->Obituaries
• Pamela G. "Pam" Chickering, 82, of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Died March 27, 2024, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family, following a lengthy and courageous battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Pam was born in Brattleboro on Jan. 15, 1942, the daughter of Murray and Mabel (Young) Gould. She attended Brattleboro schools, was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1960, and went on to attend Concord (N.H.) Hospital School of Nursing, receiving her diploma in Nursing. As a mother of four children, she proudly served as a leader in the PTA at Chesterfield Elementary School, as well as a den leader for the Cub Scouts. She worked for many years at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital as a staff RN (ER, Med-Surg, OB-GYN), and worked in the medical office of Dr. R. Keith Clarke. She used her skill as a nurse in later years, as the emergency nurse at Hinsdale Racetrack, staff RN at Thompson House & Hilltop House in Brattleboro, and as assistant manager at Vernon Hall. She gave comfort care to the terminally ill as a private duty nurse. Instead of retirement, Pam took on the role of training those interested in healthcare by teaching LNA classes for the American Red Cross. One of her favorite (and most impactful lessons) was the importance of not putting a bedpan on a patient's tray table, as it was the same place they put their cookies. (Cue clanging 2 bedpans together for emphasis!) In a book of handwritten stories, she notes that her most rewarding job was being a mother and wife. Coming in at a close second was a winning day at the casino, chatting with close friends and family, and sipping on an ice-cold Awful Awful (awful thick, awful good!) milkshake. She became engaged on Nov. 23, 1962 and was married on Aug. 31, 1963 to Richard G. Chickering, Jr., at All Souls Church in Brattleboro. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in August 2013. She is survived by sons Mark (Jennifer) Chickering of Grantham, New Hampshire and Duane (Stacy) Chickering of West Chesterfield; daughters Christine (Paul) DiGeronimo of Warner, New Hampshire and Karen (Dan) Todd of West Chesterfield; and nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild on the way, and one niece, Kimberly Miller. Memorial information: Committal services and burial in Chesterfield West Cemetery will take place later this spring to be announced by the funeral home. Donations to the Windham Regional Career Center, Attention: Joyce Rathbun (Health Careers Program), 80 Atwood St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences to the family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Rohr Bryan Cook, 62, of Westminster. Died peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family and the comforting sounds of Pink Floyd, on March 21, 2024. He was born in Philadelphia to John and Gloria (Parker) Cook. He grew up in Gageville and graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1979. He had two children, Parker and Ashley, with his former spouse, Deborah (Rounds) Lique. Over his long career in construction, he built everything necessary for running a town: schools, libraries, banks, churches, and countless homes. He even worked on a castle. Rohr was an adventurer at heart. In his childhood and teen years, he would often rope his brother, Chris, into schemes, once ending in the Coast Guard having to save them off the coast of Maine. When his children were young, he would tell his family to pack their bags and proceed to take them on a mystery trip not realizing the destination until they had arrived. In his youth, he may have driven his car on the frozen Connecticut River (who's to say?) He once braved the skies with his son, Parker, during a skydiving excursion. If Rohr ever mentioned knowing a shortcut when driving, the shortcut always took twice as long, but it was sure to be an adventure. A devoted son, Rohr had a tradition of giving his mother a rose bush every Mother's Day, continuing until her yard could hold no more. He made it a point to call his parents daily. He taught his kids how to ski, the fine art of avoiding trees when riding an overly greased runner sled, and the importance of creative problem-solving. In his retirement, Rohr enjoyed helping his children with projects, reading stacks of books from the library, bragging about his grandchildren, and cherishing moments with his faithful dog, Charlie. He is survived by his parents and his siblings - Christopher Cook and his wife, Cheryl, and Melissa Martin and her husband, Keith; his children: Parker Cook and his wife, Sunya, and Ashley Cormack and her husband, Alex; grandchildren Evy Cook and Danny Cormack; and his girlfriend, Marilyn Bresland. Memorial information: Visiting hours will take place on Sunday, April 14, from noon until 2 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., Bellows Falls. A memorial service will start at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a reception at the Moose Club. Donations to the Butterfield Library in Westminster.
• Elizabeth Elaine "Betty" Ellison, 83, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died March 26, 2024, at Pine Heights nursing home in Brattleboro following a period of declining health. Betty was born in Brattleboro on March 28, 1940, the daughter of Howard and Catherine (Lindsey) Tudor. She grew up in the lower South Main Street area, attending Canal Street School, and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1958. She worked most of her career as a legal secretary for several Brattleboro area attorneys that included the late Edward John. Later, she worked in the Public Defenders' Office in Brattleboro, which she retired from following several years of faithful service. Betty enjoyed trips to the area casinos and loved playing Bingo every week with her beloved aunt, Marion Longueil. Betty was well known for her pleasant, easy-going personality and spirit of friendship. On Dec. 31, 1987 in Brattleboro, she married Richard E. Ellison, who predeceased her on March 5, 2016. Survivors include nine first cousins: Shirley King, Janice Bristol, Linda LeClair, Peggy Scott, Robert Lindsey, James Lindsey, Debbie Langlois, John Lindsey, and Carolyn Ross. Additionally, she leaves a host of friends that include Mike Gillis and Christine Dunleavy. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Betty will be buried next to her beloved husband in East Clarendon (Vt.) Cemetery. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Lenita Ruth Harris, 75, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died March 25, 2024, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family, following a brief battle with cancer. Lenita was born in Burnet, Texas, on August 17, 1948, the daughter of Malcolm and Clara (Warden) Pafford. She was raised and educated in Texas and was a graduate of Burnet High School, Class of 1966. On Jan. 23, 1968, in Burnet, Texas, she married to Kenneth P.T. Harris, who survives. She was employed as a classification specialist at the Holstein Association in Brattleboro, which she retired from in 2011 following 32 years of faithful and dedicated service. In conjunction with her full-time position at the Holstein Association, Lenita was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother whose life centered around her family. She was known for her big heart and quiet spirit of generosity. Year-round, she shopped for the Toys for Tots Program, usually amassing three full large bags of toys by the time the Christmas season arrived. She couldn't bear the though of a child not having a toy under the Christmas tree. For several years, she served as a Brownie leader for the Girl Scouts of America program in Hinsdale. Lenita enjoyed playing golf with her husband and friends at the former Pine Grove Springs Country Club in Spofford, New Hampshire. She also enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening, always looking forward to spring planting. Of her other interests, she was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting, and time spent with her family. One very memorable highlight in her life was an RV road trip along the Eastern Seaboard from New York to Key West, Florida, with the final destination being her hometown of Burnet, Texas. Traveling with the couple were her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Doris and Jay Shaffer of Willow Spring, North Carolina. Lenita always considered Doris a sister. Besides her husband of 56 years, she leaves two daughters, Kimberly Fortier (Conrad) of West Brattleboro and Kelly Harris Gabriel, also of West Brattleboro; two brothers, Clyde Pafford of Burnet and Lennon Davidson of Bertram, Texas; a sister, Bobbi Startzel of Round Rock, Texas; grandchildren Madison Fortier, Tarah Gabriel, Logan Fortier, and Jake Gabriel; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A memorial gathering was held at the Millstream Community Center in Hinsdale on March 30. In memory of her beloved pet Maltese "Missy," memorial contributions in Lenita's name may be made to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Margo Hrubec, 76, of Bellows Falls. Died peacefully in her home on March 7, 2024, after a long illness. She was born to Beatrice and Anthony Andrew Hrubec at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City on June 25, 1947. Art was always at the center of her life. Her elder sister, Jane, taught her to sew, along with the master sewer, her father. Anthony Andrew was given a scholarship to Yale, but he needed to make a living, so he was a cook and waiter in the Yale kitchen and a tailor to his classmates. After high school, Margo went on an American Abroad trip to Europe for several years. When she returned, she worked in Pleasantville, New York, on the suggestion of her brother, Tony, who was working for Audio Visual Education slide shows. She closely followed, working for Dorothy Podesta at Guidance Associates. Margo studied at the Art Students League and Parsons School of Design in New York City. From there, Margo secured a job in the graphic design department at Scholastic Magazine. She also did freelance work for many designers she met along the way. Margo was an avid skier. In 1992, after her parents died, Margo moved to New England, where she had friends. She lived in Spofford, New Hampshire, and Saxtons River and Bellows Falls. She worked for a while at Church & Main in Keene. It was hard to find work as a graphic designer at this time because the commercial art business became computerized, and Margo did not, so she began to paint and to make quilts. Margo's wit, humor, and creativity were a source of inspiration to her friends. She had a marvelous fashion sense and was a wonderful cook and gardener. She found ways to garden even when living in a small apartment. Later in life, she had a keen interest in playing bridge. She was an excellent conversationalist in all aspects of art: film, literature, music ,and visual art. She is greatly missed. Margo is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Brett Anthony and Gaylon Palmer; nephew Ian Palmer-Anthony, niece Miranda Palmer-Anthony, and grandniece and nephew Jayden Palmer and Jordan Baker, all of Fair Oaks, California. She is also survived by her sister, Jane Hrubec, of Cold Spring, New York, and many friends. Memorial information: No services are planned at this time.
• Dean Karl Hudock, 65, of Brookline. Died unexpectedly at his home on March 23, 2024. Dean was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on Dec. 29, 1958, the son of Andrew and Lucy (Morano) Hudock. He was raised and educated in Greenwich, graduating from Greenwich High School, Class of 1977. He went on to attend Vermont College and later moved to Florida where he took aircraft power plant and airframe training, graduating with his associate's degree in aviation maintenance technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Upon graduation, Dean went to work for Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut, as a helicopter mechanic in the hangar and on the flight field, a position he excelled at. He was a member of the Teamsters Union, and earned a reputation in the hangar for his meticulous and conscientious work in testing and maintaining the aircraft as part of flight operations. He likely worked on every single Blackhawk helicopter Sikorsky ever made over the years, and was known for catching problems that others missed. Dean retired from Sikorsky on March 5, 2021, following 35 dedicated years with the company. He fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to Vermont permanently to spend time with his wife and family on his homestead. He loved the outdoors. He was an expert skier, loved riding motorcycles with his friend Jeff, and was an avid, highly skilled, lifelong deer hunter. He was also well known for his expertise and encyclopedic knowledge of firearms and much of the related military history as well. An unassuming man, Dean enjoyed helping others whether it be a neighbor, a friend, or a family member. He enjoyed puttering and doing chores around his home every day. Being a gifted mechanic, Dean could fix or repair just about anything. He was enjoying his retirement very much. On April 24, 2004, he met his future wife Sarah (Gochenour) in Brattleboro. They were married August 8, 2009, in an open field wedding ceremony in Dummerston. They spent a too-short 20 years together and Sarah now survives him. He will be forever missed. Besides his loving wife, he leaves many loving family members: his mother Lucy Hudock of Goshen, Connecticut; daughter Jen Bratko and husband Ben of Lincoln, Rhode Island; a brother, Drew Hudock and wife Kim of Newtown, Connecticut; his sister, Karolene Carlson and husband Clay of Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut; and his nieces and nephews Ryan Hudock and wife Stephanie, Kirsten Hudock, Gunner Carlson, and Hope Carlson. Dean was predeceased by his father. Memorial information: A simple memorial service will take place at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7 Bolton Hill Rd., Cornwall, Connecticut, on Saturday, April 13, at 11 a.m. Afterward there will be a catered reception in celebration of his life. Some of Dean's ashes will be scattered around his favorite hunting grounds, and the rest will be laid to rest later in the springtime. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Patrick K. "Pat" Kelly, 61, of Bellows Falls. Died at home, surrounded by his family, on March 23, 2024, after a short illness. Pat was born on April 28, 1962, in Bellows Falls to the late Maurice and Loretta (Brooks) Kelly. He attended schools in Bellows Falls, graduating from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1980. Pat worked as a plumber in the Bellows Falls area for almost 40 years. In July 1996, he married Bridget (Stevens) who survives. His much-loved children, Hannah and Ryan, were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Kelly, nephews Connor (Jessica), and Hunter, his brother, Brian Kelly (Darlene), and nephew, Brendan, and nieces Molly and Meagan, as well as several cousins whom he enjoyed spending time with along with his mother-in-law, Margaret. Pat always had a big hug and kiss for everyone. He treasured his friendships and his Friday afternoon "marketing" time with them. He enjoyed family vacations, especially their trip to Ireland, sharing with Hannah and Ryan their Irish heritage. Pat was a long-time fan of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and Boston Bruins hockey. He loved sharing that passion with his family and friends. He was a member of American Legion Pierce-Lawton Post 37 and BPOE Elks #1619. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 3, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. A funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, April 4, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls. Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery. Donations to Visiting Nurses and Hospice of Dartmouth Health, 88 Prospect St., White River Junction, VT 05001.
• Gertrude K. Potash, 107, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully at home, in her sleep and surrounded by family, on March 15, 2024. At the time of her death, she was believed to be the oldest living person in Vermont. Gertrude was born at home on August 25, 1916 in Hinsdale, New Hampshires to Polish immigrant parents Wojcieck "John Smith" Kazmierczak and Constance Sambraska Kazmierczak. She was raised in Ashuelot and attended grammar school there and graduated from Thayer High School in Winchester, New Hampshire. On March 2, 1935, in Winchester she married Frances J. Potash, who worked for her father at the Ashuelot Paper Mill. Together they had two daughters, Constance and Angeline, and moved to Putney in 1938 when her father "John Smith" purchased a paper mill and began the enormous task of refurbishing, renovating, and restarting the manufacturing of paper in the small town. Gertrude worked for many years with the family in the office at the Putney Paper Mill until the business was sold. After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling, cooking, playing golf, going to the casino, and spending time with her family and friends. Gertrude was predeceased by her husband, Frank in 1966, daughter Connie in 1981, daughter Ann in 2015, and her beloved pet, Harley, in 2023. She leaves behind four grandchildren, Ellen Williams and her husband, Joseph Wallace of Brattleboro, with whom she made her home for the past 12 years, Kelli Hanzalik and her husband, Joseph of Spofford, New Hampshire, Michael Bennett of Arizona, and Michael Mozier of East Dover; great-grandchildren Sarah Williams, Michael Rooney, Catherine Rooney, and Rachael Rooney; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A graveside service will be held on April 13, at 11 a.m., at Saint Michael's Cemetery in Brattleboro, with a reception to follow. To offer condolences to the family, visit atamaniuk.com.
Services
• Come share your stories to celebrate the life of Jane Southworth on Saturday, May 18, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at The Marina Restaurant on Putney Road in Brattleboro. A longtime, beloved, and hearty Brattleboro resident, Jane died Sept. 2, 2023 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, of complications from pneumonia.
• Graveside committal rites and burial for Jimmy and Joanne Gorbey will be conducted Friday, April 12, at 10 a.m., in the family lot in Tyler Cemetery in Vernon. Joanne Sara Gorbey, 79, of Pond Road in Vernon, died Jan. 31, 2024. Her husband, Jimmy Gorbey, 81, also of Pond Road, died Feb. 2, 2024. To view their full obituaries and offer condolences to the families, visit atamaniuk.com.
• A service of remembrance for James Kiehle will be held April 27, at 1 p.m., at All Souls Church at the West Village Meetinghouse, located at 29 South St., West Brattleboro. Mr. Kiehle, 80, a longtime social studies teacher at Brattleboro Union High School, died on Nov. 6, 2023.
This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.