College news
• The following local students graduated from St. Michael's College in Colchester in May: Anika Rose Kapral of Dummerston graduated with a degree in biology, and Audrey LaMorder of Guilford graduated magna cum laude with a degree in psychology.
• Lilah Verdi of Bellows Falls recently received a B.S. in conservation biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Zoee Blossom of Saxtons River graduated with a B.S. in biopsychology from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Blossom also joined Will Taggard of Brattleboro and Broden Walsh of Marlboro in being named to the Dean's List at Tufts for the spring 2024 semester.
• Brody Meszkat of Londonderry has been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2024 semester at the State University of New York-Purchase College.
Transitions
• Linda Hescock has been promoted to Senior Mortgage Officer at Brattleboro Savings & Loan. Linda first began her career at BS&L in 1991, quickly becoming the head of customer service. In 2007, after a brief hiatus, she became a co-branch manager where she oversaw the teller line, helped with loans, and managed day-to-day operations. For the past seven years, she has been a mortgage loan officer, helping families get the support they need to buy a home. Beyond her work at the bank, Linda has also been an active community member as a trustee for Lisa's Love Charitable Association, which her family started in 2000 in memory of her sister Lisa Young Noble. Lisa's Love provides an annual gift to the Grace Cottage Hospital, as well as an annual scholarship to a Leland & Gray Union High School student.
• Curtis Rhodes of Brattleboro, a longtime employee of Casella Waste Systems, has been named Regional Commercial Driver of the Year by the National Waste and Recycling Association, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association that represents private waste and recycling companies. The award recognizes drivers with exceptional safety records, outstanding performance and notable contributions to the industry's image. Rhodes, with a flawless 38-year driving record, was one of four Casella drivers honored this year, helping the company sweep the regional awards category.
Obituaries
• Hunter Mitchell Ausby, 3, of Brattleboro. Died July 14, 2024, the result of an accident at his home. He died peacefully while in the arms of his parents and grandmother at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Hunter was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on July 15, 2020, the son of Darmar Bruce Ausby and Emily Elizabeth Solomon. Hunter was full of energy and, at the time of his death, was attending the Vernon Summer Camp Program and Vernon Library Program. Besides his loving mom and dad, he leaves two siblings at home, Kamar Ausby and Axl Solomon; his maternal grandmother, Michelle Cassidy (Louis Knight) of Vernon; maternal grandfather, Robert Solomon of Hinsdale; paternal grandparents, Eleanor Goldbold and Rodney Emory of New Jersey; aunts, Raven and Adara Solomon; uncle, Robert Solomon, Jr.; and a host of close family and friends. Hunter's life will be forever cherished by his family, especially for the warmth and love he shared with everyone. Memorial information: Funeral services for Hunter were conducted July 19 at Center Congregational Church in Brattleboro. Donations to Early Education Services, 130 Birge Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Helen P. Carroll, 96, of Saxtons River. Died peacefully at her home on July 8, 2024 ,following a brief illness. She had been the town's oldest living resident. Helen Jean Porter was born on April 1, 1928, in Penn Yan, New York, the third daughter and ninth child of D. Eugene Porter, Sr. and Susan Rebecca Hoover Porter. She attended local schools and graduated from Penn Yan Academy with the Class of 1945, shortly after her 17th birthday. Following graduation, Helen took a job as the sole overnight operator for the Penn Yan Telephone Company; she rode her bicycle to work. She recalled that her first long distance call was to Hawaii, which seemed exotic. She was thrilled. On July 12, 1947, Helen married Richard S. Carroll, Sr. The young couple lived in Penn Yan and Geneva, New York, before moving to Rochester with their three small children, Susan, Lynne and Scott. In 1957, the Carrolls moved to Saxtons River. Helen worked at Vermont Academy in both the Admissions and College Counseling offices for many years. She later worked with her husband and son in the family business, R.S. Carroll Agency. She was a member of Christ Church in Saxtons River and active in the Adult Group, Women's Fellowship, Mother's Club, and Nature Club. Upon retirement, she delivered Meals on Wheels, a volunteer activity she enjoyed very much. Helen loved to read and care for her gardens. She liked to travel and had many adventurous trips with both of her daughters. She and Richard camped and went on bird watching outings together, and they had a particular love for the Maine Coast and Cape Cod. She was a canny shopper, and knew the location of all the best sale racks. Helen was a fierce competitor at miniature golf, and nearly always won. In her later years, she became a whiz at jigsaw puzzles, often completing one each day. She liked nothing more in the summer than a good maple creemie. Helen had strong opinions about many topics and over time gained the confidence to speak up and out about things cultural and political. She was a strong independent woman, and a role model for her family and many others. She cared deeply for her friends, and remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and illnesses with cards and notes. She dearly loved her family and was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, her beloved dog Rosie, her parents, her brothers Guy, D. Eugene Jr., Earl, Donald, John and David Porter, as well as her sisters Ruth Dell and Grace Overacker. She is survived by her children Susan (Jim) Dineen of Cabot, Lynne Woodard of Calais, and Scott (Mary Beth) Carroll of Saxtons River; grandchildren Peter, Benjamin (Danielle), and Sam Frey, Hannah (Alex) Woodard Cohen, Rory (Caleb) Woodard, Evan (Kate) and Brendan (Sofia) Carroll, and great-grandchildrenJackson and Torrin Frey, Camilo and Lucia Carroll, and the newest member of the family, Sylvie Shannon Carroll. She is survived as well by several nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A gathering to honor and celebrate Helen's life will take place Saturday, Aug. 10, at 1:30 p.m., at Main Street Arts in Saxtons River. Burial will be in Saxtons River Cemetery. Donations to Main Street Arts, 35 Main St., Saxtons River, VT 05154. Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls is in charge of arrangements.
• Joseph Gregoire "Joe" LeBlanc, 101, of Brattleboro and Hinsdale New Hampshire. Died peacefully on July 12, 2024 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Joe was born Sept. 3, 1922, in East Elmore, Vemont. Growing up on the family farm with his parents, siblings, and the broader French-Canadian community, Joe never realized the country was in a Depression. Working alongside each other, his family and the other hardworking families of Hardwick shared their harvests and never went without food. Joe loved to share stories of the farm and went back to see his family's land throughout his life. At a church supper, Joe spotted Rita Desmarais, the young woman who would be the love of his life. To show he was smitten, he made sure to purchase the meal she had prepared for the occasion. Married on May 4, 1946, Joe and Rita settled in Brattleboro and raised their six children. After 63 years together, Rita died on Aug. 9, 2009. His love for her never faltered. A pressman at the Brattleboro Reformer for 25 years, Joe retired but never stopped working. He continued as a handyman and was known for his eagerness to paint. House painting provided Joe with the solitude to reflect on life up on his ladder. While quite philosophical and devout, Joe never imposed his Catholic faith on others. His love of God was instead expressed simply and honestly in his abundant kindness and gentleness. Joe lived for family gatherings-the more the merrier! If he was not telling stories to everyone in a voice accented with the French he grew up speaking, he was sitting quietly beaming at his extended family. Family gatherings continued until his final day. Even though dementia sometimes kept him from knowing who was visiting, he would light up when family and friends entered, certain of his strong bond with them. That he lived past 100 surprised no one. In his 90's, Joe had the energy to climb Mount Monadnock, to bake and gift bread, pies, and cookies, and to do the tower of dishes after big family meals. It is, though, perhaps the energy and loving joy of his greetings and goodbyes that will be missed the most. Anyone who witnessed the way he exuberantly raised both hands high in those greetings knew the heart of Joe LeBlanc. Joe was predeceased by his wife Rita; his parents Servand and Hosanna (Bessette); his brothers Eleazar, Gerard, Zephir, Emmanuel, and Vincent; his sisters Dolores, Claire, Marie, Lumina, Rose, Lise, and Georgette, and his sons-in-law Larry Riley and James Cappy. He is survived by his sister Louise Nye, his sons Raymond (Kathryn Holiday), Joseph (Beth), and Andrew (Kate), and daughters Annette LeBlanc (Richard Ethier), Theresa Vesper (Richard), and Cecile Riley. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the generations to come who will hear stories of Great Pepere. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 10 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Hardwick at a later date. Donations to Vernon Green Nursing Home Activity Department, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354, or the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance's Bloom Fund, P.O. Box 961, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Helen M. Lynch, 94, of Bennington. Died peacefully. surrounded by her family, on June 19, 2024. Helen was born on Oct. 4, 1929 to John and Edith Pallister of New York City. After high school, Helen entered a two-year program and learned secretarial skills. Upon completion of the program, she worked for the Jesuits in a parish office in New York City for many years. In 1955, Helen met Robert Lynch of the Bronx. fell in love, married, and had four children. After raising her children in New York, Florida, and Vermont, Helen began to work again for the Enchanted Doll House of Manchester, Vermont. Helen developed a love for dolls, doll houses, and doll furniture. She met and lunched with the famous doll maker Madame Alexander. After the Enchanted Doll House. she went to work for the Vermont Country Store. In fact, at the original store in Weston, a plaque is hanging recognizing her dedication to the company. Helen retired from Vermont Country Store as a customer service representative at the age of 83. Helen enjoyed her retirement years reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Robert and her grandson, Ignacio. She is survived by her children, Lorraine and her husband Tim Ferris of Brattleboro, John Lynch and his wife Cristina of Penacook, New Hampshire, Robert Lynch and his husband, Ricky Beshara of Haverhill, MA and Edith and David Katrick of Bennington. She is also survived by her brother Edward Boscarino of Hollywood, Florida and grandchildren, Angelica and her husband Ryan Smith, Michael Ferris and his wife Helena, Jonny Lynch, James Ferris and his fiancé Nicole, Cristian Lynch, and Justin, Allison, and Grace Katrick. Helen was also blessed to have a great-grandson, Avery Banks Ferris. Memorial information: A funeral mass was held June 29 at Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales in Bennington. Donations to a charity of one's choice.
• Bernard Wilson "Bernie" Robinson, 85, of Newfane, Died July 12, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of his son's home in Orford, New Hampshire, following a period of declining health. He was born at home in Newfane on Oct. 27, 1938, the son of Emmons and Ruby (Winchester) Robinson. He was raised and educated in the West River Valley, attending Leland & Grey Seminary. On June 15, 1956 he enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served his country for 22 years. He received his honorable discharge at the rank of senior master sergeant on June 30, 1978. Upon returning home to Newfane, Bernie worked for the U.S. Postal Service working in the Newfane and Townshend, Vermont offices until his retirement in 1999. With his wife Elaine, they moved their residency to Hudson, Florida. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and time shared with his family. On April 5, 1958, in Jamaica, he was married to Elaine Aither. His faithful and devoted wife of 61 years predeceased him in 2019. Survivors include sons Michael W. Robinson of Old Town, Florida, Douglas A. Robinson (Kim) of Orford, and Kenneth A. Robinson (Gianna) of Newfane; daughters, Jeanette A. Perra (Rich) of Brattleboro and Julie L. Glover (Terry) of Lynchburg, Virginia; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves two brothers, Wayland Robinson of Perkinsville and Wallace Robinson of Michigan; along with many nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Bernie was predeceased by a sister, Nora Fletcher; two brothers, Oscar Robinson and Frederick Robinson; and a grandson, Matthew. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with military honors were conducted on July 22 in the family lot in Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfane. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Lois Jane Thompson, 89, of Brattleboro. Died July 6, 2024, in the comfort of her home with her family by her side, following a lengthy period of declining health. Lois was born in Holland, Vermont on June 29, 1935, the daughter of Howard and Avis (Wheeler) Shannon. She was raised in Derby, Vermont, attending local schools, graduating from Derby High School, Class of 1955. With her husband, she moved to Brattleboro, later graduating from the Thompson School for Practical Nurses, earning her LPN license. Lois worked for several healthcare facilities through the years, including Grace Cottage Hospital, Vernon Green, Eden Park, and at Linden Lodge, where she retired from at the time the facility closed. Previously, she worked at the former Thompson Jewelers and at Sam's Army & Navy Store in Brattleboro. Lois was an avid reader and enjoyed crafts and time shared with her family. On April 15, 1955, she was married to Ernest Thompson. Her husband of 20 years predeceased her on April 2, 1975. Survivors include one son, Brian Thompson and his wife Michele of Brattleboro; one sister, Barbara Glogett of Huntington; and six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Cheryl Fisher; sisters Lorraine Barns, Marion Due, and Irene Walker; and brothers, Frederick, Douglas, and Reginald Shannon. Memorial information: In keeping with her final wishes, there are no formal funeral services scheduled. Donations to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT 05301. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
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