irene Fisher of Guilford; and great-grandsons Andrew and Michael Wasserlein and Emerson Belanger. Additionally, she leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her two children, Kendra Rafus and Kenneth Shield Jr.; a great granddaughter, Clara Belanger; and siblings Adela Squires, Jason Squires, Maynard Squires, Marie Gaines, Lyndon Squires, and Doris Griswold. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted Aug. 19 in the family lot in Baker Cemetery in Guilford. Donations to Guilford Volunteer Fire Department, 108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301. To send messages of condolence to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Evelyn (Carpenter) Zinn, 82, of Brattleboro. Died August 14, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. She was born in Brattleboro to Rose (Blanchette) and Fred Carpenter on Sept. 17, 1940. She graduated from St. Michael's School in 1958 and went on to attend Castleton State College. In 1977, she married William Zinn, who predeceased her in 1999. She is survived by her sister June Severance and husband Tink of Brattleboro, and her brother Wayne Carpenter and wife Debbie of Dummerston. She also leaves her nephews Stephen and Shawn Severance and Todd and Travis Carpenter, in addition to many great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and many lifelong friends. Evelyn worked for DJ Lumber for 18 years then went to work for Dr. Robert Tortolani as his office manager for 27 dedicated years until his practice closed. She volunteered for the Vernon Advent Christian Church food bank. Of her pastimes, she enjoyed crafting, reading, watching movies and time spent with family and friends. She was a huge Boston Red Sox fan and religiously watched all their games. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Orchard Street in Brattleboro. Donations to Vernon Advent Christian Church, 4554 Fort Bridgman Rd., Vernon, VT 05354, or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
Services
• Due to weather issues on July 15, the funeral service for Steven Rogers has been rescheduled to Saturday, Sept. 2, at the West Wardsboro cemetery at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow at the Stratton Town Hall. Mr. Rogers, 69, formerly of West Wardsboro, died peacefully on June 18, 2023 in Reading, Pennsylvania.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.