Milestones

College news

• Jaia Caron of Bellows Falls, Leah Madore of Williamsville, and Kylie Reed of Jacksonville were all named to the fall 2023 Dean's List at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York.

• Ruby Powers of Dummerston was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

• Ansley Henderson of Brookline, Maxwell Hooke of Grafton, and Griffin Waryas of Bellows Falls were all named to the fall 2023 Dean's List at the University of Rhode Island.

Obituaries

• Eloise Grace Bartley, 91, of Concord, N.H. Died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Jan. 18, 2024. Eloise was born in Cabot, Vermont in July 1932, the oldest daughter of Raymond and Jessie Batchelder. Originally living in northern Vermont, she spent most of her childhood in the Springfield, Vermont, area. After suffering the loss of her father while she was in high school, Eloise's mother had the strength and determination to keep the family together, raising her six children alone. Eloise graduated from Springfield High School in 1950 and then met her future husband Richard, also from Springfield. They married in 1951 while he was a Marine stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Richard's military service and work moved them to many locations throughout New England, New York, and Pennsylvania. Their family grew with the births of Jerry and Donna in their early years of marriage before returning to Vermont in 1966. They settled in Dummerston and completed their family with the birth of daughter Brenda. Throughout the years, Eloise worked at Green Mountain Orchard, The Book Press, American Optical, Henry's Market, and Floyd's Butcher Shop. She ended her working career at J.J. Nissen Bakery Outlet, from which she retired in the early 1990s. After spending more than 40 years in Dummerston, Eloise moved to the Concord area to be near her daughter following the 2010 death of her husband. She most recently lived at Presidential Oaks Assisted Living in Concord, a place she loved and where she made many friends before her passing. Eloise was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and a friend to all. There were no strangers to her, only friends she had yet to meet. Family was always very important to her and her involvement in the Witham Family Reunion (which has continued for more than 120 years) was a high point of every year. Eloise is survived by siblings Paul Batchelder (Betty) and Sheila Johnson (Bill); sisters-in-law Lois Batchelder and Brenda Mae Batchelder; children Jerry Bartley (Anne) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Donna Simonds and fiancé Mark Tassinari of Pembroke, Massachusetts and Brenda Hodges (Eric) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; grandchildren Heather Anaya (Alex), David Bartley (Jennifer), Justin Simonds (Ashley), Krista Carrington (Russ), and Zachary Hodges; great-grandchildren Gary, Michael, Trevor, Cameron, Denlyn, Jace, Landon, Logan, Ashlyn, and Jordan; great-great-grandchildren Scarlett and Taylin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, stepfather Linford Bowen, and brothers Raymond, Wallace and Robert Batchelder. Memorial information: Donations to Presidential Oaks, 200 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301.

• Philip Curtis "Phil" Blum, 64, of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Guilford. Died unexpectedly Jan. 15, 2024 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital following an extended period of declining health. Phil was born in Brattleboro on June 20, 1959, the son of the late Robert J. Blum and Arlene (Yeaw) Blum. He attended Academy School and Guilford Elementary School, and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1977. Phil earned his certification as a Vermont Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and was an active volunteer with Rescue Inc. for several years, a calling he really enjoyed. After graduation, he joined the workforce in the printing trade, working for a local Brattleboro printing business. Not wanting to live with clipped wings, Phil decided to break out on his own and move to Florida at age 24, with not much more than a few clothes and a sleeping bag in his car. Settling in Orlando, he immediately was hired by a growing printing firm, which he was employed by for several years. Phil's career in later years was in the IT industry with positions in Florida, Ohio, Texas, and New Jersey. It was in Florida that Phil met the love of his life, another New Englander from Williamstown, Massachusetts, Carrie Gest Markgraf, whom he married in Miami in May 1989. In 1992, Phil and Carrie welcomed their only son, Justin Philip Blum, who predeceased them on Feb. 12, 2019. Less than a year later, on Jan. 2, 2020, Phil lost his wife to cancer. Phil's life was not without challenges and hardships, but even so, he remained a genuine, funny, caring and generous person. He loved music, especially attending concerts, and had attended so many he lost count. He was a huge fan of baseball and an avid New York Yankees fan, and football, where the Miami Dolphins were his team of choice. Survivors include his mother of Guilford; two brothers; Craig Blum of Guilford and Cameron Blum of Brattleboro; as well as his sister, and brother-in-law, Sheila and Rick Pollica of Guilford; three nephews, Eric and Kyle Pollica, and Trevor Blum; and two great nephews, Connor and Rian Pollica. Memorial information: A graveside committal service will be conducted later in the springtime in Baker Cemetery in Guilford where he will be laid to rest with his wife and son. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, 4951 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton, FL 34211. To offer condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.

• Constance E. "Connie" Carlson, 102, a resident of Brattleboro for 57 years. Died peacefully on Jan. 18, 2024 at Our Lady of Providence Residential Care Community in Winooski. Connie was born in Burlington on November 8, 1921, the daughter of Frederick and Ethel (Fountain) Savard. She attended public schools in Milton and graduated from Milton High School, later earning her teacher's degree from Johnson Normal School. Connie's first assignment as a teacher was in a one-room schoolhouse in St. Albans. Later, she taught in Springfield, Vermont and, for many years, taught in Winchester, Massachusetts. She then moved to Brattleboro, where she taught at the former Esteyville School and then at Green Street School, until she retired. A devout Catholic, Connie was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. She was also a member of the American Legion Post 5 Auxiliary, maintaining her membership since 1963. Of her leisure time activities, she enjoyed bowling, taking walks, and was an avid reader. On February 15, 1964 at St. Mary's Parish in St. Albans, she was married to Ernest C. Carlson, who predeceased her on March 15, 2016. Survivors include her sister, Beverly "Bev" Collins and her husband Lawrence of Fairfield; a special niece, Kara Collins Gomez and family of Tallahassee, Florida; a special nephew, Jamie Savard and family of Wilmington, North Carolina; and several other nieces and nephews and their families. Additionally, she leaves several wonderful neighbors and close friends. Connie was predeceased by five brothers and one sister. Memorial information: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael's Catholic Church later in the springtime at a date and time to be announced. Committal rites and burial will be in Saint Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Saint Michael's Catholic Church or to Bridgid's Kitchen, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Pauline Robinson "Polly" Casanova, 85, of Newfane. Died on Jan. 14, 2024 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, surrounded by love after a struggle with kidney disease. Polly was born in West Wardsboro on Feb. 20, 1938, the daughter of Travis and Nora (Boyd) Robinson. In 1942, the family moved to Newfane where Polly grew up and attended elementary school. She graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend. After high school, Polly worked at Grant's department store in Brattleboro and later became the office manager. She married Carl Sargent in 1958, they were together for 14 years and had four children. Polly was active in Girl Scout leadership as the girls were growing up and she served the community with babysitting, sewing for others, and was active in the Newfane Grange. In 1967, she started working at the First National Bank in Jamaica for many years, and was also active in the NewBrook Fire Department Auxiliary. In 1973, she met the love of her life, "Patsy" Casanova, and they married on June 7, 1978. They later purchased a "mom & pop" store, The County Seat Market, which served the West River Valley for years known by all as "Patsy & Polly's." Polly also worked for a few years doing in-home healthcare. In 1998, the couple started foster care, which Polly continued in her retirement. She worked for NFI & Families First, fostering many children and also doing respite care. Polly loved adventures, especially camping at Maidstone and Grout Pond with her siblings and her family, later at the old County Seat Market site in Newfane with her son Ron & family members. In addition she enjoyed her trips to Arizona to be with her best friend Gwen. Polly was the rock of the family, always there in times of trouble or triumph. She was everything to everybody; Gram, Ma, Sister, and Aunt all rolled up into one incredible package. Spending time with family and friends was first and foremost among her loves. As the nexus of Newfane, her door was always open to all. She welcomed everyone to her round table for laughter, conversation, and good food. Polly knew how to laugh and to love, and was never afraid to act like a youngster. For Polly, tag sales were half passionate pursuit and half social event. She always managed to find that one perfect thing others were looking for. She would purposely buy broken things just so she could take them apart, her keen and curious mind would not let her rest until she understood the inner workings of her purchase. She could rehab the most broken things, people included, with flair. In today's world of opportunity for women, she would have been a great engineer. Polly was predeceased by her parents, her husband Patsy, her daughter Alanah Vanleeuwen, foster son David Hardy, and her siblings, Betty Druke (Bernie), Irene Brooks (Alfred), James Robinson (Ida), Sally Herring (Rod), and sister-in-law Patricia Sargent. She is survived by her siblings Mary Laitres (Leo) of Brattleboro and Louise McGourty (Jack) of Barnstead, New Hampshire; children Cindy Rose (Jack) and Linda Brookes of Newfane, Ronald Sargent and daughter in-law Lori of Brattleboro; nephew Billy Brooks whom she has mothered since 2012; and her grandchildren Jessica Emerson (Eric) and Joshua Brookes (Jessica) of Newfane, who lived with her the majority of their school years; Tavis Rose of Townshend, Ashley Rose of Newfane, Travis Sargent (Amber) of Brattleboro, Amanda Pacheco (Josh) of Dummerston, Brianah Hall (Jason) of Springfield, and Cody Hall of Newfane; great-grandchildren Matt and Abigail Emerson, Scarlett Rose, Hayden Vanleeuwen, Jacob Smart, Annabelle and Tucker Brookes, Savannah Squires, Alice and Emilia Pacheco, Chloe Hall, Jeffery Parker, and Oaklynn Sargent; and many dear nieces and nephews. Polly had two dear friends who checked in on her daily, Bob Holden and Bob Litchfield. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held at Newfane Congregational Church on Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital (P.O. Box 216 Townshend, Vermont 05353) or NewBrook Fire & Rescue (P.O. Box 77 Newfane, VT 05345).

• Robert Wayne "Bobby" Damon, 38, of Townshend. Died suddenly on Dec. 20, 2023. Born on Aug. 5, 1985 in Springfield, Vermont to Lori and the late Tom Leary, Bobby worked for Soundview Paper Company in Putney for almost a decade. He was always known as a "social butterfly," chatting with everyone while sharing laughs and smiles. Most of all Bobby was a father to his three children - the youngest, Braydn, the oldest, Makayla, and the middle-child, Skylah, who predeceased him. He was a fiancé to his long-term partner and mother of his children, RoseAnn Goetz, with whom he spent the last 19 years. Bobby grew up with three siblings, his older brother, Joseph Ainsworth, and his younger siblings, Jessica Leary, and Richard Leary. Bobby was also valued greatly as a "son-in-law" to RoseAnn's parents, Evelyn and the late John Goetz. Bobby was also a nephew to many aunts and uncles. He was a friend to all, and willingly would stop to help anyone in need. He had a way of brightening a room with his sunshine personality, making sure no one was left in the dark. He had many interests: playing cribbage, Yahtzee, and video games, watching movies, going on a nature walks, exploring, traveling, listening to music, writing poetry and songs, and drawing. He was a jack of all trades. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., at 689 VT-30, Newfane.

• Veglia Caccivio Derosia, 87, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Jan. 24, 2024. She was born on Sept. 6, 1936 in Plainfield, Vermont, the second of three daughters of the late Iglio and Pauline (Wright) Caccivio. Veglia was a graduate of St. Michael's High School in Brattleboro, where she was known as "the girl with the golden personality." She also attended Northeastern College in Boston, where she earned her license as a lab technician. In May 1958, Veglia married Bernard James "Bernie" Derosia of Brattleboro, who predeceased her in September 2014. During their life together, they were active and supportive parents in the school activities of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. After Bernie's passing, Veglia continued to be an avid fan at all her grandchildren and great grandchildren's school events, including all sports, music and award events. She especially enjoyed the weekend trips all over New England to support her grandchildren in their AAU and college sporting activities. As her children became older, Veglia began a 33-year career employed by Price Chopper/Market 32, where she fully retired from in August 2023. Each day, she brought positivity, dependability and a strong work ethic. Veglia lived life believing that family comes first in kindness, happiness, love and strife, together and forever. She was a parishioner of St. Michael's Catholic Church, and in her earlier life was in the church choir, often singing at midnight Mass on Christmas Eve that used to be broadcast on local radio stations. In addition to her parents and husband, Veglia was predeceased by her daughter, Angela Marie in 1989, her son-in-law, Stephen Lynch in 2021, and her older sister, Colleen Murphy in 2023. She is survived by her six children and their spouses, Lisa, Wayne, Karen Lynch, Scott (Janet), Joseph (Sheena), and Jimmy (Kelly) who will always remember her as a humble, graceful, supportive Mom who loved her family unconditionally; her 15 grandchildren and their spouses, Michelle (Ricky), Jason (Jenn), Amy (Brian), Becky (Marshall), Taylor, Lilly, Alex, Zach, Maddy, Morgan, Kyle, Grady, Hailey, Lucy and Lydia; and her 12 great-grandchildren who will forever miss their selfless, strong, joyful, caring, and irreplaceable Grammy. In addition, she is survived by her younger sister and her husband, Karen and Henry LaRose; two brothers-in-law, Sylvester Murphy and Fred Derosia; as well as many nieces and nephews. Extended family considered her an adopted Grammy, including Alex Fellows and Grammy's furry friends, Brody and Koda. In the end, Veglia continued to communicate her love and thankfulness to her family, when it was her family that was blessed to have had her love, guidance and generosity throughout their lives. Memorial information: A remembrance of her life will be held at American Legion Post 5 on Saturday, Feb. 3, starting at 1 p.m. The family will hold a private memorial service in the spring. Donations to Vermont Special Olympics, 16 Gregory Drive, Suite 2, So. Burlington, VT 05403; St. Brigid's Kitchen, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or St. Michael's School, 48 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Jacqueline Gens, 73, of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Died on Jan. 2, 2024, in Northampton, Massachusetts, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her mother, Olga Pakidoff Gens Shreiner, and father, Alexander Pierre Gens. She is survived by brothers Mike, of Boston, and Will, in Great Neck, New York; nieces Dr. Alexandra Gens, Athena Maitri Gens and Lydia Karunya Gens; nephew Kyle Devin Gens, Esq.; and myriad close friendships she developed over an adventurous and creative life. Born on January 20, 1950, in Woodland Hills, California, as a teen, Jacqueline moved with her family to New York City as teen and, later, to Bernardston, Massachusetts. She graduated from Pioneer Valley Regional High School in 1968, working full time at Mohawk Plastics while still a student. A brief marriage to artist Stephen Curtis ended in an amicable divorce. She attended Greenfield Community College and transferred to Smith College for a B.A. in classics and anthropology as an Ada Comstock Scholar, Class of 1981. In 1983, she pursued a graduate degree in Buddhist studies at the Naropa Institute (now Naropa University) in Boulder, Colorado; in 2005, an MFA in creative writing (Poetry) from New England College; and in 2007, an MAT in information technology from Marlboro College. Beneath her calm demeanor, she worked hard, often operating behind the scenes. Courageous, witty, irreverent, keenly delighted with conversation, she threw herself into life wholeheartedly: poetry, Tibetan Buddhism, cooking, friendships. Starting in her 20s, she lived for several years at Total Loss Farm in Guilford, which remained a touchstone for the rest of her life. At Naropa, she met prominent poets and worked with many of them, including Allen Ginsberg, whom she had idolized ever since seeing him on television when she was a teenager. She moved to New York to become Ginsberg's personal assistant, office manager, and photo archivist. Ginsberg appreciated her, saying that she saved him from klesha, a Sanskrit term for poison, affliction, and negative mental patterns. Jacqueline maintained a role in Ginsberg's legacy to the end. Among her many accomplishments, she co-founded and co-directed with Chard deNiord a poetry workshop in Patzcuaro, Mexico, in 1998-99, and then the MFA program in poetry at New England College from 2001 to 2012. The program included some of the very best poetry faculty in the country. Jacqueline's wisdom, keen intelligence, and business savvy were instrumental in growing it from just 10 students into an international graduate program with an enrollment of fifty-two. A poet herself, she published several chapbooks and founded the website poetrymind. Jacqueline's influence as a wise woman, dear friend to myriad MFA students, and longtime student herself of the Tibetan Buddhist master of Dzogchen leaves a deep emptiness in the hearts of her friends, an emptiness that fills immediately with memories of her kindness, humor, wisdom, and love. The Stuff of Dreams, a 1977 documentary about a community production of Shakespeare's The Tempest performed by the Monteverdi Players at Sweet Pond in Guilford, commemorates her essential role as stage manager. She was an active member of the Buddhist community at Tsegyalgar East in Conway, Massachusetts, where she co-founded the Khandroling Paper Cooperative. She was a respected scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, published in numerous journals and online, and had two radio monthly programs on WVEW. She also published chapbooks of her own poems. In retirement, she continued to write poems, run poetry writing groups online and in person, cooked as a personal chef, maintained the poetrymind blog, and defended tenants' rights at her housing community. She remained clear-headed and vividly herself until her last hours. Memorial information: Donations to Shang Shung Publications or to Shang Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine-America by sending a check to School of Tibetan Medicine, P.O. Box 479, Conway, MA 01341

• Keith Scott Griswold, 59, died on Jan. 12, 2024 at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire after a brief illness. He was born on June 10, 1964 to Allan and Doris (Squires) Griswold. Keith enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, gardening, and riding his motorcycle. Besides his loving partner, Jennifer Razee, he leaves behind his father, Allan Griswold (Julie) of Guilford; brothers Mark (Karla) and Brian Griswold, all of Guilford; niece Andrea Crowningshield (Geoff) of Vernon; nephew Heath Parsons (Erikka) of Swanzey New Hampshire; and four great-nieces as well as several cousins. He was predeceased by his mother and a brother, Damon. Memorial information: Services will be private.

• Stanley A. "Stan" Mack, 76, of Grafton. Died comfortably at his home under hospice care­­­ on Dec. 27, 2023. Stanley was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on Sept. 1, 1947 to Otto and Mildred (Isaacs) Mack. He grew up in Trumbull. Connecticut, and became a volunteer firefighter for the town at age 15. Stan graduated from Trumbull High School in the Class of 1965 and then earned his associate's degree from the Connecticut School of Electronics. He was the loving husband of Patricia (Lobo) Mack. The two married in Trumbull on Feb. 10, 1973 and moved to Grafton in September 1979. Stan soon became the Fire Chief for 20 years and was honored by having the Fire Station named in his honor for initiating and being the driving force behind getting the new fire station designed and built, and replacing the older fire vehicles with newer equipment. He was also an EMT for more than 40 years and devoted his life to helping and protecting others. He also served on the Grafton Selectboard and was Emergency Management Director for many years. He began working for the Windham Foundation in 1980 as an electrician and shepherd. Along with Doug Wright, they tended the 100-plus flock and helped with many lambings (Stan was known as "The Electrical Shepherd.') He soon became their Director of Maintenance and remained with the Windham Foundation for almost 30 years. Stan is survived and will be missed by Pat, his loving wife and best friend of more than 50 years; his exuberant dog, Josephine; his sister, Marilyn Gilvear of Charlestown, New Hampshire; his sisters-in-law Carolyn Lobo and her husband Vince Brunelli of Newtown, Connecticut, and Lorraine Curley and her husband Bob of Dublin, Ohio. Memorial information: A memorial service and celebration of Stan's life will take place on Saturday, May 4, at 11 a.m., at the Community Church of Grafton, with a celebration to follow. Donations to the Stan Mack Memorial Fund, in care of the Grafton Firemen's Association, P.O. Box 191, Grafton, VT 05146, for the continued maintenance of the fire station. To send condolences, visit csnh.com.

• Merrill Ernest Spiller Jr., 93, of Vernon. Died Jan. 14, 2024, with his family by his side, at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Merrill was born in the home of his parents, Merrill and Grace (Carter) Spiller, in Leominster, Massachusetts, on Feb. 22, 1930, the oldest of four children. Growing up in there, he was a Boy Scout, played clarinet, and worked at the local grocery store after school. He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and was in the radio club. He graduated in 1951 with a B.S. in electrical engineering. While at WPI, Merrill met Betty Joan Anderson on a blind date; they were married on May 15, 1954. Merrill had been inducted into the Army and, soon after the wedding, he was sent to Japan. While stationed there, he worked as an assistant radio engineer. When he returned, Merrill and Betty settled in North Easton, Massachusetts; his first job was with the Foxboro Company. In 1968, he obtained a master's degree in engineering management from Northeastern University. He later worked in management positions in the manufacturing departments of Sylvania, Polaroid, Data Terminal Systems, and Aviv Corporation. Merrill was very connected to his community, a connection that he strengthened through service. As an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in North Easton, he held several offices within the church over the years. Merrill became a Mason in 1960 and was a faithful lifelong member of his Lodge. He was also a longtime member of the board of trustees of Brockton Hospital, serving as chair from 1984 to 1986. He maintained his ties to WPI as an alumnus, serving as treasurer for Tech Old Timers (now WPI Voyagers) and helping to plan several class reunions. In 2011, he received the Herbert F. Taylor Alumni Award for Distinguished Service to WPI. Merrill was an avid ham radio operator and loved all things tech, as well as any kind of vehicle, from sports cars to model rockets. Both Merrill and Betty shared with their children (and eventually, their grandchildren) their love of the outdoors - camping, hiking, and boating. A true engineer, Merrill prepared for all family excursions with detailed itineraries, thorough checklists, expert packing techniques, and strict time management skills. In 1978, Merrill and Betty bought a motor home and took their kids on a six-week cross-country trip; this marked the first of many long treks they made over the next four decades. Together, Merrill and Betty drove to and camped in 49 states. (For their 50th anniversary, they flew to Hawaii to "complete the set.") In 2017, Merrill and Betty moved to Vernon. They continued to enjoy traveling and spending time with family and stayed active through their ninth decade. Merrill is survived by his wife; son, Douglas (Yong Hee) Spiller; and daughter, Cheryl (Stephen) Redmond; as well as granddaughters Laura (Adam) Sobel, Kimberly Spiller (Marc Weiss), and Genevieve Redmond. He is predeceased by his brother, Richard Spiller; and his sisters, Marilyn Baker and Bernita Spiller. Memorial information: A memorial service at the Guilford Community Church on March 9 at 1 p.m. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Shirley May Clark Squires, 94, of Guilford, a resident of Thompson House nursing home for the past year. Died Jan. 24, 2024 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. She was born at home in Guilford on November 9, 1929, the daughter of Earl and Clara (Goodnow) Clark. She lived her entire life in Guilford, attending a one-room school for eight years. Shirley continued on to Brattleboro High School, graduating in 1947. In the early 1940s, Shirley worked at Woolworths and Holstein Association. She married Webster Squires on May 21, 1950 at the Meeting House Church in Guilford Center. They built a house in 1953, just down the road. They raised six children there. Over the years, Shirley was a 4-H Leader, a Red Cross Volunteer, and served 20 years as treasurer for the Guilford Historical Society. She was also a crossword puzzle "addict." In 1969, she became the cook at Guilford School. She retired in 1996, but later became assistant manager in the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital cafeteria, retiring in 2007. Shirley loved gardening and watching the wild critters in her back yard and enjoyed get-togethers with her family. One of her great memories was flying to Amsterdam for the Tulip Festival. She is survived by six children, Rebecca West (Ed) of Guilford, David Squires (Betty) of Windham, Bonnie Newton (Gary) of Vernon, Andrew Squires (Brenda) of Maine, Todd Squires (Kathy) of Guilford, and Kenneth Squires of Biddeford, Maine; a sister, Arlene Gilbert (Bob); a brother, Richard Clark (Kathy); a sister-in-law, Cindy Clark; 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 49 years on April 26, 2000; her brothers, Arnold and Edward; her sister, Virginia; and a daughter-in-law, Tina. Memorial information: A celebration of life will be held at American Legion Post 5 on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. Graveside committal services in Guilford Center Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, will take place in the springtime when the cemetery reopens. Donations to the Guilford Volunteer Fire Dept., 108 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT 05301, or Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Faith Christine White, 51, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on Jan. 19, 2024 at her home, following a lengthy period of declining health. Faith was born in Brattleboro on May 29, 1972, the daughter of the late Walter and Emily (Miller) White. A premature infant, at birth her weight was a mere one pound, four ounces. She was known as a miracle baby, so tiny her father could hold her in the palm of his hand. She was raised and educated in Brattleboro where she attended public schools, graduating from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1990. Faith worked most of her career as a healthcare giver, performing private duty for the elderly in their homes. She also had worked at the former Linden Lodge Nursing Home and at the Holton Home on Western Avenue. She later earned her certification as a Vermont State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), an achievement she was very proud of. For several years, she was an active volunteer with Rescue, Inc. During her youth and teen years, Faith was involved with the day-to-day operation of her parent's ministry, Faith Ministries Mission and Shelter, located at her parent's home on Frost Place. Although small in physical stature, Faith was known to be feisty and full of life. Faced with health issues most of her adult life, she was always optimistic and positive, seeing the shiny side of a rusty nail. Faith enjoyed the outdoors, swimming, suntanning, and she loved the beach, especially trips to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire with her family. She was also an avid reader. Survivors include her son, Trevor Leclair of Lunenburg, Massachusetts; one brother, Walter White of Brattleboro; an uncle, George Miller of Walpole, New Hampshire; close friend and companion, Todd Leclair of Brattleboro; her stepmother, Linda White of Bennington; and many cousins. Additionally, she leaves her beloved Puggle, "Emmy." Memorial information: A graveside committal service will be conducted later in the springtime in West Brattleboro Cemetery. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

Services

• A celebration of life for Paul J. Van Winkle will be held in the back room of Peter Havens Restaurant in Brattleboro on Feb. 8, at 4 p.m. All who were close to Paul are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, bring your favorite martini glass and your best "Paul V." story to share in remembrance. Mr. Van Winkle, 63, of Putney, died on Dec. 21, 2023.

This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.