Milestones

College news

• Liliana Buettner of Dummerston was named to the spring 2024 Dean's List at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.

Obituaries

• Beatrice Green Dunn, 95, of Brattleboro. Died Aug. 18, 2024, at Thompson House Nursing Home in Brattleboro. Beatrice was born in Whitingham on May 28, 1929, the daughter of the late Erwin and Goldie (Powers) Green, and attended local schools. She was a cook for the Deerfield Valley Elementary School for many years. Beatrice enjoyed doing Sudoku and other games. She was an avid reader and cherished times spent with her family. Beatrice is survived by her children Catherine Cairns (Bill) of Manchester Center, Michael Dunn of Antrim, New Hampshire, and Scott Dunn (Debbie) of Putney; grandchildren Erin, Sam, Andrew, Keelin, Michaela, Ashle, Heather, and Matt; sisters Vi Rafus of Vernon and Bev Kimberly of Colrain, Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Cecil Green. Memorial information: A celebration of life for Beatrice will be held Thursday Aug. 29, at 11 a.m., at Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Home in Wilmington. Interment will follow in the Green family lot in Sadagwa Cemetery in Whitingham. There are no visiting hours. Donations to the Deerfield Valley Rescue Squad, in care of Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.

• Beverly Ann "Bev" Fecto, 89, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died peacefully on Aug. 16, 2024, in the comfort of her home with her family by her side. Bev was born in Keene, New Hampshire, on Nov. 9, 1934, the daughter of Bertie and Margaret (Willard) Kempton. She was a lifelong resident of the Winchester/Hinsdale area, attending school in Winchester and graduating from Thayer High School with the Class of 1952. Following graduation, she worked in the bursar's office at Keene State College and for the Dunham Shoe Company in Brattleboro, employed in the company's wholesale office. She went on to attend several banking courses and had been employed at Cheshire National Bank, where she retired in 1994 as the Hinsdale branch manager following 26 years of faithful service with the bank. Steadfast in her walk of faith, Bev was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hinsdale. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters for over 50 years and had served as chairman of the church's bereavement committee. Bev enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and flowers. She had been a faithful and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, her life centering around her family. On Aug. 14, 1954, at the Federated Church in Winchester, she married Clayton "Tony" Fecto, who predeceased her on Oct. 28, 2017. Survivors include her three sons, Michael Fecto and wife Sally of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Terry Fecto and wife Jane of Keene, and Stephen Fecto and wife Anne of Hinsdale; two brothers, Richard Kempton of East Falmouth, Massachusetts, and David Kempton and wife Joy of Keene; and grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jake), Kathryn (Liam), and Brian (Samantha). Additionally, she leaves many nieces and nephews, her church family and neighbors; her doggy buddies Ruby, Honey, Myles, and Tina; and her cats, Baby, Koby, and Cider. Bev was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Gerri (Richard) Kempton. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Aug. 24 at St. Joseph's Church of the Parish of the Holy Spirit in Hinsdale, with committal rites and burial in Saint Joseph's Cemetery. Donations to St. Joseph's Church of the Parish of the Holy Spirit, 173 Main St., Keene, NH 03431. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Hugh Clayton Haggerty, 87, of Bellows Falls. Died on Aug. 12, 2024, surrounded by his family, after suffering a stroke. Born June 13, 1937, to Francis and Ethel (Sherrer) Haggerty in Glen Sutton, Quebec, he was the oldest of five children. Hugh lived his life in Vermont; the state offered all he wanted, and more. He was a generous spirit with a dry wit, loved telling stories and laughing. A deeply beloved husband, father, and magical Papa to his grandchildren, his family will miss him always. Hugh grew up in a house built by his father. He started fishing at age 6, following his mother's rules to 1) be safe by the stream, and 2) clean the fish that you catch. His deep skill with vegetable gardening was cultivated during summers spent on his maternal grandparents' farm. His favorite dessert, fruit pies, originates from the pies made by his grandmother, and especially, by his mother. He learned to take extra care of the "underdogs" in life from formative time spent with his paternal grandfather. Hugh graduated Richford High School in 1955 and was a baseball player and Valedictorian. He graduated Johnson State College in 1961, where he was a college baseball and soccer player. Junior high science classrooms in the Plainfield/Marshfield schools launched his education career. He earned a master's in school administration from the University of Connecticut in 1965. He returned to Vermont to work as the Morristown Elementary School principal, then served as assistant superintendent of Morristown, Stowe, and Elmore schools. Hugh married Elizabeth "Betty" Sargent of Northfield in July 1966; they celebrated their 58th anniversary on July 9. Hugh and Betty's two children, Jennifer and Stephen, brought immeasurable happiness and pride. The family enjoyed time camping, skiing, and pursuing many outdoor activities. Trips to Cape Cod and Maine made for fantastic saltwater adventures. Welcoming grandchildren sparked boundless joy and a particular twinkle in his eyes. In 1978, Hugh became superintendent of schools in Rockingham, Westminster, Grafton, and Athens; he retired in 1999. He loved leading in education because education is an essential foundation for life. He centered children in decisions; supported all teachers, administrators, support staff, and office teams. He valued the time and perspectives of anyone and everyone. He loved to read to kids in their classrooms, engaged with school board members during countless meetings, enjoyed the give and take of town meetings and budgets, and always embraced a good negotiation with the legislators in Montpelier. A 50-year member of Rotary, Hugh was drawn to Rotary's philosophy of "Service Above Self," community work, leadership, and growth. He faithfully attended weekly Rotary breakfast meetings with the Bellows Falls club and became an honorary member in 2018. Hugh supported the Youth Exchange program, and the Haggerty family hosted an exchange student from Argentina for a school year. After retiring, Hugh pursued Rotary training to become District Governor for the 60 clubs in southern Vermont and New Hampshire. He and his wife relished great fun and meeting people at district conferences, and at Rotary International conventions in Chicago and Copenhagen, Denmark. An avid volunteer, Hugh spent 25 years in "retirement" coaching high school girls' soccer, teaching youth skiing at Okemo, playing in a cribbage league, and serving on the Springfield Hospital Development Board. He was SEVCA's board chair for three years and took particular pride in starting a new Head Start program in Windsor County. For at least 20 years, each week, he delivered Meals on Wheels, including in the last days of his life. At the time of his death, and for many years, he was president of the board for Bellows Falls Area Senior Center. Hugh's passion for gardening and fishing never wavered. The time was contemplative and let him grow food, and stories, to bring to the family dinner table and to share, far and wide. Each year, his garden would produce about 30 different vegetables. He loved fly fishing - trout! - on the Lamoille and Cold Rivers; and ice fishing on Lake Champlain. True to his word to his mom, he cleaned all the fish he caught, even when it was 200 perch brought up through the ice. Hugh loved sports, a big fan of Boston teams (and the Montreal Canadiens). Above all, he loved the Red Sox, having listened as a boy on a transistor radio to games featuring his hero, Ted Williams. He spent many happy days at Fenway Park. He served as an umpire for youth baseball games in Bellows Falls. Hugh's final drive was taking him to his garden to continue harvesting all veggies ready to pick in August. He looked forward to picking apples, and to apple pie ahead. Ending a meal with a piece of pie (a la mode) and a cup of coffee was always just the thing. In addition to his parents, Hugh was predeceased by his sister, Kay, and his brothers, Bob and John. Hugh is survived by his wife, Betty of Bellows Falls; his daughter, Jennifer of Arlington; his son, Stephen and daughter-in-​law, Claire Willscher, and their children, Garrett, Adam, Kathryn, and Pierce, of Bedford, New Hampshire; his brother, Ross (Ruth) of Carleton Place, Ontario; and a great many nieces, nephews, and loved ones. Memorial information: Calling hours will be held Friday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m. at United Church of Bellows Falls, 8 School St., with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. Donations to the Bellows Falls Area Senior Center, 18 Tuttle St., Bellows Falls, VT 05101.

• Dora Faye Birth Henry, 79, of Damascus, Pennsylvania. Died peacefully on July 10, 2024, at Ellen Memorial in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, with her daughters by her side. Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Gordon E. Henry; son, Kevin Addley; and stepchildren, Lisa Henry and Gordon "Bud" Henry. Born April 22, 1945, in Callicoon, New York, she was the daughter of the late Herman F. and Mildred L. (Canfield) Birth. She was raised in the Canfield family home in Damascus. Dora graduated from Damascus High School in the Class of 1963. She loved music (especially traditional hymns), bird-watching, crafting, reading her Bible and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. She was very active in the community, including the Damascus Food Pantry, Damascus Historical Society, My Brother's Quilt, and various township boards. Dora served on many boards at her beloved church, Damascus Manor United Methodist, and participated in just about all of the missions at the church. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Tina Tenny (Shawn, Alyssa and Shane); her God-sent daughter, Melissa Rutledge (Bruce, Brea, and Channing); many cousins; and close friends, Patricia Neer and the Neer Family, and Matt and Beth Salzameda. Memorial information: In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal services. Graveside committal services and burial will be conducted in Baker Cemetery in Guilford on Saturday, Sept. 7, at noon, where she will be buried beside her late son and husband. Memorial donations can be made to Damascus Manor United Methodist Church or the Damascus Food Pantry. If you are unable to make a donation in Dora's memory, please remember to do random acts of kindness and volunteer time to organizations that touch your heart. Local arrangements are under the direction of Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro. To offer condolences to Dora's family, visit atamaniuk.com.

• Jacqueline Stromberg, 85, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully on Aug. 21, 2024, with her loving family by her side in the comfort of their home. She was born on June 23, 1939, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Newington, Connecticut, then Terryville, Connecticut. The granddaughter of a Lithuanian coal miner and child of Lithuanian-American parents (her father started in the mines but moved the family to Connecticut), she treasured her Lithuanian heritage and passed the traditions, food, and culture on to her children. Kerry and Christian spent each summer as campers and eventually counselors at Neringa, the Lithuanian heritage camp in Marlboro, Vermont, which their own children have made a part of their lives. Jackie grew up working in the office of her family's manufacturing business, and continued to help there for many years. After graduating from Newington High School in Newington, Connecticut, she was the first of her family to attend college, graduating with a business degree from Bryant University. A successful and respected Realtor for more than 30 years in Connecticut, she received numerous awards and honors. She served as president of the Bristol Board of Realtors, regional vice president of the Connecticut Association of Realtors for five terms, and state political fundraising chair for the state association. Jackie engaged in extensive civic and volunteer activities in Connecticut. She was active in the Republican Party, served as president (and was repeated Woman of the Year) of the Woman's Club of Terryville, and was a mentor in the Plymouth school system. She continued her community contributions after moving to Brattleboro in 2005 to be with her children and their families. She was a town representative, served on the cemetery committee and town finance committee, and was active at St. Michael's Catholic Church and in Brigid's Kitchen. Jackie had spirit and grit. A single mother after an early divorce, she worked hard to balance being a busy Realtor with attending and cheering with embarrassing volume at her children's athletic events and other activities. Years later her adult children offered her a chance to show her determination with the gift of a week on an Outward Bound program. Decades older than both the students and leaders, Jackie chose a canoe trip, thinking it sounded easier than hiking but not realizing that when not paddling into the wind, she would have to carry the canoe across land. She endured a week of endless lightning, wind, and rain, and came out with stories and a big grin. Her grit was also evident as a committed but lonely "small business Republican" in a sea of well-intentioned but misguided Vermont liberals. Jackie was fun and funny, kind, irreverent, and down-to-earth. She was a gracious hostess and enjoyed entertaining at her home. She gave of herself daily, not just to the community but especially to friends and family, and was a linchpin connecting extended family throughout the country. She was integral to the lives of her grandchildren in Vermont, helping to raise them from infants to the good young people they have become. In an often unsuccessful years-long effort to have her grandchildren learn to enjoy all food on their plates, she enforced a strict "no thank you helping" rule that her grandchildren endured, as had their parents. Jackie loved the beach, world travel, and the many, many lifelong friendships she worked diligently to maintain. "Consider yourself hugged," she would say at the end of those phone calls. In a beautiful development, she was able to reconnect in later years with the child she had given up for adoption in her youth, and was blessed to welcome Greg and his family into her life. A person of devout faith, Jackie ends this earthly life survived by her daughter, Kerry Secrest, Kerry's husband Jonathan Secrest, and their children, Alina and Aleksa. She leaves her son, Christian Stromberg and his children, Leland and Gretchen. She also leaves her son Greg Mastrianni and his wife Ursula, and their children, Avery and Cecilia. Predeceased by her parents, John and Albina Shenuski and her brother, Gary Shenuski, she is survived by her brother, Dennis Shenuski and his daughters, Leah Moran and Corin Peche, by her nephew, John Morton, and by many beloved cousins. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Aug. 24 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Burial took place in St. Mary's Cemetery in Terryville. Donations to St. Brigid's Kitchen and Pantry in Brattleboro (stmichaelvt.com/st-brigids-kitchen).

• David W. "Dave" Sweetapple, 58, of Brattleboro. Died suddenly on Aug. 8, 2024. He was born in Newburgh, New York, on Nov. 8, 1965. He received his bachelor's degree at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario, in 1988, but he spent his full life in the music business and in the Land Rover enthusiasts' world. Dave was always passionate about music and played in punk rock bands during his youth in St. John's, Newfoundland. He and his childhood friends also had a zine called Wabana Riot and the stories he would tell about it were epic. In 1991, Dave moved to Boston, where he met his wife, Robin Renzoni, at an Alloy show at the Middle East Cafe. They were married on June 26, 1993. Dave was working in artist management when he bought his first Land Rover, a 1974 Series III. It kindled an infectious interest in him for all things old Land Rover. He moved from artist management into record distribution and was a partner at Surefire Distribution until it folded. They moved from the Boston area to Brattleboro in 2001. For over a decade, he was a partner in two separate record labels, TeePee Records and Outer Battery Records. Dave helped many bands navigate the industry and made many strong friendships. Dave played bass in the bands Witch, Sweet Apple, Dusty Skull, Vardlokk, and Eerie. Dave's love for Land Rovers also flourished once he moved to Vermont. He began a company called Vermont Rovers where he organized off-road events for his friends and promote other Land Rover events. Dave was a columnist and contributor to Rovers Magazine and managed its Instagram site. He enjoyed working on his trucks when something broke down, which was inevitable, and talking to the other Land Rover owners about rims, tires, recovery gear, and parts. Dave is survived by his wife, Robin; his parents, Chesley and Florence Sweetapple; his two nephews; and several cousins. He had many incredible and close friendships and was adept at making connections and including people into his world. He has left a void with his death. Memorial information: A celebration of his life will be held at the Stone Church in Brattleboro on Sunday, Nov. 10, beginning at 2 p.m. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.

This Milestones item was submitted to The Commons.