College news
• Caroline Mehner of West Wardsboro, Samuel Thibault of Williamsville, and Owen Rounds of Westminster all recently graduated from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Milestones
• Richard "Dick" Barker, 78, formerly of Brookline. Died Sept. 18, 2023 at the home of his eldest brother, Tom Barker, of Londonderry. Dick was born on Sept. 11, 1945, nine days after the end of World War II, in Pittsfield, Massachusaetts to Norman Barker and Catherine Reid. The second of four brothers, Dick grew up in Glens Falls, New York, where he attended St. Mary's Academy before going on to Albany College of Pharmacy. He spent his toy years -defined by Dick as the intervening years between getting a job and having kids - first in Burlington, and then in Brattleboro, where he worked as the pharmacist at Grand Union. Dick married Catherine Santasania in the summer of 1978, when Grease was the No. 1 movie in America, and together they raised four children in Brookline. Dick was one of the most even-tempered, gregarious men in existence. He derived great pleasure from conversing with people and did so effortlessly with literally everyone. He was no stranger to hard work, either. He founded the Messenger Valley Pharmacy in Townshend, chaired the Leland & Gray Union High School Board, was Brookline town moderator, and still found time to attend every game, concert, parade, and theatrical production his children were a part of. In his free time, he did projects, and not just the ones Mr. Weber assigned in geometry every spring (although he did his fair share of those, too - shhh!). Every year he made his yard a bit larger. He built porches, sheds, sunrooms, decks, stone walls, and was known to randomly rearrange the walls in the basement. But in the evenings, when he wasn't playing basketball, ping pong, or pool with his kids and their friends, he'd enter a remarkably calm, almost meditative state. He'd sit on the porch in the dark, nursing a beer and listening to folk music - Judy Collins and Joan Baez - while patiently awaiting interruption, a battle between the boys that needed arbitration or a random question. "Do you know everyone? Tell me all the people you don't know." Dick loved the outdoors. He liked to hike, camp, canoe, and ski. He was the pitcher for his softball team and loved to watch baseball, basketball, and oddball comedies - Monty Python, Airplane, Mel Brooks, and The Naked Gun. He gave his laughter, time, and wisdom freely, asking for nothing in return. In addition to Tom, Dick is survived by his two younger brothers, Ed (Penny) Barker of Hampstead, New Hampshire, and Bob (Cindy) Barker of Traverse City, Michigan. He's also survived by his ex-wife, Catherine Barker of Port St. Lucie, Florida and his four children, Lori (TJ) Gotshall of Peru, Robert (Megan) Richardson of Townshend, Jeffrey Barker of Portland, Oregon, and Sarah (Brad) Edgerton of Cary, North Carolina. He was the proud grandpa of eight grandchildren, ranging in age from 5 to 32. Memorial information: A memorial service in his honor will be held at First Baptist Church, 62 Crescent St, South Londonderry on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m.
• Judith A. Barnes, 83 ,of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Sept. 22, 2023 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She was born in Brattleboro on July 1, 1940, the daughter of Robert and Ruby (Ebenhausen) Lucier. Judy grew up in Hinsdale and was a 1958 graduate of Hinsdale High School. On Jan. 30, 1965 ,she married the love of her life, Richard Barnes, who predeceased her in 2018 after 53 years of marriage. Early in life, she worked at the former Stretch and Sew in Brattleboro, before moving on to work at the former Cheshire National Bank in Hinsdale, which transitioned into Citizens Bank. She continued to work for Citizens Bank in Keene, New Hampshire before retiring in 1997. She was an avid quilter and did so weekly with a group of close friends in Northfield, Massachusetts. She was involved in the Hinsdale Alumni Association and was past president of the Hinsdale Little League. When her boys were young, she was a den mother for the Cub Scouts. She was an active member of Hinsdale community all her life and truly was a friend to all. She is survived by her two sons, Erik and his wife Peg of Wilmot, New Hampshire and Brett and his wife Heidi of Guilford. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Lauren, Jackson, and Alexa Barnes, and sisters Paula Girard and her husband Donald of Turners Falls, Massachusetts, and Linda Enright and her husband Larry of Sarasota, Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A private graveside service was held Sept. 28 in West Northfield Cemetery. Donations to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit www.kidderfuneralhome.net.
• Jessica E. (Cooper) Birenbach, 48, of Brattleboro. Died quietly at home on Sept. 14, 2023. Daughter of the late David and Donna Cooper, Jessica leaves behind a son, Jacob Birenbach of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, whom she loved deeply. She also leaves a brother, Jeremy Cooper and his wife Jaime of Worcester, Massachusetts; aunts and uncles Diana Augspurger of Buffalo, New York, Marcia and James Gusha of Rutland, Massachusetts, and Paul White and his partner Richard of Natick, Massachusetts, as well as several cousins. Jessica graduated from Clinton (Mass.) High School in 1993. Her passion for art lead her to take a summer program at Rhode Island School of Design. From there, she attended Moore College of Art in Philadelphia. Jessica was incredibly creative and enjoyed activities that allowed her to express this, including painting, photography, and writing. She had a huge heart and above all valued her family and close friendships. She also took great joy in caring for all the pets she had. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Jefferson, Massachusetts. Donations to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St,. Worcester, MA 01606. To view Jessica's online tribute, send a condolence message to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Barbara Collins Fletcher, 79, of Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Died unexpectedly on Oct. 1, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. She was born in Brattleboro on May 15, 1944 to Albert and Christine (Hescock) Collins. She attended local schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1962. Barbara worked during her teen years at the Hoffman Insurance Agency and married her high school sweetheart, Edwin "Butch" Fletcher Jr., in June 1963. They moved to Chesterfield, where they built their home and raised their family. In 1979, Barb returned to work at the Richards Group, where she worked for 28 years. Family was very important to Barbara. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, special visits over coffee with her girlfriends, long walks on the beach, and especially holidays with her family. Throughout the years, she has traveled with her husband, enjoying their retirement and exploring the country. After celebrating their 60th anniversary recently, Barb and Edwin took a trip of a lifetime to Alaska. Barbara is survived by the love of her life, Edwin; her son, Brent Fletcher and his wife, Deanna, of Chesterfield; her daughter, Alison Knapp, and her husband, Hiram, of Rockingham, her three grandchildren, Chelsea Fletcher, and fiancé, Edwin Chamul, of West Brattleboro, Nicholas Fletcher, and his partner, Rachel Strakhov, of New York City, and Quincy Knapp of Rockingham; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her two sisters, Joyce Brooks and Debra Greenleaf. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m., in Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or offer condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Mary Lila Gregg, 92, of Guilford. Died peacefully in her home on Sept. 29, 2023, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born and raised in Waban, Massachusetts, on October 19, 1930, Mary Lila White grew up with her brother James and attended Walnut Hill School in Newton, Massachusetts. During the summers, Mary Lila and her family rented farms in and around Brattleboro and, in 1942, they bought a farm on Stoney Hill in Guilford. Her father was an avid antique car collector and Mary Lila loved sharing stories of learning how to drive in a Model T as her mom hid behind the barn as Mary Lila came roaring down the hill through the back pasture. At 19, Mary Lila drove in a race in Greenfield, Massachusetts, proudly beating out the other women. She attended Bradford Junior College and then the School of Nursing at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, where she met Michael Gregg. After graduating from nursing school with a B.S., Mary Lila and Mike married on Jan. 11, 1958 and began what would become an eventful life together. They lived for a short time in Hamilton, Montana, then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where their first daughter, Pamela, was born. Mike then took a job with the Public Health Service and off they went to Lahore, Pakistan. It was there that their second daughter, Marianne, was born. Eventually, they landed in Atlanta, Georgia where they lived for 35 years. Their third daughter, Jennifer, was born in Atlanta and Mary Lila settled in as a doting mother and busy body. Not being one to stay on one project for too long, Mary Lila had her hand in many different endeavors. She traveled with Mike all over the world, became the chaperone all the classmates wanted on field trips, a fearless Girl Scout Leader, and all-around wonderful mother and wife. Mary Lila's summers were spent in Vermont with her girls and mother at the farm. When Mike retired, he and Mary Lila moved up to the farm in Guilford. Reestablishing her roots there, she once again kept busy, volunteering with several local groups including Guilford Cares, Windham Child Care, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, and Meals on Wheels. She and Mike would continue to travel part time, but as grandchildren started to appear, her life took a new look, she was Grammie. Mary Lila kept busy with many projects and fulfilled her endless curiosities, such as driving a bulldozer, working as a short order cook, driving a tractor-trailer truck, and trying her hand at blacksmithing. She never committed to any of them for very long as there was always something else that caught her attention. Mike lovingly referred to her as his butterfly, flitting from one thing to another. She was a busy member of the Guilford Community Church. She has supported the church's Annual Christmas Bazaar with a donation of an American Girl doll for their raffle for over 15 years. Mary Lila will be remembered as a funny, generous, loving woman. She always had a story to tell and in her final months, spent many hours sharing these stories with those around her. She is missed by her daughters, Pamela Gregg McFadden and her husband Rich, of Dummerston, Marianne Gregg Lawrence and her husband John, of Guilford, and Jennifer Gregg Geise and her boyfriend Bob Penfield, of Preston, Connecticut. She was proud of her grandchildren David, Brandon, Corinne, Payton, Spencer, Jack, and Hope, and her four great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her loving husband, her parents, her brother James, and her infant son Dana. Memorial information: Her daughters invite you to come and share stories and hear other stories at her home (855 Stoney Hill Rd) on Oct. 13, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and/or Oct. 14, at 11 a.m., at Guilford Community Church. At Mary Lila's request, she wants her life to be celebrated with color, music, and laughter, so wear your brightest at the service, remember that life is short, so eat dessert first (or, at the very least, plan accordingly). Donations to Guilford Cares, 93 March Davis Dr., Guilford, VT 05301; Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Dr, Guilford, VT 05301; or Guilford Fire Department, 108 Guilford Center Rd., Guilford, VT 05301. To offer condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• William "Bill" Jannen, 93, of Boston. Died on Oct. 1, 2023, surrounded by his family. Bill was the consummate host and will be forever remembered for his love of great food, great wine, and excellent conversation. With a glass of Scotch in hand, Bill never shied away from a thought-provoking discussion on any subject. He is survived by his daughters, Katrina Jannen of Carlisle, Massachusetts and Leland Jannen Smith of Brattleboro; and his grandchildren: Robert Donnelly III and his wife Anjelica, Garrick Donnelly, Katherine Donnelly, Rhea Smith, and Maeve Smith. He was predeceased by his wife, Lynn Garrick Jannen, who was his constant companion and true love for 46 years, and his brother, Harold Jannen. The son of German immigrant parents, Bill was born Jan. 14, 1930 in New York City. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School while working at the family deli and earned a football scholarship to Princeton University, his alma mater. He continued his education at Columbia Law School, where he made Law Review, and returned to Columbia University after a law career at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, to pursue his Ph.D. in history. He taught Modern European History at Brooklyn College for many years. In his retirement, he pursued his love of writing and history, and published The Lions of July, a culmination of his life's research into the origins of World War I. Prior to living in Boston, Bill, along with his wife Lynn, resided in New York City and Princeton, New Jersey, spending their summers in Marlboro, Vermont. Bill will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all who knew him. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were held Oct. 10 in King Cemetery in Marlboro. In lieu of flowers you may donate to a charity close to your heart and raise a glass in his honor - skol! To share a memory or offer condolences to Bill's family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Linda Johnson, 73, died on Oct. 1, 2023 at Springfield Hospital. Linda was born on Sept. 15, 1950 in Townshend to the late Harral and Mary (Vivier) Hamiliton. Linda would marry George Johnson in 1982 in Bellows Falls. Linda loved being at the ocean, a good game of Yahtzee, collecting teacups, and dancing, but the biggest joy of her life was being with her family. Linda is survived by her sons Paul Nolin and David Wood, and a daughter, Vikki (Matthew) Johnson. She is also survived by her brothers Wayne, Wendell, Walter, Warren Hamilton and Laura Simmons, Lorraine Hassler, and Dorreen Hansen, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and five nieces and five nephews. Linda was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and siblings Kenneth, Dennis, and Martin Hamiliton. Memorial information: A funeral service took place on Oct. 9 at the Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, followed by burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Putney.
• Charles Edward Ketchum, 89, died Sept. 10, 2023 in Cookeville, Tennessee following a short illness. Charlie was born May 19, 1934 in New Haven, Connecticut to Millen Hoxsie and Edna (Andrews) Ketchum. On June 23, 1956, he married Margaret Spence in Woodbridge, Connecticut. They had two children, Debra and Kenneth. Charlie proudly served in the Army in Germany in the early 1960s. When he returned from the service, he and Peg settled in Suffern, New York, where he worked at the Rockland County Journal News. In 1975, Charlie and Peg moved to Vermont where they managed a retail store in Putney before buying the Brattleboro Public Market, which they owned for many years. After they sold the market, they became manufacturer representatives for many upscale products, traveling all around New England. Charlie was a train enthusiast, and had a passion for classic cars. He was an avid reader and a skilled craftsman in woodworking. Together, Charlie and Peg loved antiquing and traveling in their motor home. Charlie was predeceased by his wife in 2021, his son, Ken, in 2006, and a brother, Dennis. He is survived by his daughter Deb, a brother Bob (Kathy), five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Memorial information: None provided.
• Douglas John Kroc, 71, of West Dummerston. Died peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on Sept. 25, 2023 as the smell of freshly cut grass was coming through the open window. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ann (Kohne) Kroc; his sister Robin Kroc and brother William Kroc, his daughter Ellen (Kroc) Zilcoski, son-in-law Adam Zilcoski and their children Cecilia (9) and Samuel (6); his daughter Andrea (Kroc) Ciombor, son-in-law Justin Ciombor and their children Mackenzie (9), Gavin (7), and Hadley (4). He was the son of Robert and Gladys (Earnshaw) Kroc. Doug was born in 1952, raised in Homewood, Illinois, and graduated high school from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1970. He graduated from Purdue University in 1974 with a B.A. in social studies education. He went on to earn a M.A. in eaching from DePauw University in 1978. Doug and Ann, who met at Purdue, moved to Vermont the same year, where they began building their home and community. Doug spent more than 40 years as an educator, teaching at the Brattleboro Area Middle School and finishing his career teaching social studies and serving as the department head, as well as coaching women's basketball, at Brattleboro Union High School. He also served as president of the teachers' union and was viewed as a leader throughout the Windham Southeast district. Through these roles, he connected with countless students, educators and community members. Doug's passion was his family and he celebrated with them the most at "Camp Kroc for Kids," the nickname he and Ann gave their property in Dummerston upon building "the bunkhouse" in 2021. Many fun days were spent at Camp Kroc and many more will follow. His other passions included making and listening to music, golfing, camping, biking, kayaking, fishing; all things he loved to do with his friends and family. He loved any excuse to do chores on his tractor or tinker with projects in his workshop. Doug loved to travel and as a child often visited Torch Lake, Michigan to swim and boat, and to Colorado to ski. In adulthood, he traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Cuba, China and, most recently, Aruba, to swim and snorkel with his entire family. He visited many parts of the United States in his travels, but particularly loved New England. Doug felt a deep connection to everyone he worked with at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, especially Dr. Alicia Morgans and his entire care team. Memorial information: The family is planning a celebration of life in the spring. Donations to Dana Farber (danafarber.jimmyfund.org), United Way of Windham County (unitedwaywindhamcounty.org), or Windham County Dental Center at 53 Fairview St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To view an online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.
• Shirley Anne LeClair, 86, of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 29, 2023 at Pine Heights in Brattleboro, where she had been a resident since April 2019. Shirley was born in Brattleboro on Feb. 4, 1937, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Taylor) Lamoureux. She attended Brattleboro public schools, graduating from Brattleboro High School. For many years, she owned and operated her own janitorial business serving several accounts in downtown Brattleboro that included the Brattleboro Reformer's offices as well as several others on Main Street. She was known for her strong work ethic, never missing a day on the job. Shirley also worked for the former Tree Spirit Company and Trico Vendors. When she was in her mid-40's, Shirley took up cycling and running, competing in several 10K races including the annual Turkey Trot and other local races. She was an active member of the Red Clover Rover Running Club in Brattleboro. Steadfast in her walk of faith, Shirley was a longtime member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses in Brattleboro. She studied the scriptures and devoted each day in reading her Bible. Shirley was a faithful prayer warrior. It was her faith that gave her the inner strength to overcome and deal with many hardships in her life that included the passing of three of her four children. Shirley helped establish a local support group for bereaved parents and served as co-editor of its monthly newsletter, Lifeline for Bereaved Parents. The newsletter had a mailing list of just under 500 addresses. She was married to Stanley Ward, Sr. who predeceased her on Sept. 22, 1976. She later married Joseph LeClair, who is also deceased. Shirley leaves one son, Stephen Ward, of Tuscumbia, Alabama; a brother, Joseph Lamoureux and wife, Phyllis, of Guilford; one niece, Kelly Wicker, of Windham; and a nephew, Todd Brooks, of Vernon. She was predeceased by three children: Mary Flores, John Ward and Stanley Ward, Jr.; and a sister, Caroline Brooks. Memorial information: Graveside services for the family will take place in the Ward family lot in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Putney, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband and three children. Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. To offer condolences to her family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.