Obituaries
• Sylvia J. Barton, 99, of Springfield, Vermont. Died on Oct. 11, 2023 of Covid. Sylvia was the second of four daughters born to George R. and Gladys (Ward) Braley at home on West Hill in Putney on April 8, 1924. Her family moved to the Braley Farm on Westminster West Road when Sylvia was three years old. She was able to walk to her one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1943. On April 21, 1945, at the Putney Federated Church, she married George M. Barton. Together, they raised four children. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Sylvia was a member of the Golden Rule Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star for 64 years, the Putney Federated Church, the Putney Fortnightly Club (co-founded by her grandmother Lizzy (Goold) Braley), and the Home Demonstration Group. She had been a 4-H leader, with a focus on sewing. Under her direction, the students received blue ribbons on their projects. She had been a member of the Putney Federated Church and served as its last clerk, as well as being secretary for the Rural Letter Carriers. Sylvia worked for Aiken's Nursery, The Vermonter candymakers, and Green Mountain Well Drilling prior to becoming affiliated with Grotto Floral Arts, which supplied the floral department of W.T. Grant department stores. Following the demise of W.T. Grant, she became co-owner of Grotto Associates, representing many handcrafted items. Early on, she taught an artificial flower arranging class in their storefront in Putney. Prior to her retirement at 85, she was a sales representative for various gift items throughout New England. In 2004, she moved from Putney to Springfield, where she retired to enjoy her love of gardening, sewing and cooking - particularly potato salad and chocolate cake. She enjoyed travel, visiting the Southwest and taking a cruise to Alaska. Always up for a new adventure, she rode her first horse when she was 69. Sylvia is survived by her children, Merrill Barton and his wife Ruth of Dummerston, Jean Rolfe of Claremont, New Hampshire, Anne and her husband Jerry Bartley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and James Barton of Springfield; grandchildren George and John Barton, Nadine (Bryan) Sweet, Shelley (Chip) Howard, Robert Rolfe, Heather (Alex) Anaya, and David (Jennifer) Bartley; seven great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters Harriet Aplin, Ruth Allard, and Gladys Miller, her son-in-law Richard Rolfe, and her grandson Raymond Rolfe. Memorial information: A funeral service was held at the Congregational Church of Westminster West on Oct. 17, followed by burial in Westminster West Cemetery. Donations to Senior Solutions at www.seniorsolutionsvt.org.
• John Evans Carroll, 66, of South Londonderry. Died on Sept. 23, 2023, surrounded by family at his home. Born on May 16, 1957 on Staten Island, New York, he was the son of the late Adrienne E. and John M. Carroll. John moved to South Londonderry in 1987. He, later, married Robin Hopkinson, and they had two children, Evan M. Carroll and Jamie A. Carroll. Ever the giving man, he also adopted his entire neighborhood, as surrogate family, and cared for them as much as his own. Pets and children were attracted to John like a magnet to metal and the admiration was mutual. John started Carroll Mechanical, Inc., a heating and refrigeration business that touched the lives of many, and his family business continues to do so. "Johnny on the spot" loved to fix things and valued being helpful to others. A talented mechanic/engineer, John could fix anything and was known for his ability to fix things that no one else could. A renaissance man, he served his community throughout his lifetime and he adhered to the old adage that "a friend in need is a friend indeed." John had a lot of friends! He had a passion for boating and being out on the water. An avid boatman, he had a lifetime of fond memories - sailing on his Penguin, family sailing trips aboard the Red Fox, canoeing in Canada and, more recently, cruising around Lake Bomoseen or Lake Winnipesaukee on his Thistle sailboat or Boston Whaler, the O'Hana. Sailing away, John's big heart and booming laughter will be forever missed. John is survived by his wife and children, as well as his sister Leslie P. Carroll, brother James M. Carroll, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is also being missed by his faithful dog, Ellie the Corgi, and his beloved cat, Sprinkles. Memorial information: There will be a private remembrance and celebration of life at a later date. Donations to the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Grace Cottage Hospital, and Bayada Hospice, who were among the friends, neighbors, and kind healers that helped care and share in John's final days. To view John's online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.
• Margaret "Peg" Haviland, 79, West Newbury, Vermont. Died peacefully in North Haverhill, New Hampshire on Oct. 7, 2023. She was born Margaret Ann Barry on April 1, 1944 in Brattleboro to Harold Barry and Pauline (McGinnis) Barry. While she lived in various places - Massachusetts, Germany, California and Montana --she always called Vermont home, and ultimately spent most of her life living on the top of Brock Hill in West Newbury with her husband of 50 years, Russell Haviland. Peg was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School and Becker Junior College. She followed her passions for recreation and education throughout her entire career - most notably, as an assistant teacher at Thetford Elementary School for over 20 years. Peg was also a ski instructor and the longtime Director of the Halls Lake Swim Program in West Newbury. Her greatest achievement, however, was her family. Peg was a mom to five children - Christopher, Samuel, Leslie, Patrick, and Brenna - whom she raised to be kind, generous, and hard working. Later in life, she was the best Grammie to 10 grandchildren: Kaleb, Colin, Jillian, Aryana, Brodie, Malakai, Bennett, Conor, Charlotte, and Lilah. Peg showed her love through food, orchestrating holiday meals and baking cookies and pies with her grandchildren with snow-capped mountains in view through her kitchen window. She was at her happiest when visiting Bailey Island, Maine: overlooking the ocean, black coffee in hand and a book in her lap. Peg is survived by her husband, Russell Haviland of West Newbury; a brother, Michael Barry of Brattleboro; her children and grandchildren; her daughters-in-law Lynne Audet Haviland and Ashley Haviland; and numerous cousins who were more like siblings. Memorial information: Her life will be celebrated on Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. at Ricker Funeral Home of Woodsville, New Hampshire. To offer condolences, visit www.rickerfh.com.
• Jane Grass Hurley, 94, of Brattleboro. Died on Oct. 11, 2023 at Pine Heights nursing hone in Brattleboro. Born in Merrick, Long Island, New York on Sept. 14, 1929, daughter of the late Fred and Loretta Muhlbauer, she was a 1946 graduate from Mepham High School and received a B.S. in elementary education from the State University of New York at Cortland in 1950. Jane married Albert Grass on Aug. 6, 1950. She taught third grade in Ithaca, New York and fourth grade at the Academy School in West Brattleboro for a short time. Jane married Edward Hurley in 1996. They had 19 wonderful years together before Ed's death in 2010. She taught baton twirling and dance in all the Brattleboro schools from 1965 to 1994, which she was passionate about. The highlight of her career was preparing the Brattleboro Union High School Majorettes for their performance in the 1981 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The BUHS Band is the only band in the state of Vermont to ever achieve this honor. She served on the Brattleboro Winter Carnival Board, was a member of The American Association of University Women, and served as co-chair of hospitality for eight years. Jane also served on the Community Chest board in the early 1970s. She leaves her three children, Linda "Lindy" Grass Poling and her husband Dr. Barclay Poling of Williamsburg, Virginia, Dr. William Grass and his wife Elizabeth of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and Dr. Jeffrey Grass and wife Lorrie of Shaker Heights, Ohio; and grandchildren Ashley E. Poling, Christina Grass Reynolds, Alexandra Grass Wood, Maxx Grass, and Samm Grass. Jane was predeceased by her beloved husband Edward Hurley, her brother Dr. William Muhlbauer, and her grandson Nicholas Grass. Memorial information: A gathering was held on Oct. 18 at Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home in Brattleboro, with a private burial service. Donations to the Brattleboro Union High School Band Department, Brattleboro Union High School, Attn.: Kathy Venice, 131 Fairground Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences to the family, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Betty Jane McCormick, 85, formerly of Marlboro. Died Oct. 9, 2023 at the home of her daughter in Princeton, Kentucky, where she has made her home for the last several years. Mrs. McCormick was born in Marlboro on April 4, 1938, the daughter of Walter D. and Hazel N. (Worden) Radcliffe. She was raised and educated in Marlboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School with the class of 1956. On Oct. 13, 1959, in Auburn, New York, she married George "Mac" McCormick, who predeceased her in 2005. She received her nurse training at Franklin County Public Hospital, now Baystate Franklin Medical Center, in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Mrs. McCormick went on to attend St. Joseph's College in Windham, Maine, where she majored in health care administration, receiving her BSPA certification. She worked her entire career in health care, with her first position at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She later joined the staff at the Brattleboro Retreat and became Director of Nurses at the Retreat's former nursing home, Linden Lodge, until 1997. Mrs. McCormick became social services director at Vernon Green Nursing Home, with her last position with Doctors Bookwalter and Gadowski, where she worked part-time. Active fraternally in Brattleboro, she was a life member and past president of the VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 Auxiliary; was a member of both the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary and Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, Brattleboro Aerie 2445; and was the past high priestess of Nile Court. Mrs. McCormick was also a member of Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Detachment 798, where she was a past president. Following her move to Kentucky, she became a member of the Ogden Memorial United Methodist Church in Princeton. Recently, she had been attending Trinity Global Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Princeton American Legion Auxiliary, where she had been president of the unit. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family meant the world to her. She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, boating, and dancing. Following the death of her husband, she became an active volunteer. Survivors include daughters, Shelby Fernette of North Kingston, Rhode Island and Lori Mansur of Princeton; a brother, Richard Radcliffe of Marlboro; a sister, Barbara Shallow of Richmond, Virginia; and 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, James "Jimmy" McCormick and his wife Dawn McCormick; and grandsons Nathan Head, Brian McCormick, Ryan Smith, and Kyle Smith and his wife Julie Charren. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery on Oct. 14, where she was laid to rest beside her husband. Donations to Shriner's Childrens Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104; or Mary Kendall House Campus, 201 Phillip Court, Owensboro, KY 42303. To share a memory or offer condolences to the family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Sally Ann Perry, 83, of Dummerston. Died Oct. 4, 2023 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend, following a brief illness. Mrs. Perry was born in Claremont, New Hampshire on May 26, 1940, the daughter of Leonard Alton and Mary (Balch) Howard. At an early age, she moved with her family to Putney, where she attended local schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. On May 10, 1959, at Dummerston Congregational Church, she married Frederick Issac Perry, who predeceased her on Nov. 10, 2007. Sally prided herself as a devoted wife and mother whose life centered around her family. An avid bowler, she was active in the Brattleboro Senior Bowling League and competed in many New England Regional tournaments. She won several competitions throughout the years and had the reputation of being an excellent bowler. She and her husband spent good times touring in a vintage Triumph sports car to many meets and shows. She also enjoyed socializing with her many friends and church family and cherished time spent with her family. Sally was an excellent cook and baker and was known for her amazing apple pies. Survivors include one daughter, Samantha Grover and her husband Mike of Newfane; one son, Darcy Perry and his wife Elizabeth of Broadway, North Carolina; two brothers, Bruce and Sam Howard; two grandchildren, Edward Johnson of Westminster and Angela Perry of Broadway; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Scott and his wife Kate; Donna and her husband Tom; and Diane and her husband John; and several nieces and nephews. Sally is predeceased by her brother-in-law, Jay Baldwin, her father-in-law, Dave Baldwin, and mother-in-law, Phylis Baldwin. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Oct. 14 at Dummerston Congregational Church. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in Dummerston Center Cemetery at a later date. Donations to Dummerston Cares, P.O. Box 302, West Dummerston, VT 05357. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Cheryl A. Scott of Readsboro died on Oct. 3, 2023, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer. She was at her home with loving family members present and nearby. Born in 1946, Cheryl attended Whitingham School and went on to work in various jobs in the Deerfield Valley. She spent most of her working career at the Deerfield Valley Supply/WW Building Supply in Wilmington, greeting customers with a smile and telling them stories about her grandchildren. Cheryl married Robert Scott on Sept. 25, 1999, after being significant others for many years before that. She will be remembered as a "spitfire" who was always smiling, a loyal friend, her courageousness and, most important to her, as "Nana." Cheryl enjoyed any activity that had to do with children, reading books, collecting angels, hummingbirds, and spending time with family and friends. She was an active member in her community and served on the Ladies Auxiliary and Readsboro Lions Club. Cheryl was preceded in death by stepfather Carrol Bird, mother Helen Bird, brother Harold Williams, and stepbrother Carroll (Babe) A. Bird. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Robert Scott of Readsboro, children John F. Carrier of Brattleboro, Jerome Carrier of Readsboro, and Jollene (Joe) Mahon of West Dover; grandchildren Jillian and James Mahon of West Dover; stepchildren Dean (Dawn) Scott of Readsboro, Lee (Michelle) Scott of Limerick, Maine; and Heidi Scott of Montague, Massachusetts; as well as treasured step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Memorial information: A memorial service was held at Readsboro School on Oct. 14. Donations to Bayada Hospice or the Readsboro Lions Club.
• Ella Wilmot, 94, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Died July 21, 2023 at Crosslands Retirement Community, where she had lived for more than 30 years with her husband, Leonard "Bud" Wilmot, who died in 2020. Ella was born in 1929 and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, the only child of Irving Benjamin and Goldie May (Willis) Loud. In addition to her parents, she was raised by her beloved aunt, Ruby "Nannie" Willis, who was also a member of the household. As a child, Ella particularly enjoyed participating in Camp Fire Girls and learning skills to live in the outdoors. She became a camp counselor and created lifelong friendships with the girls she met at Marion's Camp in Sutton, Massachusetts. Her camping spirit continued when she made two cross country trips as an adult. The first was in 1965 with her husband and two daughters, and the second in 1973 in an orange VW van they named The Pumpkin Coach. Bud and Ella and Martha camped in the national parks and replicated much of the trip Ella had made across the country as a child with her parents in 1939. Ella graduated with a degree in physics from Bates College in 1949 where she met Bud. She went on to do graduate work in physics at Wellesley College while Bud completed studies at Andover Newton Divinity School. Ella and Bud first settled in Fall River, Massachusetts when Bud started his first job as associate minister. Their daughter, Ruth Ella, was born in 1952 and Ella began her role as a minister's wife. A few years later, Bud became the Minister of Christian Education for Children at the Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, where their second daughter, Martha Ann, was born in 1960. In Charlotte, Ella was active in the church women's circle, AAUW, and the League of Women Voters and spent much of her days using her geometric and spatial skills creating tailored clothing for Bud and her growing girls. She also enjoyed annual summer car trips and continued to travel in retirement as she and Bud attended nearly 60 Elderhostel (Road Scholar) trips throughout the U.S. and abroad. In 1973, Ella and Bud with Martha moved to Oxon Hill, Maryland, and Ella became a docent in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. She appreciated the rigorous education and the opportunity to use her strong academic skills in order to qualify to give tours to tourists and school groups focusing particularly on Native America history and culture. Ella and Bud moved to Malvern, Pennsylvania, in the greater Philadelphia area, in 1979 where Ella joined a local quilting group. Until arthritis made it impossible, she created beautiful quilts and developed her skills at needlepoint, embroidery, sewing, and knitting. Bud and Ella shared their life together at Crosslands, where Ella was an active member in the community and especially enjoyed learning to create pottery on the wheel. Ella was attracted to Quakerism after both daughters attended Earlham College. Bud and Ella became active in the Quaker worship group at Crosslands where she served as treasurer for a period of time. Ella instilled the values of frugality, self-sufficiency, and self-confidence in both her daughters and granddaughter. She was always quick to encourage and support them in learning how to do anything from changing the oil in a car, knitting a sweater, or figuring out how to fix a leaky toilet. At a time when gender stereotypes were still prevalent, she fought for Martha to take industrial arts rather than the required home economics course for girls. Ella is survived by her daughters Ruth Ella (William Warriner) of Brattleboro, Martha Ann (Abigail Littlefield) of Westminster West, and her granddaughter Rachael of Philadelphia. Memorial information: None provided.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.