College news
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts: Freddie G. Learey of Brattleboro received first honors and Lydia Hazzard-Leal and Lucy M. Szpila, both of Brattleboro, received second honors.
• Eva Ramey of Jamaica, Jordan Roach of Brattleboro, Alex Shriver of Brattleboro, Will Taggard of Brattleboro, and Broden Walsh of Marlboro were all named to the Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.
• Travis Meggiolaro of Dummerston, who is in the civil engineering technology program, and Niko Huber of South Londonderry, who is in the new media interactive development program, were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester at Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology.
• Elijah Cooper of Brattleboro and Meagan Kelly of Westminster were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
• Jasmine Denny, a human services major from Whitingham, was recently inducted into the Elmira (N.Y.) College chapter of Iota Iota Iota (or Triota), the National Women's Honor Society. Triota strives to maintain the feminist values central to women's studies: egalitarianism, inclusiveness, and a celebration of the diversity of women's experiences.
Obituaries
• Christina Marie Allcock, 54, of Putney. Died at her home on Jan. 29, 2024. Christina was born on Jan. 15, 1970, in Pekin, Illinois, to Cecille (Bodine) and the late Earl E. Allcock. She grew up in Illinois before moving to Westminster in 1980. She attended school at Bellows Falls Union High School and later would study business at Laconia (N.H.) Technical College. Over the years, Christina worked at Dunkin' Donuts in Bellows Falls. She also held employment at Taco Bell and Subway. She had a strong affection for helping others and volunteered for a number of groups to continue in their aid. Christina loved her family and friends tremendously and will be remembered for her loving and caring ways. She had a passion for taking pictures and enjoyed doing photography at events. She was also fond of shopping and playing card games. She is survived by her mother, of Westminster; her daughter, Breeona Allcock and her boyfriend, Cody, of Bellows Falls; sons Lucas Allcock and his wife, Lacie of Mount Holly, Ryan Allcock of Westminster, and Nathan Allcock of Bellows Falls; grandchildren Griffin, Maddox, and Clover; her brother, Michael Allcock and his girlfriend, Becca, of Claremont, New Hampshire, and her partner in life, Brandon Hutton of Putney. Memorial information: A celebration of her life is being planned for a later date. Donations to the American Heart Association.
• James M. "Jim" Deyo, 72, of Rochester, New Hampshire, formerly of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home on Feb. 17, 2024. He was Born Dec. 1, 1951, in Brattleboro to Harold and Vera (Maynard) Deyo. Jim had lived in Rochester for the past three years after moving to be closer to his children and grandchildren. In Vermont, he spent his career working at lumber yards, being promoted from an entry-level role to the general manager over several store locations. From there, he settled back into a sales role at the lumber yard to allow more time for his family and the many hobbies he enjoyed. He got married to Susan in 1976 and enjoyed 47 years of marriage. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Brattleboro, where he served as Head of House Committee. Jim served his church for many years while the children were young and eventually took on the task of being a trustee at the First Baptist Church in Brattleboro. Jim was an honest, hard-working man who never took the easy way out and always did the right thing for everyone around him. All will remember him chuckling at his own jokes with a bright smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, playing cards and sitting by a fire at "Camp." Surviving members of his family include his wife of 47 years, Susan (Andersen) Deyo of Rochester; his son, Matt Deyo, of Dover, New Hampshire, his daughters Pam and Kim Deyo, both of Portsmouth, his grandchildren Nathan James Deyo and Kenedy Pamela Deyo, many nieces and nephews,; his brother David Deyo and wife Sherri Miner of Guilford; a sister-in-law, Jackie Deyo; and his sister, Jeanne Deyo of Brattleboro. Memorial information: A celebration of Jim's life was held on Feb. 26 at First Baptist Church in Brattleboro.
• Lenore Harty of Bellows Falls died on Feb. 15, 2024, in North Walpole, New Hampshire. Lenore was predeceased by her husband, Edward, and her brother, Eli Rush. Memorial information: Lenore wanted to be remembered fondly by her family and friends. There will be no calling hours or services. Donations can be made to local animal shelters.
• Matthew Seth Johnson, 42, died on Feb. 15, 2024, surrounded by family and friends, at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire. Born on Jan. 28, 1982, Matt was an avid music lover, especially rap and hip-hop. From the time he could walk, one pastime he truly enjoyed was fishing with his dad. They would spend hours on the water talking about anything and everything. He is survived by his grandparents, David & Carol Johnson; his father, Dennis Johnson; his mother Patricia Levasseur; his uncle Ed Johnson; siblings Krystal Johnson, David Johnson, Kaleigh Garceau and Ed Johnson; his four nieces and nephews; and by his four children. Memorial information: There will be a celebration of life on March 9, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Elks Lodge in Brattleboro. Donations to the 39 Beech Street Shelter and Engagement Center, 39 Beech St., Manchester, NH 03103.
• Ruth Margaret Lapan, 92, of Brattleboro. Died on Feb. 16, 2024, 19 years and 1 day after her husband Richard's passing. She had lived in Brattleboro since 1956. Born June 1, 1931, to Raymond and Catherine (McGarr) Noonan, Ruth grew up on the Bostwick Farm on Lake Champlain. A self-identified "tomboy," she played basketball and softball while taking an interest in the farming operation her father oversaw. She graduated from Shelburne High School in 1949 as valedictorian and class president, with a scholarship to UVM and a DAR Good Citizenship Medal. After three years at UVM, where she was on both the basketball and debate teams, she briefly joined a convent in Ireland to explore a larger commitment to her Catholic faith. When reflecting on this experience, Ruth acknowledged heartbreak upon being dismissed by the Mother Superior and, also certainly, that the woman had ultimately been correct about a different life being meant for her. After returning from Ireland, Ruth graduated from Trinity College with a B.S. in Science before enrolling in medical school at UVM. During this time she was introduced to, in her words, "a nice young man from Brattleboro" by her sister Rae Catherine and Rae's co-conspirator (and eventual husband), Leo Stack. Whilst in medical school, she became engaged to Richard E. Lapan after he walked across several fields to find her fixing a tractor in the pouring rain. Ruth appreciated his lack of surprise or complaint when she promptly went back under the machine as a reflection of their quiet understanding of one other. They were married at St. Catherine's in Shelburne on Oct. 8, 1955, before making their marital home in Brattleboro. Their quiet understanding fortified 49 years of marriage until his death on Feb. 15, 2005. Ruth went on to earn her M.Ed. from Keene State College in 1977 and an M.S. in physical science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1982. Her fascination with math and science and voracious appetite for learning were lifelong, hallmark traits. She spent most of her career as an educator, teaching at Chester High School, Southern Vermont College, Rivier College, Hinsdale High School, and Whitingham School. Brilliant at differentiating instruction, she tutored many nursing students at her dining room table on Grove Street. Her efforts were memorable and deeply appreciated by these nurses as essential to their careers. Additionally, Ruth assisted her husband with the daily operation of Lapan's Cash Market on Main Street in Brattleboro. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Ruth's family was very important to her. She also served folks in need, donating considerable time to a crisis hotline. She was quietly invested in the communities in which she dwelled and the people she loved. She was masterful at comfortable silence as well as an excellent storyteller. Ruth was a lifelong devout Catholic and longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. She was also an ardent Red Sox fan. Survivors include her children, Patrick Lapan (Roben) of Brattleboro, Richard Lapan (Dru) of South Barre, James Lapan (Alyson) of Burien, Washington, Mary Worsman (Ken) of West Brattleboro, and Bridget Devlin (Dylan) of Putney; a brother, John Noonan (Brenda) of Shelburne; sisters Sheila Fanelli of Madison, Connecticut, and Sharon (George) Sinnott of Lake Orion, Michigan. She also leaves grandchildren Grace Freeman (Gavin), Maggie Fleming (Dan), Harrison Lapan, Addison Worsman, Richard Worsman (Eliza), Devon Lapan, Kaitlyn Odell (Ross), Connor Lapan, Martin Lapan, and Siobhan Devlin. Her legacy includes great-grandchildren Lucia Freeman, William Odell, and Lillian Worsman. In addition to her beloved husband, Ruth was predeceased by a son, Raymond Lapan, and sisters Nancy Rice, Ellen Young, and Rae Catherine Stack. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Feb. 23 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, followed by committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Brigid's Kitchen, 38 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Jean (Choiniere) McAuliffe, 77, of Brattleboro. Died on January 3, 2024, at Thompson House in Brattleboro, after a long illness,. Jean was a long-time resident of Brattleboro and is dearly missed by her family and friends. She was born in Barton on Sept. 7, 1946, daughter of Germain A. Choiniere and Ruby (Racine) Choiniere. Jean attended three years at Orleans High School, and participated in Girls Chorus and the Northeastern Music Festival. She was also a majorette. A 1964 graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Newport, she graduated from Houle's Beauty Academy in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1965 and worked several years with her mother as beautician in her hair salon located in the family home. In August 1966, Jean married Joseph S. von Dembowski, who predeceased her. They resided in Orleans for many years. Jean learned her cooking skills from her father-in-law, "Sid," who was a chef. Jean married Paul M. McAuliffe in 1996, they had two children: Jacquelyn B. McAuliffe and Jonathan P. McAuliffe of Brattleboro. Jean was an employee of New Chapter for many years and especially enjoyed her trip to Costa Rica, and was truly impressed by its natural beauty. She was the happiest when entertaining and cooking for her family members and friends. She also loved to sing and dance, play scratch tickets, garden, and cook. Jean loved her family, all of whom were especially important to her. She is survived by: her daughter, Jacquelyn B. McAuliffe (John King), and her grandson, Keegan J. McAuliffe, as well as her son, Jonathan P. McAuliffe (Autumn). Her siblings include Jim Choiniere (Fran), John Choiniere (Diane), Jacalyn Slaiby (William L. Slaiby-deceased), and Janet Goodine (Frank). Her stepchildren include Paul McAuliffe (Melissa), William McAuliffe (Chrissie), and Jamie McAuliffe. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her husband, Paul C. McAuliffe, and her parents. Memorial information: Graveside services will take place on May 18, at noon, at St. Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro, followed by a celebration of her life at American Legion Post 5. Donations to the American Legion, Brattleboro Post 5, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit phaneuf.net.
• Mildred May Momaney, 94, of Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly on Feb. 20, 2024 in the emergency department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Mildred was born in Mooers Forks, New York on Oct. 7, 1929, the daughter of Henry and Emma (LaValley) Gero. She attended school in Mooers Forks, Chesterfield, New Hampshire, and Brattleboro. She had been employed through the years at several Brattleboro area businesses that included the former Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates and Arnoldware, both on Cotton Mill Hill, and American Optical Company. She had also worked as an apple sorter for Francis Miller Orchards in Brattleboro. A devout Catholic, Mildred was a longtime communicant at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Of her leisure time activities, she enjoyed Bingo, playing cards, fishing, and cooking, especially putting on big meals for her family. On Sept. 3, 1951, at St. Michael's Church, she married Richard D. Momaney, who predeceased her on February 21, 2016. Survivors include one son, Michael Momaney, of Brattleboro; a sister, Lillian Record, of Brattleboro; three grandchildren, Sheldon Momaney, Duncan Momaney and Nichole Jurnudd; five great-grandchildren, Mariam, Chloe, Damien, Theodore and Freya; two special daughters-in-law, Kathy Momaney of California and Judith Palmeri of Hawaii; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Mildred was predeceased by a son, Mark Momaney, and 13 siblings. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 4, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Committal Rites and burial will follow in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to St. Michael's School, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Raymond P. Perra, 90, of Brattleboro. Died on Jan. 3, 2024 at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center, surrounded by his six children and one of his 17 grandchildren. Raymond - fondly known as Ray, Dad, and Grandpere - was born to Henry and Cecile Perra July 31, 1933, in Taunton, Massachusetts. He attended St. Jacques Parochial School and Coyle & Cassidy High School in Taunton, followed by Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts, where he graduated valedictorian of his class in 1955. After graduation he attended Harvard Law School from 1955-1957, when he enlisted in the Army. After completing basic training, he was assigned to Army Intelligence for surveillance duties and remained stateside in this role for the duration of his three years of service. While in the army, he collected some lifelong friends and many funny stories of Army life. On Aug. 6, 1960, Ray married the love of his life, Ann Marie O'Connell, in North Dighton, Massachusetts. He returned to Harvard and completed his final year of law school, graduating in 1961. Shortly thereafter, Ray and Ann moved to Brattleboro, where Ray joined the Fitts & Olson law firm. In 1978, Ray left Fitts & Olson and formed a partnership with David Gibson, Bruce Weber, and Ken Fisher. Ray continued to practice law in Brattleboro, partnering with several other lawyers more than 40 years, including Doug Wilson, Lucy Weber McVitty, Richard Munzing, and Jane Krochmalny, and also his son Richard. Ray retired from his long and successful law practice in 2002. He was a consummate student, earning a Master of Law in Taxation degree from Boston University in 1971 and learning Spanish in his seventies. Throughout his life, Ray was a devout Roman Catholic. He and Ann were actively involved communicants at St. Michael's Catholic Church, leading Marriage Encounter retreats, lectoring masses, teaching catechism classes, serving as Eucharistic Ministers and volunteering at Brigid's Kitchen and Pantry for many years. In addition to the church, Ray served as a member of the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center on the Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1992. Family was first and foremost to Ray. It was as husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and great-grandfather that he was at the top of the class. From summer vacations to Cape Cod and Maine to trips to Washington D.C. one-on-one with each child, games invented, and books read aloud, he made the family home the warmest, safest, most welcoming place, filled with love and acceptance. Family dinner was always at 6 p.m., and "Around the Table," a Ray version of Jeopardy, was a nightly request made by his children. The door to the house on Oak Street was always open (and usually unlocked) to guests, prodigal children, exchange students, and refugees. He was a father figure to those who were not his own children. He was a true gentleman; a connoisseur of the finer things in life, most notably oysters and martinis and he was a regular at Peter Havens to savor both. Ray was an avid reader, gardener, lover of history and a collector and aficionado of Jazz. He and Ann enjoyed traveling with friends or family including sailing in the Virgin Islands, trips to Ireland, England, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and the Southwest with dearest friends George and Judy Taylor. Ray was predeceased by his wife, Ann Perra. Ray is survived by his six children, Elizabeth Chevalier (Michael) of Brattleboro, Catherine Dwyer (Duane) of Pasadena, Maryland, Mary Dix (Tom) of Jericho, Richard Perra (Jeanette) of Brattleboro, Anthony Perra of Dover, New Hampshire, and Meghan Brown (Chris) of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren Alexander, Joseph, Gillian, Jonathan, Amelia, and Finn Dwyer; Jack, William, and Michael Dix; Zoe, Liam, Aidan, Cole, and Owen Perra; and Adelaide, Georgiana, and Emerson Brown; and great-grandchildren Peter, Anneliese, Esther, and Rebekah Dwyer. Memorial information: A funeral Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church will be conducted at a later date to be announced. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Frances J. (Bobrowski) Vaine, 86, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully at her home on Feb. 10, 2024. Frances was born on February 28, 1937, to Joseph and Julia (Shelc) Bobrowski. She graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1955 and from Elliott Community School of Nursing in Keene, New Hampshire, in 1958. On June 11, 1960, at Sacred Heart Church, Frances married her husband, Louis Vaine. Together they celebrated 52 years of marriage before his death in 2012. Frances worked at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Bellows Falls. She was then an industrial nurse at Bryant Grinder and Fellows Gear Shaper, the two main machine shops in Springfield, Vermont, until her retirement. Frances was a devout Catholic. She embraced her faith, which gave her amazing strength. She especially loved her family and the many dear friends along the way. She was one of a kind and will forever be remembered for her beautiful and generous heart. Frances was predeceased by her husband. Surviving are her children, Ronald Vaine of Bellows Falls, and Diana Poitras and her husband, Ethan of Ashland, New Hampshire; grandchildren Jacob and Alycia Poitras; nieces and nephews Denise Smith, Brenda Forrest, and Peter and Timothy Bushway, and several cousins. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Feb. 24 at St. Peter's Church in North Walpole, New Hampshire, at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Westminster. Donations to the Bellows Falls Senior Center, 18 Tuttle Street, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.