Milestones

Obituaries

• Deirdre Lucreatia Baker, 61, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly Nov. 25, 2023 in a fire at her home on Lexington Avenue. Deirdre was born in Brattleboro on March 30, 1962, the daughter of Owen and Adrienne (Naeve) Baker. She attended local schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1980. For a majority of her working career, Deirdre worked in the hospitality and restaurant business. For several years, she owned and operated her own catering business in the Stratton area, managed Tenderloins Restaurant at Stratton Country Club and, more recently, was employed at the Marina Restaurant in Brattleboro. While studying in France in her younger years, Deirdre worked for a fashion designer in Paris. Deirdre had a flair for fashion and loved a bouquet of happy colors, whether it was in her home or in her fashion style. If it was orange, pink or lime green, Deirdre loved it. The colors truly matched her personality. She carried on the family tradition of golf and was a member of the Brattleboro Country Club. Even though she was surrounded by a family of accomplished golfers, she became serious about the sport while working in Stratton. Deirdre was a people person and enjoyed spending time with her family and her large host of friends. She was known for her spirit of friendship and generosity and her credo "Who can I help next?" Years ago, she faced a serious battle with cancer that included numerous surgeries and treatments. Deirdre is remembered for her courage, faith, and positive outlook when faced with her illness. Her concern though was always still focused on others in need and never herself. Born and raised Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Deirdre was married to Dennis Rawson in a beautiful mountainside ceremony in August 1998 at the Chapel of the Snows in Stratton. She leaves one son, Lucas Rawson of Brattleboro; a brother, Shawn Baker (Kate) of Carmel, New York; and her companion of 15 years, David Follensbee of Brattleboro, who was by her side through the happy and the sad times. Deirdre would call Dot McKillop her "sister" as well as many lifelong best friends like Jacqulyn "Jackie" Kenny (Terry) of Brookline, New Hampshire. Deirdre had a dear special friend, Gay Pfenning of Vernon, who never missed a daily visit with Dee, never, even up until her last evening. Deirdre had many "sisters" and there are many, many more. Additionally, she is survived by Aunt Serena, Uncle Brandon and Uncle Gavin. Deirdre also leaves behind her loving and fun cousins Jasmine, Jesse, and Hunter. Memorial information: A memorial gathering and celebration of her Life will be held on Monday, Dec. 11 at the Elk's Home on Putney Road from noon until 4 p.m. Donations may be made to a GoFundMe account, www.gofundme.com/f/37gmim2za0, established for the benefit of her son Lucas, who lost his home and all of the family's possessions in the Nov. 25 fire. To share a memory or offer condolences to the Baker family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Christopher James "Chris" Barnard, 50, of West Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly at home on Nov. 15, 2023, following a courageous battle with cancer. Chris was born in Brattleboro on April 17, 1973, the son of Paul H. and Rebecca (Ellingwood) Barnard. He was raised and educated in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, attending Hinsdale High School. He was employed as a foreman for Lewis Tree Company for the past 15 years and previously had worked for Wayside Fence Company, C&S Wholesale Grocers in Brattleboro, and for Roto Rooter. Chris loved the outdoors and spending time at the beach, especially in Key West, Florida. He loved taking long walks with his wife and three dogs, Louie, Martin, and Maci. Chris also enjoyed fishing and keeping a large vegetable garden. Additionally, he was a pool shark and enjoyed playing billiards. On July 30, 2022, at a beach wedding in Key West, he was married to Erica McCarthy. Tragically, his wife and soulmate died on Nov. 18, three days following his death. Chris leaves his parents of Hinsdale; son Brandon and daughter Jordan Barnard, both of Brattleboro; a sister, Stacy Barnard LaPoint of Winchester, New Hampshire; stepsons Jakob and Devin Dupuis of Westfield, Massachusetts and Matthew Shippee of Chesterfield, New Hampshire; and stepdaughter Teila Dupuis of Westfield. Additionally, Chris is survived by three grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and several cousins. Memorial information: A service in celebration of the lives of both Chris and Erica will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m., at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street in Brattleboro. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Erica Teresa Barnard, 49, of West Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly at her home on Nov. 18, 2023. Erica was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on Jan. 17, 1974, the daughter of Frederick and Alice (DeCarlo) McCarthy. She was raised and educated in Hinsdale, New Hampshire and was a graduate of Hinsdale High School, Class of 1992. She went on to attend Springfield Technical Community College, earning an associate's degree in health sciences. She worked as a respiratory therapist for LinCare in Brattleboro and at Western Massachusetts Hospital in Westfield. Previously, Erica had been employed at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Erica enjoyed spending time at the beach, especially Key West, taking nature walks with her husband and their three dogs, gardening her flower beds, and sharing time with her family. On July 30, 2022, at a special beach wedding in Key West, she married Christopher James Barnard. Her loving husband died on Nov. 15, three days prior to her death. Survivors include two sons, Jakob and Devin Dupuis, both of Westfield; a daughter, Teila Dupuis and her husband Harris Miller, also of Westfield; stepson Brandon Barnard and stepdaughter Jordan Barnard of Brattleboro; her mother of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; a sister, Shannon Flaugh of Springfield; half-brother Carl McCarthy of Boston; stepsister Kim MacDonnell of Longmeadow, Massachusetts; and three grandchildren, Leo, Charlotte, and Brooklyn. Additionally, she leaves two nephews, Cory and Dylan, and a niece, Haley. Erica was predeceased by her father. Memorial information: A service in celebration of the lives of both Erica and Chris will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m., at American Legion Post 5 on Linden Street in Brattleboro. Donations to the Florida Keys Wildlife Society, PO Box 431840, Big Pine Key, FL 33043. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Grace Alice (Carruth) Betit, 87, formerly of Whitingham. Died peacefully on Nov. 17, 2023 at Vernon Green Nursing Home, surrounded by family and loved ones. A loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Grace was born in Wilmington in 1936 to the late Perley and Leone (Forrest) Carruth. On Nov. 7, 1952, Grace married John Anthony Betit at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Readsboro, and made their home in Whitingham where they raised their 14 children. She was predeceased by her husband, John; sons Joel, Brian, Harley, and Marc Betit; grandson Bradley Slowinski, sons-in-law William Felton and Douglas Crowningshield; and siblings Earl Forrest, Henry Carruth, Florence (Carruth) Veber, and Mary (Carruth) Tower. She is survived by her children: Judith (Matthew) Slowinski, Steven (Darlene) Betit, Jeanette Felton, Charlayne (Andrew) Shepherd, Diane (David) Rogers, Almira (Craig) Aekus, Nicole (James) Slowinski, John Paul Betit, Jennifer (Norman) Herzig, and Lorne (Kristie) Betit, 36 grandchildren, and 66 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Jane (Carruth) Price and Edith (Carruth) Cote; and a sister-in-law, Ann Betit. Grace was a communicant of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilmington, and St. John the Baptist in Colrain, Massachusetts. Everyone who knew Grace will remember her love of knitting that she passed on to many, her amazing banana bread, her green thumb, and how she created and organized crafts to make with her grandchildren, their friends, and classes at school. Many hours were spent around her table playing cards, board games, and putting puzzles together. Her puzzles on the coffee table were enticing to many, making it nearly impossible to stop by for a quick visit. Many children, now adults, remember her generosity and giving heart. Grace spent a lot of time volunteering at local organizations. She was a member and president of the American Legion Auxiliary for several years and was proud to sell poppies for the Auxiliary before and during the Whitingham and Jacksonville Memorial Day parades. She was a member of the Whitingham Ladies' Benevolent Society. She cherished her time as a trustee of the Whitingham Historical Society, where she donated and preserved many artifacts. Memorial information: A celebratory Mass was held on Dec. 2 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, followed by burial at Sadawga Cemetery. Donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Church's Window Restoration Project, Whitingham Ladies' Benevolence Society, Whitingham Historical Society, or the Whitingham Fire Department.

• Donna Davison Borofsky, 88, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Nov. 26, 2023, at Pine Heights in Brattleboro. Donna was born in Rutland in 1935, and adopted as an infant by her loving parents, Orpha and Lawrence "Cub" Davison. When she was very young, her family departed Vermont for a short time to live in a gold mining camp in California. When she was 7, they returned, first to Wilmington, and then to Brattleboro, where she spent the rest of her life. Donna attended and graduated from Brattleboro High School in 1953. While in high school, she met her lifelong partner, Stanley "Pal" Borofsky. They started dating at age 15 and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. An avid musician, she played the organ from time to time in various local churches. Donna attended the University of Vermont where she was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority and earned a B.S. in education in 1957. Donna spent over 20 years teaching piano in Brattleboro to local students and adults. Many of her early piano students participated in recitals at Oak Grove School. She spent most of her life volunteering for numerous local schools and nonprofit organizations, including Oak Grove School, the Capital Campaign at Marlboro College, the Brattleboro Drop-In Center, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Holton Home, the Estey Organ Museum, the BUHS Alumni Association, Meeting House Hill Cemetery, and the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (where she served on the board for 12 years, as president for four, and then on the special events committee) among others. She was a founding member of the Friends of Brooks Memorial Library, and she served on the board of trustees at Thompson House. Donna served as a Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting member from its inception until just a few years ago. She was selected for an Arts Merit Award, presented annually by the Vermont Arts Council, in 1996 and received a Community People Award from Brattleboro Savings & Loan in 2005. She was a member of the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community. In the 1970s, Donna was very active in support of the BUHS marching band and hosted many post-performance parties, along with BUHS theater musical cast parties, at home. Donna was an avid reader and her hobbies included playing the piano and organ, gardening and taking regular walks around the neighborhood. She enjoyed traveling the world and vacationing in numerous Caribbean Islands for many years together with "Pal" and various friends and neighbors. Over the years she also enjoyed caring for various pets including dogs, cats, birds, various rodents, fish, turtles, and anything else her two boys brought home. She had a very strong influence on both visual and performance arts with her children. She is survived by her husband Stanley "Pal" Borofsky; sons Scot Borofsky and Brad Borofsky; grandchildren Meagan Faulkner (Tyler), Joaquin Borofsky, and Ansel Borofsky; and great-granddaughter Layla Marilyn Faulkner. Memorial information: Friends and relatives are invited to join in a celebration of Donna's life at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. Donations to the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, 10 Vernon St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Don G. Elliott, 81, of Athens. Died on Nov. 18, 2023 in Springfield, Vermont. Don was born on April 7, 1942 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to the late Robert and Hilda (Brown) Elliott. After graduating high school in Monroe, Connecticut, Don entered the Army in 1968 at Fort Benning, Georgia. He married Jayne (Harrington) Elliott and enjoyed 55 years of unconditional love. Don worked as a truck driver and also a master woodworker, he loved animals, and was a friend of Bill Wilson for 48 years. Don is survived by his wife and his sister Judy Komar of Fiskdale, Massachusetts. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Dec. 2 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls.

• Marlene Agnes (Schaarschmidt) Kramer, 89, of Putney. Died Nov. 1, 2023 in Putney. She was born on Dec. 2, 1933 in New York City, the daughter of Bernhard and Albertina. She was the wife of Raymond Kramer, whom she married on June 25, 1955 in New York City. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this year. Marlene graduated from Adelphi University with a B.A. in mathematics. While raising her family, she also worked for the New York State Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) providing long-term tutoring for high school mathematics students. Marlene also became an adjunct professor of mathematics at the State University of New York at Old Westbury. After moving to Vermont, Marlene obtained her realtor license and worked for various local offices including Randy Major and Berkley & Veller. Above all, Marlene was a beloved mother, wife, and daughter. She was well known throughout Putney, Westminster and the surrounding areas. She participated in various community activities including Meals on Wheels, sang in local choirs and provided housing and meals for actors and musicians as they toured the local venues. Marlene was a juried water color artist and a member of the Vermont Watercolor Society. She displayed locally and in prestigious locations such as Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Her watercolor paintings reflected her passion for flowers and outdoor landscapes, which was also shown by the time and energy she spent on her own gardens and tours open to the public for sharing their peace, beauty, and tranquility. Marlene's deep appreciation of nature was also shown by her long-time membership in and monthly contribution to the Sierra Club. She enjoyed all the seasons of Vermont and could be seen snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or lounging and swimming at Spofford Lake in New Hampshire or Jones Beach in New York. Marlene also pioneered a path of healthy living for herself and her family well before it was the "in" thing. Marlene is survived by her husband; children Raymond Jr., Linda Van Yahres, and Thomas; and grandchildren Alyssa, Lauren, Julie, Adam, Christopher, Audrey and Leslie. Marlene is also survived by a number of cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorial information: Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

• Wayne M. Peters, 54, of Vernon. Died Oct. 22, 2023 at the Jack Byrne Palliative & Hospice Care Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire after a brief battle with liver cancer. Wayne was born on April 13, 1969 to Victor and Marie (Mitchell) Peters. He grew up in a large family in Provincetown, Massachusetts. From a young age, Wayne had a personality that was larger than life. He was known for his jokes, quick-witted comebacks, and for the funny nicknames he came up with for just about everyone he met. He moved to Vermont in the 1990s, where he became an accomplished roofer and handyman. Known by all as a hard worker, he worked for several companies in the area over the years, including GPI, Walker Roofing, and Barrows Roofing & Set Specialists. In his off-time, Wayne enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, dirt bike/ATV riding, traveling and, most of all, spending time with his family and friends. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, brother-in-law Scott; siblings Robert, Richard, Daniel, and June; his wife Brenda; and his beloved dog Bandit. Wayne leaves behind his daughter Lauren, son Milo, sister Candice; brothers Joe, John, and Victor; several cousins, nieces, and nephews - including his nephew Victor, with whom he was extremely close. He also leaves his stepsons Tony and Wayne, their families, and several friends including longtime friends Alex, Jeremy, Dean, and Gail. Memorial information: He will be buried in his hometown with his parents. A celebration of his life will be held this summer. The date and location will be announced in the spring.

• Thomas Bramble "Tom" Ragle, 96, of Guilford. Died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Nov. 28, 2023. He was a poet, educator, philosopher, and perennial seeker of answers to life's most thorny questions. He will be remembered by many as president of Marlboro College for 23 years and by countless others as the patriarch of a family that knew no boundaries. Joining was simply a matter of wanting to be a member. Born on Nov. 25, 1927, Tom was the son of the late Dr. Benjamin Harrison Ragle and Marguerite Williams Ragle of Boston. His siblings include his late brothers, Richard H. Ragle and John W. Ragle, and his late sister Jane R. Robbins. He was married to his beloved wife, Nancy Koch Ragle for 58 years. Together, they raised their children Kathy Wilde Clark (Richard), Bill Koch (Kate), Melendy Koch Fabian (Kevin), Robin Ragle-Davis (Carter), Fritz Koch (Hiroko), Tim Ragle (Susan), and the late, much loved, Elizabeth Koch Graham (Scott). He had 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and was able to keep close track of every single one. In the "no boundaries" family, countless others merit special mention but doing so might accidentally leave someone off the list. All were much beloved, and he kept close watch and proffered fatherly advice to each. Tom graduated from Shady Hill, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Harvard College with an A.B in ancient Greek history and literature, as well as Oxford University with a B.A. and M.A. in English language and literature. These experiences sparked a love of education that would inform the rest of his life as well as many decades championing the value of a liberal arts education. He believed liberal arts provided the solid foundation upon which a thoughtful and ethical life depended. Tom began his professional career teaching English at Exeter Academy. After serving in the Army, he went on to serve as president of Marlboro College for 23 years (1958-1981). From 1981-83, he served as visiting professor and special assistant to the president at the University of Vermont, from 1983-89 as director of the Salzburg Seminar in Austria, from 1989-91 as special consultant to the United Nations Development Program in Beijing, China and, finally, as a visiting professor and special assistant to the president of Trinity College in Burlington before retiring to the family's 1780 farm in Guilford in 1993. He was an active member and leader of many charitable, community, educational and ecclesiastical organizations including Write Action, Guilford Community Church, Vermont Higher Education Council, Vermont Council on the Humanities, Vermont Board of Bar Examiners, Governor's Commission on Education, Vermont Higher Education Planning Commission, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, Vermont Foundation of Independent Colleges, The Crosby Foundation, The Stowe School, and Brattleboro Music Center, among others. His strongest desire was always to write poetry, releasing For Family and Friends and then the positively-reviewed Take This Song under the pen name Lee Bramble. Memorial information: A memorial service celebrating Tom's life will be held at Guilford Community Church on Monday, Dec. 18, at 1:30 p.m. Donations to the Brattleboro Music Center or The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.

• Doris E. Rice, 101, of Saxtons River. Died on Nov. 29, 2023 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire. Doris was born March 20, 1922 in Athens to Raymond and Pearle (Torrey) Haley. Doris attended schools in Grafton and Cambridgeport, and later worked at the Mary Meyer Toy Company in Townshend. She retired from Readex in Chester. Doris loved cats, sending cards to people, and had an outstanding memory of dates. Doris was also known for keeping up with current events and news and was a fan of Bernie Sanders. Doris is survived by her daughter, Iris Haley of Somerville, Massachusetts; a brother, Bernard "Pete" Haley of Grafton; and several nephews and nieces. Doris was predeceased by her parents and siblings Charlotte, Gertrude, Merton, Lewis, Cecil, Gordon, Ruby and Lawrence. Memorial information: A graveside service was held on Dec. 4 at Saxtons River Village Cemetery. Donations to the Saxtons River Volunteer Fire Department or to the Bellows Falls Senior Center.

• Violet Celia (Wojchick) Seppala, 100, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Nov. 19, 2023 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Daughter of the late Stanley and Edna (Cormier) Wojchick, she was born in Adams, Massachusetts on Oct. 3, 1923. Violet lived in Brattleboro, residing in the same house on South Main Street with her spouse, William, their whole married life. Together, she and William raised four children and were very involved in their lives. All her children graduated from St. Michael's School and eventually got married. Violet was very proud that all four of her children have been married to their same spouses for more than 50 years each, a level of commitment you don't always find in society today. Violet also loved the opportunity to hit the casino with William, Judy, and Barb and play the slots. When William could no longer drive, her daughters Barb and Judy would still take them to the casino once a month. She also loved Shriner's Bingo every Monday night. In November 2022, Violet's health began to deteriorate. Knowing she needed more help, the family moved her to Vernon Green Nursing Home. She was predeceased by her husband William E. Seppala in 2016. She is survived by her children, Judy (Stuart) Monroe, Tom (Linda) Seppala, Barb (Tom) Simeon, and JoAnn (Philip) Bailey; 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Memorial information: Private burial services will be held with immediate family in the spring at St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro. To send condolences, visit www.phaneuf.net.

• Gertrude Elizabeth "Betty" (Yorke) Sprague, 91, of Readsboro. Died Nov. 28, 2023 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. She was born in Millinocket, Maine on July 21, 1932, a daughter of Milton Stillman Yorke and Hattie Naomi (Ayers) Yorke. She graduated from Drury High School in North Adams, Massachusetts. Betty worked at the Mount Snow Ski Area for more than 20 years until her retirement. She was a member of the Readsboro Baptist Church. Betty was devoted to her family and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader. She was the widow of Gilbert Dean Sprague, who died in 2002. They were married on Nov. 25, 1950. Survivors include a daughter, Kelly Sprague Wheeler of Troy, Maine; two sons, Keith Sprague of Searsburg and Kris Sprague of Townshend. She also leaves nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sue Ellen Brown of Readsboro; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Kevin Sprague, on April 25, 2023, as well as her brothers David and Milton Yorke. Memorial information: A funeral was held on Dec. 6 at Readsboro Baptist Church. Burial will be in the spring in North Hill Cemetery in Readsboro. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org/givehope).

• Michael Clayton Wood, 77, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Nov. 25, 2023, with his loving wife, Jill, and a dear family friend at his side. Born on Oct. 16, 1946 in Brockton, Massachusetts, the son of Edward Wood, Mike left a lasting mark on the hearts of those who knew him. Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Jill; his sisters Cindy and Judy; his daughter, Sarah; son-in-law, Aaron; and grandchildren Morgan and Bennett. Mike had a passion for Vermont where he forged lasting friendships that enriched his life, making Vermont his cherished sanctuary. One of Mike's great passions was racing and working on classic cars. His craftsmanship was a testament to his meticulous nature and pride in his work. May his spirit endure in the memories of those he touched. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held at Meeting House Hill Cemetery on Dec. 9 at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a celebration of life at the Brattleboro Eagle's Club No. 2445. All are welcome to attend. Donations to the Shriners Children's Hospitals (www.shrinerschildrens.org).

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